Friday August 22 Ag News - Rural Mainstreet Index - CVA aquires 81/20, promotes Carlson to SrVP Agronomy - Pro Farmer Day 4 results - and more!

 Rural Mainstreet Economy Continues to Weaken Under Pressure
One in Five Grain Farmers to Experience Negative Cash Flow

For the sixth time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below growth neutral 50.0, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for August fell to 48.1 after rising above growth neutral to 50.6 in July and 51.9 in June. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Weak agriculture commodity prices for grain producers continue to dampen economic activity in the 10-state region. Bank CEOs and chief loan officers expect almost one-fifth, or 19.5%, of grain farmers to experience negative cash flow for 2025. This is unchanged from January of this year, when approximately one-fifth of grain farmers were expected to experience net losses,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Farming and ranch land prices: For the 15th time in the past 16 months, farmland prices slumped below growth neutral. The region’s farmland price dropped to 46.2 from 47.9 in July. “Elevated interest rates, higher input costs and volatility from tariffs have put downward pressure on farmland prices,” said Goss.

According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first half of 2025, compared to the same 2024 period, fell from $6.2 billion in 2024 to $5.4 billion in 2025, for a decline of 12.7%. For the first half of 2025, Mexico was the top destination for regional ag exports, accounting for 57.1% of total regional agriculture and livestock exports.

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index slumped to a very weak 14.6 from 16.7 in July. “This is the 24th straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. High input costs, tighter credit conditions, low farm commodity prices and market volatility from tariffs are having negative impacts on the purchases of farm equipment,” said Goss.

Despite weakness in the farm-based economy, bankers continue to report little change in farm loan payments, delinquencies and bankruptcies. On average, bankers reported a 1.2% increase in farm loan delinquencies and bankruptcies over the past six months. This rate has changed little since 2023 when farm income began its descent.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska Rural Mainstreet Index for August sank to 43.2 from 51.1 in July. The state’s farmland price index for August fell to 42.8 from July’s 48.8. Nebraska’s new hiring index improved to 53.7 from July’s 46.1. According to trade data from the International Trade Association, Nebraska exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, rose by $175.6 million, for a 36.2% gain. Mexico was the top destination to begin 2025, accounting for 67.5% of 2025 Nebraska agriculture and livestock exports. 

Iowa: August’s RMI for the state declined to 35.5 from 49.7 in July. Iowa’s farmland price index for August dropped to 35.4 from 46.3 in July. Iowa’s new hiring index for August rose to 46.6 from 43.0 in July. According to trade data from ITA, Iowa exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, climbed by $149.8 million, for an expansion of 18.1%. Mexico was the top destination for state exports, accounting for 72.6% of 2025 Iowa agriculture and livestock exports.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.



New Appointment and Leadership Elected for the Nebraska Corn Board

Gov. Jim Pillen recently appointed Lisa Lunz to serve as the District 4 director of the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB), which represents Knox, Cedar, Dixon, Dakota, Thurston, Burt, Dodge, Washington, Colfax, Stanton, Cuming, Wayne, Madison and Pierce counties. Lunz, from Wakefield, is replacing Debbie Borg, from Allen, who served on the board since 2013 and chose not to seek reappointment.

Lunz is a fourth-generation farmer from north of Wakefield, Nebraska. With 37 years of farming experience alongside her husband Jim, Lisa has deep roots in the agricultural community. The Lunz family grows corn and soybeans.

Lisa is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in animal science. Beyond her farm, she has served in various leadership roles, including as the Dixon County Supervisor, school board member and member of the Nebraska Soybean Board. She has also held leadership positions in the Dixon County Farm Bureau and Ag Builders of Nebraska. Lisa's commitment to the corn industry extends beyond her farm, demonstrating her dedication to promoting Nebraska's corn growers.

"I'm pleased to welcome Lisa Lunz to the Nebraska Corn Board,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCB. “With her extensive farming experience and leadership background, Lisa will be a valuable addition to our organization. We're looking forward to her insights and contributions as we work together to promote the interests of Nebraska's corn growers. I also want to thank Debbie Borg for her time serving on NCB. She is a big thinker who challenges the status quo, and helped push the organization further into success."

Lunz’s position is effective immediately following her appointment by Gov. Pillen. Additionally, Dan Nerud of Crete, and Adam Grabenstein of Farnam were reappointed to serve as district 1 and 5 directors, respectively.

NCB also elected three farmers to serve leadership roles at its recent board meeting on August 19. The leadership roles are effective immediately and are year-long in duration, with the possibility of being reelected.

Brandon Hunnicutt, District 3 director, was reelected as chair of NCB. Hunnicutt farms near Giltner with his father and brother. On his farm, Hunnicutt grows yellow corn, white corn, non-GMO corn, popcorn and soybeans. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from UNL and has served on the board since 2014. Hunnicutt has also served on the National Corn Growers Association board of directors, Field to Market and in various national leadership roles.

Andy Groskopf, District 8 director, was reelected vice chair of the board. Groskopf farms near Scottsbluff, where he farms irrigated corn and dry edible beans. He has been farming for over 20 years and is the fourth generation managing the family farm. He attended Western Nebraska Community College for automotive technologies. Groskopf has been with NCB since 2018.

Ted Schrock, District 6 director, was reelected secretary/treasurer of the board. Schrock farms near Elm Creek where he farms with his father, brother, uncles, cousins and son where they grow corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat and run a cow-calf operation. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Schrock has served on NCB since 2018.

Jay Reiners, At Large director, continues the role of past chairman of the board after serving as chairman. Reiners lives near Juniata, where he manages the family operation. He has been farming for over 30 years and is the fourth generation managing the family farm. He graduated with an associate’s degree in general agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Reiners has been with NCB since 2017.

“The leadership elected take on great responsibility, leading Nebraska’s corn checkoff organization in executive roles, representing all 36,000 corn farmers in the state,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of NCB. “Their continuity and experience will serve us well as we continue to promote Nebraska's corn industry and drive initiatives that benefit our state's corn producers.”

The full board is comprised of nine corn farmers from across the state. Eight members represent specific Nebraska districts and are appointed by the Governor of Nebraska. The Board elects a ninth at large member. Board members serve three-year terms with the possibility to be reappointed.  



Randolph, Neb. location to become CVA 81-20 effective September 1 

Central Valley Ag (CVA) is pleased to announce the acquisition of ADM's 50% ownership interest in the 81-20 Grain LLC joint venture, making CVA the sole owner of the facility located in Randolph, Nebraska. Effective September 1, 2025, the location will be rebranded as CVA 81-20. 

Originally operated as a partnership between CVA and ADM, the Randolph site has been a strategic location for delivering premier grain and agronomy services to area farmers. With this acquisition, CVA will continue to provide uninterrupted service while fully integrating the facility into its cooperative system. 

"This move reinforces our long-term commitment to northeast Nebraska and the farmers we serve," said Jeff Bechard, Senior Vice President of Grain at Central Valley Ag. "We're excited to bring the Randolph team fully into our CVA family and build on the great service foundation already in place." 

The transition will be seamless for customers and employees, with no disruption in services. CVA 81-20 will operate under the same customer-first principles that have guided the cooperative for decades. 



Chris Carlson tapped as CVA Sr. VP of Agronomy

Central Valley Ag (CVA) is proud to announce Chris Carlson as the Senior Vice President of Agronomy. With over two decades of experience at CVA and deep roots in agriculture, Carlson brings his dedication of leadership, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to serving growers. 

A native of Wausa, Neb., Carlson grew up on a diversified farm operation, gaining firsthand experience in both row crops and feedlot management. 
Chris Carlson

 After earning an associate degree from Northeast Community College, he transferred to Wayne State College, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business in 1998. He is currently pursuing a teaching certificate to further his leadership in the agricultural industry. 

Carlson began his career with CVA in 2000 as the location manager in Bloomfield, Neb. His passion for agriculture and dedication to delivering solutions for growers made him a key asset to the organization. After 15 years at Bloomfield, he was promoted to Regional Sales Manager in 2015, and became Director of Sales in 2016. Now, as Senior Vice President of Agronomy, he continues to foster the culture of CVA with the same commitment that has defined his career. 

"Being a part of CVA means being part of something bigger, it's a family," said Carlson. "I've always felt a calling to serve and support our growers, and I'm honored to continue that mission in this new role." 

Chris and his wife Nicole have been married for 23 years. They live on their family farm outside of Wausa with their two sons. Their oldest, Cashe, is a sophomore at Northeast Community College and currently completing a sales internship with CVA in Harrington. Their younger son, Mac, is a junior in high school. 

"We're excited to have someone of Carlson's caliber leading our agronomy division," said Nic McCarthy, President/CEO of CVA. "His passion for agriculture, deep community ties, and unwavering dedication to our cooperative values make him the right leader for this role." 



NeFU Encourages Eligible Cattle Producers to File Claims in the $83.5 Million JBS Lawsuit

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) State President John Hansen is encouraging eligible cattle producers to file claims as part of the $83.5 million JBS Lawsuit before the September 15, 2025

Hansen said, “If you sold cattle to JBS, Tyson, Cargill, or National Beef from June 1, 2015 to February 29, 2020, you really ought to click on the website below to explore the claim filing process. The filing process is very doable. In our view, the more claims filed, the better it is for individual beef producers who did not get paid a fair and competitive price for their beef, and for the future competitiveness of the beef industry as a whole. This settlement is a tool beef producers can use to help themselves while also helping put more competition into beef markets.  We hope beef producers take advantage of this hard-fought opportunity to help themselves.”

The class action lawsuit, filed in 2019 by National Farmers Union, R-CALF USA, and four individual ranchers, alleged anticompetitive conduct by JBS, Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef. On February 20, 2025, the Cattle and Beef Antitrust Litigation received preliminary approval of an $83.5 million settlement with JBS.

The deadline to submit a claim is September 15, 2025. Eligible cattle feeders and futures traders may now submit claims through the settlement website, www.CattleAntitrustSettlement.com, where more information is available. 

Who is eligible?  “All persons and entities who or which: (i) within the United States, directly sold to a Defendant one or more fed cattle for slaughter from June 1, 2015 to February 29, 2020 other than pursuant to a Cost-Plus Agreement and/or a Profit Sharing Agreement (the “Producer Class”); and/or (ii) held a long position in Live Cattle Futures traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange prior to June 1, 2015, and subsequently liquidated the long position through an offsetting market transaction at any point prior to November 1, 2016 (the “Exchange Class”). 



Husker Harvest Days brings Women in the Field to the forefront 

Husker Harvest Days is bringing together women in agriculture for a thought-provoking session and a Women in the Field networking event on Wednesday, Sept. 10. from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to hear from Natalie Kovarik, a fourth-generation cattle rancher turned social entrepreneur, during Fortune Favors the Brave: Harvesting Success in Agriculture Through Acts of Bravery, hosted by Farm Progress and Discover Ag.

“Women in the Field is a Farm Progress initiative that celebrates the vital role women play in agriculture, from hands-on farming to leadership positions,” said Emily Mauermann, director of marketing and product development for Farm Progress. “This program is about recognizing their contributions today and inspiring the next generation to shape the future of the industry.”

Keynote Session & Reception
The session will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 12 to 12:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Tent, Lot #33. Kovarik will share her journey of building a first-generation cattle ranch and a thriving online career, highlighting how strategic risk-taking and acts of bravery have shaped her success. Through a mix of agricultural anecdotes, practical wisdom and humor, Kovarik will inspire attendees to pursue their agricultural ambitions.

Following the session, attendees are invited to a meet-and-greet networking reception from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the same location. The reception offers an opportunity for women to connect, share experiences and enjoy light refreshments. Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with Kovarik, ask questions and learn more about her inspiring journey.

Natalie Kovarik, co-host of the Discover Ag podcast and TV series, is a fourth-generation cattle rancher and social entrepreneur. She and her husband operate Kovarik Cattle Co. in the Nebraska Sandhills. Known for her engaging storytelling and practical insights, Natalie inspires others to embrace boldness and innovation in agriculture.

Event Details 
Registration is now open at www.HuskerHarvestDays.com for complimentary three-day passes to the world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show. The show will take place at its permanent site in Grand Island, Nebraska, from Sept. 9-11, 2025. Gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.  



Pro Farmer Crop Tour - Day 4 Results 

Iowa Corn Yield - 198.43 bu/acre - 193 LY - 186.5 3YA
Iowa Soybean Pod Count - 1384 3x3' square - 1312 LY - 1225 3YA 
Minnesota Corn Yield - 202.86 bu/acre - 165 LY - 179 3YA
Minnesota Soybean Pod Count - 1248 3x3' square - 1036 LY - 1041 3YA

Pro Farmer will release their final 2025 yield and production estimates later today shortly after the trade closes. 



Commercial Red Meat Production Down 4 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.36 billion pounds in July, down 4 percent from the 4.55 billion pounds produced in July 2024.

Beef production, at 2.18 billion pounds, was 4 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.54 million head, down 7 percent from July 2024. The average live weight was up 30 pounds from the previous year, at 1,410 pounds.

Veal production totaled 2.1 million pounds, 37 percent below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 9,900 head, down 44 percent from July 2024. The average live weight was up 37 pounds from last year, at 359 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.16 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.3 million head, down 4 percent from July 2024. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 282 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.1 million pounds, was down 2 percent from July 2024. Sheep slaughter totaled 189,200 head, 2 percent above last year. The average live weight was 115 pounds, down 5 pounds from July a year ago.

Commercial Red Meat Production By State 
                             (mil lbs.  -  % July '24) 
Nebraska ....:          623.8             95       
Iowa ...........:         703.5             94       
Kansas ........:          473.9             97       

January to July 2025 commercial red meat production was 31.1 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2024. Accumulated beef production was down 3 percent from last year, veal was down 38 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 4 percent. 



July Milk Production in the United States up 3.4 Percent

Milk production in the United States during July totaled 19.6 billion pounds, up 3.4 percent from July 2024. Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,063 pounds for July, 34 pounds above July 2024. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.49 million head, 159,000 head more than July 2024, and 10,000 head more than June 2025.

Iowa ......:      507 million pounds, +1.0% from July '24      



EU Trade Commitments Create Environment for Shared Prosperity

Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee's Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the United States and the European Union announced details on the Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade.

"This joint statement shows what American producers, manufacturers, and digital providers have long known to be true--the European Union proliferated burdensome tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. products. I'm grateful for the tireless work of President Trump's trade team to knock these unfounded barriers down one by one. I look forward to seeing the EU fulfill these commitments, which will create an environment for shared economic prosperity and security."



NPPC Optimistic on US-EU Trade Framework
 
The White House announced a United States-European Union Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. The administration stated the Framework Agreement aims to resolve trade imbalances and maximize the U.S. and EU’s combined economic power in an ongoing process to improve market access and increase the U.S./EU trade and investment relationship.
 
National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, thanked the administration for including U.S. pork, saying “America’s pork producers are encouraged by the specific inclusion of pork in the U.S.-EU framework to address tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. We look forward to continued collaboration to address longstanding market access issues.”

For decades, pork trade between the U.S. and the EU has been weighted to favor EU interests. In 2024, the U.S. exported $7 million of pork products to the EU while importing over $709 million from the EU. To compare, the U.S. currently exports more pork to Honduras than to the 27 countries total that make up the EU.

NPPC will continue to engage with the Trump administration and international partners to maintain and open new market access for U.S. pork.



USMEF Statement on Updated Details of the U.S.-EU Trade Framework

The White House Thursday released a U.S.-EU joint statement offering updated details on the trade framework with the European Union announced last month.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

USMEF is encouraged to see that the European Union will provide preferential market access for pork and bison meat, has committed to streamlining requirements for U.S. pork sanitary certificates, and intends to address other non-tariff barriers affecting agricultural trade – including its deforestation regulation.

These changes are long overdue, and USMEF greatly appreciates the Trump administration making agricultural market access a top priority in negotiations with the EU and with other key trading partners. The U.S. has been a net importer of red meat from the EU due to the vast barriers the EU imposes on imports, and addressing the EU’s tariff and non-tariff barriers is absolutely essential for U.S. export growth.

It is also critical that U.S. beef exports to the EU – which are already heavily restricted – face no further regulatory obstacles related to deforestation. With U.S. agriculture posing negligible risk to global deforestation, USMEF thanks the Trump administration for securing a commitment from the EU to address concerns of U.S. producers and exporters regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation. 



U.S. Dairy: Trade Deal With Europe Must Deliver Real Change

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) welcomed the release of the Joint Statement on United States – European Union Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. U.S. dairy leaders stressed that America can no longer afford to tolerate Europe’s entrenched protectionism, which has cost U.S. dairy farmers billions and stifled real market access. The Framework provides an essential opportunity to address those harms to benefit American dairy farmers and manufacturers. 

According to the White House, the new agreement would provide preferential market access for U.S. dairy products and commit to resolving certain non-tariff barriers including streamlining requirements for dairy export certificates. Both elements are vital to improving Transatlantic trade relations. 

“U.S. farmers win when competition is fair, but there’s nothing fair about Europe’s system,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “An agreement with the EU has the potential to unlock billions in new opportunities for American dairy. To get there, dairy exporters need to see market access opportunities into the EU mirror those the EU already enjoys when it ships butter, cheese and other dairy products into the U.S. market. We look forward to working with the Administration to ensure the EU follows through on delivering results that farmers can see in their milk checks.”

Exports are a lifeline for American dairy farmers, processors, and the rural communities they support. But Europe has turned trade into a one-way street. Trade that is reciprocal, fair and balanced requires leveling the playing field for U.S. exporters including ending the abuse of GIs as disguised protectionism and ensuring that EU tariffs and nontariff barriers do not shut out U.S. producers from selling products that are globally recognized and respected.

“This announcement is an important step in the right direction. America’s dairy farmers are done playing second fiddle in Europe’s rigged system,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “For too long, the EU has wielded tariffs and red tape, and misused geographical indications, as weapons to shut U.S. products out while European exporters enjoyed extensive access to our shelves. That imbalance has saddled us with a staggering $3 billion dairy trade deficit in 2024 alone. We’re pleased that the Administration is working to finally address this imbalance of opportunity.”



ACE’s 38th Annual Conference Kicks Off in Sioux Falls with ‘Homefield Advantage’ Theme

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) welcomed attendees of its 38th Annual Conference to Sioux Falls this week, bringing together ethanol producers, farmers, retailers, researchers, policymakers, and other industry leaders to advance ethanol’s role in strengthening rural economies, cutting carbon emissions, and expanding market opportunities.

The conference launched with a leadership “Fireside Chat,” setting the stage for the Homefield Advantage theme by spotlighting the top issues and opportunities facing the industry. ACE CEO Brian Jennings, ACE CMO Ron Lamberty, and ACE Board President representing Golden Grain Energy, Dave Sovereign, who is also an Iowa farmer and fuel retailer, began with the implications of a projected record corn crop, underscoring the need for near-term demand drivers—like year-round E15, strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes, and export growth—while also exploring longer-term opportunities through low-carbon farming practices and the 45Z tax credit.

“Year-round E15 is the single most impactful step Congress can take right now to strengthen the farm economy by driving greater demand for ethanol,” Jennings said. “At the same time, the Administration can do its part by finalizing robust RFS volumes and making sure those volumes aren’t undercut by excessive refinery exemptions—reallocating any that are granted. Expanding ethanol demand is a better long-term solution for managing a surplus corn crop than short-term government assistance.”

“From the RFS to expanding exports, we have the tools to keep American ethanol competitive at home and abroad,” Sovereign said. “As a grower and a plant board member, I see firsthand the difference these policies make in our communities.”

“Low-carbon farming and tax incentives like 45Z can transform ethanol’s long-term value,” Lamberty said. “We’re working to ensure both producers and farmers get full credit for the carbon reductions they deliver.”

Following the Fireside Chat, attendees listened to a series of general session panels covering:
    The Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit (45Z), what it means for ethanol producers, and what steps are needed now to position for eligibility and success.
    A global perspective on ethanol trade and market development, with a focus on overcoming tariff, policy, and regulatory hurdles to expand international demand.
    Advancing ethanol opportunities into new markets such as chemical value chains and ensuring farmer premiums and carbon intensity accountability endure past 45Z.

At Thursday’s luncheon, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) delivered a keynote address.

“We’ve been working together a long time on E15; it’s the biggest no-brainer policy in the history of American government,” Congressman Johnson said. “I’m proud to partner with you to unlock more opportunities for homegrown American fuel.”

The conference concludes tomorrow with an awards ceremony and sessions covering:
    State-led initiatives to expand ethanol use, including Nebraska’s E30 demonstration and South Dakota Corn Utilization Council’s latest E15 consumer campaign.
    Plant-level innovations improving efficiency and corn oil recovery.
    New research on ethanol’s potential role in reducing cancer risk.



NCGA Expands National Mycotoxin Effort to Protect Corn Quality and Market Access

Corn growers are stepping up efforts to stay ahead of rising mycotoxin risks by expanding a proven research model that has delivered results for more than a decade.

The Aflatoxin Mitigation Center of Excellence (AMCOE) is now becoming the Mycotoxin Mitigation Center of Excellence, broadening its focus to address a full spectrum of mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, fumonisins, vomitoxin and others, before they create bigger problems for corn producers.

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by mold that can lead to rejected loads, reduced prices and lost market access. They are a significant threat to U.S. corn crops, serving up an estimated $1 billion in losses every year. And with changing weather patterns and growing buyer sensitivity, NCGA, along with state corn associations, are taking a proactive approach to help protect crop quality, value and profitability.

“Aflatoxin and fumonison have been a big issue in our southern corn producing states for several years. We’ve seen vomitoxin become a more prevalent mycotoxin that affects corn production in the eastern Corn Belt as well, so it’s critical that we expand our research focus,” said Chad Epler, chair of NCGA’s research and new uses action team. “It’s about staying ahead, so growers can take the steps they need to in order to protect their crops and mitigate the impacts to our downstream consumers and their customers.”

More Federal Funding Requested
The Center will continue to be grower-led and research-driven, building on partnerships with USDA, university researchers and state corn organizations.

For perspective, corn growers have invested over $5 million in private funding toward aflatoxin research since 2012. NCGA has asked for and received Federal appropriations to support this research. So far, NCGA has recruited $1.5 million in Federal funds and are advocating for more to maximize the center’s work.

Engaging the Entire Corn Value Chain
Because mycotoxins can cause such devastating loss across the entirety of the corn value chain, NCGA has also helped rally the whole industry by launching a national coalition. This group brings together seed companies, ethanol producers, millers, technical service providers and others to align efforts, share data and speak with one voice. This group demonstrates the fact that mycotoxins affect not only corn producers but many other value chain stakeholders as well. This national coalition is working on a comprehensive economic impact study to demonstrate the full impact beyond the farm gate. The coalition is also collaborating on exploring potential solutions to address tools and traits for prevention, strategies to limit DDGS and feed contamination, testing inconsistencies and load rejections, and both on & off farm mitigation strategies.

How does this coalition  benefit corn growers? It means:
·       Research focused on real-world, field-level risks
·       Better testing, resistance traits and management tools
·       Industry-wide coordination to protect corn’s value
·       Engagement and investment of the whole value chain in solutions

Looking Ahead
The Center will release new research priorities and engagement opportunities in the coming months. Growers are encouraged to stay informed through their state associations or visit the NCGA’s Mycotoxin Center of Excellence page for updates https://ncga.com/key-issues/other-topics/research/profile/aflatoxin-mitigation-center-of-excellence-amcoe. 



Feed Grains Roadshow Promotes DDGS Across The Philippines

Last week, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) traveled across the Philippines to conduct technical seminars in Manila and Cebu for feed millers and importers and a workshop in Davao for local swine and poultry farmers to improve feed formulation strategies and provide advice on the logistics of sourcing U.S. commodities.

“As part of a rapidly growing region, the Council is hoping to deepen technical understanding and confidence among Filipino feed millers, nutritionists, importers and farmers in using sorghum, U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and other corn co-products like corn fermented protein (CFP),” said Caleb Floss, USGBC regional trade manager.

“Expert-led sessions on feed efficiency and livestock, poultry, aqua and pet food nutrition will help position U.S. suppliers as reliable partners that can improve the productivity of end-users and their customers.”

At each stop on the roadshow, Dr. Scott Tilton of The Andersons, a USGBC member, spoke to attendees about the applications for DDGS and CFP in poultry, ruminant, swine and aquaculture diets. At the Manila seminar, Dr. Anne Huss, a nutritionist from Evolve Consulting Group, spoke about the benefits of DDGS, CFP and sorghum in pet food, a growing market segment in the Philippines.

Each location's presentations also included best practices for DDGS storage and handling from USGBC Regional Technical Consultant Dr. Budi Tangendjaja, who demonstrated the value of DDGS through a feed formulation exercise. Floss then explained the importer and consumer benefits of the Council’s Corn Sustainability Assurance Protocol (CSAP), that certifies corn and corn co-product shipments as meeting specific standards for renewable production.

“The Philippines is a demographically young and fast-growing economy. In addition to traditional swine, poultry and aquaculture industries, there are burgeoning opportunities for dairy and pet food," Floss said.

"It's important for the Council to be engaging the local end-users through these roadshows throughout the country to develop a strong, wide base of demand for U.S. feed grain exports.”