Monday February 03 Ag News

 Nebraska Agriculture Group Backs LB145 to Address Noxious Weeds and Protect Agriculture
Nebraska Farm Bureau

Don Batie, a farmer from Dawson County and Chairman of the Nebraska Natural Resource Commission, recently spoke in favor of LB145, a bill aimed at combating the spread of noxious weeds that threaten Nebraska’s agricultural lands. Batie, who has over 30 years of experience in water management, appeared on behalf of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Ag Leaders Working Group to urge the legislature to pass the bill.

The Nebraska Ag Leaders Working Group supports LB145’s provisions to address the growing problem of invasive weeds. According to Batie, these weeds not only damage crop yields but can also clog vital waterways, impacting both agricultural productivity and the environment.

LB145 seeks to double the state’s annual funding for noxious weed management from $3 million to $6 million, enabling more effective control and eradication efforts. The bill also requires that grants for noxious weed control be issued through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, ensuring local entities can address these issues based on the specific needs of their communities.

Batie emphasized that managing noxious weeds is a critical step in preventing soil erosion, improving water retention, and safeguarding the state’s farmland and livestock operations. He called LB145 a smart investment in the state’s agricultural future, benefiting both rural and urban areas across Nebraska. Batie concluded his testimony by urging the Agriculture Committee to advance LB145 to General File and thanked Senator Ibach for introducing the bill.

The Ag Leaders Working Group consists of the following organizations:
    Nebraska Cattlemen
    Nebraska Corn Growers Association
    Nebraska Farm Bureau
    Nebraska Pork Producers Association
    Nebraska Sorghum Producers Association  
    Nebraska Soybean Association
    Nebraska State Dairy Association
    Nebraska Wheat Growers Association  
    Renewable Fuels Nebraska.




NeCGA Welcomes New Director of Public Policy

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) has hired a new director of public policy. Kaitlin Taylor brings talent and experience from her time serving as a legislative assistant and director of operations within the office of Tennessee Representative John Rose.

“We are excited to have Kaitlin join our team,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of NeCGA. “With a rural farm and strong background in advocacy and policy work, she will serve our membership well.”

Kaitlin grew up on small ruminant operation in Tennessee, then graduated in 2023 from Oklahoma State University and holds bachelor’s degrees in animal science and political science.

As the director of public policy, Kaitlin will work closely with members, the government relations committee and board of directors to monitor and act upon legislation at the state and federal level.

Kaitlin can be reached by calling the association office at 402.438.6459.

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.



Saunders Co Livestock & Ag Association monthly meeting
Dan Kellner, President, Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association

Below is the information for your February meeting:
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Colon Parish Hall, Colon
6:30 PM Social Time
7 PM Dinner
Business Meeting to follow

Your sponsors for the meeting will be Ron Kulwicki of Zoetis, Pioneer, and Todd Hoppe of All Metals.

FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE, BRING A NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEM FOR THE FOOD PANTRY.

We have scholarships available for 2025 graduating seniors who are children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren of Saunders County Livestock & Ag members for at least 3 years. You can do one of three things:
· Call Cheyenne Chromy at (402)547-7107
· Check website bit.ly/saunderscountylivestockag
· Email Cheyenne.Chromy@gmail.com for an application.

The Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association has launched an informative webpage where you can access details about upcoming and past events, monthly newsletters, scholarship applications, and a wealth of other essential resources. Be sure to visit https://bit.ly/saunderscountylivestockag for all the information you need!



USDA TO GATHER CASH RENTS DATA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the Cash Rents and Leases survey starting February 3. The survey provides the basis for estimates of the current year’s cash rents paid for irrigated cropland, non-irrigated cropland, and permanent pasture. Over 241,000 survey recipients across the United States have been nselected to complete the survey, which can be completed online at agcounts.usda.gov, by mail or phone. If respondents do not complete the survey by February 20, they may be contacted for an interview.

“Survey response from as many farm operators as possible ensures that cash rental rates accurately represent their locality,” said Nicholas Streff, NASS’ Northern Plains Regional Director. “The data from the Cash Rents and Leases survey will also give landowners a useful tool in negotiating rental agreements and making other business decisions for their agricultural operations.”

Information from this survey is also used in the Farm Service Agency Conservation Reserve Program as an alternative soil rental rate prior to finalizing new rates each year.

In accordance with federal law, NASS keeps survey responses confidential. The data will be available in aggregate form only to ensure that no individual producer or operation can be identified. NASS will publish the state-level data on August 1 and county-level data on August 22 at quickstats.nass.usda.gov. For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Nebraska Field Office at (800) 582-6443 or visit https://www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Cash_Rents_by_County/index.php.



Sorghum Board seeks applicants for open seat

The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board invites applications to fill an at-large directorship. This is a valuable opportunity to help shape the future of Nebraska’s grain sorghum industry. The filing deadline is 5 p.m. CT on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

"Serving on the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board is a unique opportunity to advocate for sorghum growers and contribute to the future of agriculture in our state," said Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board Chair Scott Nelson, a farmer from Axtell, Neb. "We encourage growers passionate about our industry to step forward and help shape its direction."

Sorghum growers interested in this leadership role must submit the following:
    A completed application for gubernatorial appointment
    A letter of interest explaining why they wish to serve on the board
    Two letters of endorsement from fellow grain sorghum growers
    Proof of qualification (e.g., sales receipts, warehouse receipts, government loan documents, or acreage certifications)

Qualified candidates must be Nebraska citizens, at least 21 years old, and derive part of their income from growing grain sorghum.

Applications for appointment can be obtained from the Governor’s Office by contacting:
Pat Selk, Administrative Assistant to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Nebraska Governor’s Office
State Capitol, Box 94848
Lincoln, NE 68509-4848
Phone: 402-471-2256

Applications are also available from:
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board
P.O. Box 94982
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402-471-4276
Email: sorghum.board@nebraska.gov

Applications may also be submitted online at governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req.

This is your chance to step into a leadership role and make a meaningful impact on Nebraska’s agricultural future. Apply by Feb. 28 to help guide the industry forward.



HPAI Detected in a Commercial Layer Flock in O’Brien County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial layer flock in O’Brien County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s second detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding New Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

“It is no secret Nebraska's farm and ranch families are heavily dependent upon international customers for one third of their annual income. Nebraska's exports of our top five agricultural products accounted for over $3.5 billion in 2024. Those sales helped support the largest segment of Nebraska's economy, which hit a rough patch in 2024, falling 17% as compared to 2023. Today's announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, some of Nebraska agriculture's most important trading partners, only adds to the economic uncertainty which remains the top concern at dinner tables on farms and ranches across our state and nation.”

“Outside of exports, it's also important to note that 80% of the potash fertilizer used in the United States comes from Canada and other important inputs, including energy and crop protection products, are also imported.”

“While Nebraska agriculture is highly dependent on our export and import relationships with Canada, Mexico, and China, those relationships are not without challenges. From Canada's protection focused dairy industry, Mexico's illegal ban on genetically modified corn, to the many trade and geopolitical issues we have with China, much work needs to be done. During his first term, President Trump vowed to ensure America's farmers and ranchers didn't bear the brunt of trade disputes and the retaliatory tariffs that followed. Nebraska's farm and ranch families always seek to secure their financial future through free and open markets. However, we now call on President Trump to again make good on his previous promises and ultimately seek new and expanded agriculturally focused trade agreements around the world, something former President Biden failed to do over the past four years."

Background:
Nebraska's top agricultural exports in 2024 were beef, soybeans, corn, pork, and soybean meal with Canada, Mexico, and China being at or near the top of our customer list. These three countries alone purchased 95% of Nebraska's corn exports, 90% of soybean exports, 57% of soybean meal exports, 32% of pork exports, and 23% of beef exports. Mexico alone was Nebraska's largest export customer importing $317 million worth of soybeans, $284 million or 93% of total corn exports, and $179 million worth of soybean meal, our largest market for that product.



Farmers for Free Trade Statement on Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China

Saturday, Bob Hemesath, Iowa farmer and Board Chairman of Farmers for Free Trade, the nation's leading ag trade advocacy organization, released the following statement on tariffs announced on America's largest ag export markets.

“Canada, Mexico and China together buy half of all American ag exports. They are indispensable markets for the livelihood of the American ag economy. Placing tariffs on the three largest export markets for American farmers and ranchers, particularly for an extended period of time, will have severe consequences.

“American farmers are already struggling. Record-high input costs, declining crop prices, and global supply gluts have created an environment where many farmers are operating at a loss. Adding tariffs to the mix will only exacerbate the situation across much of rural America.

“As we are already seeing farmers will bear the heaviest burdens from retaliation and will now be an immediate target for steep reciprocal tariffs. Tariffs will also put American farmers at a disadvantage to competitors in South America and other parts of the world who view tariff escalations as an open door to taking our market share.

“Mexico and Canada have been partners in trade agreements that have grown U.S. ag exports to those countries by nearly 300 percent over recent decades. The President delivered for farmers through USMCA, strengthening the agreement. Under tariffs, that market growth could wither away.

“Farmers for Free Trade strongly urges the administration to reconsider these proposed tariffs.”



AFBF: New Tariffs Will Impact America’s Farmers

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today expressed alarm about potential harm to farmers resulting from the order signed by President Trump imposing stiff tariffs on the United States’ top three agricultural markets by value. An economic emergency was declared to put duties of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, with limited exceptions, as well as 10% on all imports from China. Canada and Mexico both announced they would impose retaliatory measures.

“Farm Bureau members support the goals of security and ensuring fair trade with our North American neighbors and China, but, unfortunately, we know from experience that farmers and rural communities will bear the brunt of retaliation. Harmful effects of retaliation to farmers ripple through the rest of the rural economy.

“In addition, over 80% of the United States’ supply of a key fertilizer ingredient — potash — comes from Canada. Tariffs that increase fertilizer prices threaten to deliver another blow to the finances of farm families already grappling with inflation and high supply costs.

“Farm and ranch families answer the call to feed America’s families and the world, and these tariffs and the promised retaliation will put further stress on their livelihoods. More than 20% of U.S. farm income comes from exports, which are dominated by these three markets. Just last year the U.S. exported over $30 billion in agricultural products to Mexico, $29 billion to Canada and $26 billion to China – our top three markets and nearly half of all exports by value combined.

“The uncertainty hits just as operating loans are being secured and spring planting approaches, leaving farmers in a tough spot. We look forward to working with President Trump to position our farmers for success while also ensuring American strength and leadership on the international stage.”



Cattle and Bison Imports from Mexico Resume Under New Protocol

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the resumption of cattle and bison imports from Mexico. Imports are scheduled to resume within the next several days.

To protect U.S. livestock and other animals, APHIS halted shipments of Mexican cattle and bison in November 2024 after a positive detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in southern Mexico. After extensive discussions between representatives from the countries, APHIS and Mexico agreed to and implemented a comprehensive pre-clearance inspection and treatment protocol to ensure safe movement and mitigate the threat of NWS.

APHIS’ top priority is to protect American livestock from foreign pests. As part of the protocol signed between the countries, Mexico identified and prepared pre-export inspection pens in San Jeronimo, Chihuahua, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, which APHIS has now visited, inspected, and approved. Cattle and bison will be inspected and treated for screwworm by trained and authorized veterinarians prior to entering the pre-export inspection pens, where they will again undergo inspection by Mexican officials before proceeding to final APHIS inspection then crossing at the Santa Teresa and Douglas Ports of Entry, respectively. Cattle and bison approved for importation will also be dipped in a solution to ensure they are otherwise insect- and tick -free. The United States and Mexico are working closely to approve additional pre-export inspection pens and reopen trade through other ports of entry.

To support our efforts to keep NWS out of the United States, APHIS will continue working with partners in Mexico and Central America to eradicate NWS from the affected areas and to reestablish the biological barrier in Panama, which we have worked to maintain since 2006.

In the last two years, screwworm has spread north of the barrier throughout Panama and into Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize and now Mexico. This increase is due to multiple factors including new areas of farming in previous barrier regions for fly control and increased cattle movements into the region. APHIS is releasing sterile flies through aerial and ground release at strategic locations, focusing on Southern Mexico and other areas throughout Central America.  A complete list of regions APHIS recognizes as affected by screwworm as well as more detailed information on trade restrictions can be found on the USDA APHIS Animal Health Status of Regions website.



NCBA Thanks Trump Administration for Protecting Cattle Health and Critical Trade

Saturday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked President Donald J. Trump and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for working swiftly to protect the U.S. cattle herd from the threat of New World screwworm. Today’s announcement from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) reopens cross-border movement of cattle with numerous safeguards to prevent the spread of dangerous pests.

“We appreciate USDA working with their counterparts in Mexico to institute an inspection program that will protect our nation’s cattle herd from the threat of New World screwworm,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “Safely reopening trade is important to the livelihood of many cattle farmers and ranchers, and we are thankful to President Trump for making this issue a top priority of his administration. This action once again demonstrates President Trump’s commitment to rural America.”

USDA-APHIS has negotiated and secured approval of a comprehensive protocol that involves layers of veterinary inspection and treatment to prevent the spread of New World screwworm in addition to other types of ticks and insects. Protecting the U.S. cattle herd from New World screwworm is a top priority for NCBA. The association has distributed information to cattle producers nationwide and is continuing to advocate for additional funding for sterile flies, which are used to eradicate the screwworm.  



Ranchers Seek Approval of $83.5 Million Settlement with JBS in Cattle Antitrust Case

Friday, National Farmers Union, alongside ranch group R-CALF USA and four fed cattle producers, who filed a class-action antitrust lawsuit in April 2019 against JBS, Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef, filed a motion with the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota for preliminary approval of a proposed $83.5 million class action settlement with the JBS defendants.

Through their counsel Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP, Cafferty Clobes Meriwether & Sprengel LLP, and Robins Kaplan LLP, NFU and the other cattle plaintiffs agreed to the proposed settlement, which includes the $83.5 million cash payment and certain non-monetary consideration, including the provision of certain documents, and certain assistance in relation to any subsequent trial against the remaining three Defendants, Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef. The settlement is not an admission of liability by JBS, who continues to deny any wrongdoing.

If the court grants preliminary approval of the proposed settlement, it will order that notice be sent to the settlement classes informing them of the proposed settlement’s details, including how class members can make a claim for their share of the settlement.

The settlement classes covered by the proposed settlement include, subject to certain exclusions and conditions, all persons or entities: a) within the U.S. that directly sold fed cattle for slaughter to Tyson, JBS, Cargill and/or National Beef from June 1, 2015 to February 29, 2020 other than pursuant to a cost-plus agreement and/or a profit sharing agreement; b) who held a long position in live cattle futures traded on the CME prior to June 1, 2015 and subsequently liquidated the long position through an offsetting market transaction at any point prior to November 1, 2016.

More details regarding the settlement, including who may be covered by its terms, will be available shortly on a settlement website: www.cattleantitrustsettlement.com

“We are pleased to have reached a significant milestone in the case with the JBS settlement. We look forward to prosecuting our claims against the remaining Defendants, Tyson, Cargill and National Beef,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Outside of the litigation, NFU’s work to restore pricing transparency and competitiveness for family farmers and ranchers continues.”



ACE Board Elects 2025 Officers  

During its first quarter meeting, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Board of Directors elected its 2025 officers who also comprise the organization’s Executive Committee.
 
Re-elected to serve as officers on the 2025 Executive Committee are:
    Dave Sovereign, President – Chairman of Golden Grain Energy’s Board, which oversees a locally owned 125 million-gallon-per-year (MGY) ethanol plant in Mason City, Iowa. Sovereign also serves on the Absolute Energy board, a locally owned 130 MGY ethanol producer in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

    Troy Knecht, Vice President – South Dakota farmer, representing Redfield Energy, a 63 MGY ethanol producer in Redfield, South Dakota.

    Ron Alverson, Secretary – Ron farms part-time with his son and serves as an expert resource on the GREET model and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, he represents Dakota Ethanol on the ACE Board, which owns a 100 MGY plant in Wentworth, South Dakota.

    John Christianson, Treasurer – John is a Founding Partner and recently retired Director of Christianson PLLP, an accounting and business consulting firm for Ag and Renewable Energy. His retirement from Christianson PLLP allows him to focus on his software company Beyond and Christianson Benchmarking, LLC.

    Chris Studer – Chief Member and Public Relations Officer for East River Electric Power Cooperative, which is a founding member of ACE dating back to 1987.

    Bill Dartt – Chief Financial Officer for Cardinal Ethanol, a 138 MGY ethanol plant in Union City, Indiana.