Trump Urged to Find Markets for Agriculture Commodities on Anniversary of TPP Withdraw
On the one-year anniversary of President Trump signing an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Nebraska Farm Bureau urged President Trump to find new markets for Nebraska agricultural commodities.
“While the outlook of international demand for U.S. agricultural products remains strong, it is clear the U.S. missed a massive opportunity to expand exports to a growing region of the world,” wrote Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson in a Jan. 23 letter to President Trump. “Today we ask you and your administration to renew and strengthen your efforts to find new markets for our state and nation’s agricultural products.”
The missed opportunities for expanded Nebraska agricultural trade through the TPP agreement were further highlighted by the recent announcement that the 10 remaining partner countries intend to finalize the TPP agreement by early March, without U.S. involvement.
“With today’s announcement from the remaining TPP member nations, countries such as Australia, Japan’s largest beef trading partner, continue to have competitive advantage over U.S. farmers and ranchers. Your action to pull the U.S. out of the TPP reset the clock and put our trade negotiators and our nation’s farmers and ranchers back at square one with some of our largest potential trading partners,” Nelson wrote.
Nebraska ranks in the top five among all states in the value of its agricultural exports in USDA’s most recent calculations. Nebraska agricultural exports reached an estimated $6.4 billion in 2015, up from $4.8 billion in 2009. International trade not only impacts farmers and ranchers, but it also plays a major role in the success or failure of Nebraska’s broader economy. As Nebraska’s largest industry, agriculture accounts for more than 40 percent of the state’s economic output and nearly 24 percent of the state’s workforce. Lower prices for virtually every agriculture commodity produced in Nebraska has lowered farm income, leading to significant state revenue shortfalls as a direct result of the weakened agriculture sector.
“The TPP agreement would have provided Nebraska with a $378.5 million yearly boost in agricultural cash receipts and increased net agricultural exports by $229.2 million per year. Along with the monetary increases, the TPP agreement was projected to create 1,730 new Nebraska jobs,” wrote Nelson. “Nations around the world are actively working to expand their agricultural markets. Our farm and ranch families cannot be left behind.”
DEVELOPING RELIABLE LIVESTOCK WATER
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Ponds and creeks often dry up. If you use them to water your cattle, maybe it is time to develop a more reliable water source.
Many ponds and creeks dry up during dry weather. Maybe rain will replenish them this spring, but shouldn’t you ask yourself “is this the best way to water my cattle during summer?” This might be a good time to develop more wells or pipelines to reliably put water into tanks.
Tank water can be cooler and offer easier access than ponds or creeks. It often is healthier for cattle, and they usually prefer it to ponds or creeks. When cows walk into ponds and creeks, they stir mud and sediments into the water and often deposit animal wastes. No wonder calves consistently choose tank water over ponds when given a choice!
Investing in tanks probably will actually pay for itself. Reports from South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Canada, and elsewhere show that the higher water quality found in tanks can increase cattle gains. Calves can weigh an extra 50 pounds at weaning when tank water is available instead of dirty ponds. Yearling steers can gain an extra three to four tenths of a pound per day. With this much added performance, pumping water out of ponds, creeks, or wells and into tanks, or laying down pipelines, can pay off in just a few years. And if it’s a question of having water or not having water, the payoff is even more immediate.
In addition, pumping water into tanks usually improves grazing distribution by attracting cattle to graze areas near the tanks instead of spending time standing in or around the ponds or creek. This can increase your pasture’s carrying capacity or grazing season.
Think of it — better grazing, higher gains, and reliable water. So much to gain and so little to lose.
REINKE'S PARTNERSHIP WITH NCTA CURTIS CONTINUES TO FLOURISH
Difficulty filling manufacturing and irrigation jobs are a major problem that faces the manufacturing and irrigation industry. Reinke is on the move to solve the problems of these shortages and create solutions with job training.
A skilled labor shortage is being addressed by providing student scholarships for workforce training for the manufacturing industry. It's crucial to bridge the skills gap, and that's where Reinke Manufacturing's partnership comes into play with the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis.
Reinke Manufacturing has teamed with NCTA to offer an Irrigation Technician Area of Concentration. This 34-credit, hands-on program helps students obtain knowledge in electricity and mechanized irrigation systems. Reinke Manufacturing's partnership offers access to the Reinke PLUS Certification program.
"If you learn hands on, this is an awesome program for you," said Collin Overmann, NCTA student in Curtis. "There's always different companies calling our program expressing their need for technicians, so [job] placement is pretty good."
Since 2012, Reinke Manufacturing has donated thousands in scholarship funds to students enrolled in NCTA classes focusing on the Irrigation Technician concentration. Reinke Irrigation dealers including Holdrege Irrigation are a key component in the success of this program by providing students the opportunity to set forth a career plan in irrigation.
"Reinke is honored to support students focused on technical skills especially with the shortage of skilled labor," said Reinke President Chris Roth.
For details, see https://ncta.unl.edu/irrigation-technician-certificate.
NEBRASKA Q4 2017 MILK PRODUCTION
Milk production in Nebraska during the October- December 2017 quarter totaled 364 million pounds, up 4 percent from the October-December quarter last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of milk cows was 60,000 head, unchanged from the same period last year.
October-December Milk Production up 1.1 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the October - December quarter totaled 53.1 billion pounds, up 1.1 percent from the October - December quarter last year. The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.40 million head, 3,000 head less than the July - September quarter, but 55,000 head more than the same period last year.
December Milk Production up 1.2 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during December totaled 17.0 billion pounds, up 1.2 percent from December 2016. November revised production at 16.2 billion pounds, was up 1.0 percent from November 2016. The November revision represented a decrease of 24 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.
Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,943 pounds for December, 11 pounds above December 2016. This is the highest production per cow for the month of December since the 23 State series began in 2003.
The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.74 million head, 54,000 head more than December 2016, and 3,000 head more than November 2017.Iowa Milk Production
Iowa: Milk production in Iowa during December 2017 totaled 442 million pounds, up 4 percent from the previous December according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during December, at 220,000 head, was 1,000 more than last month and 5,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,010 pounds, up 30 pounds from last December.
ISU sophomore is 2018 Iowa Pork Queen
The Iowa Pork Producers Association has selected a young woman from Altoona to serve as the 2018 Iowa Pork Queen and lead the Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team during the coming year.
Jordan Travis bested nine other young women at tonight's 46th annual Iowa Pork Congress banquet in Des Moines. She is a sophomore at Iowa State University and is majoring in animal science. The daughter of Sean and Darcy Travis of Altoona has an immense passion for swine and hopes to have a career in human resource management for a large swine company after graduation. She will represent Story County during her year-long reign.
The only two young men among the 12 total contestants competing to serve on the 2018 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team were both selected as youth pork ambassadors. Spencer Cook of Winthrop in Buchanan County and Cole Spain of Castalia in Fayette County will both join Travis on the new team.
Cook is the son of Aaron and Trish Cook of Winthrop. He is a senior at East Buchanan High School and plans to study agricultural business at ISU in the fall. Spencer looks forward to advocating for farmers and being a voice for the agricultural industry.
Spain is the son of Vince and Stephanie Spain of Castalia. He is a freshman at ISU and is pursuing a degree in agricultural education. Cole is minoring in animal science. He hopes to one day return to northeast Iowa and become an agricultural education teacher, while expanding his show pig herd.
All 12 contestants participated in interviewing and communications exercises at the Iowa Pork Congress this week and were judged on their skills, poise, presentation and overall knowledge of the pork industry and Iowa agriculture.
The top female contestant is crowned pork queen and the top remaining contestants, male or female, are named youth ambassadors. Each receives a $4,000 scholarship from IPPA.
The new youth leadership team members will represent IPPA at various pork promotional and educational events throughout the year.
The 2017 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team of Queen Clare Conley of Cherokee in Cherokee County and ambassadors McKenna Brinning of Keota in Washington County and Dylan Riedemann of Calumet in O'Brien County concluded their terms with farewell speeches at tonight's banquet.
Perdue Announces USDA’s Farm Bill and Legislative Principles for 2018
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Bill and Legislative Principles for 2018 during a town hall at Reinford Farms in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania.
“Since my first day as the Secretary of Agriculture, I’ve traveled to 30 states, listening to the people of American agriculture about what is working and what is not. The conversations we had and the people we came across helped us craft USDA’s Farm Bill and Legislative Principles for 2018,” said Secretary Perdue. “These principles will be used as a road map – they are our way of letting Congress know what we’ve heard from the hard-working men and women of American agriculture. While we understand it’s the legislature’s job to write the Farm Bill, USDA will be right there providing whatever counsel Congress may request or require.”
USDA’s 2018 Farm Bill and Legislative Principles:
FARM PRODUCTION & CONSERVATION
- Provide a farm safety net that helps American farmers weather times of economic stress without distorting markets or increasing shallow loss payments.
- Promote a variety of innovative crop insurance products and changes, enabling farmers to make sound production decisions and to manage operational risk.
- Encourage entry into farming through increased access to land and capital for young, beginning, veteran and underrepresented farmers.
- Ensure that voluntary conservation programs balance farm productivity with conservation benefits so the most fertile and productive lands remain in production while land retired for conservation purposes favors more environmentally sensitive acres.
- Support conservation programs that ensure cost-effective financial assistance for improved soil health, water and air quality and other natural resource benefits.
TRADE & FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS
- Improve U.S. market competitiveness by expanding investments, strengthening accountability of export promotion programs, and incentivizing stronger financial partnerships.
- Ensure the Farm Bill is consistent with U.S. international trade laws and obligations.
- Open foreign markets by increasing USDA expertise in scientific and technical areas to more effectively monitor foreign practices that impede U.S. agricultural exports and engage with foreign partners to address them.
FOOD, NUTRITION, AND CONSUMER SERVICES
- Harness America’s agricultural abundance to support nutrition assistance for those truly in need.
- Support work as the pathway to self-sufficiency, well-being, and economic mobility for individuals and families receiving supplemental nutrition assistance.
- Strengthen the integrity and efficiency of food and nutrition programs to better serve our participants and protect American taxpayers by reducing waste, fraud and abuse through shared data, innovation, and technology modernization.
- Encourage state and local innovations in training, case management, and program design that promote self-sufficiency and achieve long-term, stability in employment.
- Assure the scientific integrity of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans process through greater transparency and reliance on the most robust body of scientific evidence.
- Support nutrition policies and programs that are science based and data driven with clear and measurable outcomes for policies and programs.
MARKETING & REGULATORY PROGRAMS
- Enhance our partnerships and the scientific tools necessary to prevent, mitigate, and where appropriate, eradicate harmful plant and animal pests and diseases impacting agriculture.
- Safeguard our domestic food supply and protect animal health through modernization of the tools necessary to bolster biosecurity, prevention, surveillance, emergency response, and border security.
- Protect the integrity of the USDA organic certified seal and deliver efficient, effective oversight of organic production practices to ensure organic products meet consistent standards for all producers, domestic and foreign.
- Ensure USDA is positioned appropriately to review production technologies if scientifically required to ensure safety, while reducing regulatory burdens.
- Foster market and growth opportunities for specialty crop growers while reducing regulatory burdens that limit their ability to be successful.
FOOD SAFETY & INSPECTION SERVICES
- Protect public health and prevent foodborne illness by committing the necessary resources to ensure the highest standards of inspection, with the most modern tools and scientific methods available.
- Support and enhance FSIS programs to ensure efficient regulation and the safety of meat, poultry and processed egg products, including improved coordination and clarity on execution of food safety responsibilities.
- Continue to focus USDA resources on products and processes that pose the greatest public health risk.
RESEARCH, EDUCATION & ECONOMICS
- Commit to a public research agenda that places the United States at the forefront of food and agriculture scientific development.
- Develop an impact evaluation approach, including the use of industry panels, to align research priorities to invest in high priority innovation, technology, and education networks.
- Empower public-private partnerships to leverage federal dollars, increase capacity, and investments in infrastructure for modern food and agricultural science.
- Prioritize investments in education, training and the development of human capital to ensure a workforce capable of meeting the growing demands of food and agriculture science.
- Develop and apply integrated advancement in technology needed to feed a growing and hungry world.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
- Create consistency and flexibility in programs that will foster collaboration and assist communities in creating a quality of life that attracts and retains the next generation.
- Expand and enhance the effectiveness of tools available to further connect rural American communities, homes, farms, businesses, first responders, educational facilities, and healthcare facilities to reliable and affordable high-speed internet services.
- Partner with states and local communities to invest in infrastructure to support rural prosperity, innovation and entrepreneurial activity.
- Provide the resources and tools that foster greater integration among programs, partners and the rural development customer.
NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT
- Make America’s forests work again through proactive cost-effective management based on data and sound science.
- Expand Good Neighbor Authority and increase coordination with states to promote job creation and improve forest health through shared stewardship and stakeholder input.
- Reduce litigative risk and regulatory impediments to timely environmental review, sound harvesting, fire management and habitat protection to improve forest health while providing jobs and prosperity to rural communities.
- Offer the tools and resources that incentivize private stewardship and retention of forest land.
MANAGEMENT
- Provide a fiscally responsible Farm Bill that reflects the Administration’s budget goals.
- Enhance customer service and compliance by reducing regulatory burdens on USDA customers.
- Modernize internal and external IT solutions to support the delivery of efficient, effective service to USDA customers.
- Provide USDA full authority to responsibly manage properties and facilities under its jurisdiction.
- Increase the effectiveness of tools and resources necessary to attract and retain a strong USDA workforce that reflects the citizens we serve.
- Recognize the unique labor needs of agriculture and leverage USDA’s expertise to allow the Department to play an integral role in developing workforce policy to ensure farmers have access to a legal and stable workforce.
- Grow and intensify program availability to increase opportunities for new, beginning, veteran, and underrepresented producers.
NMPF Statement on USDA’s 2018 Farm Bill & Legislative Principles
Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, NMPF:
“We are encouraged that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) principles for the next farm bill, released by Secretary Sonny Perdue on Wednesday, start with improving the farm safety net. The current farm bill’s dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) has proven to be inadequate in providing help to America’s dairy farmers, and fixing it must be a priority in 2018.
“The USDA has taken significant steps at NMPF’s request in the past three years to improve the MPP, but more is needed. NMPF continues to work with USDA and lawmakers in the House and Senate to strengthen the MPP to ensure meaningful assistance for those relying on it, and to find ways to expand risk management options for farmers. Making the MPP a reliable program for dairy farmers is vital to encouraging future farmer participation in the program. Additional risk management tools are also critical for the future of our dairy farmer community. Raising the current expenditure cap on programs available under USDA’s Risk Management Agency is vital to increasing the toolbox of options for farmers.
“As we begin 2018, milk prices and on-farm dairy margins are poor. It’s time to expand access to risk management tools and rectify the flaws in the MPP to create a workable safety net for dairy farmers.”
USDA Cold Storage December 2017 Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers on December 31, 2017 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 6 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 14 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 3 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 13 percent from last month and up 121 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on December 31, 2017 were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 10 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 10 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 8 percent from last month and up 12 percent from December 31, 2016.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on December 31, 2017 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from December 31, 2016. Butter stocks were up 6 percent from last month and up 2 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks were down 6 percent from last month and down 13 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 6 percent from last month but up 2 percent from a year ago.
Things to Consider as Beef Production Sales Ramp Up
Brian R. Williams, Assistant Extension Professor
Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University
The holidays are behind us, the spring calving season is just a few weeks away, and in just a few short months the grass will begin to green up across much of the country. It's the perfect time to attend a beef production sale. But there is much more to it than simply browsing through a sale catalog and picking out a bull or bred heifer that looks good. For most beef producers, decisions that are made this time of year will impact their operation for years to come. That is why it is important to very carefully consider all of the variables when making a purchasing decision regarding breeding stock. Here are a few things to consider:
What do I expect the markets to do over the next several years?
The expected direction of the markets should play a major role in the budgeted price for new breeding stock purchases. Pay too much and that new animal will lose money over the course of its productive lifespan. Set the budget too low and you could go home empty handed.
What characteristics are most important to me and how much am I willing to pay for them?
It is important to identify the most important things you are looking for in bull or a replacement heifer. Each characteristic often has its own tradeoffs. Purchasing breeding stock with low birth weights or better calving ease EPD's can reduce the chances of losing calves at birth, but low birth weights could also mean a smaller frame size or reduced weaning weights. A large frame size will often be associated with larger weaning weights, but can also mean higher feed costs and worse calving ease EPD's. Each of these are tradeoffs that an individual must weigh. Once the most important characteristics are identified, one must decide how much you are willing to pay for that characteristic. The better the EPD's are, the higher the price will be. What is the happy medium for your own operation? There really are no right or wrong answers to this question, and everyone at the sale will likely have a slightly different answer in terms of their preferences and willingness to pay for those preferences.
How will my breeding stock purchases impact the prices I receive for my calves?
Outside of show animal purchases, this is the question that everything should boil down to. Most producers are constantly trying to improve their herd genetics, but often those changes can be years in the making. Breeding stock purchases are an investment in the herd's future, and those decisions will impact the marketability of future calves. Cattle buyers have certain characteristics that they are willing to pay more (or less) for, so ultimately a herd's genetics will not only drive production aspects of a herd but also the price received for feeder calves.
Retail Fertilizer Prices Continue to Push Higher
For the third week in a row, average retail prices for all eight major fertilizers were higher the third week of January 2018, according to retailers surveyed by DTN. Though prices for all fertilizers were higher, the price of only one fertilizer was up by a noteworthy amount. Anhydrous was up 5% compared to a month prior and had an average price of $485 per ton.
Prices for the remaining seven fertilizers were up just slightly. DAP had an average price of $456 per ton, MAP $491/ton, potash $345/ton, urea $355/ton, 10-34-0 $407/ton, UAN28 $226/ton and UAN32 $260/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.39/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.40/lb.N and UAN32 $0.41/lb.N.
All but three fertilizers are now higher compared to last year with prices pushing higher in recent months. Anhydrous is 2% higher, urea is 3% more expensive, both DAP and potash are 6% higher and MAP is 11% more expensive.
Three fertilizers are still lower in price compared to a year prior. UAN32 is 3% lower while UAN28 is 4%, and 10-34-0 is 7% less expensive looking back a year.
Ethanol Stocks Soared to 23.8M Bbl
The Energy Information Administration showed in supply data released midmorning a buildup in U.S. ethanol stocks continued last week, reporting a 1.1 million bbl or 4.8% spike in domestic inventory for the week ended Jan. 19 to a record high of 23.8 million bbl. The increase was the fourth straight weekly stock build, with inventory 2.1 million bbl or 9.7% higher than year ago.
Domestic plant production was little changed, up 1,000 bpd to 1.062 million bpd last week. Compared with a year ago, plant output was up 11,000 bpd or 1.0%. For the four weeks ended Jan. 19, production averaged 1.038 million bpd, down 11,000 bpd or 1.1% versus year ago.
Net refiner and blender inputs, a measure for ethanol demand, dropped 30,000 bpd or 3.5% last week to 826,000 bpd. Compared to a year ago, blending demand was down 7,000 bpd or 0.8%. For the four-week period ended Jan. 19, blending demand averaged 833,000 bpd, up 2,000 bpd versus a year ago.
Industry honors biodiesel champions, reflects on history
As the U.S. biodiesel industry celebrates 25 years, the National Biodiesel Board’s annual awards recognize a diverse group of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to biodiesel. From long-time champions to present-day breakthroughs, the commercial biodiesel industry wouldn’t be where it is today without these individuals.
“The biodiesel industry has been built from visionary leaders all throughout our history,” said Donnell Rehagen, NBB CEO. “Reflecting on our relatively brief time as an industry reveals some truly remarkable achievements that serve as building blocks for where we are and where we intend to go. I’m proud to recognize this group of award winners as integral pieces of the biodiesel story.”
NBB recognizes the 2018 “Eye on Biodiesel” award winners throughout the week at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. The honorees are:
Stephen Censky – Pioneer Award. Deputy Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture
As the long-time CEO of the American Soybean Association, Censky was instrumental in the growth and advancement of biodiesel over the years. ASA’s primary focus as an organization is policy development and implementation of soybean farmer issues, including biodiesel. The organization, under Censky’s guidance as CEO from 1996 to 2017, played a critical role in passing the biodiesel tax incentive in 2005, and the inclusion of biodiesel in the revised Renewable Fuel Standard through their national network of farmer leaders and extensive grassroots advocacy power. As USDA Deputy Secretary, Censky continues to provide critical leadership on agricultural policies as he has done throughout his career. He has also served at USDA in the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, including as administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service.
City of Seattle – Climate Leader Award
The City of Seattle is one of the leading biodiesel fleet users in America. Looking for ways to power their operations in a cleaner, more environmentally friendly way, city fleet directors turned to biodiesel for its carbon reduction benefits and ease of use. In 2014, the city enacted the Green Action Fleet Plan with a goal of reducing their carbon emissions by more than 40 percent by 2020. This began their use of B20 biodiesel blends. Seattle now uses nearly 200,000 gallons of biodiesel per year, significantly lowering their carbon emissions. Along with being an avid user of the fuel, the city also works proactively to educate other fleets who are interested in transitioning to biodiesel by attending and hosting workshops, speaking at national fleet and transportation events, and even partnering with NBB as a featured fleet in the 2015 national biodiesel advertising campaign. This role as a third-party validator is a critical piece of the puzzle to ensuring continued confidence in biodiesel.
Samuel P. “Pat” Black, III – Initiative Award. Founder & CEO, HERO BX.
With a vision to help revitalize Erie, Pennsylvania with a return to a booming manufacturing sector, Samuel P. “Pat” Black, III, founded Lake Erie Biofuels dba HERO BX in 2005. HERO BX bears witness to the commitment of Black to investing, creating, and managing companies with innovative products to capitalize on economic opportunities in the Lake Erie region and beyond with a focus on the creation of manufacturing jobs. He envisioned a company that would create meaningful jobs, spur technological innovation and produce eco-friendly products. HERO BX is the largest biodiesel plant in the Northeastern United States, and they operate a production facility in Moundville, Alabama, and a blending and distribution terminal in North Hampton, New Hampshire. November of 2017 marked the ten-year anniversary of the first production batch at the Erie plant and was celebrated across the HERO BX family. This year, Black combined his philanthropic mindset with his passion for biodiesel and commissioned a book, “The Biodiesel Solution,” to help bring the biodiesel story to a mainstream audience and to capture the early history and numerous achievements of the industry as a collective.
Mike Youngerberg – Impact Award. Director of Product Development & Commercialization, Minnesota Soybean
Since 1986, Mike Youngerberg has worked to advance soybean industry priorities as a member of the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association staff. He has a passion for biodiesel and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Biodiesel Council which represents the biodiesel producers and feedstock providers in the State. Youngerberg has served in a critical role in one of the most proactive biodiesel states in the country. In 2002, Minnesota passed landmark legislation requiring that diesel fuel sold in the state contain at least two percent biodiesel. The law was implemented on September 29, 2005, becoming the first state to require biodiesel blends. The program increased to B5 in May 2009, to B10 for the summer months in July 2014, and is scheduled to move to B20 on May 1, 2018. This tremendous growth faced challenges every step of the way and wouldn’t have been possible without strong leadership like Youngerberg’s.
Earl Christensen – Innovation Award. Senior Chemist, National Renewable Energy Lab
Confidence in biodiesel blends in the marketplace rely on sound scientific data. Christensen has been instrumental in conducting work related to biodiesel stability that has bolstered confidence in B20 by both Original Equipment Manufacturers and end-users alike. In his role at NREL, he has led critical efforts to analyze the positive benefits of stability enhancing additives in pure biodiesel, as well as the positive impacts of re-additizing B100 whose oxidative reserve has gone down over time. His recent work showed all samples of current market B20 biodiesel blends meeting today’s ASTM specifications had a minimum simulated shelf life of at least one year, with many samples having simulated shelf life of over three years. With re-additization, values were extended to over four years. This work shows that with biodiesel meeting industry specifications, using the proper handling and storage practices, it is possible for B20 to be stored as long or longer than petroleum diesel currently in the marketplace, potentially opening the door to new biodiesel markets where storage longer than one year is needed.
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
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Tuesday January 23 Ag News
Dicamba Training Hefty Office Jan 30th
Jacob Gubbels, Hefty Seed - West Point
New requirements call for Dicamba specific training for applicators and operators in 2018. If you plan to buy or apply dicamba, join us Tuesday, January 30th from 10am to noon at the West Point office for this important training. We’ll have a few pieces of advice for you including what you need to do so your neighbors aren’t affected AND so you get the weed control you are looking for. See you Tuesday from 10-noon for Dicamba Required Training at the Hefty Seed office south of West Point on Hwy 275.
Four Finalists Named in Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet
Chris Niemann of Dwight, Erin Norman of Crawford, Jason Perdue of York, and Brady Revels of Omaha advanced to the final round of the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet to be held at the next NEFB Annual Convention, Dec. 2-4, 2018.
Eleanor Aufdenkamp of North Platte was named first alternate and Luke Norman of Crawford is the second alternate.
Rather than debating, contestants work to develop a solution to a problem being discussed, building on each other’s contributions. Competitors in the annual contest must be prepared to speak on any number of agriculture-related topics; the selected question is announced a short time prior to the contest round. Finalists received the top scores of contestants after competing in three rounds of the discussion meet at the YF&R Conference, Jan. 19-20.
Niemann is a fourth-generation farmer who grows corn, soybeans, and raises beef cattle on his family farm in Butler County where he serves on his county Farm Bureau board. He and his wife, Ashely, have a son, 3-year-old Colton, who they hope will become the fifth generation to farm in their family.
Erin Norman is a Dawes County Farm Bureau board member and she serves on the YF&R Committee. Norman is a teacher at Chadron State College and is a registered dietician. She is currently working towards earning a PhD in public health. She lives on the family ranch with her husband, Luke, and their four children, Ada (7), Ben (5), Claire (3), and Axel (1).
Perdue is a York County Farm Bureau member who works for a family owned Ag Retail company that distributes crop protection products. He also serves as the York County Farm Bureau president and serves on the YF&R Committee. Perdue raises corn and soybeans, has a small cattle herd, and is a contract poultry farmer. He and his wife, Karah, have four children Annah (8), Lane (7), Bennett (4), and Jase (2).
Revels is a Douglas County Farm Bureau board member and serves on the YF&R Committee. He grew up on a family farm in Florida, but relocated to Nebraska when his job as a sales representative for an animal health company moved him to Omaha. He helps coach several area FFA judging teams and volunteers with the Nebraska State Dairy Contest. His wife, Katie, is a chiropractor.
Aufdenkamp is a Lincoln County Farm Bureau member and a graduate of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. She is currently studying Agriculture Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her goals include becoming a high school ag teacher and FFA advisor. Aufdenkamp is heavily involved in her Collegiate Farm Bureau, livestock judging team, Collegiate Cattlemen, and NCTA Women in Ag.
Luke Norman is a member of the Dawes County Farm Bureau board. He runs a cow/calf ranch in Western Nebraska, is a feed salesman, and recently expanded the family business by selling registered Angus bulls. He ranches with his wife, Erin, and their four children, Ada (7), Ben (5), Claire (3), and Axel (1).
Finalists received a $50 prize and a chance to compete for $500 and an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet in New Orleans, La. in January 2019. Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible to compete in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. For more information, visit www.nefb.org/yfr.
Individual Classes of Farm Beginnings Program Starts This Saturday
Gary Lesoing, Nebraska Extension Educator, Nemaha County
This year we are making individual sessions of the Farm Beginnings program available to the public if they are interested. Classes are being held on different Saturdays at the Douglas County Extension office on 8015 West Center Rd. in Omaha.
We have a class scheduled this Saturday and have two speakers making presentations. The program will be held from 10:00 – 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Travis Dunekacke of T D Niche Pork near Elk Creek, NE in Johnson County Nebraska and Paul Rohrbaugh of Pawnee Pride Meats, near Steinauer, NE is Pawnee County will discuss their marketing plans for the local food they are producing on their farms.
If you are interested in attending this program, the cost is $25 a session, payable with a check or cash at the door. To register contact John Porter, Extension Educator in Urban Ag from Douglas County at (402) 444-7804 or Gary Lesoing, Extension Educator in Nemaha County (402) 274-4755.
Future classes in Farm Beginnings in Douglas County this spring:
January 27, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Building Your Business Plan
• Farm Planning and Marketing - Paul Rohrbaugh, Natural Grass-fed Beef, Pasture Poultry and Egg Producer
• Travis Dunekacke – Niche Pork Producer and Marketer
February 3, 2018 – 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Marketing and Farm Planning & Farm Leases
• CSA Organic Vegetable Farm - Evrett Lundquist & Ruth Chantry (Common Good Farms)
February 9-10, 2018 - Healthy Farms Conference – Lincoln, NE
February 24, 2018 – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Farming in Small Spaces
• Urban farming or space is limiting – John Porter – Extension Educator,UNL
• Farm Leases & other legal matters – Amy Swoboda – Legal Aid of Nebraska
March 3, 2018 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Financial Management
• Ralph Tate
March 17, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Farm Loan Opportunities and Crop Insurance
• Farm Loan Programs & Resources for Beginning Farmers – Karla Bahm from NE Department of Ag; NAP Crop Insurance, FSA Loans & Microloans, USDA Farm Service Agency Representatives - Wes Finkner or Gina Essink
March 24, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Marketing and Finances
• Organic Crops and Direct Market Poultry and Beef – Dave & Deb Welsch, West Blue Farms
• Enterprise Budgets for Entrepreneurs - Rex Nelson, Extension Educator-UNL
April 7, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Food Safety & Farmer’s Responsibility, Farming on an Acreage & SARE Resources
• Connie Fisk, Northwest Regional Extension Associate
• Gary Lesoing, Extension Educator Nemaha County & SARE State Coordinator
April 21, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – What Have We Learned?
• Farm Beginnings® Graduate Presentations
April 28, 2018 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Presentations of Farm and Business Plans by Farm Beginnings® Participants
Here is the link to the remainder of the Farm Beginning Sessions: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/nemaha/GarysPDFs/Farm%20Beginnings%20Brochure%202018%20Revised.pdf.
Iowa Corn Praises Legislature’s Passage of Substantial State Water Quality Funding
Iowa House lawmakers passed legislation today, increasing state dollars to improve Iowa’s water quality, mirroring a bill passed by the Iowa Senate during the 2017 legislative session. The bill, Senate File 512, now awaits Governor Reynolds's signature. The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) sees this step as key in supporting the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. This strategy calls for a nutrient reduction in Iowa’s waterways through a practical and technology-based approach involving farmers and both urban and rural Iowa communities.
"Long-term, consistent water quality funding was a top policy priority for corn growers this session," said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington. “This is encouraging news for farmers who continue to look for ways to step up our conservation efforts to better water quality for all Iowans. We commend the legislature's actions to appropriate funds to this important topic."
Passage of this legislation will provide nearly $300 million for water quality efforts in Iowa over the course of the next 12 years. These state dollars will be matched by federal, private, farmer and landowner investments being made for conservation projects happening across the state.
“Iowa farmers are taking on the challenge and making continuous improvements in preserving the water, soil, air and habitat on our farms. We are committed to making long-term, dedicated and significant investments to continuously improve water quality. This funding will be a catalyst for the efforts already underway,” said Recker. “We are working with conservation experts, scientists and in collaborative public and private partnerships to adopt new practices and technologies in improving our water.”
He went on to say that the number of farmers who sign up for voluntary cost sharing programs often outstrips the amount of tax dollars currently available and a stable funding stream for water quality is critical as it encourages continued collaboration between urban and rural partners across the state.
For more information on how Iowa Corn is leading the way on water quality, go to www.iowacorn.org/water.
Passage of SF512 proves need for watershed approach, says Iowa Soybean Association
Funding for water quality approved today by the Iowa Legislature is a step forward in advancing Iowa’s nutrient reduction goals.
But Senate File 512 represents a timid response to a vital need for establishing widespread, sustained and measurable progress on an issue important to farmers and all Iowans, says the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA).
“It’s nibbling around the edges of what’s truly needed,” remarked ISA CEO Kirk Leeds. “While some additional funding continues to point us in the right direction, it doesn’t get us too much further down the road in achieving the kind of results we all know are attainable and necessary.
“We’ll take the governor at her word,” Leeds added, “that the legislature’s action today ignites a much more constructive and reality-based conversation and approach for achieving goals established in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.”
Leeds’ reference was to comments delivered by Gov. Kim Reynolds in her Condition of the State address earlier this month. Iowa’s 43rd chief executive pledged that passage of any new funding would “ignite the conversation” about ways to scale up water quality practices.
The bill’s passage makes that conversation more important than ever. It would reallocate tax money currently going to Iowa's state budget while dipping into the state’s existing infrastructure fund. Annual approval of more than $20 million in funding could be challenging during years when the state budget is pressured. And it only references the importance of planning and partnerships rather than developing the blueprint for fully implementing the nutrient reduction strategy.
“We look forward to picking up where this legislation leaves off,” said Roger Wolf, director of ISA’s Environmental Programs & Services. “The legislation puts some fuel in the tank but doesn’t provide the horsepower needed to ramp up the pace and scale of practices proven to have a positive and measurable impact on water quality.”
Wolf said the ISA, in partnership with other rural, urban, agriculture and environmental stakeholders, has been actively engaged in funding and conducting in-field research on thousands of acres involving hundreds of farmers.
Knowledge gained from nearly two decades of work and investment underscores the association’s continued call for a “watershed approach” to tackling the bipartisan goal of improving water and soil quality.
“Increased funding is just one piece of a much larger effort,” Wolf said. “Watershed planning and implementation follow a simple philosophy: plan the work, work the plan.
“In addition to state funding, real and long-term improvements in water quality will require the shared involvement of rural and urban stakeholders. It will also demand identifying and unleashing new and impactful sources of financing above and beyond what the state can provide.”
The ISA and soybean farmers will continue to press the merits of the watershed approach to the governor and lawmakers.
“There’s no shortcut to success on an issue this complex,” Leeds added. “And there’s no victory in trying to fund this work year-over-year from a declining general fund.
“For those truly serious about long-term and measurable improvement and accountability on water quality, then the watershed approach must be part of the discussion and implementation. We welcome the challenge and the opportunities it provides for farmers and all Iowans.”
Northey statement on passage of SF512
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey issued the following statement regarding final passage of SF 512, which provides nearly $300 million for water quality efforts in Iowa over the next 12 years.
“Passage of this long-term water quality funding bill with bipartisan support is a tremendous next step as we work to continue scaling up the water quality efforts underway statewide. We have seen Iowans all across the state taking on the challenge of improving water quality and this funding will help us build on these efforts.
“I want to thank the Governor for her strong support for this legislation and thank leadership in both the House and Senate for their commitment to this important issue. To think we have gone from no funding specifically for water quality when the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy was released in 2012 to passage of this legislation is a testament to their commitment to making water quality improvements.
“This funding will allow the Department to expand our investment in locally led water quality projects in targeted watersheds while also giving farmers and landowners statewide a chance to try practices focused on water quality. We will continue to offer innovative new approaches, such as the first-of-its-kind crop insurance incentive program aimed at increasing acres of cover crops. We will also scale-up the investment in edge-of-field and in-field infrastructure, like wetlands, saturated buffers and bioreactors to improve water quality.
“We are excited to continue the conversation on this important issue and are committed to working with all Iowans interested in protecting our state’s water quality.”
First Annual Soil Health Summit Awards Honor Best in Soil Health
Innovators. Educators. Communicators. Those are just some of the words used to describe the four recipients of the newly inaugurated “Seeds of Change Awards” at the 2018 Soil Health Partnership Summit, Jan. 18-19 in Chicago. These awards were developed to highlight those members of the Soil Health Partnership who go above and beyond to advocate for the partnership and for soil health throughout the year.
“The Soil Health Partnership could not exist without the willingness and enthusiasm of our partners—especially the farmers and agronomists on the front lines of our research,” said Nick Goeser, director of the Soil Health Partnership. “These four individuals exemplify the very best of our dedicated partners, and we look forward to honoring others as the research continues and our partnership expands.”
The four award recipients are:
Super Spout: Andrew Reuschel, Golden, Illinois. Andrew is a first-year member of the partnership who is passionate about soil health, enthusiastic to take on new challenges and is always willing to share his experience with others. Andrew practices reduced tillage and cover crops on his farm and became interested in expanding soil and water conservation efforts. Andrew comes by this interest in soil health naturally— his grandpa tried working with cover crops in the '70s, and his dad in the '90s. He says he is currently enjoying spending less money on chemical and fertilizer inputs!
Champion Communicator: Mark Mueller, Waverly, Iowa. Mark often takes the initiative to tell the story of what’s happening on his farm – a vital way to encourage other farmers to consider adopting new practices, and to share the progress agriculture is making with the public. In the last year, he drafted an opinion editorial on the soil health practices on his farm, published in three Iowa newspapers, including the Des Moines Register. He’s done several other media interviews, including Wallaces Farmer and Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier. He also spent four weeks journaling for Farm and Ranch Living Magazine, discussing his soil health journey in many of the entries, and hosting a professional photo shoot on his farm. The feature is scheduled to run in 2018.
Ace Agronomist: Jack Hardwick, Beardstown, Illinois. Approachable and knowledgeable agronomists are a critical link between SHP and farmers when it comes to implementing and collecting data on new farming techniques. Both an agronomist and a farmer, Jack’s interest in soil health started with his degree in soil science. He then spent 12 years in various roles with FS, AgriGold, and BRANDT before going back to the family farm and starting a crop consulting business. His farmers look to him to answer their questions, and get sound advice and expertise. They often remark on how much they appreciate his insights into their farming operation.
Data Digger: Tom Vaske, Masonville, Iowa. You know there’s always that one guy who has perfect records and precise notes. Tom Vaske is that guy. The research of the Soil Health Partnership relies on good data collection. He is always on time, meticulous and accurate with his data, and ensures his trial location is correct each year. Tom started farming on his own in 2001 by renting land from a neighbor who wished to have conservation tillage practices maintained on the farm, so Tom converted an old planter into a strip till bar. He was initially skeptical of the practice and assumed he would eventually want to go back to plowing. Years later, Tom is still utilizing strip till as an important tool in his operation. Tom has been testing the use of interseeding cover crops on his farm through randomized, replicated field trials with SHP.
An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, the Soil Health Partnership is a data-driven program working to quantify the benefits of practices that support soil health from an economic as well as environmental standpoint.
TPP Eleven Members Reach Agreement
Negotiators from 11 Pacific Rim nations agreed Tuesday on a Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, the Japanese minister in charge of TPP said, a year after President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the talks.
The 11 nations were close to a deal at a summit in Vietnam in November but fell short at the last minute after Canada raised objections.
Negotiators gathered again in Tokyo Tuesday and cleared away the remaining sticking points, said Toshimitsu Motegi, the Japanese minister handling the talks. He said the 11 nations aim to sign the agreement on March 8 in Chile.
Among Canada's issues was its desire for an exemption that it said was needed to protect Canadian cultural products from the effects of free trade. Mr. Motegi said the parties agreed to exchange a side letter with Canada over the issue after the pact goes into effect.
A Canadian official said Canada also secured "real gains" in terms of labor and environmental standards, and applauded the removal of text related to intellectual property. As for automotive rules, the official said Canada has one bilateral agreement with Malaysia on rules of origin, one pending with Australia, and another side deal with Japan regarding nontariff barriers pertaining to motor vehicles.
News of a TPP deal comes as the latest round of trilateral talks aimed at revamping the North American Free Trade Agreement formally began in Montreal on Tuesday. Among the most contentious sticking points is on the automotive front, regarding a Trump administration demand that regional content of light vehicles made in North America be increased to 85% from the current 62.5%, and that half the vehicle's parts be U.S.-made, to qualify for duty-free trade among the countries.
Both Canada and Mexico -- which is also part of the TPP pact -- oppose the U.S. NAFTA proposal on autos and are preparing counteroffers during the Montreal talks.
News of the pending TPP deal drew immediate concern from Canada's auto-parts makers, who have been focused of late on NAFTA and U.S. proposals that they believe threaten to upend the North American auto supply chain.
"Trophy-hunting trade deals that hurt the biggest sector in Canada is irresponsible and also makes us look weak to the U.S. in a NAFTA week," said Flavio Volpe, president of the Toronto-based Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association.
The TPP deal came just a half-day after the Trump administration slapped steep tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines, a move to implement Mr. Trump's harder line on trade that he has touted since his election campaign.
Japan has depicted itself as a free-trade champion that can assume the kind of leadership role previously taken by U.S. administrations.
"Now in some parts of the world, there is a move toward protectionism, and I think the TPP-11 is a major engine to overcome such a phenomenon," Mr. Motegi said.
He said the deal was "epoch-making for Japan as well as for the future of the Asia-Pacific region." He also reiterated a hope frequently expressed by Japanese officials that once the 11-nation TPP is up and running, the U.S. might consider rejoining the deal.
The TPP agreement could also provide a framework for a future NAFTA deal should the current one be scrapped by the Trump administration, according to people familiar with the trade talks. Senior Mexican officials see the TPP agreement as an indication that the free-trade train is rolling forward with regional pacts, with or without the U.S. aboard, as NAFTA is being renegotiated.
Vice President Mike Pence said on a visit to Tokyo last year that as far as the Trump administration is concerned, the TPP is a "thing of the past."
Cattlemen on TPP Moving Forward Without U.S. - "Missed Opportunity to Gain Greater Access" to Foreign Markets
Kent Bacus, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's Director of International Trade and Market Access, today issued the following statement in response to news reports that eleven nations have finalized a revised version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership without the United States:
“Withdrawing from TPP was a missed opportunity for the United States to gain greater access to some of the world’s most vibrant and growing markets. As we now enter a pivotal round of NAFTA negotiations, the last thing we need is to take a step backwards in our relationships with Canada and Mexico.
“We encourage negotiators in Montreal to continue building on the progress made in previous rounds so the United States can focus on tearing down trade barriers in Asia and around the world.
“Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate’s unwillingness to confirm key negotiators like Gregg Doud as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator, leaves the ag sector unfairly underrepresented at the world’s negotiating tables. It’s imperative that the Senate confirm Doud and the many other unconfirmed nominees as soon as possible.”
TPP-11 Puts U.S. Wheat Exports at Risk
U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are expressing concern that a revised Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that excludes the United States puts overseas demand for U.S. wheat at serious risk.
“On January 23, 2017, exactly one year ago, President Trump announced the United States would pull out of the TPP. The announcement today that the eleven remaining TPP members have concluded talks on a revised deal without us sends another discouraging signal to our long-time wheat importing customers in Japan,” said Ben Conner, USW Director of Policy.
Japan imports an average of 3.1 million metric tons of U.S. wheat every year. After full implementation of the new TPP, Japan’s import tariffs on Canadian and Australian wheat would drop by about $65 per ton.
“That would put U.S. wheat producers at a total price disadvantage of more than $200 million per year from TPP alone,” Conner said. “As the agricultural community warned when the President made the announcement, withdrawing from TPP was shortsighted and unnecessary, and now U.S. wheat farmers could take the hit.”
“As expected, the remaining members of TPP are moving forward without the United States,” said Gordon Stoner, NAWG President and a wheat grower from Outlook, Mont. “If nothing else, this announcement should serve as a rallying cry for farmers, ranchers and dairy producers calling for the new trade deals we were promised when the President walked away from TPP. The heat needs to be turned up on the administration and on trade negotiations with Japan. An already stressed agriculture sector needs the benefit of free and fair trade now.”
The so-called TPP-11 countries include Canada and Australia, which are major competitors to the United States in the Japanese wheat market. Other TPP countries with rapidly growing demand for imported wheat include Mexico, Vietnam, Malaysia, Chile and Peru. Singapore, Brunei and New Zealand round out the remaining TPP partner countries.
DFA HONORED AS DAIRY PROCESSOR OF THE YEAR AT 2018 DAIRY FORUM
Today, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national cooperative owned by family farmers, was awarded Dairy Foods magazine’s 2017 Processor of the Year Award.
DFA was recognized for its investments in the dairy processing industry, strategic partnerships, product innovation and commitment to sustainability. Dairy Foods magazine presented the award to executives from DFA at an awards luncheon at the International Dairy Foods Association Dairy Forum on January 23, 2018 in Palm Desert, Calif.
“One of the key reasons that Dairy Foods selected DFA as the 2017 Processor of the Year is because of the cooperative’s tremendous growth,” says Kathie Canning, editor-in-chief of Dairy Foods magazine.
DFA received the Processor of the Year Award for its investment in the processing industry, as evidenced by the new construction and expansion of dairy plants in Kansas, Michigan, New York, Missouri and Maryland. It has also been instrumental in developing and expanding innovative products such as the Sport Shake® Sportsman line of protein shakes as well as focusing on new product formats for several of its legacy brands such as Borden® Cheese, Kemps® and Keller’s® Creamery Butter. The cooperative also made strides in 2017 to achieve sustainability-minded improvements such as water usage reduction in its plants, as well as forming key partnerships to enhance sustainability practices on its members’ farms via anaerobic digestion and solar panel technologies. Finally, DFA is engaged and committed to the overall industry with company executives and board members playing key leadership roles in organizations that promote the industry, including the International Dairy Foods Association, the National Milk Producers Federation’s board of directors and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, to name a few.
“Everything that we do at DFA is ultimately about delivering value to our farm family owners and the marketplace by working to increase demand for dairy products in the U.S. and throughout the globe,” says Monica Massey, senior vice president and chief of staff at DFA. “We work to achieve this through continued investments, growth and innovation. Being recognized as the dairy industry’s Processor of the Year is truly an honor, and we are thrilled to accept the award on behalf of our more than 13,000 farmer-owners.”
Ford’s New 2018 F-150 Joins Ranks of Diesel Vehicle Models Supporting B20 Biodiesel
Several automakers’ new 2018 diesel models are being featured this week at the Fort Worth Convention Center as the U.S. biodiesel industry celebrates its 25th Anniversary at the 2018 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. And full-size diesel truck fans also have reason to celebrate this year as Ford – America’s truck sales leader – delivers the first-ever Ford F-150 diesel with a targeted EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway rating, best-in-class diesel towing and payload, and full B20 support. B20 is a fuel blend of 20 percent low-carbon biodiesel with petroleum diesel.
The Ford F-150 joins the F-250/350/450 Super Duty® and F-650/750 medium duty trucks as well as the Transit van to round out Ford’s strong line-up of diesel models supporting the use of B20 biodiesel blends. Attendees at the National Biodiesel Conference will have the opportunity to test drive the 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty during a Biodiesel Ride-and-Drive Event at the Fort Worth Convention Center on Wednesday, and Ford’s new F-150 diesel is on display there this week in the Biodiesel Vehicle Technology Showcase. In mid-January, Ford dealers begin taking orders for the 2018 F-150 with all-new 3.0-liter PowerStroke® diesel engine, and deliveries begin this spring.
Dominic DiCicco, Ford’s Manager of Environmental Policy and Fuel Quality, commented, “Ford is committed to offering our customers the power of choice with a wide range of alternative fuel and advanced powertrain options to help fleets reduce their carbon footprint and help our nation achieve its goals. Adding the new F-150 3.0L Power Stroke diesel to our lineup of diesel models supporting the use of clean, renewable, low-carbon B20 biodiesel blends, complements Ford’s sustainability goals, and we are excited to bring this product to market for our customers.”
General Motors is also bringing a strong lineup of 20 different diesel vehicle options to market in the 2018 model year, spanning the car, truck, van and compact SUV categories. General Motors supports B20 in all 20 of its diesel models. One of GM’s flagship models, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD pickup with a 6.6L Duramax® turbo diesel engine, as well as the new 2018 Chevy Equinox SUV with 1.6L turbo diesel engine, will be featured at the National Biodiesel Conference this week compliments of The Thompson Group Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, TX.
The important off-road equipment market is also represented in the Biodiesel Vehicle Showcase this week by long-time biodiesel supporter John Deere, featuring its best-selling utility tractor, the John Deere 5075E with a B20-supported PowerTech™ turbocharged diesel engine. John Deere was one of the first original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to get involved with biodiesel, and this year the company is celebrating an important anniversary of its own – the 100th year since the first John Deere tractor was built.
Equipment giant Caterpillar Inc. is also featured at the National Biodiesel Conference this week. The Cat equipment product line, consisting of more than 300 machines, sets the standard for the off-road equipment industry. Also long-time supporters of B20 biodiesel blends, Caterpillar is showcasing a CAT 938M Small Wheel Loader with a high torque, low speed C7.1 ACERT engine in the Biodiesel Vehicle Technology Showcase.
Customers from coast to coast have used B20 successfully in virtually every make and model diesel engine, and the vast majority of new diesel engines now have full OEM support for B20 with no vehicle modifications required. Yet in the ever-increasing drive to cut carbon and lower CO2 emissions, forward looking fleets and users are investigating higher biodiesel blends to maximize the reduction in their carbon footprint. To address the interest, another vehicle showcase participant, Optimus Technologies, has developed aftermarket technology to enable B100 use even in the coldest climates. With its controller and second heated B100 tank system, Optimus is providing fleets an easy and cost-effective way to use pure B100 biodiesel in their existing vehicles and reduce carbon by 80 percent at a fraction of the cost of conversion to other fuel alternatives being considered that don’t provide as much carbon reduction, like compressed natural gas.
Scott Fenwick, Technical Director for the National Biodiesel Board and Chairman of the ASTM Committee on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants, stated, “For 25 years, the National Biodiesel Board and the U.S. biodiesel industry have worked closely with our partners in the auto and engine manufacturing community to ensure that biodiesel - America’s Advanced Biofuel - continues to keep pace with the nation’s increasing demands for cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable modes of transportation. As we continue to demonstrate that the biodiesel industry is producing a consistently high-quality product that meets specifications, support from the original equipment manufacturers grows.” Today over 80 percent of the diesel vehicles coming off production lines fully support the use of B20, and OEMs are beginning to look into higher blends as well.
U.S. Wheat Industry Celebrates Japan Flour Millers Association Anniversary
Several representatives from the U.S. wheat industry joined members of the Japan Flour Millers Association to help celebrate the association’s 70th anniversary in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2018. Senior managers from U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), as well as state wheat commission representatives and farmers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana participated in events commemorating the anniversary.
Japan has purchased significantly more U.S. wheat than any other country since 1949, when the Oregon Wheat Growers League first organized a trade delegation to investigate opportunities for expanding U.S. wheat sales there.
Today, the Japanese domestic milling and wheat foods industries are highly advanced and demand consistent, high quality wheat and flour. USW Chairman Mike Miller, of Ritzville, Wash., told members of the association that U.S. farmers are very proud to supply much of that wheat every year.
“It is good to know that our wheat is an essential ingredient in the wonderful wheat foods the Japanese people enjoy — and an essential ingredient in the success of these flour millers,” Miller said. “I reassured them that to honor their achievements, farmers will continue to invest in trade service and technical support in Japan, and to improve the quality and wholesomeness of our wheat to meet their needs in the future.”
“It was a great pleasure to congratulate the association's Chairman, Mr. Masayuki Kondo, President of the Japan Flour Millers Association, and the members of the association in person on their important anniversary,” said USW President Vince Peterson. “We were also able to thank our respected friend and colleague, Mr. Masaaki Kadota, who is retiring after many years serving as the association’s Executive Director.”
With support from state wheat commissions and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, USW focuses on providing up-to-date market information and collaborating with Japanese industry groups to demonstrate the quality and value of U.S. wheat. The mills provide purchase specifications to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (MAFF) based on the strict characteristics their wheat food customers demand. Japanese grain trade organizations act as intermediaries between MAFF and overseas sellers. Then MAFF carries out all milling wheat purchases and sells the wheat to Japanese flour mills.
“It is difficult to express how much we value our partnership with Japan’s flour millers and the rest of the wheat foods industries,” Peterson said. “We have developed a deep level of trust by maintaining an open dialogue with them. That has been so important to our mutually beneficial, long-term trading relationship and we confirmed our commitment to continue our partnership in that spirit.”
U.S. farmers continue to earn the largest market share in this well-established and quality conscious wheat market. MAFF issues consistent weekly tenders for U.S. hard red spring (HRS), hard red winter (HRW) and Western White, a blend of soft white (SW) and up to 20 percent club wheat. As a result, Japan has purchased an average of 3.1 million metric tons (about 114 million bushels) of wheat annually the past five years.
Also honoring the association at events in Japan were: wheat farmers Bill Flory of Culdesac, Idaho., Walter Powell of Condon, Ore., and Darren Padget of Grass Valley, Ore.; Damon Filan, manager of Tri-Cities Grain, LLC in Pasco, Wash.; Glen Squires, chief executive officer of the Washington Grain Commission; Michelle Hennings, executive director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers; Collin Watters, executive vice president of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee; Mark Fowler, USW vice president of overseas operations; Mr. Wataru “Charlie” Utsunomiya, USW/Japan country director; and Ms. Sadako Ishida, USW/Japan program assistant.
Y-TEX Corporation Introduces New Y-Tags™ One-Piece Ear Tagging System
Y-TEX Corporation, one of the leading global suppliers of livestock identification and pest control solutions, today announced the launch of its new Y-Tags One-Piece Ear Tagging System for beef and dairy cattle. Featuring 100% PureLaser™ permanent imprinting and the unique Surgi-Tip™ self-piercing tip, Y-Tags represent a major advancement in one-piece ear tagging technology.
“Everyone at Y-TEX is extremely excited about this latest addition to our line of visual identification ear tags,” noted Stu Marsh, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Y-TEX.
“Y-Tags are molded from advanced thermo polyurethane (TPU) and acetyl nylon to withstand extremes in heat and cold, as well as ultra-violet light, moisture and mold. And unlike some tags, Y-Tags are pliable, yet durable, so they hang tough without cracking or breaking. It’s a difference you can actually see and feel.”
Another feature that sets Y-Tags apart from conventional one-piece tags is the 100% PureLaser™ permanent imprinting. Y-TEX employs a proprietary process that delivers the deepest, darkest 100% pure laser imprint on the market. While some other imprints fade over time, the Y-Tags PureLaser™ permanent imprint is guaranteed legible for the life of the animal.
“Livestock producers will also appreciate the new Surgi-Tip™ self-piercing tag tip,” Marsh said. “Its unique four-sided design delivers a precise incision for less tissue damage, faster healing and improved retention. Research shows that a clean incision and faster healing are two keys to better ear tag retention.”
Rounding out the Y-Tags system is the new Y-Tags one-piece applicator. With its wider jaw, flip-out pin and ergonomic design, the Y-Tags applicator works seamlessly with the Surgi-Tip self-piercing tip to make tagging easier than ever. Studies show that Y-Tags require less force to apply than other one-piece tags, resulting in less producer fatigue during the busy tagging season.
Y-Tags come in cow (large), calf (medium) and feedlot sizes in a wide variety of high-visibility colors. The cow and calf tags are offered in 25-count and 100-count packages, while the feedlot tags are available in 1,000-count cartons containing 20 packages of 50 tags each. Like all Y-TEX products, Y-Tags are made with pride in the USA.
“Our new Y-Tags One-Piece Ear Tags System marks an important addition to our growing line of top-quality livestock products,” stated Glenn A. Nielson, President of Y-TEX Corporation. “For years, Y-TEX has been a leader in the visual identification ear tag industry, and our new Y-Tags serve to solidify our position in the marketplace while answering the need for new and better livestock ID solutions.”
Eggland's Best Launches New, Premium Chicken Food For Backyard Chickens
With more than 25 years in the business, Eggland's Best (EB) is known for its highest standards in taste, nutrition, freshness and quality – and now the brand is sharing its expertise with backyard chicken owners nationwide. The new line of Eggland's Best Chicken Food and Chick Food features the same wholesome, all-vegetarian formula used by EB egg farmers. The formula consists of premium ingredients rich in 15 vitamins and minerals that helps hens be healthier and of course results in healthier eggs too. Multiple varieties will be available for both chickens and chicks, including a USDA certified organic option made with Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients.
"Since backyard chickens rely on chicken food as their primary source of nutrition, it's important to select the most nutritious and best quality product available," said Dr. Bart Slaugh, Director of Quality Assurance at Eggland's Best. "At Eggland's Best, we adhere to the strictest of quality standards, so consumers can feel confident that they are purchasing the highest quality chicken food that will help keep their hens healthy and produce a nutritionally superior egg. We even take the extra step of pasteurizing our products to provide an additional layer of safety for our feathered friends."
Eggland's Best unique chicken food formula consists of a proprietary all-vegetarian blend of healthy grains, canola oil, and a supplement of rice bran, alfalfa, sea kelp, and Vitamin E, resulting in higher amounts of omega 3's as well as 15 different vitamins and minerals crucial for supporting the overall immune health, bone, muscle and overall development, energy, eye health, egg production and metabolism of backyard layers. Just like all other Eggland's Best products, EB Chicken Food never contains any animal by-products, recycled or processed foods, and never uses hormones, steroids, or antibiotics ever.
"We know many backyard chicken owners look at their hens as almost being members of their family. Being able to feed their 'girls' such a rich, premium, and proven diet, we knew, would be of great interest to those owners. And the more nutritious eggs are the reward they get for taking such good care of their flock. It's a really virtuous cycle for hens and humans alike," said Frank Bergin, General Manager, Strategic Ventures and Innovations for Eggland's Best. "We are excited to make our proprietary premium formula available to passionate backyard chicken owners everywhere so they can now rest easy that their 'girls' are getting the nutrition they need and deserve to live their best life."
Feeding backyard layers Eggland's Best Chicken Food not only helps keep hens healthier, but also produces superior eggs with six times more vitamin D, 25 percent less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s, ten times more vitamin E, and more than double the amount of vitamin B12 than ordinary eggs. The premium ingredients within the chicken food also help produce stronger shells and consistently plumper eggs with more vibrantly colored yolks than ordinary eggs store-bought eggs, so consumers never have to settle for ordinary.
Eggland's Best Chicken Food is now available at select farm supply, pet, mass merchandiser and grocery retailers nationwide, including Tractor Supply, Co.. Eggland's Best Chicken Food comes in crumble and mini-pellet varieties and in multiple sized bags. Eggland's Best Chick Food is available in crumble form and in multiple bag sizes as well. There are Organic versions of both Eggland's Best Chicken Food and Chick Food.
For more information on Eggland's Best Chicken Food or where to find the product, visit www.egglandsbest.com/chicken-food.
Jacob Gubbels, Hefty Seed - West Point
New requirements call for Dicamba specific training for applicators and operators in 2018. If you plan to buy or apply dicamba, join us Tuesday, January 30th from 10am to noon at the West Point office for this important training. We’ll have a few pieces of advice for you including what you need to do so your neighbors aren’t affected AND so you get the weed control you are looking for. See you Tuesday from 10-noon for Dicamba Required Training at the Hefty Seed office south of West Point on Hwy 275.
Four Finalists Named in Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet
Chris Niemann of Dwight, Erin Norman of Crawford, Jason Perdue of York, and Brady Revels of Omaha advanced to the final round of the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet to be held at the next NEFB Annual Convention, Dec. 2-4, 2018.
Eleanor Aufdenkamp of North Platte was named first alternate and Luke Norman of Crawford is the second alternate.
Rather than debating, contestants work to develop a solution to a problem being discussed, building on each other’s contributions. Competitors in the annual contest must be prepared to speak on any number of agriculture-related topics; the selected question is announced a short time prior to the contest round. Finalists received the top scores of contestants after competing in three rounds of the discussion meet at the YF&R Conference, Jan. 19-20.
Niemann is a fourth-generation farmer who grows corn, soybeans, and raises beef cattle on his family farm in Butler County where he serves on his county Farm Bureau board. He and his wife, Ashely, have a son, 3-year-old Colton, who they hope will become the fifth generation to farm in their family.
Erin Norman is a Dawes County Farm Bureau board member and she serves on the YF&R Committee. Norman is a teacher at Chadron State College and is a registered dietician. She is currently working towards earning a PhD in public health. She lives on the family ranch with her husband, Luke, and their four children, Ada (7), Ben (5), Claire (3), and Axel (1).
Perdue is a York County Farm Bureau member who works for a family owned Ag Retail company that distributes crop protection products. He also serves as the York County Farm Bureau president and serves on the YF&R Committee. Perdue raises corn and soybeans, has a small cattle herd, and is a contract poultry farmer. He and his wife, Karah, have four children Annah (8), Lane (7), Bennett (4), and Jase (2).
Revels is a Douglas County Farm Bureau board member and serves on the YF&R Committee. He grew up on a family farm in Florida, but relocated to Nebraska when his job as a sales representative for an animal health company moved him to Omaha. He helps coach several area FFA judging teams and volunteers with the Nebraska State Dairy Contest. His wife, Katie, is a chiropractor.
Aufdenkamp is a Lincoln County Farm Bureau member and a graduate of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. She is currently studying Agriculture Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her goals include becoming a high school ag teacher and FFA advisor. Aufdenkamp is heavily involved in her Collegiate Farm Bureau, livestock judging team, Collegiate Cattlemen, and NCTA Women in Ag.
Luke Norman is a member of the Dawes County Farm Bureau board. He runs a cow/calf ranch in Western Nebraska, is a feed salesman, and recently expanded the family business by selling registered Angus bulls. He ranches with his wife, Erin, and their four children, Ada (7), Ben (5), Claire (3), and Axel (1).
Finalists received a $50 prize and a chance to compete for $500 and an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet in New Orleans, La. in January 2019. Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible to compete in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. For more information, visit www.nefb.org/yfr.
Individual Classes of Farm Beginnings Program Starts This Saturday
Gary Lesoing, Nebraska Extension Educator, Nemaha County
This year we are making individual sessions of the Farm Beginnings program available to the public if they are interested. Classes are being held on different Saturdays at the Douglas County Extension office on 8015 West Center Rd. in Omaha.
We have a class scheduled this Saturday and have two speakers making presentations. The program will be held from 10:00 – 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Travis Dunekacke of T D Niche Pork near Elk Creek, NE in Johnson County Nebraska and Paul Rohrbaugh of Pawnee Pride Meats, near Steinauer, NE is Pawnee County will discuss their marketing plans for the local food they are producing on their farms.
If you are interested in attending this program, the cost is $25 a session, payable with a check or cash at the door. To register contact John Porter, Extension Educator in Urban Ag from Douglas County at (402) 444-7804 or Gary Lesoing, Extension Educator in Nemaha County (402) 274-4755.
Future classes in Farm Beginnings in Douglas County this spring:
January 27, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Building Your Business Plan
• Farm Planning and Marketing - Paul Rohrbaugh, Natural Grass-fed Beef, Pasture Poultry and Egg Producer
• Travis Dunekacke – Niche Pork Producer and Marketer
February 3, 2018 – 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Marketing and Farm Planning & Farm Leases
• CSA Organic Vegetable Farm - Evrett Lundquist & Ruth Chantry (Common Good Farms)
February 9-10, 2018 - Healthy Farms Conference – Lincoln, NE
February 24, 2018 – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Farming in Small Spaces
• Urban farming or space is limiting – John Porter – Extension Educator,UNL
• Farm Leases & other legal matters – Amy Swoboda – Legal Aid of Nebraska
March 3, 2018 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Financial Management
• Ralph Tate
March 17, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Farm Loan Opportunities and Crop Insurance
• Farm Loan Programs & Resources for Beginning Farmers – Karla Bahm from NE Department of Ag; NAP Crop Insurance, FSA Loans & Microloans, USDA Farm Service Agency Representatives - Wes Finkner or Gina Essink
March 24, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Marketing and Finances
• Organic Crops and Direct Market Poultry and Beef – Dave & Deb Welsch, West Blue Farms
• Enterprise Budgets for Entrepreneurs - Rex Nelson, Extension Educator-UNL
April 7, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Food Safety & Farmer’s Responsibility, Farming on an Acreage & SARE Resources
• Connie Fisk, Northwest Regional Extension Associate
• Gary Lesoing, Extension Educator Nemaha County & SARE State Coordinator
April 21, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – What Have We Learned?
• Farm Beginnings® Graduate Presentations
April 28, 2018 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Presentations of Farm and Business Plans by Farm Beginnings® Participants
Here is the link to the remainder of the Farm Beginning Sessions: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/nemaha/GarysPDFs/Farm%20Beginnings%20Brochure%202018%20Revised.pdf.
Iowa Corn Praises Legislature’s Passage of Substantial State Water Quality Funding
Iowa House lawmakers passed legislation today, increasing state dollars to improve Iowa’s water quality, mirroring a bill passed by the Iowa Senate during the 2017 legislative session. The bill, Senate File 512, now awaits Governor Reynolds's signature. The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) sees this step as key in supporting the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. This strategy calls for a nutrient reduction in Iowa’s waterways through a practical and technology-based approach involving farmers and both urban and rural Iowa communities.
"Long-term, consistent water quality funding was a top policy priority for corn growers this session," said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington. “This is encouraging news for farmers who continue to look for ways to step up our conservation efforts to better water quality for all Iowans. We commend the legislature's actions to appropriate funds to this important topic."
Passage of this legislation will provide nearly $300 million for water quality efforts in Iowa over the course of the next 12 years. These state dollars will be matched by federal, private, farmer and landowner investments being made for conservation projects happening across the state.
“Iowa farmers are taking on the challenge and making continuous improvements in preserving the water, soil, air and habitat on our farms. We are committed to making long-term, dedicated and significant investments to continuously improve water quality. This funding will be a catalyst for the efforts already underway,” said Recker. “We are working with conservation experts, scientists and in collaborative public and private partnerships to adopt new practices and technologies in improving our water.”
He went on to say that the number of farmers who sign up for voluntary cost sharing programs often outstrips the amount of tax dollars currently available and a stable funding stream for water quality is critical as it encourages continued collaboration between urban and rural partners across the state.
For more information on how Iowa Corn is leading the way on water quality, go to www.iowacorn.org/water.
Passage of SF512 proves need for watershed approach, says Iowa Soybean Association
Funding for water quality approved today by the Iowa Legislature is a step forward in advancing Iowa’s nutrient reduction goals.
But Senate File 512 represents a timid response to a vital need for establishing widespread, sustained and measurable progress on an issue important to farmers and all Iowans, says the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA).
“It’s nibbling around the edges of what’s truly needed,” remarked ISA CEO Kirk Leeds. “While some additional funding continues to point us in the right direction, it doesn’t get us too much further down the road in achieving the kind of results we all know are attainable and necessary.
“We’ll take the governor at her word,” Leeds added, “that the legislature’s action today ignites a much more constructive and reality-based conversation and approach for achieving goals established in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.”
Leeds’ reference was to comments delivered by Gov. Kim Reynolds in her Condition of the State address earlier this month. Iowa’s 43rd chief executive pledged that passage of any new funding would “ignite the conversation” about ways to scale up water quality practices.
The bill’s passage makes that conversation more important than ever. It would reallocate tax money currently going to Iowa's state budget while dipping into the state’s existing infrastructure fund. Annual approval of more than $20 million in funding could be challenging during years when the state budget is pressured. And it only references the importance of planning and partnerships rather than developing the blueprint for fully implementing the nutrient reduction strategy.
“We look forward to picking up where this legislation leaves off,” said Roger Wolf, director of ISA’s Environmental Programs & Services. “The legislation puts some fuel in the tank but doesn’t provide the horsepower needed to ramp up the pace and scale of practices proven to have a positive and measurable impact on water quality.”
Wolf said the ISA, in partnership with other rural, urban, agriculture and environmental stakeholders, has been actively engaged in funding and conducting in-field research on thousands of acres involving hundreds of farmers.
Knowledge gained from nearly two decades of work and investment underscores the association’s continued call for a “watershed approach” to tackling the bipartisan goal of improving water and soil quality.
“Increased funding is just one piece of a much larger effort,” Wolf said. “Watershed planning and implementation follow a simple philosophy: plan the work, work the plan.
“In addition to state funding, real and long-term improvements in water quality will require the shared involvement of rural and urban stakeholders. It will also demand identifying and unleashing new and impactful sources of financing above and beyond what the state can provide.”
The ISA and soybean farmers will continue to press the merits of the watershed approach to the governor and lawmakers.
“There’s no shortcut to success on an issue this complex,” Leeds added. “And there’s no victory in trying to fund this work year-over-year from a declining general fund.
“For those truly serious about long-term and measurable improvement and accountability on water quality, then the watershed approach must be part of the discussion and implementation. We welcome the challenge and the opportunities it provides for farmers and all Iowans.”
Northey statement on passage of SF512
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey issued the following statement regarding final passage of SF 512, which provides nearly $300 million for water quality efforts in Iowa over the next 12 years.
“Passage of this long-term water quality funding bill with bipartisan support is a tremendous next step as we work to continue scaling up the water quality efforts underway statewide. We have seen Iowans all across the state taking on the challenge of improving water quality and this funding will help us build on these efforts.
“I want to thank the Governor for her strong support for this legislation and thank leadership in both the House and Senate for their commitment to this important issue. To think we have gone from no funding specifically for water quality when the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy was released in 2012 to passage of this legislation is a testament to their commitment to making water quality improvements.
“This funding will allow the Department to expand our investment in locally led water quality projects in targeted watersheds while also giving farmers and landowners statewide a chance to try practices focused on water quality. We will continue to offer innovative new approaches, such as the first-of-its-kind crop insurance incentive program aimed at increasing acres of cover crops. We will also scale-up the investment in edge-of-field and in-field infrastructure, like wetlands, saturated buffers and bioreactors to improve water quality.
“We are excited to continue the conversation on this important issue and are committed to working with all Iowans interested in protecting our state’s water quality.”
First Annual Soil Health Summit Awards Honor Best in Soil Health
Innovators. Educators. Communicators. Those are just some of the words used to describe the four recipients of the newly inaugurated “Seeds of Change Awards” at the 2018 Soil Health Partnership Summit, Jan. 18-19 in Chicago. These awards were developed to highlight those members of the Soil Health Partnership who go above and beyond to advocate for the partnership and for soil health throughout the year.
“The Soil Health Partnership could not exist without the willingness and enthusiasm of our partners—especially the farmers and agronomists on the front lines of our research,” said Nick Goeser, director of the Soil Health Partnership. “These four individuals exemplify the very best of our dedicated partners, and we look forward to honoring others as the research continues and our partnership expands.”
The four award recipients are:
Super Spout: Andrew Reuschel, Golden, Illinois. Andrew is a first-year member of the partnership who is passionate about soil health, enthusiastic to take on new challenges and is always willing to share his experience with others. Andrew practices reduced tillage and cover crops on his farm and became interested in expanding soil and water conservation efforts. Andrew comes by this interest in soil health naturally— his grandpa tried working with cover crops in the '70s, and his dad in the '90s. He says he is currently enjoying spending less money on chemical and fertilizer inputs!
Champion Communicator: Mark Mueller, Waverly, Iowa. Mark often takes the initiative to tell the story of what’s happening on his farm – a vital way to encourage other farmers to consider adopting new practices, and to share the progress agriculture is making with the public. In the last year, he drafted an opinion editorial on the soil health practices on his farm, published in three Iowa newspapers, including the Des Moines Register. He’s done several other media interviews, including Wallaces Farmer and Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier. He also spent four weeks journaling for Farm and Ranch Living Magazine, discussing his soil health journey in many of the entries, and hosting a professional photo shoot on his farm. The feature is scheduled to run in 2018.
Ace Agronomist: Jack Hardwick, Beardstown, Illinois. Approachable and knowledgeable agronomists are a critical link between SHP and farmers when it comes to implementing and collecting data on new farming techniques. Both an agronomist and a farmer, Jack’s interest in soil health started with his degree in soil science. He then spent 12 years in various roles with FS, AgriGold, and BRANDT before going back to the family farm and starting a crop consulting business. His farmers look to him to answer their questions, and get sound advice and expertise. They often remark on how much they appreciate his insights into their farming operation.
Data Digger: Tom Vaske, Masonville, Iowa. You know there’s always that one guy who has perfect records and precise notes. Tom Vaske is that guy. The research of the Soil Health Partnership relies on good data collection. He is always on time, meticulous and accurate with his data, and ensures his trial location is correct each year. Tom started farming on his own in 2001 by renting land from a neighbor who wished to have conservation tillage practices maintained on the farm, so Tom converted an old planter into a strip till bar. He was initially skeptical of the practice and assumed he would eventually want to go back to plowing. Years later, Tom is still utilizing strip till as an important tool in his operation. Tom has been testing the use of interseeding cover crops on his farm through randomized, replicated field trials with SHP.
An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, the Soil Health Partnership is a data-driven program working to quantify the benefits of practices that support soil health from an economic as well as environmental standpoint.
TPP Eleven Members Reach Agreement
Negotiators from 11 Pacific Rim nations agreed Tuesday on a Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, the Japanese minister in charge of TPP said, a year after President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the talks.
The 11 nations were close to a deal at a summit in Vietnam in November but fell short at the last minute after Canada raised objections.
Negotiators gathered again in Tokyo Tuesday and cleared away the remaining sticking points, said Toshimitsu Motegi, the Japanese minister handling the talks. He said the 11 nations aim to sign the agreement on March 8 in Chile.
Among Canada's issues was its desire for an exemption that it said was needed to protect Canadian cultural products from the effects of free trade. Mr. Motegi said the parties agreed to exchange a side letter with Canada over the issue after the pact goes into effect.
A Canadian official said Canada also secured "real gains" in terms of labor and environmental standards, and applauded the removal of text related to intellectual property. As for automotive rules, the official said Canada has one bilateral agreement with Malaysia on rules of origin, one pending with Australia, and another side deal with Japan regarding nontariff barriers pertaining to motor vehicles.
News of a TPP deal comes as the latest round of trilateral talks aimed at revamping the North American Free Trade Agreement formally began in Montreal on Tuesday. Among the most contentious sticking points is on the automotive front, regarding a Trump administration demand that regional content of light vehicles made in North America be increased to 85% from the current 62.5%, and that half the vehicle's parts be U.S.-made, to qualify for duty-free trade among the countries.
Both Canada and Mexico -- which is also part of the TPP pact -- oppose the U.S. NAFTA proposal on autos and are preparing counteroffers during the Montreal talks.
News of the pending TPP deal drew immediate concern from Canada's auto-parts makers, who have been focused of late on NAFTA and U.S. proposals that they believe threaten to upend the North American auto supply chain.
"Trophy-hunting trade deals that hurt the biggest sector in Canada is irresponsible and also makes us look weak to the U.S. in a NAFTA week," said Flavio Volpe, president of the Toronto-based Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association.
The TPP deal came just a half-day after the Trump administration slapped steep tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines, a move to implement Mr. Trump's harder line on trade that he has touted since his election campaign.
Japan has depicted itself as a free-trade champion that can assume the kind of leadership role previously taken by U.S. administrations.
"Now in some parts of the world, there is a move toward protectionism, and I think the TPP-11 is a major engine to overcome such a phenomenon," Mr. Motegi said.
He said the deal was "epoch-making for Japan as well as for the future of the Asia-Pacific region." He also reiterated a hope frequently expressed by Japanese officials that once the 11-nation TPP is up and running, the U.S. might consider rejoining the deal.
The TPP agreement could also provide a framework for a future NAFTA deal should the current one be scrapped by the Trump administration, according to people familiar with the trade talks. Senior Mexican officials see the TPP agreement as an indication that the free-trade train is rolling forward with regional pacts, with or without the U.S. aboard, as NAFTA is being renegotiated.
Vice President Mike Pence said on a visit to Tokyo last year that as far as the Trump administration is concerned, the TPP is a "thing of the past."
Cattlemen on TPP Moving Forward Without U.S. - "Missed Opportunity to Gain Greater Access" to Foreign Markets
Kent Bacus, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's Director of International Trade and Market Access, today issued the following statement in response to news reports that eleven nations have finalized a revised version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership without the United States:
“Withdrawing from TPP was a missed opportunity for the United States to gain greater access to some of the world’s most vibrant and growing markets. As we now enter a pivotal round of NAFTA negotiations, the last thing we need is to take a step backwards in our relationships with Canada and Mexico.
“We encourage negotiators in Montreal to continue building on the progress made in previous rounds so the United States can focus on tearing down trade barriers in Asia and around the world.
“Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate’s unwillingness to confirm key negotiators like Gregg Doud as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator, leaves the ag sector unfairly underrepresented at the world’s negotiating tables. It’s imperative that the Senate confirm Doud and the many other unconfirmed nominees as soon as possible.”
TPP-11 Puts U.S. Wheat Exports at Risk
U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are expressing concern that a revised Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that excludes the United States puts overseas demand for U.S. wheat at serious risk.
“On January 23, 2017, exactly one year ago, President Trump announced the United States would pull out of the TPP. The announcement today that the eleven remaining TPP members have concluded talks on a revised deal without us sends another discouraging signal to our long-time wheat importing customers in Japan,” said Ben Conner, USW Director of Policy.
Japan imports an average of 3.1 million metric tons of U.S. wheat every year. After full implementation of the new TPP, Japan’s import tariffs on Canadian and Australian wheat would drop by about $65 per ton.
“That would put U.S. wheat producers at a total price disadvantage of more than $200 million per year from TPP alone,” Conner said. “As the agricultural community warned when the President made the announcement, withdrawing from TPP was shortsighted and unnecessary, and now U.S. wheat farmers could take the hit.”
“As expected, the remaining members of TPP are moving forward without the United States,” said Gordon Stoner, NAWG President and a wheat grower from Outlook, Mont. “If nothing else, this announcement should serve as a rallying cry for farmers, ranchers and dairy producers calling for the new trade deals we were promised when the President walked away from TPP. The heat needs to be turned up on the administration and on trade negotiations with Japan. An already stressed agriculture sector needs the benefit of free and fair trade now.”
The so-called TPP-11 countries include Canada and Australia, which are major competitors to the United States in the Japanese wheat market. Other TPP countries with rapidly growing demand for imported wheat include Mexico, Vietnam, Malaysia, Chile and Peru. Singapore, Brunei and New Zealand round out the remaining TPP partner countries.
DFA HONORED AS DAIRY PROCESSOR OF THE YEAR AT 2018 DAIRY FORUM
Today, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national cooperative owned by family farmers, was awarded Dairy Foods magazine’s 2017 Processor of the Year Award.
DFA was recognized for its investments in the dairy processing industry, strategic partnerships, product innovation and commitment to sustainability. Dairy Foods magazine presented the award to executives from DFA at an awards luncheon at the International Dairy Foods Association Dairy Forum on January 23, 2018 in Palm Desert, Calif.
“One of the key reasons that Dairy Foods selected DFA as the 2017 Processor of the Year is because of the cooperative’s tremendous growth,” says Kathie Canning, editor-in-chief of Dairy Foods magazine.
DFA received the Processor of the Year Award for its investment in the processing industry, as evidenced by the new construction and expansion of dairy plants in Kansas, Michigan, New York, Missouri and Maryland. It has also been instrumental in developing and expanding innovative products such as the Sport Shake® Sportsman line of protein shakes as well as focusing on new product formats for several of its legacy brands such as Borden® Cheese, Kemps® and Keller’s® Creamery Butter. The cooperative also made strides in 2017 to achieve sustainability-minded improvements such as water usage reduction in its plants, as well as forming key partnerships to enhance sustainability practices on its members’ farms via anaerobic digestion and solar panel technologies. Finally, DFA is engaged and committed to the overall industry with company executives and board members playing key leadership roles in organizations that promote the industry, including the International Dairy Foods Association, the National Milk Producers Federation’s board of directors and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, to name a few.
“Everything that we do at DFA is ultimately about delivering value to our farm family owners and the marketplace by working to increase demand for dairy products in the U.S. and throughout the globe,” says Monica Massey, senior vice president and chief of staff at DFA. “We work to achieve this through continued investments, growth and innovation. Being recognized as the dairy industry’s Processor of the Year is truly an honor, and we are thrilled to accept the award on behalf of our more than 13,000 farmer-owners.”
Ford’s New 2018 F-150 Joins Ranks of Diesel Vehicle Models Supporting B20 Biodiesel
Several automakers’ new 2018 diesel models are being featured this week at the Fort Worth Convention Center as the U.S. biodiesel industry celebrates its 25th Anniversary at the 2018 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. And full-size diesel truck fans also have reason to celebrate this year as Ford – America’s truck sales leader – delivers the first-ever Ford F-150 diesel with a targeted EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway rating, best-in-class diesel towing and payload, and full B20 support. B20 is a fuel blend of 20 percent low-carbon biodiesel with petroleum diesel.
The Ford F-150 joins the F-250/350/450 Super Duty® and F-650/750 medium duty trucks as well as the Transit van to round out Ford’s strong line-up of diesel models supporting the use of B20 biodiesel blends. Attendees at the National Biodiesel Conference will have the opportunity to test drive the 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty during a Biodiesel Ride-and-Drive Event at the Fort Worth Convention Center on Wednesday, and Ford’s new F-150 diesel is on display there this week in the Biodiesel Vehicle Technology Showcase. In mid-January, Ford dealers begin taking orders for the 2018 F-150 with all-new 3.0-liter PowerStroke® diesel engine, and deliveries begin this spring.
Dominic DiCicco, Ford’s Manager of Environmental Policy and Fuel Quality, commented, “Ford is committed to offering our customers the power of choice with a wide range of alternative fuel and advanced powertrain options to help fleets reduce their carbon footprint and help our nation achieve its goals. Adding the new F-150 3.0L Power Stroke diesel to our lineup of diesel models supporting the use of clean, renewable, low-carbon B20 biodiesel blends, complements Ford’s sustainability goals, and we are excited to bring this product to market for our customers.”
General Motors is also bringing a strong lineup of 20 different diesel vehicle options to market in the 2018 model year, spanning the car, truck, van and compact SUV categories. General Motors supports B20 in all 20 of its diesel models. One of GM’s flagship models, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD pickup with a 6.6L Duramax® turbo diesel engine, as well as the new 2018 Chevy Equinox SUV with 1.6L turbo diesel engine, will be featured at the National Biodiesel Conference this week compliments of The Thompson Group Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, TX.
The important off-road equipment market is also represented in the Biodiesel Vehicle Showcase this week by long-time biodiesel supporter John Deere, featuring its best-selling utility tractor, the John Deere 5075E with a B20-supported PowerTech™ turbocharged diesel engine. John Deere was one of the first original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to get involved with biodiesel, and this year the company is celebrating an important anniversary of its own – the 100th year since the first John Deere tractor was built.
Equipment giant Caterpillar Inc. is also featured at the National Biodiesel Conference this week. The Cat equipment product line, consisting of more than 300 machines, sets the standard for the off-road equipment industry. Also long-time supporters of B20 biodiesel blends, Caterpillar is showcasing a CAT 938M Small Wheel Loader with a high torque, low speed C7.1 ACERT engine in the Biodiesel Vehicle Technology Showcase.
Customers from coast to coast have used B20 successfully in virtually every make and model diesel engine, and the vast majority of new diesel engines now have full OEM support for B20 with no vehicle modifications required. Yet in the ever-increasing drive to cut carbon and lower CO2 emissions, forward looking fleets and users are investigating higher biodiesel blends to maximize the reduction in their carbon footprint. To address the interest, another vehicle showcase participant, Optimus Technologies, has developed aftermarket technology to enable B100 use even in the coldest climates. With its controller and second heated B100 tank system, Optimus is providing fleets an easy and cost-effective way to use pure B100 biodiesel in their existing vehicles and reduce carbon by 80 percent at a fraction of the cost of conversion to other fuel alternatives being considered that don’t provide as much carbon reduction, like compressed natural gas.
Scott Fenwick, Technical Director for the National Biodiesel Board and Chairman of the ASTM Committee on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants, stated, “For 25 years, the National Biodiesel Board and the U.S. biodiesel industry have worked closely with our partners in the auto and engine manufacturing community to ensure that biodiesel - America’s Advanced Biofuel - continues to keep pace with the nation’s increasing demands for cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable modes of transportation. As we continue to demonstrate that the biodiesel industry is producing a consistently high-quality product that meets specifications, support from the original equipment manufacturers grows.” Today over 80 percent of the diesel vehicles coming off production lines fully support the use of B20, and OEMs are beginning to look into higher blends as well.
U.S. Wheat Industry Celebrates Japan Flour Millers Association Anniversary
Several representatives from the U.S. wheat industry joined members of the Japan Flour Millers Association to help celebrate the association’s 70th anniversary in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2018. Senior managers from U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), as well as state wheat commission representatives and farmers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana participated in events commemorating the anniversary.
Japan has purchased significantly more U.S. wheat than any other country since 1949, when the Oregon Wheat Growers League first organized a trade delegation to investigate opportunities for expanding U.S. wheat sales there.
Today, the Japanese domestic milling and wheat foods industries are highly advanced and demand consistent, high quality wheat and flour. USW Chairman Mike Miller, of Ritzville, Wash., told members of the association that U.S. farmers are very proud to supply much of that wheat every year.
“It is good to know that our wheat is an essential ingredient in the wonderful wheat foods the Japanese people enjoy — and an essential ingredient in the success of these flour millers,” Miller said. “I reassured them that to honor their achievements, farmers will continue to invest in trade service and technical support in Japan, and to improve the quality and wholesomeness of our wheat to meet their needs in the future.”
“It was a great pleasure to congratulate the association's Chairman, Mr. Masayuki Kondo, President of the Japan Flour Millers Association, and the members of the association in person on their important anniversary,” said USW President Vince Peterson. “We were also able to thank our respected friend and colleague, Mr. Masaaki Kadota, who is retiring after many years serving as the association’s Executive Director.”
With support from state wheat commissions and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, USW focuses on providing up-to-date market information and collaborating with Japanese industry groups to demonstrate the quality and value of U.S. wheat. The mills provide purchase specifications to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (MAFF) based on the strict characteristics their wheat food customers demand. Japanese grain trade organizations act as intermediaries between MAFF and overseas sellers. Then MAFF carries out all milling wheat purchases and sells the wheat to Japanese flour mills.
“It is difficult to express how much we value our partnership with Japan’s flour millers and the rest of the wheat foods industries,” Peterson said. “We have developed a deep level of trust by maintaining an open dialogue with them. That has been so important to our mutually beneficial, long-term trading relationship and we confirmed our commitment to continue our partnership in that spirit.”
U.S. farmers continue to earn the largest market share in this well-established and quality conscious wheat market. MAFF issues consistent weekly tenders for U.S. hard red spring (HRS), hard red winter (HRW) and Western White, a blend of soft white (SW) and up to 20 percent club wheat. As a result, Japan has purchased an average of 3.1 million metric tons (about 114 million bushels) of wheat annually the past five years.
Also honoring the association at events in Japan were: wheat farmers Bill Flory of Culdesac, Idaho., Walter Powell of Condon, Ore., and Darren Padget of Grass Valley, Ore.; Damon Filan, manager of Tri-Cities Grain, LLC in Pasco, Wash.; Glen Squires, chief executive officer of the Washington Grain Commission; Michelle Hennings, executive director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers; Collin Watters, executive vice president of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee; Mark Fowler, USW vice president of overseas operations; Mr. Wataru “Charlie” Utsunomiya, USW/Japan country director; and Ms. Sadako Ishida, USW/Japan program assistant.
Y-TEX Corporation Introduces New Y-Tags™ One-Piece Ear Tagging System
Y-TEX Corporation, one of the leading global suppliers of livestock identification and pest control solutions, today announced the launch of its new Y-Tags One-Piece Ear Tagging System for beef and dairy cattle. Featuring 100% PureLaser™ permanent imprinting and the unique Surgi-Tip™ self-piercing tip, Y-Tags represent a major advancement in one-piece ear tagging technology.
“Everyone at Y-TEX is extremely excited about this latest addition to our line of visual identification ear tags,” noted Stu Marsh, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Y-TEX.
“Y-Tags are molded from advanced thermo polyurethane (TPU) and acetyl nylon to withstand extremes in heat and cold, as well as ultra-violet light, moisture and mold. And unlike some tags, Y-Tags are pliable, yet durable, so they hang tough without cracking or breaking. It’s a difference you can actually see and feel.”
Another feature that sets Y-Tags apart from conventional one-piece tags is the 100% PureLaser™ permanent imprinting. Y-TEX employs a proprietary process that delivers the deepest, darkest 100% pure laser imprint on the market. While some other imprints fade over time, the Y-Tags PureLaser™ permanent imprint is guaranteed legible for the life of the animal.
“Livestock producers will also appreciate the new Surgi-Tip™ self-piercing tag tip,” Marsh said. “Its unique four-sided design delivers a precise incision for less tissue damage, faster healing and improved retention. Research shows that a clean incision and faster healing are two keys to better ear tag retention.”
Rounding out the Y-Tags system is the new Y-Tags one-piece applicator. With its wider jaw, flip-out pin and ergonomic design, the Y-Tags applicator works seamlessly with the Surgi-Tip self-piercing tip to make tagging easier than ever. Studies show that Y-Tags require less force to apply than other one-piece tags, resulting in less producer fatigue during the busy tagging season.
Y-Tags come in cow (large), calf (medium) and feedlot sizes in a wide variety of high-visibility colors. The cow and calf tags are offered in 25-count and 100-count packages, while the feedlot tags are available in 1,000-count cartons containing 20 packages of 50 tags each. Like all Y-TEX products, Y-Tags are made with pride in the USA.
“Our new Y-Tags One-Piece Ear Tags System marks an important addition to our growing line of top-quality livestock products,” stated Glenn A. Nielson, President of Y-TEX Corporation. “For years, Y-TEX has been a leader in the visual identification ear tag industry, and our new Y-Tags serve to solidify our position in the marketplace while answering the need for new and better livestock ID solutions.”
Eggland's Best Launches New, Premium Chicken Food For Backyard Chickens
With more than 25 years in the business, Eggland's Best (EB) is known for its highest standards in taste, nutrition, freshness and quality – and now the brand is sharing its expertise with backyard chicken owners nationwide. The new line of Eggland's Best Chicken Food and Chick Food features the same wholesome, all-vegetarian formula used by EB egg farmers. The formula consists of premium ingredients rich in 15 vitamins and minerals that helps hens be healthier and of course results in healthier eggs too. Multiple varieties will be available for both chickens and chicks, including a USDA certified organic option made with Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients.
"Since backyard chickens rely on chicken food as their primary source of nutrition, it's important to select the most nutritious and best quality product available," said Dr. Bart Slaugh, Director of Quality Assurance at Eggland's Best. "At Eggland's Best, we adhere to the strictest of quality standards, so consumers can feel confident that they are purchasing the highest quality chicken food that will help keep their hens healthy and produce a nutritionally superior egg. We even take the extra step of pasteurizing our products to provide an additional layer of safety for our feathered friends."
Eggland's Best unique chicken food formula consists of a proprietary all-vegetarian blend of healthy grains, canola oil, and a supplement of rice bran, alfalfa, sea kelp, and Vitamin E, resulting in higher amounts of omega 3's as well as 15 different vitamins and minerals crucial for supporting the overall immune health, bone, muscle and overall development, energy, eye health, egg production and metabolism of backyard layers. Just like all other Eggland's Best products, EB Chicken Food never contains any animal by-products, recycled or processed foods, and never uses hormones, steroids, or antibiotics ever.
"We know many backyard chicken owners look at their hens as almost being members of their family. Being able to feed their 'girls' such a rich, premium, and proven diet, we knew, would be of great interest to those owners. And the more nutritious eggs are the reward they get for taking such good care of their flock. It's a really virtuous cycle for hens and humans alike," said Frank Bergin, General Manager, Strategic Ventures and Innovations for Eggland's Best. "We are excited to make our proprietary premium formula available to passionate backyard chicken owners everywhere so they can now rest easy that their 'girls' are getting the nutrition they need and deserve to live their best life."
Feeding backyard layers Eggland's Best Chicken Food not only helps keep hens healthier, but also produces superior eggs with six times more vitamin D, 25 percent less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s, ten times more vitamin E, and more than double the amount of vitamin B12 than ordinary eggs. The premium ingredients within the chicken food also help produce stronger shells and consistently plumper eggs with more vibrantly colored yolks than ordinary eggs store-bought eggs, so consumers never have to settle for ordinary.
Eggland's Best Chicken Food is now available at select farm supply, pet, mass merchandiser and grocery retailers nationwide, including Tractor Supply, Co.. Eggland's Best Chicken Food comes in crumble and mini-pellet varieties and in multiple sized bags. Eggland's Best Chick Food is available in crumble form and in multiple bag sizes as well. There are Organic versions of both Eggland's Best Chicken Food and Chick Food.
For more information on Eggland's Best Chicken Food or where to find the product, visit www.egglandsbest.com/chicken-food.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Monday January 22 Ag News
Preparing For Pre-Harvest Marketing In 2018
Amy Timmerman – NE Extension Educator
Selling corn under $4.00/bushel is not fun for anyone, but it will be a reality for Nebraska producers this year. Despite low prices, there will be opportunities for savvy marketers. The 2018 marketing year is shaping up to be similar to 2017 for corn. Here we will review some the challenges producers faced in 2017 and how we can avoid them in 2018.
In 2017, corn accumulated a record amount of global ending stock, placing downward pressure on corn prices. Without a major market jolt, we can expect 2018 corn prices to be shaped by this large quantity of corn.
Challenges
1. Basis: Because of the high volume of corn available, basis has been weak across the state. Grain buyers (elevators, ethanol facilities, feedyards) have access to plenty of grain and do not need to improve basis to attract farmers to sell. Remember basis values, especially for new crop, seldom change throughout the year. Furthermore, any changes that do occur are likely to be minimal (a few cents). Do not let a weak, unwavering basis keep you from selling grain when futures prices spike.
2. Early futures price peak: Another symptom of high ending stocks, are that prices reach their peak much earlier in the year, February-April rather than April-June. Figure 1 compares a 20-year average percent price increase over January 1 to the average of years with “Very High” ending stocks. In 2017 many producers did not price corn early enough to capture seasonal highs.
3. Unrealistic price targets: One barrier many farmers ran into in 2017, was that their pre-harvest price targets were too high. Producers had set target prices at and above $4.00/bushel cash in 2017. For most Nebraska farmers they had a small window, if any, to pre-price at this level.
Combating the Challenges
1. Basis: There is little to nothing that individual farmers can do to improve the basis. However, this is a good time to consider which delivery locations are most profitable. Each grain buyer sets their own basis. Thus, shopping around your area for the best basis may help you gain a couple of cents. If you have the ability to haul grain to another area, you will want to calculate if the cost of hauling grain to receive the better cash price is worth the expense of hauling.
2. Early futures price peak: Be prepared to sell grain early in 2018. Accept that you may be pricing a crop that you have yet to plant. Remember, in pre-harvest marketing plans it is not recommended that you forward contract or hedge 100% of expected production. The rule of thumb is to not pre-price more than insured production (Actual Production History (APH) times your percent of coverage). Most producers price 25%-50% of insured production.
3. Unrealistic price targets: The market does not care if prices are below your cost of production until prices are so low that you decide not to produce anymore. Realistic target prices should be set based on grounded market expectations. The USDA releases the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate monthly. In this report they predict farm prices for corn, soybeans and wheat, giving us a good gauge to set price targets. The December 12 USDA WASDE report estimates that national average cash price will be between $2.85 and $3.55/bushel.
This year will be a challenge for many grain producers. Having a written marketing plan that addresses the pitfalls outlined above will help keep you on track. For more grain marketing information check out the articles at cropwatch.unl.edu.
Farmland Values Stabilize in 2017 in Grain Belt States
Farmland values in the grain belt states served by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) stabilized in 2017, a reflection of continued market demand for quality land.
Sales of higher quality farm ground contributed to an uptick in average sale prices in 2017. Where prices dropped at local or regional levels, sales generally involved lower quality land. Average sale prices rose slightly in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. Wyoming had too few sales to identify a trend.
FCSAmerica compiles sales records and, twice a year, appraises 64 benchmark farms. The cooperative’s objective is to track real estate values without the influence of changes in land quality on sale prices. Iowa and Wyoming saw modest overall increases in real estate values in 2017, while Nebraska and South Dakota declined.
NEBRASKA
Five benchmarks farms increased in value, while two showed no change. The remaining 11 declined an average of 6.1 percent. Total sales declined in 2017, with dry cropland dropping 15 percent and irrigated 25 percent compared to 2016. Public land auctions dropped 16 percent and auction “no sales” increased to 5.2 percent, up from 2.2 percent in 2016.
IOWA
Eleven benchmark farms saw an increase in value in the last six months of 2017, while 10 showed no change. Overall farmland sales activity was down 20 percent. However, public land auctions increased 2 percent compared to the previous year. The percent of auction “no sales” fell to 2.7 percent, down from 3.2 percent in 2016.
“Overall real estate values have stabilized in the past year, but continued low profit margins and potential for an increase in sales activity could put downward pressure on real estate values,” said Tim Koch, FCSAmerica’s chief risk officer.
Farmland values remain well below the market’s peak of three to four years ago. Overall, values are off about 20 percent.
NDA SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR SPECIALTY CROP GRANTS—DEADLINE FEB. 9
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting grant proposals for its 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). NDA administers the program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The deadline for submitting proposals is Feb. 9.
“Nebraska’s specialty crop industry is thriving with help from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “The program supports research, development and marketing of specialty crops and offers resources for innovative projects and ideas that help grow Nebraska’s ag industry.”
Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
For the 2018 SCBGP, NDA anticipates approximately $600,000 will be available to fund new projects. Producers, organizations and associations, as well as state and local agencies, educational groups and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply.
Thirteen specialty crop projects were funded in Nebraska last fall through the program for a total of nearly $600,000.
This year’s proposals will be reviewed and scored using select criteria. Applicants who make it through the first round will be asked to submit additional information. NDA and USDA will announce the projects receiving funding in the fall.
Instructions for submitting a proposal, proposal applications, performance measures and program guidelines are available on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/scbgp/index.html. All proposals should be saved as a Microsoft Word .docx file and sent electronically to casey.foster@nebraska.gov by the Feb. 9 deadline. For additional information contact: Casey Foster at (402) 471-4876, or by the email listed above.
To view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops and examples of projects funded under the SCBGP, visit USDA’s website at ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.
NPPC Commends USDA for Maintaining Essential Livestock Market Programs
Two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs critical to the continuity of livestock market operations will continue during the current federal government shutdown. The Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program, managed by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, is the sole source of market information on sales to packers of cattle, swine and lambs and on the subsequent sale of meat products. Inspection services provided by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Services also will continue as an essential activity, ensuring a key element of America’s food supply -- safe, nutritious and affordable meat and poultry -- are available to consumers.
“NPPC appreciates the leadership provided by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Undersecretary of Marketing and Regulatory Affairs Greg Ibach and Acting Deputy Undersecretary of Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg,” said NPPC President Ken Maschhoff, a pork producer from Carlyle, Illinois. “Inspection and market news reporting are essential to the proper functioning of responsible commerce in the U.S. pork industry during the uncertainty of a federal government shutdown.”
Maschhoff added, “The availability of LMR market data ensures that reliable and accurate information that influence critical business decisions are available to thousands of producers and other market participants, including those in the futures market.”
Farm Bureau Statement on WOTUS Jurisdiction Decision
Ellen Steen, General Counsel of the American Farm Bureau Federation
“The U.S. Supreme Court ruled correctly today that federal district courts—not federal courts of appeals—have jurisdiction to review the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. This Supreme Court decision brings greater clarity to an important issue that has bogged down the litigation over this and other Clean Water Act regulations for years. That is a positive result, but it also creates uncertainty and confusion in the short term, because the Sixth Circuit must soon lift its nationwide stay of the 2015 rule.
“At this time, the Environmental Protection Agency has not yet finalized its proposed rule to delay the application of the unlawful and dangerous 2015 WOTUS rule while the agency considers whether to permanently repeal that rule. AFBF is considering its options to avoid application of the 2015 rule while EPA moves forward with an appropriate long-term solution that provides clear rules and clean water without requiring a federal permit to plow a field.”
Fort Worth Hosts National Biodiesel Conference & Expo
The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo opens today at the Fort Worth Convention Center and offers a vehicle showcase and ride-and-drive opportunity alongside demonstrations and presentations on the latest in the industry.
And this year’s conference takes on special significance as the title sponsor, the National Biodiesel Board, celebrates 25 years.
“For the visionaries who launched what would become the National Biodiesel Board in 1992, we want to say ‘thank you,’” said NBB CEO Donnell Rehagan. “We look forward to taking this opportunity to reflect on those first 25 years, but we are also excited to launch into the next era of growth for America’s Advanced Biofuel.”
Following a University of Missouri study that demonstrated biodiesel had potential as a diesel fuel replacement, the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council created the National SoyDiesel Development Board in 1992. Sensing the opportunity to utilize the vast surplus of soybean oil collected each year, while also expanding energy security and environmental benefits, other state soybean associations quickly joined the effort. The new association changed its name to the National Biodiesel Board in 1994 to reflect the diversity of fats and oils that can be made into biodiesel.
In the early days, NBB spearheaded diesel engine research and emissions testing to demonstrate biodiesel’s environmental benefits, leading to official specifications for the fuel used in diesel cars and trucks today and earning the reputation as America’s first commercially produced advanced biofuel. The producers then were primarily a collection of small businesses serving their communities, distributing a few hundred million gallons of biodiesel by the turn of the century.
Today, with support from a bipartisan strategy to bring transportation fuel options into the mainstream through implementation of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and a tax incentive to spur growth, the advanced biofuel has blossomed into a nearly 3 billion gallon per year industry. A renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification, biodiesel is now produced in every corner of the country made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats. As biodiesel has grown over the last 25 years, it has stayed true to its local roots. The more than 64,000 jobs the industry supports are often the highest paying in many rural areas. To be called biodiesel, the fuel must meet the strict quality specifications of ASTM D6751.
“Biodiesel is an American success story,” said Rehagen. “We have overcome countless challenges, and we will undoubtedly face many more as we continue to grow the industry. But for everyone who has pulled together for the past 25 years to make our success a reality, this conference is a great time to celebrate."
A celebration of the 25th anniversary will be front and center when conference organizers pull back the curtains on the main stage -- constructed in an even larger Expo Hall for the first time this year -- to open the festivities on Tuesday morning.
And the conference isn’t just for industry insiders. The public is invited Tuesday to join in the discussions focused on biodiesel technology, public policy and more. They will also have the opportunity to explore the event’s Expo Hall, where they can learn all about how biodiesel is made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats. A Texas driver’s license is required for local residents to attend free of charge. Wednesday, the public is invited back to participate in a “ride-and-drive” with vehicles provided by area dealers and equipped with the latest diesel engines.
Other highlights for attendees include a session with the filmmakers who premiered “Hot Grease” at the prestigious DOC NYC film festival before its debut on the Discovery Channel last November. The feature length documentary tells the story of biodiesel’s rise and the industry fight for survival in the face of numerous public policy challenges. The producers spent countless hours documenting the experiences of biodiesel entrepreneurs in Texas, while advocates in Washington, D.C., come together to protect the industry from a barrage of attacks from opponents more interested in protecting the status quo.
The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo takes place January 22 - 25 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. To learn more about the conference, including a full schedule of events and information on how to register, visit www.biodieselconference.org.
US Government Report Strengthens Consensus on Biodiesel Benefits
A new study on biodiesel’s lifecycle energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission effects updates and reaffirms the long-understood benefits of using the renewable fuel. The study is the latest in the significant body of transparent, peer-reviewed, studies that conclusively quantify biodiesel’s widespread benefits. The report, recently published by a collaboration between Argonne National Laboratory, Purdue University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), represents the most up-to-date and comprehensive lifecycle analysis of biodiesel ever produced. Results confirm that biodiesel compared to petroleum diesel reduces GHG emissions by 72 percent and fossil fuel use by 80 percent.
“This is the highest GHG reduction of any heavy-duty transportation fuel and reflects biodiesel’s natural ability to store solar energy in a liquid form compatible with today’s engines and power generation technologies,” said Jim Duffield, who coauthored numerous lifecycle reports for USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist prior to his recent retirement.
“It’s encouraging to see the commitment to data and quality analysis brought together in this study,” said Don Scott, sustainability director for the National Biodiesel Board. “It’s not news that biodiesel is good for the environment. Where credible results are needed for sound policies, it serves us well to look at transparent, reliable science.”
This study represents the first time Argonne National Laboratory has published a lifecycle assessment of biodiesel including indirect land use change (ILUC). The theory of ILUC suggests that economic benefits from renewable fuels impact farming patterns globally. ILUC modeling attempts to quantify the future impact of such predicted land use change. ILUC has been included in analyses by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that independently conclude biodiesel’s GHG advantage exceeds 50 percent reduction over diesel fuel.
“The improvements to ILUC modeling in this study were not possible just a few years ago, because we did not have as much data as we do today,” said Farzad Taheripour, one of the authors of this paper from Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural Economics. “Data available today shows that farmers all around the world are increasing productivity on existing farm land. Calibrating the model to these real-world trends improves the accuracy and reduces the predicted emissions of biofuel expansion.”
The more the models reflect real world data, biodiesel’s benefits become even clearer. The improved model reduces ILUC emissions by more than 30 percent relative to the score adopted by CARB in 2015.
“Biodiesel’s emission-reduction benefits are so great that you can overapply penalties aligned with the most conservative models and biodiesel is still the cleanest alternative for today’s diesel engines and the heavy-duty transportation of tomorrow,” said Scott.
For example, although CARB applies an ILUC penalty to soy biodiesel, biodiesel remains a key component to reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
Using its flagship GREET® LCA model, Argonne computes the GHG advantage of biodiesel as reducing emissions by 76 compared to petroleum. GREET®—whose acronym stands for Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation—houses the best engineering data for allocating process emissions, but it does not make predictions of future economic changes. When predicted economic impacts are added, the GHG benefit lands in the range of 66 to 72 percent better than petroleum. The lower end of this range results from using CARB’s emission factor model developed specifically for the California market. The higher end of this range results from using the emission factor model developed by the national laboratory, which includes higher resolution for organic carbon where that data is available.
Roughly half of the biodiesel used in the US is made from soybean oil. The other half is produced from sources like used cooking oil, animal fats, and other fats and oils. The authors of this study began by collecting the latest data on the energy and emissions from farming soybeans. Soybeans are grown primarily to produce protein meal for livestock feed. So, the first processing step after soybeans leave the farm is to a soybean crush facility where 80 percent of every soybean is used to produce livestock feed. The volume of oil that remains after protein extraction exceeds demand for feed or food, (i.e. salad dressing, frying and baking, etc.), so a portion of that oil that we cannot eat or export is used to produce biodiesel.
“This study includes the largest ever survey of biodiesel production facilities to capture the energy used in the form of natural gas and electricity to convert fats, oils, and grease into biodiesel fuel,” said Jeongwoo Han, who maintains the GREET® model for Argonne National Lab.
All these emissions were also combined with the emissions of transporting raw ingredients and finished fuel to market. By including all the emissions in the entire fuel lifecycle, this report presents a comprehensive comparison with the emissions of producing and using diesel fuel. This study includes more data but yields consistent results with other studies published over the last two decades.
Farmers Union Urges Increased Funding for Farm Safety Net, Releases Priorities for Farm Bill
Given the persistent and ongoing economic challenges in farming and rural economies, National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on Congress to increase funding for farm programs in the farm bill and pass the legislation as soon as possible. The NFU Board of Directors recently passed a resolution to this effect, outlining requirements for a farm bill that family farmers and ranchers can support.
“American farmers are not only suffering from price pressure that has reduced net farm income by half over the last four years, but devastating wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters continue to punish agricultural communities,” said the Board. “Trade policies continue to promote the sale of farm products at prices below the cost of production. Farm bill legislation in 2018 must strengthen the safety net so that farmers and ranchers can manage risk, stay in business and continue to feed our country.”
The Board laid out a series of 14 recommendations that Congress should follow to provide a sufficient farm safety net, support rural communities, protect natural resources, improve beginning farmers’ and ranchers’ opportunities for success, and ensure the nation’s most vulnerable people have enough to eat.
“The farm bill, rightly so, touches all aspects of our food system,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “As such, Congress must write and pass a farm bill this year that adequately supports each part of the food system—from the family farmers who grow our food, to the land they do it on, to the rural communities they support, and all the way to the consumers who rely on safe, affordable food. Providing adequate support begins with a recognition of the dire economic conditions of the farm economy, the impacts of food production on the land, and the moral imperative of our country to ensure its most vulnerable citizens have access to food.”
Among the NFU Board’s recommendations were a set of changes to the Farm Bill’s commodity title, Title 1, which has not provided adequate relief for farmers amidst the recent, dramatic slide in net farm income. It called for “increased and robust reference prices under the Price Loss Coverage program,” technical corrections to the Agricultural Risk Coverage program, and an “incentives-based inventory management program to manage milk supplies based on market demand.” The Board also called for mechanisms to address oversupply of grain and dairy, and for meaningful assistance to cotton producers.
Recognizing the role family farmers play as stewards of our natural resources, NFU recommended a strong conservation title that provides “additional acreage under the Conservation Reserve Program,” maintains “funding for working lands conservation programs that promote active stewardship and locally led conservation activities,” and funds “climate mitigation research and technical assistance at national and local levels.”
Central also to the family farm organization’s concerns are the farm bill’s impacts on rural communities. The NFU Board urged Congress to include “robust funding for programs that promote economic, infrastructure and clean energy development in rural communities,” and to prioritize development of local cooperatives.
To ensure the success of beginning and future farmers and ranchers, NFU called for implementation of programs within the farm bill that improve beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers’ and ranchers’ access to land, capital, efficiency and markets.
Finally, and of equal importance, Farmers Union called for strong nutrition programs in order to provide a safety net against hunger.
“The family farm is the keystone of a free, progressive, and democratic national society as well as a strong America, and is the basis of a safe, secure, and stable food system,” wrote the NFU Board. “It provides opportunities for individual enterprise to all families in our society to achieve economic and social stability, as well as soil, water, and environmental stewardship of our natural resources and unparalleled production efficiency. “
“National Farmers Union’s Board of Directors, in its continued efforts to protect family farms, calls on Congress in 2018 to provide strong support and increased funding in the best interests of family farms, rural communities and consumers.”
CWT Assists with 2.7 million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 17 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Land O’Lakes, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and Tillamook County Creamery Association. These cooperatives have contracts to sell 2.692 million pounds (1,221 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 39,683 pounds (18 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from January through April 2018.
CWT-assisted member cooperative 2018 export sales total 5.334 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 729,730 pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 10 countries on three continents. These sales are the equivalent of 65.744 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
China Pork Output Edged Up in 2017
Chinese farmers are just starting to recover after pork output dropped to its lowest level in five years in 2016. According to Reuters, China's 2017 pork output rose 0.8 percent from the year before to 53.4 million tonnes, the National Statistics Bureau said on Thursday, increasing supply in the world's top consumer of the meat.
Pork output had dropped to its lowest level in five years in 2016, after farmers shrank their herds following financial losses in previous years. But even as herds began to recover during 2017, growing 0.4 percent to 433 million head, Thursday’s data showed, a crackdown on farm pollution across the country forced many small farms to close, pushing up slaughter rates.
Some analysts said they had expected the pork output number to be higher, given prices fell by around 20 percent during the year and imports also dropped.
Beef production in 2017 reached its highest level in records going back 20 years. It came in at 7.26 million tonnes, up 1.3 percent on the year. Output has risen in recent years as low milk prices prompted farmers to slaughter more dairy cattle and as the country’s growing middle class developed a taste for steak and hamburgers.
Poultry output climbed 0.5 percent to 18.97 million tonnes in 2017, while lamb production was up 1.8 percent at 4.68 million tonnes, the data showed.
Amy Timmerman – NE Extension Educator
Selling corn under $4.00/bushel is not fun for anyone, but it will be a reality for Nebraska producers this year. Despite low prices, there will be opportunities for savvy marketers. The 2018 marketing year is shaping up to be similar to 2017 for corn. Here we will review some the challenges producers faced in 2017 and how we can avoid them in 2018.
In 2017, corn accumulated a record amount of global ending stock, placing downward pressure on corn prices. Without a major market jolt, we can expect 2018 corn prices to be shaped by this large quantity of corn.
Challenges
1. Basis: Because of the high volume of corn available, basis has been weak across the state. Grain buyers (elevators, ethanol facilities, feedyards) have access to plenty of grain and do not need to improve basis to attract farmers to sell. Remember basis values, especially for new crop, seldom change throughout the year. Furthermore, any changes that do occur are likely to be minimal (a few cents). Do not let a weak, unwavering basis keep you from selling grain when futures prices spike.
2. Early futures price peak: Another symptom of high ending stocks, are that prices reach their peak much earlier in the year, February-April rather than April-June. Figure 1 compares a 20-year average percent price increase over January 1 to the average of years with “Very High” ending stocks. In 2017 many producers did not price corn early enough to capture seasonal highs.
3. Unrealistic price targets: One barrier many farmers ran into in 2017, was that their pre-harvest price targets were too high. Producers had set target prices at and above $4.00/bushel cash in 2017. For most Nebraska farmers they had a small window, if any, to pre-price at this level.
Combating the Challenges
1. Basis: There is little to nothing that individual farmers can do to improve the basis. However, this is a good time to consider which delivery locations are most profitable. Each grain buyer sets their own basis. Thus, shopping around your area for the best basis may help you gain a couple of cents. If you have the ability to haul grain to another area, you will want to calculate if the cost of hauling grain to receive the better cash price is worth the expense of hauling.
2. Early futures price peak: Be prepared to sell grain early in 2018. Accept that you may be pricing a crop that you have yet to plant. Remember, in pre-harvest marketing plans it is not recommended that you forward contract or hedge 100% of expected production. The rule of thumb is to not pre-price more than insured production (Actual Production History (APH) times your percent of coverage). Most producers price 25%-50% of insured production.
3. Unrealistic price targets: The market does not care if prices are below your cost of production until prices are so low that you decide not to produce anymore. Realistic target prices should be set based on grounded market expectations. The USDA releases the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate monthly. In this report they predict farm prices for corn, soybeans and wheat, giving us a good gauge to set price targets. The December 12 USDA WASDE report estimates that national average cash price will be between $2.85 and $3.55/bushel.
This year will be a challenge for many grain producers. Having a written marketing plan that addresses the pitfalls outlined above will help keep you on track. For more grain marketing information check out the articles at cropwatch.unl.edu.
Farmland Values Stabilize in 2017 in Grain Belt States
Farmland values in the grain belt states served by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) stabilized in 2017, a reflection of continued market demand for quality land.
Sales of higher quality farm ground contributed to an uptick in average sale prices in 2017. Where prices dropped at local or regional levels, sales generally involved lower quality land. Average sale prices rose slightly in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. Wyoming had too few sales to identify a trend.
FCSAmerica compiles sales records and, twice a year, appraises 64 benchmark farms. The cooperative’s objective is to track real estate values without the influence of changes in land quality on sale prices. Iowa and Wyoming saw modest overall increases in real estate values in 2017, while Nebraska and South Dakota declined.
NEBRASKA
Five benchmarks farms increased in value, while two showed no change. The remaining 11 declined an average of 6.1 percent. Total sales declined in 2017, with dry cropland dropping 15 percent and irrigated 25 percent compared to 2016. Public land auctions dropped 16 percent and auction “no sales” increased to 5.2 percent, up from 2.2 percent in 2016.
IOWA
Eleven benchmark farms saw an increase in value in the last six months of 2017, while 10 showed no change. Overall farmland sales activity was down 20 percent. However, public land auctions increased 2 percent compared to the previous year. The percent of auction “no sales” fell to 2.7 percent, down from 3.2 percent in 2016.
“Overall real estate values have stabilized in the past year, but continued low profit margins and potential for an increase in sales activity could put downward pressure on real estate values,” said Tim Koch, FCSAmerica’s chief risk officer.
Farmland values remain well below the market’s peak of three to four years ago. Overall, values are off about 20 percent.
NDA SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR SPECIALTY CROP GRANTS—DEADLINE FEB. 9
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting grant proposals for its 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). NDA administers the program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The deadline for submitting proposals is Feb. 9.
“Nebraska’s specialty crop industry is thriving with help from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “The program supports research, development and marketing of specialty crops and offers resources for innovative projects and ideas that help grow Nebraska’s ag industry.”
Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
For the 2018 SCBGP, NDA anticipates approximately $600,000 will be available to fund new projects. Producers, organizations and associations, as well as state and local agencies, educational groups and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply.
Thirteen specialty crop projects were funded in Nebraska last fall through the program for a total of nearly $600,000.
This year’s proposals will be reviewed and scored using select criteria. Applicants who make it through the first round will be asked to submit additional information. NDA and USDA will announce the projects receiving funding in the fall.
Instructions for submitting a proposal, proposal applications, performance measures and program guidelines are available on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/scbgp/index.html. All proposals should be saved as a Microsoft Word .docx file and sent electronically to casey.foster@nebraska.gov by the Feb. 9 deadline. For additional information contact: Casey Foster at (402) 471-4876, or by the email listed above.
To view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops and examples of projects funded under the SCBGP, visit USDA’s website at ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.
NPPC Commends USDA for Maintaining Essential Livestock Market Programs
Two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs critical to the continuity of livestock market operations will continue during the current federal government shutdown. The Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program, managed by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, is the sole source of market information on sales to packers of cattle, swine and lambs and on the subsequent sale of meat products. Inspection services provided by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Services also will continue as an essential activity, ensuring a key element of America’s food supply -- safe, nutritious and affordable meat and poultry -- are available to consumers.
“NPPC appreciates the leadership provided by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Undersecretary of Marketing and Regulatory Affairs Greg Ibach and Acting Deputy Undersecretary of Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg,” said NPPC President Ken Maschhoff, a pork producer from Carlyle, Illinois. “Inspection and market news reporting are essential to the proper functioning of responsible commerce in the U.S. pork industry during the uncertainty of a federal government shutdown.”
Maschhoff added, “The availability of LMR market data ensures that reliable and accurate information that influence critical business decisions are available to thousands of producers and other market participants, including those in the futures market.”
Farm Bureau Statement on WOTUS Jurisdiction Decision
Ellen Steen, General Counsel of the American Farm Bureau Federation
“The U.S. Supreme Court ruled correctly today that federal district courts—not federal courts of appeals—have jurisdiction to review the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. This Supreme Court decision brings greater clarity to an important issue that has bogged down the litigation over this and other Clean Water Act regulations for years. That is a positive result, but it also creates uncertainty and confusion in the short term, because the Sixth Circuit must soon lift its nationwide stay of the 2015 rule.
“At this time, the Environmental Protection Agency has not yet finalized its proposed rule to delay the application of the unlawful and dangerous 2015 WOTUS rule while the agency considers whether to permanently repeal that rule. AFBF is considering its options to avoid application of the 2015 rule while EPA moves forward with an appropriate long-term solution that provides clear rules and clean water without requiring a federal permit to plow a field.”
Fort Worth Hosts National Biodiesel Conference & Expo
The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo opens today at the Fort Worth Convention Center and offers a vehicle showcase and ride-and-drive opportunity alongside demonstrations and presentations on the latest in the industry.
And this year’s conference takes on special significance as the title sponsor, the National Biodiesel Board, celebrates 25 years.
“For the visionaries who launched what would become the National Biodiesel Board in 1992, we want to say ‘thank you,’” said NBB CEO Donnell Rehagan. “We look forward to taking this opportunity to reflect on those first 25 years, but we are also excited to launch into the next era of growth for America’s Advanced Biofuel.”
Following a University of Missouri study that demonstrated biodiesel had potential as a diesel fuel replacement, the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council created the National SoyDiesel Development Board in 1992. Sensing the opportunity to utilize the vast surplus of soybean oil collected each year, while also expanding energy security and environmental benefits, other state soybean associations quickly joined the effort. The new association changed its name to the National Biodiesel Board in 1994 to reflect the diversity of fats and oils that can be made into biodiesel.
In the early days, NBB spearheaded diesel engine research and emissions testing to demonstrate biodiesel’s environmental benefits, leading to official specifications for the fuel used in diesel cars and trucks today and earning the reputation as America’s first commercially produced advanced biofuel. The producers then were primarily a collection of small businesses serving their communities, distributing a few hundred million gallons of biodiesel by the turn of the century.
Today, with support from a bipartisan strategy to bring transportation fuel options into the mainstream through implementation of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and a tax incentive to spur growth, the advanced biofuel has blossomed into a nearly 3 billion gallon per year industry. A renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification, biodiesel is now produced in every corner of the country made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats. As biodiesel has grown over the last 25 years, it has stayed true to its local roots. The more than 64,000 jobs the industry supports are often the highest paying in many rural areas. To be called biodiesel, the fuel must meet the strict quality specifications of ASTM D6751.
“Biodiesel is an American success story,” said Rehagen. “We have overcome countless challenges, and we will undoubtedly face many more as we continue to grow the industry. But for everyone who has pulled together for the past 25 years to make our success a reality, this conference is a great time to celebrate."
A celebration of the 25th anniversary will be front and center when conference organizers pull back the curtains on the main stage -- constructed in an even larger Expo Hall for the first time this year -- to open the festivities on Tuesday morning.
And the conference isn’t just for industry insiders. The public is invited Tuesday to join in the discussions focused on biodiesel technology, public policy and more. They will also have the opportunity to explore the event’s Expo Hall, where they can learn all about how biodiesel is made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats. A Texas driver’s license is required for local residents to attend free of charge. Wednesday, the public is invited back to participate in a “ride-and-drive” with vehicles provided by area dealers and equipped with the latest diesel engines.
Other highlights for attendees include a session with the filmmakers who premiered “Hot Grease” at the prestigious DOC NYC film festival before its debut on the Discovery Channel last November. The feature length documentary tells the story of biodiesel’s rise and the industry fight for survival in the face of numerous public policy challenges. The producers spent countless hours documenting the experiences of biodiesel entrepreneurs in Texas, while advocates in Washington, D.C., come together to protect the industry from a barrage of attacks from opponents more interested in protecting the status quo.
The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo takes place January 22 - 25 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. To learn more about the conference, including a full schedule of events and information on how to register, visit www.biodieselconference.org.
US Government Report Strengthens Consensus on Biodiesel Benefits
A new study on biodiesel’s lifecycle energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission effects updates and reaffirms the long-understood benefits of using the renewable fuel. The study is the latest in the significant body of transparent, peer-reviewed, studies that conclusively quantify biodiesel’s widespread benefits. The report, recently published by a collaboration between Argonne National Laboratory, Purdue University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), represents the most up-to-date and comprehensive lifecycle analysis of biodiesel ever produced. Results confirm that biodiesel compared to petroleum diesel reduces GHG emissions by 72 percent and fossil fuel use by 80 percent.
“This is the highest GHG reduction of any heavy-duty transportation fuel and reflects biodiesel’s natural ability to store solar energy in a liquid form compatible with today’s engines and power generation technologies,” said Jim Duffield, who coauthored numerous lifecycle reports for USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist prior to his recent retirement.
“It’s encouraging to see the commitment to data and quality analysis brought together in this study,” said Don Scott, sustainability director for the National Biodiesel Board. “It’s not news that biodiesel is good for the environment. Where credible results are needed for sound policies, it serves us well to look at transparent, reliable science.”
This study represents the first time Argonne National Laboratory has published a lifecycle assessment of biodiesel including indirect land use change (ILUC). The theory of ILUC suggests that economic benefits from renewable fuels impact farming patterns globally. ILUC modeling attempts to quantify the future impact of such predicted land use change. ILUC has been included in analyses by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that independently conclude biodiesel’s GHG advantage exceeds 50 percent reduction over diesel fuel.
“The improvements to ILUC modeling in this study were not possible just a few years ago, because we did not have as much data as we do today,” said Farzad Taheripour, one of the authors of this paper from Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural Economics. “Data available today shows that farmers all around the world are increasing productivity on existing farm land. Calibrating the model to these real-world trends improves the accuracy and reduces the predicted emissions of biofuel expansion.”
The more the models reflect real world data, biodiesel’s benefits become even clearer. The improved model reduces ILUC emissions by more than 30 percent relative to the score adopted by CARB in 2015.
“Biodiesel’s emission-reduction benefits are so great that you can overapply penalties aligned with the most conservative models and biodiesel is still the cleanest alternative for today’s diesel engines and the heavy-duty transportation of tomorrow,” said Scott.
For example, although CARB applies an ILUC penalty to soy biodiesel, biodiesel remains a key component to reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
Using its flagship GREET® LCA model, Argonne computes the GHG advantage of biodiesel as reducing emissions by 76 compared to petroleum. GREET®—whose acronym stands for Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation—houses the best engineering data for allocating process emissions, but it does not make predictions of future economic changes. When predicted economic impacts are added, the GHG benefit lands in the range of 66 to 72 percent better than petroleum. The lower end of this range results from using CARB’s emission factor model developed specifically for the California market. The higher end of this range results from using the emission factor model developed by the national laboratory, which includes higher resolution for organic carbon where that data is available.
Roughly half of the biodiesel used in the US is made from soybean oil. The other half is produced from sources like used cooking oil, animal fats, and other fats and oils. The authors of this study began by collecting the latest data on the energy and emissions from farming soybeans. Soybeans are grown primarily to produce protein meal for livestock feed. So, the first processing step after soybeans leave the farm is to a soybean crush facility where 80 percent of every soybean is used to produce livestock feed. The volume of oil that remains after protein extraction exceeds demand for feed or food, (i.e. salad dressing, frying and baking, etc.), so a portion of that oil that we cannot eat or export is used to produce biodiesel.
“This study includes the largest ever survey of biodiesel production facilities to capture the energy used in the form of natural gas and electricity to convert fats, oils, and grease into biodiesel fuel,” said Jeongwoo Han, who maintains the GREET® model for Argonne National Lab.
All these emissions were also combined with the emissions of transporting raw ingredients and finished fuel to market. By including all the emissions in the entire fuel lifecycle, this report presents a comprehensive comparison with the emissions of producing and using diesel fuel. This study includes more data but yields consistent results with other studies published over the last two decades.
Farmers Union Urges Increased Funding for Farm Safety Net, Releases Priorities for Farm Bill
Given the persistent and ongoing economic challenges in farming and rural economies, National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on Congress to increase funding for farm programs in the farm bill and pass the legislation as soon as possible. The NFU Board of Directors recently passed a resolution to this effect, outlining requirements for a farm bill that family farmers and ranchers can support.
“American farmers are not only suffering from price pressure that has reduced net farm income by half over the last four years, but devastating wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters continue to punish agricultural communities,” said the Board. “Trade policies continue to promote the sale of farm products at prices below the cost of production. Farm bill legislation in 2018 must strengthen the safety net so that farmers and ranchers can manage risk, stay in business and continue to feed our country.”
The Board laid out a series of 14 recommendations that Congress should follow to provide a sufficient farm safety net, support rural communities, protect natural resources, improve beginning farmers’ and ranchers’ opportunities for success, and ensure the nation’s most vulnerable people have enough to eat.
“The farm bill, rightly so, touches all aspects of our food system,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “As such, Congress must write and pass a farm bill this year that adequately supports each part of the food system—from the family farmers who grow our food, to the land they do it on, to the rural communities they support, and all the way to the consumers who rely on safe, affordable food. Providing adequate support begins with a recognition of the dire economic conditions of the farm economy, the impacts of food production on the land, and the moral imperative of our country to ensure its most vulnerable citizens have access to food.”
Among the NFU Board’s recommendations were a set of changes to the Farm Bill’s commodity title, Title 1, which has not provided adequate relief for farmers amidst the recent, dramatic slide in net farm income. It called for “increased and robust reference prices under the Price Loss Coverage program,” technical corrections to the Agricultural Risk Coverage program, and an “incentives-based inventory management program to manage milk supplies based on market demand.” The Board also called for mechanisms to address oversupply of grain and dairy, and for meaningful assistance to cotton producers.
Recognizing the role family farmers play as stewards of our natural resources, NFU recommended a strong conservation title that provides “additional acreage under the Conservation Reserve Program,” maintains “funding for working lands conservation programs that promote active stewardship and locally led conservation activities,” and funds “climate mitigation research and technical assistance at national and local levels.”
Central also to the family farm organization’s concerns are the farm bill’s impacts on rural communities. The NFU Board urged Congress to include “robust funding for programs that promote economic, infrastructure and clean energy development in rural communities,” and to prioritize development of local cooperatives.
To ensure the success of beginning and future farmers and ranchers, NFU called for implementation of programs within the farm bill that improve beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers’ and ranchers’ access to land, capital, efficiency and markets.
Finally, and of equal importance, Farmers Union called for strong nutrition programs in order to provide a safety net against hunger.
“The family farm is the keystone of a free, progressive, and democratic national society as well as a strong America, and is the basis of a safe, secure, and stable food system,” wrote the NFU Board. “It provides opportunities for individual enterprise to all families in our society to achieve economic and social stability, as well as soil, water, and environmental stewardship of our natural resources and unparalleled production efficiency. “
“National Farmers Union’s Board of Directors, in its continued efforts to protect family farms, calls on Congress in 2018 to provide strong support and increased funding in the best interests of family farms, rural communities and consumers.”
CWT Assists with 2.7 million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 17 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Land O’Lakes, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and Tillamook County Creamery Association. These cooperatives have contracts to sell 2.692 million pounds (1,221 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 39,683 pounds (18 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from January through April 2018.
CWT-assisted member cooperative 2018 export sales total 5.334 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 729,730 pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 10 countries on three continents. These sales are the equivalent of 65.744 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
China Pork Output Edged Up in 2017
Chinese farmers are just starting to recover after pork output dropped to its lowest level in five years in 2016. According to Reuters, China's 2017 pork output rose 0.8 percent from the year before to 53.4 million tonnes, the National Statistics Bureau said on Thursday, increasing supply in the world's top consumer of the meat.
Pork output had dropped to its lowest level in five years in 2016, after farmers shrank their herds following financial losses in previous years. But even as herds began to recover during 2017, growing 0.4 percent to 433 million head, Thursday’s data showed, a crackdown on farm pollution across the country forced many small farms to close, pushing up slaughter rates.
Some analysts said they had expected the pork output number to be higher, given prices fell by around 20 percent during the year and imports also dropped.
Beef production in 2017 reached its highest level in records going back 20 years. It came in at 7.26 million tonnes, up 1.3 percent on the year. Output has risen in recent years as low milk prices prompted farmers to slaughter more dairy cattle and as the country’s growing middle class developed a taste for steak and hamburgers.
Poultry output climbed 0.5 percent to 18.97 million tonnes in 2017, while lamb production was up 1.8 percent at 4.68 million tonnes, the data showed.
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