Friday May 18 Ag News

RESEARCH EXPLORES TIES BETWEEN COVER CROPS, GRAZING, SOIL HEALTH AND ECONOMICS

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will research the impact of cover crops and grazing on soil health and system economics. The project is funded by a $74,381 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Cover crops have the potential to improve soil health and sustainability of cropping information, however there is little information regarding the effects of grazing cover crops in Midwestern cropping systems. To gather this information the team plans to evaluate the impacts of incorporating cover crops and grazing on soil health in corn silage-soybean, corn grain-soybean, and corn grain-soybean-wheat rotations in eastern Nebraska, while also conducting a systems analysis and determine economic impact.

“Using cover crops as a forage source can be a way to offset economic costs and generate additional revenue,” said Beef Systems Specialist, Mary Drewnoski. “Based off of our research we plan to inform Nebraska crop and cattle producers of the potential impacts of incorporating cover crops and grazing into their system.

The multi-disciplinary team working on this project brings together approaches to integrated crop-cattle systems that combine efficient production of human consumable protein (beef), improvements in soil health, and mitigation of environmental impacts to develop sustainable management practices that support ecosystems. In addition to Drewnoski, the team consists of Humberto Blanco and Daren Redfearn, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture; Jim MacDonald, Department of Animal Science; and Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics.

The project is one of the 105 projects receiving $18,301,819 in grant awards from the Nebraska Environmental Trust this year. The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $289 million in grants to over 2,000 projects across the state.

For more information of integrated crop-cattle systems including updates from the project visit http://beef.unl.edu/cropland.   



NORTHERN PLAINS FARM LABOR

In the Northern Plains Region (Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota) there were 32,000 workers hired directly by farm operators on farms and ranches during the week of April 8-14, 2018, unchanged from the April 2017 reference week, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Workers numbered 25,000 during the week of January 7-13, 2018, down 7 percent from the January 2017 reference week.

Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $14.70 per hour during the April 2018 reference week, up 5 percent from the April 2017 reference week. Field workers received an average of $14.52 per hour, down 29 cents. Livestock workers earned $13.47 per hour compared with $12.47 a year earlier. The field and livestock worker combined wage rate, at $14.00, was up 45 cents from the April 2017 reference week. Hired laborers worked an average of 41.0 hours during the April 2018 reference week, compared with 40.2 hours worked during the April 2017 reference week.

Farm operators in the Northern Plains Region paid their hired workers an average wage of $14.82 per hour during the January 2018 reference week, up 5 percent from the January 2017 reference week. Field workers received an average of $14.76 per hour, unchanged from January 2017. Livestock workers earned $13.47 per hour, up 70 cents. The field and livestock worker combined wage rate at $14.05, was up 55 cents from the 2017 reference week. Hired laborers worked an average of 41.4 hours during the January 2018 reference week, compared with 38.4 hours worked during the January 2017 reference week.



EXTENSION CATTLE RISK MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP JUNE 7

Nebraska Extension will host a risk management workshop for cattle producers on June 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (formerly ARDC) near Mead.

Cattle producers will learn how to reduce risk exposure associated with cattle marketing and forage production to achieve a profitable outcome in uncertain times.

Topics covered during the workshop include: determining production strategies for the cow herd, marketing tools to protect against price declines and programs for protecting against weather-related forage losses. New and existing marketing options, insurance options, and disaster programs available to cattle producers as well as the current and long range weather outlook will be discussed. The material is funded in partnership by USDA Risk Management Agency.

There is no fee for attending and a meal will be provided. Registration is required to ensure an accurate meal count.

To register, visit https://enre.unl.edu/registration/ or contact Nebraska Extension in Saunders County by 4:30 p.m. on June 4.

For more information, please call Nebraska Extension in Saunders County at 402-624-8030.



Fischer Continues Pushing FMCSA for More Hours of Service Flexibility, Again Raises Concerns of Ag and Livestock Haulers

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined a group of bipartisan senators, led by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), in a letter to the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Raymond Martinez. The letter expresses support for greater flexibility within hours of service (HOS) regulations and highlights concerns from agriculture and livestock haulers about these requirements.

The senators wrote: “It is our hope that, under your leadership, FMCSA will be able to improve regulations and address issues within HOS regulations for all drivers, including long-haul drivers, short-haul drivers, agricultural and livestock haulers.  We suggest FMCSA examine a wide range of options to address HOS issues and ensure safety, including, but not limited to, providing certain allowances for unique businesses or driver operations, elimination of unnecessary requirements, or improved utilization of non-driving time.” 

This letter builds on Senator Fischer’s work to lower regulatory burdens at the FMCSA while maintaining safety that go as far back as 2015 when she included reforms in the FAST Act to increase transparency and strengthen cost-benefit analysis for rulemakings at the agency.

Most recently, Senator Fischer raised the concerns Nebraska agriculture and livestock haulers have with these federal requirements with leadership at FMCSA and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Following two letters Senator Fischer sent to FMCSA and DOT leadership last year, FMCSA announced it would clarify its guidance on HOS exemptions for ag and livestock haulers.

In February, Senator Fischer convened a meeting with Nebraska agriculture representatives and the then-Acting FMCSA Administrator. Following the meeting, the agency extended the temporary waiver from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirement for ag and livestock haulers while it continued reviewing its guidance. Additionally, Senator Fischer worked to ensure an extension of the ELD waiver for livestock haulers the through September 30, 2018, was signed into law in March.



CATTLE SORTING SCHOOL AND COMPETITION JUNE 30

Nebraska Extension is hosting a two-part cattle sorting school and competition, 9 a.m. June 30 at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

The Western Heritage Cattle Sorting School is facilitated by the Cinch Ranch Sorting National Championship (RSNC), and is for the ranch horse and rider team that wants to become more skilled in working cattle correctly. In the school, separate adult and youth classes will be held. Western Heritage sorting is for those who excel in slow and quiet cattle handling. Riders are limited to a trot or slower, and verbal noise directed to influence cattle is prohibited. Western Heritage Sorting follows other standard Cinch-RSNC rules.

School classes will include: riding and training horses to work cattle, working/handling cattle horseback, performance horse health status check, and mechanics/strategies used in ranch sorting.

The day will culminate with a Western Heritage Cattle Sorting Competition that will include beginner and rookie classes. Beginner classes are for those with no to little cattle experience, Rookie classes are for those with some cattle experience.

Beginner and rookie classes are $23 per run with pick/draw partner, and a 50 percent payback. Maximum of five runs. The top teams will receive Dennis Moreland Tack trophy spurs. Awards will be given to reserve champion and runner up teams in each division plus to the top 4-H/Youth team. Each school registrant receives a Cinch-RSNC graduation certificate, sorting school t-shirt, a complimentary one-year Cinch-RSNC membership and other gifts.

Cost for riders is $60 if pre-registered by June 22. After that, the cost is $75. Non-riding auditors can attend at no charge. To preregister, visit https://go.unl.edu/pgbd.

Books open at 8 a.m. on June 30, and close at 4 p.m. The sorting begins at 4:30 p.m.

The event is being coordinated by Nebraska Extension and Cinch-RSNC. Sponsors for the event are Total Feeds, DM Tack, Fonner Park, Nebraska Cattlemen and ZinPro.

For more information visit http://animalscience.unl.edu/horse, or call/email Kathy Anderson at 402-472-6414, kanderson1@unl.edu or Doug Householder at 979-777-2070.



Ricketts Cuts Ribbon on New Flex Fuel Pumps in Grand Island to Highlight Renewable Fuels Month

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts celebrated Renewable Fuels Month during a ribbon cutting event at Bosselman Travel Center in Grand Island.  At the event, Governor Ricketts pumped gas for motorists, highlighting the new flex fuel pumps now offering a variety of ethanol blends at Bosselman Travel Center.

“Corn ethanol and soy biodiesel not only help build demand for Nebraska’s crop farmers, but they also help build our state’s economy and create local jobs,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Just this week, I visited with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue about the importance of higher ethanol blends, and I will continue to encourage the Trump administration to act quickly on the approval of the use of E-15 all year long.  With infrastructure like the pumps we just launched in Grand Island, we will continue to grow demand for our locally-produced, clean-burning ethanol products.”

Governor Ricketts has been a constant advocate for Nebraska’s biofuel industry.  He has served as chairman of the Governor’s Biofuels Coalition, testified before the Environmental Protection Agency in support of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) twice, and successfully worked to recruit new investment in the state’s biofuels infrastructure and industry.

Over 90 percent of all fuel in Nebraska is blended with locally-produced ethanol.  This homegrown industry supports over 1,300 jobs across the state and 25 ethanol plants.  The ethanol industry promotes higher prices for corn, soybeans, and other agricultural products as well, supporting the agriculture industry at large.  In 2017, over 2.1 billion gallons of ethanol and nearly 6.4 million metric tons of distillers grains were produced in Nebraska.

With more than 1 billion gallons being produced across the country, soy biodiesel is another important biofuel for Nebraska.  Like ethanol, biodiesel burns cleaner than petroleum diesel, is locally produced, and helps our nation’s farmers.  Biodiesel adds $0.74 per bushel to the value of soybeans, and the industry supports more than 60,000 U.S. jobs and $2.6 billion in wages.

“Nebraska’s ethanol industry is really a win for everyone,” said Dave Merrell, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from St. Edward.  “By using ethanol, we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting cancer-causing toxic chemicals from entering into our atmosphere, which makes our air cleaner to breathe.  Additionally, we produce a locally-grown feed for our livestock industry.”

“Bosselman Enterprises is among several key marketing partners working with Nebraska biofuel producers to offer a wider range of cleaner-burning fuel products,” said Jan tenBensel, chairman of the Nebraska Ethanol Board.  “This new infrastructure provides greater access to high performance renewable fuels at a lower cost to consumers.  Consumers save money at the pump, the agricultural sector benefits from increased demand for ag products, our economy benefits from fuel cost savings, and we have more choices at the pump.”

“As a Nebraska farmer, I feel a great amount of pride in the work we all do to provide our world with a safe and abundant supply of food, fuel, and fiber,” said Tony Johanson, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board and farmer from Oakland.  “We know we need to ensure the sustainability of our planet, but how sustainable are we if we are burning fossil fuels?  By producing and using renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, we were able to replace the need for 540 million barrels of imported crude oil and 2.9 million gallons of imported petroleum diesel in 2017.  That is significant.”



MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME SPENT PLANT TISSUE SAMPLING

With an increase in precision agriculture and more closely monitored in-season crop fertilizer applications, we’ve also seen an increased interest in plant tissue testing. But, before you begin sampling in the field this season, do what you can to ensure you’re getting the best sample and making the most from your time spent.

“It’s very important to take a plant tissue sample from the correct plant part,” says Dr. Jim Friedericks, Outreach and Education Advisor for AgSource Laboratories. “For example, to have the earliest effect on this growing season, corn plants should be in the 8-leaf to 12-leaf stage, soybean plants can be submitted from 4-inches to 8-inches tall and alfalfa from 6-inches to first flowering.” These results can then be used to fine-tune an expected side-dress application or for a “rescue” nutrient application for the current crop.

The results from plant tissue samples are typically reported in comparison to the range of nutrient concentrations sufficient for that plant at that growth stage. Because these ranges shift with the growth of the plant it is important to identify the growth stage when submitting a plant sample to the laboratory. It’s normal for crop nutrient levels to vary throughout the season, therefore it’s important for these nutrients to be available when the crop needs them.

Alternatively, taking plant tissue samples multiple times throughout the growth cycle reveals the seasonal trends of your crop, and differences in your individual fields. Reports from these frequent plant tissue samples can be used to make corrections or additional nutrient applications as long as your field equipment makes it feasible to spray the canopy or dribble nutrients onto the soil surface. 
Plant tissue sampling provides a picture of the nutritional status of your crops. Combined with a soil testing program, you can build a 360° view of your fields and crops to make better management decisions that could drive higher yields and reduce input costs throughout the growing season.

Plant tissue testing is also helpful when checking for suspected nutrient deficiencies. Often, a common visual sign of a macronutrient deficiency can be mistaken for what is actually micronutrient deficiency. One example is molybdenum (Mo), which is required for nodule formation in nitrogen fixing crops. What visually appears as nitrogen deficiency in alfalfa may in fact be inadequate supply of molybdenum.

While creating your plant tissue sampling plan, keep these points in mind:
 ·    Sample your fields using appropriate zones. Pull plant/leaf samples from the same variety or hybrid. 1 sample = 1 variety or hybrid = 1 zone
 ·    Combine with a soil sample. Consider a routine soil sample that includes nitrate in the analysis. Pull this sample in the same location as your plant tissue sample. This approach can determine the soil’s ability to supply nutrients in the growing season and identify confounding problems such as low soil pH.
 ·    Avoid trouble spots. Stay away from sampling close to field boundaries or gravel roads, or visually damaged field zones. Trouble spots should be a separate sample.
 ·    Collect the proper plant part and amounts. Collect 15 – 20 leaves, or at least half a paper lunch bag full, and choose mature leaves from the middle or upper part of the plant. Never send bottom leaves or immature leaves.  Consult a sampling guide for more specific instructions.
 ·    If the leaves are contaminated with soil rinse them briefly under a stream of distilled water and allow to air dry.
 ·    Consistency is key in plant tissue sampling. Pull samples at the same time of day throughout the season.
 ·    Handle the samples properly. Label your sample bags, make sure the labels match your submittal forms and send them promptly. Pack the shipping box loosely to include some air space. If possible, collect and ship the samples the same day. If not, store samples in a refrigerator.

“Shipping and handling is critical. When samples are shipped wet and in plastic bags, we end up with moldy tissue. We can’t test moldy samples and growers end up having to go back out to the fields and resample,” notes Friedericks. “For best results, use a paper bag and ship dry samples. We hate having to call clients to tell them their samples have to be tossed.”

AgSource Laboratories is a leader in agricultural and environmental laboratory analysis and information management services, with facilities in Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon and Wisconsin. A division of Cooperative Resources International, AgSource Laboratories provides testing services to clients in the United States and across the globe.



Naig: Cost Share Available for Water Quality Practices

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Thursday the 2018 sign-up period is open for statewide cost share funds to help farmers install nutrient reduction practices. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer.

"This program has been very popular with farmers interested in adding water quality focused practices on their farm. We continue to see farmers and landowners taking on the challenge of improving water quality and this is a great way for them to get started with a new practice," Naig said.

The cost share rate for farmers new to planting cover crops is $25 per acre ($15 per acre for past cover crop users) and for farmers trying no-till or strip till is $10 per acre. Farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre.

Farmers interested in cover crops that have already used this practice on their farm are also eligible for this funding, but at a reduced rate of $15 per acre. Farmers are only eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres. The funds will be made available in July, but farmers can immediately start submitting applications through their local Soil and Water Conservation District office.

Farmers are also encouraged to visit their local Soil and Water Conservation District office to inquire about additional opportunities for cost share funding through other programs offered at their local SWCDs.

"We see more and more farmers planting cover crops and this program has been a great tool to help them get started. We encourage farmers to contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District to learn more and sign up to participate," Naig said.

Last fall, 2,600 farmers signed up to participate in the program and invest an estimated $8.7 million in funding to match $4.8 million in state cost share funds. Participants included 1,000 farmers using a practice for the first time and more than 1,600 previous users who received a reduced rate of cost share.

In January, the Legislature passed and Governor Reynolds signed into law SF 512 which provides more than $250 million for water quality efforts in Iowa over the next 12 years. The legislation provides a growing source of funding, starting with $3.9 million next fiscal year and increasing to over $28 million annually. In addition to SF 512, the Legislature provided $10.575 million to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative in the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.



Celebrate Dairy Month in June

June is dairy month and the public is invited to celebrate the efforts of Iowa’s dairy farmers who deliver a wholesome and nutritious supply of milk and dairy products, making a significant contribution to the state’s economy. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering several educational opportunities across the state to learn about dairy production first-hand.

small calf being petted.“Our goal is to create the next generation of dairy lovers,” said Leo Timms, Morrill professor of animal science and extension dairy specialist with Iowa State University. “We’re giving visitors an opportunity to get inside a dairy barn and see our commitment to animal well-being, environmental stewardship and production of high quality, safe milk and dairy products. Consumers need to know about local dairy products and the work it takes to make Iowa 12th in the nation for milk production.”

Dairy is the fifth largest agricultural business in Iowa, generating $4 billion a year in economic activity according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service 2012 Census of Agriculture. There are about 1,400 dairy farms in the state and about 99 percent of them are family-owned.

The dairy month open house schedule includes face-to-face conversations with farmers and on-farm milking demonstrations. Open house activities vary by location and may include a meal or samples of dairy products, a kid friendly area to meet calves and visit educational exhibits, and a guided farm tour allowing families to milk a cow and see robotic milking machines.

June Open Houses
-    Friday, June 8, 6-11 a.m. – ISU Dairy Farm Open House and Ag Discovery Center, 52470 260th St., near Ames
-    Saturday, June 23, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. – Ninth Annual Breakfast on the Farm at Iowa’s Dairy Center, 1527 Hwy 150 South, near Calmar
-    Wednesday, June 28, 4-8 p.m. – 11th Annual Western Iowa Dairy Alliance Open House, Summit Dairy (5564 390th St., near Primghar)

Events are held in partnership with the Midwest Dairy Association, Iowa State Dairy Association, Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation, Northeast Iowa Community College and various agriculture and commodity group sponsors and supporters in the local communities.

Visitors are asked to take precautions and follow biosecurity policies if they have been at another livestock operation. Those who have recently returned from a trip abroad are asked to wait five days before visiting farms with animals. Visitors are asked to change clothing and footwear if going from farm to farm and to refrain from bringing any food items to the farm. For more information contact the farm manager of the dairy operation.



Missouri Lawmakers Approve Measure Regulating Fake Meat

(AP) -- Missouri lawmakers have approved legislation that bans companies from labeling lab-grown meat products or meat substitutes as meat.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the provision approved Thursday states that a product cannot be marketed as meat if it isn't derived from an animal with two or four feet. It's part of a package of changes to state agriculture and conservation laws on its way to the governor's desk.

The legislation is backed by the state's pork producers, the Missouri Farm Bureau and the Missouri Cattlemen's Association.

Republican Rep. Jeff Knight of Lebanon sponsored the legislation. He says it's not meant to mislead anyone, but to protect a product.

Missouri would be the first state to address the fake meat issue if the measure is signed into law.



China Drops Investigations, Top Market for Sorghum Reopens

The Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China announced today it has terminated anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into U.S. sorghum and the temporary anti-dumping deposit collected will be returned in full, stating these measures do not serve public interest. National Sorghum Producers Chairman Don Bloss, a sorghum producer from Pawnee City, Nebraska, released the following statement in response:

“National Sorghum Producers is gratified by this announcement and this quick result, which is a win for China and a win for America’s sorghum farmers. We agree that it is in China’s public interest to terminate these cases, and we look forward to deepening our trade ties with our Chinese partners and customers.

From the start, NSP cooperated fully with MOFCOM’s investigations, submitting thousands of pages of responses demonstrating U.S. sorghum was being fairly traded with China. We demonstrated that we were helping, not injuring, Chinese consumers and farmers, and it was in no one’s real interest to restrict this important trade.

We hope the dismissal of these cases reflects a lessening of trade tensions as our leaders continue to dialogue. Agricultural production and international trade is one of the United States’ greatest success stories.”



U.S. Grains Council Statement On China Ending Sorghum Investigations
President and CEO Tom Sleight

“We are pleased to see news from China's Ministry of Commerce that it has terminated its anti-dumping and countervailing duty cases related to U.S. sorghum and is revoking preliminary duties on imports of the grain.

"This is critical good news for U.S. sorghum producers and exporters, and U.S. agriculture as a whole. We are grateful for the intense efforts of the White House, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and, particularly, the U.S. sorghum industry as these cases were considered.

"The U.S. Grains Council has worked closely with partners in China since 1982 in the areas of food security and trade. We highly value our customers there and remain committed to engaging this complex and critical market. U.S. sorghum exports to China are mutually beneficial, and we are grateful MOFCOM looked at the facts of the matter and decided to restore this trade.

"Today’s development is also a step in the right direction for U.S.-China trade relations, and we hope it is a platform for further lessening of tensions and challenges facing U.S. grains exports to China."



Conaway: Down, But Not Out

House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) issued the following statement on today's House farm bill vote:

“We experienced a setback today after a streak of victories all week. We may be down, but we are not out. We will deliver a strong, new farm bill on time as the President of the United States has called on us to do. Our nation’s farmers and ranchers and rural America deserve nothing less.” 



Perdue Statement on Farm Bill Vote in House of Representatives

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement regarding the initial vote on the 2018 Farm Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives:

“A Farm Bill is necessary to provide our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers with the stability and predictability they need. Our farmers feed the people of this nation and the world, and they deserve the certainty of a Farm Bill.”



 Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding Failure of House to Pass Farm Bill

“We are extremely disappointed in the outcome of today’s failed vote in the House to secure passage of a new farm bill. This is not only a blow to Nebraska farm and ranch families who have dealt with farm income falling for five straight years, but to all Americans as the farm bill is vital to providing food security for the citizens of our state and country.”

“While not perfect, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 would have implemented many of the provisions sought by Nebraska Farm Bureau and its members in a farm bill. The legislation would have protected federal crop insurance, provided meaningful adjustments to commodity title programs, improved conservation programs, and provided funding for research, trade promotion, and rural development programs that would benefit farmers, ranchers, and virtually all citizens across our state and our nation. It also contained provisions to allow agriculture interests to work to address critical problems related to health care and health insurance.”

“It is time for Congress to put aside partisan and ideological differences and deliver a farm bill that meets the needs of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families and aids them in producing food, fuel, and fiber for our country and the world.”

“We do want to thank all three of Nebraska’s House members, Congressmen Fortenberry, Bacon, and Smith, who supported this bill, as each had made their own individual contributions to the legislation.”



Farm bill fails to pass House; rural America wins, for now

Today, the House of Representatives failed to pass H.R. 2, its draft of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, commonly known as the farm bill. Representatives voted 198 in favor and 213 against.

Center for Rural Affairs Executive Director Brian Depew said this is a win for rural America.

“The bill’s proposals were a giant step in the wrong direction,” he said.

The draft included eliminating the Conservation Stewardship Program and cut funds for working lands conservation by nearly $5 billion over 10 years.

“The bill also proposed a troubling set of rollbacks to common-sense limitations on subsidy payments, and created loopholes for the largest operations to access unlimited subsidy payments,” Depew said.

Finally, the bill aimed to slash funding for programs that spark rural economic development including the Value-Added Producer Grant Program, the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program, and the Rural Microentrepreneur Program.

“These programs facilitate the development of rural businesses, and their loss would have been sorely felt in rural America,” Depew said.

The House Agriculture Committee passed its draft of the bill on April 18. This week, lawmakers considered 106 amendments and discussed the bill on the House floor.

“Thankfully, these proposals will not be moving forward,” Depew said. “America needs a bipartisan farm bill that supports rural communities.”

The current farm bill expires Sept. 30, 2018.



NCGA Statement on House Failure to Pass Farm Bill

North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), made the following statement after the House failed to pass the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2).

“Passing a farm bill through the House is the first, critical, step in getting a new bill. NCGA urges House Leaders to quickly find a way forward to pass a new farm bill as soon as possible. Depressed commodity prices, the increasing threat of a trade war, and disruptions in the ethanol market are creating uncertainty across rural America. Our farmers need clarity on the prospects of a new farm bill signed into law this year.

“While today’s action is disappointing, we will continue to work with members of Congress and advocate for a strong farm bill that can be signed into law this year.”



Freedom Caucus Derails Farm Bill Filled With Priorities for Farmers and Ranchers

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Cooke today issued the following statement in response to the vote on H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, in the House of Representatives: 

"Today’s vote on the 2018 House Farm Bill is a disappointing outcome for American cattlemen and women. It is unfortunate that some in Congress chose not to stand with the farmers and ranchers who work hard every day to feed families in the United States and around the world. The bill addresses a number of priorities for producers, including an expanded Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine bank, funding for environmental stewardship initiatives, and trade promotion programs. It is critical that Congress pass a new Farm Bill before September 30th to provide certainty for cattle and beef producers. We will continue to work with our allies in Congress to make that happen.”



ASA Disappointed in House Failure to Pass Farm Bill

The American Soybean Association (ASA) expressed deep disappointment with the U.S. House of Representatives failure today to pass H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. ASA calls on the U.S. House of Representatives to continue to work to seek passage of a Farm Bill this year to provide certainty and stability for growers.

“Plain and simple: the farm bill matters," said ASA President and Iowa soybean grower John Heisdorffer. "U.S. soybean growers and everyone involved in agriculture depend on this vital piece of legislation. This bill provides a farm safety net, improves conservation, places value on exports and feeds our nation.”

ASA was pleased with the outcome of several amendments, including strong votes to defeat amendments that would have eliminated vital farm programs.

“Soybean growers are facing a down farm economy and significant export uncertainty, and are relying on a strong farm bill," Heisdorffer said. "The House failure to pass a farm bill only adds to the uncertainty across rural America.”



Farm Bill Vote a Blow to America’s Farmers and Ranchers
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“We are already starting to hear from farmers across the nation, many of whom are perplexed and outraged at this morning’s vote. They are facing very real financial challenges. We call on all members of Congress not to use farmers and ranchers as pawns in a political game. The risk management tools of the farm bill are too important, particularly at a time of depressed farm prices. We urge the House to pass H.R. 2 as soon as possible.”



ICBA Statement on House Failure to Pass Farm Bill

Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the failure of the House to pass the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2).

“ICBA recognizes there are many differences of opinion regarding the current farm bill legislation and that non-related issues have also played a factor in today’s defeat of H.R. 2. However, ICBA urges Congress to continue working on the bill to keep the process moving forward.

“Due to a fifth straight year of declining net farm income, which has fallen by more than 50 percent since 2013, the agricultural economy is challenging and fragile. A new farm bill to replace the bill expiring Sept. 30 is needed to provide financial stability to rural America and to support the efforts of community banks to continue financing our farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

“ICBA and community bankers call on Congress to continue their work on a new farm bill that includes a strong commodity title and robust funding for the crop insurance program without harmful changes that reduce premium assistance to producers, restrict participation or harm private-sector delivery. We also continue urging enhancement of USDA guaranteed farm loan and rural development programs and oppose expansion of the Farm Credit System, a government-sponsored enterprise with enormous tax and funding advantages over community banks.

“ICBA and the nation’s community bankers will work with Congress to advance these priorities as the debate continues.”





House Farm Bill Failure Highlights Need for Significant Improvements, NFU Says

The House version of the 2018 Farm Bill failed on the House floor today by a vote of 198 to 213. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to the vote:

“The rejection of the House version of the 2018 Farm Bill highlights the host of concerns that family farmers have with this failed legislation. At a time when farmers and ranchers are in significant financial strain due to years of depressed prices, this bill does not make necessary improvements to the farm safety net. It eliminates conservation programs and funding that provide them with the tools they need to be the best possible stewards of our natural resources. It reverses progress toward expanding their access to local, regional, and specialty markets. And it makes unnecessary cuts to programs that feed hungry Americans.

“Major changes need to be made to this bill. Farmers Union urges the House to send it back to committee to make significant improvements worthy of the men and woman who feed, fuel and clothe our nation.”



Dairy Groups Applaud Defeat of Raw Milk Amendment to 2018 Farm Bill

Overwhelming opposition from a strong coalition of dairy farmers, processors, consumer groups, food safety advocates, federal and state public health regulators, the medical community, and other key stakeholders led to the defeat today of an amendment to the 2018 House Farm Bill that would have allowed the interstate sale of unpasteurized milk.

Amendment 30, offered by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), would have removed existing regulations that prohibit the interstate sale of raw milk for direct human consumption – a development that the coalition of opponents said would have threatened the health of millions of Americans. The Massie amendment failed Friday in the House by a vote of 331 against to 79 in favor.

In a May 14 letter to House leaders Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) insisted that Massie’s proposed amendment to the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2) represented “an unnecessary risk to consumer safety and public health.”

“This amendment defies decades of proven food safety by removing requirements for pasteurization, which has been cited by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as one of the great achievements in public health in the 20th century,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF.

In addition to opposition from NMPF and IDFA, strong letters of opposition to the amendment were also sent to House leadership by the Safe Food Coalition – a consumer group consortium consisting of the Center for Foodborne Illness, Research & Prevention; the Center for Science in the Public Interest; the Consumer Federation of America; the National Consumers League; STOP Foodborne Illness; and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

The National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments, a national food safety regulatory program that includes state milk regulatory agencies, dairy companies and FDA, also came out against the Massie measure, as did a coalition of 53 dairy cooperatives, state dairy associations and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.

According to the dairy coalition letter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that unpasteurized milk is 840 times more likely to cause foodborne illness than pasteurized milk, and nearly 75 percent of raw milk‐associated outbreaks have occurred in states where the sale of raw milk was legal. Thus, the dairy groups argued, eliminating any regulations that stem the interstate sale of raw milk in the United States “would increase the risk to public health, exposing consumers nationwide to the inevitable consequence of falling victim to a foodborne illness.”

“Nationally, our dairy industry benefits from a very high degree of consumer confidence – confidence built in large part by the excellent food safety record of milk and dairy products,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “Legalizing and regulating the sale of raw milk sends a signal to consumers that drinking unpasteurized milk is safe when, in fact, the opposite is true.”

Current statistics estimate only 1‐2 percent of reported foodborne outbreaks are attributed to dairy products. However, of those, more than 70 percent have been attributed to raw milk and inappropriately aged raw milk cheeses.

While this is the first time that Congress has debated changing federal laws to expand access to raw milk, NMPF and IDFA have worked for years to battle similar bills at the state level, including recent efforts in Tennessee, Virginia and Louisiana. NMPF and IDFA have long advocated against the consumption of raw milk and raw milk products because of the high risk of illness, as well as the potential for misinformation that could inappropriately tie raw milk health concerns to the safety of pasteurized dairy products.

“We greatly appreciate those who joined the current effort – from dairy producers, to dairy processors, state dairy regulators, consumer and food safety groups, state and local dairy organizations, the medical community, and veterinarians – and took a stand to oppose this irresponsible amendment that would have significantly compromised food safety,” said Mulhern.

Dykes added, “We appreciate the strong signal sent from the House of Representatives to raw milk advocates who could try to jeopardize public health in the future. We urge all legislators – at both the federal and state levels – who will face similar misguided efforts to follow the exemplary leadership demonstrated today by our nation’s representatives.”



April Milk Production in the United States up 0.6 Percent

Milk production in the United States during April totaled 18.4 billion pounds, up 0.6 percent from April 2017.  Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,961 pounds for April, 9 pounds above April 2017.  The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.40 million head, 8,000 head more than April 2017, but 2,000 head less than March 2018.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during April 2018 totaled 440 million pounds, up 2 percent from the previous April according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during April, at 220,000 head, was unchanged from last month but 3,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,000 pounds, up 5 pounds from last April.



Bulk Ocean Freight Rates Remain Relatively Stable

Ocean freight rates for shipping bulk grains have remained relatively stable for the past 6 weeks.

As of the week ending May 10, the rate for shipping a metric ton (mt) of grain, from the U.S. Gulf to Japan was $44 and from the Pacific Northwest to Japan was $24.50.

Over the past 6 weeks, rates have remained unchanged, fluctuating within a 1 to 2 percent range.

According to the May 10 Transportation and Export Report, by O'Neil Commodity Consulting, rates have remained soft because the much-anticipated improvement in cargo demand has not yet materialized.



USGC Works To Increase DDGS Inclusion Rates In South Korea
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) hosted Dr. Jerry Shurson, swine nutritionist with the University of Minnesota, in South Korea last month to provide expert consultation on the economic and nutritional benefits of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in animal feeds to feed formulators and nutritionists in one of the world’s largest and most competitive feed markets.

“The regional seminars and one-on-one company consultations were useful for providing a broad overview and creating awareness of DDGS in swine and poultry diets for diverse audiences consisting of nutritionists, researchers, traders and feed formulators,” said Haksoo Kim, USGC director in South Korea, who also participated in the consultations along with Youngjin Lee, USGC administrative manager.

Following significant work by the Council to introduce and advocate for it in South Korea, DDGS is now considered an established and superior feed ingredient there, with 96 percent of local feed producers using it in their rations. Growth in the South Korean livestock and corn processing industries has meant the country's demand for coarse grains and co-products has increased continuously and is expected to grow steadily in the future.

South Korea currently ranks as the second largest market for U.S. DDGS in the current marketing year (September 2017-March 2018), purchasing 639,000 tons, a 6 percent increase year-over-year. South Korea was the third largest market for U.S. DDGS in 2016/2017, setting a new record for the fifth year in a row at 979,000 tons.

April’s DDGS promotion and educational activities targeted both major users and potential users in South Korea. Eighty participants attended a DDGS seminar in Seoul in addition to 20 attendees at a subsequent seminar in the Yeongnam region. Amid these larger meetings, Shurson and the Council’s staff conducted individual consultations with some of the country’s largest feed manufacturers and users of U.S. DDGS.

Shurson answered technical questions about the use of U.S. DDGS, including how to accurately determine digestible amino acid content and the maximum recommended inclusion rates in diets for each species and stage of production.

The success of efforts like these is the result of identifying leading companies in the market, learning the unique concerns and barriers to greater DDGS use, extensive technical preparation and effective communication with existing and potential customers.

The Council will continue working to increase U.S. DDGS exports to South Korea through additional educational programs aimed at protecting existing market share, increasing the inclusion rates in animal diets and expanding business opportunities between U.S. suppliers and South Korean buyers.

“The Council’s Korea office has set a target of increasing U.S. DDGS exports to 1.2 million tons by 2022,” Kim said. “We will continue to expand the specialized and customized on-site consultation programs for feed companies to use the U.S. DDGS at the recommended levels to achieve that goal.”