Monday December 17 Ag News

New Members Elected to Nebraska Beef Council Board

The Nebraska Beef Council has announced the results of the 2018 Board of Director elections.

Rosemary Vinton Anderson, a cow-calf producer from Whitman will represent district two including Grant, Hooker, Thomas, Blaine, Loup, Rock, Brown, Keya Paha, and Cherry counties.  

Jim Ramm, a cow-calf producer from Atkinson will represent district four including Boyd, Holt, Wheeler, Knox, Antelope, and Boone counties.

Michele Cutler, a cow-calf producer from Elsie, NE, will represent district six including Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Keith, Perkins, Lincoln, Chase, Hayes, Dundy and Hitchcock counties. 

Gregg Wiedel, a cow-calf producer from Hebron, NE, will represent district eight including Adams, Webster, Clay, Nuckolls, Fillmore, Thayer, Seward, Saline, Jefferson, Lancaster, Gage, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha, and Richardson counties.

Each new board member will serve a four-year term beginning in January, 2019.



Nebraska Pulse Crops Expo Jan. 7 in Kearney

As corn, soybean, and wheat prices decrease, some growers are looking to pulse crops as an alternative crop to be integrated into current cropping systems. To learn about getting started with pulse crops or how to enhance your existing pulse production, don’t miss the 2019 Nebraska Pulse Crops Expo January 7 in Kearney.

The program is free and will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 110 S. 2nd Avenue.

“Pulse crops such as yellow or green field peas, lentils, and chickpeas fit well with cropping systems throughout the state,” said program coordinator and Extension Educator Strahinja Stepanovic. “With a rapidly growing industry and increased knowledge and resources, it is becoming easier to grow them as well as to find seed, crop insurance, and a market for them.”

Last year’s Pulse Crops Expo at Grant was attended by 165 people from seven states (Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wisconsin, Missouri, Idaho, and Utah).  Of the participants surveyed, 93% indicated that information and contacts acquired at the meeting would help them farm more profitably in the next year, Stepanovic said.

Lucas Haag, northwest area agronomist with Kansas State University, will be the keynote speaker, presenting on field pea growth and development and management of field peas at critical growth stages.

Other presentations, focused on dryland production in western Nebraska (S) or irrigated production in central and eastern Nebraska (C-E), will include:
    Field Pea as Fallow Replacement (W)
    Response of Field Pea to Planting Date and Seeding Rates (W)
    Are High-Performing Pea Cultivars Different Across Regions in Nebraska? (W)
    Tillage Effects on Pulse Crop Germination and Yield (W)
    How to Grow Chickpeas – Challenges and Opportunities (W)
    Double Cropping Pulses with Cover Crops, Forages and Short-Season Crops (C-E)
    Cover Crop Grazing after Field Peas (C-E)
    Irrigated Field Peas and Chickpea Production (C-E)
    Marketing Panel with representatives of the pulse grain processing industry (W, C-E)
    Promoting the Pulse Crops Industry in Nebraska – Should Nebraska have a Pulse Crops Checkoff? (W, C-E)

There also will be updates from certified seed dealers, market reports, crop insurance updates, and more.

The 2019 NE Pulse Crops Expo is sponsored by the SARE (Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education), the Nebraska Environmental Trust, and pulse crops industry partners. 

Registration
 The event and lunch are free, but preregistration is required by January 2. To register:
    Use the online form at https://cropwatch.unl.edu/nebraska-pulse-crops-expo-registration
    Call or send a text to  402-318-1124 
    Email Strahinja Stepanovic sstepanovic2@unl.edu

Rooms are available at the Holiday Inn for a special event rate of $99.95 per night. Call 308-237-5971 and ask for the Pulse Crops Meeting rate.



NA-BA Advanced Topic Soil School January 30-31, 2019
16 CEU's Available between the two days!

Soils School 2019: An Advanced Topics Shortcourse, co-sponsored by the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Nebraska Agri-Business Association will be on January 30-31st, 2019 at the Quality Inn & Conference Center in Grand Island, NE.

Soils School 2019 has been specifically designed for employees to go into depth about the topics of soil. Leading experts from the University of Nebraska will be presenting the latest up-to-date information. Soils School 2019 will provide 16 hours of CEU's to CCA's.

The price for registration is $290.00 per person for NeABA Members and $390.00 per person for Non-Members. The registration fee includes lunch for both days, breaks, and handouts. Please contact Sarah Skirry at the Association Office with any questions at (402) 476-1528 or at sskirry@na-ba.com. You can register online through this link: http://bit.ly/agronomy2019  We look forward to seeing you at Soils School 2019: An Advanced Topics Shortcourse in Grand Island, NE!



SAVE HAY BY REDUCING FEEDING WASTE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

Much expense and many long hours go into harvesting and storing hay for winter feeding.  So why waste it!  Hay feeding waste can be reduced.

Cattle can waste as much as 45 percent of their hay when it is fed in the open without restrictions.  How can you reduce these losses to minimize costs and maintain an adequate hay supply?

Your first step should be to limit how much hay is available.  Research shows that it takes 25% more hay when you feed cattle a four-day supply at once compared to feeding them every day.  Daily feeding reduces the amount of hay refused, trampled, fouled, over-consumed, or used for bedding.

A second step is to restrict access to the hay by using hay racks, bale rings, electric fences, feed bunks, or anything else that will keep animals off the hay.  It’s especially important to limit the amount of hay accessible to trampling.  So use racks or bale rings with solid barriers at the bottom to prevent livestock from pulling hay loose and then dragging it out to be stepped on.

If you do feed hay on the ground, either as loose hay, unrolled round bales, or as ground hay, it is especially important to follow these guidelines.  Limit the hay fed to an amount animals will clean up in a single meal.  Anything left over will be stepped on, fouled, or used for bedding instead of as feed.  And if you can – use an electric wire or other barrier to restrict access to only one side of the feed on the ground.  And also be sure to distribute that hay enough so all cows have access to it at the same time.

With a little foresight and careful management, you can stretch your hay and your hay dollars further.



35th Young Leader Class Kicks Off in Iowa

The 35th class of American Soybean Association (ASA) Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont Young Leaders recently began their leadership journey at the Corteva Agriscience Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa.

The Johnston training session was the first phase of the program designed to identify future grower leaders within the agriculture community and provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and network with other farmers. Representatives from 19 states and the Grain Farmers of Ontario participated in the program. Young Leaders participated in DiSC and communications training, discussed CRISPR technology, consumer trends and other important soybean industry advancements.

“The Young Leader Program has had a huge impact on not only ASA, but all of agriculture,” said ASA President and Iowa farmer John Heisdorffer. “Former Young Leaders can be found in leadership roles throughout the industry and public policy. We are grateful to Corteva Agriscience for making this program possible. The Young Leader program provides training in key leadership areas and allows participants to form lasting relationships with growers from across the country, which strengthens our industry and allows us to work collaboratively in our local, state and national organizations.”

“Corteva Agriscience™ always strives to put the farmer-first in all that we do,” said Judd O’Connor, President, U.S. Commercial Business, Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of Dow DuPont. “Having young leaders who are willing and well-equipped to speak up for agriculture is critical in helping to ensure the voice of farmers is part of the conversation among the public and the full value chain.”

The 2019 Young Leaders are: Stuart & Suzie Sanderson (AL); Kyle & Stacie Schlenker (AR); Austin & Katelynn Baer (IL); Miranda Biddle (IL); Tim & Brittany Gueldener (IL); Eric & Megan Scheller (IN); Reed Burres (IA); Tyler Cvitkovic (KY); Anna Redding (KY) & Jason Putt (OH); Kody Beavers (LA); Chris & Debra Schmidt (MI); Mark & Vanessa Senk (MI); Wes Miller & Amanda Heilman (MD); Haley Ammann (MN); Andrew & Heidi Pulk (MN); Mitchell & Andrea Rice (MO); Nathan White (MO); Clint & Katie Hostler (NE); Simeon Williams (NC); Joshua Askew (ND); Joshua Stutrud (ND); Adam Vance (OH); Brent & Mollie Greenway (SD); Derek & Micayla Giffin (TN); Donald Thomas (VA); Zac Soltvedt & Amber Bellows (WI); and Aaron McQueen (Canada).

This second phase of the Young Leader program will take place Feb. 26 – March 1, 2019, in Orlando, Fla., with training held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.



NCGA Announces 2018 Yield Contest Winners

With improved seed varieties, advanced production techniques and innovative growing practices, corn growers achieved impressive yields despite weather-related adversity in the National Corn Growers Association 2018 National Corn Yield Contest.

The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 54th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members.

“While participating in friendly competition, yield contest participants create and share information that shapes the future of the industry,” said Roger Zylstra, chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “Contest winners, at the state and national levels, find innovative ways to help their fellow farmers excel in a variety of situations. Emphasizing innovation both from growers and technology providers, our contest enables us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 349 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 178.9 bushels per acre in 2018. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 477.6877 bushels per acre.

“The National Corn Yield Contest serves as the first point of contact with NCGA, as entrants join the association,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chair of NCGA’s Engaging Members Committee. “But, for so many, contest participation is just the first step in a journey. As they discover the breadth of activities NCGA carries out on the behalf of farmers, their involvement and support increases. Much as the data and ideas generated by contestants leads to advances that benefit all farmers, NCGA’s grassroots efforts join the single voices of members together to create positive change and real opportunities for our industry.”

For more than half of a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved but the opportunity to learn from their peers.

Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. The winners will be honored during Commodity Classic 2019 in Orlando, Fla.

NE Non-Irriagted
1 - Dave Schmit, David City - Pioneer P1828AM - 286.1805
2 - Bradley Zierott, Murdock - Wyffels Hybrids W7888RIB - 280.8758
3 - Paul Tighe, Homer - DEKALB DKC70-27RIB - 276.6178

NE - NoTill/StripTill - Non-Irrigated
1 - Marvin and Glenn Wiles, Plattsmouth - DEKALB DKC66-74RIB - 295.2706
2 - Mark Moody, Auburn - Pioneer P1197AM - 284.9594
3 - Gerald Steffensmeier, Howells - DEKALB DKC64-34RIB - 284.3206

NE - NoTill/StripTill - Irrigated
1 - John Panowicz, Cairo - Pioneer P1370AM - 326.5289
* John Panowicz, Cairo - Pioneer P1828AM - 324.2855
* Michael Panowicz, Cairo - Pioneer P1828AM - 321.8824
2 - Bruce Schmit, Bellwood - AgVenture AV8614YHB - 321.2889
3 - Paul Gangwish, Shelton - DEKALB DKC70-27RIB - 319.9398

NE - Irrigated
1 - Ashton Peterson, Bertrand - Pioneer P1563AM - 331.9265
2 - Michael Panowicz, Cairo - Pioneer P1370AM - 322.3443
3 - Bob Panowicz, Cairo - Pioneer P1370Q - 316.8823

Please visit National Corn Growers Association website www.ncga.com for the complete list of National and State winners.



Iowa Pork Producers Announces 2019 Pork Congress

The 2019 Iowa Pork Congress will be held Jan. 23 and 24 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. This event, organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), is North America's largest winter swine trade show and conference. It features seminars, a keynote address each day, training sessions, social events and youth activities. Each day, Iowa Pork Congress opens at 9 a.m., and closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 23 and at 4 p.m. on Jan. 24.

"We're excited about our lineup of seminars and presenters. We strive to present seminars on timely subjects, and on issues of importance to pork producers and stakeholders," said IPPA President Gregg Hora, a pig farmer from Fort Dodge.

The trade show includes more than 300 exhibitors, "which is a major draw," Hora said. "Every year, attendees have the opportunity to visit with representatives from companies that serve the pork industry. These companies come from Iowa, the U.S. and around the world to offer solutions that help our pork producers become more efficient, profitable and successful."

There is also a strong lineup of business seminars. They include one on Iowa regulations by attorney Eldon McAfee; a price and profitability outlook by Dr. Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns; a panel in which producers share their experiences with environmental stewardship practices, another on solving ventilation issues, and a third about on-farm experiences with mycoplasma.

The keynote speaker on Wednesday, Jan. 23, is Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, an Extension Animal Science Specialist at the University of California-Davis. She runs the Animal Genomics and Biotechnology Laboratory there, and will talk about advancements in agriculture and the implications of using biotechnology to feed the world. Additionally, she will do a separate special presentation that day on the film Food Evolution, which explores the controversy surrounding developments in science and food production.

On Thursday, Jan. 24, the keynote speaker is consultant Mark Jewell, who will talk about ways producers can successfully handle uncertainty in both their business and personal lives.

Training sessions during the two-day conference will give pig farmers the opportunity to obtain or renew their PQA Plus® and TQA® certifications. A certification session for confinement site manure applicators is also being offered.

For youth, the annual Youth Swine Judging contest will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There, registered 4-H and FFA members can learn more about the industry and compete for valuable scholarships.

Other activities and events will be held in association with Pork Congress. The association's annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 22, followed by a reception and auction for the IPPA Scholarship Foundation. The Pork Congress Banquet is on Wednesday evening.

"The IPPA Board and staff have worked hard over the last several months to produce another good show and we hope to see many producers from Iowa and the Midwest," said Hora.
 
Registration
Pre-registration to attend Pork Congress is available through Jan. 7, 2019. IPPA members can attend the trade show and conference at no cost by registering by that deadline at www.iowaporkcongress.org, or by using the form in the November issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine, or by calling (800) 372-7675.

Non-IPPA members can save $5 off the normal $10 admission cost by registering by the deadline. Registrations will be accepted after the deadline, including through each day of the show, but the cost will be $10.

For more information about events and registration, contact IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or visit www.iowaporkcongress.org.



Counties Must Register Soon to Evaluate CAFO Sites

Counties interested in evaluating construction permits for proposed animal feeding facilities must adopt a construction evaluation resolution and submit the resolution to DNR between Jan. 1 and 31.

On average, 88 counties pass a resolution each year, which allows them to review construction permit applications required for larger totally roofed animal feeding operations (confinements).

Producers in counties that file the resolutions must meet higher standards for a construction permit than sites in other counties. They must earn points on a master matrix by choosing a site and using practices that reduce effects on the environment and the community.

The Master Matrix development, submittal and approval process allows applicants and county supervisors to discuss options for site selection, facility type and management. The county submits a recommendation to the DNR on the permit application after reviewing the master matrix items the applicant selected.

Counties that participate in the master matrix process may accompany DNR on site visits to proposed locations. The county board of supervisors may also appeal the DNR's preliminary approval of a permit to the Environmental Protection Commission.

County boards of supervisors may approve the resolutions at any time, but must submit resolutions between Jan. 1 and 31. Send resolutions to Kelli Book at DNR, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319, email to Kelli.Book@dnr.iowa.gov or fax to 515-725-8201. Sign-ups in January apply to permit applications received from February through January 2020.

For historical information on counties that adopted resolutions, check the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/afo and search for master matrix.

More information is available from the Iowa State Association of Counties at www.iowacounties.org.



USDA Launches Second Round of Trade Mitigation Payments

At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today launched the second and final round of trade mitigation payments aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations.  Producers of certain commodities will now be eligible to receive Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments for the second half of their 2018 production.

“The President reaffirmed his support for American farmers and ranchers and made good on his promise, authorizing the second round of payments to be made in short order. While there have been positive movements on the trade front, American farmers are continuing to experience losses due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations.  This assistance will help with short-term cash flow issues as we move into the new year,” said Perdue.

Secretary Perdue announced in July that USDA would act to aid farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation.  President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a short-term relief strategy to help protect agricultural producers while the Administration works on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets to help American farmers compete globally. In September, USDA initiated three programs to aid American agriculture in sustaining the short-term damages associated with the trade disputes and securing long-term, stable export markets.

Details of programs currently employed by USDA:
-    USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has been administering MFP to provide the first payments to almond, corn, cotton, dairy, hog, sorghum, soybean, fresh sweet cherry, and wheat producers since September 2018 for the first 50 percent of their 2018 production.
-    USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is administering a food purchase and distribution program to purchase up to $1.2 billion in commodities unfairly targeted by unjustified retaliation. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is distributing these commodities through nutrition assistance programs, such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program and child nutrition programs. So far, USDA has procured some portion of 16 of the 29 commodities included in the program, totaling more than 4,500 truckloads of food. AMS will continue purchasing commodities for delivery throughout 2019.
-    Through the Foreign Agricultural Service’s (FAS) Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) program, $200 million is being made available to develop foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products. The program will help U.S. agricultural exporters identify and access new markets and help mitigate the adverse effects of other countries’ restrictions. The application period closed in November with more than $600 million in requested activities from more than 70 organizations. FAS will announce ATP funding awards in early January.

Market Facilitation Program
Producers need only sign-up once for the MFP to be eligible for the first and second payments. The MFP sign-up period opened in September and runs through January 15, 2019, with information and instructions provided at www.farmers.gov/mfp.  Producers must complete an application by January 15, 2019 but have until May 1, 2019 to certify their 2018 production.  The MFP provides payments to almond, cotton, corn, dairy, hog, sorghum, soybean, fresh sweet cherry, and wheat producers who have been significantly impacted by actions of foreign governments resulting in the loss of traditional exports. The MFP is established under the statutory authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation CCC Charter Act and is under the administration of USDA’s FSA. Eligible producers should apply after harvest is complete, as payments will only be issued once production is reported.

For farmers who have already applied, completed harvest, and certified their 2018 production, a second payment will be issued on the remaining 50 percent of the producer’s total production, multiplied by the MFP rate for the specific commodity.

Market Facilitation Program
Commodity - First and Second Payment Rate - Est. Total Payment** (in $1,000s)
Almonds (shelled) - $0.03 / lb. - $63,300
Cotton - $0.06 / lb. - $553,800
Corn - $0.01 / bu. - $192,000
Dairy (milk) - $0.12 / cwt. - $254,800
Pork (hogs) - $8.00 / head - $580,600
Soybeans - $1.65 / bu. - $7,259,400
Sorghum - $0.86 / bu. - $313,600
Sweet Cherries (fresh) - $0.16 / lb. - $111,500
Wheat - $0.14 / bu. - $238,400
Total - $9,567,400
** Total payment rate on 100% of production

MFP payments are limited to a combined $125,000 for corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, and wheat capped per person or legal entity.  MFP payments are also limited to a combined $125,000 for dairy and hog producers, and a combined $125,000 for fresh sweet cherry and almond producers. Applicants must also have an average adjusted gross income for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016 of less than $900,000. Applicants must also comply with the provisions of the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation regulations.

For more further information or to locate and contact local FSA offices, interested producers can visit www.farmers.gov.



Soybean Farmers Thankful for Final Installment of Market Facilitation Aid
U.S. soybean farmers welcomed news from President Trump Monday confirming a second payment under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Market Facilitation Program.

“Soy growers are very thankful that President Trump understands the need for this payment on the full 2018 production and that the Administration will deliver the second half of the aid as promised. While it will not make our losses whole, it will certainly help offset the drop in prices we have experienced since China cut off U.S. soybean imports,” said American Soybean Association (ASA) president Davie Stephens, a soybean producer from Clinton, Kentucky. “We saw some initial sales of U.S. soybeans to China last week, which was also welcomed news and we hope a sign that the trade war could be turning a corner as a result of President Trump’s recent meeting with President Xi.”

The Administration announced the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) in July as part of a trade aid package to partially offset the short-term impact of foreign tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports, including a 25 percent duty imposed by China on soybean imports. Farmers who apply under the MFP by January 15 and who have been eligible to receive payments on half of their 2018 production will now receive a payment of $1.65 per bushel on their entire harvested crop.

ASA continues to advocate for a negotiated solution to the trade war that would result in China rescinding the 25 percent tariff and fully opening its market to commercial purchases of U.S. soybeans. Said Stephens, “The sooner the market opens and tariffs are rescinded, the sooner we can start to rebuild the exports we have lost this year.”



Administration Launches Second Part Of Farm Aid Plan

The Trump administration today announced the second phase of the market facilitation part of its assistance program for America’s farmers suffering from ongoing trade disputes. Also, this past week the first shipments of pork purchased by the government under the aid plan were delivered to food centers around the country.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture in late August unveiled details of the assistance program, which was initiated to mitigate the financial hit farmers have taken from punitive tariffs imposed on U.S. farm goods by China, Mexico and other nations. U.S. pork, for example, earlier this year was slapped with two 25 percent duties from China and a 20 tariff from Mexico, retaliation for U.S. tariffs on some of those countries’ goods.

Under the assistance program, pork producers with adjusted gross income of less than $900,000 are eligible for direct payments of $8 per animal – in two phases of $4 each – based on the number of live hogs they owned on Aug. 1, 2018, or on any day between July 15 and Aug. 15 if that is more representative of the entity’s ownership interests. Livestock payments are limited to $125,000 per person or legal entity. Sign-up for the Market Facilitation Program began Sept. 4 and runs through Jan. 15.

The $12 billion aid package also included a $559 million government purchase of pork to be used for federal food assistance programs for the needy. The purchases, which are expected to cover about a week’s worth of production, are being made by USDA in four tranches.

“Today’s announcement is further proof that President Trump is committed to America’s farmers, including pork producers, who support his efforts to realign U.S. trade policy,” said National Pork Producers Council President Jim Heimerl, a hog farmer from Johnstown, Ohio. “U.S. agriculture has borne the brunt of the retaliatory tariffs, so the administration’s aid plan helps.”

Still, Heimerl said, farmers would rather be producing and exporting food.

“We need to end these trade disputes soon and open new markets, so we can export to consumers around the globe the safest, most nutritious pork in the world,” said Heimerl.

In addition to asking the Trump administration to resolve the dispute with China and to drop the U.S. tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Mexico so that country will rescind its duty on U.S. pork, NPPC has been urging the White House to negotiate new trade deals with countries, particularly ones in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region, beginning with Japan.



NAWG Applauds President’s Announcement of Second Round of MFP Assistance

Today, President Trump announced the Administration would be fulfilling the second half of assistance through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) to help farmers impacted by the trade war between the United States and China. USDA Secretary Perdue subsequently announced details of the program. In anticipation of this announcement, NAWG met with senior officials at USDA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and sent a letter to USDA reminding them of the ongoing damaging impacts that these tariffs have had on wheat growers and noting that a second round of assistance to producers is justified. 

“NAWG continues to emphasize to both the USDA and OMB that the ongoing trade war with China has continued to harm wheat farmers, which is evident with there having been no sales to China since March,” stated NAWG President and Sentinel, OK wheat farmer Jimmie Musick. “These retaliatory tariffs are not only harming growers through loss of sales but are also placing pressure on wheat prices. Growers want new export markets and trade deals so that this sort of assistance isn’t necessary.”

In the letter, NAWG pointed out that wheat growers have lost around $323 million in total sales to China. Additionally, wheat sales to Mexico have declined by 569,000 metric tons compared to the previous year, despite Mexico increasing overall wheat imports. This is an estimated loss of $178 million and caused by Mexico’s decision to source wheat imports from alternative markets amid uncertainty of trade agreements and unknown repercussions from Section 232 tariffs. 

“We appreciate the Administration’s recognition that farmers have suffered economic damages resulting from tariff retaliation through MFP assistance,” concluded Musick.



NCGA: USDA Trade Aid Comes Up Short, Again

The National Corn Growers Association today expressed disappointment that corn farmers impacted by trade tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty would receive virtually no relief through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Market Facilitation Program (MFP). 

NCGA’s comments follow USDA’s announcement of the second round of MFP payments, again setting the payment rate for corn at just one cent per bushel, despite the fact that corn farmers have suffered an average 44 cent per bushel loss since tariffs were first announced.

“Farmers of all crops have felt the impact of trade tariffs,” said NCGA President Lynn Chrisp. “NCGA appreciates the progress the administration has made to advance ethanol, reach a new agreement with Mexico and Canada and move forward on negotiations with Japan, but the benefits of these efforts will take time to materialize and farmers are hurting now.”

“One cent per bushel is woefully inadequate to even begin to cover the losses being felt by corn farmers. USDA did not take into account the reality that many of our farmers are facing,” Chrisp added.

In a November 19 letter to USDA Secretary Perdue, Chrisp stressed the disappointment around USDA’s approach to calculating MFP payments. Many farmers felt it was too narrow in scope and did not capture real-time impacts of trade disruptions.

NCGA called on USDA to add ethanol and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to the calculation of damages for corn, roughly $254 million. The organization also asked that farmers who suffered production losses from disasters be allowed to use an alternative to 2018 production for their MFP calculation, ensuring those suffering losses from natural disasters would not be penalized twice. These requests were repeated in subsequent conversations between NCGA and administration officials but ultimately ignored in USDA’s final payment calculation for round two.

According to an NCGA-commissioned economic analysis, corn farmers suffered a 44 cent per bushel loss in the price of corn from the beginning of May, right before tariffs were announced, through July, when tariffs were implemented. Based on USDA yield averages and acres of corn planted, that amounts to a $6.3 billion loss to corn farmers.



NMPF Welcomes USDA Assistance, Looks Forward to Farm Bill Implementation

In response to USDA’s announcement of a second round of trade mitigation payments to U.S. farmers, NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern offered the following comments:

“The tariff-mitigation payment for dairy farmers in this second round of payments is less than we had hoped for, but it will provide some assistance during difficult times.

“The tit-for-tat tariffs that prompted these mitigation payments continue to inflict damage across the farm economy. We urge the Administration to resolve tensions with key trading partners, including China and Mexico, as the best way to assist farmers going forward.

“We are thankful that Congress last week emphatically supported milk producers and all of U.S. agriculture by passing a farm bill that will provide timely, critical assistance. We look forward to the president signing the bill and appreciate that USDA has highlighted implementation of the new dairy program as an early priority.”



Farm Bureau Welcomes Second Trade Mitigation Assistance Package

The Trump administration this week announced the second part of a trade mitigation assistance package to help farmers and ranchers hit hard by the ongoing trade disputes.  American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says,

“This latest trade mitigation package announcement will help our farmers and ranchers weather the continuing trade storm. We continue to feel price pressure and very real economic damage due to the trade actions other nations have taken against our U.S. farm exports. While this assistance package will help a number of our farm families during this year of severe economic challenge, the best way to provide lasting relief is to continue pushing for trade and tariff reform from trading partners like China, Canada, Mexico, India, Turkey and the European Union.”



USGC Rolls Out 2018/2019 Corn Harvest Quality Report

A warm and moist growing season resulted in near-record yields and good quality for the 2018 corn crop, according to the U.S. Grain Council’s (USGC) latest corn quality report, released this week globally.

The 2018/2019 Corn Harvest Quality Report is the Council’s eighth annual corn quality survey. The report revealed the majority of 2018 corn crop conditions were rated as good or excellent during the growing season, leading to strong plant health, good kernel size and a projected crop of 371.52 million metric tons (14.626 billion bushels), the third-largest crop on record.

“The Council is pleased to offer this report as not only a service to our partners, but also as fulfillment of our mission to develop markets, enable trade and improve lives,” said Jim Stitzlein, USGC chairman. “The Council is committed to the furtherance of global food security and mutual economic benefit through trade, and we hope this report continues to provide readers accurate and timely insight into the quality of the 2018 U.S. corn crop.”

The report showed 93.9 percent of tested U.S. corn samples rated at U.S. Grade No. 2 or better; this was largely the result of a warm, wet vegetative period and a moderate pollination and grain-filling period. The drier, moderate temperatures during the second half of the growing season promoted healthy plants, good test weights and low kernel damage.

Average test weight of 58.4 pounds per bushel (75.1 kilograms per hectoliter) was higher than the five-year average and indicates good kernel filling and maturation. Average 100-kernel weight of 35.07 grams was lower than 2017, but above the five-year average.

All but one sample, or 99.5 percent of samples, tested below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level for aflatoxin (20 parts per billion). One-hundred percent of the samples tested below the FDA advisory level for deoxynivalenol (DON), or vomitoxin, for chicken, cattle, hogs and other animals.

The 2018/2019 Corn Harvest Quality Report provides timely information about the quality of the current U.S. corn crop at harvest as it enters international merchandising channels. This information will be supplemented by a second report, the 2018/2019 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report, scheduled for early 2019, that measures corn quality at export terminals at the point of loading for international shipment.

“The Council’s series of quality reports uses consistent and transparent methodology to allow for comparisons across time,” Stitzlein wrote in the USGC’s report greeting. “This enables buyers to make well-informed decisions and have confidence in the capacity and reliability of the U.S. corn market.”

The Council also began its annual roll-out events to present its findings to buyers around the world, starting in Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines. Presentations, meetings and conferences will continue through the first quarter of 2019 and aim to arm participants with clear expectations regarding the quality of corn for this marketing year. During these events, crop quality information is accompanied by presentations on U.S. corn grading and handling, which helps provide a better understanding of how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.



USDA Highlights Benefits of Improved Dairy Safety Net Tool

More than 21,400 dairy producers opted for coverage through the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) in 2018, up by more than 2,000 producers from the previous year. This U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program was significantly updated in February by the Bipartisan Act of 2018, and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said those changes attracted more producers to enroll in the safety net program or to increase their coverage.

“Dairy producers have long been battling low prices, high input costs, and a surplus in the global market. Unfortunately, the 2014 Farm Bill did not provide a sufficient safety net to dairy producers and so it was timely that Congress opted to provide additional support through the Margin Protection Program last February,” Secretary Perdue said. “We are pleased to announce that roughly half of our nation’s dairy producers enrolled for coverage under this reworked Program, providing additional capital to keep some of these folks afloat. We understand that this is not a total fix nor long-term solution for dairy producers, but we are glad that the Farm Service Agency was able to spring into action to get these critical payments out the door just a few months after the legislative changes were enacted. USDA is looking forward to prioritizing the implementation of the Dairy Margin Coverage Program, the new longer-term, more comprehensive dairy safety net program, following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.”

MPP-Dairy, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, protects dairy producers by paying them when the difference between the national all-milk price and the national average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount elected by the producer.

Many producers received their first MPP-Dairy payments in February 2018, and most producers who have chosen premium coverage levels of $7, $7.50, or $8 have seen a payment for every month since February. For these seven months, over $253 million in payments have been made to dairy operators.

The Bipartisan Budget Act made several changes, including:
    Providing monthly payments instead of bi-monthly;
    Permitting of dairy operations that had not participated before to enroll in the program;
    Covering 5 million pounds of production (instead of 4 million) on the Tier 1 premium schedule;
    Significantly reducing premiums per hundredweight under the Tier 1 premium schedule; and
    Exempting limited resource, beginning, veteran, and disadvantaged dairy operators from paying the annual administrative fee.

While enrollment for MPP-Dairy has closed, USDA encourages dairy producers to consider other programs, including the Dairy Revenue Protection Program, Livestock Gross Margin Insurance for Dairy Cattle, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and Conservation Stewardship Program.

Contact your local USDA service center to learn more.



CWT Assisted Member Export Sales Five Million Pounds of Cheese and Whole Milk Powder

Member cooperatives of Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 14 offers of export assistance from CWT that helped them secure contracts to sell 1.821 million pounds (1,294 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and 3.097 million pounds (1,405 metric tons) of whole milk powder. The product will be delivered during the period from December 2018 through June 2019.

CWT-assisted sales this year total 69.3 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 17.15 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 41.1 million pounds of whole milk powder. These sales are equivalent to 1.326 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers and dairy cooperatives by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price. It does this by helping member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share for U.S dairy products. As a result, the program has significantly expanded the total demand for U.S. dairy products and farm milk that produces those products.



DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA ENTERS INTO AGREEMENT WITH AGROPUR TO ACQUIRE ST. PAUL, MINN., FACILITY

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Agropur announced today that they have entered into an agreement for DFA to acquire Agropur’s St. Paul, Minn., facility.

The acquisition by DFA, which is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, will expand the farmer-owned cooperative’s extended shelf-life capabilities and introduce aseptic processing into its business portfolio.

“This acquisition offers an opportunity to grow our customer base while strengthening our processing capabilities for existing customers and diversifies our product portfolio,” says Pat Panko, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for DFA’s Fluid Milk and Ice Cream Division.

Of the sale, Doug Simon, President of Agropur inc., stated, “DFA is a tremendous organization with strong cultural and business ideations that marry well with those of Agropur’s cooperative roots. Our focus has been and will always be meeting the needs of our customers and being strategic in our investments toward complementary growth areas. This transaction is well aligned with long-term strategic plans for both parties.”

The facility manufactures a variety of fresh, extended shelf-life and aseptic dairy products for well-known grocery store chains and organic milk brands. Employees will retain their current positions. In addition, the existing management team will continue to manage all day-to-day operations, including customer relationships, milk procurement and production. It is anticipated the transaction will close early in January.



FBN Insurance LLC Launches FBN Health

Farmers Business Network, the independent farmer-to-farmer network, announced FBN Health, a multi-state healthcare network for farmers, their families and their farm employees, giving farmers access to more affordable healthcare options, designed just for them.

The high cost of health insurance is squeezing farmers, forcing family members to take off-farm jobs or even to leave farming altogether to afford medical care. And it's preventing young people from beginning to farm or return to their family farm.

“Healthcare is one of the greatest personal risks facing farm families – from the rising and unpredictable healthcare costs to the actual health and well-being of the family itself,” said Lucas Strom, Head of Insurance at Farmers Business Network. “Our members have been asking us to find a solution that’s affordable, has options and is easy to navigate, and we believe FBN Health is one giant step in the right direction.”

By leveraging the purchasing power of the FBN network, FBN has lowered health insurance premiums and passes those savings straight to the farmer. In many cases, FBN expects that eligible FBN members will see significant premium savings over the individual marketplace.

FBN has tailored health benefit plans to meet FBN members’ needs with a farmer-focused healthcare offering. FBN Health gives farmers the option of four different health plans that offer:
    Health coverage for the entire farm family – including farm employees: Medical, dental and vision
    Free, 24/7 telephone access to a doctor—at $0 co-pay—so farmers don’t have to waste any time driving to town when there’s a medical question or need
    Extensive regional and national networks of providers based across the country

With rising costs of health coverage, farmers need affordable health benefits that give them the chance to continue to farm as a business rather than have to make the choice among skyrocketing healthcare costs as an independent business owner, risking the health and wellness of the farm family, and their passion and livelihood.

“We are strong believers that farmers deserve quality health insurance that is not at the expense of a farmers’ P&L. By teaming up with Lifestyle Health, we’re able to provide much lower rates for relatively healthy members of the farm family or farm employees,” said Strom. “Through this approach, and the power of the FBN network, we anticipate qualified members may see up to 25 – 35 percent saving under the right circumstances. We’re really excited to bring this option to farmers.”

This is only the beginning. Rural communities deserve better healthcare options and with FBN Health, FBN is innovating ways to bring down costs and improve health outcomes.

FBN members in 11 states—Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma and South Dakota—can enroll at any time during the year, and members in Minnesota can enroll beginning April 1, 2019, with more states coming soon.

FBN Health benefits will be made available to any FBN member group that has a minimum of two enrolled employees that has its own Tax ID Number (FEIN). Any full time employee of the group will be eligible for coverage under the program including family members (active employees) and farm hands.

For more information on FBN Health, visit www.FBNHealth.com or call 800-483-6214.