Friday July 6 Ag News

CONTROL POTATO LEAFHOPPERS IN ALFALFA
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
               Potato leafhoppers are injuring alfalfa in many areas.  Scouting for these insects and protecting your alfalfa from injury may be needed in your fields.

               Potato leafhoppers are tiny, yellowish-green, wedge-shaped insects.  They blow into our region from the southeast during late spring through mid-summer.  Leafhoppers turn alfalfa yellow and stunt growth, and they especially hurt new seedlings.

               An early symptom of leafhopper damage is a triangular or V-shaped yellow or purple area at the tip of alfalfa leaves.  This discoloration is caused by a toxin the leafhopper injects into the alfalfa plant as it sucks out plant juices.  As feeding continues, the entire plant can turn yellow and growth may stop.

               Check fields at least weekly for leafhoppers before symptoms appear.  Don’t wait!  If you detect leafhoppers early and they are still present, insecticides can kill them easily.  You may need to spray a couple times, though, since leafhoppers can migrate from other fields and reinfect your sprayed field.

               However, if your alfalfa already is yellow and stunted, do not spray. Instead, first mow your alfalfa to remove affected plant tissue and to stimulate new growth.  Unmown plants might not grow much more all year, lowering yield and potentially leading to stand loss over winter.  After mowing newly seeded fields, spray insecticide when regrowth begins to protect that growth.  But don’t automatically spray established stands.  Instead, scout new regrowth at least weekly for leafhoppers.  If they reappear, then use insecticides before much damage occurs.

               More information, especially about threshold levels and insecticides to help you protect your alfalfa from potato leafhoppers is available on-line and at local extension offices.

GRAZING SUDANGRASS, PEARL MILLET, AND SORGHUM HYBRIDS
               Summer annual grasses planted this spring soon could be ready to graze.  Let’s review grazing guidelines to help avoid potential hazards.

               It’s been said that rules are meant to be broken.  One rule that I suggest you never break, though, is this one: never turn hungry animals into sudangrass or sorghum-type pastures.  Why?  Because they may eat so rapidly that they could get a quick overdose of prussic acid and die.

               All sudangrass and sorghum-type hybrids can produce a compound called prussic acid that is potentially poisonous.  Prussic acid, which also is called cyanide, is nothing to fear, though, as long as you use a few precautions to avoid problems.

               The highest concentration of prussic acid is in new young shoots, so let your grass get a little growth on it before grazing to help dilute out the prussic acid.  Let sudangrass get at least 18 inches in height before grazing.  Sorghum-sudan hybrids usually have a little more prussic acid risk, so wait until they are 20 to 24 inches tall.

               Now – pearl millet does not contain prussic acid so if you planted millet these grazing precautions aren’t needed.  Pearl millet can be grazed when it reaches 12 to 15 inches tall.

               Nitrates also can accumulate in these grasses.  However, as long as you avoid grazing too short, nitrates should not be a problem.

               Summer annual grasses respond best to a simple, rotational grazing system.  Divide fields into three or more smaller paddocks of a size that your animals can graze down to about eight or so inches of leafy stubble within 7 to 10 days.  Repeat this procedure with all paddocks.  If some grass gets too tall, either cut it for hay or rotate animals more quickly so grass doesn't head out.

               A well-planned start, a good rotation, and a little rain can give you good pasture from these grasses all the rest of the summer.



Women's entrepreneur class set in Lyons

Women entrepreneurs are invited to attend a workshop in Lyons, organized by the Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP).

“Women’s Entrepreneur Class,” a two-day session, will be held Friday, July 27, 6 to 9 p.m, and Saturday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Lyons Public Library, 305 N. Main St., in Lyons.

“This class is designed to empower ordinary women to accomplish extraordinary things," said Kim Preston, REAP Women’s Business Center interim director. “It is a revolutionary new online learning program designed to inspire and engage women in the fundamental concepts of an entrepreneurial mindset and the unlimited opportunities it can provide.”

Entrepreneurship educator, Janita Pavelka, of south central Nebraska, will instruct the course. The owner of Specially Created Life by Janita, LLC, Pavelka has a background in the social work, psychology, education, entrepreneurship, music, and health fields, and specializes in entrepreneurial mindset, health and wellness, spirituality, relationships, and purpose.

Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Kim Preston at 402.687.2100 ext. 1008 or kimp@cfra.org.

Visit cfra.org/events for more information. Center for Rural Affairs’ REAP provides business training, technical assistance, microloans, and networking to small businesses in Nebraska.



$7.8 Million in Cost Share Available for Conservation Practices

Following the recent storms and flooding, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig highlighted the $7.8 million that is available through the state conservation cost share program to help farmers and landowners install conservation practices. Farmers can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offices to apply for assistance of up to 50 percent of the cost of the project.

"The frequent, heavy rainfall we have been seeing can help identify areas where additional soil conservation practices are needed. We encourage farmers or landowners to contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District office for more information about cost share assistance that is available," Naig said. "Now is an ideal time for famers to plan ahead so they are ready to move ahead with construction of the practices as soon as the crops are out of the field this fall."

The Iowa conservation cost share program has been in place for more than 40 years and is a partnership between the state and local landowners, with both parties cover the cost of a building or installing a conservation practice.

Conservation practices eligible for assistance through this program include terraces, waterways, ponds, buffers, cover crops, and several other conservation practices.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also has funds available for practices targeted towards improving water quality. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer.

"There are funds available and we encourage farmers to contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District to learn more about the programs and to sign up to participate. These funds are a great investment by the state and historically farmers contribute $1.50 for each dollar invested by the state," Naig said.

Iowa has 100 SWCD offices across the state, one in each county and two in Pottawattamie, that set priorities and use the funds to support farmers who are implementing conservation practices on their land. The offices are co-located with the USDA Service Center in each county.

A full directory for each of the SWCD offices can be found at idals.iowa.gov/FARMS/index.php/districtMap.



Iowa, U.S. soybean farmers disproportionately impacted by escalating trade war with China
Statement is courtesy of 22 farmers who serve as directors of the Iowa Soybean Association

“The U.S. soybean industry’s worst fears are coming to pass today with the implementation of tariffs on Chinese imports. This aggressive action positions Iowa and America’s soybean farmers directly in the crosshairs of a full-scale, multi-national trade war if China, as it has promised, imposes tariffs on U.S. soybean imports.

“Short- and long-term consequences are significant. U.S. soybean prices are already far below the cost of production will continue to erode, placing additional pressure on farm families who have already experienced a nearly $2-per-bushel decline since March.

“Long-term, a full-blown trade war risks entrenching anti-American sentiment in a country that consumes nearly 60 percent of global soybean trade and about one of every three rows of U.S. soybean production. It will incentivize additional trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and the European Union, to do business absent the United States. It’s clear that our competitors are working diligently to grow their capabilities and overcome any shortcomings, both logistically and economically. This is of great concern to the nearly 42,000 Iowa soybean farmers who derive their livelihood from an industry built on the ability to do business internationally.

“There are winners and losers in every trade war. The soybean industry is a loser if we become a residual, rather than primary, supplier of soybeans to China. Iowa is disproportionately impacted because of the tremendous volume of soybeans produced here and the need to move our product to international customers.

“Iowa farmers are resilient, resourceful and accustomed to dealing with situations out of their control. We recognize and fully appreciate the legitimate issues involving U.S. and Chinese trade relations. As we prepare to harvest another substantial soybean crop this fall, we urge U.S. and China officials to engage in full and transparent dialogue to resolve these issues quickly. Time is of the essence.”

Quick facts:
-    U.S. soybean prices are already $1.65 below the average global soybean price.
-    According to a Purdue University study, a 25 percent tariff imposed by China on U.S. soybean imports would result in a 65 percent decline in soybean exports to the country. Total U.S. soy exports would drop by 37 percent while U.S. soybean production would decline by 15 percent.
-    Chad Hart, associate professor of economics and crop markets specialist, Iowa State University Extension, estimates Iowa soybean farmers stand to lose up to $624 million because of higher tariffs implemented by China.
-    Iowa soybean farmers produced $5.2 billion worth of soybeans in 2017 on production of nearly 563 million bushels.
-    Soybeans are America’s leading agricultural export, with sales of $27 billion last year.
-    China is the top market for U.S. soybeans, accounting for $12-14 billion in sales in 2017.
-    51 percent of the U.S. soybean crop is exported annually.
-    As of July 5, 2018, soybean futures prices were trading the lowest they had since September 2008.

Signed by: Bill Shipley, President (Nodaway); Lindsay Greiner, President-elect (Keota); Dave Walton, Wilton, Mark Vosika, Pocahontas; Chuck White, Spencer; April Hemmes, Hampton; Tim Bardole, Rippey; Steph Essick, Dickens; Casey Schlichting, Clear Lake; Rick Juchems, Plainfield; Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg; LaVerne Arndt, Sac City; Jeff Frank, Auburn; Morey Hill, Madrid; Rolland Schnell, Newton; Robb Ewoldt, Blue Grass; Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney; Warren Bachman, Osceola; Randy Miller, Lacona; Pat Swanson, Ottumwa; Tom Adam, Harper and Brent Renner, Klemme.



Naig statement on Chinese tariffs on U.S. ag products

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement on China’s tariffs on a number of U.S. agricultural products that have gone into effect today. The products targeted by China include soybeans, corn, pork, beef and poultry.

“The continued escalation of trade tensions with China is having a real impact on Iowa farmers and businesses. We have seen a significant drop in prices for both crops and livestock and this is creating even more stress and uncertainty during what was already a difficult time for the ag economy.

“There are real issues in our trade relationship with China that need to be addressed, but Iowa agriculture cannot continue to bear the brunt of the retaliation from our trading partners.

“The Administration needs to move forward quickly to provide market certainty for farmers for this year and as they plan ahead for 2019.  I will continue to work with the Governor and our federal delegation to urge the quick resolution of the current disputes with China and our NAFTA trading partners, and also to develop new export markets for Iowa products. It is also important for the Administration to protect our critically important renewable fuels market by maintaining the ethanol and biodiesel levels required by law and allow for the year round sale of E15.”



After Months of Asking for an Alternative, Soy Farmers Hit by China Tariff

A soft farm market, already-declining prices, and now, China’s retaliation against President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods, which took effect at midnight last night. Soybean farmers, whose crop represents 41 percent of the value of products on China’s tariff list, will feel the full effect.

The value of U.S. soybean exports to China has grown 26-fold in 10 years, from $414 million in 1996 to $14 billion in 2017. Since talk of the tariffs began back in March, U.S. soy prices have dropped more than $2.00 per bushel.

“Soybeans are the top agriculture export for the United States, and China is the top market for purchasing those exports,” says John Heisdorffer, a soybean grower from Keota, Iowa, and president of the American Soybean Association (ASA). “The math is simple. You tax soybean exports at 25-percent, and you have serious damage to U.S. farmers.”

Soy growers rely heavily on exports to China: In 2017, China imported 31 percent of U.S. production, equal to 60 percent of total U.S exports and nearly 1 in every 3 rows of harvested beans. Over the next 10 years, Chinese demand for soybeans is expected to account for most of the growth in global soybean trade, which underscores the importance of this market for future U.S. soybean sales.

When the possibility of tariffs first arose, ASA asked President Trump to consider other policies for reducing the U.S. trade deficit with China. Then ASA organized a fly-in to urge Congress to encourage the Administration to rethink the tariffs. Finally, in a last-ditch social media effort earlier this week, individual soybean farmers who will be directly affected by the trade conflict attached their photographs to statements appealing directly to the President and his advisors.



China Tariff On U.S. Pork Now Tops 60 Percent; American Pork Producers Face Financial Crisis

U.S. pork producers now face punitive tariffs of 62 percent on exports to China, a market that represented 17 percent of total U.S. exports by value in 2017.

China announced a new 25 percent tariff in response to U.S. action under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. That tariff is on top of the 25 percent punitive duty levied by China in early April in response to U.S. action under Section 232 of The Trade Expansion Act of 1962. U.S. pork already had a 12 percent tariff on exports to China. (The country also has a 13 percent value-added tax on most agricultural imports.)

Combined with Mexico, which also placed a punitive tariff on U.S. pork – it was 10 percent from June 5 until yesterday, when it rose to 20 percent – 40 percent of total American pork exports now are under retaliatory tariffs, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of U.S. pig farmers.

Iowa State University economists calculated that from early March, when rumors of China’s initial retaliatory tariff were circulating, through May producers lost $18 per hog, or more than $2 billion on an annualized basis.

“We now face large financial losses and contraction because of escalating trade disputes. That means less income for pork producers and, ultimately, some of them going out of business,” said Jim Heimerl, president of the National Pork Producers Council and a hog farmer from Johnstown, Ohio.

“America’s pig farmers and their families are patriots who are demonstrating enormous commitment to the greater good of our country as they shoulder a disproportionate share of trade retaliation against the United States,” added Heimerl. “We need these trade disputes to end.”

Tariffs on American products make them less competitive on the international market.



Trade Conflict with China Already Hurting U.S. Farm Families

From March to June over the past three years, Chinese flour milling companies and their importers purchased an average of about 20 million bushels of U.S. wheat, returning well over $145 million to American farm families and grain handlers. Not in 2018, however. Unable to accept the risk of escalating import prices, Chinese customers stopped making new purchases of U.S. wheat last March, after the Chinese government threaten a 25 percent import tariff on U.S. wheat in retaliation to the threat of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.

Today, damage to the livelihood of America’s hard-working farm families is no longer just a threat. The exchange of punitive tariffs between Washington and Beijing today represents the next phase of what could be a long and difficult struggle that will likely inflict more pain before we reach an unknown resolution.

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and the growers we represent reaffirm our position that unfair Chinese government policies create unnecessary trade distortions that hurt U.S. farmers and other industries. We urged the U.S. government to challenge China’s domestic price support and tariff rate quota compliance that led to cases disputing these policies within the World Trade Organization (WTO). These cases served notice to China and our trading partners that the United States was willing to lead a legitimate effort to enforce existing trade rules — by following those rules.

China did not stop importing U.S. wheat in response to these cases, in part because Chinese demand for our high-quality wheat crops is rapidly growing. The unilateral decision to impose tariffs, however, has already had a direct, damaging effect on U.S. wheat growers. 

Wheat growers can only hope that the United States and China will stop trading salvos and we call on both governments to come to a resolution quickly. Farmers are eager to move past this dispute and start trading wheat and other agricultural products again soon. 



The Trump Administration Can Prevent the Threat of Wheat Export Losses Under CPTPP

Implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) without the United States is a time bomb set to demolish more than 60 years of hard work by multiple generations of U.S. farm families to develop a large and loyal market for U.S. wheat in Japan. The U.S. government has the power, however, to defuse this device and avoid an unnecessary and costly disaster.

Today, Japan became the second country to ratify the CPTPP, which could be implemented in early 2019 after six of the 11 countries that signed the agreement have ratified it. This development comes on the same day the United States and China escalated a trade war that has already imposed harm on U.S. wheat growers, potentially compounding the difficult economic conditions further. Canada and Australia, which are major competitors to the United States in the Japanese wheat market, are also parties to the agreement, meaning implementation would put U.S. wheat farmers at a severe disadvantage in our second biggest wheat market. 

Once implemented, the agreement calls for incrementally discounting the effective import tariffs that Japanese flour millers pay for imported Australian and Canadian milling wheat from about $150 to about $85 per metric ton (MT). Imported U.S. wheat effective tariffs would remain at about $150 per MT.

Sources within the Japanese milling industry estimate this disadvantage would force them to start looking at alternatives to U.S. wheat and cut average total imports of western white, dark northern spring (DNS) and hard red winter (HRW) wheat by more than half — from about 3.1 million metric tons (MMT) per year to 1.35 MMT per year or less. If nothing changes before the effective tariff schedule is fully implemented, U.S. wheat farmers and the U.S. grain trade will essentially be writing a $500 million check every year to Australian and Canadian farmers.

U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers call on the Trump Administration to end this threat by taking the bold but necessary steps toward joining the CPTPP or engaging in bilateral negotiations. We see no other way to stop a situation that we believe will cut already unprofitable cash wheat prices even further.



Export Exchange 2018 Scheduled For October 2018

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy encourage U.S. suppliers of coarse grains and co-products, industry representatives and members of the grain trade to register now for Export Exchange 2018, scheduled for October 22-24, 2018, in Minneapolis.

Registration is available online via www.exportexchange.org. The Council, RFA and Growth Energy members will be eligible for discounted pricing and should identify themselves as such at the time of registration.

The biennial event, which is co-sponsored by the Council, RFA and Growth Energy, is expected to bring together 200 international buyers and end-users of coarse grains and co-products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), with approximately 300 U.S. suppliers and agribusiness representatives.

“Export Exchange connects international grain buyers with U.S. suppliers,” said Deb Keller, USGC chairman and farmer from Iowa. “We are excited to have export industry members join us, and so many of our customers in Minneapolis to learn the latest about U.S. exports and how to purchase.”

In addition to networking opportunities, the conference will have general sessions, which will address critical issues facing U.S. agricultural exports, offering the customers and sellers in attendance an increased awareness of the benefits of U.S. coarse grains and co-products, including DDGS.

“DDGS and other co-products provide a value-added market for the U.S. ethanol industry, generating a record 41.4 million metric tons of distillers grains, gluten feed and gluten meal last year,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “DDGS exports alone were shipped to 50 countries on five continents last year, and is poised for further growth. The Export Exchange will help foster greater connections between producers and marketers of these co-products with customers around the world.”

Following Export Exchange 2016, buyers and end-users reported sales of approximately 2.6 million metric tons of grains and co-products worth $460 million traded either at the conference or immediately before or after.

“Co-products like DDGS have become increasingly attractive to global markets for their high-quality, competitive price, and high protein content. Export Exchange is a chance to bring that product to key markets like Mexico, Turkey, Thailand, South Korea and many others,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This event allows producers to promote the many benefits of DDGS to foreign markets and tell the story of how they are produced.”

More information will be distributed in the coming months to members of the grains industries and will be made available online at www.exportexchange.org or on social media using the hashtag #ExEx18. Those interested can sign up for a mailing list to automatically receive conference updates by emailing info@exportexchange.org.



Record-High Agricultural Exports in May 2018

Data recently released from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Trade System indicates that U.S. farmers and ranchers exported a record $12.3 billion of agricultural products to 174 countries during May 2018, up 15 percent from prior-year levels.

The top markets for U.S. agricultural products in May were Canada ($1.9 billion), Mexico ($1.7 billion), Japan ($1.2 billion), South Korea ($813 million) and China ($720 million). Exports to Canada and Mexico were up 1 percent and 5 percent from prior-year levels, respectively. Japan and South Korea exports were up 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively. Finally, exports to China were down 6 percent compared to prior-year levels. However, Chinese oilseed exports were up 38 percent from May of last year.

Oilseeds and oilseed product exports were up 74 percent to $2.3 billion, and were record high for May. Grain and feed exports were up 14 percent at $3.1 billion. Cotton exports were up 24 percent to $789 million. Horticultural product exports were unchanged at $2.8 billion. Livestock and meat exports were up 7 percent to $1.7 billion. Finally, dairy product exports were up 1 percent to $505 million.



US Biodiesel, Distillers Grains Exports Get Boost in May

The U.S. Census Bureau said Friday that U.S. exports of goods and services totaled $215.3 billion in May, up $4.1 billion from April. Imports totaled $258.4 billion, up $1.1 billion on the month. The resulting trade deficit of $43.1 billion for May was down $3.0 billion from April's revised total.

USDA later provided more details for exports of ethanol, biodiesel and distillers grains.

USDA said U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 91.9 million gallons in May, down 24% from a year ago. Canada was the top destination in May, accounting for 35% of the total, while April's top destination, Brazil, fell to fourth. Peru and Philippines were second and third, respectively. In the first five months of 2018, U.S. ethanol exports were up 29% from a year ago.

U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 53,800.0 metric tons in May, up 60% from a year ago. Canada was the top destination in May again, taking 88%, the lion's share of U.S. exports. Peru was second with 6% of May's total. So far in 2018, U.S. exports of biodiesel are up 39% from a year ago.

U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 994,006 metric tons in May, up 38% from a year ago. Turkey climbed to the top export destination in May, accounting for 15% of the total and was followed by Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. The first five months of U.S. distillers grains exports were slightly higher in 2018 than a year ago.



High Water Stalls Barge Traffic on Upper Mississippi

For the week ending June 30, corn barge tonnages on the locking portions of the Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas rivers were 617 thousand tons, 14 percent lower than last week. Soybean tonnages were 249 thousand tons, 18 percent lower than last week.

Barge operations have been slowed by high water conditions on the Upper Mississippi River.

During the same week, significant increases in wheat tonnages were reported on the Arkansas River, which had normal navigation conditions.

Total wheat barge tonnages were 61 thousand tons, a weekly increase of 47 percent.

As of July 3, no Mississippi River locks are forecasted to be closed. However, the number of barges per tow has been restricted on portions of the river.



Farmers Union Hosts 82nd Annual All-States Leadership Camp

Farmers Union youth members from across the country gathered here last week for the 82nd annual National Farmers Union (NFU) All-States Leadership Camp. Hosted each June at the NFU Education Center, All-States Camp encourages youth to explore their leadership potential, discuss issues important to their generation, learn more about the power of cooperatives, and identify ways to affect positive change in their communities.

“Farmers Union is rooted in cooperative principles, and our organization has a long history of providing young adults with tools and opportunities to lead,” said NFU President Roger Johnson, a former NFU All-States camper. “For 82 years now, All-States Camp has been the place where our young members can come to learn more about the organization, the cooperative model, and leadership. I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm and high regard that our young members have for attending the camp each year,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.

Throughout the week, campers between the ages of 17 and 20 years participated in programs that emphasize leadership, teamwork and cooperative education while also enjoying traditional camp activities. In addition, campers gained hands-on experience on an urban farm in Denver, Colorado while volunteering at Sprout City Farms.

This year’s camp, themed “Looking Forward to the Future,” featured a number of notable speakers and presenters. Some of the speakers have been esteemed All-States guests for many years; Olympic Gold Medalist Rulon Gardner, a camp regular, spoke about overcoming the odds to become an unlikely wrestling hero. Former camper and National Youth Advisory Council member, now Senior Director of Communications at Farm Credit, Brittany Jablonsky shared with campers how embracing her roots as a North Dakota farm girl has helped her succeed in agricultural career off the farm. Rocky Mountain Farmers Union staff member Aubriel Jones discussed leadership in agriculture with the group, sharing with them the tools to create collegiate Farmers Union chapters. And NFU intern Kiana Brockel, with the help of RMFU’s Director of External Affairs Nick Levendofsky, walked the campers through NFU’s grassroots policy process and a mock policy debate.

The campers also elected six of their peers to NFU’s National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC), which represents thousands of Farmers Union youth across the country. NYAC will further hone their leadership skills at a learning session in Washington, D.C., through presentations at NFU’s 117th Anniversary Convention, as well as by planning next year’s All-States Camp.

This year’s NYAC includes: Camryn Billen, Wisconsin; Jim Brockel, South Dakota; Justin Goetz, South Dakota; Riley Lebahn, North Dakota; Caleb Nugteren, South Dakota; and Jade Person, Minnesota.

“NYAC builds leaders in the agriculture industry and ensures the voice of younger generations is heard and respected in what the organization does,” said Johnson. “Over the course of the next year, these six youths will serve as representatives of their peers, learn about the legislative process and lobbying, and present in front of hundreds of NFU members and press at the NFU convention. I’m confident they will be strong advocates for both the organization and young people in agriculture.”