Monday June 4 Ag News

Community Leaders Push to Unleash Nebraska Biofuels

In a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue, 55 community leaders from across the Midwest offered their support to combat “special interests seeking to undercut homegrown biofuels and deprive American farmers of a vital market for U.S. crops.” Among the signers were 11 public officials from Nebraska, including State Senators Williams, Hughes, Watermeier, Linehan, Brasch, Briese, Kolterman, Lowe and Friesen, Regent Paul Kenney and Geneva City Council President Eric Kamler.

The officeholders noted that farm income stands at a 12-year low, leaving “too many families struggling, concerned about foreclosure or worse.” They also cautioned that “the ripple effect of an agricultural decline won’t be limited to rural communities.”

To restore growth, they urged Secretary Perdue to act swiftly on the president’s pledge to lift outdated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restrictions against the summer-time sales of E15, a motor fuel containing 15 percent ethanol. Biofuels like ethanol play a central role in driving Nebraska agricultural revenues and rural manufacturing.

“The rules were drafted long before lower-cost E15 was introduced, resulting in standards that restrict E15 while permitting less eco-friendly options to be sold all year ,” wrote the community leaders. “A fix cannot come soon enough – for farmers, for biofuels producers, or for drivers who prefer to save money while supporting clean air and American jobs.”

The letter was offered in a show of support for an ongoing campaign organized by Growth Energy, America’s leading trade association of biofuel producers and supporters. Under Growth Energy’s leadership, rural advocates from across the country have urged policymakers in Washington to unleash America’s vast renewable resources to lower fuel prices, strengthen U.S.
energy security, protect the climate, and put an end to a farm crisis that threatens to put an entire generation of farmers out of business.

“Starting June 1, outdated federal regulations cut off millions of drivers from a lower-cost fuel that supports farmers and rural manufacturing,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, referring to the EPA rules on Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) . “President Trump promised Midwest lawmakers that he would fast-track a fix, and Secretary Perdue is working with the Environmental Protection Agency on a solution, but time is running out. Farmers cannot afford to be locked out of the market for another driving season, especially when we could be holding down quickly-rising gas prices .”

In their letter, Midwest officials stressed that farming communities are counting on Secretary Perdue “to be rural America’s most powerful voice in the White House and at the table with the EPA,” where a fix has remained stalled since it was first promised by Administrator Scott Pruitt in 2017.

“E15 makes sense, it’s homegrown, renewable and cheaper. Plus it really adds value to the number one industry in our state”, said Senator Curt Friesen of Henderson, NE, who signed the letter to Secretary Perdue.



IA FARMERS, ADMINISTRATION URGE EPA ADMINISTRATOR PRUITT TO LIFT “UNNECESSARY AND RIDICULOUS” RESTRICTION ON SUMMER SALES OF E15

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), yesterday called on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to remove an unnecessary barrier to summer time sale of E15. E15 (a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline) has been approved for all 2001 and newer vehicles, however, current rules restrict the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 to flex-fuel vehicles.

At a White House meeting on global agricultural trade issues on April 12, President Trump called the restriction “unnecessary and ridiculous” and indicated his support for the year-round sale of E15. Despite this, beginning today, June 1, the EPA will require fuel retailers in Iowa to re-label their fuel pumps and limit E15 sales to only flex-fuel vehicles.

“The state of Iowa is the national leader in biofuels production. This E15 sale restriction gives consumers less choice and will force them to buy more costly fuel at the pump. I call on Administrator Pruitt to take immediate action, follow through on President Trump’s commitment and use enforcement discretion to allow uninterrupted sales of E15 to all 2001 and newer vehicles this summer,” Naig said.

Until the formal rulemaking process to remove the E15 restriction is completed, Naig and Shaw are calling on Administrator Pruitt to not enforce the E15 summer time restriction given the order by President Trump. E15 is higher octane than the most commonly used fuel, E10, and is typically priced five to ten cents less. E15 is approved for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles, which account for over 90% of fuel purchases.

“The President has ordered EPA to remove the E15 restriction,” Shaw said. “It is unclear why it is taking EPA so long to follow through on the President’s order, but until the formal rulemaking process is completed, Pruitt should take action today to ensure motorists have access to the lowest-cost fuel choice on the market for regular vehicles. In Iowa alone, consumers could save tens of millions of dollars this summer if given the option of E15,” said Shaw.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship regulates and examines all fuel pumps, commercial scales, and fuel quality, and inspects over 42,000 fuel pumps annually.



Ricketts Celebrates Dairy Month, Highlights Opportunities for Processors

On Saturday, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed June as Dairy Month in Nebraska during a ceremony at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.  Dairy Month is celebrated in Nebraska each June to highlight the importance of Nebraska’s dairy farmers to agriculture and our state’s economy.

“Economic development and creating job opportunities is all about capitalizing on what you do best, and nobody is better at agriculture and livestock production than Nebraska,” said Governor Ricketts.  “We are always looking to grow Nebraska by encouraging expansion in our agriculture industry.  Attracting additional dairy processers and producers is an important part of growing Nebraska agriculture.  Nebraska has a compelling story to tell prospective dairy processors and producers, and we are working together to attract more of them to our state.”

Overall cow numbers in Nebraska are up 15 percent from 2014 and farmers statewide have plans to add more than 10,000 cows in the near future.  Nebraska’s dairy herd produces over 24,000 pounds of milk per cow per year, ranking it sixth in the nation in terms of productivity.  Currently, Nebraska is a net exporter of milk, sending two million pounds out of the state every day.

“A processor who comes to Nebraska will have immediate access to milk produced right here, and dairy farmers will be thrilled to reduce their transportation costs in the process,” said Rod Johnson, executive director of the Nebraska State Dairy Association.  “The next dairy processor to stake a claim in Nebraska is going to have the pick of the litter in terms of location and the opportunity to connect with dairy farmers.  We call it the ‘First Mover’s Advantage.’”

The Grow Nebraska Dairy initiative includes representatives of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Public Power District, the University of Nebraska, the Nebraska State Dairy Association, and the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska.

“We have the cows.  We have dairy farmers ready to grow,” said Mat Habrock, NDA assistant director.  “We have the water and the feed.  We have affordable, reliable power.  We have shovel-ready sites and welcoming communities.  And we have a statewide commitment to growing dairy processing in Nebraska.”

To learn more about the “First Mover’s Advantage” and the potential for dairy processing in Nebraska, visit http://NebraskaMilk.com or contact Rod Johnson at rod@nebraskamilk.org or 402-853-2028.



Farm and Biofuel Coalition Demands that EPA Account for Lost Volumes Due to Secretive, Retroactive Small Refinery Exemptions

Today a coalition of biofuel and agriculture groups petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to change its regulations to account for lost volumes of renewable fuel resulting from the unprecedented number of retroactive small refinery exemptions from Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations recently granted by EPA. The parties on the petition are the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), Growth Energy (Growth), National Biodiesel Board (NBB), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), and National Farmers Union (NFU).

This petition comes days after several ethanol and farm groups challenged three specific small refinery exemptions granted by EPA. While the lawsuit in the Tenth Circuit challenged those exemptions as wrongly decided, this petition to EPA seeks a broader, forward-looking remedy to account for the collective lost volumes caused by the unprecedented number of retroactive small refinery exemptions.

“EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has had a fire sale on small refiner exemptions for anyone with a stamp and an envelope, making a mockery of the President’s commitment to a 15-billion-gallon RFS for conventional biofuel. This must end. We take no pleasure in having to litigate to protect the integrity of the RFS, but it appears we have no other recourse,” said RFA CEO Bob Dinneen.

The existing regulation for calculating the annual percentage of renewable fuels to be blended into transportation fuel does not provide a means to “true up” the annual standards for any retroactive small refinery exemptions, i.e., exemptions granted after the renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for that year have been finalized. As a result, any volumes covered by such exemptions are lost.

But EPA’s continued use of its regulation in the face of its recently and greatly expanded use of retroactive small refinery exemptions is now arbitrary and capricious. News reports within the last 60 days reveal a flood of more than two dozen retroactive small refinery hardship exemptions have already been granted this year.

“While our preference would be for EPA to follow the rule of law and make good on the President’s repeated promises to support the RFS, Administrator Pruitt continues to hand small refinery waivers out like trick-or-treat candy so we are left with no other choice than to ask the Court to uphold the RFS as the law of the land,” said ACE CEO Brian Jennings.

“These lost volumes are having a negative effect on the nation’s corn growers at a time when net farm income is projected to hit its lowest point in 12 years,” said NCGA President Kevin Skunes. “When EPA waives these volumes, that translates into lost demand opportunities for corn growers, who expect that EPA should implement and enforce the RFS as intended by Congress.”

“The demand destruction that we are seeing as a consequence of these small refiner waivers has got to stop,” said Roger Johnson, President NFU. “Our nation’s farm families count on the RFS to stimulate demand, and we must hold EPA accountable for its recent subversive actions to undo years of progress.”

“Because EPA issued these retroactive exemptions under the cover of night, our organizations had no choice but to take steps that we hope will bring more transparency and accountability to the small refiner exemption process,” said Donnell Rehagen, CEO, NBB. “This petition is intended to shine some light on a process that has been shrouded in darkness and secrecy, and ensure EPA adopts a process for evaluating waiver petitions that remains faithful to the spirit and intent of the law.”

“The EPA’s dramatically expanded practice of granting small refinery exemptions and failing to reallocate the obligations undermines the RFS and has already reduced volume obligations by hundreds of millions of gallons,” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said. “America’s farmers are the ultimate victims of the agency’s giveaways to refiners, and this abuse of power has to stop.”

“EPA’s retroactive waivers have cut more than a billion gallons from the renewable fuel obligations for 2016 and 2017, which has a devastating impact on advanced biofuels. The excess RINs from EPA’s waivers will continue to suppress demand for advanced biofuels for 2018 and 2019,” said Brent Erickson, Executive Vice President of BIO.

RFA, ACE, NBB, Growth, NCGA, BIO, and NFU also filed suit in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on the same issue. However, the petitioners at the same time requested that the court stay proceedings for a period of time.



PASTURE WEED CONTROL IN SUMMER
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Early to mid-June is a popular time to spray pasture weeds and woody plants.  But, is it a smart thing to do?

               Why do you spray weeds in pasture?  Is it to kill plants that are poor forage – or is it just force of habit and to make the pasture look nicer?

               Now I've got to admit, I often suggest using herbicides in pastures.  Herbicides like Plateau in warm-season pastures or 2,4-D, Grazon, or ForeFront in any grass pasture are most popular.  But the more experience I get with grazing and pasture management, the less spraying I do.  In fact, anytime a pasture is sprayed, it suggests that the grazing management has not been as effective as it could be or maybe the owner just wants a quick fix.

               Okay, so what am I talking about?  Well, several things really.  First, for pasture to be profitable, it must have high management input but controlled dollar input.  And spraying costs money.  Money we might save with better grazing management.  Second, livestock eat many plants we call weeds.  And when they do, these plants no longer are weeds.  In fact, many weeds can be good feed if grazed while young and tender.  Third, unpalatable weeds usually become established in pastures after grass is weakened by severe grazing, and they thrive when grazing management fails to encourage vigorous grass regrowth.  And finally, unless pasture and livestock are managed to benefit both plants and animals, the weeds will be back despite your spraying.

               So why spray pastures?  If you graze properly but you wish to speed up the process of replacing uneaten weeds with vigorous grass, that's a very good reason.  Otherwise, spraying may be simply cosmetic and a waste of money.



FY 2018 Exports Forecast Up $3.0 Billion to $142.5 Billion; Imports at $121.5 Billion
USDA Economic Research Service

Fiscal year 2018 agricultural exports are projected at $142.5 billion, up $3.0 billion from the February forecast, primarily due to expected increases in corn and cotton exports. Corn is forecast up $1.3 billion to $10.3 billion on both larger volumes and higher unit values, as weather-reduced crop prospects in South America improve U.S. export opportunities into the summer. Overall grain and feed exports are forecast at $31.2 billion, $1.5 billion higher than the February projection. Cotton exports are forecast up $800 million to $6.2 billion due to strong foreign demand. Oilseeds and products are forecast at $31.5 billion, up $400 million from increased trade of soybean products. Livestock, dairy, and poultry exports are raised by $100 million to $30.6 billion, as higher dairy exports more than offset reductions in variety meats and hides and skins; beef, pork, and poultry forecasts remain unchanged. Horticultural product exports are unchanged at $34.5 billion.

U.S. agricultural imports in fiscal year 2018 are forecast at $121.5 billion, up $3.0 billion from the February forecast. Horticultural products and the livestock, dairy, and poultry category both have significant upward adjustments. The U.S. agricultural trade surplus is unchanged at $21.0 billion.

See the complete report here....
https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/89164/aes-104.pdf?v=43251.



On World Milk Day, DFA Celebrates and Rejuvenates an Age-Old Classic with the Debut of Mülü

Consumers are constantly chasing and looking for the next big trend in health drinks. As each new beverage hits the market, many forget about the original health drink: milk. Recognizing some may need a reintroduction to what this wholesome beverage provides, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is shaking up the dairy industry and shifting milk’s status quo. On World Milk Day, June 1, say hello to DFA’s Mülü, otherwise known as milk – the original energy-packed, vitamin-rich, one-ingredient superdrink.

Milk offers eight grams of high-quality protein per every eight ounce serving, more calcium than seven cups of broccoli and five essential vitamins (A, D, B2, B12 and B3) – all without added sugar.

“Milk has been around for thousands of years, and during that time, the new and flashy has overshadowed what we know to be true,” said Monica Massey, senior vice president and chief of staff at Dairy Farmers of America. “Research shows milk provides nutrition that is an important part of a balanced diet that no other beverage can deliver. Dairy has the power to nourish the body, bring joy to your day and enhance the way we experience food.”

DFA’s Mülü campaign repackaged milk with a new, modern look and a fresh name, along with a fun and interesting marketing campaign, to give milk the attention it deserves. The Mülü campaign coincides with World Milk Day, a day recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to share and celebrate the important contributions that the dairy industry adds to nutrition, sustainability, economic development and livelihoods.

In addition to online videos, social channels, billboards and a website to tease and intrigue consumers about the launch of Mülü, DFA, in Kansas City, their headquarters, took Mülü to the streets on June 1 to share the benefits of milk. Consumers had the opportunity to sample Mülü, a flashy beverage promising benefits the other superdrinks can’t. With Mülü, consumers get a second “first impression” of milk.

“Ultimately, we strive to make an impact with the Mülü campaign, hoping to pleasantly surprise consumers and reintroduce a household staple that we don’t always remember to appreciate,” said Massey. “World Milk Day and Mülü celebrates what milk has always been: a drink with incredible benefits, fit for adults and kids alike.”

As part of  World Milk Day, DFA members, employees and local community partners were encouraged to raise a glass of milk to celebrate the global impact of dairy and its nutritional benefits. DFA pledged to

donate one dollar to the Great American Milk Drive, up to $10,000, for every photo posted raising a glass of milk on social media with the hashtags #RaiseAGlass, #WorldMilkDay and @dfamilk.

Check out @DrinkMulu on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about the benefits of milk. For more information, visit drinkmulu.com.



CWT Assists with 900,000 Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) member cooperatives accepted offers of export assistance from CWT that helped them capture contracts to sell 892,8872 pounds (405 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia and Central America. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from June through October 2018.

CWT-assisted member cooperative 2018 export sales total 35.261 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 11.035 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 10.183 million pounds of whole milk powder to 25 countries on five continents. These sales are the equivalent of 648.087 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. Totals have been adjusted for cancellations.

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.



 NMPF Thanks USDA for Extending Margin Protection Program Sign-up Window

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today expressed thanks to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for his department’s decision to give dairy farmers additional time to review their 2018 coverage options in the dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said Monday it is extending the June 1 sign-up deadline to Friday, June 8.  NMPF, along with key members of the U.S. Senate, had recently asked USDA to consider giving farmers additional time to enroll in, or adjust their existing coverage in, the MPP for calendar year 2018.

“We believe an extension of the sign-up period beyond the June 1 deadline will be beneficial in recruiting as many farmers as possible into the program,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “In particular, the late spring planting in numerous dairy states, especially in the Midwest, means that many farmers have been in their fields in recent weeks and unable to sit down and make decisions about their risk management options available through USDA.”

Dairy producers must select new coverage in the MPP for 2018, even if they enrolled during the previous sign-up period last fall. Coverage choices made this spring for calendar year 2018 will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2018. Producers can participate in either MPP or the Livestock Gross Margin program for dairy (LGM-Dairy), but not both.

NMPF also thanked members of the Senate for making a similar request to USDA to allow farmers additional time to enroll in the MPP. Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Rob Portman (R-OH) spearheaded a bipartisan letter making the request on May 31, and Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) advocated strongly for an extension to build on their success earlier this year in making legislative improvements to the structure of the MPP.

Mulhern also complimented USDA for planning to issue payments starting this week to farmers already enrolled in the MPP, saying that the “timely issuance of payments to producers will send an important signal to additional producers who are considering enrolling.”

USDA’s web tool allows dairy farmers to quickly and easily combine unique operation data and other variables to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections. NMPF’s Future for Dairy website also offers informative resources and tools to help farmers determine the best insurance options for their operations.



USDA Dairy Products April 2018 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.07 billion pounds, 0.9 percent above April 2017 but 3.7 percent below March 2018.  Italian type cheese production totaled 452 million pounds, 0.8 percent above April 2017 but 6.2 percent below March 2018.  American type cheese production totaled 441 million pounds, 1.4 percent above April 2017 but 0.6 percent below March 2018.  Butter production was 175 million pounds, 8.3 percent above April 2017 but 3.7 percent below March 2018.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with April 2017)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 166 million pounds, down 3.8 percent.
Skim milk powder - 49.3 million pounds, down 1.8 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with April 2017)
Dry whey, total - 85.3 million pounds, up 0.7 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 93.9 million pounds, down 2.5 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 40.7 million pounds, down 3.3 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with April 2017)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 63.6 million gallons, down 8.8 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 39.8 million gallons, down 3.6 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.65 million gallons, down 3.5 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 5.57 million gallons, down 12.8 percent.



Bayer Drops Monsanto Name, Easing Reputational Headache

Bayer's decision to drop the Monsanto name following its $66 billion takeover of the U.S. agro-chemical giant should help it leave behind some of the reputational concerns associated with the brand. Monsanto has drawn criticism from environmental activists for its promotion of genetically-modified organisms and its pursuit of legal action against farmers who break rules associated with its products. Bayer CEO Werner Baumann says he plans to improve stakeholder engagement and listen to the company's critics. "Agriculture is too important to allow ideological differences to bring progress to a standstill," he says.



DowDuPont's Seed Business Plays Catch-Up

DowDuPont's crop-seed business is rebounding from a cold, wet spring that kept farmers out of the fields, and postponed DowDuPont's seed sales, driving a 39% decline in 1Q profits from the company's agriculture unit. "The shift has happened," CEO Ed Breen tells investors at a Bernstein conference. He points to USDA data released Wednesday showing that US corn farmers now have 92% of this year's crop in the ground, two percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Breen reiterates confidence in DowDuPont's projection for a big rebound in its agriculture business in 2Q.



Trump Voters in Midwest States Losing Faith in Administration's Commitment to Renewable Fuels

New polling shows that voters across three Midwestern states are disappointed with Trump Administration decisions they view as broken promises of support for local agriculture and renewable fuels industries.

In a survey of voters in Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota, respondents overwhelmingly say they support federal policies to encourage growth in biodiesel and renewable fuels use. Their support cut across party lines, with more than two-thirds of Republicans and nearly three-quarters of Independents saying they support U.S. efforts to boost the expansion of the biodiesel industry. In total, 73 percent of voters agreed.

In the 2016 election, then-candidate Donald Trump’s performance in the three states surveyed demonstrated strong support for his public statements that he would support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires minimal volumes of biodiesel and other advanced biofuels be included in the nation’s transportation fuels portfolio.

A substantial majority of voters in these Midwestern states, including 63 percent of Independents, say EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s efforts to lower demand for biofuels does not reflect the President’s promise to support renewable fuels and the RFS.

National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik said the response from Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota accurately represents the opinion of America’s Heartland, which propelled President Trump to the White House. NBB sponsored the survey.

In one such instance of his promises, then-candidate Trump addressed the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in January 2016: “The RFS… is an important tool in the mission to achieve energy independence for the United States. I will do all that is in my power as president to achieve that goal.”

More than 80 percent of Republican voters in the survey said it was important to them that President Trump keep his promise to defend the RFS.

“When candidate Trump promised he would be their defender in Washington, DC, farming communities turned out to the polls in big numbers for him in November of 2016,” Kovarik said. “To be frank, rural voters haven’t seen that similar support reciprocated from EPA Administrator Pruitt and that’s reflected in the survey.”

After years of steady growth in the biodiesel industry, President Trump’s administration changed gears for 2018. For the first time, the biomass-based diesel category volumes of the RFS remained flat at 2.1 billion gallons. The advanced biofuels category, for which biodiesel also qualifies, was reduced.

Beyond the lack of growth in the RFS, President Trump’s EPA has provided numerous exemptions for refiners, including one of the largest in the U.S., that excuse them from fulfilling their obligations to blend biofuels at their facilities. There are also reported discussions in the White House of other measures that would have a damaging effect on the RFS, including allowing exported biofuels to generate credits toward refiners’ obligations under the RFS.

Additionally, Farmers have seen the commodity prices of their crops plummet as a result of trade fights with China and just saw the new Farm Bill fail in Congress.

“Midwestern voters are desperate to see some positive signal from President Trump and Congress,” Kovarik said. “Income from farming has plummeted more than 50 percent. It’s at its lowest point in a dozen years. Zero growth again in the RFS from the Trump Administration would only make it worse.”

Around 50 percent of biodiesel is produced from soybean oil, a byproduct of processing the beans for protein in food products. This system has provided another source of income for soybean farmers and the added value means they’re able to make the protein available at lower prices.

Additionally, biodiesel is made from recycled cooking oil and waste fats.

Other conclusions from the survey include:
-    Sixty-seven percent of conservative voters surveyed in Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri support higher biodiesel volumes under the RFS.
-    More than 55 percent of Independent voters in Iowa, the top biodiesel producing state in the country, support higher biodiesel volumes under the RFS. President Trump in 2016 was the first Republican to top 50 percent in a presidential election in nearly 30 years.

The survey was conducted by Moore Information with funding from the National Biodiesel Board. Moore Information is a leading national opinion research and strategic analysis firm, serving a wide spectrum of clients in politics, government, and corporate and public affairs. The survey was comprised of 1660 total randomly selected registered voters (Iowa 510, Minnesota 580, Missouri 570).



Final Day of World Meat Congress Focuses on Consumer Trends, Production Technology

The 2018 World Meat Congress concluded Friday with sessions focused on consumer trends and education, as well as an in-depth look at cutting-edge technologies reshaping meat production around the world. The 22nd World Meat Congress was held in Dallas May 31 and June 1. Hosted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and the International Meat Secretariat (IMS), the event drew about 700 participants from more than 40 countries.

Friday’s keynote speaker was best-selling author Jeff Fromm, whose books include Marketing to Millennials, Millennials with Kids and Marketing to Gen Z. Fromm is also a partner at Barkley, a company that assists with establishment and enhancement of brands and helps businesses identify emerging consumer trends.

Fromm told the audience that food has become more than just a category of products consumers buy and enjoy – it is also a means of expression.

“How many of you used to have fashion as the thing that drove you, as a young person, to sort of express yourself?” he asked. “Today’s modern consumer expresses themselves through food. Discretionary purchases on food have increased at a dramatic rate, at a time when discretionary purchases on fashion haven’t. So they are trading ‘category: fashion’ for ‘category: food’ as a way to express themselves.”

Fromm said farmers and ranchers, and those in meat processing and merchandising, absolutely must better connect with consumers by sharing details of the story behind their products.

“Today’s consumer is a ‘pro-sumer,’ which means they are going to co-create their story and it’s about ‘Brand Me,’” Fromm explained. “And the reality is, that consumer has a lot of expectations. They expect to have a seat at the table. And if you’ve heard in the past that it’s just about being transparent, our research suggests that’s going to get you a ‘C’ on your report card. In ‘Tomorrowland,’ you’re going to have to offer proof that the story you are living is real – which is a step beyond transparency.”

Following Fromm’s address, World Meat Congress attendees learned about new tools to improve food safety, the value of gene editing to the world’s food production systems and the impact of blockchain technology in a panel discussion titled, “On the Cutting Edge: What’s New in the Red Meat Supply Chain?”

Dr. Gary Smith, a visiting professor in the animal science departments at Texas A&M University and Colorado State University, moderated the panel of scientists deeply involved in cutting-edge research into technologies that are quickly changing how meat and other foods are being produced, managed and delivered.

The panel featured Gary Rodrigue, blockchain food trust leader for the IBM Corporation; Dr. Martin Wiedmann, Gellert family professor in food safety at Cornell University; and Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, cooperative extension specialist for animal genomics and biotechnology at the University of California-Davis.

Blockchain technology is a tool that presents tremendous opportunities for innovation and more trustworthy global business transactions. While the term “blockchain” is often confused with cryptocurrency, Rodrigue explained that the blockchain technology he was focusing on is quite different, and that it “is going to change every aspect of your business – it’s going to change how supply chains are managed.”

Wiedmann, whose academic program is to develop and communicate the scientific knowledge needed to prevent and control foodborne and zoonotic diseases caused by bacteria, explained the value of genome sequencing and other scientific tools used to monitor and trace incidents such as outbreaks of listeria or salmonella. He also shared other aspects of his research, which is focused on developing a better understanding of the pathogenesis, ecology, evolution and transmission of bacterial foodborne diseases.

Van Eenennaam, whose program at UC-Davis focuses on research and education around the use of animal genomics and biotechnology in livestock production systems, explained the value of gene editing. For example, research is underway to utilize gene editing to prevent such diseases as African swine fever in hogs and tuberculosis in cattle.

“What better way to approach dealing with disease than through genetic improvement?” she noted.

In a session titled, “Societal Norms and Implications for the Industry,” panelists focused on the fact that consumers are growing more informed and demanding about the specific food production practices and attributes of the products they buy. They noted that the meat industry and other food industry sectors must strive to find ways of meeting these growing expectations while also delivering affordable, sustainable food supplies.

Moderated by Mary Ann Binnie, manager of nutrition and industry relations for the Canadian Pork Council, the panel featured Lisa Watson, social responsibility officer at the Innovative Center for U.S. Dairy, Justin Ransom, Ph.D., senior director of sustainable food strategy for Tyson Foods, and Roxi Beck, consumer engagement director at the Center for Food Integrity. Beck is also vice president of Look East, a public relations agency focused on growing trust in products, processes, people and brands in the food and agriculture industry.

IMS Secretary General Hsin Huang assembled a panel of industry experts to illustrate the critical issues on which IMS advocates for the global meat industry. IMS engages with international and intergovernmental organizations to promote a fact-based and science-based approach to public policy and establishment of international standards.

The panel featured Dr. Bernard Vallat, president of the French Federation of Charcutiers, Caterers and Meat Processors (FICT), who discussed key issues related to animal welfare, antibiotic use in animals and antibiotic resistance. Jurgen Preugschas, director of the Western Hog Exchange, focused on sustainable livestock production practices, and Shalene McNeill, Ph.D., R.D., executive director for human nutrition research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association offered her thoughts on dietary guidelines and the importance of educating key audiences about the nutritional value of red meat and its role in a balanced diet.

The day’s final panel focused on the consumer of tomorrow, and what the red meat industry must do to properly identify and address the desires and expectations of future generations. Moderated by Mick Sloyan, pork strategy director with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board of the United Kingdom, the panel featured Melissa Brewer, director of communications for Certified Angus Beef ®, who explained the history behind the company’s brand and how it thrives on authenticity and a proven track record of meeting customers’ quality expectations. Michael Uetz, managing principal of Midan Marketing, a full-service marketing firm dedicated to serving meat industry clients, focused on demographic trends and explained that meat consumers are segmented – ranging from “voracious carnivores” to “wavering budgeteers” to “selective foodies.” Pol Moragas, deputy secretary general of Spain’s Business Federation of Meats and Meat Industries (FECIC), discussed industry research that underscores the importance of developing and maintaining consumer loyalty – an ever more daunting challenge as he foresees the future.

“From my very humble viewpoint, the consumer of the future is hyper-influenceable and not at all loyal,” he cautioned.

Speaking for IMS, Huang saw the 22nd World Meat Congress as a valuable, insightful experience for all participants.

“We are coming from different production systems and different animal species, but we all are facing similar challenges,” he said. “So this meeting was a great opportunity to come together to network and to address these challenges. USMEF did tremendous work in pulling together a great lineup of speakers, and Dallas was a wonderful location for the event.”

At the closing ceremony, IMS President Guillaume Roué and USMEF CEO Emeritus Philip Seng thanked attendees for their participation and support and introduced pork industry leader Pedro Tabaras, president of Granjas Carroll de Mexico. In an IMS tradition, Seng “passed the IMS flag” to Tabaras, who invited the audience to take part in the next World Meat Congress, which will be held in Cancun in 2020.