Wednesday February 1 Ag News

Sasse, Nebraska Agriculture Leaders Meet with Secretary of Agriculture Nominee

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse released the following statement after meeting with President Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture nominee, former Governor Sonny Perdue. Senator Sasse and USDA Secretary nominee Perdue were joined by Nebraska agriculture leaders, including Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson, Nebraska Cattlemen President Troy Stowater, and Nebraska Sugarbeet Growers President Kendall Busch.

“It’s good to introduce the next Secretary of Agriculture to some of the Nebraskans whose sweat and long hours make us the world’s breadbasket,” said Sasse. “This was a productive conversation with USDA Secretary nominee Perdue. We talked about the unique interests of Midwest agriculture, the importance of trade and export markets, and Nebraska’s role in feeding a growing world.” 

“I want to thank Senator Sasse for his leadership and work to bring Nebraskans to the table with Governor Perdue,” said Nelson. “We care about trade because we have to expand new markets and opportunities for Nebraska agricultural products. I’m glad we were able to share Nebraska’s unique challenges and opportunities with the President’s nominee for secretary of agriculture."

“A huge thank you to Senator Sasse for the work he does for agriculture in our state," said Stowater. "Nebraska Cattlemen strongly supports the nomination of Sonny Perdue to be the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Governor Perdue understands that trade is vital to the future of the U.S. beef industry. We look forward to helping him expand opportunities for Nebraska’s beef exports with our global trading partners, and we appreciate his steadfast support for our nation’s livestock producers.”

“I would like to thank Senator Sasse for his support and leadership,” said Busch. “The sugarbeet growers in western Nebraska are facing trying times.  It is important that Senator Sasse and USDA Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue understand the importance of trade and the need to fix the suspension agreements between the U.S. and Mexico.  Our growers support a strong farm policy as negotiations being on a new farm bill and look forward to work together with the Secretary.”



NEBRASKA LEAD FELLOWS TRAVEL TO CHINA, LAOS, THAILAND

      Thirty Nebraska LEAD fellows recently returned from an international study and travel seminar to China, Laos and Thailand.

      During the two-week January seminar, the 35th group of fellows participated in briefings with U.S. Embassy officials in Beijing, China, and Bangkok, Thailand. Sessions included presentations by Mark Ford, director of the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office in Beijing; and Christine Sloop, counselor, and Paul Welcher, agricultural attaché with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service in Bangkok.

      “Our international study is designed to provide first-hand appreciation and understanding of our international community and the potential for people of all nations to work together,” said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director and group leader.

      The LEAD 35 fellows visited international businesses, farm operations and entrepreneurs. Additionally, they were able to meet with officials at the Shanghai SUS Environment Co., which focuses on environmental protection, garbage/sewage disposal and bioenergy production; the COPE Center in Vientiane, Laos, which provides support to survivors of unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War; and the Agriculture and Forestry Office and the Northern Agriculture and Forestry College near Luang Prabang, Laos.

      “The people-to-people encounters provided the members of Nebraska LEAD Group 35 an opportunity to view characteristics, conditions and trends in China, Laos, and Thailand, and determine relationships to issues and situations in our country,” Hejny said. “Through this experience, participants develop techniques in identifying comparisons and contrasts of the countries we recently studied in areas such as agriculture, politics, economics, energy, religion, culture and history as well as technology, trade, food, art and philosophy.”

      Fellows are Chris Armstrong, North Bend; Blake Bierman, Arnold; Jon Brabec, Wahoo; Drew Cramer, Cambridge; Seth Davison, Lincoln; Brenda Dutcher, Humboldt; Kim Eberly, Aurora; Linda Emanuel, North Bend; Josh Frizzell, Kearney; Cale Giese, Wayne; Nick Hatz, Omaha; Tim Higgins, Crete; Leander Hopkins, Bayard; Andy Jobman, Gothenburg; Jana Jobman, Gothenburg; Lloyd Johnson, Broken Bow; Jason Kloepping, Bartley; Sam Krueger, Blue Hill; Nate Lehmann, Gibbon; Raymond Morse, Norfolk; Steve Niewohner, Snyder; Jordan Nun, Lincoln; Logan Pribbeno, Imperial; Gerry Sheets, Sargent; Clint Shipman, Red Cloud; Curtis Stallbaumer, Oconto; Sye Tecker, Parks; Melissa Wheeler, Alvo; Matt Wiegand, Lincoln; and Tracy Zink, Indianola.

      The Nebraska LEAD Program is for individuals active in production agriculture and agribusiness. It is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

      For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 37, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program, 104 Agricultural Communications Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0763, call 402-472-6810 or email the Nebraska LEAD Program at leadprogram@unl.edu. The application deadline is June 15.



REGISTRATION OPENS FOR WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

      Nebraska women will learn how to plan and make better business decisions for farms, ranches, communities, families and themselves at the 32nd Women in Agriculture Conference, Feb. 23-24 at the Kearney Holiday Inn Conference Center, 110 S. Second Ave. in Kearney.

      The Women in Agriculture Conference is one of the longest-running women’s conferences of its kind in the country. The theme of the 2017 conference is "Women in Agriculture: The Heart of the Farm," and features a variety of workshops and speakers.

      Conference keynote speaker Ron Hanson, emeritus professor of agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will discuss "Continuing the Nebraska Legacy of Family Farming and Ranching" on Feb. 23. The talk will explore the importance and urgency of developing and implementing a succession plan for family farm and ranch operations. The talk is sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America.

      Amanda Freund of East Canann, CT, is the capstone speaker on Feb. 24. Her talk, "Connected Across the Generations -- Women in Agriculture," will focus on how to encourage women to be part of the agriculture industry. Also, Valerie Bayes of Monsanto will discuss the reasons to be an "Ag Advocate."

      Five concurrent sessions will be held, offering participants more than 30 workshops to choose from. Session topics include: crop insurance, commodity and global marketing, Quicken bookkeeping, cash flow and cost control, farmland values, lease provisions herbicide resistance, and beef genetics.

      Sessions on the evening of Feb. 23 will include time for networking, exercise and home redesign.

      Booth exhibitors will offer information that may also be useful in farm/ranch operation.

      Registration is available online at http://wia.unl.edu or by sending a completed form with a check to UNL Agricultural Economics, 303 Filley Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0922. For more information about the Women in Agriculture conference, including a registration book, go to http://wia.unl.edu.

      Early registration, due by Feb. 13, is $125. Registration after Feb. 13 is $150. Fees include all workshop materials, registration, meals and breaks.

      Lodging is available by calling the Kearney Holiday Inn at 308-237-5971.

      Conference sponsors include the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nebraska Extension and the Department of Agricultural Economics as well as Farm Credit Services of America, Monsanto, Reinke Irrigation, and Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and Foundation.



NDA SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR SPECIALTY CROP GRANTS

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting grant proposals for its 2017 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Specialty crops include fruits and nuts, vegetables, and horticulture and nursery crops. The state’s program supports research, development and marketing of specialty crops. The deadline for submitting proposals to NDA is March 1 at 5 p.m.

“Specialty crops add diversity and value to the state’s agriculture industry,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach. “We’re always looking for innovative projects and ideas to help specialty crop producers stay competitive and grow their businesses.”

NDA administers the state’s SCBGP, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For the 2017 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.

Sixteen specialty crop projects were funded in Nebraska last fall through the program for a total of $620,000.

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 http://www.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 March 1 deadline. For more 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 http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.



 Smith Receives Awards from Nebraska Wheat Growers for Support of Agriculture

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) received the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association’s Person of the Year Award and the National Association of Wheat Growers’ Wheat Advocate Award today in recognition of his support of the wheat industry and U.S. agriculture.

“Nebraska producers deserve our gratitude for their tireless work, which has made the Third District the top-producing agriculture district in the country,” Congressman Smith said.  “I thank the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association for these awards and look forward to many more opportunities to work together on issues vital to Nebraska agriculture.  As chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus and a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to lead efforts to roll back onerous regulations, open more markets to producers, and promote innovation and science-based policies.”

“It is an honor to present Congressman Smith with our NWGA Person of the Year Award as well as the National Association of Wheat Growers’ Wheat Advocate Award,” said Nebraska Wheat Growers Association President Randon Peters.  “We want to thank the Congressman for his continued efforts to support our state’s wheat farmers and agriculture.  His advocacy on trade issues and regulatory challenges assures our farmers that he understands our industry and gives agriculture an ally in Washington, D.C.”



National Pork Board Launches The Taste of Now Campaign

The National Pork Board has launched its Taste of Now marketing campaign. The integrated marketing campaign, which also includes significant Spanish-language outreach (El Sabor de Hoy), creates consumer awareness of pork’s unmatched flavor and value making it the ideal protein on any occasion.

“Pork is trending and there has never been a better time to enjoy pork and make delicious dishes for family and friends,” said Jan Archer, National Pork Board president and a pig farmer from North Carolina. “That is the focus of this first national campaign of 2017. And we are teaming up with celebrity chefs and pork advocates with a simple message – When it comes to pork, there has never been a better time than now to make something delicious.”

Hispanic actor and TV personality Carlos Ponce will share the virtues of pork and bring the campaign to life. Additionally, five-time James Beard Award nominee Jose Mendin – who stars in a multimedia series featuring the loin, ham, ribs and tenderloin – has created 10 delicious, easy-to-prepare and budget-friendly recipes to inspire Latino consumers to indulge with pork.

“My many passions in life call for a fast-paced lifestyle. I always fall short with time but never to enjoy a great meal, and that is why I always choose pork daily as the main protagonist of my meals,” said Carlos Ponce. “Pork is quick and easy to stir up and keeps me in shape and feeling good for those everyday moments.”

The recipes, which include 30-second “how-to” videos, are on PorkTeInspira.com and other social media platforms. El Sabor de Hoy includes an 11-week radio and digital media buy in the top 10 Hispanic markets in the U.S. while The Taste of Now English-language campaign includes the top 10 African-American markets. Celebrity chef Richard Ingraham is sharing loin and rib recipes to the African American community through interviews and social media efforts.

The Hispanic marketing project includes a national sweepstakes that gives fans a chance to win a trip to Miami to attend the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Feb. 22-26.

The Taste of Now Pork Sweepstakes
In addition, from now through April 15, all U.S. consumers can be rewarded for something they are doing now more than ever before: enjoying pork. The #PorkNowSweeps offers consumers a chance to win daily prizes by sharing a photo of their pork dish on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #PorkNowSweeps.

To take part in the contest, pork lovers simply need to share a photo of the pork on their fork – or spoon, kebab, grill, plate or bowl – through social media. Everyone who enters will have the chance to win a $10 coupon good for a purchase of fresh pork, as well as other daily prizes totaling more than $10,000.

#PorkNowSweeps celebrates and highlights the many ways to enjoy pork. The Pork Checkoff wants to see how America is enjoying pork now, in the moment – whether it is a favorite pork chop recipe, a creative take on ham or the latest savory pork dish at a restaurant.

“While mealtime has always been about sharing and community, social media has changed the dynamic of that community and even the way we eat,” Archer said. “Now we can share our food experiences, photos and inspiration with others across America and even around the world.”

For sweepstake details or to enter, go to the Pork Be inspired Facebook page. Contest prizes range from pork-themed cookbooks to a catered, Houston-inspired spread for the big game, to new cooking tools. The sweepstakes continues through Easter and will be shared via celebrity pork fans and featured on Allrecipes.com.



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 529 million bushels in December 2016, up 5 percent from December 2015. December 2016 usage included 91.8 percent for alcohol and 8.2 percent for other purposes. Corn total corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 2.60 million bushels, down 23 percent from November 2016 and down 8 percent from December 2015. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 477 million bushels, was up 6 percent from November 2016 and up 6 percent from December 2015. Corn consumed in December 2016 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 89.7 percent and 10.3 percent respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 2.10 million tons during December 2016, up 5 percent from November 2016 and up 8 percent from December 2015. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.43 million tons in December 2016, up 12 percent from November 2016 and up 2 percent from December 2015.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 349 thousand tons during December 2016, up 13 percent from November 2016 and up 3 percent from December 2015. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 279 thousand tons in December 2016, down 15 percent from November 2016 and down 9 percent from December 2015.



Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.08 million tons (169 million bushels) in December 2016, compared to 5.12 million tons (171 million bushels) in November 2016 and 5.01 million tons (167 million bushels) in December 2015. Crude oil produced was 1.95 billion pounds down slightly from November 2016 but up 1 percent from December 2015. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.41 billion pounds during December 2016 decreased 2 percent from November 2016 but increased slightly from December 2015.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 179 thousand tons in December 2016, compared to 209 thousand tons in November 2016 and 166 thousand tons in December 2015. Canola crude oil produced was 150 million pounds down 16 percent from November 2016 but up 10 percent from December 2015. Canola once refined oil production at 117 million pounds during December 2016 was down 28 percent from November 2016 but up 22 percent from December 2015. Cottonseed once refined oil production at 51.5 million pounds during December 2016 was up 6 percent from November 2016 but down 5 percent from December 2015.

Edible tallow production was 75.6 million pounds during December 2016, down 8 percent from November 2016 and down 4 percent from December 2015. Inedible tallow production was 313 million pounds during December 2016, down 1 percent from November 2016 but up 9 percent from December 2015. Technical tallow production was 100 million pounds during December 2016, down 21 percent from November 2016 but up 6 percent from December 2015. Choice white grease production at 122 million pounds during December 2016 decreased 5 percent from November 2016 but increased 3 percent from December 2015.



Flour Milling Products

All wheat ground for flour during the fourth quarter 2016 was 236 million bushels, up 1 percent from the third quarter 2016 grind of 233 million bushels and up slightly from the fourth quarter 2015 grind of 236 million bushels. Fourth quarter 2016 total flour production was 110 million hundredweight, up 1 percent from the third quarter 2016 and up 1 percent from the fourth quarter 2015. Whole wheat flour production at 5.68 million hundredweight during the fourth quarter 2016 accounted for 5 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the fourth quarter 2016 was 1.68 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the fourth quarter 2016 was 1.62 thousand hundredweight.

Durum wheat ground for flour and semolina production during the fourth quarter of 2016 totaled 18.5 million bushels, up 14 percent from the third quarter 2016 and up 6 percent from the fourth quarter 2015. Fourth quarter 2016 durum flour and semolina production was 8.72 million hundredweight, up 13 percent from the third quarter 2016 and up 7 percent from the fourth quarter 2015. Whole wheat durum flour and semolina production was 184 thousand hundredweight, up 2 percent from 181 thousand hundredweight in the third quarter 2016 but down 3 percent from 189 thousand hundredweight from the fourth quarter 2015. Fourth quarter durum wheat millfeed production was 125 thousand tons and the daily 24-hour milling capacity for durum and semolina production was 127 thousand hundredweight.

Rye ground for flour during the fourth quarter of 2016 was 445 thousand bushels, down 6 percent from the third quarter 2016 and down 19 percent from the fourth quarter 2015. Rye flour production during the fourth quarter of 2016 was 217 thousand hundredweight, compared to 233 thousand hundredweight in the previous quarter and 261 thousand hundredweight in the same quarter for the previous year. The daily 24-hour milling capacity for rye milling was 9.39 thousand hundredweight for the fourth quarter 2016.



EIA: Ethanol Stocks at 9-Month High

Total ethanol stockpiles rose for the third straight week to a fresh nine-month high, while domestic plant production surged to a fresh record high during the week-ended Jan. 27, the Energy Information Administration reported on Wednesday. EIA also showed greater ethanol demand for blending.

The EIA's Weekly Petroleum Status Report showed domestic fuel ethanol inventories increased last week by another 100,000 barrels (bbl) to 21.9 million bbl, the highest level since the week-ended April 29, 2016 when stocks were at 22.201 million bbl. Supplies are down 500,000 bbl, or 2.2%, year-on-year.

Domestic plant production ramped up 10,000 barrels per day (bpd), or 1.0%, to 1.061 million bpd for the week-ended Jan. 27 while 101,000 bpd, or 10.5%, higher versus a year earlier. For the four weeks ended last week, ethanol production averaged 1.054 bpd, up 78,000 bpd, or 7.9%, from year prior.

Net refiner and blender inputs of ethanol, a measure of demand, rose 4,000 bpd to 837,000 bpd during the week-ended Jan. 27. Year over year, refiner and blender inputs are up 22,000 bpd, or 2.7%. The four-week average blending demand rate is down 7,000 bpd from year prior at 829,000 bpd.



Cattlemen’s College Opens Cattle Industry Annual Convention
 
Education is the focus for the first days of the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, with more than 1,250 cattlemen and women on-hand for the 24th edition of Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis Animal Health. The event has become the gold standard for educational seminars with more than 15 educational sessions focused on providing opportunities for participants to improve the profitability, productivity and ultimately the sustainability of their farms and ranches.

“The focus of Cattlemen’s College is to provide real-world solutions and ideas that participants can take home and apply to their operations. The information that panelists are providing at this year’s event will provide ideas that can be applied right away,” said Josh White, NCBA executive director of producer education. “We have an impressive array of speakers representing every segment of the beef community. With five different educational tracks, participants can focus on their specific areas of interest. From changing consumer attitudes to topics focused on succession planning and specific animal management information, each session was developed to help move our industry ahead.”

The Cattlemen’s College event began Tuesday afternoon with two sessions, “Turning Loss into Gain: Managing Risk to Improve Fertility,” featuring Alison Van Eenennaam, Ph.D., and Megan Rolf, Ph.D., who presented new research on cowherd fertility and its impact on profitability. A concurrent session featured Kent Andersen, Ph.D., who examined the use of genetic tools for building more productive cowherds and adding value to feeder and fed cattle.

This morning, Cameron Bruett, head of corporate affairs for JBS USA, spoke to a packed room about the changing consumer expectations for beef. He emphasized the need for every segment of the beef supply chain to better understand their customers to meet the needs of a changing industry. He also emphasized the significant challenges posed by competing proteins, an uncertain political environment and its impact on labor in the United States.

“Today, it’s very difficult to find someone to work in a packing plant,” said Bruett. “Much of our labor force is comprised of first-generation immigrants and they’re great people, but we still face significant turnover and unplanned absenteeism among our work force, and that makes it difficult to run a business. Ultimately, it makes it difficult to get our product out the door. That impacts the cattlemen and women who depend on the packers to supply beef to the consumers. The bottleneck in our industry isn’t in the number of animals any more. The bottleneck is a labor shortage in the plant, and it’s a major problem.”

Bruett, who has played key roles in the beef sustainability movement, also spent time defining beef sustainability and illustrating the importance and benefits of the industry’s path of continuous improvement.

“There are a lot of labels out there, but those labels aren’t about sustainability,” said Bruett. “Those labels are about a production practice, but sustainability is much more than any single production practice. In order to evaluate the sustainability of the product, the profitability, social and environmental aspects must be considered equally. Something may be good for the environment, but if it’s not also profitable, then it’s not sustainable.

“There’s a great deal of concern that there’s going to be a mandate about practices, but that’s not what sustainability is about; it’s about the end product. If that product is profitable, contributes to the social landscape and has positive environmental benefits, then it becomes sustainable,” Bruett said.

That message resonated with the 200-plus collegiate Cattlemen’s College participants in attendance at this year’s event.

“It’s encouraging to see so many college students in attendance,” said White. “These students represent the future of the beef industry and I’m proud that we’ve been able to put together an event that is providing them with information that they will be able to take forward and apply to their future careers. Ultimately, Cattlemen’s College is designed to benefit and improve our industry and I’m confident that these collegiate participants will help to create a bright future for our industry.”

Presentations from the 2017 Cattlemen’s College will be available online after Feb. 17. Cattlemen and women who were unable to attend the event in Nashville can take advantage of this online option at: www.beefusa.org.



120th Annual Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Kicks Off in Nashville
 
The 120th annual Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show got underway today, with more than 8,000 participants from across America and around the world gathering at Nashville’s iconic Gaylord Opryland Hotel through Saturday.

“The Convention and NCBA Trade Show is the beef industry’s largest gathering of the year, and it’s a great opportunity for everybody in the industry to network, set public policy for 2017, and learn about all the new technology and science that’s improving the quality and safety of American-produced beef every day,” said NCBA President Tracy Brunner. “Of course, we’ll manage to have a little fun in Music City, as well, so if you’re connected to the cattle industry in any way, it’s not too late to mosey on down and join us in Nashville this week.”

Cattlemen’s College, which is considered the premier educational resource for cattle producers, kicked off on Tuesday afternoon with educational sessions focused on genetics, health, and best business practices. The doors to the NCBA Trade Show opened on Wednesday afternoon, with 353 exhibitors showcasing the industry’s latest products and technology.

The Convention’s opening general session on Wednesday afternoon was emceed by country music superstar Josh Turner and keynoted by Dr. Beck Weathers. Dr. Weathers in 1996 barely survived one of the most violent and deadly storms ever to strike Mt. Everest, and he served as the inspiration for the major motion picture Everest.

"You learn a variety of things from an experience like this," said of his brush with death. "I am an entirely ordinary individual, and we are all cut from the same clay. If I can survive that which is unsurvivable, so can you."

Other highlights this week include the “Stars and Guitars” reception at the Country Music Hall of Fame, a keynote speech from former White House press secretary Dana Perino on Friday morning, and the “Cowboy’s Night at the Grand Ole Opry,” featuring host Josh Turner and country music stars Trace Atkins, Chris Janson, and the Gatlin Brothers.

The Convention will wrap up on Saturday morning with a meeting of NCBA’s Board of Directors, where official public policy positions will be set for the coming year.

“NCBA is first and foremost a grassroots organization, and we appreciate the thousands of our members who are taking the time to meet in Nashville and set our industry’s direction for another year,” Brunner said.



NCBA’s Stockmanship and Stewardship Partners with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Thanks to one of the country’s leading animal health companies, a successful program that helps cattlemen become better animal handlers will reach new heights in 2017. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is growing and enhancing the already successful Stockmanship and Stewardship program with support from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.  Beginning this year, Stockmanship and Stewardship will be increasing the number and scope of events that are held across the country to reach cattlemen in all corners of the United States.

Cattle producers will notice a renewed focus and increased effort around the hands-on cattle handling demonstrations. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn through new opportunities and redesigned educational events that can improve their bottom line.

“We are proud to support NCBA on this important educational program,” said Steve Boren, executive director of the U.S. cattle business for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. “We’re passionate about animal well-being and helping protect the future of the cattle industry. Using animal health products correctly and judiciously is part of that solution, and we believe the education producers receive at these events will be very valuable.”

The Stockmanship and Stewardship program will be led by clinicians Curt Pate and Ron Gill, who have hosted educational events at past NCBA Trade Shows in the Trade Show Demonstration Arena. Pate has been conducting demonstrations and clinics for more than a decade and will continue to entertain and educate audiences with his personal stories and innovative mindset. Gill is a renowned stockman and animal scientist for Texas Agrilife Extension who captivates the attention of cattlemen with his credibility as a rancher and ability to relate to his audience.

While local events will still be offered, the enhanced Stockmanship and Stewardship program will be featuring new multi-day events that are sure to attract cattlemen and women from a larger region at a central location. These new events will include a suite of educational opportunities for cattle producers, including sessions with local extension representatives, industry leaders, and government agencies.

“With a variety of new opportunities for cattlemen and women,” said Chase DeCoite, associate director of Beef Quality Assurance for NCBA, “the Stockmanship and Stewardship program is making its way as a ‘must attend’ venue. It will serve as a location to learn from the best in the cattle industry, as well as providing networking opportunities for attendees with fellow producers that are applying these innovative strategies on their own operations.”

For more information and to find an event near you visit, www.StockmanshipandStewardship.org.



UAN Fertilizer Prices Spike Higher

Retail fertilizer prices showed mixed moves again the fourth week of January 2017, according to retailers surveyed by DTN. However, some fertilizers are showing significant price increases for the first time this winter.

Six of the eight major fertilizers were higher, though only two were higher by any substantial amount. UAN28 was 8% higher compared to a month earlier while UAN32 was 5% more expensive. UAN28 had an average price of $235 per ton while UAN32 was at $268/ton.

Four fertilizers were slightly higher priced, but not by a significant amount. MAP had an average price of $443/ton, potash $322/ton, urea $347/ton and anhydrous $480/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly lower, but again, these moves to the low side were not that noteworthy. DAP had an average price of $429/ton and 10-34-0 $436/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.38/lb.N, anhydrous $0.29/lb.N, UAN28 $0.42/lb.N and UAN32 $0.42/lb.N.

Retail fertilizers are lower compared to a year earlier. All fertilizers but one are now double digits lower.

The one fertilizer no longer down double digits is urea, which is now down 9%. Both DAP and UAN28 are now 13% less expensive while MAP is 14% lower. Both anhydrous and UAN32 are 16% lower, potash is 18% less expensive and 10-34-0 is 24% lower compared to a year prior.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for February 2017

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for February 2017. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for February is 0.875 percent, unchanged from 0.875 percent in January.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during February is 1.875 percent, unchanged from 1.875 percent in January. 

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for February are as follows, 1.500 percent with three-year loan terms, unchanged from 1.500 percent in January; 2.000 percent with five-year loan terms, up from 1.875 percent in January; 2.250 percent with seven-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.250 percent in January; 2.500 percent with 10-year loan terms, up from 2.375 percent in January and; 2.500 percent with 12-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.500 percent in January.



Animal Agriculture Alliance celebrates 30th anniversary

The Animal Agriculture Alliance, an industry-united nonprofit organization working to bridge the communication gap between farm and fork, is proud to be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017. The Alliance released a short video highlighting its accomplishments: http://bit.ly/2ksiETQ.

The Alliance was launched in 1987 to serve as a unified voice on behalf of animal agriculture. Over the past three decades, the Alliance has helped the industry to anticipate and respond to campaigns from anti-animal agriculture groups across the U.S. and engage with a public that is increasingly disconnected from production agriculture. Many things have changed since the Alliance was founded – household adoption of the Internet and the emergence of social media for example – but the organization’s passion and commitment to securing the future of animal agriculture remains steadfast.

Since the Alliance was founded…
-    Its membership has grown from fewer than ten founding organizations to nearly 300 current members, sponsors and donors. Two members – the American Feed Industry Association and American Farm Bureau Federation – have been part of the Alliance for all 30 years!
-    It went from not having a website to maintaining a presence on six social media platforms reaching over half a million people weekly.
-    The annual Stakeholders Summit developed from a gathering of 100 industry professionals in 2002 to a can’t-miss event in animal agriculture, attracting a record 250 attendees in 2016.

“The Alliance has grown not only in numbers of members and staff but also in its understanding of strategies used by activists and its own tactics to ensure agriculture’s voice is a key part of the conversations,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “We have become more adept at identifying threats, developing proactive responses and coordinating diverse interests to provide a strong, unified voice for agriculture.”

The Alliance will be celebrating its diamond anniversary throughout the year. You can help commemorate the achievement by taking part in the following activities:
-    Social media: On Instagram and Twitter, follow the hashtag #AllianceTurns30 for weekly looks at Alliance history – you are invited to share your own memories using the tag. Alliance members will also be taking over the organization’s Snapchat account (username: animalag) and longtime members will be highlighted on social media throughout the year.
-    Editorial content: The Alliance recently published a blog post chronicling its first three decades. Companies, organizations and media outlets are invited to use all or portions of the blog in any publications: https://animalagengage.wordpress.com/2017/01/03/celebrating-30-years-of-bridging-the-gap-between-farm-and-fork/.
-    Membership Drive: The Alliance is holding a membership drive during the month of March to bring on 30 new members in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Members who join as part of the 30 for 30th drive will receive recognition at the 2017 Stakeholders Summit, in addition to the benefits of Alliance membership. Membership begins at $500. Interested individuals and companies can learn more at www.animalagalliance.org/join.
-    2017 Summit: The milestone will be celebrated at the 2017 Stakeholders Summit, set for May 3-4, 2017 in Kansas City, Mo. The Alliance hopes to mark its 30th year by hosting the biggest and best Summit yet. Register today to be a part of the occasion: www.animalagalliance.org/summit.

The Alliance hopes you will join in its 30th anniversary festivities and looks forward to the next three decades and beyond of serving animal agriculture.