Friday December 7 Ag News

Ag Estate Planning Workshop January 16

Nebraska Extension in Cuming County is hosting an Estate Planning Workshop for Ag for landowners, ranchers, and farmers on Wednesday, January 16. It will be at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point from 2 to 5 p.m. The event is designed to help anyone thinking about how they should proceed with plans to retire, exit, or transfer the farm or ranch business.

The event is free. Register by contacting Nebraska Extension in Cuming County at 402-372-6006 or stop by the office.  Registration is requested to ensure proper handouts for participants.

Speakers for this workshop will be Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator working in farm succession/transfer, and Brandon Dirkschneider, certified financial planner and certified farm/ranch transition coordinator.

Workshop topics include the importance of having a plan, proper family communications, proper family negotiations, needed end of life documentation, estate planning options using wills, trusts, and/or other business entities.  A feature of this program will be to provide information about how insurance products can be used with estate planning.

Reactions from past participants can be summarized into one comment: Most participants wished that they had attended this workshop years earlier. Retiring or passing the farm to the next generation is difficult to think about and is an admission of your own impending demise; however, it is a necessary step and with good planning can be made as painless as possible.

For more information about the program, please contact Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, at 402-472-1771 or e-mail avyhnalek2@unl.edu. For registration questions contact Nebraska Extension in Cuming County at 402-372-6006 or cuming-county@unl.edu. Share this flyer to share meeting information with a friend.



Resistance Management Webinar Series Starts in January
Amy Timmerman - NE Extension Educator

Managing resistant pests is an increasing issue throughout crop production in Nebraska and the entire U.S. Staying updated on current strategies to manage resistant pests is critical. A new Nebraska Extension resource, the “Resistance Management Webinar Series,” will provide the most current research about resistant pests and management strategies.

Live presentations will be offered on three Mondays in January and February from 7 to 8 p.m. CST. Recordings will be available for up to seven days after the live presentation.

A total of three continuing education hours in integrated pest management will be available for certified crop advisors.

Schedule
January 14 – “Strategies for Managing Palmer Amaranth with Multiple Resistance: The Most Troublesome Weed in U.S. Agriculture” presented by Professor Jason Norsworthy of the University of Arkansas

January 28 – “Principles of Fungicide Resistance: Frogeye Leaf Spot of Soybean” presented by Professor Carl Bradley of the University of Kentucky

February 11 – “Moving Forward with Bt Resistance by Looking at the History of Western Corn Rootworm” presented by Dalton Ludwick, a post-doctoral associate at USDA-ARS at Virgina Tech University

To register to participate in one or all three presentations please go to https://go.unl.edu/2019_rmws. Webinar recordings will be available up to seven days afterward to allow flexibility in scheduling.

Questions regarding the webinar series can be directed to Amy Timmerman (atimmerman2@unl.edu) at the Holt County Extension Office 402-336-2760.



Costco Commits to Restricting Use of Medically Important Antibiotics
"As You Sow" press release

Following engagement with As You Sow, Costco Wholesale updated today their animal welfare standards to include a policy on the responsible use of antibiotics, establishing a commitment to restrict the use of medically important antibiotics in the company’s meat and poultry supply chains to therapeutic use only, under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Among others, this commitment covers the operator of the company’s new chicken processing facility currently under construction in Nebraska. Notably, Costco will adopt methods to assess compliance with this policy.

As You Sow filed a shareholder proposal with Costco this summer, highlighting the harmful impacts of using medically important antibiotics in raising animals for meat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) consider antibiotic resistance one of the biggest threats to public health today. It has been estimated that antibiotic-resistant infections will cause as many as 300 million premature deaths and up to $100 trillion in global economic damage by 2050.

“We are particularly encouraged by the company’s plans to create mechanisms through which they will be able to verify supplier compliance with their antibiotics policy,” Christy Spees, environmental health program manager at As You Sow, said. “This is a significant undertaking, and one that we hope will cause a ripple of change in the meat industry and set a standard for other retail chains.”

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture is recognized by the CDC and WHO as a significant contributor to the problem of antibiotic resistance. Retailers have significant purchasing power to influence industry standards, and we believe that Costco’s policy will help move the meat industry towards practices that will better protect consumers from this public health crisis.



Beef Genetics Researchers Seek to Understand Technology Utilization: Survey Respondents Sought

Beef cattle producers have a wide range of selection tools available for use in selection of breeding stock. These range from visual appraisal to EPD (expected progeny differences) and selection indexes that leverage genomic technologies. Adoption of new technologies by the beef industry has dramatically changed beef cattle selection strategies and opportunities. Beef genetics and genomic tools continue to evolve at a rapid rate.

To aid the development of new selection tools and their adoption by producers, researchers seek to understand current attitudes and perceptions of industry stakeholders. Producers and industry participants are encouraged to take part in an online survey to help inform the development of a new beef cattle selection decision support tool. This work is part of the activities funded through a recent USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Critical Agriculture Research and Extension grant (2018-68008-27888) awarded to research and extension faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kansas State University, USDA-ARS US Meat Animal Research Center and a leading genetic evaluation software developer, Theta Solutions, LLC.

“Bull purchasing decisions need to account for differing marketing goals and environmental constraints to improve profitability and sustainability, but these are unique to each herd as producer-specific production goals and inputs vary considerably,” says Dr. Matt Spangler, project director and University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor.

Industry research suggests that current bull purchasing decisions do not appear to use all relevant information available. Spangler adds, “Our team of leading beef genetic researchers and extension specialists aims to develop and provide software that enables beef producers to make more profitable genetic selection decisions, integrating additive and non-additive genetic effects, available resources, and firm-level economics.”

The online survey of industry stakeholders will explore their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of current and envisioned beef genetic selection tools. Survey responses will be anonymous and summarized to help develop new selection tools and training programs. The survey is accessible until December 31, 2018, at: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aXJA9F3EyMfmSpf. 



FEEDING ALFALFA AS A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Feeding more protein than cattle need can get expensive.  Alfalfa can be an inexpensive protein source, especially if you feed just enough alfalfa to provide the protein your animals need.

               Cattle often need extra protein when their winter diet is based on corn stalks, prairie hay, straw, or winter range.  The protein supplement you chose is important, both in its effectiveness and its cost.  Many cheap protein sources contain mostly urea and other forms of non-protein nitrogen.  These supplements often are not used very effectively when cattle are eating mostly low energy winter forages.

               Supplements containing mostly all-natural protein may be better. All-natural protein feeds the microbes in the rumen so they can digest more fiber from your forage.  And many times the cheapest natural source of protein is alfalfa, especially when hay price is reasonable.

               Keep costs down further by determining how much extra protein your cows actually need.  Both a forage test for protein and a close estimate of how much your cows are actually eating are needed to be accurate.  Then you can work with a local extension educator, a nutritionist, or use your own skills to calculate how much more protein is needed.

               Many winter forage diets need between one-half and one pound of extra protein per day.  Since the forage test of your alfalfa will tell you how much protein it contains, you can calculate how much alfalfa to feed each day, or every other day, to keep cows healthy and productive.  This could come from as little 2 pounds of hay when feeding high protein alfalfa to cows needing just a little extra protein to as much as 8 to 10 pounds when using low quality alfalfa to cows after calving.

               It may not sound like a big difference, but when you feed just two or three pounds each day per cow, the savings add up fast.



Marketing Beef Is Focus of Feedlot Forum

Beef producers are in a new era of marketing with more changes rapidly coming. This new era will be the focus of Feedlot Forum 2019, set for Jan. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center.

Tom Brink, CEO of the Red Angus Association of America and founder of Top Dollar Angus, Inc., is a morning session keynote speaker. He will visit about feeder calf verification and the importance of traceability to the beef industry.

Restaurant and culinary trends are changing menus offered to patrons. Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, will share how changes in patron palates dictate the types of foods prepared and sold in fast food, family and upscale restaurants.

Chad Hart, associate professor of economics and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach economist, will lead off the afternoon with a discussion on the trade tariffs' impact on ag commodity prices, including beef. Hart and the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development just completed an analysis of the impact of tariffs on soybean prices. Hart is also versed in the effect of tariffs on meats and beef by-products.

Rounding out the afternoon is Andrew Gottschalk, senior vice president for R.J. O’Brien and Associates. Currently, U.S. livestock producers have record meat supplies. Gottschalk will project how these supplies and export demand will affect cattle outlook and potential prices for beef.

Other short presentations include the roles of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council and an update on Beef Quality Assurance and Beef Quality Assurance Transportation. This year’s forum also features 25 agri-business sponsors displaying the latest products, technology and services available to beef producers.

Feedlot Forum 2019 is a collaborative effort of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Beef Center, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and three county cattlemen’s associations – Lyon, Plymouth and Sioux.

“Previous Feedlot Forums have reached producers from 25 counties and seven states. Participants value the information presented by national speakers,” said Beth Doran, extension beef specialist with Iowa State University.

Registration for Feedlot Forum 2019 is $25 per person with a discounted price of $10 for students. All registrations are due January 10 to the Sioux County Extension Office, 400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700, Orange City IA 51041. For more information, a flyer is available online. You also can contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.



Joe Heinrich re-elected Iowa Farm Bureau vice president

Joe Heinrich of Maquoketa was re-elected vice president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) for a two-year term at the organization’s 100th annual meeting in Des Moines.  Heinrich has served as IFBF vice president since 2011.

Heinrich, a Jackson County farmer, farms with his family, including his wife Shelley and a nephew.  Together, they have a diversified farming operation including corn, soybeans, oats, and hay.  They also have a beef cow-calf herd and a dairy operation.  Heinrich was first elected to the IFBF board in 2004, representing District 6, prior to his service as vice president.  Before his election to the state board, Heinrich served as Jackson County president, vice president, voting delegate, young farmer chair, and served on the state internal study committee.

IFBF delegates also elected Randy Brincks of Winneshiek County as District 1 director and Matt Schuiteman of Sioux County as District 3 director.  Mark Buskohl of Grundy County was re-elected as the District 5 director.  Brincks succeeds Carlton Kjos of Winneshiek County, who retired after serving as an IFBF district director since 2006, and Schuiteman succeeds Phil Sundblad of Buena Vista county who retired after serving as an IFBF district director since 2000.  The directors were elected to serve a three-year term.      

Brincks farms with his wife, Mary, on their family farm near Ossian, and will represent 11 counties in northeast Iowa.  Brincks grows corn, soybeans, and alfalfa and also finish beef cattle and farrow-to-finish feeder pigs.

Brincks has been an active member of the Winneshiek County Farm Bureau holding all positions on the county board of directors, chaired numerous county committees, and is a graduate of the IFBF Ag Leaders Institute.  Additionally, Brincks has served as president of the Upper Iowa Co-op and is a member of the Quality Pork Marketing Group, Winneshiek County Pork Producers, and serves on the 4H County Youth Committee board.  The Brincks have a daughter and four sons.            

Schuiteman and his wife, Minde, farm with Matt’s parents just east of Sioux Center, and he will represent 12 counties in northwest Iowa.  The Schuitemans grow corn and alfalfa and have used cover crops on the farm since 2005.  The Schuitemans also farrow and finish sows, custom feed isowean pigs, and have a cow-calf herd of registered Shorthorn and Shorthorn plus cattle.

Schuiteman has served in many leadership positions within the Sioux County Farm Bureau and IFBF including: holding county board member positions, chairman of the IFBF Young Farmer Advisory Committee, IFBF Legacy Planning Committee, IFBF Internal Study Committee, and is a graduate of the Ag Leaders Institute.  Additionally, Schuiteman is a graduate of the Leadership Iowa program, current chairman of the Sioux County 4-H Committee, and past president and current member of the Sioux Center FFA Alumni chapter.  The Schuitemans have seven children.

Mark Buskohl was re-elected to represent District 5, comprised of 11 counties in central Iowa.  He was first elected to the state board in 2012.  Prior to serving as District 5 director, Buskohl held various leadership positions within the Grundy County Farm Bureau including county president, vice president, voting delegate, AFBF voting delegate, internal study member, and served on various state committees.  Buskohl and his wife Nancy run a diversified farm consisting of a cow/calf herd, cattle feedlot, hog finishing, flock of sheep, corn, soybeans, and hay.

Nine delegates were elected to represent Iowa at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention in New Orleans, January 11-16.  They include: IFBF President Craig Hill of Warren County; IFBF Vice President Joe Heinrich of Jackson County; Will Frazee of Montgomery County; Neil Shaffer of Howard County; Jason Russell of Linn County; Gary Langbein of Sac County; Rebecca Dostal of Tama County; and Rachel Fishback of Washington County.

Brian Feldpausch of Grundy County and Bryan Reed of Monroe County were elected to the IFBF internal study committee.  The internal study committee serves as a liaison between the county Farm Bureau voting delegates and the state board of directors.



Baudler of Adair County earns Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Leadership Award

Beth Baudler’s passion for agriculture and commitment to sharing that passion has earned her Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) prestigious Young Farmer Leadership Award, presented during the IFBF 100th annual meeting in Des Moines on Dec. 3-5.

In addition to managing her own cow-calf herd and sheep flock in Adair County, Baudler also helps on her family farm where they grow hay, oats, corn and soybeans. She has an off-farm job as a cattle specialist, working with other farmers to formulate feed rations and select appropriate supplements for their livestock. She also instructs the Animal Breeding and Genetics course at Southwestern Community College in Creston and is responsible for giving the students real-life experiences with swine breeding and genetics.

Baudler serves as secretary of the Adair County Farm Bureau board. She is a 2016 IFBF Ag Leaders graduate, a year-long program that focuses on developing individual leadership skills and understanding of agricultural issues impacting today’s farmers. Working with her county Farm Bureau, Baudler spearheaded “Ag Adventure,” an interactive 10-station experience held at her county fair and a local Fourth of July celebration. She was able to secure buy-in from local businesses and recruit more than 90 volunteers to assist with the events. Through this experience, more than 600 people learned about various agricultural topics from livestock and crops to farm safety and conservation. Because of the success of this initiative, Baudler was able to secure grants and volunteers to bring ag education to six Adair County preschools. Plans are underway to expand this effort into kindergarten and third grade classes for the 2018-19 school year.

Baudler provides leadership to other projects that focus on connecting with non-farming audiences. She is an advisor for Speak Out for Agriculture (SOFA), mentoring teens who have planned to engage more than 100 inner-city youth in Chicago as well as Sioux Falls, SD in agricultural activities. She also is the administrator of the “Who’s Your Iowa Farmer?” Facebook page, which shares positive farming messages that are viewed more than 20,000 times per week.

Baudler volunteers in various roles for the Iowa State Fair and Adair County Fair, serves as a board member of Empowering Adair County Foundation and often looks for opportunities to talk with others about agriculture, whether on the radio or at an ag breakfast event.

“Beth is extremely deserving of this award,” says IFBF Regional Manager Beth Irlbeck. “When she is not working on her own farm or at her off-farm job, she is out there sharing what farming in Iowa looks like today. She’s an asset to the Adair County Farm Bureau and the community as a whole.”

The Young Farmer Leadership Award is in honor of past IFBF President Bob Joslin, who was well known for his support and encouragement of young farmers. It is designated for farmers under the age of 35 who demonstrate outstanding leadership in Farm Bureau, agriculture and their community.

As the Young Farmer Leadership Award recipient, Baudler receives a $1,500 Home and Workshop certificate from award-sponsor John Deere, a 90-day no-payment and no-interest John Deere Financial Certificate up to $5,000, a $750 gift card to FAST STOP or local FS Cooperative from GROWMARK. Baudler also will have expenses paid to the 2019 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention in New Orleans and 2019 GROWMARK annual meeting in Chicago.



Bailey Family of Ringgold County Presented Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Achievement Award

Ryan and Alle Bailey of Ringgold County have been named Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) 2018 Young Farmer Achievement Award winners at this year’s IFBF “Century Strong” 100th annual meeting in Des Moines, Dec. 3-5.  This award honors Iowa farmers between the ages of 18 and 35 who demonstrate outstanding management ability on their family farms and have a positive presence in both Farm Bureau activities and their local community.

As fifth generation farmers raising grain and cattle, the Baileys agree there’s no better place to grow up than on an Iowa farm. Because Ryan says legacy is very important to him, he and Alle have continuously worked to improve their family farm by converting old buildings on their land into areas where their cattle can have access to feed, seek comfort during inclement weather and have a designated place to give individual attention to cattle that need it. By working with nutritionists, veterinarians and with the use of genetics, the Baileys have seen health improvements within their livestock, creating a greater efficiency in getting cattle to market.

On the crop side, the Baileys run their own retail seed business. They offer drone crop scouting and agronomic solutions for their clients. On their own farm, they use precision ag to apply fertilizer where it is needed in the exact amount that is needed. They’ve also planted 50 acres of cover crops with a goal to increase these acres for cattle grazing. Their other goals include increasing their cattle herd size, finding ways to implement additional water quality practices and adopting new technologies for record-keeping.

“Knowing you’re creating a food supply for the world, it brings intense meaning, and that’s what really drives my passion,” says Alle.

The two are active with the Ringgold County Farm Bureau and IFBF Young Farmer program. They are also active within the cattle industry, serving various positions with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, county cattlemen and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. In their community, they are involved in their church and civic groups.

As winner of the Young Farmer Achievement Award, the Baileys will have the option to lease a John Deere G-Series Skid Steer/Compact Track Loader (one year/1500 hours), 5-7 Series Tractor/Loader combo (1 year/300 hours) or take home a 590E Gator (valued at $9,500). They also receive a 90-day no payment, no interest (NPNI) John Deere Financial Certificate up to $5,000, and an all-expense paid trip to the 2019 GROWMARK annual meeting in Chicago. In January, the Baileys will travel to New Orleans where they will represent Iowa in the national Young Farmer Achievement Award competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention.

Kipp Fehr of Palo Alto County is the second-place finalist for the Young Farmer Achievement Award. Since high school, Fehr has grown his farm over time, acquiring land through beginning farmer loans and rental agreements. To continue expanding his farm, Fehr custom sprays other farms in the county and works at a local Case IH dealer. In 2013, he began using strip tillage, a minimum tillage method, to reduce soil erosion.  He hopes to continue to improve his land and farm’s bottom line with cover crops. In addition to serving on his county Farm Bureau board, Fehr has been involved in Farm Bureau policy and lobbying trips. He will be receiving parts on Site Bin (valued at $3,000), a 90-day NPNI John Deere Financial Certificate (up to $5,000) and a $500 gift card to Fast Stop or local FS Cooperative from GROWMARK.

The third-place finalists for this award are Sherwin and Kristin Plate of Mahaska County. They will receive a John Deere 23-foot safe, a 90-day NPNI John Deere Financial Certificate (up to $5,000), a $1,000 Granger gift certificate and Yeti cooler from Farm Bureau Financial Services. After serving four years in the United States Army, Sherwin came home to the family farm where he and Kristen and their three young children grow grain and raise hogs. The Plates also grow their own cover crop seed which they plant on 750 acres of their no-till corn and soybeans. Sherwin serves on the county Farm Bureau board, and Kristen is a recent IFBF Ag Leader graduate. They are both active with their local church.



Ringgold County farmer wins Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Discussion Meet

Alle Bailey of Diagonal has been selected as the winner of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) Young Farmer Discussion Meet, held Dec. 4, during IFBF’s 100th annual meeting in Des Moines.

The winner of the Young Farmer Discussion Meet goes on to represent Iowa in the Young Farmer and Rancher National Discussion Meet during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention in New Orleans on Jan. 11-16. Since Alle and her husband, Ryan, will be competing for the Young Farmer Achievement Award at AFBF, Alicia Heun of Greene County will be the alternate representing Iowa during the national discussion meet competition.

The Young Farmer Discussion Meet is a unique competition in which participants are scored based on their ability to engage in a “cooperative” discussion on challenges affecting agriculture, such as how to correct fictitious information about modern farming practices or attract younger generations into the agricultural workforce. Throughout the discussion, the young farmers are awarded points in their ability to identify the problem, seek solutions and listen to others’ viewpoints—skills that are pertinent to gaining consumer trust in today’s world. 

The eight contestants who participate in the semi-final rounds during the annual meeting earned their slots by competing at the IFBF Young Farmer Conference held in January of this year. Throughout the year, these young farmers work with various IFBF staff members who provide both highlights and background information on discussion topics and public speaking coaching. Four of the eight go on to compete in the final round where a state winner is selected and named during the IFBF Young Farmer Award Ceremony.

As the top finalist of the Iowa competition, Alle received a John Deere x380 riding lawn mower, a 90-day no-payment and no-interest (NPNI) John Deere Financial Certificate up to $5,000 and expenses paid for the 2019 AFBF Annual Convention, 2019 GROWMARK Annual Meeting in Chicago and 2019 IFBF Young Farmer Conference.



Soy Checkoff Sets Strong Course for Future with New Leadership and Continued Focus

United Soybean Board (USB) farmer-leaders elected Keith Tapp, fifth generation soybean farmer from Sebree, Kentucky as chair at the annual meeting December 5, 2018. In addition, 16 directors, appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in October, were sworn in by the USDA.

“Our soy checkoff has proven itself by developing new products and markets for U.S. soy for decades,” said Tapp. “Our job is to continue this progress through wise and strategic investments, which is more important now than ever.”

USB leadership is tasked with guiding the activity of the national soy checkoff in accordance with the strategy outlined by the entire board. USB continues to focus on three priority areas for investment: meal, oil and sustainability.

At the annual board meeting, USB also elected nine directors to serve alongside Tapp on the Executive Committee.
- Jim Carroll, Vice Chair – Arkansas
- John Dodson, Secretary – Tennessee
- Dan Farney, Treasurer – Illinois
- Gregg Fujan – Nebraska
- Tom Oswald - Iowa
- Woody Green – South Carolina
- David Iverson – South Dakota
- Meagan Kaiser – Missouri
- Mark Seib – Indiana

Three farmer-leaders were also elected to serve on the Strategic Management Committee: Rochelle Krusemark, Minnesota; Ralph Lott II, New York; Doug Winter, Illinois. 



ASA Board Elects 2019 Governing Committee

A new group of leaders is set to tackle soybean policy issues in the coming year. The American Soybean Association (ASA) Board of Directors elected its governing committee this week during the annual winter board meeting in St. Louis, and new board members immediately began their terms.

Davie Stephens of Clinton, Ky., will serve as 2019 ASA president. Stephens has been an ASA national director since 2012, serving as secretary and most recently vice president. He also represented his fellow state farmers on the Kentucky Soybean Association board from 2006-14, holding positions as treasurer, secretary, vice-president and president. Stephens farms more than 5,000 acres in Kentucky and Tennessee. In addition to soybeans, he grows corn and raises chickens.

Stephens replaces John Heisdorffer, Iowa, as president, and Heisdorffer moves to the role of ASA chairman. Former chairman Ron Moore, Ill., rotates off the nine-member governing committee.

Ryan Findlay, CEO of ASA, said of the changes, “Davie will transition smoothly into this role, as he has been intrinsically involved in ASA’s heavy trade advocacy this past year, among other issues. And for those leaders stepping down from the board or resuming other posts, we cannot thank them enough for all they have done during this past year. John Heisdorffer showed true leadership as our president, speaking on behalf of the nation’s soybean farmers in a time of increased media attention and anxiety. We know Davie will provide continuity in that remarkable level of dedication and service to the soy industry.”

The ASA board also elected Bill Gordon, Minn., to serve as vice president, a position that places him in line to serve as the association’s president in 2020. Gordon is a fourth-generation farmer who grows soybeans and corn across two-thousand acres, including 250 acres of buffer strips and wetlands. He is owner of Lindquist Tax and Accounting and owner/partner of CRG Management Company, a full-service business including farm analysis and planning.

In addition, the ASA board voted to elect Bret Davis, Ohio, as secretary and Brad Kremer, Wis., as treasurer; Kevin Scott, SD, Joe Steinkamp, In., Brad Doyle, Ark., and Ronnie Russell, Mo., were elected as at-large members of the governing committee.

New members of the ASA board are Daryl Cates, Ill., David Droste, Ill., and Christopher Hill, Minn. Member terms begin immediately upon election each December meeting.



U.S. Beef Exports Still Red-Hot; Pork Exports Slightly Below Year-Ago Level; Lamb Exports Trend Higher

U.S. beef exports remained on a record-shattering value pace in October, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). October pork exports trended seasonally higher compared to recent months but were still below the results posted in October 2017. Lamb export volume in October more than doubled year-over-year, while value increased nearly 50 percent.

October beef exports totaled 117,838 metric tons (mt), up 6 percent from a year ago, valued at $727.4 million – up 10 percent and the second-highest monthly total on record. For January through October, beef exports totaled 1.13 million mt, up 9 percent year-over-year, while value was up 17 percent to $6.92 billion. For beef muscle cuts only, exports increased 12 percent in volume (867,714 mt) and 19 percent in value ($6.19 billion).

Exports accounted for 13 percent of total beef production in October, which was steady with last year, and 11.6 percent for muscle cuts only (down slightly). For January through October, exports accounted for 13.5 percent of total production and 11.1 percent for muscle cuts – up from 12.8 percent and 10.2 percent, respectively, last year. Beef export value equated to $317.53 per head of fed slaughter in October, up 5 percent from a year ago. For January through October, the per-head average was up 15 percent to $320.50.

“Demand for U.S. beef continues to climb in nearly every region of the world, with annual records already falling in some markets,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “Per-head export value will also easily set a new record in 2018, which illustrates the strong returns exports are delivering for cattle producers and for the entire supply chain.”

October pork export volume was 207,725 mt, the largest since May but still 2 percent lower year-over-year, reflecting smaller variety meat exports. Export value ($536.5 million) was also the largest since May but still down 5 percent from a year ago. For January through October, pork exports were 1 percent above last year’s record pace at 2.02 million mt, while value was also up 1 percent to $5.33 billion. For pork muscle cuts only, January-October exports increased 5 percent from a year ago in volume (1.63 million mt), valued at $4.43 billion (up 2 percent).

October exports accounted for 23.6 percent of total pork production, down from 25.4 percent a year ago. For muscle cuts only, the percentage exported was 20.7 percent – down from 21.6 percent in October 2017. For January through October, pork exports accounted for 25.8 percent of total production, down from 26.4 percent last year, but the percentage of muscle cuts exported increased from 22 to 22.5 percent. Export value per head slaughtered was down 10 percent from a year ago in October to $46.07. The January-October average was $51.74, down 2 percent.

“Despite some very significant obstacles, global demand dynamics for U.S. pork remain strong,” Halstrom said. “We are hopeful that the events of the past week – the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the return of trade negotiations between the U.S. and China – represent progress toward elimination of retaliatory duties imposed by key trading partners. If we can put that situation behind us, U.S. pork is well-positioned to regain the momentum displayed early in the year.”

Halstrom added that upcoming trade negotiations with Japan are critical for the U.S. pork and beef industries, as all major competitors in the Japanese market will soon benefit from significant tariff reductions. USMEF, along with producers, exporters and other industry organizations submitted comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) underscoring the importance and urgency of these negotiations and will convey these points again in USTR’s Dec. 10 public hearing.

New value records for U.S. beef in Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines
Beef exports to South Korea, which had already set a new annual value record through September, remained on a torrid pace as October exports reached 20,171 mt (up 17 percent from a year ago) valued at $153.1 million (up 25 percent). January-October exports were up 35 percent in volume (200,666 mt) and 47 percent in value ($1.44 billion). These results included a 21 percent increase in chilled beef exports to 44,440 mt, valued at $431 million (up 31 percent). While Korea’s imports from Australia and New Zealand have also edged higher in 2018, U.S. beef’s market share has increased sharply, jumping from 49 to 53 percent.

October beef exports to leading market Japan were up 12 percent from a year ago in volume (26,954 mt) and 13 percent higher in value ($166.8 million). For January through October, exports to Japan were up 7 percent from a year ago in volume (279,825 mt) while value increased 10 percent to $1.76 billion. Chilled beef exports to Japan were down 1 percent to 123,712 mt, but value increased 8 percent to $990 million.

For January through October, other highlights for U.S. beef exports include:
-    Beef exports to Taiwan were up 34 percent from a year ago in volume (49,135 mt), while value reached $455.3 million – up 36 percent and already easily surpassing last year’s annual record of $409.7 million. Chilled exports to Taiwan were up 30 percent in volume (19,878 mt) and 35 percent in value ($249 million), as the United States captured more than 75 percent of Taiwan’s chilled beef market – the highest market share of any Asian destination.
-    Exports to the Philippines soared 29 percent in volume to 14,751 mt and reached $72.4 million in value – up 35 percent and setting a new annual record. Solid growth in Vietnam also helped push beef exports to the ASEAN region 14 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (39,719 mt) and 26 percent higher in value ($218.1 million).
-    Exports to Mexico were up 1 percent from a year ago in volume (199,003 mt) and 8 percent higher in value ($879.2 million). Beef muscle cut exports to Mexico have shown particularly strong momentum in 2018, increasing 8 percent in volume (118,177 mt) and 11 percent in value ($691.6 million).
-    Although October volume trended lower, January-October exports to China/Hong Kong were still 4 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (102,545 mt) and 24 percent higher in value ($823.5 million). This included exports to China of 5,677 mt valued at $48.6 million.
-    Growth in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Bahamas contributed to a 9 percent increase in the Caribbean region as exports reached 21,455 mt. Value was up 4 percent to $135.4 million.
-    Led by strong growth in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua, beef exports to Central America increased 18 percent year-over-year in volume (11,923 mt) and 14 percent in value ($64.6 million).

New record for U.S. pork in Korea; growth in Japan, ASEAN also bolster October exports
Pork exports to South Korea continued to gain momentum in October, increasing 27 percent from a year ago in volume (19,588 mt) and 17 percent in value ($49.2 million). January-October exports to Korea increased 41 percent in volume (191,610 mt) and 44 percent in value ($538.4 million) – already topping the annual records set in 2011. Even as imports from all main suppliers have expanded this year, U.S. share of Korea’s pork imports has increased significantly, rising from 36 to 39 percent.

October pork exports to leading value market Japan totaled 35,134 mt, up 8 percent from a year ago, while export value climbed 9 percent to $146.6 million. This pushed January-October exports 2 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (330,480 mt) and 3 percent higher in value ($1.36 billion). This included a slight decrease in chilled pork volume (176,118 mt) while value was up 2 percent to $849 million. U.S. share of Japan’s pork imports held close to 35 percent, down slightly from last year. But Japan imported a record volume of ground seasoned pork from the European Union in October and U.S. share in that category has dropped from 71 to 65 percent in 2018. Unfortunately this trend is likely to continue with upcoming implementation of the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which will reduce tariffs on all pork and phase the import duty on ground seasoned pork to zero over the next six years.

Led by strong growth in the Philippines and Vietnam, October pork exports to the ASEAN region increased 91 percent in volume (9,009 mt) and 59 percent in value ($22 million). January-October exports increased 46 percent in volume (58,415 mt) and 33 percent in value ($145.5 million). This was fueled in part by a surge in pork variety meat exports to the region, which more than doubled in both volume (24,090 mt, up 149 percent) and value ($39 million, up 126 percent).

Other January-October results for U.S. pork exports include:
-    Pork exports to South America, led by strong growth in Colombia and Peru and a rebound in exports to Chile, reached 106,444 mt – up 25 percent and already surpassing last year’s annual record. Export value was up 19 percent to $259.9 million.
-    Although October results slowed from a year ago, January-October exports to Central America still increased 17 percent in volume (66,428 mt) and 13 percent in value ($156.6 million). Exports increased to leading markets Honduras and Guatemala and were sharply higher to Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
-    Exports to the Dominican Republic have already exceeded annual records in both volume (36,022 mt, up 36 percent) and value ($78.4 million, up 29 percent).
-    Exports to Australia were up 10 percent to 61,994 mt, with value climbing 8 percent to $178.8 million. Australia is a critical market for U.S. hams, especially with retaliatory duties in place in Mexico and China.
-    Despite a fifth straight month in which pork shipments were below year-ago levels, exports to leading volume market Mexico were still steady with last year’s record pace at 656,284 mt. But export value, pressured by the retaliatory duties first imposed in June, declined by 9 percent to $1.12 billion.
-    Exports to China/Hong Kong declined 27 percent from a year ago to 302,151 mt, with value dropping 16 percent to $730 million. China/Hong Kong is the largest destination for pork variety meat exports, which were down 28 percent in volume (194,472 mt) and 15 percent in value ($512.4 million).

Lamb exports solid in October
October exports of U.S. lamb more than doubled from a year ago to 1,161 mt (up 107 percent). Export value was also strong, climbing 48 percent to $1.96 million. Lamb muscle cut exports were 207 mt in October, up 20 percent from a year ago, valued at $1.13 million (up 27 percent).

Through the first 10 months of the year, lamb exports were 69 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (10,371 mt) and 19 percent higher in value ($19 million). While the increase is mainly attributable to stronger variety meat demand in Mexico, muscle cut exports were sharply higher to the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and the Philippines.



National Pork Industry Foundation to Award $2,500 Scholarships

The National Pork Producers Council is pleased to announce the 2019 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship, which is sponsored by CME Group and the National Pork Industry Foundation and is managed and administered by the National Pork Producers Council.

The scholarship program was introduced in 1990 by CME Group and NPPC to celebrate the 25th anniversary of CME Hog Futures. The scholarship was renamed in 2006 to honor the passing of NPPC Board of Director Lois Britt. Britt, a lifetime supporter of agriculture, spent 34 years with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, finishing out her career for 15 years with Smithfield Hog Production doing Public and Government Relations. She was inducted into the NPPC Pork Industry Hall of Fame, the N.C. Pork Council Hall of Fame and awarded the N.C. 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award as some of her many achievements.

Ten $2,500 scholarships are awarded to students annually who intend to pursue a career in the pork industry with hopes that they may emerge as future pork industry leaders themselves.

To be eligible, applicants must:
1.Be a current undergraduate student in a two-year swine program or four-year college of agriculture and U.S. citizen. High school students are not eligible.
2.Write a brief letter indicating what role the applicant sees themselves playing in the pork industry after graduation.
3.Submit an essay of 750 words or less describing an issue the applicant sees confronting the pork industry today or in the future, including offering their solutions.
4.Obtain two letters of reference from current or former professors or industry professionals.
5.Prepare a cover sheet with the following information:
   a. Name of Applicant
   b. Name of School
   c. Year in School
   d. Contact Information (home & school mailing address, telephone number & e-mail address)

Please submit the items listed above online or via e-mail to the address listed below. All entries must be sent by JANUARY 4, 2019 to be accepted.
Online Submissions: www.nppc.org/programs/scholarships
E-mail Submissions: info@nppc.org

Essays will be judged on the basis of clarity and expression, persuasiveness, originality and relevance of topic. Winners will be announced at the National Pork Industry Forum in Orlando, FL March 6 - 8, 2019. NPPC and CME Group reserve the right to publish any or all parts the essays submitted. Please contact Rebecca Casey, NPPC Director of Industry Resource Development, with questions about the scholarship at (515) 645.9659 or caseyr@nppc.org.