Monday May 21 Ag News

Lower Elkhorn NRD receives Nebraska Environmental Trust grant for monitoring project

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) recently announced that they will receive $65,720 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust for the “Lower Elkhorn Real-Time Monitoring Well Network Telemetry Project” project.  The Trust Board announced funding for the project at its April meeting in Lincoln.  The project is one of the 105 projects receiving $18,301,819 in grant awards from the Nebraska Environmental Trust this year.  Of these, 66 were new applications and 39 are carry-over projects.

     The LENRD is committed to the conservation of groundwater and recognizes the significant value a reliable groundwater source has for its constituents.  In an effort to proactively manage and conserve groundwater, the LENRD proposes the Lower Elkhorn Real-Time Monitoring Well Network Telemetry Project.  LENRD Assistant General Manager, Brian Bruckner, explains, “The ability to utilize real-time data when making management decisions is necessary for the LENRD to proactively manage the groundwater supply in northeast Nebraska.  This project will result in real-time access to groundwater level data by any individual with internet access.”

     The Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) and the University of Nebraska Conservation and Survey Division (CSD) fully support this effort, and are committed to providing assistance to the LENRD for this project.  This grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust will enable the LENRD to install telemetry equipment on its established groundwater well monitoring network at 45 well sites.  In return, the LENRD will install and maintain all components of the project, including all staff time and travel costs and any subscription fees or web platform development fees.  The LENRD will also purchase 14 replacement transducers.  These transducers have reliably provided data to the LENRD, but require periodic replacement to ensure that accurate data continues to be collected.  ENWRA will purchase and install one telemetry system and purchase two replacement transducers for the nested well site, as well as assisting the LENRD with data processing and evaluation.  CSD will contribute staff time and resources to evaluate well sites and provide a detailed aquifer description.  The partnership between the LENRD, NET, ENWRA, and CSD will result in an innovative method of collecting and disseminating vital groundwater level data to all entities and individuals that can utilize the information when making management decisions.

     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. Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska.  The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations.



Hoegemeyer® Growth Strategy Increases Customer Focus and Support
            Hoegemeyer Hybrids will expand its regional presence and become the Western Corn Belt regional seed brand for Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. As part of the change, personnel from Curry and its Elk Point, SD, office will join Hoegemeyer, along with several Western Corn Belt experts from Prairie Brand® and NuTech®.

           To support this growth strategy, the Hoegemeyer brand will continue to draw from the seed production strength and expertise of the Western Integrated Seed team located in Hooper, NE. This change is part of the newly announced Corteva Agriscience™ multi-channel, multi-brand seed strategy for the U.S., which will expand access to the company’s genetics, technology and traits.

           Stephan Becerra, General Manager of Hoegemeyer Hybrids, sees tremendous potential in the change. “The fact that we are a regionally focused brand, but we are driven by the Corteva Agriscience™ world-class technology product engine, provides our customers and our employees with a really bright future,” Becerra said.

           He also sees value in the institutional knowledge Hoegemeyer will gain, as experienced seed professionals from other brands join the Hoegemeyer team. “We have to learn from, and take the very best of, all of the different brands that are going to be part of Hoegemeyer going forward. That, along with our continued focus on our customers’ needs and expanding our agronomic resources to support our products, will reinvigorate our brand and ensure that it will be successful for a long time to come.”

           Mark Kallsen, former Curry Seed General Manager and now Hoegemeyer Business Leader, noted, “What Curry Seed stands for will remain in the future Hoegemeyer. We have similar business cultures. Curry and Hoegemeyer have a legacy of working together in research and development to serve customers in the Western Corn Belt. We’re excited for this opportunity.”

           Popular products from Curry Seed, as well as from Prairie Brand and NuTech will continue to be available through Hoegemeyer Hybrids.

           Becerra said that with the backing of Corteva Agriscience™, Hoegemeyer can operate as a regionally focused seed company who is very close to the customer, while enjoying the advantages of scope and scale of a major agriculture company. “Corteva Agriscience™ will be one of the largest seed technology engines in the world. Being a part of that engine will give Hoegemeyer a huge competitive advantage in the marketplace,” Becerra noted.



CVA Announces Change in Ownership of Progressive Ag Partners, LLC

Central Valley Ag Cooperative (CVA) has announced a buyout of the joint venture with Cargill in Progressive Ag Partners, LLC (PAP), located in Bradshaw, NE. This buyout will give CVA full ownership of PAP effective June 1, 2018.

“This buyout enables CVA to provide more strategic focus on specialty crops for our customers,” said Matt Ashton, CVA Sr. VP of Grain. “We continue to look for ways of bringing value to our customers, and we view PAP in Bradshaw as a strategic asset for our specialty crop programs. Additionally, PAP members will now be eligible for patronage from CVA, adding even more value for them as a result of this change.”

PAP was a joint venture, formed in September of 2002 between CVA and Cargill, offering the buying, selling and storage of grain from producers in the Bradshaw, NE area.



Register Today for the 2018 Corn Grower Open!

Registration is now open for the 2018 Corn Grower Open. The 8th annual event, hosted by the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, will take place Friday, August 3rd, at the York Country Club.

This year sign-in will begin at 9 AM with tee-off slated for 10 AM.

Cost per person is $125 or $500 for a full team. If you do not have a full team, but would still like to play, submit your registration form and they will pair you up with one of the gracious sponsors. Completed forms may be mailed to the office or emailed to mwrich@necga.org.

Pre-payment is required. Space is limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible. All members are welcome!

If you know a business who would like to sponsor this event, please refer them to this page... http://necga.org/2018/05/register-today-for-the-2018-corn-grower-open/ , or contact the NeCGA office at (402) 438-6459.



NFBI Averages Show Crop Operations Buoyed Up by Livestock in 2017
Tina Barrett - Executive Director of Nebraska Farm Business Inc.

The 2017 averages from farm and ranch operations serviced by Nebraska Farm Business, Inc. were recently released. These averages represent 119 farms across the state participating in this financial management program.

Each year the data collected from these farm records is averaged to provide participants with information to benchmark their operations. Taking a closer look at these averages also indicates shifting trends across these farms and ranches.

This was the fifth consecutive year with lower accrual net farm incomes. This year’s numbers were lower than in the previous eight years. While the downturn in the agricultural economy was not expected to be resolved quickly, the lower incomes have continued to put financial stress on many operations. The good news is that average incomes in Nebraska were higher in 2017 than in 2015 and 2016, and there was a slightly positive increase in net worth for the first time since 2014.

As we dig deeper into the data, we see that crop operations (those that receive more than 70% of their net farm income from the sale of crops) actually saw a 20% decline in net farm income from 2016 to 2017 while operations with a heavy beef influence saw significant increases in net farm income. Those increases were significant enough to cause the average income overall to be higher.

Click here to see the entire summary..... https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2018/nfbi-averages-report-shows-crop-operations-buoyed-livestock-2017. 



USDA TO ASK ABOUT 2018 CROPS, STOCKS, INVENTORIES AND VALUES

During the next few weeks, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct two major inquiries, contacting nearly 4,300 producers across Nebraska to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2018.

“These are two of the most important surveys NASS conducts, due to the widespread and significant impact of their results,” explained Dean Groskurth, Director of the Northern Plains Regional Field Office. “When producers complete these surveys, they contribute essential information that determines the expected acreage and supply of major commodities for the 2018 crop year. The results are necessary for everyone who relies on agriculture for their livelihoods.”

Data for the June Agricultural Survey are gathered via the Internet, mail, phone, or by in-person interview. For the June Area Survey, trained National Association of State Departments of Agriculture enumerators representing NASS visit select tracts of land to interview the operators of any farm or ranch within that selected tract. Producers are asked to provide information on planted acres, acres expected to be harvested, and grain stocks. This survey also collects data on livestock inventory, cash rents, land values, and value of sales.

“NASS protects the privacy of all respondents and publishes only state- and national-level data in these reports, ensuring no operation or producer can be identified. I urge all producers to respond to these surveys when contacted, and thank them for their cooperation,” said Dean Groskurth.

NASS will publish the results in a series of USDA reports, including the Acreage and Grain Stocks reports, on June 29, 2018. Survey data also contribute to NASS’s Crop Production reports, Small Grains Summary, Farms and Land in Farms, and Land Values reports, as well as various livestock reports, including Cattle, Sheep and Goats, and Quarterly Hogs and Pigs.



HASTENING HAY DRY-DOWN
Bruce Anerson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Haying season is here, along with potential rains.  We need ways to hasten hay dry-down to beat the weather.  

               Does it seem to you that clouds and rain are here just about every other day when your hay is ready to cut?  Rain obviously is a problem when making hay, but why am I also talking about clouds?  Well, other than rain itself, the most important weather factor that affects rate of hay dry-down is sunlight.  Temperature, humidity, soil moisture content, and wind speed all are important, but solar radiation has the greatest impact on drying rate.  In fact, research has shown as much as a 10-fold increase in drying rate as solar radiation changes from heavy cloud cover to full sunlight.  No other factor affected drying rate even half as much.

               So how do you use this information?  Obviously, you can’t control how much sunlight you receive.  But, you can watch weather reports and try to cut hay during sunny weather.  Okay – that states the obvious.  Another thing you should do, though, is spread your cut hay out in as wide a swath as possible to expose more hay to direct sunlight.  This does two things.  Sunlight keeps stomates open on the leaves, which is the fastest way for moisture to exit the plant.  Stomates in the dark inside or bottom of windrows will close, preventing rapid moisture loss.  Wide windrows also enables your hay to absorb as much sun energy as possible to heat and evaporate moisture out of your hay.  This may bleach hay more than thick windrows, but fast dry-down usually is more valuable than green color.

               Also, mechanically condition your hay and turn it gently after tops get dry to expose moist hay under the swath to hasten dry-down.

               Make hay while the sun shines is an old, old saying but today’s science has shown how true it really is.



How Are They Shedding?
Steve Niemeyer – NE Extension Educator 

As we move through spring and into summer, many cattle are shedding off their winter coats and exhibiting a slick or summer hair coat. The earlier cattle in environments that have hot and humid summer conditions shed their winter hair coat, the less heat stress they tend to experience. Dr. Jared Decker from the University of Missouri and Dr. Jane Parish from Mississippi State University, who are beef genetics specialists, recently published a fact sheet at eBeef.org titled “Hair shedding scores: A tool to select heat tolerant cattle.”

In the fact sheet they highlighted that cattle adapted to their environments tend to be more productive and profitable as they require fewer inputs and interventions. Bos indicus breeds of cattle as well as hybrids and composites having Bos indicus influence have both anatomical and physiological advantages that make them better equipped to deal with heat stress. The majority of Bos taurus breeds of cattle in this country originated from Europe where the environment tends to be more moderate in summer high temperatures than many areas of the United States in the summer. Even though that is the case, Bos taurus cattle can be selected for greater heat tolerance, allowing them to be more productive in environments prone to heat stress.

One of the characteristics that Dr. Decker and Dr. Parish identified of cattle that are better adapted to handle heat stress is early hair coat shedding. Heat loss can be directly related to hair shedding. Hair shedding also can be an indicator of nutrition and immune status. Research has shown that calves from cows that shed their winter hair coat earlier tend to weigh more at weaning. Early research is also indicating that early hair coat shedding may have a greater influence on reducing heat stress than hair coat color.

Fortunately, hair shedding is estimated to be a moderately to highly heritable trait and selection can be used to make genetic change. In the fact sheet they recommend visually scoring cattle hair shedding and then ranking them on a five point scale. A score of 1 indicates an animal that has a slick, short summer coat, while a hair score of 5 indicates an animal that still has a full winter coat. Scores 2 through 4 indicate varying degrees of shedding. Representative pictures of hair shedding scores are included in the fact sheet.

Mid-May is identified as a being an ideal time to evaluate and score cattle on hair shedding for cattle producers in the Southeastern United States. The ideal date may be later for cattle producers further north. Once the eye is trained, hair scores are easy to collect and can be done as cattle pass through a chute or can be done while cattle are out on pasture. Cow-calf producers in hot and humid environments that are purchasing bulls and retaining replacements from those sires may benefit from using hair shedding scores in their selection process. Selection pressure can be applied directly to replacement heifers as well. Identifying cattle that shed earlier will help in selecting for cattle that are better adapted to hot or humid environments. For more information see the fact sheet “Hair shedding scores: A tool to select heat tolerant cattle” at http://www.eBEEF.org.



House Members Call for End to Thailand’s Ban on U.S. Pork

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Virachai Plasai, ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States, calling for the removal of restrictions on imports of U.S. farm products, including U.S. pork. The bipartisan letter – signed by 44 members and sponsored by Representatives David Young, R-IA, and Ron Kind, D-WI – calls for the suspension of U.S. trade benefits enjoyed by Thailand if it does not respond with reciprocal access.

“It’s time for Thailand to end its unwarranted ban on U.S. pork,” said Jim Heimerl, a pork producer from Johnstown, Ohio and president of the National Pork Producers Council. “We thank Representatives Young and Kind for leading this call to action on behalf of American pork producers and other farmers.”

Last week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) agreed with a request from the National Pork Producers Council to review Thailand’s eligibility for the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program because of that country’s failure to provide access to its market for U.S. products, including pork. NPPC is urging the Trump administration to withdraw or limit the benefits Thailand receives under the preferential trade program, which gives duty-free treatment to certain goods entering the United States. The program allows for removal of a country’s benefits if it fails to provide the United States “equitable and reasonable access” to its market.

According to the letter to Ambassador Plasai, “If significant progress is not made, we anticipate that the United States may soon consider whether it is appropriate to suspend some of Thailand’s GSP benefits in order to ensure better compliance with the letter and spirit of the eligibility criteria.”  



PORK Academy Seminars Provide Producers On-Farm Insights

The Pork Checkoff’s Producer Opportunity for Revenue and Knowledge (PORK) Academy sessions will return to World Pork Expo, with seminars held Wednesday, June 6, and Thursday, June 7, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. The annual sessions help educate pig farmers on the latest trends in pork production.

“PORK Academy allows producers to hear industry news firsthand from experts,” said Andrew Reinecker, chair of the Pork Checkoff’s Producer and State Services Committee and a pig farmer from York Springs, Pennsylvania. “The Checkoff funds numerous programs, and this is a chance for attendees to learn more about each aspect of the industry. Bringing producers and industry professionals together offers networking opportunities as well.”

The 2018 PORK Academy seminars will be held at the Varied Industries Building, Room C, at World Pork Expo. Following are the topics and schedule.

WEDNESDAY- JUNE 6, 2018
Varied Industries Building – Room C

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.                                                                         
Sow Lifetime Productivity
Dr. George Foxcroft, University of Alberta, Canada
Increasing the number of pigs sows produce during their time in the herd is critical for whole-farm productivity and producer profitability. This session will share Checkoff-funded research results that will help pig farmers better select and manage gilts during development for increased longevity and productivity.

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Opportunities for Genetic Improvement
Thomas Titus, TriPork, Inc.
New tools for genetic improvement of pigs are continually being developed by scientists, geneticists and pig breeding companies. The tools are then incorporated in developing the gene pool of the U.S. herd to produce pigs that are more efficient and productive. One new technology that has the potential to make a significant impact of pork production is gene editing. In this session, Titus will discuss what this means for his operation and how he is engaging conversation about gene editing through conferences and social media.

11:15 a.m. – Noon       
Secure Pork Supply
Dr. Pam Zaabel, Iowa State University
What can producers do to prepare for a foreign animal disease outbreak? While putting measures in place during an outbreak can be overwhelming, Zaabel will present steps producers can take now to begin implementing the Secure Pork Supply plan on their production sites. The new Secure Pork Supply website will be highlighted.

Noon – Lunch provided in the Pork Checkoff Hospitality Tent
12:30 p.m. – Weather Outlook, Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University
1:30 p.m. – Market and Grain Outlook, Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns, Kerns & Associates

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Improving Sow Survivability
Dr. Jason Ross, Iowa State University
Over the past several years, the incidence of prolapse in sows has increased on many pig farms. Since many factors may contribute to this issue, pinpointing the cause has proven to be difficult. In 2017, the Pork Checkoff funded a research project to help pig farmers better understand these factors. In this session, Dr. Ross will provide insight into this emerging issue.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Euthanasia Research and Resources
Caitlyn Mullins, North Carolina State University
This session will provide information on available Pork Checkoff resources, including materials on on-farm euthanasia methods and a demonstration of new online tools.

THURSDAY – JUNE 7, 2018
Varied Industries Building – Room C

9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Antibiotic Use and Resistance
Dr. Heather Kittrell, Iowa State University
Dr. Kittrell will discuss the history of antibiotic resistance, the mechanisms by which resistance occurs and steps that veterinarians and producers can implement to reduce antibiotic resistance while improving animal welfare.
           
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Environmental Permitting and Water Quality Issues Facing Pork Producers
Michael Fomica, Environmental Policy Counsel, National Pork Producers Council
This session will provide an update on current and emerging federal water quality, reporting, environmental permit regulations and their impacts on pork producers.

11:15 a.m. – Noon       
A “Fresh” Perspective: Driving Key Cutout Sales
Kiersten Hafer, Clemens Food Group
The love for bacon seems eternal, but beyond crispy strips of deliciousness, what are the opportunities for the pork belly and the pork shoulder? How can the value of the loin be increased? In this session, the Checkoff’s Domestic Marketing team will discuss efforts to change consumers’ perspectives on fresh pork and to put more pork in their shopping carts.

Noon – Lunch Provided in the Pork Checkoff Hospitality Tent
12:30 p.m. – Weather Outlook, Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University
1:30 p.m. – Market and Grain Outlook, Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns, Kerns & Associates

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
A Digital Revolution: Pork’s People-Driven Marketing Strategy
Steve Lerch, Google
The marketing landscape has evolved from one built on best guesses to being driven by data detailing human behavior both online and offline, allowing companies to be more precise with their messages than ever before. Learn how the National Pork Board is harnessing the art and science of marketing to break down walls, to add value to consumers’ lives and to drive sales.

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
International Marketing Update
Craig Morris, National Pork Board
Dermot Hayes, Iowa State University
This session will provide an overview of U.S. pork exports, the National Pork Board’s International Marketing strategy and the outlook for U.S. pork sales abroad. Attendees will learn about the National Pork Board’s current and future emphasis on elevating international marketing as a path toward ensuring U.S. producer profitability during this period of domestic expansion.

For more information about Pork Checkoff-sponsored events and activities at World Pork Expo, call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675. For information about other World Pork Expo activities, visit www.worldpork.org.



CWT Assists with 7.1 Million Pounds of Cheese, Butter and Whole Milk Powder Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) member cooperatives accepted offers of export assistance from CWT that helped them capture contracts to sell 381,400 pounds (173 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese, 104,720 pounds (48 metric tons) of butter and 6.614 million pounds (3,000 metric tons) of whole milk powder, to customers in Asia, Central America, and Europe. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from June through October 2018.

CWT-assisted member cooperative 2018 export sales total 35.157 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 10.698 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 7.538 million pounds of whole milk powder to 25 countries on five continents. These sales are the equivalent of 620.228 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

This activity reflects CWT management beginning the process of implementing the strategic plan reviewed by the CWT Committee in March. The changes will enhance the effectiveness of the program and facilitate member export opportunities.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



New ‘Got Jobs?’ Campaign Demonstrates Dairy’s Substantial Impact on US Economy, States and Local Communities

Most Americans know milk and other dairy products are an essential part of a healthy diet. But less well-known is dairy’s contribution to the health of the U.S. economy and the economies of every state across the country. A new storytelling campaign launched today by the U.S. dairy industry aims to shine a brighter, data-driven spotlight on the positive effects of dairy’s economic engine.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) are collaborating to create the new “Got Jobs? Dairy Creates Jobs, Exports Create More” campaign. Over the next year, they will share in-depth data and compelling narratives featuring hardworking dairy farmers, innovative dairy company employees, resourceful retailers and many others throughout the food supply chain at GotDairyJobs.org.

Dairy Delivers℠
The U.S. dairy products industry supports nearly 3 million workers, generates more than $39 billion in direct wages and has an overall economic impact of more than $628 billion, according to IDFA’s economic impact tool, Dairy DeliversSM. The tool also examines dairy’s economic ripple effect on other sectors of the national economy, showing dairy is responsible for $24.9 billion in state and local business tax revenues and another $39.5 billion in federal business tax revenues.

“With the Trump administration’s current focus on global trade, it’s important for consumers and policymakers to understand how dairy drives the American economy,” said

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “The United States needs sound trade policy that will place the U.S. dairy industry on a level playing field with global competitors. Backed by fair and proactive trade policies, the U.S. dairy industry will continue to keep and create jobs in states across the country.”

Easy-to-access Information
The new campaign provides a clearinghouse of information at GotDairyJobs.org. The site will offer monthly features, videos and plenty of hard facts that demonstrate dairy’s continued impact on jobs, tax revenue and communities around the country. Using #GotDairyJobs, the dairy industry will amplify the campaign and create the dairy jobs conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“Dairy has a positive story to tell, affecting a wide swath of America, creating jobs and tax revenue in rural, suburban and urban communities,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of USDEC, who saw dairy’s impact first-hand as U.S. Agriculture Secretary. “I’m delighted we now have a go-to place where people can find state-by-state data and compelling human stories that reinforce the same message: `Dairy creates jobs and exports create more.’”

Farm to Table
“As milk continues its journey from farm to table, it becomes a job-creation machine, employing farm workers, truck drivers, construction workers, factory workers, retailers and even cargo ship captains navigating the ocean to ports in fast-growing countries demanding more dairy than their own countries can produce,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “The United States is uniquely positioned to meet this growing global need, which allows U.S. dairy to provide opportunities for job creation and growth in the United States.”



Land O'Lakes, Inc. Now Accepting Applications for 2018 Dairy Accelerator Program

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is now accepting applications for the second year of its Dairy Accelerator program, which launched in 2017 and provides support and mentorship to dairy entrepreneurs. The deadline for applications is June 29.

"The inaugural Land O'Lakes Dairy Accelerator was a tremendous success in our eyes. We were thrilled to share our knowledge and expertise with the five participating companies and, in turn, learned equally as much from them, especially about the importance of creativity and agility in innovation today," said Raquel Melo, vice president of Innovation and New Business Development at Land O'Lakes, Inc.

The Land O'Lakes Dairy Accelerator is looking for United States-based entrepreneurs passionate about moving their companies to the next level. The company must utilize dairy as a primary ingredient but can use any aspect of dairy including but not limited to: yogurt, cheese, whey or other milk-based proteins or ingredients. However, it's highly encouraged that new innovations not focus on butter.

Selected participants will receive a $25,000 stipend in order to attend, and contribute to the three-month accelerator program in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. The accelerator program will provide mentorship and seminars that focus on several areas, including finance, brand building, manufacturing, sales and leadership development. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to present their proposals and new business ideas to Land O'Lakes, Inc. leadership.

Participating companies of the 2017 Dairy Accelerator included Beehive Cheese, Petit Pot, Dreaming Cow, Jouzge and Yooli. Of the experience, Petit Pot founder Maxime Pouvreau said, "In a short period of time we really transformed our business. We were ready to make changes, we just didn't have the framework. The Dairy Accelerator provided the seed."

The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. CDT June 29, 2018. Applicants accepted into the program will be notified in late July. The accelerator program runs from mid-September to mid-December 2018 and will be held in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Selected participants must agree to all terms and conditions in order to participate in the Land O'Lakes Dairy Accelerator program. Land O'Lakes does not require equity from the participating companies. More information can be found at www.dairyaccelerator.landolakesinc.com.