Nebraska Farm Bureau Supports Bill to Boost Renewable Fuel Innovation and Economic Growth
At a public hearing last week, Nebraska Farm Bureau, along with other agricultural organizations, showed its strong support for Legislative Bill 8 (LB8), a critical piece of legislation designed to enhance Nebraska’s leadership in renewable fuels. This bill bolsters Nebraska’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Tax Credit Act to encourage innovation and economic growth in the state’s renewable energy and bioeconomy sectors.
LB8 proposes key changes to the current tax credit structure, including making the credit refundable, eliminating limitations on its duration, and improving its accessibility. These adjustments will attract new investments into Nebraska’s renewable fuel industry and further position the state as a key player in the growing aviation biofuels market.
The testimony emphasized that Nebraska’s renewable fuel industry is a cornerstone of the state’s rural economy, generating thousands of jobs and boosting farm income. By incentivizing SAF production, LB8 will spur the expansion of this vital industry to greater heights, benefiting the state’s economy and Nebraska’s farmers who provide the essential feedstocks such as corn and soybeans.
In addition to the economic benefits, LB8 aligns Nebraska’s tax policies with federal efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in aviation, amplifying the impact of both state and federal incentives. This makes Nebraska an even more attractive destination for companies seeking to invest in renewable fuel production, ensuring the state’s continued growth as a leader in sustainable energy.
Nebraska Farm Bureau urged lawmakers to pass LB8, recognizing its potential to strengthen our renewable fuel industry, support rural communities, and contribute to the state’s long-term environmental and economic goals.
Taylor Joins NeCGA as Director of Public Policy
Kaitlin Taylor has joined the Nebraska Corn Growers Association staff as the new Director of Public Policy. The new position will enhance the policy and advocacy efforts of the association at both the state and federal levels. Kaitlin grew up on an agricultural operation in Tennessee, is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and has since served in the Washington, DC office of Tennessee Representative John Rose.
Preliminary UNL Beef research shows no performance loss associated with varying distillers grains in cattle finishing diets
The seasonal variability of distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production, has been one drawback of using it in a cattle finishing ration. New research from the University of Nebraska — Lincoln is indicating that may not be the drawback the industry thinks it is.
Feeders and researchers have assumed disruptions in the supply of distillers’ grains would affect the performance of feeder cattle accustomed to the feed source. An ongoing study at UNL looks to quantify how much.
According to the research so far, it doesn't.
“Ever since COVID, the supply and deliveries of distillers grains has been inconsistent,” said Paige Madison, a master’s student in the UNL ruminant nutrition department who worked on this research project. “We wanted to see what it would do to the cattle if producers ran out of distillers and had to pull it out of the diet and then a week later, they got a delivery and could put the full inclusion back into the diet.”
When the diet is not consistent, cattle can experience ruminal acidosis, which is when the pH of the rumen becomes low, said Jim MacDonald, UNL professor of animal science and principal investigator on this research project. “Acidosis may cause cattle to go off feed, reducing intakes and subsequently causing a reduction in average daily gain and hot carcass weight,” MacDonald said. “Rumen acidosis contributes to economic losses from reduced hot carcass weight, increased liver abscesses, and increased death loss. The economic impact of liver abscesses alone is estimated to be $41.6 million, annually.”
Distillers grains are used in feedlot diets as a source of energy and protein. Distillers can be wet, dry or modified based on the moisture of the byproduct. This research project used modified distillers grains, which have a moisture level of about 48%.
Research on variable amounts of distillers grains included in the feedlot diet can help producers manage feedlot diets for maximum efficiency and cattle health. “The current strategy to manage variable supply is to limit the inclusion of distillers grains,” MacDonald said. “We have seen the inclusion of distillers grains reduced significantly over the past decade due to an increase in the price relative to corn, a perceived reduction in the feeding value of the distillers grains, and variable supply.”
Phase one of the study looked at a ration that included distillers only at 25% of the ration. In this study the distillers grains were replaced with a blend of high-moisture corn and dry-rolled corn. Since the distillers grains also provide protein, urea was added to the control diet so the study was evaluating only the feed source to ensure cattle were not deficient in protein when the distillers grains were removed. The results of this study showed no significant differences in the performance—intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency—between the constant versus variable inclusion groups of cattle.
Phase two focused on constant versus variable distillers at 10% and 25% of the diet, with a control of corn with no distillers. The researchers were surprised to find there was still no significant difference between the constant versus variable inclusion groups.
The research was conducted at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska and is funded by the Nebraska Corn Board.
This winter UNL researchers started a third phase of the variable distillers grains research at UNL’s recently-opened at ENREEC's Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center using Hokofarm RIC2Discover technology feed bunks, which measure the pattern and amount of feed consumption by individual animals.
Instead of using just cattle performance to determine if there are differences between the constant and variable groups, phase three is also using pH probes in the rumen to detect rumen acidosis that may not result in visible symptoms.
“While we would never recommend that anyone should make sudden dramatic changes to their finishing diets, these data do provide some peace of mind that if supply disruptions or sudden changes in price occur, there is flexibility in making diet changes without negatively impacting animal performance,” MacDonald said.
Nebraska Ethanol Board Feb. 10 board meeting to be held in Lincoln
The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet in Lincoln at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10. The meeting will be held at the agency headquarters located at 245 Fallbrook Blvd, Lincoln, Neb., in the lower-level hearing room 031. The agenda highlights include:
Public Opportunity for Questions, Comments or Concerns
Budget Report
Fuel Retailer update
Nebraska Corn Board update
Renewable Fuels Nebraska update
State and Federal Legislation
Technical & Research updates
This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature. Nebraska Ethanol Board meetings are open to the public and also published on the public calendar.
The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.
Elyse Lukassen Joins the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) as Livestock Development Coordinator
The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) is pleased to announce that Elyse Lukassen has accepted the position of Livestock Development Coordinator. In this part-time role, Elyse will bring her expertise and passion for agriculture to support AFAN’s mission of fostering growth and innovation within Nebraska’s livestock industry.
As the Livestock Development Coordinator, Elyse will focus on supporting AFAN’s efforts in the center-west region of Nebraska to improve the environment for producers looking to locate, modernize, or expand livestock facilities. Her responsibilities will include assisting in the development and implementation of AFAN programming, cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with livestock industry leaders and state and local regulatory officials, and ensuring AFAN’s active presence at relevant meetings, speaking engagements, and tradeshows.
“We are thrilled to welcome Elyse to the AFAN team,” said Steve Martin, Executive Director of AFAN. “Her knowledge and commitment to agriculture will be instrumental in advancing our mission and supporting livestock producers across the western half of Nebraska.”
Elyse brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the agricultural community, making her a valuable addition to AFAN. She is currently a Kimball County Commissioner, and manages a ranch to table beef business, Lukassen Cattle Company. Elyse has previously worked in grain marketing, economic development, and a variety of other ag-related responsibilities. Elyse is dedicated to promoting growth and innovation in Nebraska’s livestock industry, and her efforts will play a critical role in ensuring AFAN’s continued success in serving the agricultural sector.
For more information about AFAN and its initiatives, please visit www.becomeafan.org.
NSDA Announces Annual Meeting & Tradeshow
The Nebraska State Dairy Association (NSDA) is excited to announce Automated Dairy Specialists of Clearwater, Nebraska, as the recipient of the 2024 Friend of the Industry Award.
The Friend of the Industry Award honors organizations or individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and success of Nebraska's dairy industry. This prestigious award celebrates those who go above and beyond to support dairy farmers, promote innovation, and advance the industry’s future. Automated Dairy Specialists has been recognized for their commitment to providing cutting-edge technology, superior customer service, and unwavering dedication to dairy operations across the region.
“Their partnership with Nebraska’s dairy producers has been transformative,” said Kris Bousquet, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Dairy Association. “Automated Dairy Specialists exemplifies the values of this award by consistently delivering tools, technology, and support that empower our producers to thrive. We are honored to recognize their efforts and impact.”
The award will be presented during the 2025 NSDA Annual Meeting & Tradeshow on February 25th at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point, Nebraska. This must-attend event begins at 9:30 a.m. with a tradeshow featuring industry-leading vendors, followed by breakout sessions and a keynote address. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, connect with industry stakeholders, and explore the latest advancements in dairy technology and practices.
Call to Vendors
The NSDA is currently accepting vendors for the tradeshow. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your products or services to dairy professionals from Nebraska and surrounding states. Interested vendors are encouraged to contact the NSDA office at 402.421.4472 or visit nebraskamilk.org for more details.
Registration Information
To attend the NSDA Annual Meeting & Tradeshow, please pre-register at nebraskamilk.org or call the NSDA office at 402.421.4472.
About the Nebraska State Dairy Association
The Nebraska State Dairy Association (NSDA) serves as the voice of Nebraska's dairy farmers, dedicated to promoting growth, success, and sustainability within the dairy industry. Through advocacy, education, and support, NSDA strives to advance the interests of dairy producers across the state.
Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Research Update
Join Extension entomologists and their graduate students from three midwestern universities to get the latest updates on soybean gall midge (SGM). This free, live webinar on February 27th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST will feature updates from the experts. Several short presentations on a variety of topics will leave plenty of time for questions and discussion. Growers, crop consultants, scouts, educators, and industry representatives are encouraged to attend.
Registration is required, but there is no fee to watch the live or recorded (on-demand) sessions.
You can watch the sessions live from anywhere with an internet connection. No special software is required, and you can view them from any browser.
CCA credits are available in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota (1 credit per session)
Register and get the latest information on soybean gall midge at www.soybeangallmidge.org.
Naig, Mowrer Named Honorary Master Pork Producers
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is proud to announce Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, and longtime Senior Field Coordinator for the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Kent Mowrer, as 2024 Honorary Master Pork Producers.
The award winners embody the diversity of Iowa’s pig farms and the dedicated individuals who support pork producers. Mowrer receives this award posthumously.
Mike Naig – An Advocate for Iowa Agriculture
Growing up on a family farm near Cylinder, Iowa, Mike Naig has always been deeply rooted in agriculture, a connection he maintains to this day. As the 15th Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, elected in November 2018, Naig is dedicated to advancing the state’s agricultural sector.
In a state where agriculture is a leading economic driver, Secretary Naig is acutely aware of the importance of protecting Iowa’s natural resources. He is actively involved in initiatives that foster public-private partnerships to safeguard the state’s air, soil, and water. As Secretary, he is committed to expanding economic opportunities for Iowans and advocates tirelessly for the hardworking men and women who keep the nation fed.
A significant aspect of Naig’s work includes his efforts within the pork industry. His early experiences on a Farrow to Finish hog farm taught him the value of agriculture. Secretary Naig can often be found at Iowa Pork Producers Association events such as Bacon Buddies, Giving Tuesday and many more.
Although becoming Secretary of Agriculture wasn’t his initial career goal, an opportunity presented by the late agriculture industry advocate Bill Northey led him down this path. As Secretary, Naig continues to advocate for the success of livestock production, recognizing its economic impact on the state and its importance to rural communities. His leadership has also emphasized foreign animal disease preparedness, demonstrating a model of effective public-private partnership.
In legislative matters, Secretary Naig balances the interests of both consumers and producers, understanding the impact of regulations like Proposition 12. He is a strong advocate for the agricultural community, fighting to mitigate the challenges posed by such regulations.
Looking ahead, Naig envisions a bright future for Iowa’s agriculture, focusing on collaboration and innovation to maintain the state’s leadership in the industry. He is dedicated to making agriculture more productive and profitable for future generations, continuing a legacy of excellence.
Kent Mowrer – A Legacy of Helping Farmers
Growing up on a family farm in Iowa, Kent Mowrer was deeply rooted in agriculture, a connection he maintained throughout his life. As the Senior Field Coordinator for the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Kent was dedicated to advancing the state’s agricultural sector.
Kent’s role involved visiting with livestock farmers to answer their questions, whether over the phone or by sitting down with them on their farms. His primary responsibility was to help Iowa’s livestock industry grow successfully and responsibly. Known for his extensive knowledge of rules and regulations, Kent was a valuable resource for farmers seeking guidance.
Iowa Pork Producers Association CEO, Pat McGonegle, thought of Mowrer as a strong partner in the industry that the association could lean on. One of Kent’s significant achievements was his ability to facilitate the construction of new hog barns in counties that were not traditionally pig-friendly. His efforts often involved coaching young producers on how to communicate effectively with local supervisors, ensuring that their projects were approved. This knack for coaching and his passion for the livestock industry made him a beloved figure among farmers.
Kent’s commitment to the Coalition’s mission was evident in his work. The Coalition, which has been around for 20 years, focuses on helping Iowa’s livestock industry grow responsibly. The Coalition has worked with over 5,300 farmers, assisting with citing new barns, interpreting rules and regulations, enhancing neighbor relations, and implementing best management practices, all of which Kent was a big part of.
Kent’s integrity and thorough understanding of the industry set him apart. He was known for giving advice based on experience, not just what was written in manuals or textbooks. Farmers trusted him because he had been there and done that. His ability to deliver messages, even those that farmers might not like, with honesty and respect, earned him their admiration and trust.
Kent’s legacy lives on through the farmers he helped and the positive impact he had on Iowa’s agricultural community. His dedication to family and farming is a testament to his enduring legacy, one that continues to inspire those who knew him.
Vilsack Appointed as CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation
The World Food Prize Foundation announced today that United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will serve as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, beginning March 1, 2025. As CEO, Vilsack will leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the Foundation's global impact in food security and sustainable agriculture.
Vilsack’s appointment builds on his longstanding relationship with the Foundation, where he served on the Council of Advisors and Board of Directors, offering invaluable insights that have shaped its mission and initiatives. He has served two terms as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and two terms as governor of Iowa, in addition to involvement with several organizations focused on agricultural trade and sustainable food production. His exposure and collaboration with the Foundation over the past two decades reflects his life-long dedication to advancing agriculture and food security.
"The World Food Prize Foundation has a phenomenal and important history of advancing innovation to address global food security," said Vilsack. "I am honored to have the opportunity to build on that legacy, working closely with Mashal Husain and the talented team to extend the Foundation’s impact worldwide. I look forward to forging new partnerships, helping bring to life new solutions in the fight against hunger and championing efforts to ensure a sustainable and equitable food system for future generations."
In this role, Vilsack will focus on expanding the Foundation’s global network, and will further position the Foundation as a leader in addressing global food insecurity. Foundation President Mashal Husain will continue to drive innovative programming, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of food systems transformation.
“The Foundation is entering an exciting era,” said Foundation Board Chair, Paul Schickler. “Secretary Vilsack’s unparalleled diplomatic acumen, cultivated over decades of public service and leadership, uniquely positions him to engage global stakeholders and foster meaningful collaborations. Paired with Mashal’s innovative programmatic vision and her deep dedication to driving impactful initiatives, these dynamic leaders will guide the Foundation to new heights. Together, they will honor Dr. Norman Borlaug’s legacy by addressing the most pressing global food challenges with bold action, strategic alliances and a commitment to equity and sustainability.”
“It is an honor to welcome Secretary Vilsack to the Foundation," said Husain. "Together, we will focus on driving transformative change in food security, ensuring our work has lasting global impact and inspires bold ideas and collaborative solutions to address the challenges facing our world."
Trump Calls for “Robust and Reinvigorated” Trade Policy
NPPC Newsletter
In a memorandum to several departments, including Commerce, State, and Treasury, as well as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, President Trump began the process of reinstituting the “America First” trade policy from his previous term in the White House. He called on department leaders – once confirmed to office – to take steps to establish a “robust and reinvigorated trade policy,” including:
• Investigate the causes of the country’s “large and persistent” annual trade deficits.
• Investigate the feasibility of establishing and recommend the best methods for designing, building, and implementing an External Revenue Service to collect tariffs, duties, and other foreign trade-related revenues.
• Review and identify unfair trade practices by other countries and recommend appropriate actions to remedy such practices.
• Assess the impact of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on American agriculture and business and make recommendations on the participation of the United States in the agreement. (Trump said he will impose 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico shipped to the United States starting Feb. 1.)
• Review existing U.S. trade agreements and sectoral trade agreements and recommend revisions that may be necessary or appropriate to achieve or maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to free trade agreement partner countries.
• Identify countries with which the United States can negotiate agreements on a bilateral or sector-specific basis to obtain export market access for American workers, farmers, ranchers, service providers, and other businesses and make recommendations regarding such potential agreements.
• Review policies and regulations regarding the application of antidumping and countervailing duty laws.
The memo also had several points specific to trade with China, including reviewing its Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status.
Fewer Cattle on Feed
David Anderson, Extension Specialist, Texas A&M University
Against a backdrop of record high fed cattle and calf prices in the cash and futures markets USDA released its January Cattle on Feed report on Friday January 24th. The report was anticipated for its potential evidence on a variety of questions including reduced placements reflecting fewer cattle, slower marketings, reduced placements due to Mexican cattle import restrictions, and the quarterly estimate of heifers on feed.
The report had something on all those questions. Starting with the headline numbers, feedlot marketings were up 1 percent. But, given that there was one more “slaughter day” or workday in the month daily marketings were slower than December of last year. That should help keep weights higher by keeping days on feed longer.
Placements were down 3.3 percent, a little less than pre-report expectations. Texas placed 22.7 percent fewer cattle while Nebraska and Kansas placements were 5.7 and 3.8 percent larger than a year ago, respectively. The decline in placements came from lighter weight feeders, fewer were placed under 800 pounds while more heavier feeders were placed. On the ends of the range, placements under 600 pounds in weight were down 9.2 percent but those over 1000 pounds were up 5.9 percent. December typically has the fewest placements of feeders over 700 pounds of any month. Placements of cattle under 600 pounds in Texas were down almost 27 percent compared to a year ago. The large decline in light weight placements might be a little evidence of an impact of restrictions on Mexican cattle imports.
The combination of marketings and placements led to almost 1 percent fewer cattle on feed than last year. Of those cattle on feed 38.7 percent of them were heifers. Heifers on feed were down 3.4 percent, or 160,000 head, from last January. The 4.575 million heifers on feed was a 25,000 head reduction from October. That decline in heifers on feed is not enough to indicate much heifer retention for herd rebuilding. But, it is a small move in that direction.
Overall, the report indicated a little more movement in the expected direction of fewer cattle on feed and fewer heifers on feed. We should expect the number of cattle in feedlots to contract even more later in 2025. Contracting numbers will have impacts on weights, live and beef prices, imports, and margins throughout the industry in later months.
Smithfield Foods Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering
Smithfield Foods, Inc., an American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, today announced the pricing of an underwritten initial public offering of 26,086,958 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $20.00 per share. The offering consists of 13,043,479 shares of common stock to be sold by the Company and 13,043,479 shares of common stock to be sold by the Company’s existing shareholder identified in the registration statement.
In addition, the underwriters of the offering have been granted a 30-day option to purchase from the selling shareholder up to 3,913,042 additional shares of the Company’s common stock at the initial offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling shareholder.
The shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on January 28, 2025 under the ticker symbol “SFD.” The offering is expected to close on January 29, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
