Thrusday June 28 Ag News

NEBRASKA HOG INVENTORY UP 4 PERCENT

Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2018, was 3.55 million head, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was up 4 percent from June 1, 2017, and up 3 percent from March 1, 2018.

Breeding hog inventory, at 430,000 head, was up 2 percent from June 1, 2017, and up 2 percent from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 3.12 million head, was up 5 percent from last year, and up 3 percent from last quarter.

The March - May 2018 Nebraska pig crop, at 2.15 million head, was up 1 percent from 2017. Sows farrowed during the period totaled 190,000 head, up 3 percent from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.30 for the March - May period, compared to 11.45 last year.

Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 190,000 sows during the June - August 2018 quarter, unchanged from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Intended farrowings for September - November 2018 are 190,000 sows, down 3 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period the previous year.



IOWA HOGS & PIGS REPORT

On June 1, 2018, there were 22.7 million hogs and pigs on Iowa farms, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Hogs and Pigs report. This is the highest June 1 inventory on record, up 4 percent from the previous year.

The March-May 2018 quarterly pig crop was 6.33 million head, up 167,000 head from the previous quarter and 13 percent above last year. A total of 570,000 sows farrowed during this quarter. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.1, up slightly from last quarter.

As of June 1, producers planned to farrow 570,000 sows and gilts in the June-August quarter and 570,000 head during the September-November quarter.



United States Hog Inventory Up 3 Percent

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2018 was 73.5 million head. This was up 3 percent from June 1, 2017, and up 1 percent from March 1, 2018. This is the highest June 1 inventory of all hogs and pigs since estimates began in 1964.

Breeding inventory, at 6.32 million head, was up 3 percent from last year, and up 2 percent from the previous quarter.

Market hog inventory, at 67.1 million head, was up 3 percent from last year, and up 1 percent from last quarter. This is the highest June 1 market hog inventory since estimates began in 1964.

The March-May 2018 pig crop, at 33.2 million head, was up 4 percent from 2017. This is the largest March-May pig crop since estimates began in 1970. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 3.12 million head, up 4 percent from 2017. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 50 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was a record high 10.63 for the March-May period, compared to 10.55 last year.

United States hog producers intend to have 3.17 million sows farrow during the June-August 2018 quarter, up 2 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period in 2017, and up 4 percent from 2016. Intended farrowings for September-November 2018, at 3.18 million sows, are up 2 percent from 2017, and up 4 percent from 2016.

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 47 percent of the total United States hog inventory, down from 48 percent the previous year.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Acts to Improve Mobile Broadband, Seeks Assistance from Nebraskans

The Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) is taking steps to deliver better mobile broadband service in rural Nebraska, and the organization will need help from Nebraskans to do it, said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson, June 28.

“Nebraskans should have access to high-speed internet service no matter where they live in our state. We know that is not the case. From emergency service to educational opportunities, from personal use to needs of rural businesses, including our farms and ranches, hi-speed internet is essential,” said Nelson. “With the FCC set to invest billions to improve mobile wireless service in rural areas it’s important rural Nebraska not be left behind.”

In March, the Federal Communication’s Commission (FCC) released a map identifying areas of the country without sufficient 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) service. The map is important as it will help the FCC identify where to allocate $4.53 billion in federal dollars over the next 10 years to expand 4G LTE service.

“The current map indicates much of the state of Nebraska would not qualify for FCC assistance as service is available from one carrier or another. Yet we know there are issues across the state with dropped calls, as well as slow downloading and uploading of data,” said Nelson. “That’s why we’ve moved forward to challenge the coverage map for Nebraska.”

Nebraska Farm Bureau recently received a waiver from the FCC allowing them to challenge the legitimacy of the coverage map. The FCC map is based on coverage data provided to the FCC by mobile service providers. The FCC challenge process allows for the collection of wireless speed data from actual cell service users.

“We need Nebraskans from across the state to help by using their mobile devices to run speed tests,” said Nelson. “We will need to prove there are coverage issues. These speed tests are an integral part of improving the accuracy of the map and enhancing our chances of Nebraska qualifying for FCC grant dollars so all Nebraskans can have access to quality coverage.

Speed tests can be run by downloading the FCC Speed Test App in the Google Play store or the Apple App store. Results can be emailed to broadband@nefb.org. Nebraskans interested in running speed tests and helping improve broadband coverage are encouraged to visit www.nefb.org/nebroadband for more information.  



Tissue Testing Recommendations Available in Publication
The practice of conducting tissue testing for phosphorus and potassium in corn and soybean is a relatively new tool in Iowa crop production. While soil testing has been widely used for decades, proper tissue testing recommendations are still emerging.

A new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach discusses the results of tissue testing research and interpretation at Iowa State University. The publication “Phosphorus and Potassium Tissue Testing in Corn and Soybean” (CROP 3153) provides interpretations specific for Iowa’s growing conditions.

“Iowa research into tissue testing in previous decades has shown that either this was not a reliable practice or the research wasn’t sufficient,” said Antonio Mallarino, professor and extension specialist in agronomy at Iowa State. “As interest in tissue testing has grown in the last few years, we saw a need for additional research in order to determine the value of tissue testing and develop guidelines on how to interpret test results.”

The resulting publication is the first interpretations for tissue testing specific to Iowa, and is based on 66 site-years of research results for phosphorus and 119 site-years for potassium.

“Tissue testing isn’t perfect, but it can be used to monitor nutrient levels available to crops,” Mallarino said. “Now that the research has been completed, people can see the interpretations and results, with information backed by good science. Tissue testing can be helpful in assessing the available supply of phosphorus and potassium for corn and soybean crops when used as a complement to soil testing.”

The publication also provides information on how to sample plant tissue, including detailed photographs of the different growth stages of both corn and soybean. The specific part of the plant to be sampled is detailed for the reader.



Naig Elected Midwest State Departments of Ag Officer

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig was elected to serve as vice president of the Midwest Association of State Departments of Agriculture (MASDA) by his peers from 12 states across the region. Naig was elected during the MASDA annual meeting, which was held in Keystone, S.D.

"I appreciate the confidence of my MASDA colleagues in electing me to this position. Many of the issues facing farmers and the ag industry are the same across the Midwest, so it is important we are coordinating with our colleagues at other State Departments of Agriculture," Naig said. "These meetings allow us to have open and frank conversations about the issues impacting agriculture in our states, such as trade, water quality and animal disease response planning."

MASDA is comprised of the Commissioners, Secretaries, and Directors of Agriculture from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

As a subset of the larger National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the organization exists to grow and enhance agriculture by forging partnerships and creating consensus to achieve sound policy outcomes between state departments of agriculture, the federal government and stakeholders.



Celebration of 12 Years of Ethanol Powered Racing at the Iowa Corn 300

The Iowa Corn 300, one of the major INDYCAR racing events of the year, will race into the Iowa Speedway on Sunday, July 8. This will be the 12th running of the Iowa Corn sponsored event to showcase the clean-burning, lower cost of ethanol on the fastest short track on the planet!

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) look forward to once again being able to present the many benefits of ethanol to fans. The Iowa Corn 300 demonstrates the power of ethanol at speeds over 200 mph, but it also provides the benefits to every driver of using cleaner burning, homegrown fuel choices at the pump. The major highlights including its value to the U.S. economy, to reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions as well as providing a homegrown fuel source.

“We value the partnership with the Iowa Speedway and INDYCAR to showcase the power and performance of ethanol, a homegrown fuel that today supports local farmers in our state,” said ICPB President Duane Aistrope, a farmer from Randolph. “Fueling up with homegrown ethanol also benefits every driver because it’s cleaner burning, reduces harmful emissions, and supports Iowa jobs and your local economy.”

ICGA President Mark Recker sees the race as an opportunity to network with ICGA members and connect with consumers. “With more than 1,000 ICGA members typically attending the race, this event is a great place to connect with farmers from across the state. Ethanol continues to be a win-win for Iowa, but we're far from the checkered flag. As farmers work hard to raise their corn crops, Iowa Corn is working to broaden access to higher blends of ethanol, like E15, and ensure consumers have access to ethanol blends whenever they pull up to the gas pump. ICGA is working to defend the Renewable Fuel Standard to provide access to ethanol at the pump.  If you drive a flex-fuel vehicle, you could be like their favorite INDYCAR driver and fill your tank with an E85, 85% ethanol fuel blends.”

The Iowa Corn 300 and the Iowa Speedway have the second longest running partnership in INDYCAR competition. “This is truly an event for the whole family,” said Aistrope. “Fans love meeting the drivers at the fan walk, seeing the fast cars and feeling the excitement at the track. The Iowa Corn 300 is one of the top summer events and I would encourage everyone to come to experience the event.”

To find out the best fuel for your vehicle, go to iowacorn.org/ethanol. If you have questions about the race, log on to www.iowacorn.org/300 for the race day schedule and more information on ethanol.



Farm Bill Passes Senate

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement today after the Senate passed the farm bill by a vote of 86 to 11:

“The Nebraskans who feed the world deserve stability and predictability so they can do their jobs. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m proud of the bipartisan policies the Senate advanced today, which protect crop insurance, improve critical trade promotion programs, and expand broadband deployment capabilities in rural America. I take my role as a leading voice for Nebraska agriculture very seriously, and I will continue to work hard and deliver for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”  



Sasse Statement on Farm Bill

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement following his vote for the Farm Bill.

"Nebraska's farmers and ranchers work hard to feed the world and the last thing they need from Washington is even more uncertainty when the threat of a trade war has already made things unpredictable. Nebraskans want a Farm Bill that understands that and brings predictability to risk programs. Today's vote is a step toward making that a reality."



 Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding Senate Passage of Farm Bill

“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers scored a big victory tonight with the Senate’s passage of their version of the 2018 Farm Bill. In keeping with our principals, the Senate has put together a bill which protects federal crop insurance, provides a series of risk management tools for farmers and ranchers, improves conservation programs and provides funding for trade promotion and livestock disaster programs.”

“We want to thank Senator Fischer for all of her outstanding work in getting this bill through the Senate Ag Committee and Senator Sasse for his support of this important legislation. We must now keep this forward momentum and put together a final conferenced bill which includes the best pieces of both the House and Senate versions. In these uncertain economic times for our nations farm and ranch families, it is vital for Congress to do everything they can to get a final farm bill to the President’s desk as quickly as possible.”



Senate farm bill takes steps to level playing field for family farms

Today, the Senate passed its version of the farm bill, with a 86-11 vote. In response, Center for Rural Affairs Senior Policy Associate Anna Johnson said the farm bill represents a “step in a positive direction for family farms.”

“For years, Sen. Grassley has championed closing loopholes in farm programs that allow millions of dollars of subsidy payments to go to individuals who are not doing the hard work of farming,” Johnson said. “We were very pleased the final Senate bill includes these long-needed fixes to subsidy payments that level the playing field for family farms.”

Johnson said she is disappointed the Senate declined to take up a proposal from Sens. Durbin, Grassley, Flake, Shaheen, Warren, and Lee, that would have “put common sense limits on crop insurance subsidies for the very largest operations.”

“Currently, there are no limits placed on farmers’ access to crop insurance subsidies, which provides a competitive advantage to the largest operations,” she said. “This payment structure continues to drive farm consolidation, increase land prices, and undermine rural communities. The Senate missed an important opportunity to address this issue in crop insurance today.”

The bill includes strong support for several programs that are important for the development of rural communities, and would reinstate the position of Undersecretary for Rural Development, according to Johnson.

“However, we are concerned that the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) has not received mandatory funding in either the House or Senate farm bills,” she said. “This program supports rural entrepreneurs who start, then build small businesses. RMAP helps spark innovation and economic activity in rural areas where it is sorely needed.”

In addition, the Senate farm bill cuts working lands conservation funding, reducing the number of acres enrolled annually in the Conservation Stewardship Program from 10 million to 8.8 million. The Senate also proposes to combine several smaller programs that support beginning farmers and rural development.

“While we are concerned by the impact of the proposed cuts to working lands conservation funding, we are glad to see the proposed program combinations will protect the missions of the Value-Added Producer Grant Program, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, and others,” Johnson said.

The versions of the bill passed by the Senate and House of Representatives will now go in front of the Joint Conference Committee, which will address the differences and agree on a final bill. The current farm bill expires Sept 30, 2018.

“Now, we look toward conference, and urge our elected officials to maintain the many strengths of the Senate bill, resolve the challenges that remain, and develop a bipartisan farm bill that supports rural communities,” Johnson said.



NCBA: “Rejection of Lee-Booker Amendment is a Win for America’s Cattle Producers”

Kevin Kester, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate's rejection of an amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill offered by U.S. Sens. Mike Lee (Utah) and Cory Booker (N.J.) that sought to undermine commodity “checkoff” programs:

“The rejection of this amendment is a win for America’s cattle producers, who voluntarily created and continue to overwhelmingly support the beef checkoff system. Legislation like the Lee-Booker amendment is largely pushed by militant vegans and extreme political organizations that essentially want to end animal agriculture.

"We're happy that producers can continue to lead the checkoff system and contract with whatever producer-led groups will best promote beef consumption and research."

"We want to thank Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts and every other Senator who opposed this wrong-headed amendment today."

NCBA Welcomes Passage of Senate Farm Bill, Says "More Work Remains"
Kevin Kester, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, today released the following statement in response to passage of the Senate Farm Bill, which passed by a vote of 86-11:

“Today’s successful Senate vote is another step forward for the Farm Bill, but much work remains to address the priorities of American cattlemen and women. While the Senate version includes permanent authorization of the Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank, zero dollars are provided. The Senate version also left out important changes to the Conservation Title that were included in the House version of the bill.  We appreciate all the Senate’s work on behalf of cattle producers, but the House bill includes provisions of critical importance to NCBA members.” 



NCGA Statement on Senate Passage of Farm Bill

North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), made the following statement on the Senate passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.

“Today’s vote is a welcome step to providing much-needed certainty for farmers facing increasingly challenging times.

“NCGA would like to thank Senate Republicans and Democrats for working together to get this bi-partisan bill passed and recognizing the importance and effectiveness of the farm bill’s risk management tools, including a robust federal crop insurance program.

“With the combined threat of retaliatory trade tariffs and an EPA seemingly intent on dismantling the RFS, farmers need a strong farm bill now more than ever. NCGA urges members of the House and Senate to come together quickly and find common ground to strengthen the farm safety net and adequately meet the needs of American consumers and our rural communities across our nation.”



Roberts Successfully Pushes Senate Farm Bill Across Finish Line

National Sorghum Producers applauds Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) for his leadership leading to Senate passage today of H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act, with a vote of 86-11. In response, NSP Chairman and sorghum farmer from Pawnee City, Nebraska, Don Bloss released the following statement:

“The bipartisan leadership demonstrated by Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow to bring this bill to its completion is heartily commended by National Sorghum Producers. We appreciate the Senators who showed support for agriculture today, bringing us one step closer to a final bill that provides the needed support and certainty for sorghum farmers and all of America’s farmers and ranchers.

“This is a solid bill for sorghum farmers with stability under the farm bill safety net, attention to resource conserving crops like sorghum in the conservation title, strong crop insurance that preserves the most important risk management tool we have with direction to improve sorghum policies, and a trade title that provides critical funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development.

“As Chairman Roberts has said so often, it is not the best possible bill but it is the best bill possible, and we are proud of his work. We are grateful to Senator Roberts and his staff for getting the bill across the Senate floor, putting it in a position to be conferenced with the House—a process we anxiously anticipate in July with leadership from both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.”



Conaway Applauds Passage of Senate Farm Bill

House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) today offered the following statement upon passage of the Senate farm bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018:

“Passage today of the Senate Farm Bill reflects a hard fought victory, and I commend Chairman Roberts for his tireless efforts. I look forward to working together to send a strong, new farm bill to the president’s desk.”



National Milk Praises Senate Passage of 2018 Farm Bill

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today lauded passage of the Senate version of the 2018 Farm Bill by a bipartisan vote of 86 to 11. With the House having adopted its version of the Farm Bill on June 21, the two chambers must now reconcile differences in the two bills in a conference committee later this summer.

NMPF thanked Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for their leadership in finalizing the measure in a timely manner, and commended Stabenow for her work to secure $100 million in additional funding for the dairy title baseline.

“Sens. Roberts and Stabenow have crafted a bipartisan Farm Bill that includes important dairy policy improvements at a time when many farmers are facing a very tough economic time,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “We are pleased that the two chambers now have the opportunity to harmonize their versions to produce a final bipartisan, bicameral bill that can be signed into law by Sept. 30.”

The Senate version of the Farm Bill contains enhancements to the dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) sought by NMPF, including improved coverage levels and greater program flexibility. The bill – which renames the MPP as the “Dairy Risk Coverage” program –  raises the maximum covered margin to $9/cwt. and adjusts the minimum percentage of milk that can be insured. It also includes an important agreement reached between NMPF and the International Dairy Foods Association on price risk management. NMPF commended Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) for their efforts to strengthen dairy policy for producers of all sizes, and looks forward to continuing this work as the process continues.

The Senate bill also contains conservation provisions that will help producers access technical and financial assistance to carry out conservation practices on their operations. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) added a helpful amendment to give dairy farmers greater flexibility in meeting their goals under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Under the trade title, the Farm Bill re-authorizes the trade promotion programs that are critical to dairy farmers and their cooperatives. Mulhern said NMPF also appreciates the successful efforts of Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) to include provisions in the bill that promote the consumption of fluid milk. NMPF also thanked Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) for including provisions of her Dairy Business Innovation Act in the bill to help foster innovation and new opportunities for the dairy industry.



NFU Applauds Senate Farm Bill Passage; Presses for Additional Improvements During Conference Process

The U.S. Senate today voted 86-11 in favor of its bipartisan Farm Bill, also known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) Board of Directors unanimously supported the Senate’s efforts when the bill was first introduced. Rob Larew, NFU Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications, echoed those sentiments:

“We are appreciative of the Senate’s work on this bill and are pleased by its passage. At a time of great financial stress, family farmers and ranchers are in need of some economic certainty. The Senate’s version of the Farm Bill includes encouraging provisions that strengthen the farm safety net, promote farm sustainability, and ensure access to fair and diverse markets, all of which would provide essential security.

“As the bill moves forward to conference, we look forward to working with Congressional leadership to make additional improvements and investments.”



NAWG Responds to Senate Passing its 2018 Farm Bill

Today, with a vote of 86-11, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the 2018 Farm Bill out of Chamber. In response, NAWG President Jimmie Musick made the following statement:

“NAWG commends the Senate for working together in a bipartisan fashion to move the Farm Bill forward, out of the chamber and on to conference. It’s vital for a final Farm Bill to be reauthorized before the September 30th deadline, so that farmers can have certainty that a safety net and strong risk management tools will continue to be in place during these uncertain economic times in farm country.

“Crop insurance is a unique risk management tool available for farmers and ranchers.  NAWG continues to advocate for a strong crop insurance program and continued choice between ARC and PLC in the final version of the bill.

“NAWG continues to support Farm Bill provisions that provide financial incentives for farmers to adopt conservation practices into their operations. We applaud reauthorization of both the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), as these programs both serve as important function in helping farmers to implement conservation techniques on operations across the country. 

“NAWG is pleased that the legislation reauthorizes and funds the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program and will continue to advocate for increased resources for both. Additionally, we continue to support and encourage a strong research title and appreciate that the Senate bill authorizes increased funding for the Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative.  

“NAWG calls for a speedy conference and for the conferees to be chosen quickly. We look forward to continuing to work with members in the House and Senate to advocate for wheat farmers as both versions of the Farm Bill go on to conference.”



USDA Report Highlights Benefits of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for Farmers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today highlighted a new report showing the positive impacts of President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on American farms. Six months after the President signed the tax cuts and reforms into law, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) has released a report, titled “Estimated Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Farms and Farm Households.”  The report examines in detail how the historic tax cuts and reforms will alleviate the tax burden on American farms to help them grow and prosper.  According to the report, average tax rates are expected to decline across all farm sizes and commodity specializations and fewer farm estates will be subject to the Death Tax.

“Most family farms are run as small businesses, and they should be able to keep more of what they earn to reinvest in their operations and take care of their families,” Perdue said.  “Simplifying the tax code and easing the burden on farmers will free them up to make choices for themselves, create jobs, and boost the overall American economy.  This report just shows what we knew all along: the tax cuts and reforms will benefit farmers.”

The TCJA significantly reformed the Federal income tax system, including individual and business income tax rates, business expenses, taxable income deductions, and the alternative minimum tax. The TCJA also doubled the Federal estate tax exclusion. The USDA ERS report estimates the impact of current Federal income tax provisions on farm households by using 2016 tax-year data.



Farmers Take Food Answers Direct to Busy Moms­

In a new national video series launched today, CommonGround farmer volunteers head to the city to help local moms tackle their busy lives and answer the food questions that nag so many parents.

“We get it. We’re moms too. There’s just not time to sort everything out. There’s too much information,” said CommonGround volunteer and mom Kristin Reese from Baltimore, Ohio. “Spending time with these moms - carpooling, grocery shopping, running errands - helped us learn more about how they make their food choices and gave them access to real time answers about food in their daily lives.”

Three CommonGround volunteer farmers from rural communities took to the towns and cities. While these moms’ lifestyles and scenery may differ, they have more in common than not.

“At the end of the day we all just want to stay on top of the crazy to-do list and take care of our families, stressing about food doesn’t fit into that mix. We are all overwhelmed,” said Bekah Gustafson from Dresser, Wisconsin. “Standing in the milk aisle with a mom who has no agriculture context, it’s easy to understand why.”

“This platform provided the opportunity to have a real conversation about food, where it originates, how it makes its way to their table and what that all might mean for their families,” said Kyla Hamilton from Lubbock, Texas.

The Carpool video series, which can be found on the CommonGroundNow Facebook Page, is part of the farmer-led, grassroots-focused CommonGround program. CommonGround brings together a group of female farmers for conversations about the food they grow and how they produce it. They share personal experiences, as well as science and research, to help customers sort through the myths and misinformation surrounding food and farming.

More than 200 women farmers volunteer to participate in conversations with consumers. The program has brought answers to consumers in all 50 states, having more than a billion touch points over the past eight years. A past campaign included an “Ask a Farmer” button in a grocery store aisle. Activating the button brought a live farmer volunteer right to the store, surprising and delighting the customers.



Senate Passes Appropriations Bill Funding Waterways Infrastructure

The U.S. Senate this week passed its version of the FY19 Energy & Water Appropriations bill, which includes funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waterways programs. The Energy & Water Appropriations bill was part of a package of appropriations bills that passed by a vote of 86 to 5.  The Senate bill provides for full use of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, $3.74 billion for the USACE Operations & Maintenance account, and $1.528 billion for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). This HMTF level exceeds the target of $1.4 billion that was established in the Water Resources Reform Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014. The Senate bill will not go to conference committee to negotiate differences with the House version.

For comparison, the House Energy & Water Appropriations bill also calls for full use of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, provides a record level $3.8 billion for USACE Operations & Maintenance, and $1.6 billion for the HMTF. The funding levels in both the House and Senate bills represent strong support for these American Soybean Association (ASA) transportation and infrastructure priorities.



USGC Mission To Japan Explores Turning U.S. Ethanol Opportunity Into Sales

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) explored the potential for increased exports of U.S. ethanol under Japan’s new energy policy as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agricultural trade mission to the country earlier this month.

Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney led the overall delegation, the largest such group of U.S. businesses and state government leaders yet in a series of missions focused on expanding export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products.

The Council’s contingency of USGC officers, staff and members met with McKinney as well as U.S. officials stationed in Japan and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Environment. During each meeting, the Council expressed appreciation for continued support by both governments of the Council’s market development programs and the potential for U.S. ethanol to gain market share in Japan’s fuel market.

“While we have opened the door to ethanol exports to Japan, we still have a lot of work to do,” said Darren Armstrong, USGC secretary/treasurer and farmer from North Carolina, who participated in the mission. “The Council and our partners have an opportunity to provide more information to the Japanese government as well as to the entire value chain about the many benefits of ethanol.”

In April 2018, the Japanese government announced that the country’s biofuels policy will allow imports of the oxygenate ETBE (ethyl tert-butyl ether) produced from U.S. corn-based ethanol. The revision is part of the Japanese government’s aggressive goal of reducing carbon intensity by 26 percent by 2030.

The new policy includes increased carbon intensity reduction requirements of the feedstock used to make ETBE - a 55 percent reduction compared to gasoline, which was previously 50 percent. The new policy also recognizes the ability of corn-based, U.S.-produced ethanol to meet that goal, thanks to increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from improvements in production efficiency and the emergence and use of co-products like distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

“This policy development is significant for both the United States and Japan,” Armstrong said. “The shift demonstrates the U.S. ethanol industry’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions and supports Japan’s government as it looks to provide positive economic benefits to its transportation industry and consumers while meeting carbon intensity reduction commitments.”

Japan will now allow U.S. ethanol to meet up to 44 percent of a total estimated demand of 217 million gallons of ethanol used to make ETBE, or potentially 95.5 million gallons of U.S.-produced ethanol, worth about $140 million, annually.

The Council and its ethanol industry partners will continue to work closely with the U.S. and Japanese governments to communicate the benefits and importance of U.S. ethanol, including how Japanese refiners and consumers can financially benefit.

“With this decision, Japan recognizes the environmental value of U.S. corn-based ethanol,” Armstrong said. “Going forward, our role is to further demonstrate the economic value of using even greater volumes of ethanol, including through direct blending, as is done in the United States.”



CLAAS Is Honored as a 2018 Dealer’s Choice Award Winner

CLAAS of America recently received the 2018 Dealer’s Choice Award in the Full-Line Manufacturer category from the Equipment Dealer's Association (EDA). This is the first time the EDA has classified the high-end harvesting company as a full-line manufacturer. Dealer’s Choice companies receive the highest ratings from their dealers in their respective manufacturer categories.

The EDA awards are based on the results from the annual EDA Dealer-Manufacturer Relations Survey, which received input from 2,200 dealer participants in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces to rate up to seven manufacturer lines they carry in 11 key business categories. Manufacturers participating in the survey are classified in one of four different categories: Full-Line, Short-Line, Tractor and Outdoor Power Equipment.

“It’s a tremendous honor for us to receive the Dealer’s Choice Award and be recognized by our dealers. We’re proud and humbled,” said president of CLAAS Global Sales – America Leif Magnusson. “We could not do what we do without the strength, passion and support from our dealers tirelessly supporting farmers and ranchers in the U.S. and Canada.”

Within the Full-Line Manufacturer category made up of six manufacturers, CLAAS ranked first in product quality, parts quality, product availability, product technical support and communications with management; and second in parts availability.

As the fourth-largest agricultural equipment company in the world, CLAAS continues to increase its dealer presence and support throughout the U.S. and Canada by expanding and opening new dealerships while offering the innovative support and technology needed by today’s growers. The full line of CLAAS equipment features LEXION combines, self-propelled JAGUAR forage harvesters, XERION tractors as well as a wide range of balers and hay tools, all created to increase harvest efficiency and provide higher throughput.



Consumers Sue Pork Industry for Massive Antitrust Price-Increasing Scheme

A federal class-action lawsuit has uncovered a nationwide antitrust overpricing scheme enacted by the leading food conglomerates of the $20 billion pork industry, who forced consumers to pay high prices for bacon, ham, hotdogs and other pork products, according to the law firm bringing the case, Hagens Berman.

The lawsuit filed June 28, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota states that the price-fixing scheme has been carried out by the biggest named in the industry who control approximately 80 percent of the market. Attorneys say Tyson, Hormel and other major meat companies have been bilking consumers in all states since 2009 by systematically controlling their output, in lock-step.

If you purchased any pork products from Tyson, Hormel or other major sellers, you may be entitled to reimbursement. Find out your rights to potential compensation and learn more about the lawsuit here »

Affected brands include, but are not limited to, Ball Park Franks, Bosco's, Craft Meats San Francisco, Hillshire Farm, Hormel, Jennie-O, Jimmy Dean, Lloyd's Barbeque, Nathan's Famous, SaraLee, Smithfield, SPAM, Steak-eze, Tastemakers and Tyson.

“Hardworking families across the nation strive to put food on the table, but little do they know, the game is rigged from the beginning: the largest food companies are secretly ensuring their dollar doesn’t go as far at the supermarket as it should,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman, law firm representing consumers in the lawsuit against the pork industry. “We’re seeking to hold Tyson, Hormel and others accountable for this nearly decade-long scheme to hog their share of profits.”

The lawsuit states that along with Tyson and Hormel, Agri Stats Inc., Clemens Food Group, Indiana Packers Corporation, JBS USA, Seaboard Foods LP, Smithfield Foods Inc. and Triumph Foods LLC “entered into a conspiracy from at least 2009 to the present to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price of pork.”

“The principal (but not exclusive) method by which defendants implemented and executed their conspiracy was by coordinating their output and limiting production with the intent and expected result of increasing pork prices in the United States,” the suit reads. “In furtherance of their conspiracy, defendants exchanged detailed, competitively sensitive, and closely guarded non-public information about prices, capacity, sales volume and demand through their co-conspirator Agri Stats.”

Beginning in 2009, the pork industry showed abnormal price movements, according to graphs in the lawsuit. Aggregate prices published by the USDA show the hog market year average price was at or below $50 every year between 1998 and 2009, before increasing to $76.30 cents per pound in 2015, an increase of more than 50 percent.

How the Pork Overpricing Scheme Began
In 2009, according to the lawsuit, Agri Stats began supplying “highly sensitive ‘benchmarketing’ reports” to the pork industry’s kingpin corporations. These reports allowed competitors to compare their profits and performance, but unlike typical industry reports of this nature, Agri Stats’ reports showed detailed financial and production data from each player and customized the information in a way that “bears all of the hallmarks of the enforcement mechanism of a price fixing scheme,” according to the lawsuit.

On a weekly and monthly basis, Agri Stats provides the pork companies named in the lawsuit with current and forward-looking sensitive, non-public information including profits, costs, prices and slaughter information, as well as regularly provides the keys to deciphering which data belongs to which producers. This allowed the companies to monitor each other’s production and control supply and price.

The lawsuit states that the defendant companies paid millions of dollars since 2009 to subscribe to Agri Stats’ reports.

Agri Stats’ reports were also placed at the center of a price-fixing lawsuit involving the broiler chicken industry, in which they had the same outcome: to reduce strategic uncertainty in the market, changing the incentives of competitors to compete, and inducing them to illegally cooperate to drive up prices. Agri Stats marketed its “benchmarketing” report subscription to the pork companies as a way to increase profit, saying, “…the ultimate goal is increasing profitability…”

“Once Agri Stats got everyone in the pork industry to put their card on the table, there was no competition,” Berman said. “When you’re aware of every move your competition is making, the only step left is to form an alliance, and that’s exactly what happened here.”

“We believe this a class antitrust operation, with the sole purpose of increasing profits for these companies orchestrating the scheme,” he added.

With this information, the pork industry’s top players were kept in control, dominating the vast majority of the market. High barrier of entry forced out new competitors.