Tuesday October 16 Ag News

Cutting Red Tape for Farm Families
Governor Pete Ricketts

With new technology and innovative farming techniques, modern day agriculture is more critical than ever to growing opportunities in Nebraska.  Whether you work in a biotech lab, operate a combine in a field, or refinance loans at a bank, agriculture reaches into nearly every aspect of our economy, accounting for about a quarter of the jobs in Nebraska.  Right now, Forbes ranks Nebraska the fourth best state for business and fourth best state for regulatory climate.  Building on this strength is key to continuing the momentum we have experienced in growing Nebraska.  To this end, I have been working to make state government more customer friendly for our farm and ranch families and to cut red tape at the federal level.

This week, the Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, ag leaders, and I unveiled new livestock hauling guidelines.  These guidelines were created to help give greater predictability to livestock haulers who are complying with the rules of the road.  It also provides for a system to rapidly address situations in which a livestock hauler is taken off the road for being out of compliance with weigh limits or a variety of other reasons.  This will help ensure that drivers on the road remain safe, and that livestock are off loaded and receive proper care if they are taken off the road.

In recent years, my administration worked with leaders in agriculture to create a new vehicle designation to allow Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers to move certain farm equipment around their farm or ranch operation without obtaining a commercial vehicle driver’s license (CDL).  This designation exempts some vehicles utilized in or on a farm operation from certain laws and regulations, which previously required drivers to obtain a CDL.  Vehicles that may meet these requirements include trucks, hay grinders, manure spreaders, and numerous other pieces of equipment utilized in farm operations across Nebraska.  This makes it easier for family farms to operate the way that they have over the years – with everyone lending a helping hand.

Since President Donald Trump took office, we have been working with the federal administration to roll back job-killing regulations put in place under President Barack Obama.  For example, President Trump has ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to repeal the Waters of the U.S. rule.  The version implemented by the Obama Administration had sought to exert federal control over bodies of water as small as ditches and large puddles.  For our farm families, regulating small bodies of water could have triggered onerous regulatory reviews and crippled their ability to smoothly run their operation.

Over the last few years, Nebraska had also been fighting to repeal President Obama’s so-called “Clean Power Plan” (CPP).  Under the CPP, Nebraska would have been required to show a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in less than 10 years.  This would not only be nearly logistically impossible, but also expensive for Nebraskans who enjoy low utility rates thanks to our unique public power system.  It takes longer to plan new power transmission lines and new sources of power than the Obama Administration was willing to give states for compliance.  Furthermore, Nebraska would not have received credit for unique clean power projects we are already undertaking.  I applaud President Trump’s move to repeal this rule, which would have been a burden on the entire Nebraska economy – from farming to manufacturing to homeowners.

Last week, President Trump took another step to loosen regulation around the sale of higher blends of ethanol.  The President announced that he had directed the EPA to modify regulations to allow the sale of E15 all year long.  As the second largest ethanol producing state in the nation, this is a big win.  Right now, E15 can be marketed September 16th through April 30th, limiting our ability to sell more ethanol during the critically important summer driving months.  Year-round sale of E15 is especially important for Nebraska and our farm families as we continue to work to meet the challenge presented by low corn and soybean prices.  The EPA also recently approved a request I have been making to do a pilot program to study the use of E30 in conventional state vehicles.  This will allow us to study whether higher blends can be marketed more broadly down the road.

These are just a few examples of the many ways we are working to get government out of the way so our farm and ranch families can grow Nebraska and feed the world.  If you have ideas on how we can continue to cut red tape and make government more effective and efficient, I hope you will write me at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call 402-471-2244.



ICON PREPARES FOR THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING

It’s been 13 years and the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska (ICON) is going strong.  ICON will be hosting their Thirteenth Annual Meeting in North Platte, NE, on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Holiday Express Inn.

The day starts at 9:30 a.m. with registration. At 10 a.m., the ICON Board of Directors will conduct a business meeting followed by a presentation on livestock and grass by Del Ficke of Ficke Cattle Company and Graze Master Genetics of Pleasant Dale. A noon luncheon will be served at the Holiday Express and guest speaker will be Bob Krist, democratic candidate for Governor.

Afternoon activities will begin with a presentation by ICON’s member affiliate, R-CALF USA, discussing current livestock issues at 1 pm. At 2 pm, ICON member Don Cain will talk about his eight-year-fight with county officials in Custer County and his Nebraska Supreme Court case. A short break at 2:45 pm will be followed with a Legislative Panel moderated by ICON lobbyist Jim Pappas, beginning at 3 pm, aimed at discussing what’s happening in the legislature. Joining ICON members this year on the panel will be Senator Mike Groene of District 42. This last event for the day will lead up to the auction for ICON’s scholarship program.

An auction for the Jim Hanna Memorial Scholarship will round off the day at 5:30 pm.

Registration for the 2018 ICON Annual Meeting is $50 and includes the noon luncheon. Guests accompanying a paid registration can register for $20. There won’t be an evening Banquet or entertainment this year.

ICON membership dues for 2018 are $100 and if members have not paid, there will be a $10 discount at the convention.

ICON Convention registration can be sent to: ICON/Linda Wuebben, 55669 888th Road, Fordyce, NE 68736. For more information, call 402-357-3778 or visit ICON online at www.independentcattlemen.com.

Rooms are available by calling the Holiday In Express in North Platte at (308) 532-9500.

ICON has always been a spokesperson for independent cattlemen from across the state of Nebraska, protecting their rights so they can continue to grow a quality beef product for the American consumer. Come join ICON members as they discuss property tax relief, legislative issues and beef production options while upholding the Cowboy Way.



Fischer Comments on Trade Negotiations with Japan, European Union, United Kingdom

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after the administration notified Congress of its intention to negotiate trade agreements with Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom:

“Opening up new markets for Nebraska producers is the best way to ensure they can prosper and feed the world. I welcome the start of trade negotiations between our country and Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. I’m optimistic President Trump and the administration will make good deals for our ag producers and manufacturers.”

Key Facts:
Japan is the third largest market for Nebraska ag products. It represents Nebraska’s largest export market for beef, pork, and eggs; the second largest export market for corn and wheat; and the third largest export market for soybeans.

The European Union is Nebraska’s fifth largest agricultural export market.

The United Kingdom is an important market for Nebraska manufactured agricultural and construction machinery, as well as oilseeds and other grains.



Trade News Has Pork Producers Feeling Optimistic

News on the trade front is getting better for U.S. pork producers as the Trump administration today announced it wants to negotiate trade agreements with the European Union, Japan and the United Kingdom. The National Pork Producers Council commended the administration for its ambitious trade agenda.

The administration recently updated agreements with Canada and Mexico and with South Korea that maintained the U.S. pork industry’s zero-tariff access to those important markets, three of the top five destinations for U.S. pork exports.

“We’ve got the momentum on trade headed in the right direction now,” said NPPC President Jim Heimerl, a pork producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “Producers are hurting because of retaliatory tariffs on pork, which were prompted by the administration’s efforts to realign U.S. trade policy. But producers have been patient, and now that patience is starting to pay off, particularly if we get a trade deal with Japan.”

Since Trump took office in January 2017, NPPC has been urging the White House to begin trade talks with countries in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region, beginning with Japan, the U.S. pork industry’s No. 1 export market. It also has called for deals with the Philippines and Vietnam.

NPPC also has been supportive of trade negotiations with the United Kingdom, provided that the U.K. is willing to eliminate all non-tariff barriers and embrace U.N. food-safety standards and other international standards.

“NPPC will not support a deal with the U.K. unless it agrees to equivalence, meaning that all USDA-approved pork and pork products must be eligible for export to the U.K. without additional requirements,” Heimerl said.

And while the organization is open to trade negotiations with the U.K., it is skeptical about EU intentions.

“The EU has played the United States like a drum in the past,” said Heimerl. “This must stop. We expect the Trump administration to require the EU to eliminate all tariff and non-tariff barriers to U.S. pork so we can export with no additional requirements.”

While the trade news is good for U.S. pork producers, NPPC is continuing to press the Trump administration to resolve trade disputes with China and Mexico, including dropping tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the latter. Both countries imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. pork in response to the U.S. metals duties.



Milk Specialties Global has been named 2018 Exporter of the Year!

Milk Specialties Global is honored to have been named the 2018 Tom Camerlo Exporter of the Year. The Exporter of the Year award is given annually to a U.S. dairy supplier that exemplifies leadership in advancing U.S. dairy exports, demonstrates a commitment to export market development, and makes exports an integral part of its overall growth strategy. Milk Specialties Global’s customer-centric approach has fueled dairy protein exports to 40 countries making them an industry-leading innovator in the dairy protein market for animal and human nutrition.

David Lenzmeier, CEO, accepted the award on behalf of Milk Specialties Global on October 16th at the USDEC Board of Directors and Annual Membership Meeting in Chicago. “We believe in dairy excellence. We’re proud to be a part of the dairy community, and we stand firmly behind our purpose to provide nutritional solutions to the world,” stated Lenzmeier. “It didn’t happen overnight. It all starts with people and continues with an ongoing high level of engagement. That’s what I’m happiest about. You can’t win this award without an entire team effort.”

“The company is firmly committed to U.S. dairy farmers and processors, recognizing the benefits dairy brings to American communities,” said Tom Benson, Executive Vice President, “It’s such a rewarding industry to be a part of, especially as dairy companies continue to work together and invest in dairy markets and exports.”

Several reasons were cited for the decision to choose Milk Specialties Global, including:
-    Milk Specialties Global prides itself on a stated purpose of “providing nutritional solutions to the world”.
-    Overseas employees are frequent participants in export activities, not only promoting their products, but also doing the same for U.S. dairy ingredients.
-    Milk Specialties Global is the largest manufacturer of whey protein isolate in the world. And more than 70 percent of its carbohydrates business (permeate and lactose) is exported.
-    The company exports to markets and regions that boast growing functional food and sports nutrition sectors, including Latin America, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, Mexico and Canada.
-    Milk Specialties Global has exhibited at Food Ingredients Asia, Food Ingredients South America, IFT, Gulfood and other trade shows that put the company in touch with international customers.
-    The company participates in U.S. Dairy Export Council activities, including a Milk Protein Mission several years ago to China and Japan, where the company introduced Milk Specialties Global products and promoted the U.S. dairy industry as a whole.

 “Milk Specialties Global continues to invest in an international growth platform, helping to bring the benefits of U.S. dairy to consumers in other markets,” explains Jing Hagert, Director of Business Development.

“International exports are driven by consumer demand, and in Europe dairy powders continue to fuel the performance and active nutrition industry,” adds Jonathan Fox, Director of Business Development - EU and UK. “We are proud to be a part of such a dynamic marketplace.”

The Exporter of the Year award recognizes Milk Specialties Global’s business leadership that was made possible by dedicated teamwork throughout the organization. “We are dedicated to providing outstanding quality and service, and we will continue to act with speed, execution and passion to provide nutritional solutions to our customers,” adds Paul Lombard, Executive Vice President.

The award is named after the late Tom Camerlo, who served multiple terms as chairman of the USDEC board of directors. This year marks the 13th year for the Exporter of the Year awards program. Previous recipients include Sartori Co., Swiss Valley Farms, Agri-Mark and other dairy export standouts. The Exporter of the Year award is sponsored by USDEC and presented by Dairy Foods magazine.

Milk Specialties Global is changing the dairy export ingredients game by understanding its customers with a constant eye on what’s next. 



IOWA WATERSHED PROJECTS TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL $2 MILLION FROM USDA

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today highlighted $2 million in funding available over the next year from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that will support eight Iowa Water Quality Initiative (WQI) projects. The funding is through the USDA’s Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watershed Initiative (MRBI) and will support practices that help improve water quality.

“USDA has been a key conservation partner for decades and we appreciate this additional funding focused on water quality. These are established state-funded, Water Quality Initiative projects that have a history of working directly with farmers and landowners. This additional funding will allow these projects to get even more proven practices on the ground,” Naig said.

Watershed projects selected for this funding include:
    Boone River WQI (Kossuth, Humboldt, Wright, Hancock Counties)
    Cedar Creek Partnership WQI (Wapello, Jefferson, Keokuk Counties)
    Clayton County WQI (Clayton County)
    Deep Creek WQI (Plymouth, Cherokee, O’Brien, Sioux Counties)
    Lower Skunk WQI (Jefferson, Henry, Van Buren, Lee Counties)
    Walnut Creek WQI (Pottawattamie, Montgomery, Page, Fremont Counties)
    West Branch Floyd River WQI (Sioux County)
    West Fork Crooked Creek WQI (Washington, Keokuk Counties)

In addition, Slocum Creek Watershed in Pottawattamie County is an existing MRBI project that will be funded again this year. 

The funding will support conservation practices that reduce nutrient loss and improve wildlife habitat while maintaining agricultural productivity. Eligible practices include cover crops, bioreactors, grassed waterways, terraces and prescribed grazing. Each watershed project will have specific practices that are eligible.

Farmers interested in participating should contact their local USDA office by March 15, 2019.



More Than 65,000 Expected in Indianapolis Oct. 24-27 for 2018 National FFA Convention & Expo

Next week, the city of Indianapolis will transform into a sea of blue jackets when the National FFA Convention & Expo kicks off for the ninety-first time. This time-honored tradition, where innovators and leaders of tomorrow come together, will be held in the Circle City Oct. 24-27, 2018.

More than 65,000 FFA members and guests from across the U.S., representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are expected to attend the event.

Convention and expo events will take place at several venues in downtown Indianapolis and other surrounding areas. FFA members and advisors will meet in Bankers Life Fieldhouse, where eight of the nine general sessions will be held. At the Indiana Convention Center, members can explore the expo or expand their minds by attending a variety of workshops or participating in educational and career success tours.

This year, the theme of the convention and expo is Just One, and the national officer team is excited to share this with all of those in attendance.

"FFA members know that every life moment, milestone and journey starts with just one – just one step, just one conversation, just one action. Together, we can make an impact on our chapters, our communities, our future," 2017-18 National FFA President Breanna Holbert, a student at California State University, Chico, said. "The convention and expo is an opportunity for members to come together and learn from one another."

It's estimated that the national convention and expo will have a $40 million impact on the city. Attendees will stay in 115 hotels throughout the Indianapolis area.

The convention and expo will kick off with the FFA band leading a grand march down Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis on Wed., Oct. 24. The march will end at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and usher in the start of the opening session. That evening, Garth Brooks, the reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, will take the stage for a private show for convention attendees. John Deere will also commemorate 75 years of partnership at the convention as well. On the morning of Saturday, Oct. 27, the eighth general session will be held in Lucas Oil Stadium where American FFA Degrees, the highest degree for an FFA member, will be bestowed upon more than 4,000 FFA members.

Throughout the week, convention and expo attendees will also be able to experience the inaugural Blue Room, a 17,000-square-foot interactive area that showcases the cutting-edge technology, research, and innovation taking place in agriculture. Through experiential learning and a specific focus on the most critical challenges facing our communities—from respecting the planet to feeding the world—The Blue Room will inspire and equip students to activate their potential. AgriNovus Indiana and Microsoft are the title sponsors of this experience.

In addition to attending various events, FFA members will also be lending a helping hand to the greater Indianapolis area as part of the National Days of Service. Places where students will be giving back to the community include Gleaners Food Bank, Maplelawn Farmstead, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Indianapolis City Market, St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry and more.

The National FFA Convention & Expo is scheduled to be held in Indianapolis through 2024.



Two Ships With U.S. Soybeans Head to China

Two more vessels loaded with U.S. soybeans have departed for China, signaling that buyers may be getting more desperate for supplies amid the prolonged trade war between the nations.

According to Bloomberg, Star Laura and Golden Empress were loaded during the week ended Oct. 11. Star, which left the Gulf of Mexico, is destined to arrive at China’s Qingdao port at the end of the month, and Golden Empress, which left from the Pacific Northwest, is expected to arrive in December, according to vessel data compiled by Bloomberg. Government data shows 65,431 metric tons of U.S. soybeans were inspected or weighed for export through the Gulf of Mexico that week, and 69,298 tons through Puget Sound.

This is the time of year when China usually turns to buying supplies from the U.S., where the harvest is well underway. After slapping retaliatory tariffs on American soybeans in July, the Asian nation has mostly been buying from Brazil in recent months. Since the marketing year began on Sept. 1, the U.S. only exported about 66,955 tons to China as of Oct. 4, according to last week’s export sales report.

South American supplies from the 2018 harvest are now starting to dwindle, and farmers won’t begin collecting the next crop until early next year. That could force some Chinese buying of U.S. shipments.



Growth Energy Announces New Prime the Pump Partnership with Cumberland Farms to Sell E15

Today, Growth Energy and Prime the Pump announced Cumberland Farms as the newest E15 retail partner to join the Prime the Pump program. Massachusetts-based Cumberland Farms will begin offering E15 at more than 120 of its stores in the Northeast United States. The sites will be spread across Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) markets, which will allow Cumberland Farms to sell E15 year-round.

“At Cumberland Farms we strive to be the clear choice for our customers’ everyday needs and that means being on the frontlines of innovation,” said Cumberland Farms David Masuret, Senior Vice President Petroleum Supply and Operations. “As E15’s growth continued to accelerate it became an obvious choice for us to make it available to our customers. We’re proud to partner with Prime the Pump to expand our fuel offering and give our customers more choice – whether in-store or at the pump.”

“We are ecstatic to be expanding our E15 family with Cumberland Farms,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Cumberland Farms will spread E15 access to new territory and will be giving more American drivers a cleaner-burning, engine-smart choice at the pump which will be available uninterrupted year-round.”

Cumberland Farms joins the ranks of Casey’s, Kwik Trip, Sheetz, Kum & Go, Minnoco, RaceTrac, Thorntons, Protec Fuel, QuikTrip, Family Express, Holiday, Murphy USA, Rutter’s, and Cenex in offering E15 – a fuel made with 15 percent ethanol and approved for cars 2001 and newer – to their customers. American drivers have responded to the growing availability of E15 and have already logged more than 5 billion miles on the fuel.



House Lawmakers Fight for Clean Air, Biofuels

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor thanked 19 members of Congress who sent a letter demanding regulators uphold biofuel targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The lawmakers, led by Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Danny K. Davis (D-IL), called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) halt refinery waivers that contribute to “higher gas prices and elevated levels of harmful emissions, especially in communities of color.”

"Families all across the nation are breathing cleaner air and saving money at the pump thanks to homegrown biofuels," said Skor. "The EPA’s refinery exemptions threaten to undermine that progress, destroying demand for billions of gallons of cleaner, more affordable fuel. We are grateful to our congressional leaders for their efforts to preserve the integrity of the RFS and safeguard the health and well-being of American families."



World Food Day: Farmers Committed to Decreasing Global Hunger
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“Farm Bureau joins the world in commemorating 2018 World Food Day. America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to doing everything in their power to decrease global hunger and malnutrition. Advances in modern agricultural technology, from seed science to precision agriculture tools, are empowering us to grow more food on fewer acres.

“Sharing the bounty that comes from our farms in a way that makes the biggest difference for hungry people around the world is a continuing challenge, and we stand ready to work with public and private organizations in that collaborative response. We also know that our response to hunger must go beyond our own fields, to sharing technology and supporting initiatives focused on global agricultural development. Together, we can increase global food security. That’s important because a better-fed world is a more secure world.”



Kansas Takes the Lead in Secure Food Supply Plans

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health (KDA–DAH) is pleased to share that Kansas now has more than one million head of cattle covered by Secure Beef Supply Plans, a significant step toward supporting the economic viability of the Kansas cattle industry in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak.

KDA-DAH has been working with Kansas beef, milk and pork producers to develop Secure Food Supply Plans in conjunction with the national plans developed by the Center for Food Security and Public Health. Kansas was the first state in the nation to work with feedlots to implement individual biosecurity plans, and to date more than 1.24 million head of beef cattle are covered under a Secure Beef Supply Plan. In addition, 118,000 head of dairy cows and 1.49 million head of pigs are covered under Secure Dairy Supply and Secure Pork Supply Plans, respectively.

The Secure Food Supply Plans are voluntary tools which help maintain business continuity for producers, transporters and food processors within the animal agriculture industry while protecting animal health during an animal disease event. The Secure Food Supply Plans involve development of protocols including biosecurity plans, self-assessment, training, and other elements that will demonstrate the ability of the business to prevent the potential spread of disease.

The impact of a foreign animal disease outbreak on the Kansas economy would be immense, and the Secure Food Supply Plans Project is just one of the ways the Kansas Department of Agriculture works to prevent, mitigate and respond to potential incidents. These plans provide guidance for increased biosecurity measures at feedyards, dairies and hog operations across the state, which supplement the state’s foreign animal disease response plan. KDA annually conducts an emergency preparedness exercise involving hundreds of individuals in a multiday effort to test the state’s ability to respond to a foreign animal disease. This year’s exercise will take place Dec. 17–20, 2018.