Monday January 20 Ag News

 MOST RURAL NEBRASKANS ARE POSITIVE ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITIES, POLL SHOWS

The latest results from the 2024 Nebraska Rural Poll show that, overall, rural Nebraskans are positive about their communities.

Respondents rate their communities as friendly, trusting and supportive, and say it would be difficult to leave. Most also have a positive attachment to their community, saying they have a good bond with others and feel a sense of connectedness and belonging.

Having an attachment to one’s community is related to community size, said Becky Vogt, Rural Poll manager. Persons living in or near smaller communities are more likely to agree that they feel like a member of their community, that they feel connected and have a good bond with others, according to the poll. Fifty-nine percent of respondents living in or near communities with populations under 500 agree that they feel connected to their community, compared to 45% of people living in or near communities with populations over 10,000.

Rural Nebraskans surveyed are positive about recent changes in their communities but are more negative about the future. This year, more believe their community has changed for the better (32%) than has changed for the worse (26%). However, slightly more people believe their community will be a worse place to live 10 years from now (27%) than a better place (25%).

Most rural Nebraskans surveyed see their communities as capable of defining their future. Fifty-eight percent disagree or strongly disagree that their community is powerless to control its own future. The level of disagreement was higher for those living in or near larger communities. Just over six in 10 people living in or near communities with populations of 1,000 or more disagree that their community is powerless to control its own future. In comparison, four in 10 people living in or near communities with populations between 500 and 999 share this opinion.

“These data show an interesting tension between community size and feeling connected and powerless,” said L.J. McElravy, associate professor of leadership at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. “People from smaller communities feel more connected but also feel more powerless to control their future.”

Most rural Nebraskans surveyed believe their communities should invest somewhat more or much more in the following areas over the next several years: local and regional job opportunities, K-12 education (infrastructure and people), and entertainment and cultural events. Many also support increased investment in the area’s natural resources and medical services.

“These results highlight the strong sense of belonging and connectedness many rural Nebraskans feel toward their communities, even as they express concerns about the future,” said Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, a Nebraska Extension specialist. “Understanding this balance between optimism and apprehension is vital for fostering community resilience and guiding investments in education, jobs and cultural opportunities that will sustain rural Nebraska for years to come.”

To learn more about rural Nebraskans’ perceptions of their communities, policymakers, community leaders and members of the public are invited to a Rural Poll webinar at 11 a.m. CST Jan. 22. After a presentation of poll results from Burkhart-Kriesel, Chuck Hibberd, board chair for the Nebraska Community Foundation, and Don Macke, senior vice president at e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, will discuss the data, giving their interpretations and possible implications. The session will end with time for questions from the audience. More details and registration are available at https://ruralpoll.unl.edu.

The Rural Poll is the largest annual poll gauging rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life. Questionnaires were mailed to more than 5,800 households in Nebraska in late spring and summer, with 1,010 households — representing 86 of the state’s 93 counties — responding. The margin of error for the poll is plus-or-minus 3%. Rural Prosperity Nebraska conducts the poll with funding from Nebraska Extension.



NDA’S ANNUAL POSTER CONTEST HIGHLIGHTS AMAZING NEBRASKA AGRICULTURE

Students get your crayons ready! The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) annual poster contest is underway and open to all Nebraska students in first through sixth grades. This year’s theme, “Agriculture is Amazing,” highlights and celebrates Nebraska’s number one industry. The deadline to submit posters is March 1, 2025.

“Everything about Nebraska agriculture is amazing, from the food we eat, to the feed for our livestock, to the fuel for our vehicles,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “It’s important to tell students about Nebraska’s incredible ag industry and how agriculture is the heart of our roots and economy. Our annual poster contest gives parents and teachers an opportunity to share their knowledge.”

NDA will announce the winners during National Agriculture Week, March 16-22, 2025, the perfect time to celebrate Nebraska agriculture. National Ag Week highlights the diversity of agriculture and celebrates the food, fuel, and fiber that farmers and ranchers provide every day. NDA will feature winning entries from this year’s contest on its website and in promotional materials and publications.

NDA’s poster contest is divided into three age categories for judging purposes: first and second grade students; third and fourth grade students; and fifth and sixth grade students, in any Nebraska public, private or home school. All posters must be created exclusively by students and relate to this year’s theme. Entries will be judged on originality, effort, and accuracy, and must be received at NDA’s office by March 1, 2025.

Poster contest rules and official entry forms are available online at nda.nebraska.gov/kids. For more information, contact Christin Kamm at 402-471-6856 or by email at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.



CAP Webinar: Pricing and Strategies of Weaned Calf Risk Protection
Jan 23, 2025 12:00 PM
With Elliott Dennis, UNL Associate Professor and Livestock Economist
Jay Parsons, UNL Professor and Farm and Ranch Management Specialist

USDA-RMA recently released a new federally subsidized insurance product called Weaned Calf Risk Protection (WCRP). In a previous webinar through the Center for Agricultural Profitability (CAP) we reviewed how the product works, reporting requirements, and indemnity payouts. On January 15th the USDA-RMA will release the projected prices for 2024 and premium rates by county for Nebraska, Colorado, South Dakota, and Texas. This webinar will focus on reviewing these rates, potential strategies consider, and trade-offs between different USDA-RMA insurance products based on the chosen strategy.

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



Iowa Farm Bureau sets 2025 legislative priorities including modernization of grain indemnity fund and property taxpayer protection

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, will address key priorities including the modernization of the state’s Grain Indemnity Fund, protecting property taxpayers and other important policies impacting Iowa’s farmers and rural communities during the 2025 legislative session.

Throughout the past year, Farm Bureau members from every county provided input on policy important to Iowa agriculture. Critical issues were voted on and prioritized to shape the organization's efforts for the 2025 Iowa legislative session.

Farm Bureau will work toward the modernization of the Grain Indemnity Fund to adequately protect farmers affected by a grain elevator failure through no fault of their own.  The Grain Indemnity Fund is a participant-funded safety net and an important risk management tool for farmers, but efforts are needed to adequately reflect modern grain prices and crop production.  Among neighboring states with an indemnification fund, Iowa has the smallest fund level and is the only state not covering credit sale contracts, which represent nearly 40% of commercial sales in the state.  

IFBF applauds the legislature for recent successes on property tax reform and highlights the importance of not shifting any state budget obligations onto the backs of property taxpayers.  

As tax reform is prioritized by the Iowa Legislature, members strongly support efforts to slow the growth of property taxes which have doubled over the past 18 years.  Other property taxpayer protection policies include the state continuing to fund the Homestead Property Tax Credit and Ag Land/Family Farm Tax credits and rejecting proposals to change credits into exemptions.

“Through our grassroots policy process, our members have provided clear direction on legislative priorities for the upcoming session,” says Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “We look forward to working with lawmakers and Governor Reynolds to advance policies supporting the vitality of Iowa agriculture and our rural communities.”  



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from state cattle associations or state general farm organizations interested in nominating beef, dairy or veal producers or importers to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Applications are due by February 17, 2025.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board is composed of 92 producers and seven importers. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

State cattle associations or state general farm organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership must meet the following criteria:
    The association or organization represents a substantial number of producers that produce a substantial number of cattle in the state.
    The association or organization has a history of stability and permanency.
    A primary or overriding purpose of the association or organization is to promote the economic welfare of cattle producers.

The following criteria will be considered for importer organizations or associations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership:
    The number and type of members represented (e.g., beef producers, dairy, beef and cattle importers).
    Annual import volume in pounds of beef and beef products or the number of head of cattle, or both.
    The stability and permanency of the importer organization or association.
    List of countries of origin for cattle, beef or beef products imported.

State cattle or state general farm organizations or associations and importer organizations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the board must complete an Application for Certification of Organization or Association (LP-25). The form is also available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattlemen’s Beef Board webpage.

After reviewing the application, USDA will notify the organization or association whether it has been certified or not. Organizations currently certified to nominate board members do not need to reapply.

Send completed forms and any requests for more information about the certification process to Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov or call (202) 713-6918.



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the American Lamb Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from lamb producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handler organizations interested in nominating members to the American Lamb Board. Applications are due by February 17, 2025.

The board is composed of six American lamb producer representatives, three feeder representatives, three first handlers and one seedstock producer. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints Board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

State, regional or national organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership must meet the following criteria:
    The membership of the organization consists primarily of producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handlers who market or handle a substantial quantity of lamb or lamb products.
    A primary purpose of the organization is for the production or marketing of lamb or lamb products.

Producer, seedstock producer, feeder, or first handler organizations or associations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the Board must complete the Application for Certification of Organization (LP-82). The form is also available on the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) American Lamb Board webpage.

After reviewing the application, USDA will notify the organization or association whether it has been certified or not. Organizations currently certified to nominate Board members do not need to reapply.

Send completed forms and any requests for more information about the certification process to Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov or call (202) 713-6918.



Interim Rule on Biofuel Feedstocks is a Win for Family Farmers

National Farmers Union (NFU) commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for publishing an interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks.

“Any federal climate-smart agriculture incentives must consider the real-world and financial impacts on farmers. USDA incorporated feedback from NFU and others in this interim rule to ensure biofuels programs create practical, flexible and farmer-focused market opportunities,” said NFU President Rob Larew.

The interim rule allows for the unbundling of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, enabling farmers to adopt practices such as reduced tillage, cover cropping and advanced nutrient management individually or in combination. It also introduces the USDA Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator (FD-CIC), a tool capable of quantifying farm-level carbon intensity at a county-by-county level, further strengthening the credibility of CSA practices.

“NFU is eager to further review the rule and provide comments during the 60-day public comment period to ensure it serves family farmers and ranchers effectively,” Larew added. “We look forward to working with the new USDA leadership to strengthen these opportunities for farmers."



Clean Fuels Conference to Highlight State of Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel and SAF in 2025

Industry leaders along the value chain for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel come together next week in San Diego to highlight the latest innovations for biofuel use, feedstock development, and navigating a changing political landscape in 2025.

The Clean Fuels Conference runs Monday through Thursday, Jan. 20-23 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

Mainstage session topics include:
    California Dreamin’: Clean Fuels’ Time to Shine: The current and future role of biodiesel and renewable diesel in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard

    Acceleration of Change: Clean Fuels Policy, Plus Renewable Diesel Deep-Dive: What to expect from the new administration on fuel policies and what that could mean for businesses

    All Aboard: Rail Contemplates Life After Diesel: How biodiesel and renewable diesel are helping the rail industry reach clean-fuel goals

    Detour Ahead?: New Emissions Regulations Driving OEM Product: Clean fuel regulation and challenges for Original Equipment Manufacturers and fleets

    Feedstock Revolution: Unleashing the Power for Clean Fuels: How conventional and new feedstock supplies are developing to meet new demands for clean fuel

Along with mainstage sessions, breakouts will feature discussions around policies, communications, fuel markets and more, providing attendees with a complete view of the state of the industry today.

Finally, the Clean Fuels Vehicle Showcase Wednesday evening will feature a range of heavy-duty equipment and technologies with representatives on hand to answer questions.

For more information or register for the conference, visit CleanFuelsConference.org.



Clean Fuels Asks EPA to Pause 2024 Cellulosic Waiver Proposal

Friday, Clean Fuels Alliance America filed written comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Partial Waiver of 2024 Cellulosic Biofuel Volumes. Clean Fuels asks EPA to pause the rulemaking process until the agency can provide a full accounting of available cellulosic RINs for 2024 and consider whether pending small refinery exemptions or other mechanisms provide relief to refiners. Additionally, Clean Fuels encourages EPA to address the significant underestimation of biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel volumes for 2024 and 2025.

“We cannot accurately evaluate EPA’s calculation of an inadequate supply of cellulosic RINs for 2024 without first knowing the number of RINs that might be returned to the market through small refinery exemptions,” Clean Fuels writes.

“We ask that EPA finalize a step-change in 2024 advanced RVOs to EPA’s own projected advanced RIN generation, which is currently expected to exceed the required volumes by at least 2.6 billion RINs,” the comments continue. “Clean Fuels appreciates EPA’s acknowledging a more-than-adequate supply of advanced and renewable RINs, but this alone is not enough. EPA should take this opportunity instead to address Clean Fuels’ petition and reconsider the 2024 and 2025 BBD and Advanced Biofuel RVOs.”

Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels Vice President of Federal Affairs, added, “Last June, Clean Fuels petitioned EPA to increase the 2024 and 2025 Biomass-based Diesel and Overall Advanced volumes for 2024 and 2025, because the agency set these volumes significantly below our industry’s demonstrated production. EPA’s low volumes are holding back the potential of the clean fuels industry to meet the energy security, environmental, and economic goals of the RFS. EPA should take this opportunity to address our petition by proposing and finalizing an appropriate step up in the volumes for 2024 and 2025.”