Friday May 4 Ag News

Midwest Biofuels Groups Ask EPA to Stop Destroying Ethanol Demand and Start Approving New Ethanol Projects 
This week, five Midwest biofuels associations sent a letter to the EPA asking the agency to shift administrative time and staff away from demand-destroying Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) exemptions and toward pathway approvals for cellulosic ethanol.

The letter was signed by the Renewable Fuels Nebraska (RFN), Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Wisconsin BioFuels Association, South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association, and Illinois Renewable Fuels Association. It highlighted the disproportionate focus EPA has on approving small refinery exemptions from the RFS in contrast with their lack of urgency in approving ethanol plants’ pending applications for pathway approvals, including several applications to produce cellulosic ethanol from corn kernel fiber.

The associations implored EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to amend this imbalance and to expedite approvals of pathways to grow the RFS rather than undermine it.

“The disproportionate way the EPA seems focused on granting small refinery waivers while delaying the approval of cellulosic ethanol pathway projects is telling,” said RFN Executive Director Troy Bredenkamp. “While it appears the refinery exemptions for the oil companies are being rushed through with no public transparency, cellulosic ethanol project approvals seemed to be stalled for months based over concerns with the same technology that has been previously approved. It is hard not to get the sense there is a current systematic effort to undermine the RFS and the spirit of the law at the EPA.”

Renewable Fuels Nebraska represents the state’s renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Nebraska is the nation’s 2ndnd largest producer of renewable fuels, with 25 ethanol plants capable of producing over 2.2 billion gallons annually and over $4 billion of activity in Nebraska’s rural economy.  For more information, visit the Renewable Fuels Nebraska website at: http://renewablefuelsne.org/. 



Fortenberry Designated Nebraska Farm Bureau “Friend of Agriculture”

U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry has been designated a “Friend of Agriculture” by NEFB-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee. Fortenberry, who is seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District, received the designation based on his ongoing efforts to advance the well-being of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families, said Mark McHargue of Central City, chairman of NEFB-PAC and first vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau.

“Congressman Fortenberry has worked on several key issues of interest to our members. He’s been supportive of expanding market opportunities for agriculture products through new and specialty markets. He voted to support major tax reform to help lower the tax burden on Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. He’s also been a leader in working to find solutions to skyrocketing health care costs that have created significant financial hardships on farmers and ranchers,” said McHargue.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Fortenberry has played a critical role in funding essential federal initiatives, while working to bring fiscal responsibility to Washington.

“Congressman Fortenberry has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment of service to agriculture. We’ve greatly appreciated his efforts and are proud to count him among those receiving our “Friend of Agriculture” designation,” said McHargue.



Gov. Ricketts to Highlight Beef Month, Announce Next Trade Mission

On Monday, Governor Pete Ricketts will celebrate Beef Month in Nebraska and unveil initial details for his next trade mission during a news conference at the State Capitol.

The Governor, Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman, Nebraska Cattlemen President Galen Frenzen, and Nebraska Beef Council Vice Chair Dawn Caldwell will make remarks before taking questions. 

The announcement will be made Monday morning at 10am at the Governor’s Hearing Room, Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. 



Fischer Welcomes Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman to Nebraska

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today welcomed Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) to Nebraska. Fischer and Roberts hosted a roundtable discussion with Nebraska agriculture stakeholders focused on trade and the farm bill at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds in Grand Island.

In the afternoon, Chairman Roberts and Fischer toured AGP Soybean Processing in Hastings.

“It was great to have Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Roberts in Nebraska today. In Grand Island, we had a productive farm bill roundtable discussion with Nebraska agriculture producers. Our conversation covered critical topics like trade, the need for a strong farm safety net, and the importance of broadband deployment to allow our producers to maximize their competitiveness. Later in the day, we toured AGP Soybean Processing plant in Hastings so that Chairman Roberts could see firsthand the world-class exports produced in the state. The Chairman and I will take the Nebraska ideas and input we heard today back to the committee as we continue to work on our next farm bill,” said Fischer.



Farm Loan Rates Edging Higher

Interest rates on most types of farm loans continued to move higher. A Kansas City Fed report says, following modest increases in short-term rates, commercial banks raised interest rates on loans used to finance various farm-sector purchases. Following a period of historically-low rates, interest rates increased most significantly on loans used to finance operating expenses. Operating loan interest rates have increased from a low level of 3.5 percent in 2015 to 4.9 percent in early 2018. Interest rates on other types of loans have also increased since 2015 but at a slower rate.

In addition to the steady increase in interest rates, very few loans in the first quarter of this year were made at less than four percent interest. Back in 2015, more than 40 percent of farm loans that were used to finance non-real estate originated with an interest rate of less than four percent. Back in 2015, only ten percent of farm loans carried an interest rate of more than six percent. In the first quarter of this year, only 21 percent of non-real estate farm loans were orginated with an interest rate of less than four percent. About 22 percent of the loans originated this year had an interest rate of more than six percent. 



March Beef Exports Set New Value Record; Pork Exports also Strong

Strong March results capped an excellent first quarter for U.S. red meat exports, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), as beef exports set a new monthly value record in March and pork export value reached the second-highest level on record. The United States is exporting a strong share of its beef and pork production at higher prices — a clear sign of solid international demand.

March beef export value was $693.1 million, up 18 percent year-over-year and topping the previous high set in October 2014. Export volume was 111,994 metric tons (mt), up 6 percent from a year ago. For the first quarter of 2018, exports were 9 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (318,073 mt) and jumped 19 percent in value ($1.92 billion).

Exports accounted for 13.6 percent of total beef production in March, up nearly a full percentage point from a year ago. For muscle cuts only, the percentage exported was 11.1 percent – up from 9.9 percent last year. For January through March, exports accounted for 13.2 percent of total production and 10.7 percent for muscle cuts, up from 12.4 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively.

Beef export value averaged $332.89 per head of fed slaughter in March, up 23 percent from a year ago. For the first quarter, per-head value averaged $315.67, up 18 percent.

On the pork side, March export volume was steady with last year at 227,363 mt, while value increased 4 percent to $610.4 million – trailing only the November 2017 record of $615.8 million. For the January-March quarter, volume increased 1 percent year-over-year to 636,297 mt, while value was up 8 percent to $1.7 billion.

Exports accounted for 27.5 percent of total pork production in March, down from 28 percent a year ago, while the percentage of muscle cuts exported increased slightly to 23.5 percent. First-quarter exports followed a similar pattern, accounting for 26.6 percent of total production (down from 27 percent a year ago) and 23 percent for muscle cuts only (up from 22.6 percent).

March pork export value averaged $56.91 per head slaughtered, up 4 percent from a year ago, while the January-March average increased 5 percent to $54.81.

Asian and Latin American markets drive big jump in beef export value
March beef exports to leading market Japan were steady with last year’s pace at 28,158 mt, while value increased 6 percent to $177.5 million. For the first quarter, exports to Japan were down 3 percent in volume (72,440 mt) but still increased 8 percent in value ($459.5 million). This included a 6 percent increase in chilled beef to 35,290 mt, valued at $275 million (up 18 percent).

March was the final month in which the higher safeguard tariff rate (50 percent versus the normal 38.5 percent) was applied to Japan’s imports of frozen U.S. beef. The higher rate took effect in August and expired on April 1 with the beginning of the new Japanese fiscal year.

"While beef exports to Japan held up well during those eight months, the higher tariff rate certainly weighed on exports of frozen cuts such as short plate," explained USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “U.S. short plate is an essential ingredient for Japan’s gyudon restaurants, which are part of a highly competitive fast-casual dining sector. We are pleased to have the higher safeguard tariff rate behind us, though U.S. beef still faces a widening tariff rate gap in Japan compared to Australian beef, and U.S. beef remains subject to Japan’s quarterly safeguard mechanisms for chilled and frozen imports. USMEF continues to monitor this situation, and we are hopeful that the frozen beef safeguard will not be triggered this year.”

Through an economic partnership agreement (EPA), Australian beef entering Japan is subject to tariff rates of 26.9 percent for frozen cuts and 29.3 percent for chilled, while the rate for beef from most other suppliers is 38.5 percent (Mexico’s EPA rate is 30.8 percent). Imports from EPA suppliers also are not subject to Japan’s quarterly safeguards. Australia’s tariff rates decline annually until they reach a floor of 19.5 percent for frozen and 23.5 percent for chilled, but will be phased down to 9 percent once the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is implemented. Japan’s beef imports from Canada, New Zealand, Mexico and Chile will receive the same benefits under CPTPP.

Conversely, U.S. beef enjoys a tariff rate advantage in South Korea under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. This has helped push U.S. beef’s presence in Korea to new heights as U.S. beef drives Korea’s overall consumption growth and especially its soaring appetite for steaks. Through the first quarter, export volume to Korea was 22 percent ahead of last year’s pace at 51,909 mt, while value increased 37 percent to $366.3 million. Chilled beef exports to Korea accelerated at an even faster rate, increasing 34 percent from a year ago in volume (11,408 mt) and 44 percent in value ($107.9 million).

Other first-quarter highlights for U.S. beef exports include:
-    Exports to Mexico were steady with last year in volume at 57,039 mt and climbed 10 percent in value to $250.3 million. Mexico is the leading volume destination for U.S. beef variety meat, including tripe, hearts, kidneys and livers. While first-quarter variety meat exports to Mexico declined 4 percent in volume (25,921 mt), they still achieved a 17 percent increase in value to $60.5 million.
-    In Taiwan, exports increased 34 percent year-over-year in volume (13,067 mt) and 48 percent in value ($126.7 million). This included a 61 percent increase in chilled beef exports to 5,860 mt, valued at $74.4 million (up 72 percent). The United States holds 74 percent of Taiwan’s chilled beef market, the highest of any Asian destination.
-    Exports to China/Hong Kong climbed 34 percent in volume (35,060 mt) and 61 percent in value ($269.1 million). Weekly data show that shipments to China cooled in April following China’s proposed tariff increase on a number of U.S. products, including beef. Although these tariffs have not been implemented, the threat of a possible increase has added uncertainty to the Chinese market, which reopened to U.S. beef in June 2017.
-    Fueled by rapid growth in Indonesia, beef exports to the ASEAN region reached 11,157 mt (up 55 percent year-over-year) valued at $61 million (up 46 percent). Exports also increased to the Philippines and Vietnam.
-    Strong performances in Chile and Colombia pushed beef exports to South America 42 percent higher in volume (7,006 mt) and 46 percent higher in value ($34.3 million). Exports to Peru trended lower in volume but still increased in value.
-    First-quarter demand was very strong in Guatemala, as beef exports increased 56 percent in volume (1,424 mt) and 45 percent in value ($8.4 million). Exports to the Central American region were up 15 percent in volume (3,145 mt) and 17 percent in value ($17.8 million).
-    Beef muscle cuts continue to make inroads in Africa, where first-quarter exports were up 27 percent in volume (4,340 mt) and 88 percent in value ($6.7 million). While last year’s exports to Africa were almost entirely beef variety meat, muscle cuts now account for nearly 30 percent of export volume and 60 percent of export value.

First-quarter pork exports fairly steady to Mexico and Japan, up sharply to Korea and Latin America
March pork exports to leading volume destination Mexico were below last year’s level in volume (66,136 mt, down 4 percent) and value ($120.3 million, down 5 percent). For the first quarter, exports were down just 1 percent from last year’s record pace in volume (203,656 mt) and were steady in value at $371.3 million.

Exports to Japan, the leading value market for U.S. pork, followed similar trends as March exports slowed 10 percent in volume (33,969 mt) and 11 percent in value ($138.6 million). But for January through March, exports to Japan were steady in volume at 101,435 mt and increased 2 percent in value to $419.7 million. This included a 5 percent decline in chilled pork to 53,688 mt. Chilled pork value was down slightly at $258.6 million.

“While exports to these two mainstay markets moderated in March, they still posted a strong first-quarter performance,” Halstrom said. “Mexico continues to be a critically important destination for U.S. hams, while Japanese demand is very strong for U.S. loins. In both cases, USMEF works closely with processors, retailers and other key buyers to develop new products and new menu ideas that will further expand consumers’ interest in these items.”

Other first-quarter highlights for U.S. pork include:
-    South Korea’s demand for U.S. pork is booming, as exports climbed 36 percent from a year ago in volume (69,518 mt) and 47 percent in value ($202 million). USMEF is helping to position U.S. pork in all sectors, but Korea’s rising pork consumption is especially evident in sales of home meal replacement items and convenience foods.
-    With China’s rising domestic hog production and falling prices cooling demand for imported pork, export volume to China/Hong Kong slowed 15 percent from a year ago to 111,681 mt. However, first-quarter export value still increased 1 percent to $260.7 million. China’s additional 25 percent tariff on imports of U.S. pork, imposed in retaliation for U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, took effect April 2 and therefore any trade impact is not reflected in the first-quarter results.
-    Strong growth in Colombia pushed exports to South America 22 percent higher than a year ago in volume (29,126 mt) and 24 percent higher in value ($70.8 million). Exports to Chile dipped slightly in volume but were still higher in value year-over year. Argentina officially opened to U.S. pork in April, but shipments have not yet begun as exporters work through regulatory requirements.
-    Volumes increased to traditionally reliable markets Honduras and Guatemala, as exports to Central America were up 16 percent from a year ago in volume (18,605 mt) and 22 percent in value ($45 million). The region got an even stronger boost from smaller markets, as exports jumped sharply to Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
-    Coming off a record year, demand for U.S. pork in the Dominican Republic continues to gain momentum, with exports increasing 23 percent in volume (9,578 mt) and 25 percent in value ($21.5 million). This pushed first-quarter exports to the Caribbean up 13 percent (13,439 mt) and 16 percent ($32.5 million), respectively.
-    Steady growth in the Philippines and sharply higher results in Vietnam and Singapore moved pork exports to the ASEAN region 21 percent higher in volume (10,634 mt) and 32 percent higher in value ($29.5 million).
-    Exports to Taiwan, which rebounded last year following a down year in 2016, continued to regain momentum in the first quarter. Exports increased 40 percent year-over-year in volume (3,603 mt) and 45 percent in value ($9.1 million).

Lamb exports lower in March, but still up year-over-year
March exports of U.S. lamb were lower than a year ago in volume (845 mt, down 9 percent) and value ($2 million, down 10 percent). But for the first quarter, exports still climbed 25 percent in volume (2,484 mt) and 8 percent in value ($5.4 million). Growth was driven by larger muscle cut shipments to the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Canada, the Philippines and Taiwan, and stronger demand for variety meat in Mexico.



Secretary Perdue Applauds President Trump’s Selection for USDA’s Under Secretary for Food Safety

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded President Donald J. Trump’s selection of Dr. Mindy Brashears to be the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Food Safety. After the announcement, Secretary Perdue issued the following statement:

“Food safety is at the core of USDA’s mission, because it directly affects the health and well-being of millions of Americans every day. President Trump has made an excellent choice in Dr. Mindy Brashears, and I am excited to have her join the team. Dr. Brashears has spent decades finding ways to improve food safety standards through innovation, invention, and leadership on research missions across the globe. I look forward to her bringing that wealth of expertise and track record of results here to USDA.

“In the meantime, we still have qualified people in addition to Dr. Brashears awaiting confirmation to fill key roles at USDA. I urge the Senate take up all of our nominations as quickly as possible.”

Background:
Dr. Brashears is a Professor of Food Safety and Public Health and the Director of the International Center for Food Industry Excellence at Texas Tech University. Dr. Brashears’ research program focuses on improving food safety standards to make an impact on public health. Her highly acclaimed work evaluates interventions in pre- and post-harvest environments and on the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance in animal feeding systems. These efforts have resulted in commercialization of a pre-harvest feed additive that can reduce E. coli and Salmonella in cattle. She also leads international research teams to Mexico, Central and South America to improve food safety and security and to set up sustainable agriculture systems in impoverished areas. She is past-Chair of the National Alliance for Food Safety and Security and of the USDA multi-state research group.



Farm Bureau: Brashears Excellent Choice for Under Secretary for Food Safety
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“Consumers deserve to have confidence that their food is safe and that sound science is used to ensure they have access to the most wholesome products. That is why President Trump’s selection of Dr. Mindy Brashears as Under Secretary for Food Safety is welcome news to America’s farmers and ranchers. Her extensive and innovative track record of improving food safety standards is an excellent fit at USDA, where food safety remains a core part of the agency’s mission, and always a priority for farmers and ranchers.”



Farmer’s Share of Retail Food Dollar Hits New Low

For every dollar consumers spend on food, the farmer receives just 14.8 cents, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The figure represents a 5 percent decrease from the previous year’s data and the lowest “farm share” since USDA began reporting the figures in 1993.

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson noted that new low speaks to the state of the farm economy, corporate control of the food system, and the importance of prioritizing family farm agriculture in national policymaking.

“This figure strikes a chord with family farmers and ranchers who are dealing with the sharpest decline in net farm income since the Great Depression,” said Johnson. “The prices that farmers have been receiving for their products aren’t paying the bills, and too many are being forced to give up farming. Our nation needs a dramatic, progressive movement towards ensuring family farmers can receive a fair price from the marketplace. Otherwise, we’re going to continue to lose too many of the family farmers and ranchers who feed, fuel and clothe our country, steward our nation’s land, and power our rural communities and economies.”

NFU reports monthly on the “Farmer’s Share of the Retail Food Dollar,” which tracks USDA’s farm share for 15 popular food items. The latest NFU Farmer’s Share shows that beef producers receive just $2.01 for 1 lb. of beef that costs $8.99 at the supermarket. Wheat farmers average a meager 12 cents on a loaf of bread that retails for $3.49. And dairy producers receive only $1.34 from a $4.49 gallon of fat free milk.

Johnson noted that the farmer’s share does not always correlate with food prices, and that the disconnect between the two should not confuse consumers.

“While the farmer-to-consumer divide is shrinking in many places due to new markets, it is ever-widening with the country as a whole,” he said. “Most consumers do not fully realize the volatility and risk associated with farming or the economic despair many family farmers are enduring right now. However, when you consider that what you’re paying at the grocery store continues to drop, and you see the ‘Farmer’s Share’ continue to drop, you can imagine that it’s hard to earn a decent living in agriculture right now.”

To demonstrate the decline in net farm income over the past five years, NFU produced an infographic comparing NFU Farmer’s Share figures in April 2014 to those in April 2018. The comparisons show the Farmer’s Share declining by up to 50 percent for five popular food items, including:
~ Beef producers earning just $0.22 on the retail food dollar in April 2018 compared to $0.44 on the dollar in April 2014.
~ Wheat farmers’ share dropping by 25 percent from 2014 to 2018.
~ Dairy farmers receiving just $0.30 on the retail food dollar in April 2018 compared to $0.51 in April 2014.



President Trump Sets RFS Meeting for Next Week

The Trump administration has invited a group of U.S. senators to the White House early next week to discuss biofuels policy, the latest in a series of such meetings aimed at helping refiners cope with the Renewable Fuel Standard, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Reuters reports: that the senators will include Republicans Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of corn state Iowa, along with Pat Toomey and Ted Cruz of refinery states Pennsylvania and Texas, according to the sources, who asked not to be named. The meeting will take place on Monday or Tuesday, they said.

White House spokeswoman Kelly Love did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Biofuels groups have complained that the Trump administration is granting too many exemptions to the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires refineries to mix increasing amounts of biofuels like corn-based ethanol into the nation's fuel or to purchase credits from rivals that do. The law was intended to support farmers, reduce pollution, and cut petroleum imports. Exemptions were meant to benefit smaller refiners who may not be able to do the blending or purchase the credits.

While the 2005 regulation has created a multibillion-gallon market for ethanol, refiners complain the requirements now costs them hundreds of millions of dollars per year. They have urged the Trump administration to make changes, like capping the price of blending credits or shifting the blending obligation away from refiners entirely.

The ethanol industry has vehemently opposed those proposals, saying they would undermine demand for biofuels and also hurt farm income, reports Reuters.

Numerous meetings on the topic since late last year appeared to end in deadlock. Last month, President Donald Trump announced he would consider expanding the times of year that high ethanol blend gasoline can be sold, a concession to the corn industry keen to boost its share of the motor fuel market.

At the same time, Trump's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been issuing more RFS exemptions to small refineries than the Obama administration did. While plants receiving the exemptions are small, their owners are some of the largest U.S. refiners, including Andeavor, which Marathon Petroleum hopes to acquire for $23 billion.

The surge in exemptions follows a federal court ruling in August that says the EPA was using guidelines in denying applications that were too strict. Biofuel groups say the EPA is using the court decision to justify gutting the RFS.

Prices of compliance credits have plummeted on news of the refinery exemptions.



Speakers talk about sharing and protecting animal agriculture’s roots

Speakers shared how farmers, ranchers and the animal agriculture industry can share their roots with the public while also protecting against extreme animal rights activism at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2018 Stakeholders Summit, themed “Protect Your Roots,” at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Va.

One way the animal agriculture industry can share their roots is by engaging with media about what they do on their farm or in their company. Jenny Splitter, a freelance food, science and health writer, Tamara Hinton, senior vice president of Story Partners and Phil Brasher, senior editor of AgriPulse gave recommendations to help farmers and ranchers cultivate relationships with journalists and reporters.

“Facts and figures go a long way, but you also need to cultivate the relationships so the media knows who to call,” said Hinton. “You should thank them when you see good coverage. Send them a note of appreciation. A thank you goes a long way.”

Splitter recommended acknowledging that there are different points of view. “Don’t pretend like your opinion or viewpoint is the only one,” she said. “There’s always a risk when you put your company or farm out there. Journalists are not there to market agriculture, but they do want to hear all sides.”

Brasher encouraged attendees to always make an effort to respond in a timely manner to media. “When you don’t respond, your viewpoint doesn’t get told,” said Brasher. “Even when you don’t want to respond or be in the story, go ahead and respond just to say that. You get a reputation for not responding.”

Next, Randall Singer, DVM, PhD, from the University of Minnesota presented new research about “raised without antibiotics" (RWA) policies and their potential to impact animal welfare. “Ensuring the safety, health and overall well-being of animals raised for food is an ethical obligation - I say that as both a veterinarian and a consumer,” said Singer.

The research revealed the major reason for adopting an RWA policy is to fill a customer or client request and the reason why some companies and farms were not participating in an RWA program is due to concern about the negative impacts to animal health and welfare. There are “significant health and welfare challenges associated with raised without antibiotics,” said Singer.

To kick off the second day of Summit, Nicole Drumhiller, PhD, of American Military University and Jason Roesler, director of public affairs at Fur Commission USA, shared experiences of animal rights extremism.

In 2003, Roesler’s family was targeted by animal rights activists on their mink ranch in Washington. More than 11,000 animals were released causing more than a million dollars in damages, 2,000 were animals lost or deceased and 22 generations worth of records were destroyed. Community and personal relationships were also damaged. “We had our peace of mind, privacy and security attacked,” said Roesler.

Drumhiller discussed a research study in which she interviewed 86 people, 78 percent of which self-identified as farmers or ranchers regarding their attitudes and experiences about being threatened by extreme animal rights activists. Twenty-four percent of respondents said they had received death threats and 46 percent received other types of threats such as, taking pictures of their children’s school, leaving voicemails threatening to “take a knife to their throat,” bomb their office and burn their homes, according to Drumhiller.

“Issues of biosecurity and agroterrorism are currently being discussed by animal rights activists,” said Roesler. “Animal agriculture must stand united. These groups are looking for the total abolition of using animals.”

Next, Jamie Jonker, PhD, of National Milk Producers Federation, Bryan Humphreys of Ohio Pork Council and Scott Sobel with kglobal shared lessons learned from responding to activist tactics.

Humphreys suggested opening up the barn doors and the lines of communication within your community. “As questions are answered, there tends to be a lot less animosity towards animal agriculture.”

Jonker shared how brands are also the targets of activist tactics with the short-term goal of activists being to put an individual farm out of business while the long-term goal is to not have the brand sell the protein altogether. “Working with customers and helping them to understand the production process helps both the brands and the animal agriculture industry,” said Jonker.

Preparation is the best defense, according to Sobel. “If you wait to react to the attack, you’ve waited too long,” said Sobel. “You’ll be the target instead of the arrow, but you can flip that if you prepare.”

Dietitians Leah McGrath and Amy Myrdal Miller took the stage next to dissect the rise of the “plant-based” diet. Myrdal Miller explained there is “not a real consensus on what ‘plant-based’ actually means. Some believe it can include animal protein and others do not.”

McGrath urged attendees to remember that “the loudest voice in the room may not be your customer and doesn’t necessarily represent the majority of customers” and “don’t be afraid to push back and stand up to incorrect information” about food and nutrition.

To close the Summit, Frank Mitloehner, PhD, of University of California, Davis, busted myths about animal agriculture’s impact on the environment. A few key statistics Mitloehner shared included: all of United States agriculture constitutes 9 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and all of livestock contributing 3.8 percent, not 51 percent like some like to claim.

“When you hear things that sound fishy, don’t just let them go. We have done it too many times,” said Mitloehner. “If we don’t answer their questions, someone else will. We have to be ready to engage with the public. Not just academics, but farmers too.”