As Winter Looms, Key Risks Keep Ag Outlook Cool
Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, Omaha office
Following steep declines for three consecutive years, farm income was expected to stabilize in 2017 and beyond. In inflation-adjusted dollars, real net farm income was forecast to be relatively unchanged from 2016. In nominal terms, farm income was forecast to increase about 3 percent from 2016. Forecasts for stable farm income were led by expectations that increasing revenues for livestock and livestock products would offset declining revenues in the crop sector. However, despite the forecast for stable farm income relative to 2016, levels for 2017 still were expected to be 18 percent lower than the long-run average. Longer-term projections for farm income were also expected to stabilize but at levels below the long-run average from 1970 to 2017.
Alongside forecasts of relatively stable farm income for 2017, bankers’ expectations of future declines in farm income have moderated throughout the Tenth District. The third quarter Tenth District Survey of Agricultural Credit Conditions indicates the share of bankers expecting further declines in income in the fourth quarter of 2017 was smaller than a year ago in each state. From 2014 to 2016, an increasing number of bankers in Kansas, the Mountain States, Nebraska and Oklahoma expected farm income to be lower in the next quarter. This trend reversed in 2017. Whereas a majority of bankers expected lower farm income in 2016, less than half of bankers in each state had the same expectations in 2017. In western Missouri, a region where crop production has been very strong in recent years, the share of bankers expecting lower farm income decreased for a third straight year.
Key Risks to the Outlook
Although farm income appears to have stabilized in the short to longer term, one risk to the outlook has been growing supplies. Yields for corn and soybeans have been above 20-year trend levels since 2014 and have contributed to increasing inventories. In 2017, corn yields in the Tenth District were slightly below trend, likely due to reports of moderate to severe wind damage, but in the United States, higher yields have contributed to significant increases in inventories, measured as stocks-to-use ratios. In addition, soybean inventories have doubled since 2015. Growth in U.S. corn and soybean inventories is a risk to the outlook because larger inventories have been linked to lower prices.
As growth in domestic production has continued to outpace domestic use, U.S. agriculture has become increasingly reliant on exports. The USDA recently reported that exports are responsible for 20 percent of farm income. Therefore, although international demand has provided some opportunities for the agricultural sector, uncertainty surrounding trade remains a risk to the outlook.
One reason trade is a risk to the outlook is because exports in recent years have contributed a larger share of the total value of U.S. crop production. The total value of crop production has declined since 2013. At the same time, the total value of crop exports has increased slightly. Over the last four years, the export share of the total value of U.S. crop production increased from 29 percent in 2013 to an estimated 40 percent in 2017. This seems to indicate that demand from international markets has provided some support for the U.S. agricultural sector during the recent downturn.
However, the U.S. share of world crop exports has fallen steadily over time. In the late 1970s, the U.S. held a 65-percent share of world crop exports. In 2017, the U.S. share of world crop exports was forecast to be 28 percent. The decline in the U.S. share of world crop exports suggests that the rest of the world has become more active in global export markets when the U.S. has become increasingly reliant on world trade.
One mitigating factor of increasing global competition has been trade deals, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Agricultural exports to both Canada and Mexico dramatically increased following the implementation of NAFTA in 1993. In fact, the value of agricultural exports to both NAFTA partners more than doubled following the implementation of NAFTA. It is unclear what would happen if the United States fails to renegotiate NAFTA. However, because the United States has become more reliant on international demand for agricultural products and international competition for agricultural exports has increased, uncertainty surrounding NAFTA and other trade deals is a key risk to the agricultural outlook.
Beyond risks related to crops and trade, recent developments in the cattle sector also present risks to the outlook. The cattle sector is a key industry to the Tenth District agricultural economy, contributing more than 50 percent of the District’s total agricultural revenues. As mentioned previously, cattle profit margins have supported aggregate measures of farm income and are expected to be positive in 2017, following negative profit margins in 2015 and 2016. Higher prices and positive profit margins have occurred alongside increasing inventories. However, the pace of inventory expansion has slowed; cattle slaughter weights have come down slightly and demand for beef has picked up, both domestically and internationally.
Despite higher (annual average) profit margins in 2017, risks to the cattle outlook still persist. Larger inventories have begun to weigh on prices in the second half of 2017. Although average profit margins are positive for the year, monthly-average profit margins have been negative to just over break-even since August.
In addition to lower prices and negative profit margins in the second half of 2017, one concern for ranchers has been the increasing variability of cattle prices. Since 2014, cattle prices have become much more variable. From January to November, the average monthly variance and the range of prices paid increased significantly from previous levels. In 2014, the larger range was due to a steady increase in prices from January to November. However, during the last three years, increasing price variability in a period of lower prices has contributed to added concern and uncertainty in the outlook for cattle producers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although expectations for farm income have stabilized, the stabilization has occurred at much lower levels than in previous years. Continued oversupply of agricultural products, especially crops, is a significant risk and would likely keep prices from rising to more profitable levels. International trade could help support agricultural prices and incomes, but uncertainty over trade deals has generated additional risk for the agricultural sector. In the first half of 2017, strength in the livestock sector supported U.S. farm income, but increasing cattle inventories and greater price variability suggest that the outlook could remain weak.
Pork Association Congratulates Senator Fischer on Agriculture Committee Appointment
Nebraska’s pork farmers would like to congratulate U.S. Senator Deb Fischer on her appointment to the Senate Agriculture Committee. Working for agriculture and rural development organizations has been an essential part of Sen. Fischer’s life.
“Having a senator from Nebraska on the Senate Agriculture Committee has great value”, said Russ Vering, President of the Nebraska Pork Association. “Having a voice at the table on behalf of our industry and all of Nebraska agricultural is exciting”.
“This coming year will be critical as Congress works on issues such as writing the next farm bill and dealing with trade agreements”, said Al Juhnke, Executive Director for the Association. “Expanding trade opportunities is of vital importance to our producers and having Sen. Fischer directly involved in those discussions will ensure Nebraska’s pork farmers are well represented.”
Nebraska’s pork farmers offer their sincere congratulations to Sen. Fischer on her appointment to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.
USDA to Gauge Financial Well-Being of Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers
In late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) began gathering information about farm economics and production practices from farmers and ranchers across Nebraska, as the agency conducts the third and final phase of the 2017 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS).
“ARMS is the only survey program that allows anyone to clearly see the current financial well-being of Nebraska producers and their households as a whole,” said Dean Groskurth, Director of the Northern Plains Regional Field Office. “The results of this survey will serve as a primary source of information for numerous local and federal policies and programs that affect Nebraska farms and farm families,”
NASS conducts ARMS jointly with USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS). In an effort to obtain the most accurate data, the federal agencies will reach out to more than 35,000 producers nationwide, including 1,769 in Nebraska, between late December and April. The survey asks producers to provide in-depth data on their operating expenditures, production practices and household characteristics.
“We realize that this survey is lengthy and some producers may have questions or need clarification,” explained Groskurth. “In February, our interviewers will begin reaching out to those farmers who have not yet responded to answer any questions they may have and help them fill out their questionnaires.”
In addition to accurate data, NASS is strongly committed to confidentiality. The agency will only publish data in an aggregate form. This helps safeguard the confidentiality of all responses, ensuring no individual respondent or operation can be identified.
The economic data gathered in ARMS will be published in the annual Farm Production Expenditures report on August 2, 2018. All NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. ERS also plans to release a series of reports based on ARMS data. All of these reports will be available on the agency’s site at www.ers.usda.gov.
For more information about the 2017 Agricultural Resource Management Survey visit www.nass.usda.gov/go/ARMS.
SMITH CHALLENGES AG INDUSTRY TO TELL REAL STORY OF FOOD PRODUCTION
According to Donnie Smith, it's time for the agricultural industry to take back the story of food production.
Smith delivered the second Heuermann Lecture of the 2017-18 season Jan. 9 at Nebraska Innovation Campus.
Smith was president and CEO of Tyson Foods from 2009 to 2016 and continues to serve the company as a consultant while focusing on his work to feed the world. He said he believes consumers are being told fictional stories about modern agriculture, which is leading to mass fear of the food system.
"There's a story being told in America, and frankly around the world, today about agriculture and what we do," Smith said. "It's largely fictional, based on partial truth, but Americans are buying it hook, line and sinker."
These fictional stories are being told as the agricultural industry is seeing major achievements – such as baby boomers doubling food production in their generation – while still facing tremendous challenges, Smith said. Today's generation must find a way to double the amount of food the baby boomers produced using the same amount of land, air and water. They'll also have to do so with additional pressures on the food system, such as increased life expectancy and increased incomes, both of which lead to people eating more food.
"Why isn't our noble effort in agriculture to feed this world, front-page news?" Smith asked.
He is no stranger to the challenges facing the food system. During his 36-year career with Tyson, he worked to learn every angle of the business. As an executive, he led the company to focus on feeding the world high-quality, affordable food.
Smith said the challenge of telling the true story of agriculture is that producers simply don't have the time. They spend considerable time making, processing, marketing and delivering food, so they don't have time to blog or post on social media.
"If we’re not telling the real story, the only story on the air is not true," he said. "That’s a huge problem and also a huge opportunity."
Smith is a proud supporter of America's land-grant system and believes the solution to the communication problem could be found at land-grant universities such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Every day, university researchers are figuring out solutions, while extension professionals show producers how to implement those solutions, and the solutions become sustainable when the next generation is taught how to implement them. Smith said communication is just as important as these three missions.
"I think now, in our land-grant community, we're leaving out a new task that we've got to add to our repertoire," he said. "We've got to start prioritizing how to communicate what we're doing, and how we're doing it, and why that is so important."
Smith plans to dedicate the rest of his life to this effort, and to developing sustainable agriculture on the global scale. One way he is doing that is through the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. The center aims to develop science-based agricultural solutions to meet sustainable development challenges in less economically developed countries, such as Rwanda. Smith praised Nebraska for its efforts in this region, specifically naming the Undergraduate Scholarship Program in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Through this program, students from Rwanda are pursuing a bachelor of science degree in integrated science, with a focus on conservation agriculture, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovative thinking. These align with the areas of need identified by the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources.
"I cannot applaud you enough for what you're doing in Rwanda," Smith said. "It's critical to the development of the capacity for that nation and all of sub-Saharan Africa to be able to thrive through all of the changes that are going to happen in these kids' careers."
The theme for the seventh year of Heuermann Lectures is "Think Globally, Act Locally." The lectures are funded by a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips, Nebraska. The Heuermanns are longtime university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people.
Lectures are streamed live at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu/ and air live on campus channel 4. Lectures are available online after the event and are later broadcast on NET2.
Long-Term, Dediated Water Quality Funding a 2018 Priority
Members of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Iowa's largest grassroots farm organization, plan to focus their 2018 legislative lobbying strength on issues that stand to impact all Iowans, mainly securing long-term, dedicated state funding to support Iowans' successful efforts to improve water quality and conserve soil, and measures which will protect taxpayers.
"Iowa farmers continue to take on the challenge of improving water quality and conserving the state's topsoil, and farmers have made significant progress reducing nutrient loss and implementing successful conservation measures," says IFBF President Craig Hill. "To continue that momentum, Farm Bureau will work with lawmakers during the 2018 session to secure long-term, dedicated funding to support the state's scientific-based Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS)."
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State Address demonstrated a commitment to also make water quality funding a top priority during the 2018 legislative session, a statement that earned a standing ovation from legislators in attendance and strong support from Iowa Farm Bureau members. "My hope is that a water quality bill is the first piece of legislation that I have the opportunity to sign as governor," Reynolds said.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said, "Governor Reynolds has been a strong supporter of the water quality efforts underway across the state and I appreciate her making long-term funding a priority in her Condition of the State address. The Legislature has provided increasing support for water quality over the past 5 years, including nearly $10.5 million this year, but this session is an opportunity to identify a long-term source of funding to allow us to continue to scale-up our water quality efforts.
"I also appreciate her focus on supporting our state's rural areas, including expanding broadband access. With agriculture as an important driver, I agree there are tremendous opportunities to see significant growth and economic development generated in our small towns and rural communities."
Farm Bureau strongly supports a bill that was originally passed by the Iowa House during the 2016 session and was slightly modified and passed by the Iowa Senate during the 2017 session. The bill, now called Senate File 512, is also supported by Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). Senate File 512 advances science-based research and watershed projects outlined in the NRS, promotes and incentivizes watershed collaboration, and establishes accountability as progress continues with water quality improvements.
The long-term, dedicated funding provided through Senate File 512 would allow farmers and the state to conduct long-term planning for watershed projects, soil conservation efforts, and collaborative projects within a watershed. Senate File 512 also maintains the collaborative approach of the 2016 House bill, which treats both point source (urban) and nonpoint source (rural) equitably.
Another focus for IFBF during the 2018 legislative session is tax reform. Specifically, the organization will work with legislators to help ensure that tax reform legislation will protect the benefits of federal deductibility and will also include coupling with the federal tax code for Section 179 asset expensing, a critical economic tool for Iowa farmers and small business owners.
IFBF has a long track record of protecting property taxpayers, and the organization will remain committed in 2018 to ensure legislation protecting property taxpayers remains a priority for Iowa lawmakers. Iowans paid more than $5.5 billion in property taxes in 2017, a number that has more than doubled since 2000. IFBF is dedicated to working with legislators to maintain current levels for the Homestead Property Tax Credit and the Ag Land/Family Farm Tax Credit, and to continue to extend other key provisions beneficial to property taxpayers.
"The Legislature has the opportunity to address several measures that help protect property taxpayers from further increases, and we will work with them to do that," says Hill.
Iowa Pork Industry Center to Offer PQA Plus 3.0 Advisor Certification Training Feb. 13
Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University continues to work with industry professionals in offering Pork Quality Assurance Plus 3.0 advisor certification opportunities, including a newly scheduled session for Tuesday, Feb. 13. Iowa State Extension swine veterinarian Chris Rademacher reminded potential applicants that attendance at this all-day session and passage of an exam at the end of the session is required for certification.
“Everyone who wants to attend needs to complete the two-page application form and be approved in order to attend this session,” he said. “The application deadline is Feb. 2 so I encourage people to submit their application soon to ensure receipt in time for approval and payment.”
Rademacher is coordinating the session, which will be held at the Hansen Ag Student Learning Center on the Iowa State campus in Ames. There is a 15-person minimum with the application deadline of the earlier of Feb. 2 or when the 30-person maximum is reached.
No walk-ins are allowed and no individual spot is guaranteed until the application is approved and specific payment is accepted by IPIC. The cost is $75 per person and includes all materials, refreshments and the noon meal. The session begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and instruction starting at 9 a.m.
Rademacher said veterinarians who plan to attend the IVMA Winter Conference in Altoona on Feb. 14-15 and want to start or continue their PQA Plus certification are encouraged to consider this opportunity just prior to that meeting.
Those who qualify and are interested in the program should download the application form from the IPIC website, then complete and submit it soon. The form is available as both a fillable pdf document and a word document. Applicants may use either version.
To be eligible to submit an application or recertify as a current advisor, people must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a veterinarian, extension specialist or ag educator (defined for this program as a person who spends full time in adult education or at least half time in production training) AND
- Have a D.V.M. or B.S. in animal science (or equivalent) AND
- Have two years of recent documentable swine production experience.
The Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine has approved seven hours of CE credit for the session.
Average Retail Prices for All Fertilizers Higher at Start of 2018
Average retail fertilizer prices picked up where they left off at the end of 2017, continuing to move higher the first week of January 2018, according to retailers surveyed by DTN.
For the first time in several weeks, all eight of the major fertilizers are now higher. However, the price of only one fertilizer was up by a significant amount.
Anhydrous is 12% more expensive compared to last month and has an average price of $474 per ton.
Prices for the remaining seven fertilizers were higher compared to the prior month, but none were up significantly. DAP had an average price of $452/ton, MAP $490/ton, potash $345/ton, urea $350/ton, 10-34-0 $409/ton, UAN28 $219/ton and UAN32 $256/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.38/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.39/lb.N and UAN32 $0.40/lb.N.
All but one fertilizer is now higher compared to last year with prices pushing higher in recent weeks. Both UAN28 and UAN32 are now 1% more expensive, anhydrous is 2% higher, urea is 3% more expensive, DAP is 5% higher, potash is 7% more expensive and MAP is now 11% higher.
The only remaining fertilizer still lower in prices compared to a year prior is 10-34-0. Starter fertilizer is 6% lower looking back a year.
GRSB Announces 2018 Executive Committee
The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) is proud to announce the election of Ms. Nicole Johnson-Hoffman, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for OSI Group, as President of the GRSB. Additionally, Dr. Leon Mol, Director of Product Safety & Social Compliance for Ahold Delhaize has been elected Vice President, and Cameron Bruett, Head of Corporate Affairs for JBS, has been re-elected Executive Committee Member At-Large.
Ms. Johnson-Hoffman, formerly GRSB Vice President, replaces Mr. Dennis Laycraft of Canadian Cattlemen's Association, who exits after serving a full, 2-year term, and who will now formally serve as Past President.
Dr. Leon Mol is new to the GRSB Executive Committee after serving on the Board of Directors, and Mr. Cameron Bruett is also a Past President of GRSB. These three new GRSB leaders join Mr. Carlos Saviani of World Wildlife Fund, who is the Secretary – Treasurer, and Executive Committee Member At-Large, Dr. Ignacio Blanco-Traba of McDonald’s Global, to make up the 2018 GRSB Executive Committee.
"The GRSB focuses on continuous improvement, regardless of region, production system, scope of operation, or past performance. I'm pleased to be leading a growing membership-based organization that believes there are many paths to sustainability. GRSB brings together people from across the world, who represent all segments of the beef value chain, including individual producers, who ultimately agree there’s massive value in sharing knowledge, and who want to partner to drive exciting new levels of performance in areas impacting GRSB’s Principles and Criteria of Sustainable Beef" says Ms. Johnson-Hoffman.
"Continuous improvement in beef sustainability takes different forms and GRSB celebrates all the proactive work that’s being done across the globe. In some parts of the world sustainability is being driven by innovative producer education programs focused on soil management and quality cattle care. In other places, people are creating production system efficiencies that enable a reduction in the amount of water used in beef processing plants by tons each day. And in other locations, passionate people are coming together to form new regional roundtables focused on beef sustainability to aggressively address region-specific challenges.” Johnson-Hoffman adds.
“Sustainability doesn’t come from focusing on just one thing. Sustainability is not a buzzword. It’s not an initiative. It’s not a program. Sustainability is holistic. Sustainability is progressive. And the need for our work in sustainable beef only grows. GRSB is working to connect dots and drive best-in-class learning and thinking that prioritizes our planet, people and animals and we expect to see further growth in our organization in the coming months. We welcome those who are committed to sustainable beef to join us in this important work." encourages the new GRSB President.
Dr. Leon Mol brings a global retailer point of view to the GRSB executive team and agrees the momentum that’s been built within GRSB since 2010 is exciting and the collaborative approach that’s been taken is powerful.
"Sustainability is about continuous improvement, not perfection. The pre-competitive environment GRSB fosters and the way in which we're collaborating with regional roundtables and other key stakeholders is opening up new channels of transparency and monitoring progress. Consumers are asking for it and GRSB can act as a bridge and work to deliver what the market is waiting for."
Dr. Mol adds, "GRSB is collaborating in South America, Europe, Brazil, China, U.S., Canada, and more. Our work starts with a platform where knowledge is aggregated and shared and can move into joint initiatives for research projects and studies, which would not happen in a fragmented setting.
Ahold Delhaize takes responsibility for sustainability and I’m excited to work in this new leadership capacity with GRSB."
Mr. Bruett, who was an integral voice in the early formation of GRSB says he’s witnessed tremendous progress in global beef sustainability efforts and asserts that “Where we have weaknesses or opportunities for improvement, we should acknowledge them and focus on improving and documenting progress. GRSB recognizes there are many different approaches to sustainability and will continue to avoid prescriptive ways of doing business, and that is critical to our success.”
The new GRSB Executive Committee shares optimism and excitement about the future impacts GRSB will make and encourages you to visit grsbeef.org for more information.
Alltech opens applications for first North American Career Development Program
For recent university graduates and soon-to-be graduates who are eager to begin a career that makes a positive difference in the world of agriculture, Alltech’s new program could be a perfect fit.
Following the success of the company’s Corporate Career Development Program and specialized programs in quality, European beef, dairy and now ruminants, Alltech is introducing a region-specific model to North America focusing on beef, dairy and poultry. Applications are now open.
The Alltech North American Career Development Program (CDP) is a one-year, salaried, entry-level program, providing up to 12 recent university graduates the opportunity to train alongside experienced professionals in Alltech’s dairy, beef and poultry businesses. After an induction period at Alltech’s international headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky, trainees will be assigned to specific locations in the United States or Canada to prepare for sales positions. They will receive mentorship from senior managers who are experts in their respective fields. The CDP aims to equip and empower trainees with critical skills designed for a successful career at Alltech.
Dr. Aoife Lyons, director of educational initiatives and engagement at Alltech, is a licensed clinical psychologist who has conducted psychometric testing worldwide for hiring and training at Alltech for over 10 years. She works closely with the CDP programs and has seen firsthand how graduates have dived into the conversation about how we nourish the world’s plants, animals and people.
“These young people are chosen not just for their educational backgrounds and intelligence, but perhaps more importantly for their curiosity, enthusiasm and sense of adventure,” she said.
Like the existing corporate and specialized programs, the North American program will offer members the opportunity to train in a variety of functions to learn new business skills and sharpen soft skills that can be readily applied to support Alltech’s beef, dairy and poultry businesses.
“We look forward to welcoming a new group of talented, aspiring professionals who are passionate about agriculture and making a positive difference in the world,” said Suniti Mujumdar, manager of educational engagement at Alltech. “It is a privilege to be part of coaching the next generation of agribusiness leaders.”
The North American CDP is a unique first step on the path to an exciting and rewarding career at Alltech. Applications will remain open through Feb. 9, 2018.
Click here to apply, and visit the Alltech Education website to learn more about the program.... http://education.alltech.com/alltech-north-american-career-development-program.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Tuesday January 9 Ag News
Fischer Joins Senate Agriculture Committee
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced she is joining the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
“I’m excited to announce that I am now a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. For over 40 years, I’ve worked with agriculture and rural development organizations across the state of Nebraska. Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska’s economy and it’s a big part of my own life. As a state senator in the Nebraska Legislature and as a U.S. Senator, common-sense agriculture policy has been a top priority for me, and I am honored that I now have an opportunity to be more involved at the federal level.
“This coming year is going to be critical as the 2014 farm bill expires and the committee works to write the next farm bill. Throughout this process, I’m going to continue traveling Nebraska, as I’ve done for the past five years, and listen to thoughts, suggestions, and concerns from our state’s many ag producers. At this important juncture, my priorities will be supporting an affordable and viable farm safety net, safeguarding crop insurance, and expanding trade opportunities for Nebraska producers and their families.
“In this new role, I look forward to working together with Nebraskans, Chairman Pat Roberts, and my colleagues on the Ag committee to advance the smart policies farmers and ranchers need to do their job of feeding our hungry world,” said Senator Fischer.
“I’m pleased Senator Fischer will be joining the Agriculture Committee. We have worked together on a number of successful legislative efforts on behalf of rural America. Given her firsthand experience in the agriculture industry, Senator Fischer will be a welcome addition to the Committee, just in time to represent Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers in Farm Bill negotiations. I have no doubt she will do a fine job,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas).
Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding Sen. Deb Fischer Appointment to Senate Agriculture Committee
“The appointment of Sen. Fischer to the Senate Agriculture Committee is tremendous news not just for Nebraska farmers and ranchers, but for farmers and ranchers across our country. As a rancher, and as an individual who has represented the interests of agriculture at all different levels of public service, we could not be more pleased to have her providing leadership and direction to the Senate Agriculture Committee as they begin the task of developing the 2018 Farm Bill. We thank her for her continued commitment and her ongoing efforts to improve the environment in which Nebraska’s farm and ranch families work to operate and grow their family businesses.”
Ricketts and Wellman Congratulate Fischer on Appointment to Senate Ag Committee
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman congratulated U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska on being appointed to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
“Congratulations to U.S. Senator Deb Fischer on being selected to serve on the Senate Ag Committee,” said Governor Ricketts. “This is a critical time in agriculture as the Farm Bill debate begins. Senator Fischer will play an important role in helping ensure the interests of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are heard in Washington.”
“I’m pleased to hear Senator Fischer joined the Senate Agriculture Committee,” said NDA Director Wellman. “The committee’s role in agriculture and nutrition is extremely important to Nebraska. The Senator’s presence will provide an important voice for our state.”
Senator Fischer also serves on the following Senate Committees: Armed Services Committee; Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Committee on Environment and Public Works; Committee on Rules and Administration; and the Special Committee on Aging.
Schiller Competes at National Western Roundup in Public Speaking
Payton Schiller qualified to be one of 983 participants from 32 states of U.S. and 1 providence of Canada to compete at the 98th Annual Western National Roundup. This opportunity was held in Denver, Colorado from January 4-7, 2018. Being a participant, she attended leadership workshops, motivational speaker banquet and the National Western Stock Show. Payton competed in the Horse Public Speaking contest in the National 4-H Horse Classic Western Division of the Roundup. She proudly represented Cuming County as stated in her 10 minute memorized speech about Equine Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Payton received a 3rd place overall in her contest.
SAVE HAY BY REDUCING FEEDING WASTE
Larry Howard, NE Extension, Cuming County
A good deal of expense and many long hours go into harvesting and storing hay for winter feeding. So why waste it! Hay feeding waste can be reduced.
Cattle can waste as much as 45 percent of their hay when it is fed without restrictions. There are a couple of steps you can do to minimize costs and maintain an adequate hay supply.
Your first step should be to limit how much hay is available. Research shows that cattle fed hay with free access every four days needed about 25% more hay than cattle fed daily. Daily feeding reduces the amount of hay refused, trampled, fouled, over-consumed, or used for bedding.
A second step is to restrict access to the hay by using hay racks, bale rings, electric fences, feed bunks, or anything else that will keep animals off the hay. It’s especially important to limit the amount of hay accessible to trampling. The use of racks or bale rings with solid barriers at the bottom, prevent livestock from pulling hay loose and then dragging it out to be stepped on.
If you feed hay on the ground, either as loose hay, unrolled round bales, or as ground hay, it is especially important to follow these guidelines. Limit the hay fed to the amount animals will clean up in a single meal. Anything left over will be stepped on, fouled, or used for bedding instead of as feed. And if possible use an electric wire or other barrier to restrict access to only one side of the feed on the ground. Also be sure to distribute that hay enough so all cows have access to it at the same time.
With good management, you can stretch your hay further and reduce the feeding waste.
2018 Nutrient Management Record Keeping Calendars are Now Available
An easy-to-use record keeping calendar for livestock operations that keeps track of manure related records is available to all livestock producers. The calendar was designed to be used by all sizes of livestock operations and includes all records required for operations permitted for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). It has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) and recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a valuable resource for livestock producers.
Records of rainfall, storage depth gauge levels, and storage and equipment inspections are an important aspect of required manure and runoff storage records for a NDEQ permit. It also has a sample of an Annual Report that a CAFO must submit by March 1st of each year. These and other records will help you gain value from manure nutrients and document your stewardship of the environment. The calendar also has several pieces of information throughout that will be helpful to the producer.
The calendar is available for free. You can pick one up at the Cuming County Extension office or receive one by contacting Leslie Johnson (leslie.johnson@unl.edu) or the NDEQ office. Calendars are good through January 2019.
Partners in Progress Cow-calf College Jan 30
The annual Farmers and Ranchers Cow/Calf College “Partners in Progress – Beef Seminar” will be held at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and Great Plains Veterinary Education Center near Clay Center on January 30, 2018 with registration, coffee and donuts starting at 9:00 a.m. The program will run from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. This program is sponsored by Nebraska Extension’s Farmers and Ranchers College and will feature several outstanding speakers discussing issues and management strategies that can affect the profitability of all beef producers. There is no cost for the event and the public is invited. It does include a noon meal, which means that early registration is necessary to reserve materials and a meal.
Link to flyer:
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/fillmore/Programs/2018%20Cow%20Calf%20College%20Agenda.2.pdf
STUDENTS: ENTER NDA’S ANNUAL AG POSTER CONTEST, SHARE THE STORY OF NEBRASKA AG
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is asking students to share the story of Nebraska agriculture by entering NDA’s annual ag poster contest. The contest is in its 15th year and is open to all Nebraska students in grades 1-6. This year’s theme, “Sharing the Story of Nebraska Agriculture,” highlights the importance of our state’s number one industry.
“Farm families work hard to provide us all with delicious, nutritious and affordable food, and this contest is a great opportunity for students to highlight the numerous contributions agriculture makes to our state,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “We look forward to seeing the students’ creativity as they share the story of Nebraska agriculture.”
NDA’s annual ag poster contest is divided into three age categories: first and second grade students; third and fourth grade students; and fifth and sixth grade students. Entries must be postmarked by the March 1, 2018, deadline.
“Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, so it’s important to share the story of Nebraska agriculture and show how diverse and expansive the ag industry is in Nebraska,” Wellman said. “This contest also gives teachers and parents the opportunity to help children better understand the extensive role agriculture plays in their day-to-day lives.”
NDA will announce the winners of the poster contest during National Ag Week, March 18-24, 2018. National Ag Week highlights the diversity of agriculture and celebrates the food, feed and fuel that farmers and ranchers provide every day. NDA will feature winning entries on its website and in promotional materials and publications.
Contest rules and official entry forms are available online at www.nda.nebraska.gov/kids. For more information, contact Christin Kamm at 402-471-6856 or by email at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.
Registration available for ACE’s 10th annual Washington, D.C. fly-in
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) formally announces the organization’s 10th annual Washington, D.C. fly-in will take place March 21-22. Registration for this event and ACE’s 2018 advertising and sponsorship guide for this opportunity and others are available at ethanol.org/events/fly-in.
“The purpose of our fly-ins is to put a human face on the ethanol industry and to communicate our policy priorities to Members of Congress and Executive Branch decision makers,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “The most effective lobbyists aren’t lobbyists at all, but rather farmers, ethanol producers, Main Street business leaders, retailers selling higher ethanol blends, and other grassroots individuals whose daily lives benefit from ethanol.”
This past spring, 75 ethanol advocates met with more than 120 Members of Congress from 35 states. Participants included ethanol company investors and management, corn farmers, scientists, fuel marketers and gas station owners, with representation from Jetz, Cresco Fast Stop, Midway Service, Good & Quick, Sheetz, and Propel Fuels.
“In ACE’s 10 years of hosting D.C. fly-ins, we’ve found that the most successful ones strike a balance between Hill visits with our champions and those with Members of Congress who may be new, opponents of our policy priorities, or live outside the Corn Belt,” said Shannon Gustafson, ACE Senior Director of Operations and Programming. “We encourage participants to share personal stories – Members of Congress and their staff hear from lobbyists and association staff regularly, but a deeply personal perspective of how the ethanol industry has directly benefitted a participant may help them view a topic with fresh eyes.”
During Capitol Hill meetings, ACE and its fly-in attendees have emphasized the need to maintain support for the Renewable Fuel Standard, urged Members of Congress to cosponsor legislation to extend Reid vapor pressure (RVP) relief to E15 (S. 517 and H.R. 1311), and discussed the importance of the biofuels sector to a robust rural economy.
“While we are pleased the statutory 15-billion-gallon volume for conventional biofuel will be maintained in 2018 and EPA rejected pleas to change the point of obligation, more can and should be done to overcome regulatory hurdles which prevent market access to higher ethanol blends,” Jennings said. “We encourage people from all walks of life who support ethanol to register for this important opportunity to tell this industry’s success story.”
Farm Bureau Elects New Grassroots Leaders
Delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention elected members to serve as board and committee leaders for the organization.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal were re-elected to two-year terms.
Bryan Searle, president of Idaho Farm Bureau, and Ron Gibson, president of Utah Farm Bureau, were elected to two-year terms on the AFBF board of directors, representing the Western Region. Hans McPherson, president of Montana Farm Bureau, was elected to a one-year term, representing the Western Region. Rodd Moesel, president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau, was elected to a one-year term, representing the Southern Region.
Twelve other state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to two-year terms to represent their regions on the board: Carl Bednarski, Michigan; Jim Holte, Wisconsin; Blake Hurst, Missouri; and Steve Nelson, Nebraska (Midwest Region); Mark Haney, Kentucky; John Hoblick, Florida; Harry Ott, South Carolina; Jimmy Parnell, Alabama; Wayne Pryor, Virginia; and Randy Veach, Arkansas (Southern Region); and Rick Ebert, Pennsylvania and Ryck Suydam, New Jersey (Northeast Region).Russell Kohler of Utah was elected the new chair of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for a one-year term, which makes him a member of the AFBF board of directors.
Elected to two-year terms on the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee were Cindy Ramsey, Indiana; Jennifer Cross, Maryland; and Lou Nave, Tennessee. Lillian Ostendorf of Montana was re-elected to a two-year term on the committee.
Delegates also approved measures to help assure a prosperous agricultural and rural economy in the coming year and beyond. Resolutions approved by farmer and rancher delegates from across the nation ran the gamut of issues, from trade to regulatory reform, crop insurance, biotechnology and more.
“Today’s actions give us a clear roadmap at a time when farmers are on the verge of their fifth consecutive year of shrinking net farm income,” Duvall said. “Despite these difficulties, we remain optimistic: Official Washington feels more like a partner than it did just a short time ago. We have real opportunities to make progress in policy that we have not had in the past.”
Among other things, delegates approved measures supporting:
- An improved Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program to decrease risk-management disparities across counties
- A flexible cotton support program that considers cotton seed, cotton lint or both to help beleaguered cotton growers
- Strengthened and more flexible risk management and safety-net programs for dairy farmers
- Permission for workers to seek employment from more than one farmer under the H2A program
- Trade and trade agreements that strengthen market opportunities for U.S. agriculture
- Elimination of sunset provisions in trade agreements, to give certainty to businesses into the future
- Modification of NAFTA to improve market access to difficult Canadian dairy markets, in addition to improved food-safety standards for imported products
- An end to use of non-GMO labels on products that do not have GMO alternatives
- A $1 per member increase in dues paid by state affiliates of the American Farm Bureau Federation
- Support for the use of gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR, along with a voluntary and uniform labeling program for such products
AFBF’s 100th Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show will be held in New Orleans, Jan. 11-16, 2019.
USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Amend Egg Products Inspection Regulations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced a critical step forward in making egg products safer for Americans to eat. FSIS is proposing to amend the egg products inspection regulations by requiring official plants that process egg products to develop Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (Sanitation SOPs) and to meet other sanitation requirements consistent with the meat and poultry regulations. FSIS is proposing that official plants will be required to produce egg products in such a way that the finished product is free of detectable pathogens. The regulatory amendment also uses agency’s resources more efficiently and removes unnecessary regulatory obstacles to innovation.
FSIS is proposing to eliminate those current regulatory provisions not consistent with that of the meat and poultry regulations. The proposed rule aims to modernize food safety inspection systems at egg products plants. Under the HACCP system, plants will be able to tailor a food safety system that best fits their particular facility and equipment. Furthermore, by removing prescriptive regulations, egg products plants will have the flexibility and the incentive to innovate new means to achieve enhanced food safety.
“As we continue to modernize inspection systems and processes, we are committed to strengthening consistency across the services that FSIS inspection personnel carry out for the consuming public," said Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg. “This proposed rule will ensure the same level of inspection and oversight of all regulated products as we carry out our public health mission."
In addition, FSIS will be further fortifying the safety of the American consumer by taking over jurisdiction of egg substitutes, which pose the same risk as egg products and will be treated with the same level of scrutiny and care.
The impact cost for the proposed rule is mitigated by the fact that 93% of egg products plants already use a written HACCP plan that addresses at least one production step in their process, while also alleviating the unnecessary costs associated with the current prescriptive regulations.
There will be a 120-day period for comment once the rule is published in the Federal Register.
National Livestock Producers Association Searching for new CEO
As the organization enters its 97th year of serving livestock producers, the National Livestock Producers Association (NLPA), the national association of livestock marketing cooperatives and their captive livestock credit corporations, is looking for its next Chief Executive Officer.
Scott Stuart, longtime executive of the association, was recently tapped as the new CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the organization that administers the Beef Checkoff. The NLPA Board of Directors is pleased for Scott and is confident he will do a great job for beef producers in his new position.
NLPA is seeking that individual who has a strong livestock and association management background and is able to provide strategic leadership for the organization and manage all aspects of organizational affairs. The next CEO must be a gifted communicator, energetic self-starter and motivational and inspirational leader with an exceptional ability to articulate a clear vision for a diverse organization, build consensus, collaborate and drive toward a common vision. NLPA is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado; an extremely attractive location that offers many outdoor activities and has exceptional travel connections.
The national CEO search is being conducted by MJM Global Search, an executive search firm located near Denver, Colorado. Jim Harlan, MJM’s President and CEO, is leading the search and has placed several top executives in various agricultural and livestock organizations both nationally and internationally.
Those interested in more information on this exciting opportunity are invited to contact Jim at 303-660-0766 or jim@mjmglobalsearch.com. More information on NLPA and the Position Announcement is available at www.nlpa.org.
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced she is joining the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
“I’m excited to announce that I am now a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. For over 40 years, I’ve worked with agriculture and rural development organizations across the state of Nebraska. Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska’s economy and it’s a big part of my own life. As a state senator in the Nebraska Legislature and as a U.S. Senator, common-sense agriculture policy has been a top priority for me, and I am honored that I now have an opportunity to be more involved at the federal level.
“This coming year is going to be critical as the 2014 farm bill expires and the committee works to write the next farm bill. Throughout this process, I’m going to continue traveling Nebraska, as I’ve done for the past five years, and listen to thoughts, suggestions, and concerns from our state’s many ag producers. At this important juncture, my priorities will be supporting an affordable and viable farm safety net, safeguarding crop insurance, and expanding trade opportunities for Nebraska producers and their families.
“In this new role, I look forward to working together with Nebraskans, Chairman Pat Roberts, and my colleagues on the Ag committee to advance the smart policies farmers and ranchers need to do their job of feeding our hungry world,” said Senator Fischer.
“I’m pleased Senator Fischer will be joining the Agriculture Committee. We have worked together on a number of successful legislative efforts on behalf of rural America. Given her firsthand experience in the agriculture industry, Senator Fischer will be a welcome addition to the Committee, just in time to represent Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers in Farm Bill negotiations. I have no doubt she will do a fine job,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas).
Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding Sen. Deb Fischer Appointment to Senate Agriculture Committee
“The appointment of Sen. Fischer to the Senate Agriculture Committee is tremendous news not just for Nebraska farmers and ranchers, but for farmers and ranchers across our country. As a rancher, and as an individual who has represented the interests of agriculture at all different levels of public service, we could not be more pleased to have her providing leadership and direction to the Senate Agriculture Committee as they begin the task of developing the 2018 Farm Bill. We thank her for her continued commitment and her ongoing efforts to improve the environment in which Nebraska’s farm and ranch families work to operate and grow their family businesses.”
Ricketts and Wellman Congratulate Fischer on Appointment to Senate Ag Committee
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman congratulated U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska on being appointed to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
“Congratulations to U.S. Senator Deb Fischer on being selected to serve on the Senate Ag Committee,” said Governor Ricketts. “This is a critical time in agriculture as the Farm Bill debate begins. Senator Fischer will play an important role in helping ensure the interests of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are heard in Washington.”
“I’m pleased to hear Senator Fischer joined the Senate Agriculture Committee,” said NDA Director Wellman. “The committee’s role in agriculture and nutrition is extremely important to Nebraska. The Senator’s presence will provide an important voice for our state.”
Senator Fischer also serves on the following Senate Committees: Armed Services Committee; Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Committee on Environment and Public Works; Committee on Rules and Administration; and the Special Committee on Aging.
Schiller Competes at National Western Roundup in Public Speaking
Payton Schiller qualified to be one of 983 participants from 32 states of U.S. and 1 providence of Canada to compete at the 98th Annual Western National Roundup. This opportunity was held in Denver, Colorado from January 4-7, 2018. Being a participant, she attended leadership workshops, motivational speaker banquet and the National Western Stock Show. Payton competed in the Horse Public Speaking contest in the National 4-H Horse Classic Western Division of the Roundup. She proudly represented Cuming County as stated in her 10 minute memorized speech about Equine Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Payton received a 3rd place overall in her contest.
SAVE HAY BY REDUCING FEEDING WASTE
Larry Howard, NE Extension, Cuming County
A good deal of expense and many long hours go into harvesting and storing hay for winter feeding. So why waste it! Hay feeding waste can be reduced.
Cattle can waste as much as 45 percent of their hay when it is fed without restrictions. There are a couple of steps you can do to minimize costs and maintain an adequate hay supply.
Your first step should be to limit how much hay is available. Research shows that cattle fed hay with free access every four days needed about 25% more hay than cattle fed daily. Daily feeding reduces the amount of hay refused, trampled, fouled, over-consumed, or used for bedding.
A second step is to restrict access to the hay by using hay racks, bale rings, electric fences, feed bunks, or anything else that will keep animals off the hay. It’s especially important to limit the amount of hay accessible to trampling. The use of racks or bale rings with solid barriers at the bottom, prevent livestock from pulling hay loose and then dragging it out to be stepped on.
If you feed hay on the ground, either as loose hay, unrolled round bales, or as ground hay, it is especially important to follow these guidelines. Limit the hay fed to the amount animals will clean up in a single meal. Anything left over will be stepped on, fouled, or used for bedding instead of as feed. And if possible use an electric wire or other barrier to restrict access to only one side of the feed on the ground. Also be sure to distribute that hay enough so all cows have access to it at the same time.
With good management, you can stretch your hay further and reduce the feeding waste.
2018 Nutrient Management Record Keeping Calendars are Now Available
An easy-to-use record keeping calendar for livestock operations that keeps track of manure related records is available to all livestock producers. The calendar was designed to be used by all sizes of livestock operations and includes all records required for operations permitted for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). It has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) and recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a valuable resource for livestock producers.
Records of rainfall, storage depth gauge levels, and storage and equipment inspections are an important aspect of required manure and runoff storage records for a NDEQ permit. It also has a sample of an Annual Report that a CAFO must submit by March 1st of each year. These and other records will help you gain value from manure nutrients and document your stewardship of the environment. The calendar also has several pieces of information throughout that will be helpful to the producer.
The calendar is available for free. You can pick one up at the Cuming County Extension office or receive one by contacting Leslie Johnson (leslie.johnson@unl.edu) or the NDEQ office. Calendars are good through January 2019.
Partners in Progress Cow-calf College Jan 30
The annual Farmers and Ranchers Cow/Calf College “Partners in Progress – Beef Seminar” will be held at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and Great Plains Veterinary Education Center near Clay Center on January 30, 2018 with registration, coffee and donuts starting at 9:00 a.m. The program will run from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. This program is sponsored by Nebraska Extension’s Farmers and Ranchers College and will feature several outstanding speakers discussing issues and management strategies that can affect the profitability of all beef producers. There is no cost for the event and the public is invited. It does include a noon meal, which means that early registration is necessary to reserve materials and a meal.
Link to flyer:
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/fillmore/Programs/2018%20Cow%20Calf%20College%20Agenda.2.pdf
STUDENTS: ENTER NDA’S ANNUAL AG POSTER CONTEST, SHARE THE STORY OF NEBRASKA AG
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is asking students to share the story of Nebraska agriculture by entering NDA’s annual ag poster contest. The contest is in its 15th year and is open to all Nebraska students in grades 1-6. This year’s theme, “Sharing the Story of Nebraska Agriculture,” highlights the importance of our state’s number one industry.
“Farm families work hard to provide us all with delicious, nutritious and affordable food, and this contest is a great opportunity for students to highlight the numerous contributions agriculture makes to our state,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “We look forward to seeing the students’ creativity as they share the story of Nebraska agriculture.”
NDA’s annual ag poster contest is divided into three age categories: first and second grade students; third and fourth grade students; and fifth and sixth grade students. Entries must be postmarked by the March 1, 2018, deadline.
“Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, so it’s important to share the story of Nebraska agriculture and show how diverse and expansive the ag industry is in Nebraska,” Wellman said. “This contest also gives teachers and parents the opportunity to help children better understand the extensive role agriculture plays in their day-to-day lives.”
NDA will announce the winners of the poster contest during National Ag Week, March 18-24, 2018. National Ag Week highlights the diversity of agriculture and celebrates the food, feed and fuel that farmers and ranchers provide every day. NDA will feature winning entries on its website and in promotional materials and publications.
Contest rules and official entry forms are available online at www.nda.nebraska.gov/kids. For more information, contact Christin Kamm at 402-471-6856 or by email at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.
Registration available for ACE’s 10th annual Washington, D.C. fly-in
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) formally announces the organization’s 10th annual Washington, D.C. fly-in will take place March 21-22. Registration for this event and ACE’s 2018 advertising and sponsorship guide for this opportunity and others are available at ethanol.org/events/fly-in.
“The purpose of our fly-ins is to put a human face on the ethanol industry and to communicate our policy priorities to Members of Congress and Executive Branch decision makers,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “The most effective lobbyists aren’t lobbyists at all, but rather farmers, ethanol producers, Main Street business leaders, retailers selling higher ethanol blends, and other grassroots individuals whose daily lives benefit from ethanol.”
This past spring, 75 ethanol advocates met with more than 120 Members of Congress from 35 states. Participants included ethanol company investors and management, corn farmers, scientists, fuel marketers and gas station owners, with representation from Jetz, Cresco Fast Stop, Midway Service, Good & Quick, Sheetz, and Propel Fuels.
“In ACE’s 10 years of hosting D.C. fly-ins, we’ve found that the most successful ones strike a balance between Hill visits with our champions and those with Members of Congress who may be new, opponents of our policy priorities, or live outside the Corn Belt,” said Shannon Gustafson, ACE Senior Director of Operations and Programming. “We encourage participants to share personal stories – Members of Congress and their staff hear from lobbyists and association staff regularly, but a deeply personal perspective of how the ethanol industry has directly benefitted a participant may help them view a topic with fresh eyes.”
During Capitol Hill meetings, ACE and its fly-in attendees have emphasized the need to maintain support for the Renewable Fuel Standard, urged Members of Congress to cosponsor legislation to extend Reid vapor pressure (RVP) relief to E15 (S. 517 and H.R. 1311), and discussed the importance of the biofuels sector to a robust rural economy.
“While we are pleased the statutory 15-billion-gallon volume for conventional biofuel will be maintained in 2018 and EPA rejected pleas to change the point of obligation, more can and should be done to overcome regulatory hurdles which prevent market access to higher ethanol blends,” Jennings said. “We encourage people from all walks of life who support ethanol to register for this important opportunity to tell this industry’s success story.”
Farm Bureau Elects New Grassroots Leaders
Delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention elected members to serve as board and committee leaders for the organization.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal were re-elected to two-year terms.
Bryan Searle, president of Idaho Farm Bureau, and Ron Gibson, president of Utah Farm Bureau, were elected to two-year terms on the AFBF board of directors, representing the Western Region. Hans McPherson, president of Montana Farm Bureau, was elected to a one-year term, representing the Western Region. Rodd Moesel, president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau, was elected to a one-year term, representing the Southern Region.
Twelve other state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to two-year terms to represent their regions on the board: Carl Bednarski, Michigan; Jim Holte, Wisconsin; Blake Hurst, Missouri; and Steve Nelson, Nebraska (Midwest Region); Mark Haney, Kentucky; John Hoblick, Florida; Harry Ott, South Carolina; Jimmy Parnell, Alabama; Wayne Pryor, Virginia; and Randy Veach, Arkansas (Southern Region); and Rick Ebert, Pennsylvania and Ryck Suydam, New Jersey (Northeast Region).Russell Kohler of Utah was elected the new chair of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for a one-year term, which makes him a member of the AFBF board of directors.
Elected to two-year terms on the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee were Cindy Ramsey, Indiana; Jennifer Cross, Maryland; and Lou Nave, Tennessee. Lillian Ostendorf of Montana was re-elected to a two-year term on the committee.
Delegates also approved measures to help assure a prosperous agricultural and rural economy in the coming year and beyond. Resolutions approved by farmer and rancher delegates from across the nation ran the gamut of issues, from trade to regulatory reform, crop insurance, biotechnology and more.
“Today’s actions give us a clear roadmap at a time when farmers are on the verge of their fifth consecutive year of shrinking net farm income,” Duvall said. “Despite these difficulties, we remain optimistic: Official Washington feels more like a partner than it did just a short time ago. We have real opportunities to make progress in policy that we have not had in the past.”
Among other things, delegates approved measures supporting:
- An improved Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program to decrease risk-management disparities across counties
- A flexible cotton support program that considers cotton seed, cotton lint or both to help beleaguered cotton growers
- Strengthened and more flexible risk management and safety-net programs for dairy farmers
- Permission for workers to seek employment from more than one farmer under the H2A program
- Trade and trade agreements that strengthen market opportunities for U.S. agriculture
- Elimination of sunset provisions in trade agreements, to give certainty to businesses into the future
- Modification of NAFTA to improve market access to difficult Canadian dairy markets, in addition to improved food-safety standards for imported products
- An end to use of non-GMO labels on products that do not have GMO alternatives
- A $1 per member increase in dues paid by state affiliates of the American Farm Bureau Federation
- Support for the use of gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR, along with a voluntary and uniform labeling program for such products
AFBF’s 100th Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show will be held in New Orleans, Jan. 11-16, 2019.
USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Amend Egg Products Inspection Regulations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced a critical step forward in making egg products safer for Americans to eat. FSIS is proposing to amend the egg products inspection regulations by requiring official plants that process egg products to develop Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (Sanitation SOPs) and to meet other sanitation requirements consistent with the meat and poultry regulations. FSIS is proposing that official plants will be required to produce egg products in such a way that the finished product is free of detectable pathogens. The regulatory amendment also uses agency’s resources more efficiently and removes unnecessary regulatory obstacles to innovation.
FSIS is proposing to eliminate those current regulatory provisions not consistent with that of the meat and poultry regulations. The proposed rule aims to modernize food safety inspection systems at egg products plants. Under the HACCP system, plants will be able to tailor a food safety system that best fits their particular facility and equipment. Furthermore, by removing prescriptive regulations, egg products plants will have the flexibility and the incentive to innovate new means to achieve enhanced food safety.
“As we continue to modernize inspection systems and processes, we are committed to strengthening consistency across the services that FSIS inspection personnel carry out for the consuming public," said Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg. “This proposed rule will ensure the same level of inspection and oversight of all regulated products as we carry out our public health mission."
In addition, FSIS will be further fortifying the safety of the American consumer by taking over jurisdiction of egg substitutes, which pose the same risk as egg products and will be treated with the same level of scrutiny and care.
The impact cost for the proposed rule is mitigated by the fact that 93% of egg products plants already use a written HACCP plan that addresses at least one production step in their process, while also alleviating the unnecessary costs associated with the current prescriptive regulations.
There will be a 120-day period for comment once the rule is published in the Federal Register.
National Livestock Producers Association Searching for new CEO
As the organization enters its 97th year of serving livestock producers, the National Livestock Producers Association (NLPA), the national association of livestock marketing cooperatives and their captive livestock credit corporations, is looking for its next Chief Executive Officer.
Scott Stuart, longtime executive of the association, was recently tapped as the new CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the organization that administers the Beef Checkoff. The NLPA Board of Directors is pleased for Scott and is confident he will do a great job for beef producers in his new position.
NLPA is seeking that individual who has a strong livestock and association management background and is able to provide strategic leadership for the organization and manage all aspects of organizational affairs. The next CEO must be a gifted communicator, energetic self-starter and motivational and inspirational leader with an exceptional ability to articulate a clear vision for a diverse organization, build consensus, collaborate and drive toward a common vision. NLPA is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado; an extremely attractive location that offers many outdoor activities and has exceptional travel connections.
The national CEO search is being conducted by MJM Global Search, an executive search firm located near Denver, Colorado. Jim Harlan, MJM’s President and CEO, is leading the search and has placed several top executives in various agricultural and livestock organizations both nationally and internationally.
Those interested in more information on this exciting opportunity are invited to contact Jim at 303-660-0766 or jim@mjmglobalsearch.com. More information on NLPA and the Position Announcement is available at www.nlpa.org.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Monday January 8 Ag News
New Online BQA Transportation Quality Assurance Certification
Amy Timmerman – NE Extension Educator
A new online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Transportation Certification is available via the National Beef Quality Assurance program. The BQA Transportation Certification was released online in November 2017.
Transporters are an invaluable member of the beef supply chain. Before beef reaches the dinner plate, a beef animal is hauled several times in its life. Cattlemen and transporters both insure the safety of people and cattle, the quality of beef products, and demonstrate their ethical commitment of caring for animals humanely. When cattle trucks hit the road, they become highly visible to the public’s eye and maintaining the highest level of animal welfare is critical throughout the journey.
Transporting cattle at any age in their life is a stressful experience, so cattlemen and professional drivers should ensure the best care for the animals prior to, during, and after the journey. The BQA Transportation Certification teaches industry best management practices and reviews laws and regulations for transporting cattle.
Two course options focus the content for Farmers and Ranchers or Professional Drivers. Seven lessons make up the courses:
· Introduction to BQA Transportation
· Principles of Stockmanship
· Biosecurity
· Fitness for Transport
· Pre-Trip Planning and Loading
· On the Road, Arrival and Unloading
· Risk and Emergency Management
· Final Assessment
The course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, but it can be completed in multiple sittings.
Upon successful completion, a certificate is provided that can be printed or saved as a training record. Certification is valid for three years.
PVC Membership Meeting is Jan 15th
Bradley J. Christensen, President, Platte Valley Cattlemen
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 15th, at Wunderlich's Catering in Columbus. The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meal to follow at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to Columbus Sales Pavilion and Travis Bock for sponsoring the social hour.
January could be one of our most important meetings of the year; our new membership meeting is something that keeps this organization alive and vibrant. No matter what age you are, the Platte Valley Cattlemen are always open to new members who are passionate about the Beef Industry! Mike Drinnin, Vice President of Nebraska Cattlemen and Jessica Herrmann, Director of Legal & Regulatory Affairs, will inform us of NC happenings and the important topics in the Nebraska Unicameral Session. Also, Jim Pillen will update us on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
Looking ahead - our annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2018, at the Ramada Hotel and River's Edge Convention Center. Midwest Dueling Pianos will be the entertainment. Tickets will be available for purchase at the meeting.
As in past years, Platte Valley Cattlemen will be offering one or more $1,000.00 college scholarships to qualified students. Application deadline is January 12th and applications have been mailed to all schools in our area.
Clean Fuels Development Coalition Keynote at Nebraska Ethanol Board Meeting
The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. The meeting will be held in Lincoln at the downtown Hyatt Place Hotel (600 Q St.).
The board welcomes Doug Durante, executive director of Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC), as the keynote speaker at the meeting. Durante will review 2017, and give an outlook on what the ethanol industry might expect from Capitol Hill in the coming year.
Durante’s national ethanol advocacy efforts and his relationship with the Nebraska ethanol industry span more than 35 years. He frequently consults on international biofuel projects including initiatives that focus on the use of biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
CFDC works closely with the Urban Air Initiative (UAI), which has conducted a significant body of research over the past several years showing how toxic compounds known as aromatics, which are added to gasoline to boost octane, are causing a host of respiratory illnesses in urban populations. Durante advocates for a cleaner alternative – ethanol – that is a natural octane enhancer and a clean, low-carbon fuel choice. CFDC and UAI have collaborated with the Nebraska Ethanol Board on fuel testing and analysis as well as public information programs in Nebraska.
Durante, a veteran of biofuel policy and ethanol market development, is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and represents members of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition on Capitol Hill. Previously, he served as an ethanol advisor to members of Congress and as a technical and policy advisor to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Durante will speak at approximately 9 a.m. The meeting agenda highlights include:
Keynote Presentation: Doug Durante
UNL Economic Impact Study Update
Industrial Training: Dr. Hunter Flodman
Marketing Programs
BIP Update
State and Federal Legislation
Ethanol Plant Reports
This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature.
Grain Marketing Workshop Jan 30 in O'Neill
A free grain marketing workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 30 at the Holt County Courthouse Annex from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop will assist grain producers minimize losses during this time of low prices.
Workshops are funded by the Nebraska Corn Board. A complimentary lunch will be served. The workshop is limited to 40 participants.
Nebraska Extension Educators will present strategies for using futures and options to protect farmers from adverse market movements. The workshops feature the Marketing in a New Era simulator and the Grain Marketing Plan smartphone application.
Register by visiting go.unl.edu/marketingworkshops or by calling Amy Timmerman 402-336-2760.
Winter Wheat Works Initiative Workshop – Feb. 1
Positioning your farm to manage manure, control tough weeds, and improve soil health are just some of the advantages to growing winter wheat in Eastern Nebraska. The winter wheat varieties planted in eastern Nebraska today can yield upward of 140 bu/ac under good management and weather. While the potential for top yields is important, it’s not yield alone that makes winter wheat profitable. Growers can add value through increased revenue, reduced costs, improved pest management, and spreading their workload.
Who is this workshop for: This workshop is for current and future winter wheat growers in Dodge, Washington, and surrounding counties.
What is being covered:
- 6:00 to 6:30 – Managing winter wheat in Eastern Nebraska – Nathan Mueller, Extension Agronomist for Dodge and Washington counties
- 6:30 to 7:00 – Disease Management: Stripe Rust and Fusarium Head Blight – Stephen Wegulo, Extension Plant Pathologist (online presentation from Lincoln)
- Break for Supper – Pizza and Pop
- 7:15 to 7:35 – What you need to know when selling and delivering winter wheat – ADM and Scoular
- 7:35 to 8:00 – Local Needs Assessment and Discussion
When: Thursday, February 1 - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd St., Fremont, NE 68025
Preregistration Required for Food: Online at http://croptechcafe.org/registration. To preregister by phone, call Nebraska Extension: 402-727-2775. For more information or assistance, please contact Nathan Mueller at nathan.mueller@unl.edu.
Nebraska Soybean Board Seeks Leaders to Represent Nebraska Soybean Farmers
This year, the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) will be seeking three soybean farmers to serve on the Board of Directors and to represent fellow soybean farmers and the industry.
How does the Election work?
The election is conducted by mail-in ballot in July. Soybean farmers who reside in counties that are up for election in 2018 will receive ballots and candidate information regarding NSB’s election process via direct mail.
What are the 2018 Election Districts and Counties?
District 1: Counties of Antelope, Boyd, Cedar, Holt, Knox, Pierce and Madison.
District 3: Counties of Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington.
District 6: Counties of Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline, Seward and Thayer.
Who Can Be a Candidate for the NSB Seat on the Board?
· Be a resident of Nebraska
· Be a resident of the district in which the election is being held
· Be a soybean farmer in Nebraska for at least the previous five years
· Be 21 years of age or older
· Have submitted a NSB candidacy petition
Candidate Must:
· Obtain a NSB Candidacy Petition by contacting NSB’s Executive Director, Victor Bohuslavsky, at (402) 432-5720
· Complete the petition and collect the signatures of 50 soybean farmers in their district
· Return such petition to the NSB office on or before April 15, 2018
Roles and Responsibilities of Soybean Board Member Representative:
· Attend every NSB Meeting – 8 day per fiscal year commitment
· Attend/participate in other educational events sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff
· Receive no salary but are reimbursed for expenses incurred while carrying out board business
· Serve a three-year term that would begin October 1, 2018
Candidate Must:
As an elected representative from NSB, you will help guide the Nebraska soybean industry in the areas of research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.
If you have any questions regarding the election process, please contact NSB’s Executive Director, Victor Bohuslavsky, at (402) 432-5720. For more information about the Nebraska soybean checkoff, visit www.nebraskasoybeans.org.
Mineral Supplementation Changes When Feeding Distillers Grains
Steve Niemeyer – NE Extension Educator
Most producers are very well aware that distillers grains are a very economical, concentrated source of protein and energy. Distillers grains are also a good source of phosphorus and can often times eliminate the need for supplemental phosphorus in the mineral.
While meeting the phosphorus demands of cattle is important, it is also important to make sure the calcium:phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) is correct. The recommended ratio of Ca:P is typically 1.5:1 to 2:1 with no less than a 1:1 ratio. If this ratio becomes inverted, cattle can experience urinary calculi which most cattle producers refer to as “water belly”. A blockage develops in the urinary tract preventing the animal from voiding urine.
When phosphorus is overfed, the risk of cattle developing this condition increases. Therefore, removing additional phosphorus from the mineral package and/or adding calcium may be necessary when distillers grains are fed as a protein or energy source.
Secondary to animal health is that adding phosphorus in the mineral package increases the cost. If the requirement is being met by the distillers grains then the cost margin is being increased unnecessarily.
A late gestation 1200 lb cow requires .26% Ca and .16% P on a dry matter basis in her diet. If this cow is receiving about 26 lb of low quality hay and 1 lb of dried distillers grains supplement on an as fed basis, not only would her protein and energy needs be met but Ca and P would be supplied at .26% and .2% of the diet respectively. This would supply a 1.3:1 ratio of Ca:P so supplemental phosphorus would not be needed in the mineral.
A 600 lb growing steer gaining 1.5-2 lb/d would require .4% Ca and .2% P on a dry matter basis. If the steer was eating 9 lb of poor quality hay, 20 lb of corn silage, and 2.5 lb of dried distillers on an as fed basis, then the calf would have .29% Ca and .36% P in the diet on a dry matter basis. This ratio is not quite 1:1 and so a producer might want to purchase a mineral with no added phosphorus but that did have added calcium.
Distillers grains are also high in sulfur. Sulfur can inhibit copper absorption when fed in high concentrations. Therefore producers feeding distillers as an energy source (for example greater than 30% of the dry matter) should consider feeding a mineral with increased copper to enhance copper availability.
Many mineral companies have mineral packages designed to be fed with distillers grains based diets which have added calcium, low or no added phosphorus, and increased copper availability.
Providing the right type of mineral with diets containing distillers can alleviate potential health problems and often times be more cost effective as well. University of Nebraska extension personnel are happy to help producers evaluate rations.
JANUARY 15 DEADLINE FOR FARMERS TO SIGN UP FOR CROP INSURANCE PREMIUM REDUCTION FOR USING COVER CROPS
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today reminded farmers of the January 15 deadline to sign up for an innovative new program providing a $5 per acre premium reduction on their crop insurance in 2018 for farmers who planted cover crops this past fall.
Farmers and landowners can sign up online to certify eligible land for the program at www.cleanwateriowa.org/covercropdemo. Cover crop acres currently enrolled in state and/or federal programs are not eligible for this program.
“We have been encouraged by the interest in this new program and are encouraging eligible farmers to learn more and consider signing up. This incentive can be a great asset to farmers that are scaling up the number of acres they are using cover crops on beyond what might fit with other state and federal programs,” Naig said.
The Department worked with the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), who oversees the federal crop insurance program, to establish the 3 year demonstration project aimed at expanding the usage of cover crops in Iowa.
The new premium reduction will be available for fall-planted cover crops with a spring-planted cash crop. Some policies may be excluded, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements. Participating farmers must follow all existing good farming practices required by their policy and work with their insurance agent to maintain eligibility.
Crop insurance is an integral part of the farm safety net that helps farmers manage the risks associated with growing a crop and provides protection for farmers impacted by severe weather and challenging growing seasons. Cover crops can help prevent erosion and improve water quality and soil health, among other benefits.
U.S. Pig Farmers Receive Outstanding 25:1 Return on Pork Checkoff Investments
U.S. pork producers receive a positive return on their Checkoff investment, according to a 2017 study conducted and released by Harry Kaiser, the Gellert Family Professor in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.
Additionally, 91 percent of pig farmers who took part in the annual producer survey in November acknowledge their overwhelming support of the Pork Checkoff, with a record-low opposition of just 3 percent.
Return on Investment Study Highlights
An economic analysis of Pork Checkoff programs is commissioned every five years by the National Pork Board. The study quantifies the returns generated by Pork Checkoff investments in research, pork promotion and producer education programs. The latest results, published in 2017, cover 2011 to 2016 programs.
“It’s important to producers – those who directly fund the Pork Checkoff – to understand and quantify the value of their investments,” said Terry O’Neel, National Pork Board president and a pig farmer from Friend, Nebraska. “The results indicate a positive impact of all aspects of the Pork Checkoff, from conducting production-focused research to growing consumer and export demand for pork.”
Specifically, the study documented a growing return on investment through defined benefit-cost ratios across several key program areas from 2011 to 2016:
- Production Research: Each dollar invested in production research to benefit on-farm practices yielded $83.30 in producer value.
- Foreign Market Development: Each dollar invested in developing foreign markets yielded $24.70 in producer benefits.
- Advertising and Non-advertising Promotion: Other pork promotion resulted in benefits of $14.20 for advertising and $12.40 for non-advertising promotion.
- Research to Grow Demand: Research on market drivers returned $8.30 for each $1 invested.
- Net Result: Collectively, the overall return of Checkoff program activities is $25.50 for each dollar invested.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires a return on investment analysis every five years. The 2001 to 2006 study showed an overall return of $13.80 to $1 invested, and the most previous study, released in 2012 for the time period of 2006 to 2011, found a return of $17.40 to $1 invested.
“This analysis provides a comprehensive review of program development, and more importantly, efficiency of our Checkoff program administration,” O’Neel said. “The net return of 25 to 1 on Checkoff investments demonstrates that we are meeting producer needs in the areas that drive sustainable production and grow consumer demand.”
Annual Producer Survey Results
The Pork Checkoff also reports findings from a study that gauges producer support of the Pork Checkoff. Since 2002, the National Pork Board surveys producers annually to gain insight about the condition of the industry, general attitudes on pig farming and their support of the Checkoff. The most recent survey of 550 pork producers, conducted Nov. 6-16, 2017, showed that for the eighth consecutive year, pig farmer support for the Checkoff has improved.
Support for the Checkoff remained at 91 percent, while opposition declined to a record low of 3 percent, which is down from 4 percent in 2016.
Other Highlights:
- Right direction/wrong track: Producers grew in their industry optimism despite market supply pressure and other issues they face. In 2017, 78 percent of producers said that the industry was heading “in the right direction,” up from 76 percent in 2016. Only 12 percent said that the industry was “on the wrong track,” an improvement from a 2016 score of 19 percent.
- Support for the Pork Checkoff and general optimism of the industry was strongest among larger producers, or those that marketed more than 80,000 pigs in 2017. Support from this group was 95 percent.
- The No. 1 challenge facing producers was “managing hog health and disease,” which was a change from 2016’s No. 1 concern of “too many rules/regulations.”
Regarding awareness and support of the strategic plan, the primary Pork Checkoff goals resonated with the random sample of producers surveyed. On a 10-point scale:
- Build Consumer Trust rated a mean score of 8.95, up from 8.91 in 2016.
- Grow Export Demand rated a mean score of 8.69. This was a new category this year since “Grow Consumer Demand” was broken into two elements – export and domestic demand.
- Grow Domestic Demand rated a mean score of 8.64, down from 8.70 in 2016.
- Drive Sustainable Production rated a mean score of 8.28, up from 8.18 in 2016.
“These are the most positive results we have seen since we began the producer survey 15 years ago,” O’Neel said. “The findings underscore the value that the Pork Checkoff team delivers day-in, day-out to the pig farmers who fund the Checkoff. The results demonstrate that the board’s strategic goals are aligned with producers’ interest.”
November Pork Exports Set New Value Record; Beef Exports Also Strong
U.S. pork exports recorded the highest-ever monthly value in November while U.S. beef export value took another step toward a likely full-year value record, according to export results released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
November pork exports totaled 223,962 metric tons (mt), down slightly from a year ago. But through the first 11 months of 2017, export volume remained on pace for a new record at 2.23 million mt – up 7 percent year-over-year. November export value was a record-high $615.6 million, up 5 percent year-over-year and just the fourth time monthly export value has topped $600 million. Through November, pork export value increased 10 percent to $5.9 billion.
Exports accounted for 27.7 percent of total pork production in November (down slightly from November 2016) and 24.1 percent for muscle cuts only (up about one percentage point). For January through November, these ratios increased about one percentage point from a year ago to 26.5 percent of total production and 22.2 percent for muscle cuts. November pork export value averaged $58.38 per head slaughtered, up 6 percent from a year ago and the highest in six months. Through the first 11 months of the year, per-head export value averaged $53.18, up 7 percent.
Beef exports reached 111,915 mt in November, down 3 percent from the large volume of November 2016 but still the second-highest monthly total of the year. Export value was also the second-largest of 2017 at $666.4 million, up 8 percent year-over-year. January-November export volume totaled 1.15 million mt, up 7 percent, while export value climbed to $6.6 billion – up 15 percent from a year ago and slightly above the record pace established in 2014.
Beef exports accounted for 13.1 percent of total production in November, the highest since July but down from 14.9 percent in November 2016. For muscle cuts only, the percentage exported was 10.9 percent – down from 11.7 percent a year ago. For January through November, beef exports accounted for 12.8 percent of total production (down from 13.5 percent in 2016) and 10.3 percent for muscle cuts (steady with 2016).
November beef export value averaged $306.63 per head of fed slaughter, up 4 percent from a year ago and the highest in nearly three years. January-November export value averaged $282.34 per head, up 9 percent.
Pork variety meat exports top $1 billion, breaking previous full-year record
Although pork variety meat exports slowed in November, the 11-month total of 498,661 mt was still 6 percent higher year-over-year. Export value climbed 19 percent to $1.06 billion, setting a full-year record and exceeding $1 billion for the first time.
“For all livestock producers, variety meat exports make a very important contribution to carcass value,” explained USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “USMEF has made it a priority to help our international customers develop more uses for pork variety meat and to broaden the global market for these products. At a time of record-large pork production, it is especially gratifying to see variety meat export value jump nearly 20 percent, which boosts the bottom line for everyone in the supply chain.”
Other January-November highlights for U.S. pork exports include:
- In South Korea, where most U.S. pork now enters the market duty-free under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), strong November growth pushed January-November volume up 28 percent year-over-year to 153,569 mt, valued at $420 million – up 30 percent.
- Pork exports to Mexico moderated slightly in November but remain poised for a sixth consecutive volume record in 2017. Through November, volume was up 12 percent from a year ago to 726,717 mt, while export value increased 15 percent to $1.37 billion. Mexico is a critically important destination for U.S. hams, especially with the current high level of U.S. hog production.
- In Australia, which is also a leading market for U.S. hams, November exports climbed 29 percent from a year ago in volume (6,393 mt) and 23 percent in value to $18.4 million. Through November, exports totaled 62,675 mt (up 9 percent) valued at $183.8 million (up 14 percent).
- Exports to leading value market Japan posted a strong November performance, increasing 4 percent in volume (38,979 mt) and 7 percent in value ($164.5 million) from a year ago. This pushed Japan’s 11-month totals up 1 percent (to 361,401 mt) and 4 percent (to $1.49 billion), respectively. Chilled pork export volume to Japan was steady at 200,856 mt, while value increased 4 percent to $949 million.
- November pork exports to South America edged higher year-over-year in both volume and value, as the region continued to build on the full-year records already achieved in October. January-November exports to South America were up 64 percent from a year ago in both volume (96,763 mt) and value ($248.9 million). Regional growth has been driven by record-large exports to leading market Colombia, while exports to Chile and Peru have also set full-year records.
- Exports to Central America and the Dominican Republic are also on a record pace in 2017. Led by strong growth in mainstay markets Honduras and Guatemala, January-November exports to Central America were up 5 percent year-over-year in volume (65,056 mt) and 8 percent in value ($158.5 million). Export volume to the Dominican Republic climbed 24 percent to 28,836 mt, while value increased 31 percent to $66.2 million.
- Pork exports to China/Hong Kong trended lower in 2017, reflecting an increase in China’s domestic pork production, though muscle cut shipments regained some momentum beginning in October, ahead of Chinese New Year. Through November, exports to the region dropped 9 percent year-over-year in volume to 454,816 mt, but value dipped just 1 percent to $973.9 million. China/Hong Kong is the leading contributor to the aforementioned pork variety meat value record, as January-November variety meat exports increased 4 percent in volume (293,756) while value soared 17 percent to $667.6 million. Pork variety meat export value to China/Hong Kong equated to $6 for every hog harvested from January through November.
Japan, Hong Kong drive beef export growth; new value records in Korea and Taiwan
Japan continued to be the pacesetter for U.S. beef exports in November, with volume increasing 5 percent year-over-year to 24,819 mt and value up 6 percent to $159.2 million. This pushed Japan’s 11-month totals to 285,336 mt (up 20 percent) valued at $1.75 billion (up 27 percent and a new post-BSE record). Chilled beef exports reached 137,707 mt through November, up 35 percent, valued at a record-high $1.02 billion, up 39 percent.
Approaching Chinese New Year, beef exports to Hong Kong gained momentum in October and climbed again in November, with volume up 20 percent from a year ago to 16,106 mt (the largest since December 2014) and value soaring 43 percent to $119 million. Through November, exports to Hong Kong climbed 13 percent in volume (113,440 mt) and 26 percent in value ($765 million).
November exports to China were 655 mt, the largest since the mid-June market opening, valued at $5.7 million. Through November, exports reached 2,225 mt valued at $22.8 million.
“U.S. beef has only really scratched the surface in China, so exports are still relatively small but the value per pound is among the highest in the world,” Halstrom said. “This makes China an exciting addition to our strong portfolio of Asian markets, where beef exports continue to expand at an impressive rate. 2017 was a tremendous year for U.S. beef in Asia, and the coming year looks very promising as well.”
Other January-November highlights for U.S. beef exports include:
- Driven by strong retail demand and reduced tariffs under KORUS, beef exports to South Korea have already set a new value record. Through November, exports increased 5 percent year-over-year in volume to 167,532 mt, valued at $1.1 billion – up 19 percent from a year ago and edging past the 2016 record of $1.06 billion. Chilled beef exports to Korea accelerated at an even faster rate, jumping 88 percent in volume to a record 41,086 mt – valued at $368.5 million, up 93 percent.
- A new value record was also established in Taiwan, where U.S. beef holds more than 70 percent of the chilled beef market. Through November, exports to Taiwan increased 3 percent from a year ago in volume (40,402 mt) while value climbed 16 percent to $369.9 million – breaking the 2016 record of $362.8 million.
- November beef exports to Mexico dipped 8 percent in volume from a year ago to 20,161 mt, but value increased 2 percent to $80.8 million. Through November, exports to Mexico were steady with the first 11 months of 2016 in both volume (216,765 mt) and value ($894.1 million). Mexico is the second-largest volume market for U.S. beef (behind Japan) and ranks third in value (after Japan and Korea).
- Strong year-over-year growth in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam pushed January-November exports to the ASEAN region to 38,039 mt (up 46 percent year-over-year), valued at $193.3 million (up 39 percent).
- Led by Chile, Peru and Colombia, beef exports to South America have already set new annual records. Through November, exports increased 27 percent from a year ago in volume (26,786 mt) and 23 percent in value ($106 million). Since shipments began in April, exports to Brazil have shown solid potential, reaching 1,998 mt valued at $7 million.
November lamb exports struggle, but value still higher year-over-year
U.S. lamb exports were 520 mt in November, down 36 percent from a year ago and the lowest since April, while export value fell 11.5 percent to $1.75 million. For muscle cuts only, November volume was down 12 percent to 284 mt but value increased 2 percent to $1.51 million.
Through November, lamb exports dropped 16 percent from a year ago in volume (6,659 mt) but increased 6 percent in value to $17.8 million. Muscle cuts exports moved higher year-over-year in both volume (2,197 mt, up 10 percent) and value ($12.89 million, up 18 percent). Despite an unusually severe hurricane season, muscle cut exports to the Caribbean increased 12 percent in volume (596 mt) and 37 percent in value ($4.84 million).
2018 Commodity Classic Boasts Impressive Schedule of Educational Sessions
Education is a hallmark of Commodity Classic and this year’s schedule is one of the most robust in recent memory.
The 2018 Commodity Classic will be held Feb. 27-March 1 in Anaheim, Calif. Attendees can register for all three days or register for one day only.
Gerry Hayden, a Kentucky farmer and co-chair of the 2018 Commodity Classic, said that every educational session was selected by farmers, for farmers. “We're continuing to look for new ways to be more efficient, to learn more about our crops, how to sell our crops, how to market our crops,” he said. “Commodity Classic is a means of putting this all together under one roof. It's farmer-led, farmer-focused, so we know what the average person that comes needs to understand and what's on their mind”
The educational line-up for 2018 features a wide range of presentations and topics including:
Early Riser sessions begin at 7 a.m. each morning. This year’s sessions include a live taping of U.S. Farm Report, a forecast for 2018 commodity prices, and a panel featuring some of the nation’s top-yielding farmers.
Learning Centers are in-depth discussion of current issues and topics that have a direct impact on famers. Topics of this year’s Learning Centers include soil health, cover crops, pollinators, marketing, farm policy, trade, and various session on improving yields.
What’s New sessions are concurrent 40-minute presentations showcasing innovations and services from leading agribusinesses.
Mini What’s New sessions are like “speed dating,” allowing a number of companies to give back-to-back 5-minute presentations on key innovations and products. Attendees can discover more by visiting the companies’ booths on the trade show floor.
The Commodity Classic Main Stage is located right on the trade show floor and is presented by Commodity Classic and Successful Farming®. This year’s programming includes information from Ag PhD’s Hefty brothers on fertility and weed control; Learning Center sessions on pesticide resistance and increased yields; a keynote address on the impact of women in agriculture; a cooking demonstration; a panel discussion featuring agribusiness executives; and a number of presentations from Successful Farming® editors ranging from marketing to machinery maintenance to efficient farm shop design.
Since many sessions are concurrent, registration also allows attendees to access videos of key educational sessions they may have missed on the days for which they were registered. Videos are available within a few weeks following Commodity Classic.
“I hope that the show helps you raise questions about the way you do things”, said Paul Taylor, an Illinois farmer and co-chair of the 2018 Commodity Classic. “Are we doing this the best way to survive, to be profitable, to be conscientious to our neighbors, to our environment, and are we going to be profitable and sustainable in the long term? That's what we want the agricultural producers to be. We want them to survive, we want them to be profitable, and we want them to be well versed in not only the topic but the technology of the day.”
In addition to an impressive schedule of educational sessions, the 2018 Commodity Classic includes inspiring speakers, a huge trade show, entertainment and the opportunity to network with thousands of famers from across the nation. Review the complete schedule and register online at www.commodityclassic.com. Hotel reservations should also be made through that website.
Oklahoma Beef Staffer Sentenced for Embezzling Money
A former accountant for the Oklahoma Beef Council was sentenced Thursday to 57 months in federal prison for using the nonprofit as her "personal cash cow." Melissa Day Morton, 46, of Edmond, embezzled $2.68 million by forging organization checks between 2009 and 2016, according to Oklahoma City federal prosecutors. She also was ordered Thursday to complete restitution.
Morton claimed the stolen funds were used to finance a children's clothing boutique in Edmond, as well as help out family members.
During the sentencing, representatives from the Oklahoma Beef Council told the judge how Morton was a longtime trusted employee that they never thought could do such a thing.
Tom Fanning, who was the council's chairman at the time of the offenses, told the judge Morton "stole from 50,000 farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma."
The current chairman, Angie Meyer, told the judge she thought Morton was fueled by "greed, a desire to live beyond her means."
Amy Timmerman – NE Extension Educator
A new online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Transportation Certification is available via the National Beef Quality Assurance program. The BQA Transportation Certification was released online in November 2017.
Transporters are an invaluable member of the beef supply chain. Before beef reaches the dinner plate, a beef animal is hauled several times in its life. Cattlemen and transporters both insure the safety of people and cattle, the quality of beef products, and demonstrate their ethical commitment of caring for animals humanely. When cattle trucks hit the road, they become highly visible to the public’s eye and maintaining the highest level of animal welfare is critical throughout the journey.
Transporting cattle at any age in their life is a stressful experience, so cattlemen and professional drivers should ensure the best care for the animals prior to, during, and after the journey. The BQA Transportation Certification teaches industry best management practices and reviews laws and regulations for transporting cattle.
Two course options focus the content for Farmers and Ranchers or Professional Drivers. Seven lessons make up the courses:
· Introduction to BQA Transportation
· Principles of Stockmanship
· Biosecurity
· Fitness for Transport
· Pre-Trip Planning and Loading
· On the Road, Arrival and Unloading
· Risk and Emergency Management
· Final Assessment
The course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, but it can be completed in multiple sittings.
Upon successful completion, a certificate is provided that can be printed or saved as a training record. Certification is valid for three years.
PVC Membership Meeting is Jan 15th
Bradley J. Christensen, President, Platte Valley Cattlemen
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 15th, at Wunderlich's Catering in Columbus. The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meal to follow at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to Columbus Sales Pavilion and Travis Bock for sponsoring the social hour.
January could be one of our most important meetings of the year; our new membership meeting is something that keeps this organization alive and vibrant. No matter what age you are, the Platte Valley Cattlemen are always open to new members who are passionate about the Beef Industry! Mike Drinnin, Vice President of Nebraska Cattlemen and Jessica Herrmann, Director of Legal & Regulatory Affairs, will inform us of NC happenings and the important topics in the Nebraska Unicameral Session. Also, Jim Pillen will update us on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
Looking ahead - our annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2018, at the Ramada Hotel and River's Edge Convention Center. Midwest Dueling Pianos will be the entertainment. Tickets will be available for purchase at the meeting.
As in past years, Platte Valley Cattlemen will be offering one or more $1,000.00 college scholarships to qualified students. Application deadline is January 12th and applications have been mailed to all schools in our area.
Clean Fuels Development Coalition Keynote at Nebraska Ethanol Board Meeting
The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. The meeting will be held in Lincoln at the downtown Hyatt Place Hotel (600 Q St.).
The board welcomes Doug Durante, executive director of Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC), as the keynote speaker at the meeting. Durante will review 2017, and give an outlook on what the ethanol industry might expect from Capitol Hill in the coming year.
Durante’s national ethanol advocacy efforts and his relationship with the Nebraska ethanol industry span more than 35 years. He frequently consults on international biofuel projects including initiatives that focus on the use of biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
CFDC works closely with the Urban Air Initiative (UAI), which has conducted a significant body of research over the past several years showing how toxic compounds known as aromatics, which are added to gasoline to boost octane, are causing a host of respiratory illnesses in urban populations. Durante advocates for a cleaner alternative – ethanol – that is a natural octane enhancer and a clean, low-carbon fuel choice. CFDC and UAI have collaborated with the Nebraska Ethanol Board on fuel testing and analysis as well as public information programs in Nebraska.
Durante, a veteran of biofuel policy and ethanol market development, is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and represents members of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition on Capitol Hill. Previously, he served as an ethanol advisor to members of Congress and as a technical and policy advisor to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Durante will speak at approximately 9 a.m. The meeting agenda highlights include:
Keynote Presentation: Doug Durante
UNL Economic Impact Study Update
Industrial Training: Dr. Hunter Flodman
Marketing Programs
BIP Update
State and Federal Legislation
Ethanol Plant Reports
This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature.
Grain Marketing Workshop Jan 30 in O'Neill
A free grain marketing workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 30 at the Holt County Courthouse Annex from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop will assist grain producers minimize losses during this time of low prices.
Workshops are funded by the Nebraska Corn Board. A complimentary lunch will be served. The workshop is limited to 40 participants.
Nebraska Extension Educators will present strategies for using futures and options to protect farmers from adverse market movements. The workshops feature the Marketing in a New Era simulator and the Grain Marketing Plan smartphone application.
Register by visiting go.unl.edu/marketingworkshops or by calling Amy Timmerman 402-336-2760.
Winter Wheat Works Initiative Workshop – Feb. 1
Positioning your farm to manage manure, control tough weeds, and improve soil health are just some of the advantages to growing winter wheat in Eastern Nebraska. The winter wheat varieties planted in eastern Nebraska today can yield upward of 140 bu/ac under good management and weather. While the potential for top yields is important, it’s not yield alone that makes winter wheat profitable. Growers can add value through increased revenue, reduced costs, improved pest management, and spreading their workload.
Who is this workshop for: This workshop is for current and future winter wheat growers in Dodge, Washington, and surrounding counties.
What is being covered:
- 6:00 to 6:30 – Managing winter wheat in Eastern Nebraska – Nathan Mueller, Extension Agronomist for Dodge and Washington counties
- 6:30 to 7:00 – Disease Management: Stripe Rust and Fusarium Head Blight – Stephen Wegulo, Extension Plant Pathologist (online presentation from Lincoln)
- Break for Supper – Pizza and Pop
- 7:15 to 7:35 – What you need to know when selling and delivering winter wheat – ADM and Scoular
- 7:35 to 8:00 – Local Needs Assessment and Discussion
When: Thursday, February 1 - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd St., Fremont, NE 68025
Preregistration Required for Food: Online at http://croptechcafe.org/registration. To preregister by phone, call Nebraska Extension: 402-727-2775. For more information or assistance, please contact Nathan Mueller at nathan.mueller@unl.edu.
Nebraska Soybean Board Seeks Leaders to Represent Nebraska Soybean Farmers
This year, the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) will be seeking three soybean farmers to serve on the Board of Directors and to represent fellow soybean farmers and the industry.
How does the Election work?
The election is conducted by mail-in ballot in July. Soybean farmers who reside in counties that are up for election in 2018 will receive ballots and candidate information regarding NSB’s election process via direct mail.
What are the 2018 Election Districts and Counties?
District 1: Counties of Antelope, Boyd, Cedar, Holt, Knox, Pierce and Madison.
District 3: Counties of Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington.
District 6: Counties of Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline, Seward and Thayer.
Who Can Be a Candidate for the NSB Seat on the Board?
· Be a resident of Nebraska
· Be a resident of the district in which the election is being held
· Be a soybean farmer in Nebraska for at least the previous five years
· Be 21 years of age or older
· Have submitted a NSB candidacy petition
Candidate Must:
· Obtain a NSB Candidacy Petition by contacting NSB’s Executive Director, Victor Bohuslavsky, at (402) 432-5720
· Complete the petition and collect the signatures of 50 soybean farmers in their district
· Return such petition to the NSB office on or before April 15, 2018
Roles and Responsibilities of Soybean Board Member Representative:
· Attend every NSB Meeting – 8 day per fiscal year commitment
· Attend/participate in other educational events sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff
· Receive no salary but are reimbursed for expenses incurred while carrying out board business
· Serve a three-year term that would begin October 1, 2018
Candidate Must:
As an elected representative from NSB, you will help guide the Nebraska soybean industry in the areas of research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.
If you have any questions regarding the election process, please contact NSB’s Executive Director, Victor Bohuslavsky, at (402) 432-5720. For more information about the Nebraska soybean checkoff, visit www.nebraskasoybeans.org.
Mineral Supplementation Changes When Feeding Distillers Grains
Steve Niemeyer – NE Extension Educator
Most producers are very well aware that distillers grains are a very economical, concentrated source of protein and energy. Distillers grains are also a good source of phosphorus and can often times eliminate the need for supplemental phosphorus in the mineral.
While meeting the phosphorus demands of cattle is important, it is also important to make sure the calcium:phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) is correct. The recommended ratio of Ca:P is typically 1.5:1 to 2:1 with no less than a 1:1 ratio. If this ratio becomes inverted, cattle can experience urinary calculi which most cattle producers refer to as “water belly”. A blockage develops in the urinary tract preventing the animal from voiding urine.
When phosphorus is overfed, the risk of cattle developing this condition increases. Therefore, removing additional phosphorus from the mineral package and/or adding calcium may be necessary when distillers grains are fed as a protein or energy source.
Secondary to animal health is that adding phosphorus in the mineral package increases the cost. If the requirement is being met by the distillers grains then the cost margin is being increased unnecessarily.
A late gestation 1200 lb cow requires .26% Ca and .16% P on a dry matter basis in her diet. If this cow is receiving about 26 lb of low quality hay and 1 lb of dried distillers grains supplement on an as fed basis, not only would her protein and energy needs be met but Ca and P would be supplied at .26% and .2% of the diet respectively. This would supply a 1.3:1 ratio of Ca:P so supplemental phosphorus would not be needed in the mineral.
A 600 lb growing steer gaining 1.5-2 lb/d would require .4% Ca and .2% P on a dry matter basis. If the steer was eating 9 lb of poor quality hay, 20 lb of corn silage, and 2.5 lb of dried distillers on an as fed basis, then the calf would have .29% Ca and .36% P in the diet on a dry matter basis. This ratio is not quite 1:1 and so a producer might want to purchase a mineral with no added phosphorus but that did have added calcium.
Distillers grains are also high in sulfur. Sulfur can inhibit copper absorption when fed in high concentrations. Therefore producers feeding distillers as an energy source (for example greater than 30% of the dry matter) should consider feeding a mineral with increased copper to enhance copper availability.
Many mineral companies have mineral packages designed to be fed with distillers grains based diets which have added calcium, low or no added phosphorus, and increased copper availability.
Providing the right type of mineral with diets containing distillers can alleviate potential health problems and often times be more cost effective as well. University of Nebraska extension personnel are happy to help producers evaluate rations.
JANUARY 15 DEADLINE FOR FARMERS TO SIGN UP FOR CROP INSURANCE PREMIUM REDUCTION FOR USING COVER CROPS
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today reminded farmers of the January 15 deadline to sign up for an innovative new program providing a $5 per acre premium reduction on their crop insurance in 2018 for farmers who planted cover crops this past fall.
Farmers and landowners can sign up online to certify eligible land for the program at www.cleanwateriowa.org/covercropdemo. Cover crop acres currently enrolled in state and/or federal programs are not eligible for this program.
“We have been encouraged by the interest in this new program and are encouraging eligible farmers to learn more and consider signing up. This incentive can be a great asset to farmers that are scaling up the number of acres they are using cover crops on beyond what might fit with other state and federal programs,” Naig said.
The Department worked with the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), who oversees the federal crop insurance program, to establish the 3 year demonstration project aimed at expanding the usage of cover crops in Iowa.
The new premium reduction will be available for fall-planted cover crops with a spring-planted cash crop. Some policies may be excluded, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements. Participating farmers must follow all existing good farming practices required by their policy and work with their insurance agent to maintain eligibility.
Crop insurance is an integral part of the farm safety net that helps farmers manage the risks associated with growing a crop and provides protection for farmers impacted by severe weather and challenging growing seasons. Cover crops can help prevent erosion and improve water quality and soil health, among other benefits.
U.S. Pig Farmers Receive Outstanding 25:1 Return on Pork Checkoff Investments
U.S. pork producers receive a positive return on their Checkoff investment, according to a 2017 study conducted and released by Harry Kaiser, the Gellert Family Professor in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.
Additionally, 91 percent of pig farmers who took part in the annual producer survey in November acknowledge their overwhelming support of the Pork Checkoff, with a record-low opposition of just 3 percent.
Return on Investment Study Highlights
An economic analysis of Pork Checkoff programs is commissioned every five years by the National Pork Board. The study quantifies the returns generated by Pork Checkoff investments in research, pork promotion and producer education programs. The latest results, published in 2017, cover 2011 to 2016 programs.
“It’s important to producers – those who directly fund the Pork Checkoff – to understand and quantify the value of their investments,” said Terry O’Neel, National Pork Board president and a pig farmer from Friend, Nebraska. “The results indicate a positive impact of all aspects of the Pork Checkoff, from conducting production-focused research to growing consumer and export demand for pork.”
Specifically, the study documented a growing return on investment through defined benefit-cost ratios across several key program areas from 2011 to 2016:
- Production Research: Each dollar invested in production research to benefit on-farm practices yielded $83.30 in producer value.
- Foreign Market Development: Each dollar invested in developing foreign markets yielded $24.70 in producer benefits.
- Advertising and Non-advertising Promotion: Other pork promotion resulted in benefits of $14.20 for advertising and $12.40 for non-advertising promotion.
- Research to Grow Demand: Research on market drivers returned $8.30 for each $1 invested.
- Net Result: Collectively, the overall return of Checkoff program activities is $25.50 for each dollar invested.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires a return on investment analysis every five years. The 2001 to 2006 study showed an overall return of $13.80 to $1 invested, and the most previous study, released in 2012 for the time period of 2006 to 2011, found a return of $17.40 to $1 invested.
“This analysis provides a comprehensive review of program development, and more importantly, efficiency of our Checkoff program administration,” O’Neel said. “The net return of 25 to 1 on Checkoff investments demonstrates that we are meeting producer needs in the areas that drive sustainable production and grow consumer demand.”
Annual Producer Survey Results
The Pork Checkoff also reports findings from a study that gauges producer support of the Pork Checkoff. Since 2002, the National Pork Board surveys producers annually to gain insight about the condition of the industry, general attitudes on pig farming and their support of the Checkoff. The most recent survey of 550 pork producers, conducted Nov. 6-16, 2017, showed that for the eighth consecutive year, pig farmer support for the Checkoff has improved.
Support for the Checkoff remained at 91 percent, while opposition declined to a record low of 3 percent, which is down from 4 percent in 2016.
Other Highlights:
- Right direction/wrong track: Producers grew in their industry optimism despite market supply pressure and other issues they face. In 2017, 78 percent of producers said that the industry was heading “in the right direction,” up from 76 percent in 2016. Only 12 percent said that the industry was “on the wrong track,” an improvement from a 2016 score of 19 percent.
- Support for the Pork Checkoff and general optimism of the industry was strongest among larger producers, or those that marketed more than 80,000 pigs in 2017. Support from this group was 95 percent.
- The No. 1 challenge facing producers was “managing hog health and disease,” which was a change from 2016’s No. 1 concern of “too many rules/regulations.”
Regarding awareness and support of the strategic plan, the primary Pork Checkoff goals resonated with the random sample of producers surveyed. On a 10-point scale:
- Build Consumer Trust rated a mean score of 8.95, up from 8.91 in 2016.
- Grow Export Demand rated a mean score of 8.69. This was a new category this year since “Grow Consumer Demand” was broken into two elements – export and domestic demand.
- Grow Domestic Demand rated a mean score of 8.64, down from 8.70 in 2016.
- Drive Sustainable Production rated a mean score of 8.28, up from 8.18 in 2016.
“These are the most positive results we have seen since we began the producer survey 15 years ago,” O’Neel said. “The findings underscore the value that the Pork Checkoff team delivers day-in, day-out to the pig farmers who fund the Checkoff. The results demonstrate that the board’s strategic goals are aligned with producers’ interest.”
November Pork Exports Set New Value Record; Beef Exports Also Strong
U.S. pork exports recorded the highest-ever monthly value in November while U.S. beef export value took another step toward a likely full-year value record, according to export results released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
November pork exports totaled 223,962 metric tons (mt), down slightly from a year ago. But through the first 11 months of 2017, export volume remained on pace for a new record at 2.23 million mt – up 7 percent year-over-year. November export value was a record-high $615.6 million, up 5 percent year-over-year and just the fourth time monthly export value has topped $600 million. Through November, pork export value increased 10 percent to $5.9 billion.
Exports accounted for 27.7 percent of total pork production in November (down slightly from November 2016) and 24.1 percent for muscle cuts only (up about one percentage point). For January through November, these ratios increased about one percentage point from a year ago to 26.5 percent of total production and 22.2 percent for muscle cuts. November pork export value averaged $58.38 per head slaughtered, up 6 percent from a year ago and the highest in six months. Through the first 11 months of the year, per-head export value averaged $53.18, up 7 percent.
Beef exports reached 111,915 mt in November, down 3 percent from the large volume of November 2016 but still the second-highest monthly total of the year. Export value was also the second-largest of 2017 at $666.4 million, up 8 percent year-over-year. January-November export volume totaled 1.15 million mt, up 7 percent, while export value climbed to $6.6 billion – up 15 percent from a year ago and slightly above the record pace established in 2014.
Beef exports accounted for 13.1 percent of total production in November, the highest since July but down from 14.9 percent in November 2016. For muscle cuts only, the percentage exported was 10.9 percent – down from 11.7 percent a year ago. For January through November, beef exports accounted for 12.8 percent of total production (down from 13.5 percent in 2016) and 10.3 percent for muscle cuts (steady with 2016).
November beef export value averaged $306.63 per head of fed slaughter, up 4 percent from a year ago and the highest in nearly three years. January-November export value averaged $282.34 per head, up 9 percent.
Pork variety meat exports top $1 billion, breaking previous full-year record
Although pork variety meat exports slowed in November, the 11-month total of 498,661 mt was still 6 percent higher year-over-year. Export value climbed 19 percent to $1.06 billion, setting a full-year record and exceeding $1 billion for the first time.
“For all livestock producers, variety meat exports make a very important contribution to carcass value,” explained USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “USMEF has made it a priority to help our international customers develop more uses for pork variety meat and to broaden the global market for these products. At a time of record-large pork production, it is especially gratifying to see variety meat export value jump nearly 20 percent, which boosts the bottom line for everyone in the supply chain.”
Other January-November highlights for U.S. pork exports include:
- In South Korea, where most U.S. pork now enters the market duty-free under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), strong November growth pushed January-November volume up 28 percent year-over-year to 153,569 mt, valued at $420 million – up 30 percent.
- Pork exports to Mexico moderated slightly in November but remain poised for a sixth consecutive volume record in 2017. Through November, volume was up 12 percent from a year ago to 726,717 mt, while export value increased 15 percent to $1.37 billion. Mexico is a critically important destination for U.S. hams, especially with the current high level of U.S. hog production.
- In Australia, which is also a leading market for U.S. hams, November exports climbed 29 percent from a year ago in volume (6,393 mt) and 23 percent in value to $18.4 million. Through November, exports totaled 62,675 mt (up 9 percent) valued at $183.8 million (up 14 percent).
- Exports to leading value market Japan posted a strong November performance, increasing 4 percent in volume (38,979 mt) and 7 percent in value ($164.5 million) from a year ago. This pushed Japan’s 11-month totals up 1 percent (to 361,401 mt) and 4 percent (to $1.49 billion), respectively. Chilled pork export volume to Japan was steady at 200,856 mt, while value increased 4 percent to $949 million.
- November pork exports to South America edged higher year-over-year in both volume and value, as the region continued to build on the full-year records already achieved in October. January-November exports to South America were up 64 percent from a year ago in both volume (96,763 mt) and value ($248.9 million). Regional growth has been driven by record-large exports to leading market Colombia, while exports to Chile and Peru have also set full-year records.
- Exports to Central America and the Dominican Republic are also on a record pace in 2017. Led by strong growth in mainstay markets Honduras and Guatemala, January-November exports to Central America were up 5 percent year-over-year in volume (65,056 mt) and 8 percent in value ($158.5 million). Export volume to the Dominican Republic climbed 24 percent to 28,836 mt, while value increased 31 percent to $66.2 million.
- Pork exports to China/Hong Kong trended lower in 2017, reflecting an increase in China’s domestic pork production, though muscle cut shipments regained some momentum beginning in October, ahead of Chinese New Year. Through November, exports to the region dropped 9 percent year-over-year in volume to 454,816 mt, but value dipped just 1 percent to $973.9 million. China/Hong Kong is the leading contributor to the aforementioned pork variety meat value record, as January-November variety meat exports increased 4 percent in volume (293,756) while value soared 17 percent to $667.6 million. Pork variety meat export value to China/Hong Kong equated to $6 for every hog harvested from January through November.
Japan, Hong Kong drive beef export growth; new value records in Korea and Taiwan
Japan continued to be the pacesetter for U.S. beef exports in November, with volume increasing 5 percent year-over-year to 24,819 mt and value up 6 percent to $159.2 million. This pushed Japan’s 11-month totals to 285,336 mt (up 20 percent) valued at $1.75 billion (up 27 percent and a new post-BSE record). Chilled beef exports reached 137,707 mt through November, up 35 percent, valued at a record-high $1.02 billion, up 39 percent.
Approaching Chinese New Year, beef exports to Hong Kong gained momentum in October and climbed again in November, with volume up 20 percent from a year ago to 16,106 mt (the largest since December 2014) and value soaring 43 percent to $119 million. Through November, exports to Hong Kong climbed 13 percent in volume (113,440 mt) and 26 percent in value ($765 million).
November exports to China were 655 mt, the largest since the mid-June market opening, valued at $5.7 million. Through November, exports reached 2,225 mt valued at $22.8 million.
“U.S. beef has only really scratched the surface in China, so exports are still relatively small but the value per pound is among the highest in the world,” Halstrom said. “This makes China an exciting addition to our strong portfolio of Asian markets, where beef exports continue to expand at an impressive rate. 2017 was a tremendous year for U.S. beef in Asia, and the coming year looks very promising as well.”
Other January-November highlights for U.S. beef exports include:
- Driven by strong retail demand and reduced tariffs under KORUS, beef exports to South Korea have already set a new value record. Through November, exports increased 5 percent year-over-year in volume to 167,532 mt, valued at $1.1 billion – up 19 percent from a year ago and edging past the 2016 record of $1.06 billion. Chilled beef exports to Korea accelerated at an even faster rate, jumping 88 percent in volume to a record 41,086 mt – valued at $368.5 million, up 93 percent.
- A new value record was also established in Taiwan, where U.S. beef holds more than 70 percent of the chilled beef market. Through November, exports to Taiwan increased 3 percent from a year ago in volume (40,402 mt) while value climbed 16 percent to $369.9 million – breaking the 2016 record of $362.8 million.
- November beef exports to Mexico dipped 8 percent in volume from a year ago to 20,161 mt, but value increased 2 percent to $80.8 million. Through November, exports to Mexico were steady with the first 11 months of 2016 in both volume (216,765 mt) and value ($894.1 million). Mexico is the second-largest volume market for U.S. beef (behind Japan) and ranks third in value (after Japan and Korea).
- Strong year-over-year growth in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam pushed January-November exports to the ASEAN region to 38,039 mt (up 46 percent year-over-year), valued at $193.3 million (up 39 percent).
- Led by Chile, Peru and Colombia, beef exports to South America have already set new annual records. Through November, exports increased 27 percent from a year ago in volume (26,786 mt) and 23 percent in value ($106 million). Since shipments began in April, exports to Brazil have shown solid potential, reaching 1,998 mt valued at $7 million.
November lamb exports struggle, but value still higher year-over-year
U.S. lamb exports were 520 mt in November, down 36 percent from a year ago and the lowest since April, while export value fell 11.5 percent to $1.75 million. For muscle cuts only, November volume was down 12 percent to 284 mt but value increased 2 percent to $1.51 million.
Through November, lamb exports dropped 16 percent from a year ago in volume (6,659 mt) but increased 6 percent in value to $17.8 million. Muscle cuts exports moved higher year-over-year in both volume (2,197 mt, up 10 percent) and value ($12.89 million, up 18 percent). Despite an unusually severe hurricane season, muscle cut exports to the Caribbean increased 12 percent in volume (596 mt) and 37 percent in value ($4.84 million).
2018 Commodity Classic Boasts Impressive Schedule of Educational Sessions
Education is a hallmark of Commodity Classic and this year’s schedule is one of the most robust in recent memory.
The 2018 Commodity Classic will be held Feb. 27-March 1 in Anaheim, Calif. Attendees can register for all three days or register for one day only.
Gerry Hayden, a Kentucky farmer and co-chair of the 2018 Commodity Classic, said that every educational session was selected by farmers, for farmers. “We're continuing to look for new ways to be more efficient, to learn more about our crops, how to sell our crops, how to market our crops,” he said. “Commodity Classic is a means of putting this all together under one roof. It's farmer-led, farmer-focused, so we know what the average person that comes needs to understand and what's on their mind”
The educational line-up for 2018 features a wide range of presentations and topics including:
Early Riser sessions begin at 7 a.m. each morning. This year’s sessions include a live taping of U.S. Farm Report, a forecast for 2018 commodity prices, and a panel featuring some of the nation’s top-yielding farmers.
Learning Centers are in-depth discussion of current issues and topics that have a direct impact on famers. Topics of this year’s Learning Centers include soil health, cover crops, pollinators, marketing, farm policy, trade, and various session on improving yields.
What’s New sessions are concurrent 40-minute presentations showcasing innovations and services from leading agribusinesses.
Mini What’s New sessions are like “speed dating,” allowing a number of companies to give back-to-back 5-minute presentations on key innovations and products. Attendees can discover more by visiting the companies’ booths on the trade show floor.
The Commodity Classic Main Stage is located right on the trade show floor and is presented by Commodity Classic and Successful Farming®. This year’s programming includes information from Ag PhD’s Hefty brothers on fertility and weed control; Learning Center sessions on pesticide resistance and increased yields; a keynote address on the impact of women in agriculture; a cooking demonstration; a panel discussion featuring agribusiness executives; and a number of presentations from Successful Farming® editors ranging from marketing to machinery maintenance to efficient farm shop design.
Since many sessions are concurrent, registration also allows attendees to access videos of key educational sessions they may have missed on the days for which they were registered. Videos are available within a few weeks following Commodity Classic.
“I hope that the show helps you raise questions about the way you do things”, said Paul Taylor, an Illinois farmer and co-chair of the 2018 Commodity Classic. “Are we doing this the best way to survive, to be profitable, to be conscientious to our neighbors, to our environment, and are we going to be profitable and sustainable in the long term? That's what we want the agricultural producers to be. We want them to survive, we want them to be profitable, and we want them to be well versed in not only the topic but the technology of the day.”
In addition to an impressive schedule of educational sessions, the 2018 Commodity Classic includes inspiring speakers, a huge trade show, entertainment and the opportunity to network with thousands of famers from across the nation. Review the complete schedule and register online at www.commodityclassic.com. Hotel reservations should also be made through that website.
Oklahoma Beef Staffer Sentenced for Embezzling Money
A former accountant for the Oklahoma Beef Council was sentenced Thursday to 57 months in federal prison for using the nonprofit as her "personal cash cow." Melissa Day Morton, 46, of Edmond, embezzled $2.68 million by forging organization checks between 2009 and 2016, according to Oklahoma City federal prosecutors. She also was ordered Thursday to complete restitution.
Morton claimed the stolen funds were used to finance a children's clothing boutique in Edmond, as well as help out family members.
During the sentencing, representatives from the Oklahoma Beef Council told the judge how Morton was a longtime trusted employee that they never thought could do such a thing.
Tom Fanning, who was the council's chairman at the time of the offenses, told the judge Morton "stole from 50,000 farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma."
The current chairman, Angie Meyer, told the judge she thought Morton was fueled by "greed, a desire to live beyond her means."
Friday, January 5, 2018
Friday January 5 Ag News
Nebraska Cattlemen Engaged in 2018 Legislative Session
The second session of the 105th Nebraska Legislature convened Wednesday in Lincoln. On the mostly ceremonial first day, the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court swore in newly appointed Senator Theresa Thibodeau (District 6 - Omaha) as she replaced Senator Joni Craighead who resigned in the fall. Senator Robert Hilkemann (District 4 - Omaha) defeated Senator Steve Halloran (District 33 - Hastings) for the Chair of the Committee on Committees in a 25-24 vote. The Committee on Committees appoints senators to the Unicameral's fourteen standing committees (Senator Craighead was previously chair of the committee).
The Governor will give his "State of the State" address on January 10th. Speaker Scheer also announced bill hearings will begin on January 16th as they plan to get moving quickly through the 60-day session. Bills alive and out of committee from last year can be put on the daily agenda at the Speaker's discretion.
Bill introduction began Wednesday with 126 bills introduced. As a refresher, Senators can introduce bills in the first 10 days of the session-Day 10 is January 18th. NC's Laura Field and Jessie Herrmann review each bill that is introduced and identify those of interest to NC using current policy to guide them. They will sort bills by category to the six committees, and send links and lists of the bills to Board members. The NC Legislative committee will meet Jan. 24 to evaluate the bills and recommend positions to the Board..
NEBRASKA EXTENSION TO HOST CROP PRODUCTION CLINICS IN JANUARY
University of Nebraska-Lincoln crop production and pest management specialists have scheduled a series of crop production clinics across the state in January to provide the latest research-based information and recommendations for 2018.
Topics will include soil fertility; soil water and irrigation; insect, disease and weed management; cropping systems; and agribusiness management and marketing. The complete agendas are available at http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc.
The clinics will be the primary venue for commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators to renew their licenses in the following categories: ag plant and demonstration/research. The crop production clinics also will serve as a venue for private pesticide applicators to renew their licenses. Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will be present to verify attendance.
A maximum of six Certified Crop Advisor credits will be available per day in these areas: crop production (two), nutrient management (one), integrated pest management (six), water management (one) and professional development (two).
Pesticide applicator recertification training will be available in these categories: commercial/noncommercial in ag plant, and demonstration/research; and private applicator. Anyone attending the pesticide applicator license recertification sessions will also meet the requirements for dicamba applicator training. Dicamba is now a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) in Nebraska and additional training is required for its purchase and use.
Online registration is required for the clinics to provide meals and materials. Register at http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. The cost for registration is $80, which includes the 2018 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management in Nebraska, the 2018 crop production clinic proceedings with further information on the topics being discussed, a meal and refreshments.
Check-in each day is from 8 to 8:30 a.m., with sessions from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2018 Crop Production Clinic Locations:
Jan. 10, Gering: Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.
Jan. 11, North Platte: Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers St.
Jan. 15-16, Norfolk: Lifelong Learning Center, NECC 601 E. Benjamin Ave.
Jan. 18, Lincoln: Embassy Suites, 1040 P St.
Nebraska Crop Management Conference
Jan. 24-25, Kearney: Younes Conference Center, 416 W. Talmadge Road
Pesticide applicator recertification will also be available either day of the Nebraska Crop Management Conference for the same cost as attending one of the clinics. In addition, the conference will offer 27 unique sessions over two days featuring up-to-date information for successful croppy system management. The cost of registration for both days is $150. For more information, visit https://agronomy.unl.edu/NCMC.
For more information about the clinics or the conference, contact Chris Proctor, weed management extension educator and clinic coordinator at 402-472-5441 or caproctor@unl.edu.
NEBRASKA EXTENSION OFFERING LAND APPLICATION TRAINING IN FEBRUARY
Eight Nebraska Extension offices across the state will offer workshops in February providing livestock and crop farmers with information on how to turn manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment.
“The workshops will help livestock producers put to use the nutrient management planning requirements of Nebraska’s Department of Environmental Quality regulations and increase the economic value of manure,” said Leslie Johnson, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Animal Manure Management coordinator. Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEQ Land Application Training Certification.
Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified, and farms must complete an approved training every five years. Re-certification will be held during the first two hours of the day-long land application training. Farm personnel responsible for land application of manure are encouraged to attend for either the initial or re-certification portion of the training.
The morning portion of the workshops will consist of a two-hour program including updates on changing regulations and other manure management topics, such as protecting herd health with biosecurity. Any farm staff responsible for implementing the farm’s nutrient plan are encouraged to attend.
Dates, times and locations:
WEST POINT: Feb. 13, 9 a.m., Nielsen Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave.
LEXINGTON: Feb. 15, 9 a.m., Extension office, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway
OGALLALA: Feb. 16, 9 a.m., Extension office, 511 N. Spruce St.
SCOTTSBLUFF: Feb. 21, 9 a.m., Extension center, 4502 Ave. I
AINSWORTH: Feb. 22, 9 a.m., Courthouse meeting room, 148 W 4th St.
WILBER: Feb. 23, 9 a.m., Extension office, 306 W. Third
COLUMBUS: Feb. 26, 9 a.m., Pinnacle Bank, 210 East 23rd St.
NELIGH: Feb. 28, 9 a.m., Courthouse meeting room, 501 M St.
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. A $60 fee per operation (includes one representative) will be charged for the workshops plus a $15 fee for each additional participant to cover local costs including lunch.
The re-certification portion of the workshop is $30 for each participant.
The workshops are sponsored by the Nebraska Extension Animal Manure Management Team, which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better utilize manure resources for agronomic and environmental benefits.
For additional information on the workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit http://manure.unl.edu or contact Johnson at 402-584-3818 or ljohnson13@unl.edu.
CORN STALK QUALITY AFTER WEATHERING
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Late fall was rainy and now, snow comes and goes. Plus, it’s always windy. How does all this weather affect the feed quality of your corn stalks or winter pasture?
Here in the Great Plains, rain is usually a good thing. Even during winter it can aid survival of winter wheat and alfalfa. And snow can provide an insulating layer to protect from the coldest nights.
But rain, as well as melting snow, also reduces the feed value of corn stalks as well as winter pastures. And lately many fields have had some pretty significant moisture on those stalks and pastures.
Moisture reduces corn stalk quality several ways. Most easily noticed is how fast stalks get soiled or trampled into the ground when fields are muddy.
Less noticeable are nutritional changes. Rain soaks into dry corn stalk residue or winter grass and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients. Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of these already low energy forages. These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field or especially so in the bale. And as mold or spoilage occur, palatability and intake also decline.
Wind also is a problem. You’ve seen fencelines filled with corn husks blown off of nearby fields. These husks are the most nutritious part of the corn stalk so the best feed sometimes just blows away.
There is little you can do to prevent these losses. What you can do, though, is begin to supplement a little earlier than usual. Since weathering reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as protein content.
Weathered corn stalks and pasture still are economical feeds. Just supplement them accordingly.
American Ethanol to sponsor the 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon
American Ethanol will be the platinum sponsor of the 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon, which will take place on May 6, 2018. This is the first year the group has contributed to the event with funding coming from the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board and Green Plains Inc. With runners and spectators participating in the event from across the country, the three organizations understood the outreach and educational potential to reach consumers who are seeing increased choices at the pumps.
“The same logic and strategies runners use to condition their bodies to prepare for marathons can also be applied to motorists’ choices at the gas pumps,” said David Merrell, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Runners and motorists are looking for high quality products to help fuel their bodies and engines. Both groups care about things like maximized performance and breathing clean air.”
As part of the partnership between American Ethanol and the 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon, representatives from the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board and Green Plains Inc. will have an opportunity to engage with attendees regarding the different choices available at the pump. With the event drawing a diverse group of runners plus spectators, the ethanol industry is excited about potential discussions.
“The ethanol industry is always looking for ways to reach out to consumers to explain the benefits of using home-grown American Ethanol,” said Todd Sneller, executive director of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. “We’re excited about this event because people usually attend from all over the country. We look forward to cheering on these runners while providing them with information they can take home with them and use the next time they are filling their tanks.”
May is typically designated as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska, and the 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon is one of the signature events that will help kickoff the month-long campaign.
The 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon is capped at 13,500 runners with registration opening Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 3:00 a.m. The race begins on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s downtown campus in Lincoln. The event is organized by the Lincoln Track Club. To register, or for more information, visit lincolnmarathon.org.
Acreage Management Improved through Small Farms Conference
The third annual Iowa Small Farms Conference will be held Feb. 10 in Ames, Iowa. Speakers will highlight topics that include farm finances, hops production, gardening, wildlife habitat, beekeeping and much more.
an acreage with barn and bales of hay“This conference offers a wealth of information on a wide variety of topics,” said Christa Hartsook, small farms program coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “It’s our goal that attendees gain valuable insight on enterprise options and acreage management.”
The conference will begin with a keynote presentation on farm finances from Craig Chase, program manager for the Local Foods Program with ISU Extension and Outreach, and Paul Dietmann, senior lending officer with Compeer Financial.
Three breakout sessions will follow, allowing attendees to select topics that meet their individual needs and interests. Breakout sessions run for one hour and are taught by ISU Extension and Outreach specialists.
“This year we are featuring hands-on sessions to end the day so attendees can practice apple grafting, installing drip irrigation systems and set up a live bee hive,” said Hartsook.
Breakout Session 1
Interested in Hops Production in Iowa? – Diana Cochran, assistant professor and extension fruit specialist
Fearless Farm Finances 2.0 – Chase and Dietmann
Raising High Quality Vegetable Transplants – Ajay Nair, associate professor and extension vegetable production specialist
Breakout Session 2
Wildlife Habitat Improvement – Adam Janke, assistant professor and extension wildlife specialist
Tapping Trees for Maple Sugaring – Jesse Randall, assistant professor and extension forester
Mushroom Production – Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca, plant pathology diagnostician with the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic
Breakout Session 3
Learn how to Graft Apple Trees – Patrick O’Malley, extension commercial horticulture specialist
Installing Drip Irrigation Systems – Joe Hannan, extension commercial horticulture specialist
Beginning Beekeeping – Randall Cass, extension entomologist
The Iowa Small Farms Conference will be held in the Scheman Building, Iowa State University, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early registration is available for $50 until Feb. 2, with registration moving to $75 after that date. For more information and to register, visit http://www.aep.iastate.edu/smallfarms/.
Nov. Ethanol, DDG, Biodiesel Exports Down From '16
U.S. exports of goods and services totaled $200.2 billion in November, up $4.4 billion from October, the U.S. Census Bureau reported on Friday, Jan. 5. Imports totaled $250.7 billion, up $6.0 billion from October, resulting in a higher trade deficit of $50.5 billion for the month. USDA later provided more details for exports of ethanol, biodiesel, and distillers grains.
USDA said that U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 107.2 million gallons in November, down 17% from a year ago. Surprisingly, Brazil was the top destination in November, accounting for 26% of exports, followed by Canada and India. U.S. ethanol exports were up 13% in the first 11 months of 2017 from a year ago.
U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled a mere 5,411.7 metric tons in November, down 73% from a year ago and perhaps balancing out October's 91% gain. Once again, Canada was the top destination for U.S. biodiesel exports in November, taking 53% of the total, followed by Peru in second and the Netherlands as a distant third. Even with November's lower exports, the year-to-date total in 2017 is still up 8% from a year ago.
U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 875,302 metric tons in November, down 11% from a year ago. Mexico was the top export destination again in November, accounting for 16% of the total and followed by Vietnam and three other Asian nations. In the first 11 months of 2017, exports of U.S. distillers grains were down 3% from a year ago. So far, China remains disinterested, listed as the 18th largest export destination in November.
CWT Helps Members Secure 7.2 Million Pounds of Cheese, Butter Exports in December
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) helped member cooperatives secure 45 contracts to sell 6.06 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 1.10 million pounds of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East, North Africa and Oceania. The product will be shipped in the months between December 2017 and March 2018.
These transactions bring the 2017 total of CWT-assisted product sales contracts to 73.38 million pounds of cheese and 5.91 million pounds of butter. The product is going to customers in 21 countries in five regions, and will move overseas the equivalent of over 810 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.
Helping CWT member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share through the Export Assistance program in the long-term expands the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
Court Action in January May Trigger Air Emissions Reporting Requirement
National Milk Producers Federation continues to advise dairy farmers not to file ammonia-related air emissions reports until an appeals court issues a mandate that triggers a reporting requirement – an action that could be taken later this month.
At issue is the extent to which livestock operations will have to report manure-related emissions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) regulation, and the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). In 2008, EPA provided a broad exemption of all livestock operations from reporting requirements. However, last April, a federal appeals court ended EPA’s exemption for reporting of livestock air emissions under CERCLA/EPCRA, following legal challenges made by activist groups.
EPA sought and was granted additional time from the court to delay the effective compliance date so that the agency could develop materials to help farmers understand their obligations. In late October, the EPA filed a motion requesting that the stay remain in place until January 2018. The D.C. Court of Appeals should issue its mandate by Jan. 22, which may trigger reporting for many dairy producers.
EPA estimates that a single dairy cow emits 0.07 pounds of ammonia per day. Given that the ammonia threshold is 100 pounds per day, NMPF estimates that it will take approximately 1,428 cows to trigger reporting to the National Response Center. EPA has said that no one is obligated to use the 0.07 emission factor, and instead says farmers “may establish estimated quantities of releases by relying on: past release data, engineering estimates, your knowledge of the facility's operations and release history, or your best professional judgment.”
Once the mandate is issued, if a farm has more than 1,428 cows, operators should consider reporting to the National Response Center via email within 24 hours of understanding the reporting obligation. Dairy operators must identify the reportable release as an “initial continuous release notification,” then submit an initial written notification to the EPA Regional Office within 30 days, and one year later submit an additional follow-up written notification to the EPA Regional Office.
For farms with fewer than 1,428 cows, NMPF suggests calculating emissions on paper, signing and dating it in front of a notary, and keeping it on file to defend against activists who may try to initiate litigation against livestock operations. NMPF staff are prepared to assist dairy operators with compliance efforts if the emissions reporting requirement is implemented in the coming weeks. Contact Clay Detlefsen for more information.
Further, farm owners and operators in compliance with their Animal Feeding Operation Air Compliance Agreement are not expected to report air releases of hazardous substances from animal wastes under CERCLA and EPCRA. Per that agreement, participants must report air releases of hazardous substances equal to or exceeding the hazardous substances’ reportable quantities under CERCLA only when EPA completes the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study.
NMPF continues to work with other animal agriculture organizations, EPA and members of Congress to find a long-term solution that will preclude the need to file air emission reports stemming from the natural decomposition of manure.
Groups Request Investigation Surrounding JBS Plant Delisting
In their complaint filed this week with the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, R-CALF USA and its Ohio affiliate, Buckeye Quality Beef Association, request an investigation into the events surround the delisting of the JBS-owned beef packing in Souderton, Pa., last fall.
The complaint states that beginning Oct. 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) temporarily delisted the JBS-owned Souderton, Pa., beef packing plants due to purported rat sightings. JBS is one of only two major cow and fed cattle buyers in the Northeast, with Cargill owning the other in Wyalusing, Pa.
However, when JBS withdrew from the market, Cargill no longer had any meaningful competition and cow prices began to fall, allegedly causing substantial harm to Northeast cattle farmers and ranchers. The complaint states that while cattle prices were falling in Pennsylvania, they were on the rise in the rest of the United States.
The groups compared this recent episode of market failure to that identified in 2010 in the Texas/Oklahoma/New Mexico region where it was reported that for 18 weeks of the year the region had only one cattle buyer and for 4 weeks there were none.
"The two identified incidents of market failure provide persuasive evidence that the United States' beef packing industry has now achieved a level of marketplace concentration that allows them to destroy competition, either individually or in concert, within several cattle marketing regions in the United States," the groups wrote.
The complaint alleges that Cargill enjoyed a windfall and also likely violated antitrust laws or engaged in unfair or deceptive practices by scooping up cattle at prices it knew or should have known were manipulated below fair market value because there was no meaningful competition.
Cargill's role in the Northeast's market failure incident is one of eleven specific issues the groups want investigated.
While a complaint of this nature involving meatpacker conduct in the marketplace would typically be filed with the USDA, R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said that agency is now a toothless tiger.
"Secretary Perdue unilaterally disarmed his agency when he threw out the so-called GIPSA rules that would have afforded him the tools to enforce anticompetitive conduct in the marketplace," said Bullard.
"As it stands today, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee may well be the last governmental body that can help us restore and preserve a competitive marketplace for U.S. farmers and ranchers," he added.
The second session of the 105th Nebraska Legislature convened Wednesday in Lincoln. On the mostly ceremonial first day, the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court swore in newly appointed Senator Theresa Thibodeau (District 6 - Omaha) as she replaced Senator Joni Craighead who resigned in the fall. Senator Robert Hilkemann (District 4 - Omaha) defeated Senator Steve Halloran (District 33 - Hastings) for the Chair of the Committee on Committees in a 25-24 vote. The Committee on Committees appoints senators to the Unicameral's fourteen standing committees (Senator Craighead was previously chair of the committee).
The Governor will give his "State of the State" address on January 10th. Speaker Scheer also announced bill hearings will begin on January 16th as they plan to get moving quickly through the 60-day session. Bills alive and out of committee from last year can be put on the daily agenda at the Speaker's discretion.
Bill introduction began Wednesday with 126 bills introduced. As a refresher, Senators can introduce bills in the first 10 days of the session-Day 10 is January 18th. NC's Laura Field and Jessie Herrmann review each bill that is introduced and identify those of interest to NC using current policy to guide them. They will sort bills by category to the six committees, and send links and lists of the bills to Board members. The NC Legislative committee will meet Jan. 24 to evaluate the bills and recommend positions to the Board..
NEBRASKA EXTENSION TO HOST CROP PRODUCTION CLINICS IN JANUARY
University of Nebraska-Lincoln crop production and pest management specialists have scheduled a series of crop production clinics across the state in January to provide the latest research-based information and recommendations for 2018.
Topics will include soil fertility; soil water and irrigation; insect, disease and weed management; cropping systems; and agribusiness management and marketing. The complete agendas are available at http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc.
The clinics will be the primary venue for commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators to renew their licenses in the following categories: ag plant and demonstration/research. The crop production clinics also will serve as a venue for private pesticide applicators to renew their licenses. Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will be present to verify attendance.
A maximum of six Certified Crop Advisor credits will be available per day in these areas: crop production (two), nutrient management (one), integrated pest management (six), water management (one) and professional development (two).
Pesticide applicator recertification training will be available in these categories: commercial/noncommercial in ag plant, and demonstration/research; and private applicator. Anyone attending the pesticide applicator license recertification sessions will also meet the requirements for dicamba applicator training. Dicamba is now a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) in Nebraska and additional training is required for its purchase and use.
Online registration is required for the clinics to provide meals and materials. Register at http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. The cost for registration is $80, which includes the 2018 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management in Nebraska, the 2018 crop production clinic proceedings with further information on the topics being discussed, a meal and refreshments.
Check-in each day is from 8 to 8:30 a.m., with sessions from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2018 Crop Production Clinic Locations:
Jan. 10, Gering: Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.
Jan. 11, North Platte: Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers St.
Jan. 15-16, Norfolk: Lifelong Learning Center, NECC 601 E. Benjamin Ave.
Jan. 18, Lincoln: Embassy Suites, 1040 P St.
Nebraska Crop Management Conference
Jan. 24-25, Kearney: Younes Conference Center, 416 W. Talmadge Road
Pesticide applicator recertification will also be available either day of the Nebraska Crop Management Conference for the same cost as attending one of the clinics. In addition, the conference will offer 27 unique sessions over two days featuring up-to-date information for successful croppy system management. The cost of registration for both days is $150. For more information, visit https://agronomy.unl.edu/NCMC.
For more information about the clinics or the conference, contact Chris Proctor, weed management extension educator and clinic coordinator at 402-472-5441 or caproctor@unl.edu.
NEBRASKA EXTENSION OFFERING LAND APPLICATION TRAINING IN FEBRUARY
Eight Nebraska Extension offices across the state will offer workshops in February providing livestock and crop farmers with information on how to turn manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment.
“The workshops will help livestock producers put to use the nutrient management planning requirements of Nebraska’s Department of Environmental Quality regulations and increase the economic value of manure,” said Leslie Johnson, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Animal Manure Management coordinator. Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEQ Land Application Training Certification.
Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified, and farms must complete an approved training every five years. Re-certification will be held during the first two hours of the day-long land application training. Farm personnel responsible for land application of manure are encouraged to attend for either the initial or re-certification portion of the training.
The morning portion of the workshops will consist of a two-hour program including updates on changing regulations and other manure management topics, such as protecting herd health with biosecurity. Any farm staff responsible for implementing the farm’s nutrient plan are encouraged to attend.
Dates, times and locations:
WEST POINT: Feb. 13, 9 a.m., Nielsen Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave.
LEXINGTON: Feb. 15, 9 a.m., Extension office, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway
OGALLALA: Feb. 16, 9 a.m., Extension office, 511 N. Spruce St.
SCOTTSBLUFF: Feb. 21, 9 a.m., Extension center, 4502 Ave. I
AINSWORTH: Feb. 22, 9 a.m., Courthouse meeting room, 148 W 4th St.
WILBER: Feb. 23, 9 a.m., Extension office, 306 W. Third
COLUMBUS: Feb. 26, 9 a.m., Pinnacle Bank, 210 East 23rd St.
NELIGH: Feb. 28, 9 a.m., Courthouse meeting room, 501 M St.
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. A $60 fee per operation (includes one representative) will be charged for the workshops plus a $15 fee for each additional participant to cover local costs including lunch.
The re-certification portion of the workshop is $30 for each participant.
The workshops are sponsored by the Nebraska Extension Animal Manure Management Team, which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better utilize manure resources for agronomic and environmental benefits.
For additional information on the workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit http://manure.unl.edu or contact Johnson at 402-584-3818 or ljohnson13@unl.edu.
CORN STALK QUALITY AFTER WEATHERING
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Late fall was rainy and now, snow comes and goes. Plus, it’s always windy. How does all this weather affect the feed quality of your corn stalks or winter pasture?
Here in the Great Plains, rain is usually a good thing. Even during winter it can aid survival of winter wheat and alfalfa. And snow can provide an insulating layer to protect from the coldest nights.
But rain, as well as melting snow, also reduces the feed value of corn stalks as well as winter pastures. And lately many fields have had some pretty significant moisture on those stalks and pastures.
Moisture reduces corn stalk quality several ways. Most easily noticed is how fast stalks get soiled or trampled into the ground when fields are muddy.
Less noticeable are nutritional changes. Rain soaks into dry corn stalk residue or winter grass and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients. Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of these already low energy forages. These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field or especially so in the bale. And as mold or spoilage occur, palatability and intake also decline.
Wind also is a problem. You’ve seen fencelines filled with corn husks blown off of nearby fields. These husks are the most nutritious part of the corn stalk so the best feed sometimes just blows away.
There is little you can do to prevent these losses. What you can do, though, is begin to supplement a little earlier than usual. Since weathering reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as protein content.
Weathered corn stalks and pasture still are economical feeds. Just supplement them accordingly.
American Ethanol to sponsor the 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon
American Ethanol will be the platinum sponsor of the 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon, which will take place on May 6, 2018. This is the first year the group has contributed to the event with funding coming from the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board and Green Plains Inc. With runners and spectators participating in the event from across the country, the three organizations understood the outreach and educational potential to reach consumers who are seeing increased choices at the pumps.
“The same logic and strategies runners use to condition their bodies to prepare for marathons can also be applied to motorists’ choices at the gas pumps,” said David Merrell, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Runners and motorists are looking for high quality products to help fuel their bodies and engines. Both groups care about things like maximized performance and breathing clean air.”
As part of the partnership between American Ethanol and the 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon, representatives from the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board and Green Plains Inc. will have an opportunity to engage with attendees regarding the different choices available at the pump. With the event drawing a diverse group of runners plus spectators, the ethanol industry is excited about potential discussions.
“The ethanol industry is always looking for ways to reach out to consumers to explain the benefits of using home-grown American Ethanol,” said Todd Sneller, executive director of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. “We’re excited about this event because people usually attend from all over the country. We look forward to cheering on these runners while providing them with information they can take home with them and use the next time they are filling their tanks.”
May is typically designated as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska, and the 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon is one of the signature events that will help kickoff the month-long campaign.
The 2018 Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon is capped at 13,500 runners with registration opening Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 3:00 a.m. The race begins on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s downtown campus in Lincoln. The event is organized by the Lincoln Track Club. To register, or for more information, visit lincolnmarathon.org.
Acreage Management Improved through Small Farms Conference
The third annual Iowa Small Farms Conference will be held Feb. 10 in Ames, Iowa. Speakers will highlight topics that include farm finances, hops production, gardening, wildlife habitat, beekeeping and much more.
an acreage with barn and bales of hay“This conference offers a wealth of information on a wide variety of topics,” said Christa Hartsook, small farms program coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “It’s our goal that attendees gain valuable insight on enterprise options and acreage management.”
The conference will begin with a keynote presentation on farm finances from Craig Chase, program manager for the Local Foods Program with ISU Extension and Outreach, and Paul Dietmann, senior lending officer with Compeer Financial.
Three breakout sessions will follow, allowing attendees to select topics that meet their individual needs and interests. Breakout sessions run for one hour and are taught by ISU Extension and Outreach specialists.
“This year we are featuring hands-on sessions to end the day so attendees can practice apple grafting, installing drip irrigation systems and set up a live bee hive,” said Hartsook.
Breakout Session 1
Interested in Hops Production in Iowa? – Diana Cochran, assistant professor and extension fruit specialist
Fearless Farm Finances 2.0 – Chase and Dietmann
Raising High Quality Vegetable Transplants – Ajay Nair, associate professor and extension vegetable production specialist
Breakout Session 2
Wildlife Habitat Improvement – Adam Janke, assistant professor and extension wildlife specialist
Tapping Trees for Maple Sugaring – Jesse Randall, assistant professor and extension forester
Mushroom Production – Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca, plant pathology diagnostician with the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic
Breakout Session 3
Learn how to Graft Apple Trees – Patrick O’Malley, extension commercial horticulture specialist
Installing Drip Irrigation Systems – Joe Hannan, extension commercial horticulture specialist
Beginning Beekeeping – Randall Cass, extension entomologist
The Iowa Small Farms Conference will be held in the Scheman Building, Iowa State University, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early registration is available for $50 until Feb. 2, with registration moving to $75 after that date. For more information and to register, visit http://www.aep.iastate.edu/smallfarms/.
Nov. Ethanol, DDG, Biodiesel Exports Down From '16
U.S. exports of goods and services totaled $200.2 billion in November, up $4.4 billion from October, the U.S. Census Bureau reported on Friday, Jan. 5. Imports totaled $250.7 billion, up $6.0 billion from October, resulting in a higher trade deficit of $50.5 billion for the month. USDA later provided more details for exports of ethanol, biodiesel, and distillers grains.
USDA said that U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 107.2 million gallons in November, down 17% from a year ago. Surprisingly, Brazil was the top destination in November, accounting for 26% of exports, followed by Canada and India. U.S. ethanol exports were up 13% in the first 11 months of 2017 from a year ago.
U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled a mere 5,411.7 metric tons in November, down 73% from a year ago and perhaps balancing out October's 91% gain. Once again, Canada was the top destination for U.S. biodiesel exports in November, taking 53% of the total, followed by Peru in second and the Netherlands as a distant third. Even with November's lower exports, the year-to-date total in 2017 is still up 8% from a year ago.
U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 875,302 metric tons in November, down 11% from a year ago. Mexico was the top export destination again in November, accounting for 16% of the total and followed by Vietnam and three other Asian nations. In the first 11 months of 2017, exports of U.S. distillers grains were down 3% from a year ago. So far, China remains disinterested, listed as the 18th largest export destination in November.
CWT Helps Members Secure 7.2 Million Pounds of Cheese, Butter Exports in December
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) helped member cooperatives secure 45 contracts to sell 6.06 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 1.10 million pounds of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East, North Africa and Oceania. The product will be shipped in the months between December 2017 and March 2018.
These transactions bring the 2017 total of CWT-assisted product sales contracts to 73.38 million pounds of cheese and 5.91 million pounds of butter. The product is going to customers in 21 countries in five regions, and will move overseas the equivalent of over 810 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.
Helping CWT member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share through the Export Assistance program in the long-term expands the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
Court Action in January May Trigger Air Emissions Reporting Requirement
National Milk Producers Federation continues to advise dairy farmers not to file ammonia-related air emissions reports until an appeals court issues a mandate that triggers a reporting requirement – an action that could be taken later this month.
At issue is the extent to which livestock operations will have to report manure-related emissions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) regulation, and the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). In 2008, EPA provided a broad exemption of all livestock operations from reporting requirements. However, last April, a federal appeals court ended EPA’s exemption for reporting of livestock air emissions under CERCLA/EPCRA, following legal challenges made by activist groups.
EPA sought and was granted additional time from the court to delay the effective compliance date so that the agency could develop materials to help farmers understand their obligations. In late October, the EPA filed a motion requesting that the stay remain in place until January 2018. The D.C. Court of Appeals should issue its mandate by Jan. 22, which may trigger reporting for many dairy producers.
EPA estimates that a single dairy cow emits 0.07 pounds of ammonia per day. Given that the ammonia threshold is 100 pounds per day, NMPF estimates that it will take approximately 1,428 cows to trigger reporting to the National Response Center. EPA has said that no one is obligated to use the 0.07 emission factor, and instead says farmers “may establish estimated quantities of releases by relying on: past release data, engineering estimates, your knowledge of the facility's operations and release history, or your best professional judgment.”
Once the mandate is issued, if a farm has more than 1,428 cows, operators should consider reporting to the National Response Center via email within 24 hours of understanding the reporting obligation. Dairy operators must identify the reportable release as an “initial continuous release notification,” then submit an initial written notification to the EPA Regional Office within 30 days, and one year later submit an additional follow-up written notification to the EPA Regional Office.
For farms with fewer than 1,428 cows, NMPF suggests calculating emissions on paper, signing and dating it in front of a notary, and keeping it on file to defend against activists who may try to initiate litigation against livestock operations. NMPF staff are prepared to assist dairy operators with compliance efforts if the emissions reporting requirement is implemented in the coming weeks. Contact Clay Detlefsen for more information.
Further, farm owners and operators in compliance with their Animal Feeding Operation Air Compliance Agreement are not expected to report air releases of hazardous substances from animal wastes under CERCLA and EPCRA. Per that agreement, participants must report air releases of hazardous substances equal to or exceeding the hazardous substances’ reportable quantities under CERCLA only when EPA completes the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study.
NMPF continues to work with other animal agriculture organizations, EPA and members of Congress to find a long-term solution that will preclude the need to file air emission reports stemming from the natural decomposition of manure.
Groups Request Investigation Surrounding JBS Plant Delisting
In their complaint filed this week with the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, R-CALF USA and its Ohio affiliate, Buckeye Quality Beef Association, request an investigation into the events surround the delisting of the JBS-owned beef packing in Souderton, Pa., last fall.
The complaint states that beginning Oct. 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) temporarily delisted the JBS-owned Souderton, Pa., beef packing plants due to purported rat sightings. JBS is one of only two major cow and fed cattle buyers in the Northeast, with Cargill owning the other in Wyalusing, Pa.
However, when JBS withdrew from the market, Cargill no longer had any meaningful competition and cow prices began to fall, allegedly causing substantial harm to Northeast cattle farmers and ranchers. The complaint states that while cattle prices were falling in Pennsylvania, they were on the rise in the rest of the United States.
The groups compared this recent episode of market failure to that identified in 2010 in the Texas/Oklahoma/New Mexico region where it was reported that for 18 weeks of the year the region had only one cattle buyer and for 4 weeks there were none.
"The two identified incidents of market failure provide persuasive evidence that the United States' beef packing industry has now achieved a level of marketplace concentration that allows them to destroy competition, either individually or in concert, within several cattle marketing regions in the United States," the groups wrote.
The complaint alleges that Cargill enjoyed a windfall and also likely violated antitrust laws or engaged in unfair or deceptive practices by scooping up cattle at prices it knew or should have known were manipulated below fair market value because there was no meaningful competition.
Cargill's role in the Northeast's market failure incident is one of eleven specific issues the groups want investigated.
While a complaint of this nature involving meatpacker conduct in the marketplace would typically be filed with the USDA, R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said that agency is now a toothless tiger.
"Secretary Perdue unilaterally disarmed his agency when he threw out the so-called GIPSA rules that would have afforded him the tools to enforce anticompetitive conduct in the marketplace," said Bullard.
"As it stands today, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee may well be the last governmental body that can help us restore and preserve a competitive marketplace for U.S. farmers and ranchers," he added.
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