Senate Passes One-Year ELD Extension
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb) praised the Senate’s passage of her amendment that would extend the electronic logging device (ELD) waiver for livestock haulers by one year, while she continues working to make the hours-of-service requirements more flexible. Senator Fischer, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, has continued to fight for hours-of-service relief and issued the following statement:
“Nebraskans who transport livestock face unique challenges. Today the Senate passed my amendment to delay electronic logging device requirements for livestock haulers for one year. With this extension, we will have more time to bring common-sense to these rules and provide additional flexibility.”
Senator Fischer worked closely with Senate Commerce Committee leadership, Chairman John Thune and Ranking Member Bill Nelson, to include her ELD amendment in the Minibus Appropriations bill that passed the Senate.
Senator Fischer first brought concerns about the inflexibility of hours-of-service requirements to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in August of 2017. Senator Fischer held subsequent meetings with leadership at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to stress the need for flexible hours-of-service.
Following those meetings, the agency extended the temporary waiver from the ELD requirement for ag and livestock haulers while it continued reviewing its guidance. Additionally, Senator Fischer worked to ensure an extension of the ELD waiver for livestock haulers the through September 30, 2018, was signed into law in March. In May, FMCSA issued its guidance on hours-of-service requirements that provided some flexibility for truckers, including livestock haulers. Senator Fischer has continued working to expand on that hours-of-service flexibility, both with the administration and members of the Senate.
The livestock industry plays a critical role in the viability of Nebraska’s agriculture industry and the state’s economy. Nebraska ranks first in the country for cattle on feed, second in total number of cattle and calves, and sixth in hog production.
Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding Adoption of Sen. Fischer Amendment on Livestock Hauler Exemption
“Today the Senate acted to provide livestock haulers with a one-year extension from having to comply with electronic logging device requirements under federal hours of service regulations. This is an important step in the ongoing process to make sure federal regulations governing livestock transport provide much needed flexibility to our state’s livestock haulers. We greatly appreciate Sen. Fischer’s leadership and efforts to successfully bring this amendment to the table and secure its passage as part of broader legislation to fund government programs. We look forward to continuing to work with Sen. Fischer to find a permanent solution that provides a common-sense approach to regulations that recognize the unique challenges that exist in hauling livestock animals.”
NEBRASKA EXTENSION OFFERS CORN AND SOYBEAN PRODUCTION CLINICS IN AUGUST
Nebraska Extension’s Aug. 22 Midwest Soybean Production Clinic and Aug. 23 Midwest Corn Production Clinic will provide an in-field opportunity for participants to work with crops in the early vegetative stages of growth through maturity.
“Agribusiness professionals and crop producers will take a close-up look at field conditions, research and techniques at the University of Nebraska’s Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics,” said Nebraska Extension Educator Keith Glewen. “The clinics provide opportunities for hands-on interaction.”
Soybean clinic topics include: cultural practices; genetics/agronomics; insect management; plant pathology; soil fertility; and weed management.
Corn clinic topics include: cultural practices; genetics/production; insect damage; plant pathology; soil fertility; and weed science.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. both days and the clinics run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will meet at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building at the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead.
A total of 8 Certified Crop Adviser credits (crop management – 2, nutrient management – 2, and pest management - 4) have been applied for and are pending approval for each clinic. Participants will earn 16 credits by attending both days.
Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat (limit 60) and resource materials. Cost for one clinic is $95 for those registering one week in advance and $120 after. Special pricing is available for those registering for both clinics - $150 by Aug. 17, $200 after.
For more information or to register, contact the Nebraska Extension CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033, call (800) 529-8030, fax (402) 624-8010, e-mail cdunbar2@unl.edu or visit https://enre.unl.edu/crop/.
From County Bridges to Chinese Markets, Ag Transportation Summit Focuses on Connecting Supply to Demand
Issues from international trade relations to domestic infrastructure concerns were discussed at the Ag Transportation Summit July 25 and 26.
The summit, held every two years, is hosted by the National Grain and Feed Association and the Soy Transportation Coalition. The summit’s goal is to bring leaders from producer organizations, agribusiness and the government to focus on maintaining and improving waterway, rail, truck and vessel transportation of U.S. agriculture.
“It’s kind of ironic that these trade and tariff issues are going on right now,” Nebraska Soybean Board and Soy Transportation Coalition member Richard Bartek said, noting that over half of Nebraska’s soybeans are exported to foreign markets.
While Bartek said most of those soybeans travel by railroad to the Pacific Northwest, they may begin to travel in another direction if China buys fewer U.S. soybeans.
“In our meeting, we had people concerned about where our product’s going to go,” Bartek said. “We know in this day and age people aren’t going to stop eating, and livestock’s got to have food. The world’s not going to stop just because of this trade issue.”
Infrastructure at the local level was a primary topic during both the summit and the Soy Transportation Coalition’s meeting leading up to it.
“When it comes to bridges and highways and railroads, that’s what I’m concerned about in Nebraska,” Bartek said. “The bridges are getting older and needing work. A lot of them are being closed, and this puts a hardship on school districts as well agriculture transportation.”
Nebraska Soybean Board and Soy Transportation Coalition member Doug Saathoff said he learned about load testing and geosynthetic reinforced soil bridge systems during the meeting.
“A local farmer could build them, using the materials he could find at Menard’s,” Saathoff said. “They’re strong and safe and reduce costs for everybody.”
Saathoff said the highlight of the summit was hearing Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue speak reassuringly about the future of trade.
“We’re good at what we do,” Saathoff said. “We’re raising a quality product, and we’re raising a lot of it. We just need to keep our markets open and the demand for our products high.”
Senators confront Acting EPA Administrator on ethanol during EPW hearing
Today, Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW). American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings commended a handful of bipartisan Senators for demanding answers to the biofuel industry’s priority issues with the following statement:
“ACE extends our highest gratitude to Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) for confronting Acting EPA Administrator Wheeler about the ethanol demand destruction created by an unprecedented number of small refinery exemptions (SREs) and how EPA intends to reallocate the waived gallons, as well as the need to make good on the President’s repeated promises to allow E15 use year-round. This is another example of the strong bipartisan support in Congress for making sure EPA follows the law while implementing the Renewable Fuel Standard.
“While we appreciate Acting Administrator Wheeler is looking into how EPA might reallocate the SREs and intends to publicize a “dashboard” to provide more transparency about the circumstances around why refineries receive exemptions from RFS compliance, farmers and biofuel producers are suffering the consequences of demand destruction and collapsed RIN and commodity markets. We need reallocation sooner rather than later.
“Finally, as I have said many times, actions speak louder than words. The President has promised to allow E15 use year-round on multiple occasions, including the public statement in Iowa last week about being “very close” to making this happen. I am disappointed Acting Administrator Wheeler said “some don’t think we have the authority” to allow E15 use year-round because even former administrator Scott Pruitt admitted EPA has the legal authority when speaking with ACE members in Kansas and South Dakota in June. It is important for Acting Administrator Wheeler to make good on the president’s promises to maintain the RFS as the law of the land and allow E15 year-round.”
Soybeans are BIG as ISA Celebrates August Soybean Month
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) continues its commitment to soybean farmers and their industry by ringing in August as Soybean Month.
The celebration touting Iowa’s 40,000-plus soybean farmers and their commitment to sustainably producing more than 550 million bushels of soybeans annually valued at nearly $5 billion include numerous events and activities.
They include a Soybeans Are Big In Iowa Month proclamation signing by Gov. Kim Reynolds Friday, Aug. 10. ISA members and staff will also be present throughout the month at events across Iowa to meet with farmers and share the local, state and national benefits of soybean production.
“As we prepare for another harvest, August is always a great reminder to celebrate soybean production and promote how soybeans help feed and fuel a growing global population,” says ISA President Bill Shipley of Nodaway. “We celebrate soybeans year-round at the ISA, but August provides a timely opportunity to bring added attention to the industry’s contributions to Iowa, the nation and the world.”
The ISA will bring the story of soybean production to:
Iowa State Fair, Aug. 9 – 19
ISA will sponsor activities in venues throughout the fairgrounds including the Ag Building and Animal Learning Center.
Soybean farmers will converse with fairgoers in the Ag Building Aug. 9 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They’ll share insights about the soybean industry, and answer questions about production, environmental stewardship and trade. Visitors can test their agricultural knowledge and win prizes.
The ISA is also proud to sponsor the Little Hands on the Farm Kids Zone on the fairground’s north side. Little Hands on the Farm teaches children the importance of agriculture and how it affects their daily lives in a fun and interactive way.
On Sunday, Aug. 12, nearly 100 farmers will welcome 400 guests as they gather around the largest dinner table ever set at the Iowa State Fair. The table will be set in the middle of the Grand Concourse.. The ISA is proud to help sponsor this unique event where farmers will share how food is grown and makes its way from the farm to the fair as they encourage additional farm and city fellowship.
Soybeans will also be on display at the Varied Industries building as part of the Iowa Food and Family Project exhibit. The ISA is a founding partner of the Iowa Food & Family project that encourages Iowans to become more confident and trusting in agriculture and food production through community activities, educational programs and information sharing.
Expedition Farm Tour, Aug. 24 - 25
The ISA is helping sponsor the Iowa Food & Family project’s fourth annual Expedition Farm Country. Fifty consumers will be selected to participate in the two-day tour of farms, historic sites and local eateries. One of the stops includes ISA farmer director, Suzanne Shirbroun and her husband, Joe. To learn more or enter for the opportunity to participate, go to www.iowafoodandfamily.com.
Farm Progress Show, Aug.28 – 30
Guests are encouraged to visit tent No. 740 for farmer/industry dialogue and hands-on learning. Show-goers can learn the latest information regarding soybean research, markets, and get a chance to talk with ISA directors. American Soybean Association representatives will also be on hand to offer additional perspectives about policy issues impacting soybean farmers. Attendees who join the ISA as an Advocate member during the show will receive a personalized farm sign painted on authentic barn wood and be entered to win a $500 biodiesel gift card sponsored by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.
Why are Soybeans Big in Iowa?
Iowa routinely ranks first or second nationally in soybean production.. It accounts for approximately 14 percent of all soybeans grown in the U.S.. The state’s soybean farmers have invested more than $40 million in research to further promote conservation and sustainability efforts since the ISA was launched in 1964. Iowa-grown soybeans also contribute to the local and global economy in a variety of ways:
· Biodiesel: Iowa is the leading biodiesel-producing state. Iowa biodiesel supported nearly 3,800 full-time equivalent jobs in the state in 2017 and adds $457 million of GDP annually, per the National Biodiesel board. Biodiesel alone contributes to 63 cents in market value while also lowering the price of soybean meal for livestock farmers.
· Livestock: One of every four rows of soybeans grown in Iowa is fed to the more than 38 million pigs raised annually in Iowa. Domestic animal agriculture uses over 26 million metric tons of U.S. soybean meal. That’s the meal from more than 1.2 billion bushels of U.S. soybeans.
· Research: The ISA works to improve the profitability and sustainability of Iowa soybean farmers. Research done through the ISA On-Farm Network contributes to improve sustainability efforts such as bioreactors, which can reduce nitrogen runoff by up to 90%.
· Soyfoods: With protein being the most sought-out nutritional attribute, 52 percent of millennials are consuming soy, which is low in fat and cholesterol, at least once a week. Over the past four years, more than 170 new soy products have been brought to market.
Iowa DNR Claims Mission Accomplished - Environmental Groups Say They Fall Short
Food and Water Watch press release
Today, Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) submitted its fifth annual report of its progress implementing the precedent-setting Work Plan Agreement between the department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The report states that DNR believes it has met all of the requirements of the Work Plan and brought its factory farm program into compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA).
But, local and national farm and environment groups say the DNR continues to allow factory farms to pollute Iowa waters. Because more oversight is needed, the EPA should take further action in response to the pending “de-delegation” petition to strip DNR of its CWA authority for failure to adequately regulate concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), or factory farms.
The DNR/EPA Work Plan Agreement followed an EPA investigation, which was conducted in response to a de-delegation petition filed by Iowa CCI, the Environmental Integrity Project, and Iowa Sierra Club. EPA’s investigation found that DNR was failing to issue CWA permits to polluting factory farms and was taking inadequate enforcement actions that do not deter future pollution. The Work Plan required DNR to inspect thousands of facilities to identify polluters, issue permits to dischargers, and strengthen its enforcement actions.
After five years, DNR reports that it has completed the required inspections of the factory farms in its database. But the CAFO inventory the Work Plan required has also uncovered thousands of additional facilities that could be livestock confinements in need of CWA permits. Today’s report confirms that DNR has yet to identify or inspect thousands of these recently discovered facilities.
Of the “unknown” factory farms that DNR has identified so far, over 500 are medium livestock operations and several are large CAFOs, as defined by the EPA.
“Over 500 operations produce a lot of unaccounted for toxic liquid manure. We have a water crisis. It’s DNR’s job to make sure factory farm manure is accounted for and does not make its way into our waterways,” said Cherie Mortice, former hog farmer, retired teacher, and Board President of Iowa CCI.
The 2018 Report also shows that DNR is still failing to issue discharge permits to CAFOs, despite a dozen documented discharges to Iowa waters since last year’s report. In fact, the total number of CWA permits in effect for CAFOs has actually declined over the past year.
“Any factory farm that discharges pollution needs a Clean Water Act permit and needs to be held accountable, not just given a slap on the wrist,” said Barb Kalbach, 4th generation family farmer from Dexter.
Iowa’s more than 22 million hogs confined in thousands of factory farms produce nearly 22 billion gallons of toxic manure every year. There have been more than 800 documented manure spills since 1996 and Iowa currently has more than 750 polluted waterways. Iowa’s 2014 list of impaired waterways shows manure is a leading cause of impairments in Iowa lakes and rivers.
“Checking the boxes on the Work Plan has failed to address widespread manure pollution in state waterways, and additional EPA action is clearly needed,” said Tarah Heinzen, Staff Attorney with Food & Water Watch.
“DNR may think it has escaped any further requirements under the Work Plan, but we expect DNR to inspect animal feeding operations and issue permits and penalties as required by the Clean Water Act,” said Wally Taylor, Iowa Sierra Club Attorney.
“This Work Plan will only be successful if it leads to real oversight of factory farm pollution in Iowa. That means serious inspections, strong permits, and enforcement actions that ensure it doesn’t pay to pollute. DNR hasn’t shown that it takes permitting and enforcement seriously. Iowa needs NPDES permits for all existing factory farms and a moratorium on new or expanding factory farms,” said Jess Mazour, Farm & Environment Organizer at Iowa CCI.
Statement on Senate’s 84-14 Rejection of Lee-Booker Effort to Block FDA Food Labeling Standards Enforcement
Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
“We are very pleased with the Senate’s overwhelming rejection of Sen. Lee’s blatant attempt to interfere with the ability of the Food and Drug Administration to enforce standards of identity for dairy products and other foods. We fought this amendment because it would have undermined the decades-long policy, established by Congress, that the FDA should regulate food names in order to promote honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers.
Standards of identity for milk and other products guarantee that consumers’ expectations are met both in terms of minimum levels of key ingredients and consistency of key sensory and quality attributes. As FDA Commissioner Gottlieb stated last week, consumers are being misled by the nutritional content of plant-based beverages that use the term “milk” on their labels.
Today’s vote should send a very strong message to food marketers who have long been ignoring FDA’s food labeling standards by inappropriately using dairy terms on products that do not contain any dairy. Those days are numbered. FDA now knows it has strong, bipartisan support in Congress in its efforts to assure a fair marketplace. We thank Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jim Risch (R-ID) for their bipartisan work to defeat this amendment.
We also commend Sen. Baldwin for her successful work on a separate amendment that will create additional dairy innovation grants to help companies expand initiatives that will add more value to the milk farmers produce.”
Roberts, Stabenow Applaud Vote to Begin Farm Bill Conference, Appointment of Conferees
U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., today are pleased the Senate has voted to move forward with the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee. The Senators also applauded the announcement of the Senators who will serve on the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee.
- Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan.
- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
- Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.
- Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.
- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa
- Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.
- Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
- Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio
- Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.
“This strong group of Senate conferees knows how to work together on a bipartisan basis to get the Farm Bill across the finish line,” said Roberts and Stabenow. “We look forward to beginning the conference process so we can provide certainty to our farmers, families, and rural communities.”
On June 28, 2018, the U.S. Senate passed the 2018 Farm Bill on a strong bipartisan 86-11 vote – the most votes a Senate Farm Bill has ever received. The bipartisan 5-year legislation encompasses a broad array of agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policy. The Senate bill has the support of more than 500 groups representing thousands of agriculture, food, nutrition, hunger, forestry, conservation, rural, business, faith-based, research, and academic interests. Click here to read the legislation, summaries, and amendments.
The Conference Committee will be composed of members of the U.S. House and Senate. The House conferees were announced earlier this month. A public meeting of the Conference Committee will be announced at a later date.
NAWG Applauds Congress for Moving Forward with Farm Bill Conference Committee
The House and Senate have officially announced their respective conferees for the 2018 Farm Bill. In total, 56 have been assigned to the Conference Committee, including members from both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees as well as from committees with jurisdiction in the bill. NAWG President and Sentinel, OK wheat farmer Jimmie Musick made the following statement:
“NAWG applauds that the House and Senate for moving forward with the 2018 Farm Bill reauthorization process by assigning members to the Conference Committee. While there is still much work to be done, we are pleased that House and Senate leadership are keeping up the momentum by completing this crucial next step in finalizing a 2018 Farm Bill.
“While reconciling differences between the two bills, NAWG urges Members to put politics aside and growers first by completing one bill that works for all of agriculture. In our discussions with the Conference Committee, we will continue to fight to prevent cuts to crop insurance and ensure growers have access to a strong safety net program.
“NAWG remains committed to prioritizing working lands programs in the Farm Bill and ensuring that wheat growers have access to conservation stewardship and practices-based payments. Voluntary conservation programs should address the resource concerns of all production areas and especially semi-arid regions with dryland farming where there is significant wheat production.
“Additionally, we will work to make sure the final bill has a fully funded Research Title, so growers can have access to the innovative technology allowing them to continue to produce a healthy crop at a lower cost for the consumer.
“NAWG will also work with the Committee to make sure the 2018 Farm Bill includes strong investment in the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) which allow small agricultural businesses to build export markets overseas.
“We are looking forward to working with members and their staff throughout this process and hope to finalize a bill by the September 30th deadline.”
Retail Fertilizer Trends Remain High
Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of July 2018 once again show most fertilizers are slightly higher. Seven of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to last month, but none were up a substantial amount. DAP had an average price of $486/ton, potash $356/ton, urea $366/ton, 10-34-0 $442/ton, anhydrous $501/ton, UAN28 $243/ton and UAN32 $279/ton.
One fertilizer was slightly lower than the previous month. MAP had an average price of $504/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.31/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.44/lb.N.
All eight of the major fertilizers are now higher compared to last year with prices shifting higher in recent months. 10-34-0 is 4% higher; both potash and UAN32 are 5% more expensive; UAN28 is 6% higher; MAP is 9% more expensive; DAP is 12% higher; and both anhydrous and urea are now 19% more expensive compared to last year.
USDA Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.09 million tons (170 million bushels) in June 2018, compared to 5.17 million tons (172 million bushels) in May 2018 and 4.45 million tons (148 million bushels) in June 2017. Crude oil produced was 1.94 billion pounds down 2 percent from May 2018 but up 12 percent from June 2017. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.44 billion pounds during June 2018 decreased 2 percent from May 2018 but increased 6 percent from June 2017.
USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 517 million bushels in June 2018. Total corn consumption was down 1 percent from May 2018 but up 6 percent from June 2017. June 2018 usage included 91.2 percent for alcohol and 8.8 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.12 million bushels, up 7 percent from May 2018 and up 13 percent from June 2017. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 463 million bushels, was down 2 percent from May 2018 but up 6 percent from June 2017. Corn consumed in June 2018 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.1 percent and 8.9 percent respectively.
Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 2.02 million tons during June 2018, up 3 percent from May 2018 and up 9 percent from June 2017. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.28 million tons in June 2018, down 8 percent from May 2018 but up slightly from June 2017.
Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 302 thousand tons during June 2018, up 4 percent from May 2018 but down 12 percent from June 2017. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 262 thousand tons in June 2018, down 7 percent from May 2018 and down 12 percent from June 2017.
USDA Flour Milling Products Report
All wheat ground for flour during the second quarter 2018 was 227 million bushels, down slightly from the first quarter 2018 grind of 227 million bushels but up 1 percent from the second quarter 2017 grind of 224 million bushels. Second quarter 2018 total flour production was 105 million hundredweight, down slightly from the first quarter 2018 but up 1 percent from the second quarter 2017. Whole wheat flour production at 5.39 million hundredweight during the second quarter 2018 accounted for 5 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the second quarter 2018 was 1.59 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the second quarter 2018 was 1.64 million hundredweight.
US Ethanol Production Capacity Up
Fuel ethanol production in the United States reached more than 16 billion gallons per year, or 1.06 million barrels per day (bpd), at the beginning of 2018, according to data highlighted by the Energy Information Administration in its latest Today in Energy series.
EIA's most recent U.S. Fuel Ethanol Plant Production Capacity report shows total listed, or nameplate capacity, of operable ethanol plants increased 5% -- more than 700 million gallons per year -- between January 2017 and 2018.
Part of the increase in nameplate fuel ethanol production capacity in the most recent report is the result of EIA's outreach to survey respondents that were operating at levels higher than their listed production capacities, which had resulted in utilization rates above 100%.
In previous surveys, these respondents reported the facilities' original design capacity values and may not have accounted for expansions or modifications at the plants. This year, some respondents increased their nameplate production capacity to values consistent with EIA's definition.
The remaining increase in production capacity was a result of plant improvements and process modifications such as equipment upgrades, plant expansions, improved maintenance routines and installation of new equipment at some facilities.
EIA reports actual U.S. production of fuel ethanol reached a total of 15.8 billion gallons, or 1.03 million bpd in 2017. In its Short-term Outlook, EIA forecast ethanol production to reach 15.9 billion gallons this year, which would equate to 98% utilization of reported nameplate capacity as of Jan. 1.
USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for August 2018
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation, today, announced interest rates for August 2018. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for August is 2.375 percent, up from 2.250 percent in July.
The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during August is 3.375 percent, up from 3.250 percent in July.
Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for August are as follows: 2.625 percent with three-year loan terms, the same as 2.625 percent in July; 2.750 percent with five-year loan terms, the same as 2.750 percent in July; 2.875 percent with seven-year loan terms, the same as 2.875 percent in July; 2.875 percent with 10-year loan terms, the same as 2.875 percent in July and; 2.875 percent with 12-year loan terms, down from 3.000 percent in July.
Critical Issues to be Addressed at 2018 Cattle Industry Summer Meeting
More than 600 cattle industry leaders will be attending the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in Denver this week to help create direction for critical industry programs. The meeting is taking place Aug. 1-4.
The event includes meetings of cattlemen and women representing the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, American National CattleWomen and National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Among the purposes of the yearly conference is to create a framework for checkoff and policy efforts on behalf of U.S. cattle producers for the upcoming fiscal year, which for NCBA and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board begins Oct. 1.
Keynoter at the Thursday, Aug. 2, Opening General Session will be Tom Hayes, president and CEO of Tyson Foods, Inc., the country’s largest food company. Leading Tyson since 2016, Hayes has been focused on creating shared value and addressing societal needs and challenges in a way that benefits company stakeholders. He will engage with General Session attendees in a lively, informal discussion of topics of prime importance to the entire beef community. The session is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.
Also at the Summer Business Meeting, 2018 Environmental Stewardship Awards Program (ESAP) regional winners will be announced. Regional winners will compete for the national ESAP award, to be named during the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show next January in New Orleans, La.
“During these important meetings U.S. cattle producer leaders actively discuss and develop the direction of industrywide policy and demand-building programs,” said Kevin Kester, a California beef producer and NCBA president. “It’s a critical component of our grassroots process as we set stage for upcoming organizational efforts.”
Joint Committees and Subcommittees will meet on Thursday and Friday to develop proposals for 2019 checkoff-funded research, education and promotion programs. Also on Friday NCBA policy committees will meet to determine priorities and discuss strategies for 2019. The NCBA Board will hold its board meeting on Saturday, Aug. 4. The meeting of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board will take place on Friday, Aug. 3.
“The Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting is a demonstration of the dedication and broad vision of hundreds of cattlemen and women from across the country, “said Kester. “Despite their busy schedules at home, these U.S. cattle producers have taken the time to help assure the beef cattle industry has the best chance of future success.”
Emerging Markets For Grains, Ethanol Take Center Stage At U.S Grains Council Meeting In Denver
In a global trade environment challenged by tariffs and tensions, emerging markets for grains and ethanol provided a bright spot for U.S. farmers, agribusinesses and industry officials at the U.S. Grains Council’s 58th Annual Board of Delegates meeting in Denver.
The Council’s Middle East and Africa Director Ramy Taieb and Manager of Global Trade Alvaro Cordero spoke on a panel moderated by the Council’s Senior Director of Global Strategies Kurt Shultz, highlighting the Middle East and North Africa as a 10 million metric ton (394 million bushel) market for U.S. grains in all forms.
They focused on new demand in Saudi Arabia for U.S. sorghum and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), near-term opportunities developed following years of work by Council staff and members to set the stage with local customers.
“The Middle East and North African is a vast area with a lot of complexity,” Taieb said to the group. “However, from the perspective of the U.S. producer, it’s an important area of the world that encompasses 17 countries importing grains products valued at more than $1.8 billion.”
The Council has a regional office in Tunisia and consultants in Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, who also covers Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
“Regional imports have been growing over the past five years from 2.5 MMT (98 million bushels) in marketing year 2013/2014 to 8 MMT (315 million bushels) in marketing year 2016/2017. We are expecting to reach 10 MMT (394 million bushels) of grains in all forms to the region this year,” Taieb said. “The U.S. Grains Council has focused on being flexible and responsive to the shifting market opportunities as they arise in the region.”
In addition to other sales in the region, speakers shared that U.S. corn sales to Saudi Arabia totaled $383 million in the 2016/2017 marketing year, a 150 percent growth over the previous marketing year.
Tuesday’s general sessions also featured a presentation on the economic conditions facing the United States and the farm economy by Will Secor, an economist in the knowledge exchange division at CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving industries across rural America. Secor said that despite developing challenges on the global trade stage, the long-term outlook for U.S. grains demand is positive.
Council Chief Economist Mike Dwyer led off the afternoon’s round of speakers, updating the farmers and other delegates in attendance on the industry’s ethanol market development efforts. The U.S. is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of fuel ethanol and is the most cost-competitive ethanol supplier due to large-scale production, industry innovation and access to competitively-priced feedstock.
“No other grain-in-all-forms category comes close as a driver of growing corn demand,” Dwyer told the delegates about ethanol exports. “U.S. exports of grains in all forms could rise to a record 138 MMT by 2022 if we meet our ambitious goals.”
Dwyer was followed by Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and James Sumner, president of the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, who provided insights from their sectors, both of which are working to grow new overseas demand while defending established markets in a complicated trade environment.
According to a recent USGC and National Corn Growers Association study, grain-in-all-forms exports accounted for $55.5 billion in economic output in 2015, the most recent year with full data available, with more than 262,000 U.S. jobs connected to these sales.
Jim Stitzlein Elected U.S. Grains Council Chairman At Denver Meeting
Delegates of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) elected as chairman Jim Stitzlein, manager of market development for Consolidated Grain and Barge Co., at its 58th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting on Wednesday.
Stitzlein unveiled his chairman’s theme during the final general session: “When Trade Works, the World Wins.”
“The diversity of the U.S. Grains Council is key to the work it does,” Stitzlein said. “From farmers to traders and agribusinesses, each role is important in the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.
"Working with those diverse perspectives within the global trade market is one way to encourage effective and efficient trade in both supply and price for international customers, steady growth in world markets and political stability throughout the world.”
Stitzlein has more than 40 years of experience in the commodity grain handling and export business, including local origination programs; hedging and merchandising; transportation, logistics and facility management; and export trading and documentation.
Involved with the Council for more than 20 years, Stitzlein has traveled extensively for the organization, is active in the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), from which he received the NGFA Distinguished Service Award, and has broadly participated in other activities related to quality and biotechnology as they impact the grain trade.
Stitzlein grew up working on his family farm in Ohio where he was active in 4-H and FFA. He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from Ohio State University.
In addition to Stitzlein’s ascendency, the Council’s delegates elected Jim Raben from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board as secretary/treasurer, sector directors and three at-large directors.
The Board of Directors now includes:
Jim Stitzlein, Chairman, Consolidated Grain and Barge Co.
Darren Armstrong, Corn Growers Association of North Carolina, Inc., Vice Chairman
Jim Raben, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Secretary/Treasurer
Deb Keller, Past Chairman, Iowa Corn Promotion Board
Thomas N. Sleight, President and CEO
Duane Aistrope, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, At-Large Director
Ray Defenbaugh, Big River Resources LLC, Agribusiness/Ethanol And Co-Products Sector Director
Greg Hibner, J.D. Heiskell Hawkeye Gold Office, Agribusiness Sector Director
Charles Ray Huddleston, United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Sorghum Sector Director
Joshua Miller, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, At-Large Director
Tom Mueller, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Corn Sector Director
Tadd Nicholson, Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, Checkoff Sector Director
Mark Seastrand, North Dakota Barley Council, Barley Sector Director
Ryan Wagner, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, At-Large Director
Chad Willis, Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, At-Large Director
The new Board of Directors seated Wednesday will serve until July 2019.
The Council’s summer meeting has been ongoing since Monday, featuring general sessions focused on the emerging trade policy landscape, meetings of the organization’s Advisory Teams and sessions of membership sectors.
Biodiesel Board Files Opening Brief to Challenge 2018 RFS
The National Biodiesel Board has filed an opening brief in its lawsuit objecting to EPA's methodology for establishing the 2018 Renewable Fuel Standards. The group is specifically disputing three issues with EPA's final RFS rule for 2018, arguing EPA must account for all small refinery exemptions in the annual percentage standard; the agency acted arbitrarily when it set the 2018 advanced biofuel volume below what it found to be "reasonably attainable;" and the agency set the 2019 biomass-based diesel volume based on impermissible considerations.
NBB's brief is the first the courts will consider in arguing that EPA must account for all small refinery "hardship" exemptions -- including retroactively granted exemptions -- when it sets the annual RFS volumes and Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs).
NBB's brief states, "EPA unlawfully has failed to account for all small-refinery exemptions it awards, violating its duty to promulgate percentage standards that 'ensure' all aggregate volumes are met. Unaccounted for small-refinery exemptions reduce aggregate volumes, and EPA's approach creates a new, de facto waiver authority contrary to Congress's design. Despite knowing those consequences, EPA declines to adjust percentage standards to account for that shortfall, either before it is likely to happen or after it actually does."
EPA has disclosed that it recently retroactively granted 48 small refinery hardship exemptions, reducing the 2016 and 2017 RVOs by a combined 2.25 billion RINs.
NBB forcefully argues that EPA violated its duty to ensure that the annual volumes it sets are met.
The agency asked for comment in the 2018 RFS rulemaking process on how to treat retroactive small refinery exemptions but decided not to account for them in the final standards.
American Soybean Association Joins Farmers for Free Trade
This week, the American Soybean Association (ASA), the voice for more than 30 soybean-producing states and 300,000 soybean farmers across America, announced that it will be joining Farmers for Free Trade.
Farmers for Free Trade is a bipartisan campaign co-chaired by former Senators Max Baucus and Richard Lugar that is amplifying the voices of American farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses that support free trade. The American Soybean Association joins the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Pork Producers Council, and multiple other agriculture, trade and commodity groups that are partnering with Farmers for Free Trade to strengthen support for trade in rural communities.
Ryan Findlay, CEO of ASA, commented, “We need strong, likeminded allies to galvanize farmers in a collective call for solutions from the Administration and Congressional leaders on advocating for new trade agreements and expanding international markets. We have watched for some time and with appreciation the efforts of Farmers for Free Trade and the spirit of collaboration it has fostered to help ag and those industries related to agriculture and are happy to join their efforts.”
“The American Soybean Association has been a leader in promoting free trade in the agriculture sector,” said Senator Baucus. “Their addition to this important bipartisan effort will be invaluable in expanding our reach to soybean farmers across the country. Right now, soybean farmers are bearing the brunt of the ongoing trade war. Working together with Farmers for Free Trade, we aim to amplify the voices of these farmers to ensure that decision makers in Washington D.C. know the pain that tariffs are causing at the local level.”
“We are thrilled to add the American Soybean Association to the momentum of this rapidly growing effort,” said Senator Lugar. “The American Soybean Association knows that promoting agriculture-friendly, bipartisan trade policies on Capitol Hill starts with organizing America’s farmers at the grassroots level. With their help, we’ll be able to mobilize even more farmers whose livelihoods depend on trade. Their organization will significantly increase the voice of farmers at both the state and federal level. During a period of uncertainty caused by the imposition of new tariffs and declining farm income, we are especially glad to welcome soybean farmers to this bipartisan cause.”
Farmers for Free Trade is currently working at the grassroots level to organize and educate farmers about the importance of trade, including through work at state commodity conventions, through state proclamations, by reaching farmers through social media, and by identifying local spokespeople, among other efforts.
NFU Emphasizes Severity of Trade Dispute, Urges Long-Term Solutions in Farm Bill
In a letter sent today to congressional leadership, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson emphasized the need to address agricultural economic hardships in the 2018 Farm Bill. The NFU Board of Directors unanimously approved the motion to send this letter during a meeting held Monday afternoon.
“Net farm income is less than half of what it was in 2014 when Congress passed the last farm bill,” wrote NFU President Roger Johnson. “Indicators of stress, including debt to asset ratios, net farm income, debt servicing capacity, and other factors, paint a grim picture of the financial health of farms nationwide.”
An escalating global trade war and uncertainty in export markets has pushed prices even lower in the last month, thus exacerbating farmers’ financial stress. “Soybean, corn, and wheat farmers alone have lost $13 billion in market value,” Johnson offered as examples. “Prices paid to dairy farmers are comparable to prices received in the 1980s, forcing an alarming number of dairy farms out of business.”
To add insult to injury, as Johnson notes, farmers and ranchers are also subject to the unintended consequences of steel and aluminum tariffs. “In addition to price declines, producers are now coping with cost increases, especially on farm equipment and machinery, which often rely on steel and aluminum.”
The severity of the situation has not gone unnoticed by the administration: last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would allocate $12 billion in emergency assistance to producers most impacted by trade tensions. Though Johnson expressed appreciation for the gesture, he stressed that it was not enough. “Paying farmers small, one-time, fixed payments is woefully inadequate to keep farmers in business,” he said. “The administration’s actions will have long-term effects on our markets, necessitating a long-term safety net.”
Johnson continued the letter by urging Congress to provide “substantive and long-term relief to farmers.” In particular, he asked that they “provide the agriculture committees with substantially greater resources to be incorporated into the 2018 Farm Bill, including the ability to manage farm inventories to be more responsive to market conditions.”
“Congressional inaction will have very tangible and harmful impacts as farmers and ranchers get closer to fall harvest,” Johnson concluded. “We urge you to take strong action on behalf of American farmers and ranchers.”
Farmers and farm advocates interested in advocating a strong farm bill are encouraged to visit 2018FarmBill.org to learn more about the farm bill and information on how to contact members of Congress.
Early Registration For Export Exchange 2018 Closes Aug. 6
Early registration for Export Exchange 2018 is set to close Aug. 6, and potential attendees from the U.S. coarse grains and co-products value chains should register before that date to receive the lowest registration rate.
The event is scheduled from Oct. 22 to 24 in Minneapolis, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).
The biennial event is expected to bring together nearly 500 farmers, agribusiness representatives, international buyers and end-users of coarse grains and co-products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).
In addition to building relationships with domestic suppliers of corn, DDGS, sorghum, barley and other commodities, the conference will have general sessions that address issues facing U.S. agricultural exports and offer customers and sellers in attendance an increased awareness of the benefits of U.S. coarse grains and ethanol.
Registration is available online via www.exportexchange.org. USGC, Growth Energy and RFA members will be eligible for discounted registration pricing but should identify themselves as such when registering. Reporters wishing to cover Export Exchange are eligible for complimentary registration by sending an email to info@exportexchange.org and asking for the registration code.
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.
Please visit www.grains.org for more information about the Council.
For more information about RFA, visit www.ethanolrfa.org.
For more information about Growth Energy, visit www.growthenergy.org.
Land O'Lakes, Inc. reports results for second quarter 2018
Land O’Lakes, Inc. today reported quarterly net sales of $4.2 billion and net earnings of $67.2 million in the second quarter ending June 30, 2018, compared with 2017 second quarter net sales of $3.7 billion and net earnings of $113.0 million. Year-to-date net sales totaled $8.1 billion with net earnings of $182.9 million compared to net sales of $7.3 billion and net earnings of $222.9 million for the same period in the prior year.
"The diversity of our business portfolio and our consistent ‘long view’ approach to growth equips Land O’Lakes to continue making steady progress, even as we face significant headwinds across the agricultural economy,” said Land O’Lakes, Inc. President and CEO Beth Ford. “It’s an important and exciting time to be at Land O’Lakes because our solid financial footing, clear plan for growth, and commitment to innovation by farmers and employees keep us nimble and confident during a time of uncertainty and change in our industry. We’ll continue building on what’s worked, with new value-added branding, expansion in high-potential markets and product categories, and innovative business models that leverage our ‘farm-to-fork’ scope.”
Despite growth in crop protection volumes, year-to-date earnings in Crop Inputs declined due to a shift in product mix resulting from growers trading down, late planting resulting in fewer applications and increased competitiveness. Earnings in Dairy Foods were higher with improved product mix in the branded butter portfolio and foodservice offsetting the impact of lower commodity markets in the ingredients business. Earnings in Animal Nutrition were flat with the prior year. The company’s Crop Nutrient business, which was added as part of the United Suppliers merger in October 2017, contributed an incremental $11 million to year-to-date earnings.
ADM Reports Second Quarter Earnings
Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) today reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. “Our team executed exceptionally well to deliver outstanding results in the second quarter,” said ADM Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano.
“We continue to accelerate the execution of our strategic plan — optimizing our core, driving efficiencies, and expanding strategically — generating more than $150 million in run-rate savings, announcing three acquisitions in Nutrition, and closing on two new joint ventures overseas. Our actions, combined with robust global demand, position us to navigate today’s dynamic business environment and deliver strong results in the second half of 2018, and put us on a trajectory for continued future growth in earnings, returns and shareholder value.
“We are proud of the results we are delivering, committed to our continued improvement and growth, and confident about ADM’s future.”
Bunge Struggles With Trade Losses and Currency
Bunge Ltd. announced lower-than-expected earnings on Wednesday due largely to some hedging losses that Bunge expects will turn around in the second half of the year.
Bunge reported a $12 million loss on Wednesday, compared to $81 million in net income for the second quarter a year ago. Adjusted earnings came in at 10 cents a share. Bunge's quarterly numbers were a surprise to analysts as Reuters had reported analysts had expected Bunge's adjusted earnings to come in closer to $1.04 a share. Bunge's earnings struggled despite overall sales for the quarter growing 4.3% to $12.15 billion from last year.
Bunge's losses were driven heavily by hedging losses and currency exchanges. Bunge was hit with $125 million in losses on contracts for soy crushing, but Bunge is carrying forward approximately $185 million in market-to-market accounts that the company anticipates "will reverse as we execute on these contracts in the second half of the year."
Bunge noted oilseeds remain driven by strong soy crush margins and "within range of expectations when considering market-to-market impact."
In grains, Bunge lost $22 million in trades, mainly because of a $24 million foreign exchange loss on hedges in Brazil that Bunge expects to reverse in the second half of the year as contracts are executed. Outside of the hedge loss, Bunge noted results in Brazil were better than 2017 due to higher volumes and margins, but results in Argentina were negative due to the impact of smaller crops caused by drought.
Bunge's fertilizer business was also hit with a $13 million loss because of foreign exchange losses on imported inventory and the devaluation of the Argentine currency. Bunge expects a gain in the second half of the year when those fertilizer inventories are sold.
Despite the poor quarter and first half of the year, Bunge stated it still expects to hit a goal of $1.3 billion in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) for 2018. In its SEC filing, Bunge expects its agribusiness units to generate $800 million to $1 billion in EBIT by the end of the year.
Tyson Blames Trade War as it Cuts Profit Forecast
Tyson Foods Inc., the largest U.S.-based meat producer, said profit this year will be less than it previously forecast because of the country's escalating trade dispute with major importers of agricultural products. According to Bloomberg, both China and Mexico have imposed import tariffs on American pork recently in retaliation against U.S. duties on metal shipments. The measures have sent hog prices plunging, eroding the profitability at Tyson's pork business. The Springdale, Arkansas-based company said Monday it's also grappling with higher commodity-market volatility and "sluggish" domestic demand for chicken.
"The combination of changing global trade policies here and abroad, and the uncertainty of any resolution, have created a challenging market environment of increased volatility, lower prices and oversupply of protein," Chief Executive Officer Tom Hayes said in a statement.
The American farm sector is one of the few areas of the economy that typically operates with a trade surplus, and agriculture groups have sounded off against the trade war's potential toll on exports. Net farm income is poised to reach a 12-year low in 2018, and challenges for meat demand may offset some of the benefits of cheaper feed-grain prices. The Trump administration last week announced a plan to provide $12 billion in assistance to U.S. farmers.
Tyson said its earnings in fiscal 2018 excluding one-time items will be about $5.70 to $6 a share, compared with a previous view of $6.55 to $6.70, Bloomberg reports.
The shares slumped as much as 8.2 percent, the biggest intraday drop since November 2016. They were down 5.5 percent at $60.04 at 10:49 a.m. in New York. Rival poultry producers Pilgrim's Pride Corp. and Sanderson Farms Inc., and Hormel Foods Corp., which processes pork, declined.
The trade challenges come amid a surge in U.S. meat production, making exports increasingly vital to offload surpluses. American output of red meat and poultry is expected to reach an all-time high and swell further in 2019. Wholesale chicken breast prices are the cheapest for this time of year since at least 2010 and pork is at a seasonal nine-year low, government data show.
National Agriculture Leaders Roundtable: Nuisance Lawsuits & their threat to all of Agriculture and Farm Families Nationwide
On Friday, August 3rd, 2018 at 9:00 a.m., U.S. Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC), U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX), and North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will convene a National Agriculture Leaders Roundtable to discuss the threat that nuisance lawsuits pose to the U.S. agriculture industry, rural America, and farm families nationwide. The roundtable will be comprised of federal officials, state officials, economists, and national agriculture industry representatives, including the President of the American Farm Bureau, Zippy Duvall.
“Today’s nuisance lawsuits that are destroying livelihoods and communities in North Carolina are the tip of the iceberg for what is to come absent a well-informed public and good public policy. A ‘nuisance’ is very much in the eye of the beholder and every single farm family that is in compliance with all applicable regulations – no matter what they are growing – should have a safe harbor from legal action being brought against them. This is a very slippery slope that threatens the very existence of every form of agriculture nationwide,” said Congressman David Rouzer.
"I want to thank Congressman Rouzer for hosting this roundtable to hear directly from North Carolina's farmers about how the nuisance lawsuits could affect their livelihoods. The influence from outside lawyers in this case has the potential to decimate our state’s vibrant agriculture industry and the countless rural communities supported by it. Agriculture is the number one industry in North Carolina, and it is important to hear from those affected by this threat. These lawsuits have the potential to affect the agriculture community and farmers nationwide, and I look forward to participating in this event to learn how North Carolinians could be affected and how we can help," said Senator Thom Tillis.
“Agriculture is a blessing that most of us count on at least three times a day. Not a nuisance. People need to understand that every food item starts on a farm, not a grocery store shelf. When we take our farmers and food production for granted, we stand to literally lose the hand that feeds us. I am grateful that others are paying attention to this issue which could affect farmers everywhere,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
Those individuals and organizations that intend to participate include:
Chairman David Rouzer, U.S. House Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture
Chairman Michael Conaway, U.S. House Committee on Agriculture
Senator Thom Tillis
Commissioner Steve Troxler, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
President Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation
Commissioner Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Department of Agriculture
North Carolina State Senator Brent Jackson
North Carolina State Representative Jimmy Dixon
North Carolina State Representative Ken Goodman
Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest
North Carolina House Majority Leader John Bell
Dr. Kelly Zering, North Carolina State University
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Bill Northey, Farm Production and Conservation
Barb Glenn, CEO of National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
Commissioner Gary Black, Georgia Department of Agriculture
Secretary Michael Scuse, Delaware Department of Agriculture
Commissioner Sid Miller, Texas Department of Agriculture
Dr. Howard Hill, Past President of National Pork Producers Council
Kerry Doughty, CEO of Butterball
Brad Cornelius, CEO of Cape Fear Farm Credit
Dave Corum, CEO of AgCarolina
Vance Dalton, Jr., CEO of Carolina Farm Credit
Gary Floyd, Executive Vice President of L. Harvey Inc.
American Soybean Association
National Association of Wheat Growers
National Cotton Council
National Corn Growers Association
United Egg Producers
NC Peanut Growers Association
North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
National Chicken Council
American Feed Industry Association
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
National Turkey Federation
Agricultural Retailers Association
National Pork Producers Council
It will take place on Friday, August 3rd, at the North Carolina Fairgrounds, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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