Friday January 4 Ag News

AFAN Names Steve Martin As Executive Director

Steve Martin has been named executive director of Lincoln-based AFAN (The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska), effective January 15. The announcement was made by AFAN Board of Directors President Lori Luebbe.

Martin, from Firth, Nebraska, comes to AFAN from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, where he was agriculture promotion coordinator.

AFAN works with livestock producers and communities to promote the development and expansion of the agriculture industry in Nebraska. Martin’s experience fits AFAN’s mission ideally, according to Luebbe.

”We are excited to have Steve on board,”Luebbe said. “He has extensive experience in the specific area of livestock development to which AFAN is committed. Because of his previous experience with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, he already is familiar with AFAN’s mission and projects.”

Martin’s responsibilities at the Department of Agriculture included recruiting dairy, poultry and swine operations to build and grow in Nebraska, promoting and growing the Livestock Friendly County program, and advocating for livestock producers across the state.

“Throughout his career, Martin has built strong relationships with businesses and state agencies that work to grow agriculture in the state,” Luebbe said. “He has worked with all commodity groups, state senators and others involved in building the state’s agriculture economy. He is an excellent fit as our new executive director.”



Nebraska Beef Council January Meeting

The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Director's will meet at the NBC office located at 1319 Central Ave. on Monday, January 14, 2019  beginning at 1:00 p.m. CST. The NBC Board of Directors will have election of officers and review the final audit report for FY-2017-2018. For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org. 



Women landowners invited to workshop

Women who own or co-own more than 40 acres, may have inherited farmland, or are experiencing transition with farmland they own are invited to a workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Milady Coffeehouse, 105 E. Sixth St. in Fremont.

This “Empowering women through risk management,” workshop is designed for women non-operator landowners, and offers an opportunity for women to learn about areas of the operation that may be at risk, and how to address them.

“Women non-operator landowners face a variety of decisions and often rely on the advice of others,” said Sandra Renner, project associate at Center for Rural Affairs.

She said women who are feeling overwhelmed with all the decisions of farmland management will find this workshop especially helpful.

“Well-intended advice is not always in the best interest of managing the land or the landowner, so we’ve created this workshop for women to find answers and connect with resources while connecting with other women,” said Renner.

There is no cost to attend. Interested women are asked to register by Friday, Jan. 18. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions or come to listen.

To register, contact Vicky at vickye@cfra.org or 402.687.2100 ext. 1038. Visit cfra.org/events for more information.

This event is hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs and made possible by funding from a USDA Risk Management Education grant.



Nebraska Cover Crop & SOIL HEALTH Conference

University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center
Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019
8:30 registration - Conference 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The 2019 Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference features innovative speakers who have worked with cover crops extensively and will share what they have learned. This is your opportunity to get your questions answered.

How can you get started with cover crops in your corn/soybean rotation?
Already using cover crops - could you be doing it better?

There are many benefits to utilizing cover crops, such as improved soil heath and reduced erosion. It’s the details of how and what to do that can present challenges. The focus of the conference is to provide information to growers who are in a corn/soybean rotation and to assist them in understanding the value of cover crops.

CCA credits are applied for and pending approval.

REGISTER BY Feb. 8 - Seating is Limited.  No fee to attend, but must pre-register.  Pre-register by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 8 to ensure resource materials are available and for meal planning purposes.  Seating is limited.  Call 402-624-8030 or email cdunbar2@unl.edu. 



Nebraska Corn Survey

They want your opinion!

Members of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association should have received a survey in the mail... and if not by now, it will hit your mailbox soon. This is a chance for members of the association and checkoff paying corn growers to let Nebraska Corn know how they are doing. The survey is anonymous and should only take a few minutes to complete.

If you would like to be contacted, there is a space to fill in your information.

Once you complete the survey, please mail it back to the NeCGA office, 4435 O Street, Suite 210, Lincoln, NE 68510. If you would rather complete the survey online, the link is here.... https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWgrFAFb8Rqt8x-HweQqQuI1ktuoa0sy5BXE4kKOEh32jS6g/viewform?usp=sf_link.

If you have any questions about the survey or the association, please do not hesitate to contact the office at (402) 438-6459.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at The Bosselman Conference Center, located at 700 East Stolley Park Road Grand Island, Nebraska.

The Board will address regular board business.  These meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for public comment.  A copy of the agenda will be available by writing the Nebraska Corn Board, PO Box 95107, Lincoln, NE  68509, emailing nikki.bentzinger@nebraska.gov or calling 402/471-2676.



NEBRASKA SOYBEAN BOARD MEETING
January 15, 2019 - Holthus Convention Center, York, NE

Highlights of the agenda include:
Compliance & Oversight of Soybean Checkoff Program
Strategic Business Plan & Goals Discussion
Committee Meetings
  - Research
  - International Marketing
  - Education/Communication
  - Domestic Marketing
UNL Researcher Reports
  - Soybean Management Field Days 2019
  - Benefits of Soy Based Amino Acids in Growing Cattle Diets
District Announcement for FY19 Candidates (Districts #2, #4, #8)
USB Director Announcement for 2 Candidates

More information at www.nebraskasoybeans.org. 



Participate in the Pork Leadership Program

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association believes in, and is committed to helping develop agricultural leaders. The Pork Leadership Program serves as a resource for talented people who want to contribute to the future of Nebraska’s pork industry. The Pork Leadership Program will build awareness, interest, and involvement in the pork industry at the state level. Participants of the program will develop their skills as leaders and will naturally emerge as the next wave of active and engaged members of committees and board of directors.

Participants in the Nebraska Pork Leadership Program will learn about different facets of the pork industry, as well as a variety of issues related to agriculture production in another part of the country. Additionally, participants in the Pork Leadership Program will define their personal leadership style and learn how to work with different leadership styles in a group. Participants will emerge as advocates for the pork industry who will work to broaden perspectives and build coalitions. The Pork Leadership Program helps prepare the next generation of industry leaders for service on committees, boards, and other leadership positions.

Men and women who have an interest in agriculture and the pork industry should apply. Participation in the Pork Leadership Program has no specific age limits.

The year-long program runs from February to February. Participants in the Pork Leadership Program will attend six seminars and activities where they will learn about various aspects of the pork and agriculture industries, while improving leadership, team building, and communications skills. Participants in the Pork Leadership Program will not be responsible for any expenses to participate in the program.

Applications for the Pork Leadership Program are being accepted until January 25th. Applications will be reviewed and selections will be made.  Details and the application are at www.nepork.org.



NE Pork Prod. Annual Meeting Set For February 13 
The Graduate Hotel, Lincoln, NE

Morning Program
8:30a.m. – Breakfast is Served – Hosted by NPPA’s Allied & SIP Partners
9:00a.m. – Welcome – Darin Uhlir, NPPA President
9:05a.m.— Dallas Hockman, VP of Industry Relations, NPPC, We Care 2.0 & USDA Pork Buy Out
9:30a.m.— Allied Member Recognitions
10:00a.m. Board of Directors Meeting
Election of Officers & Board Members
10:15a.m. NPPA Update, Al Juhnke, Executive Director
10:30a.m. UNL Swine Research Updates
10:30 Dr. Benny Mote, Assistant Professor UNL
11:00 Dr. Tammy Brown-Brandl, UNL, Precision Animal Management
11:30 Dr. Clay Lents, Research Physiologist, USDA ARS, Clay Center

Awards Luncheon—Key Note Speaker:
2018 Outstanding Pork Service Awards: Allied, Promotion, Producer, Industry
Larry E. Sitzman Scholarship Award
Introduction of 2019 NPPA Mentor Participants
Recognition of 2018 NPPA Mentor Participants
Introduction of 2019 Pork Leadership Participant
Recognition of 2018 Pork Leadership Participants

Afternoon Program
1:45p.m. Panel Discussion Covering: Status of African Swine Fever, Secure Pork Supply, Domestic & International Trade, followed by Q&A
Facilitator: Bill Luckey, Co-Chairman of the International Trade Committee
Panel Members:  Harry Snelson, DVM, Ex. Director, American Association of Swine Veterinarians
      - Dr. Pam Zaabel, Center for Food Security and Public Health
      - John Hinners, VP Industry Relations, USMEF

Find more details and register at www.nepork.org. 



Northeast students hand pick, count corn kernels for emergence study

From building the planter to harvesting the crop, Northeast Community College precision agriculture students have been closely involved with a study of the effects of emergence and planter down force on corn yield.

Instructor Chance Lambrecht said the field used for the study is located along Victory Road, just south of the lane to the College farm site in Norfolk. The seed, provided through a partnership with Channel Seed, was planted using a special four-row planter constructed from the ground up by precision ag students. Among other technologies, the planter has sensors that can adjust down force automatically, taking readings and adjusting 200 times per second, and being at the proper downforce setting every 1/5 of a second.

“To put that in linear feet,” Lambrecht explained, “every half inch we were taking a reading, and about every 18 inches we were where we needed to be with the proper down force setting.”

The study involved planting with four static down force pressures ranging from zero to 375 pounds, and the automatic setting. The five trials were replicated three times across the field. Plants in one of the replications were flagged for day of emergence, with different colored flags representing plants observed on day one of emergence, day two, day three, and day four and after.

“Typically, anything that comes up after three days is going to be a runt,” Lambrecht said. “That plant is going to be behind the eight-ball. He’s going to be basically a weed out there, taking up nutrients and fighting for sunlight.”

Lambrecht said late-emerging plants tend to have no ears, or very small ears. Twice during the growing season, he and students pulled a few plants to look at root mass.

“To look above the ground is easy. You can visually tell that, but what is below the ground may indicate what’s going on above the ground.”

Lambrecht said the root samples looked exactly as he expected, with the automatic down force and the zero and 125 pounds of static pressure having more fibrous root matter than the heavier down force pressures. More fibrous root matter would help the plant access moisture and nutrients during the growing season.

Students helped hand harvest part of the crop. Ears were identified by emergence date and down force pressure, and then the kernels on every ear were counted.

“We had roughly 600 ears,” Lambrecht said. “We counted how many rows around and how many long to get an average kernel count per plant.”

Ears were also weighed and then students calculated what the yield would be if every ear on every plant were like the sample ear. Lambrecht estimated that he and the eight students who helped spent about 60 man hours on this part of the study.

The remainder of the field was machine harvested, with the yields measured by the combine yield monitor and also by weighing the grain cart. This data will be analyzed to determine just what impact the down force pressure had on yield.

Lambrecht said there are some variables that have skewed the data slightly. Manure application on the field left some large clods at planting time. There was green snap in some parts of the field, but not across the entire field. Although 24 rows not included in the study were planted on both the north and south sides of the field, deer feeding extended beyond those rows and into the study area.

The abundant rainfall in the growing season of 2018 has also impacted the results of the study.

“Rain can cover the sins of planting,” Lambrecht explained. “Rain will allow those roots to get by the problem areas.”

The ideal moisture conditions also caused many plants to put on two ears, further complicating the yield calculations.

Lambrecht said this is the first year of a three-year study. He said repeating the study over multiple years is important to allow for some of the variables experienced this year. He said the expectation is that higher yields will be seen using the automatic down force versus the static down force, but only repetition of the study and replication of results can verify that.

Students participating the study included Daryn Carroll, Hayes Center; Brady Kahloff, Neligh; Logan McKeon, Stanton; Camden Stephenson – Morse Bluff; Preston Streebin, Elkhorn; Rob Thomas, Johnstown, PA; Aaron Volquardsen, Madison; and Cody Vyhlidal, Fremont.



Iowa Cattlemen set 2019 Policy

Big topics were on the agenda for December 6, as leaders from around the state met at the 2018 Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit. This annual event is where the association’s grassroots policy development culminates and policy for the following year is set to guide the direction and priorities of ICA.

ICA’s three policy committees (Cattle Production, Beef Products, and Business Issues) each met to take up interim policies, discuss any new policy ideas, and review resolutions and directives that were set to sunset this year. The following day at ICA’s Annual Meeting, the recommendations from each committee were ratified.

The policy committee meetings were led by the 2018 Policy Committee Chairs: Isaiah Shnurman, Mark Putney and Mike Schwarck.

Cattle Production Committee
In the Cattle Production Committee meeting, national traceability was the first topic at hand. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from a panel of experts on the subject prior to the committee meeting, which spurred discussion. Ultimately, the committee recommended the ratification of an interim policy passed by the Board of Directors earlier this year.

The policy recognizes that “…the cattle industry should secure the broad adoption of individual animal ID disease traceability system(s) to equip the industry to effectively manage a disease outbreak while enhancing both domestic and global trust in U.S. beef.”

When ICA members were asked on the Annual Policy survey this fall whether or not they agreed with that statement, 74% said they did agree.

The new policy also identifies a list of things a traceability system should accomplish, including:
    Be compatible with private sector animal ID and verification programs backed by the USDA.
    Be compatible with the general traceability principles of the OIE.
    Recognize existing USDA programs for beef exports.
    Be built using infrastructure that supports other potential uses of ID.
    Utilize low cost electronic official tagging devices paid for by federal and/or state funds, when possible.
    Require that cattle ID information for disease traceability be kept confidential and strongly protected from disclosure.
    Protect ownership information from disclosure to future owners.
    Protect producers from liability for acts of others, after the cattle have left the producer’s control.
    Operate at the speed of commerce.
    Not replace or impede existing state brand inspection activities.
    Work within a framework to accommodate all classes of cattle.

ICA staff and leaders will use the traceability policy, which was ratified by the membership the next day at the annual meeting, to advocate on behalf of Iowa’s cattle producers in national traceability discussions.

The cattle production committee also approved a number of other interim and new policies related to judicious antimicrobial use, clearance of drug technologies, and cattle marketing, and made recommendations on resolutions and directives set to expire.

Beef Products Committee
The Beef Products Committee’s main topic of discussion was ‘fake meat’. ICA staff, JanLee Rowlett, provided an update for attendees on the matter, detailing the work ICA has done and the recent announcement that USDA will oversee the most important aspects of fake meat production and labeling.

The committee approved ICA’s interim policy that supports use of the term “meat” to describe only those proteins derived from actual livestock raised by farmers and ranchers harvested for human consumption. The policy also supports oversight of alternative protein products by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The committee also passed a policy protecting USDA beef quality grades from use by other proteins, like pork, and made recommendations for expiring policies.

Business Issues Committee
The Business Issues Committee dealt with a wide variety of interim policy topics, including immigration and water regulation. Rowlett provided a report to attendees regarding land owned and managed by the government.

ICA also welcomed a special guest, Hema Subramanian, Acting Special Assistant for Agriculture Policy in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of the Administrator in Washington, DC. Subramanian talked about the relationship building between EPA and the cattle industry, particularly the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, that she has seen in recent years. She attributed that to the Animal Ag Discussion Group, an effort by EPA and industry to understand all aspects of animal agriculture and environmental opportunities better. Subramanian also provided an update on the highly anticipated new Waters of the U.S. rule and recent developments in exempting livestock operations from reporting air emissions under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA).

Annual Meeting
All recommendations from the committees were presented and ratified the following day at the Annual Meeting of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.



FFA Chapters Bring Their 'A' Game in Pioneer Brand A-Series Soybeans Big A Challenge

Fifteen Iowa and Illinois FFA chapters will showcase their creativity in the Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans Big A Challenge, with their masterpieces displayed at the 2019 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill.

A judging panel selected the top 15 chapters in the collaboration between Pioneer and FFA that focuses on the next generation of soybean varieties and the next generation of growers. Each chapter will bring a unique perspective to decorating a seven-foot-tall Big A statue, highlighting A-Series soybeans’ cutting-edge science and game-changing yield potential while celebrating local communities.

The 15 finalists, which will compete to win up to $2,500 for their chapter, are:
    Atlantic FFA — Atlantic, Iowa
    Clay City FFA — Clay City, Illinois
    East Marshall FFA — Le Grand, Iowa
    Farmington FFA — Farmington, Illinois
    Maroa Forsyth FFA — Maroa, Illinois
    Massac County FFA — Metropolis, Illinois
    Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn-Remsen-Union (MMCRU) FFA — Marcus, Iowa
    Mount Ayr FFA — Mount Ayr, Iowa
    Mulberry Grove FFA — Mulberry Grove, Illinois
    Newell-Fonda FFA — Newell, Iowa
    North Tama FFA — Traer, Iowa
    Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA — Sibley, Iowa
    Stewardson-Strasburg FFA — Strasburg, Illinois
    Wayne FFA — Corydon, Iowa
    Wilton FFA — Wilton, Iowa

“We are impressed by the creativity from the next generation,” says John Schartman, Pioneer Soybean Category Lead, Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. “The FFA chapters brought their ‘A’ game to the first round of competition. We’re excited to see how they will tie together A-Series soybeans, the Pioneer spirit and their local community in the final designs.”

FFA chapters were selected based on an essay highlighting how A-Series soybeans benefit farmers and a sample design of their Big A statue. Chapters will decorate the Big A statues through May, with the top three winners awarded prize money — $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $1,000 for third place — at the 2019 Farm Progress Show. The public also will vote for their favorites on the Pioneer Facebook and Twitter pages, with the winning chapter receiving the People’s Choice Award and a special prize for its members.

Follow #FFAseries on Facebook and Twitter to see the creativity of these FFA chapters.



Registration for 2019 SowBridge Educational Series Now Open

SowBridge, the distance education series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and with genetic and reproductive issues, begins its eleventh program year in February 2019. Registration is now underway. This low-tech opportunity pairs electronically provided materials with live presentations via teleconference. Suggestions from past participants influence planning the future year’s topics and speakers, and maintain the program’s value, according to Ken Stalder, Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist.

“Each year we ask participants for suggestions on topics and speakers, and follow through as much as possible to provide current content that people are interested in,” Stalder said. “SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions.”

New this year, the program cost has been set at $200 ($U.S.) for the first registration from an entity. And as in the past, each subsequent registration from the same entity pays half that amount.

“We recognize the current economic condition of the pork industry, and want to encourage participation by all producers,” Stalder said. “By lowering this year’s registration fee, we hope more people will be able to take part.”

SowBridge is designed to improve the understanding and application of various tools and techniques involved in daily care of the breeding herd and piglets. Sessions are typically scheduled for the first Wednesday of every month but occasionally may be moved up a week to avoid interference with national industry events or holidays.

“With the live phone presentation and slideshow available on their computer or other device, participants can take part from anywhere without needing internet access,” Stalder said.

The distance learning approach allows people to take part without having to travel, take time from work or worry about weather conditions. During each session, participants can ask questions of the industry expert presenter and discuss with other participants from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit.

Before each session, participants receive a link to download the presentation and any additional information provided by the presenter. Participants call in for the audio portion of each session to listen to the presenter and while following the presentation file on their own computer or device. Sessions begin at 11:30 a.m. Central Time and last no more than an hour.

Each registration provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration, including audio recordings of the live session. Materials, delivery process and program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses. Regardless of location, those with questions on the program or registration should contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State for more information. Hoyer can be reached by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu.

To provide a look at the content of SowBridge sessions, this example video was created using the presentation material and audio recording from a 2017 session where speaker Corinne Bromfield presented, “Identifying Scours.”

The yearlong program is offered by registration only with a Jan. 15, 2019, deadline to ensure participants will receive materials for the first session on Feb. 6. A brochure with information and a registration form is available on the IPIC website https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 800-808-7675.

2019 session dates, speakers and their industry affiliations, and topics are as follows.
        Feb. 6 – Patrick Web, National Pork Board: “Foreign Animal Disease Awareness”
        March 6 – Darwin Tilstra, Topigs Norsvin: “Selecting Replacement Gilts”
        April 3 – Jason Ross, Iowa State University: “Prolapses”
        May 1 – Joel DeRouchey, Kansas State University: “Timing of Iron Injections”
        May 29 – Jesse McCoy, Neogen: “Water Quality Considerations”
        July 3 – Joe Stock, PIC: “Culling Criteria”
        Aug. 7 – Rob Knox, Tim Safranski, and Kara Stewart: “Dealing with Delayed Puberty in Gilts”
        Sept. 4 – Ashley Johnson, Zoetis: “Making Proper Injections”
        Oct. 2 – Ross Kiehne, Swine Vet Center: “Handling Chronic PEDv”
        Nov. 6 – Andréia Gonçalves Arruda, The Ohio State University: “Common Biosecurity Breaches”
        Dec. 4 – Kilby Willenburg, Fast Genetics: “New Repro Technologies”
        Jan. 8, 2020 – Jon Hoek, Summit Precision Production: “Importance of Teamwork”

SowBridge is sponsored by a group of 11 universities – including Iowa State University – from the nation’s major swine producing states.



New Year Brings Increased Focus on the U.S. Pork Industry’s We Care Commitment

For decades, the U.S. pork industry has recognized the importance of advancing responsible production practices to keep pace with the changing marketplace. During 2018, a We Care task force, comprised of leaders from across the industry, was formed to provide guidance to the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) boards of directors on advancing the industry’s decade-long commitment to the We Care ethical principles as the sustainability platform for U.S. pig production.

The task force sought to leverage producer efforts around the established ethical principles to grow demand, increase consumer trust and confidence and minimize risk through strengthening industry commitment to We Care. This allows pig farmers to meet customer and consumer expectations for transparency and proof of responsible pork production at the local, state, national and international levels. The Pork Board and NPPC boards approved the recommendation at meetings in November and December, respectively.
 
Future Forward
“Our commitment to the six We Care ethical principles of food safety, animal well-being, the environment, public health, our people and our communities is stronger than it has ever been,” said Gene Noem, a Pork Board member and co-chair of the We Care task force. “It remains our promise to our stakeholders and pork consumers that we engage in and actively promote ethical and responsible practices from farm to fork.”

“Our We Care promise allows our industry to build on the culture of continuous improvement and provides proof points that demonstrate our commitment to providing the safest, highest quality pork products in the world,” said Jen Sorenson, NPPC Board member and co-chair of the We Care task force.

To demonstrate its increased commitment, the Pork Board recently signed a memorandum of understanding with United Soybean Board and the National Corn Growers Association. The three organizations will cooperate to conduct research directly related to environmental sustainability indicators of carbon (greenhouse gases), water use, land use, water quality and soil health.

Next week, the Pork Board will release a study that validates the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and its focus on sustainability. The study is a comprehensive life-cycle assessment that analyzes the entire supply chain through a first-of-its-kind methodology.

“It’s important for us to communicate our principles, practices and proof in a way that is clear and relevant to those outside of the pork industry,” said Dr. Brett Kaysen, the Pork Checkoff’s assistant vice president of sustainability. “As we enter a new year, we remain committed to We Care now more than ever and will continue to validate our continuous improvement story with the proof that increases public trust.”



USDA Announces NASS and OCE-WAOB Reports are Suspended

Due to a lapse in federal funding, work on National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Office of the Chief Economist – World Agricultural Outlook Board (OCE-WAOB) reports have been suspended since December 22, 2018 and remain suspended. 

Given the lead time required for the analysis and compilation of Crop Production, Crop Production-Annual, World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), Grain Stocks, Rice Stocks, Winter Wheat and Canola Seedings, and Cotton Ginnings reports, those reports will not be released on January 11, 2019 as originally scheduled even if funding is restored before that date. 

The date of all NASS and OCE-WAOB releases will be determined and made public once funding has been restored.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/28/2018

 According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production contracted 3.0% to the lowest volume in 11 weeks at an average of 1.011 million barrels per day (b/d)—or 42.46 million gallons daily. The four-week average for ethanol production softened at 1.036 million b/d for an annualized rate of 15.88 billion gallons. That is 36,000 b/d (3.4%) lower than last year at this time.

Stocks of ethanol inched 0.4% higher to 23.2 million barrels.

There were zero imports recorded for the seventh week in a row. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of October 2018.)

Average weekly gasoline supplied to the market fizzled by 7.8% to 8.623 million b/d (362.2 million gallons per day) during the holiday week, equivalent to 132.19 billion gallons annualized. This is the weakest level in 98 weeks (since Feb. 2017). Refiner/blender input of ethanol followed with a 7.2% (67,000 b/d) reduction at 868,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.31 billion gallons annualized. While this marks a 47-week low, it remains 1.5% higher than the last week of 2017.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline supplied to the market, daily ethanol production increased to 11.72%.



China Continues to Struggle with African Swine Fever

As of early 2019, China has reported more than 100 cases of African swine fever in 19 provinces and four municipalities, including Beijing, for a total of 23 distinct geographic areas. Recent outbreaks have been reported in Guangdong and Fujian provinces. However, a new case in the north's Heilongjiang province has affected a farm with 73,000 pigs, the largest farm yet to report a case of the deadly disease.

On Dec. 25, Chinese officials announced the detection of ASF virus in some protein powders made using pork blood manufactured by a Tianjin-based company. The raw materials for the batches were from 12 slaughter and processing plants in Tianjin. The new ASF case occurred despite the farm banning of the use of food waste and pig blood as raw materials in the production of feed for pigs, in a bid to halt the spread of the disease.

In a related move, China recently announced that slaughterhouses will need to run a test for ASF virus on pig products before selling them. Slaughterhouses must slaughter the pigs from different origins separately. They can only sell the products if blood of the same batch of pigs is tested negative for African swine fever virus. If an ASF outbreak is found, slaughterhouses must cull all pigs to be slaughtered and suspend operations for at least 48 hours, according to the regulation, which will go into effect Feb. 1.



ARC Webinar: Debunking Myths about Livestock's Environmental Impact
Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (CST)

Agricultural Relations Council Webinar: Facts and Fiction - Debunking Myths about Livestock's Environmental Impact Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, shares research and insight on the real facts about livestock's environmental impact.

What take away info will attendees receive?
    Data and research that highlights what really is occurring.
    Details on environmental stories that can help in future conversations.

Link to register for the webinar: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/webinar-debunking-myths-about-livestocks-environmental-impact-facts-and-fiction--tickets-53541641491?ref=enivtefor001&invite=MTU2NzIxODYvY21veWVyQGt0aWNyYWRpby5jb20vMA%3D%3D%0A&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&utm_term=eventimage&ref=enivtefor001. 



trū® Shrimp Announces Plan to Build First of Its Kind Shrimp Facility in Madison, South Dakota

The trū Shrimp Company, a pioneer in healthy, innovative and sustainable shrimp aquaculture, today announced that it is planning to build its first shrimp production facility, a Harbor, in Madison, South Dakota. trū Shrimp’s advanced technology is designed to raise shrimp in a near natural and disease-free environment.  Construction is expected to break ground this summer in Madison’s Lakeview Industrial Park, with the exact timeline pending the completion of permitting and financing.

“We are excited to be working with the City of Madison and the Lake Area Improvement Corporation in bringing safe and sustainable shrimp to the US consumer,” said Michael Ziebell, trū Shrimp’s president and CEO.  “Though we’re headquartered in Minnesota, trū Shrimp is truly a Midwest company. Building our first Harbor in Madison reaffirms our commitment to the broader region.”

“South Dakota is pleased to welcome its newest corporate citizen, trū Shrimp, to Madison,” said South Dakota Governor, Dennis Daugaard. “The growing aquaculture industry, led by trū Shrimp, is not only a great fit for Madison, but also a natural fit for our state’s agricultural heritage.”

“trū Shrimp is going to be an excellent addition to Madison,” said Mike Malone, president of the Lake Area Improvement Corporation. “They are an outstanding company with Midwestern values and an environmental focus. We are excited to bring this opportunity to the region.”

trū Shrimp’s innovative technology changes the way shrimp are raised, free of chemicals and antibiotics.  The company calls its facilities “Harbors” to reflect these new processes and says this new approach will revolutionize the way seafood companies meet the demands of their customers. trū Shrimp’s processes enable shrimp to grow in shallow water that is cleaned and reused.

Luverne, Minnesota was previously identified as the site for trū Shrimp’s first Harbor. However, there are open items related to the Luverne site that need to be addressed before trū Shrimp can proceed. “It is a matter of timing;” added Ziebell, “our timeline for capital financing and construction in 2019 does not allow adequate time to resolve the items in Luverne.  Locating the first Harbor in Madison not only meets the critical components of our business model, but our timeline as well.”