NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 1 PERCENT
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.46 million cattle on feed on April 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 1 percent from last year. Placements during March totaled 495,000 head, up 9 percent from 2016. Placements were the highest for March since the series began in 1996. Fed cattle marketings for the month of March totaled 465,000 head, up 9 percent from last year. Marketings were the highest for March since the series began in 1996. Other disappearance during March totaled 10,000 head, unchanged from last year.
IOWA CATTLE ON FEED
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 670,000 head on April 1, 2017, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was up 3 percent from March 1, 2017, and up 5 percent from April 1, 2016. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 610,000 head on feed, up 2 percent from last month but down 3 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,280,000 head, up 2 percent from last month and up 1 percent from last year.
Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during March totaled 116,000 head, an increase of 14 percent from last month and up 23 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 70,000 head, up 19 percent from last month and up 43 percent from last year. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 186,000 head, up 16 percent from last month and up 30 percent from last year.
Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during March totaled 93,000 head, up 4 percent from last month and up 15 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 56,000 head, up 33 percent from last month but unchanged from last year. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 149,000 head, up 14 percent from last month and up 9 percent from last year. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 7,000 head.
United States Cattle on Feed Up Slightly
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.9 million head on April 1, 2017. The inventory was slightly above April 1, 2016. The inventory included 7.23 million steers and steer calves, down 2 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 66 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 3.67 million head, up 5 percent from 2016.
By State - On Feed (1,000 hd - % of April 1 '16)
Colorado .......: 930 103
Iowa .............: 670 105
Kansas ..........: 2,260 104
Nebraska ......: 2,460 101
Texas ............: 2,460 98
Placements in feedlots during March totaled 2.10 million head, 11 percent above 2016. Placements were the highest for March since the series began in 1996. Net placements were 2.05 million head. During March, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 350,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 295,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 620,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 585,000, 900-999 pounds were 185,000, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 67,000 head.
By State - March Placements
(1,000 hd - % of March '16)
Colorado .......: 195 118
Iowa .............: 116 123
Kansas ..........: 490 115
Nebraska ......: 495 109
Texas ............: 460 101
Marketings of fed cattle during March totaled 1.91 million head, 10 percent above 2016. Other disappearance totaled 56,000 head during March, 10 percent below 2016.
By State - March Marketings
(1,000 hd - % of March '16)
Colorado .......: 170 113
Iowa .............: 93 115
Kansas ..........: 430 110
Nebraska ......: 465 109
Texas ............: 425 108
Statement by Dan Wesely on behalf of the Nebraska Agriculture Leaders Working Group Regarding Legislative Debate on LB 461
“Today the Nebraska Legislature started debate on LB 461, legislation that, as advanced by the Legislature’s Revenue Committee fails to provide meaningful and substantial property tax reform and relief for Nebraskans.”
“The balance of tax relief under consideration in LB 461 is completely misguided considering what is being asked for by Nebraska property tax payers. This measure would provide only one dollar of property tax relief for every $10 in income tax cuts. Furthermore, the bill fails to deliver property tax relief for all property taxpayers in Nebraska.”
“Our tax system is already woefully out of balance with property taxes accounting for 48 percent of the combined collections of property, state sales, and state income taxes. Advancing LB 461 where income tax cuts receive the lion’s share of relief will only push our tax system further out of balance.”
“Any action by the Legislature related to tax reform, must provide meaningful and substantive property tax relief. Reversing the script where $10 in property tax relief is provided for every 1 dollar in income tax cuts is the tax reform the Legislature should be discussing.”
“Our organizations will continue to work with the Legislature to achieve the balance that meets the needs of all Nebraska property taxpayers.”
The Agriculture Leaders Working Group includes member-elected leaders from the Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Soybean Association, and the Nebraska State Dairy Association.
Those participating in the Agriculture Leaders Working Group include:
Troy Stowater – Nebraska Cattlemen, president
Galen Frenzen – Nebraska Cattlemen, president-elect
Dan Wesely – Nebraska Corn Growers Association, president
Steve Ebke – Nebraska Corn Growers Association, past president
Steve Nelson – Nebraska Farm Bureau, president
Mark McHargue – Nebraska Farm Bureau, first vice president
Russ Vering – Nebraska Pork Producers Association, president
Darin Uhlir – Nebraska Pork Producers Association, vice president
Kevin Peterson – Nebraska Pork Producers Association, vice president
Tim Chancellor – Nebraska Pork Producers Association, vice president
Dennis Fujan – Nebraska Soybean Association, president
Dwaine Junck – Nebraska State Dairy Association, vice president
Doug Temme – Nebraska State Dairy Association, past president
Merlyn Nielsen on behalf of Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education Regarding LB 461 Floor Debate
“As our coalition has stated on numerous occasions, Nebraskans want and need tax reform that reduces our state’s overreliance on local property taxes to fund government services and education. LB 461 is a misguided piece of legislation that does nothing to lessen the reliance on property taxes for hard working Nebraskans, but instead calls for major cuts to income taxes that could threaten future state resources for funding education. The failure of the Legislature to appropriately provide state funding to schools has continued to put greater pressure on local property taxes to fund this priority, LB 461 will only make this situation worse.”
“The Legislature’s inability to advance this bill during floor debate today is a clear indicator that this proposal fails to meet the broader needs of Nebraskans. It’s our hope that common sense will prevail and our governor and state senators who are pushing this bill will come to recognize that threatening the future education of our children and leaving property taxpayers to pay the bill for irresponsible state tax policy is not the right path forward to growing our state.”
“We are committed to protecting K-12 education and providing meaningful tax relief to all Nebraska property taxpayers who have been unfairly burdened by property taxes and we’ll continue to urge the Legislature to do the right thing for the future of Nebraska.”
Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education includes property owners, ag and education groups, school board members, superintendents (representing all school districts across the state), and other taxpayers across Nebraska who have come together to urge the legislature to act this year to balance the state's property tax system and reduce the overreliance on property taxes to adequately fund K-12 education. Nebraska needs a more equitable system to fund the state's education priorities.
Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education includes:
Center for Rural Affairs
Gage County Property Tax Group
Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska
Nebraska Corn Growers Association
Nebraska Council of School Administrators
Nebraska Fair
Nebraska Farm Bureau
Nebraska Farmers Union
Nebraska Grange
Nebraska Pork Producers
Nebraska Soybean Association
Nebraska State Education Association
Reform for Nebraska’s Future
Stand For Schools
The Nebraska Wheat Growers
Women Involved in Farm Economics
Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association: Representing 195 K-12 Districts across 89 counties
Greater Nebraska Schools Association: Bellevue, Bennington, Blair, Columbus, Elkhorn, Fremont, Gering, Grand Island, Gretna, Hastings, Kearney, Lexington, Lincoln, McCook, Millard, Norfolk, Norris, North Platte, Omaha, Papillion-La Vista, Plattsmouth, Ralston, Schuyler, South Sioux City, Westside Community Public Schools.
Schools Taking Action for Nebraska Children’s Education: Beatrice, Blair, Chadron, Columbus, Crete, Fairbury, Gothenburg, Holdrege, Nebraska City, Norris, Seward, South Sioux City, Wahoo, Waverly, York Public Schools.
Rebuild Nebraska members respond in opposition to LB 461
“LB 461 is a package that risks vital services upon which Nebraskans rely, including quality schools, dependable health care and safe roads. We are proud of our organizations’ tradition of standing up for families, communities, businesses, schools, infrastructure, and workforce through a fair, stable, sustainable, and progressive tax system that supports the good life. LB 461 is similar to devastating tax policies that have destroyed the economies of Kansas and Oklahoma. Nebraska legislators should reject this ill-conceived tax clone legislation, which is nothing but a tax cut for the wealthy."
Rebuild Nebraska is a group of Nebraska stakeholders and more than a dozen organizations dedicated to rebuilding Nebraska’s families, farmers and ranchers, communities, businesses, schools, infrastructure, and workforce though a stable, sustainable, and progressive tax system.
Rebuild Nebraska organizations include:
Center for People in Need
Center for Rural Affairs
Community Action of Nebraska
Disability Rights Nebraska
Heartland Workers Center
Nebraska Association of Public Employees
Nebraska Farmers Union
Nebraska State Education Association
Nonprofit Association of the Midlands
Stand for Schools
The Nebraska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
Voices for Children in Nebraska
Women’s Fund of Omaha
GRAZING REED CANARYGRASS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Many of us have wetland pastures that contain lots of reed canarygrass. For many of you, it might be the first perennial grass ready for grazing this spring.
Reed canarygrass produces high yields and grows very well in wetlands. It also grows well in well-drained soils. It would be one of our most popular pasture grasses if it wasn’t so hard to graze due to problems it has with low palatability.
Reed canarygrass has two things working against it. First, it naturally contains some unpalatable compounds called alkaloids that discourage animals from eating it. Secondly, the plant produces a course stem that makes it difficult to eat.
If you have reed canarygrass pasture, the only way I have found to use it effectively is to always graze it before it gets very tall. Ideally, this means that when the grass gets about eight to ten inches tall, and no taller, immediately graze it down to three or four inches in just a couple of days and then move off to another grazing area. When it regrows back to eight to ten inches tall, graze it again. Every time it regrows, graze it again.
During fast growth in spring, you might need to graze the same area every two or three weeks. This takes some dedication, planning, and intensive management. If the grass gets away from you, animals will just nibble at some leaves, trampling the rest. Then you might be better off cutting the taller growth for hay, followed by renewing your intensive grazing as regrowth begins.
Reed canarygrass is not as bad a pasture grass as many people think. But it does take some knowledge about the plant and some dedicated management to get good use from it.
Nebraska corn farmers to invest more than $2.5 billion to plant 9.6 million acres
Nebraska corn farmers will plant 9.6 million acres of corn in 2017 according to the latest Prospective Plantings report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is down 3 percent from last year’s total planted corn acres.
If these planting estimates hold up, Nebraska corn farmers will invest nearly $2.5 billion dollars into the state’s economy over a two-month period. This amount is a result of inputs, such as seed, fuel and fertilizer, but does not include land costs, labor or equipment. Despite the seemingly high investments now, the full economic impact will be realized over time.
“$2.5 billion is a significant investment made by Nebraska’s corn farmers. However, that investment is made at a critical time, as planting sets the foundation for the entire corn growing season,” said Boone McAfee, director of research at the Nebraska Corn Board. “Planting is just the first step in the corn value-added supply chain. As corn is converted into meat, bioplastics, ethanol, and other products, the full economic impact of Nebraska’s corn industry far exceeds the initial investment.”
Farmers historically begin to plant their corn crops in mid-April and try to finish by mid-May. However, weather often dictates when farmers can plant. This year’s moderately dry winter caused concern over available soil moisture during planting time. The latest Nebraska Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA (for the week ending April 16, 2017), indicated topsoil moisture supplies in Nebraska rated 5 percent very short, 18 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.
“Each year, farmers strive to produce a high quality corn crop using less resources and by managing inputs efficiently,” said David Merrell, farmer from St. Edward and chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Nebraska has long been the third largest producer of corn in the United States, which has greatly enhanced our state’s rural and urban economies.”
Even though the corn industry is an economic booster for Nebraska, farmers face challenges in the months ahead.
“Continued low prices coupled with higher input costs continue to make margins slim for the producer. It’s important for us to always seek out and invest in new market opportunities to enhance the value and demand for corn,” said Merrell. “Global trade is also vital to our industry.”
Nationally, farmers are estimated to plant nearly 90 million acres of corn in 2017, which is down 4 percent from last year. If realized, this will be the lowest planted acreage since 2015, when U.S. farmers planted 88 million acres of corn.
Ricketts Announces 2017 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award Recipient
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts joined Sand County Foundation, the Nebraska Cattlemen, Cargill, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust to announce K & W Farms as the recipient of the 2017 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award®. The annual award honors Nebraska landowner achievement in voluntary stewardship and management of natural resources.
Kurt and Wayne Kaup own and manage K & W Farms in Stuart, Neb., where they raise hogs and crops. With a commitment toward improving natural resources on the land, The Kaups are leaders in implementing no-till farming strategies combined with the use of cover crops to improve the soil, reduce erosion and recycle nutrients.
Understanding that their farming practices impact the environment around them, wildlife, from pollinators and songbirds to deer and waterfowl, benefits from the family's conservation practices. The environmental gem of K & W farms is a spring-fed cold water trout stream that originates on the property, which has produced a strong conservation partnership with Nebraska Game and Parks and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
"Congratulations to the Kaup family on winning this coveted award," said Governor Ricketts. "Nebraska's Farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists of our great state. Long before modern conservationists organized, ag producers were caring for and tending the land, so they could pass it on to the next generation. The Kaup family are an excellent example of how conservation and agriculture continue to work hand-in-hand to grow Nebraska."
The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of renowned conservationist and author Aldo Leopold, who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. Award applicants are judged based on their demonstration of improved resource conditions, innovation, long-term commitment to stewardship, sustained economic viability, community and civic leadership, and multiple use benefits.
"Governor Ricketts understands that Nebraska's farmers and ranchers are integral to the health of the state's natural resources," said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President. "We appreciate the Governor's continued participation in this important celebration of sustainable agriculture on private lands."
"Nebraska Cattlemen is excited that a hog producer has joined the ranks of the many cattlemen and women who have won this prestigious award. Conservation on private lands is thriving in all sectors of agriculture. Kurt and Wayne have shown tremendous dedication to their land, and we are proud to welcome the Kaups into the Nebraska Leopold family," said Nebraska Cattlemen President Troy Stowater.
"The Nebraska Environmental Trust is very honored to be part of the annual Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska recognizing families that do so much for conservation like the Kaups," said Mark Brohman, Executive Director of the Nebraska Environmental Trust. "The Kaups have demonstrated their love of the land by their no-till practices, use of cover crops, management of their cold water stream, pollinator plantings and other habitat work. They also participate in their community and share their knowledge."
"Cargill appreciates the valuable work farmers and ranchers across Nebraska do each day as responsible stewards of the environment and natural resources. The Kaup family demonstrates the positive impact responsible land management and conservation practices have on soil health and wildlife habitat preservation through their leadership, management practices and continued commitment to enhance and improve their efforts for a more sustainable future," said Brett Walters, general manager of Cargill in Schuyler.
The Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska is possible thanks to generous contributions from many organizations, including: Cargill, Farm Credit Services of America, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nebraska Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, Green Cover Seed, Nebraska Land Trust, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Assoc. and the World Wildlife Fund.
One-Day Field Scouting Basics Course for Corn and Soybean Crop Scouts
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a Field Scouting Basics Workshop on Tuesday, May 16, at the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) near Boone, Iowa. Designed for beginning-level crop scouts, the course provides hands-on, in-field experience to crop scouts for the 2017 growing season.
“The goal of the workshop is to provide a hands-on learning opportunity at the field lab, and help participants feel confident when they’re scouting fields in 2017,” said Warren Pierson, program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Scouts are the "eyes and ears" in the field and their reports help drive pest management decisions. Crop scouts often discover other problems in the field, such as nutrient deficiencies, implement malfunctions, and other issues, that might not otherwise be noticed during the growing season.”
ISU Extension and Outreach specialists and field agronomists provide instruction on the principles of integrated pest management with emphasis on weed, insect and crop disease identification in Iowa corn and soybean production. An overview of basic field scouting skills including sample collection, observation and documentation is also offered.
New this year is the addition of an optional session for Agricultural Worker Pesticide Safety. Recent updates to the Worker Protection Standard require crop scouts entering fields where pesticides have been applied to receive training before they begin work and every 12 months.
The Field Scouting Basics Workshop presentation topics and ISU Extension and Outreach instructors include:
- Crop scouting tips and tools – Angie Rieck-Hinz, extension field agronomist
- Corn and soybean growth and development – Mark Licht, extension cropping systems agronomist
- Weed identification – Bob Hartzler, extension weed specialist
- Disease identification – Alison Robertson, extension plant pathologist
- Insect identification – Erin Hodgson, extension entomologist
- Agricultural Worker Pesticide Safety – Betsy Buffington, extension program specialist
Registration check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. The program starts at 9 a.m. and adjourns at 2 p.m. Optional Worker Protection Safety Training follows from 2:10-3:10 p.m. Pre-registration is required and must be completed before midnight, May 10. Registration is $65. Additional workshop information and online registration is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/feel/scout.
For assistance with registration, receipts, cancellation or questions on the status of your registration contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429 or anr@iastate.edu.
First Quarter Grain Inspections Reach Record High
According to USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, during the first quarter of 2017 grain (corn, wheat, and soybeans) inspected for export from all U.S. ports reached a record 35.7 million metric tons, up 25 percent from the same quarter last year and 28 percent above the 5-year average.
First quarter corn inspections, driven by high supplies, were the second highest on record. Shipments of corn increased to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Total soybean inspections were down slightly from last year, but wheat inspections were the highest since 2012, due mainly to increased demand from Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
The Gulf’s share of total grain exports continued to increase during the first quarter, as demand jumped for corn and wheat.
The Pacific Northwest's share of total grain exports decreased slightly from last year.
First quarter Gulf corn and soybean inspections increased significantly from last year, but wheat inspections in the Gulf were down slightly.
Gulf grain inspections destined to Latin America jumped 105 percent from last year, and shipments to Asia increased 24 percent.
Barge movements of grain through the Mississippi River locks were also up significantly from last year during the first quarter.
Webinar IDs Food Influencers Setting Trends
You are invited to join The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) Tuesday, April 25, 1 to 2 p.m. CDT, for the webinar “An Inside Look at Influencers Impacting Food and Ag.” In its latest trust research, CFI and research partner MotivIndex used digital ethnography in the first-of-its-kind study on consumer attitudes and behaviors to identify the most influential audiences – they’re values, motivations, beliefs, concerns and emotional triggers. We also identified:
· How influencers connect online
· Emerging trends
· Trusted brands and sources
· Channels used to shape their beliefs
The research revealed that Peak Performers were identified as one of five influential Consumer Types impacting conversations and setting trends in food and agriculture. On the webinar, CFI will be joined by MotivIndex to take a deeper dive into Peak Performers and how those in food and agriculture can engage to earn trust. Register here... https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6995856418607207171.
National Dairy FARM Program Releases Environmental Stewardship Reference Manual to Celebrate Earth Day
The National Dairy FARM Program has released its Environmental Stewardship Continuous Improvement Reference Manual in cooperation with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. Released in celebration of Earth Day, the guide provides a comprehensive suite of on-farm management practices to reduce a farm’s environmental footprint and improve its profitability.
Specifically, the manual features a detailed explanation of the FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) module, as well as strategies to reduce on-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in various areas of farm management, including feed, manure, energy, forage, and animal health.
“FARM Environmental Stewardship helps us tell our story in a measurable, science-based way while providing business value that is both financially and environmentally beneficial,” said Mike McCloskey, Chairman of the NMPF Environmental Committee, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Environmental Stewardship Committee and co-founder of fairlife, LLC. “The FARM Environmental Stewardship Continuous Improvement Reference Manual provides a resource that aggregates existing science and technology that can help us drive continuous improvement, all while tracking our progress in a way we can share with dairy customers.”
FARM ES is a voluntary, farmer-driven tool that helps producers expand their sustainability efforts by using a limited amount of data about their farm. The module is based on a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of fluid milk conducted by the Applied Sustainability Center at the University of Arkansas, incorporating existing data from more than 500 dairy farms across the United States. Launched in February, FARM ES is the third of the FARM Program’s three silos, including Animal Care and Antibiotic Stewardship.
The FARM ES reference manual was developed by FARM and includes previous work completed by the Innovation Center. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) led an independent review of the manual using a panel of subject matter experts.
“In an increasingly resource scarce world, we need to produce more food on the current amount of land, with less inputs and environmental impacts,” said Sandra Vijn, director for markets and food at WWF. “FARM ES will support U.S. dairy farmers in continuously identifying better management practices for environmental stewardship. That is why WWF works with NMPF, the industry and dairy experts to ensure the program produces the best resources and solutions for farmers in terms of environmental sustainability.”
This manual further demonstrates the dairy industry’s culture of continuous improvement, the focus of the FARM Program. Since 1944, the carbon footprint of a gallon of milk has decreased by 63 percent – a leading example of farmers’ dedication to being good stewards of natural resources.
In addition to the manual, the FARM Program has developed an extensive library of resources regarding the program and environmental stewardship. It can be found on the Environmental Stewardship page of the FARM website... http://nationaldairyfarm.com/environmental-stewardship.
Countdown to 2017 Census of Agriculture
America's farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to strongly represent agriculture in their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the census, to be mailed at the end of this year, is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them.
Producers who are new to farming or did not receive a Census of Agriculture in 2012 still have time to sign up to receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture report form by visiting www.agcensus.usda.gov and clicking on the 'Make Sure You Are Counted' button through June.
NASS defines a farm as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year.
For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture and to see how census data are used, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.
CropLife America Promotes the Protection of Soil, Water and Air on Earth Day
CropLife America (CLA) is excited to celebrate Earth Day tomorrow and recognize the importance of the world’s natural resources in growing food for every living being. Healthy soil and clean water are the foundation of our global food system, and it is imperative to advance technology to protect these vital resources. The crop protection industry remains committed to developing the most precise tools possible for fighting crop threats that target pests and eliminate or minimize adverse effects on the environment. Earth Day and the March for Science gatherings happening around the world tomorrow provide a prime opportunity for groups to discuss food science and how technology can contribute to protecting our soil, water and air.
“With Rachel Carson’s advocacy efforts and the subsequent inception of Earth Day, agriculture and many other industries were challenged to take a deeper look at the larger impacts of our work,” stated Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA. “The crop protection industry has a responsibility to keep food growing both today and into the future. The development of crop protection tools – such as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides – rests in science. We encourage everyone participating in the marches and other Earth Day activities tomorrow to take a second look at how we can use technology to bring agriculture forward, while protecting the planet!”
The 2017 global Earth Day theme, developed by the Earth Day Network (EDN), is Environmental & Climate Literacy. The organization is encouraging participation at the March for Science in Washington, DC, tomorrow, stating on its website: “This Earth Day, join the effort to defend the vital public service role science plays in our communities and our world. Science serves all of us. It protects our air and water, preserves our planet, saves lives with medical treatments, creates new industries, puts food on our tables, educates the next generation, and safeguards our future.”
CLA has developed downloadable materials that communicate how technology has helped make the U.S. a leader in sustainable food production, such as:
- Science: It’s Kind of a Big Deal
- A Colossal Carbon Sink
- Conservation Tillage
- For Farmers, Every Day is Earth Day
- Seed to Plate
If you have ideas or concerns on how to move U.S. farming forward, get involved now with the conversation online with #FoodForward or #GiveaCrop. CLA actively engages with consumers, food bloggers, farmers, chefs, foodies, journalists and others interested in food production on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more information on how farmers use crop protection technology to grow healthful and nutritious food, visit www.GiveaCrop.org.
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
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