Monday January 14 Ag News

Industry wary of alternatives tries to protect a word: meat

(AP) — More than four months after Missouri became the first U.S. state to regulate the term “meat” on product labels, Nebraska’s powerful farm groups are pushing for similar protection from veggie burgers, tofu dogs and other items that look and taste like real meat.

Nebraska lawmakers will consider a bill this year defining meat as “any edible portion of any livestock or poultry, carcass, or part thereof” and excluding “lab-grown or insect or plant-based food products.” It would make it a crime to advertise or sell something “as meat that is not derived from poultry or livestock.”

Similar measures aimed at meat alternatives are pending in Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming. They come amid a debate over what to call products that are being developed using the emerging science of meat grown by culturing cells in a lab. Supporters of the science are embracing the term “clean meat” — language the conventional meat industry strongly opposes.

The issue strikes a particularly strong chord in Nebraska, one of the nation’s top states for livestock production, where cars roll down the interstate with “Beef State” license plates and the governor each year proclaims May as “Beef Month.”

Farm groups have found an unusual ally in state Sen. Carol Blood, a city-dwelling vegetarian from the Omaha suburb of Bellevue. Blood, who grew up on a farm, said she introduced the measure because agriculture is Nebraska’s largest industry and needs to be protected for the good of the whole state.

“I’m not bringing this bill to tell people what they can and can’t eat,” she said. “All I’m asking for is truth in advertising. It’s clear that meat comes from livestock, and livestock is our livelihood in Nebraska.”

Nebraska led the nation in commercial red meat production in 2017 and had the most feed cows as of last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Livestock and livestock product sales generated an estimated $12.1 billion for the state’s economy in 2016, according to the USDA’s most recent available data.

The measure is certain to face resistance from food producers that sell plant-based alternatives, as well as those working to bring lab-grown meat to market. Critics say the bill infringes on the free-speech rights of companies that produce vegetarian alternatives to real meat.

The Good Food Institute, the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and plant-based food company Tofurkey have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Missouri law . They argue the law unfairly stifles competition.

The Nebraska bill “would censor food labels and create consumer confusion where there is none,” said Jessica Almy, director of policy for the Washington-based Good Food Institute. “You can’t censor speech just to promote one industry’s financial success.”

Supporters of the Nebraska measure say they want to ensure people aren’t misled about what they’re eating.

Blood said she proposed the measure after seeing two women in a grocery store who couldn’t tell whether a product contained meat or a substitute. She said her proposal wouldn’t require inspections of product labels, as Missouri’s law does.

“I don’t want to be the meat police,” she said.

Under the Nebraska bill, violations would bring a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

“Consumers have a right to know what they’re buying,” said John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union. “That’s the case whether it’s a vegetarian product or not. There ought to be clear, honest and accurate labeling, and then let the marketplace make the choices.”

Hansen said his group’s livestock producers are particularly concerned about whether consumers will be able to differentiate between meat grown in the lab and farm-grown beef, pork and chicken.

Pete McClymont, executive vice president for the group Nebraska Cattlemen, said his organization’s concern rises partly from the growth of products labeled as almond and soy milk, which have become an increasingly popular alternative to cow’s milk. McClymont said his group still needs to review specific details of the Nebraska proposal, but will push for any law that protects the state’s livestock producers.

“When I go out and speak to our membership, this is right near the top of what people are passionate about,” he said.



Platte Valley Cattlemen Meeting
Lucas Luckey, President, Platte Valley Cattlemen

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 21st, at The American Legion in Columbus. The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meal to follow at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to Agri-City Insurance, Chad Settje and Lindsay Coop for sponsoring our meal this year and thank you to Columbus Sales Pavilion and Travis Bock for sponsoring the social hour.

January could be one of our most important meetings of the year; our new membership meeting is something that keeps this organization alive and vibrant. No matter what age you are, the Platte Valley Cattlemen are always open to new members who are passionate about the Beef Industry! Mike Drinnin, President of Nebraska Cattlemen and Pete McClymont will be joining us as well to update us on the events taking place in the Unicameral. Also, Jim Pillen will update us on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Looking ahead – our annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, February 16th, 2019, at the Ramada Hotel and River’s Edge Convention Center. Gayl Becwar will be the entertainment. Tickets will be available for purchase at the meeting.

We look forward to seeing everyone on the 21st. Again,  please note the change in location of our meeting to the American Legion, 2263 3rd Ave. Columbus, just across the street from Wunderlich’s.



Heifer Development and Long-term Profitability
Travis Mulliniks, UNL Beef Cattle Nutritionist, Range Production Systems

Developing a heifer to replace a cull cow is one of the most expensive management decisions for cow-calf producers, leading to major implications on long-term herd profitability.

When the decision to develop heifers has been made, the question then becomes “what is the proper strategy to develop replacements for the cowherd?” Traditional recommendations suggest heifers should be managed to reach 65% of their mature body weight at breeding to maximize pregnancy rate. In the last several years, multiple studies across differing environmental conditions have proved heifers can be developed to as low as 48 to 50% of mature body weight with no negative impact on pregnancy rates.   Heifers in these systems are developed at a restricted gain (less than 0.75 lb/d of gain) while utilizing a compensatory gain or increased gain period at the time of breeding.

For cow/calf operations, maximizing outputs does not necessarily result in maximizing profit. Sometimes the “proper” way to develop heifers disregards her net present value and ability to pay her investment cost off.   Just like any capital investment, retained or purchased heifers are only worth the sum of all the income over their lifetime, including salvage value minus production costs of that occurred during development.

A recent study, Profitability of Developing Beef Heifers on Stockpiled Winter Forages, published in the Journal of Applied Farm Economics compared developing heifers on a low-input, forage-based system to a high-input, drylot system and the impact on profitability of the system over an 11-year lifespan.

Heifer replacement rate and cow costs were held constant across the heifer development systems. The net present value of heifers developed on a low-input, forage-based system ranged from $264 to $468/head.   Heifers developed in a drylot system had a net present value of a negative $876/head and were developed to reach 65% of their mature body weight.

Breakeven period to pay off heifer development costs was estimated in years of age, and heifers in forage-based systems became profitable at 3 to 4 years of age, whereas heifers developed in a drylot were 9 to 10 years of age before their investment cost was covered.

Altogether, developing heifers in a high-input system increased production risks and decreased long-term profitability.   Since cow costs and replacement rates were the same in the mentioned study above, the only thing that differed was investment or development costs.   Low-input heifer development decreased costs and increased opportunity, which extensive research has indicated will not sacrifice reproductive performance. 

With that in mind, when we think about heifer development, we may want to consider more than just maximizing pregnancy rates, but increasing the net present value or general value of that heifer.   Low-input, cost-effective heifer systems allow for increased flexibility of marketing.

In a production system, heifer programs are essentially a stocker operation with multiple end marketing or target options.   Pregnant heifers can be kept as replacements or sold, while the non-pregnant heifers are young enough to be fed for the choice beef market or kept as yearlings.    

Another advantage to low-cost heifer development systems is increased longevity within the cowherd. Profitability and longevity in the cowherd are directly tied to each other. Research from New Mexico and Montana indicate that 30 to 60% of heifers remain in the herd after 5 years of age.

In addition, high-input development systems tend to decrease longevity in rangeland production settings. In most cowherds, this is largely due to the highest non-pregnant rate occurring in young, 2- and 3-year-old females that are asked to get pregnant, while lactating for the first or second time, and still growing themselves. Cost-effective, low-input heifer development systems helps identify sub-fertile heifers early that need additional nutrient resources to make it as a cow and lack the ability to sustain reproductive function under limited nutritional environments. 

At the end of the day, heifer development should be focused on increasing long-term profitability of the cowherd and creating value of the heifer rather than focusing on high yearling pregnancy rates or achieving certain percentage of body weight.




IOWA POWER FARMING SHOW: NOW THAT’S A GREAT FARM SHOW!

The Iowa Power Farming Show, presented by Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect, features the broadest mix of ag-related products and services found in the Midwest. Spread across nearly 8 acres, the third largest indoor U.S. farm show will be held January 29-31 in Des Moines, Iowa.

“The Iowa Power Farming Show is an agricultural megastore,” said Tom Junge, show director. “With 740 companies on hand representing 58 product and service categories, farmers and ranchers will find everything they need to increase profits, lower input costs and improve productivity.”

More than half of the Iowa Power Farming Show exhibitors don’t participate in the nearest bi-annual outdoor show. “This may be your only chance to see them in Iowa,” said Junge. Nearly 75 companies are also NEW to the Iowa Power Farming Show.

Show highlights include:
  - BACK this year – see an Ag Innovation Pitch Competition on Wednesday at 2:30 pm in Hy-Vee Hall inside the east entrance doors. Watch six ag tech start-ups pitch their latest ideas to help producers manage their operations more effectively. A $20,000 Grand Prize and $5,000 People’s Choice will be awarded!
  - NEW to the Midwest - Be one of the first to see Yamaha’s RMAX – an unmanned copter sprayer – in the lower level of Hy-Vee Hall.
  - FarmHer is at the show! Filming its third season on RFD-TV, FarmHer has become the second-highest rated RFD-TV rural lifestyle show and earned a 2017 Cynopsis Award for best family-focused reality series. Find her on the lower level of Hy-Vee Hall, Booth #6200.
  - 78 NEW exhibitors, including 40 on the lower level of Hy-Vee Hall!

Show hours are 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9 am to 3 pm Thursday. Parking and shuttle are FREE at Iowa Cubs-Principal Park. Farmers may register online at www.iowapowershow.com to save $5 off the $8 admission.

The Iowa Power Farming Show is produced by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association in conjunction with local Iowa and Nebraska farm equipment dealerships. The show is sponsored by: Diamond Sponsor – Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect; Gold Sponsors – Mitas, Stine Seed Company and Sukup Manufacturing; Silver Sponsor – Stewart-Peterson.



Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Short Course Begins Feb. 19

Making sound soil fertility management decisions is an important part of successful crop production, on both an economic and environmental level. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be offering a two-day short course focusing on principles of soils, soil fertility and nutrient management to help crop production professionals make better decisions. Highlights include sampling and testing, pH and liming, essential plant nutrients, secondary and micronutrients, nitrogen dynamics and manure management. The small class size allows for increased discussion and interaction with extension specialists.

The Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Short Course will be held Feb. 19-20 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Ames. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. with classwork beginning at 9 a.m. on Feb. 19 and ending at 4 p.m. on Feb 20. Registration is limited to 40 participants and pre-registration is required. The cost is $275 and includes course reference notebook, lunches and breaks. Registration and fees must be received by midnight, Feb. 11.

Additional course information and online registration with credit card is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/soil. For more information, please call ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429 or email anr@iastate.edu.



NAIG ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TEAM POSITIONS

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced several employees who will serve in leadership positions at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The announcement comes as Naig takes the oath of office as the 15th Iowa Secretary of Agriculture this week.

“I am confident in the team that I have begun to assemble at the Department,” said Naig. “These individuals will put their passion and expertise to work to help move Iowa agriculture forward. Our team is focused on advancing the mission of the Department and ensuring that serving Iowans' is at the forefront of our work every day.”

Below is a list of Department leaders:
  - Julie Kenney, Deputy Secretary. Kenney joined the Department in March 2018 and oversees budget, policy and personnel. Prior to joining the Department, Kenney had been active in the agribusiness industry. She and her family farm in Story County.
  - Steve Moline, Division Director, Consumer Protection and Industry Services; Food Safety and Animal Health. Moline joined the Department in 2011. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Attorney General in the Environmental and Agriculture Law Division of the Iowa Attorney General’s office.
  - Bernardo Granwehr, Division Director, Administration. Granwehr joined the Department in January 2019. He provides legal counsel, manages information technology, and oversees facilities and the administrative rule making process. Prior to joining the Department, Granwehr served for 14 years as Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel to State Auditors David Vaut and Mary Mosiman.
  - Susan Kozak, Acting Division Director, Soil Conservation and Water Quality. Kozak also serves as Mines and Minerals Bureau Chief.
  - Communications Director – to be announced
  - Maison Bleam, Federal Liaison and Policy Advisor
  - Jake Swanson, Legislative Liaison
  - Lexi Marek, Executive Assistant to Secretary Naig
  - Dr. Jeff Kaisand, Acting State Veterinarian. Dr. Kaisand also serves as Assistant State Veterinarian.
  - Dr. Justin Glisan, State Climatologist
  - Robin Pruisner, State Entomologist
  - Paul Ovrom, State Horticulturist

NAIG TO BE SWORN IN AS IOWA SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
Mike Naig will be sworn in as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol on Friday, Jan. 18 at 2:00 p.m.  Chief Justice Mark Cady will administer the oath of office to Naig, who will be the fifteenth individual to hold the position. The ceremony will be in conjunction with Governor’s inaugural open house of the Iowa State Capitol.



New Producer Outreach Director Named for IPPA

The Iowa Pork Producers Association has hired Emma Lasco of Roland, Iowa, as its Producer Outreach Director. She will direct IPPA efforts to enhance relationships with county pork organizations and pork producers. Lasco will also coordinate the organization's membership marketing efforts.

Additionally, she will coordinate the Iowa Pork Leadership Academy (IPLA) and serve as IPPA's liaison to the Iowa Purebred Swine Council.

"Emma's previous experience as a hog production territory manager for Smithfield put her in daily contact with producers. She joins the staff with a broad understanding of issues facing pork producers. We are excited to have her bring that experience as she reaches out to work with county organizations, members and perspective members for the Iowa Pork Producers Association," says Pat McGonegle, IPPA chief executive officer.

Lasco, a Grayslake, Ill. native, graduated from Iowa State University with an animal science degree in 2016. She joined Smithfield upon graduation, and worked with contract producers in wean-to-finish operations in north central Iowa. She was in barns daily ensuring the health and proper care of pigs.

"This position of producer outreach director aligns with my passion for the swine industry," Lasco says. "Through networking and learning from producers and allied industry members, we can work together on the continuous improvement that is a common thread for pig farmers. I am looking forward to this new endeavor and excited to serve Iowa's producers."

Before joining the IPPA staff, Lasco served on the IPPA Youth Committee, the Story County Pork Producers board of directors, and participated in IPLA.

Lasco replaces Drew Mogler, who became the IPPA Public Policy Director in December.



Nominations Open for 2019 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year Award

The National Pork Board is accepting nominations for its 2019 America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM award through Sunday, March 10, at americaspigfarmer.com. The award recognizes a U.S. pork producer who demonstrates excellence in raising pigs using the We CareSM ethical principles and by sharing his or her story with the public.

“Like most pig farmers, I’m most comfortable in the barn,” said Patrick Bane, a pig farmer from Illinois and America’s Pig Farmer of the Year. “However, my passion for pig farming is why I decided to be involved in this program. It allows me to help more people understand the story of modern agriculture.”

Bane has participated in several events since being named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year in October. This has included attending the fall meeting of the Pork Checkoff’s Retail Advisory Council, networking with Chicago-based food influencers and speaking at the Humane Table congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. The latter event was hosted by American Humane, one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the country.

A panel of third-party judges will help determine the final award recipient, with the winner announced during national pork month this October. The public also can play a role in selecting the 2019 winner by viewing short clips of the finalists on their farms at americaspigfarmer.com, and voting for their favorite through the Pork Checkoff’s social media outlets.

Anyone can nominate a U.S. pork producer or themselves at americaspigfarmer.com/nominate. Candidates must be at least 30 years old as of Jan. 1, 2019. Complete rules of the award program are on the site as well, along with answers to frequently asked questions.



BQA Online Certification Option Reaches Major Milestone

More than 50,000 cattle producers have been certified through the Beef Quality Assurance program’s new online learning system since it was first offered in February 2017. Throughout the country hundreds of thousands have now become BQA-certified through in-person and online training, with an estimated 80 percent of the U.S. fed beef supply now touched by BQA-certified operations.

The beef checkoff-funded BQA program is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how commonsense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA guidelines are designed to make certain all beef consumers can take pride in what they purchase – and can trust and have confidence in the entire beef industry.

Online BQA training provides 24/7 access to the program through a series of videos and animation. While in-person training is still available through numerous sessions conducted by in-state BQA coordinators throughout the country, online certification provides a chance for certification at any time. Three courses are available (cow/calf, stocker/backgrounder and feedyard) to deliver a program that most closely aligns with the individual’s operation. The certifications are also available in Spanish.

“Beef producers recognize that quality is everyone’s responsibility, but many don’t have the opportunity to attend in-person training,” according to Bob Smith, DVM, chair of the BQA Advisory Board. “These producers still want to assure that practices on their operations are conducted under BQA-qualified standards. While in-person training provides important knowledge and useful cattle handling and husbandry skills, the online BQA program is a valuable option that can deliver critical information and training anytime and anywhere.”



State Farm Bureaus Recognized for Outstanding Member Programs and Achievement
 
The American Farm Bureau Federation presented awards to state Farm Bureaus at the organization’s 100th Annual Convention. The awards recognized excellence in implementation of outstanding member programs and membership achievement in 2018.

The Pinnacle Award, the highest honor a state can be awarded for program and membership achievement, was given to Iowa, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin.

New Horizon Awards, honoring states with the most innovative new programs, were presented to Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, New York and Wisconsin.

The Awards of Excellence winners by state and category include:
    Nebraska (Advocacy; Engagement and Outreach; Membership Value)
    Iowa (Advocacy; Engagement and Outreach; Leadership and Business Development; Membership Value)
    Kansas (Advocacy; Engagement and Outreach; Leadership and Business Development; Membership Value)

The Awards of Excellence are awarded to state Farm Bureaus that demonstrate outstanding achievements in four program areas: Advocacy; Engagement and Outreach; Leadership and Business Development; and Membership Value.



Farm Bureau Gives Agricultural Trade Outlook for 2019

American Farm Bureau Federation policy experts gave an overview of the issues expected to affect farmers and ranchers in 2019 in a workshop at the organization’s 100th Annual Convention.

David Salmonsen, senior director of congressional relations for AFBF, said the diverse impacts of tariffs, the outcomes of free trade agreement negotiations and the future of relations with China are all critical for the future of ag exports and the growth of American agriculture

Salmonsen discussed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and outlined the process for ratification. “It could be quick or it could be slow, but there is a timeline that has to be followed,” Salmonsen said.

If USMCA is implemented, it will increase quota access for U.S. dairy products into Canada and end Canada’s Class 7 pricing. It will also keep agricultural tariffs between the U.S. and Mexico at zero.

Salmonsen said that the U.S. has also begun trade negotiations with Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom, although the start of U.K. negotiations depends on when the U.K. completes the process of leaving the EU. He added that in any agreement, there is political bargaining that will go on over several months.

With an update on China, Salmonsen said a U.S. delegation went to China to negotiate last week, United States Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade Ted McKinney and United States Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator Greg Doud. There have been no formal announcements yet from the administration, and talks are continuing.

“All of these negotiations are with major trading partners,” Salmonsen said. “These are substantive and important negotiations that we will be following very closely throughout the coming year.”

Salmonsen was joined by AFBF director of congressional relations Veronica Nigh, who discussed the economic impacts of the trade issues and tariffs, noting that exports will continue to be important to U.S. agriculture.

“Ninety-five percent of the world population is outside the U.S., so export markets will always be our opportunity for growth.” Overall, 20 percent of U.S. agricultural production is exported.

Discussing the potential impact of USMCA, Nigh said that while it is positive that the U.S. will be exporting more dairy to Canada, it isn’t going to be a major mover of the market as Canada’s total population is 36 million people and the country has a strong domestic dairy industry. But it is a positive sign for U.S. agriculture.

Nigh noted that if the U.S. were to withdraw from North American Free Trade Agreement, there would be great cause for concern as old tariffs we have not seen in 20 years could return.

Citing the impact of Chinese tariffs, Nigh said that ag exports to China were down by $2 billion in 2018, and USDA forecasts exports to decline by an additional $7 billion in 2019. China was ranked as our second-largest trading partner for several years but is projected to be fifth in 2019. Currently 99 percent of all U.S. ag products exported to China are subject to tariffs.

Summing up the impact of the China trade disputes, Nigh said that the biggest concern is that many countries grow soy and corn, and now there’s room in China’s markets for these commodities. “We could lose the market even if the tariffs eventually go away, and it would take time to restore these markets.”



Plenty of Agriculture Trade Opportunities for U.S. and Europe

There continues to be abundant opportunities for farm trade between the United States and the European Union despite the omission of agriculture in the European list of negotiating areas on a potential free trade agreement, European agricultural leaders said during a workshop at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th Annual Convention.

U.S. farmers and farm state lawmakers have pushed hard to include agriculture in trade talks. But European officials excluded farm goods to streamline the negotiations and to concentrate on vehicles and industrial products, said Jesus Zorrilla, counselor on Agriculture for the European Union.

Zorrilla was joined by Lorenzo Terzi, counselor on food safety for the European Union, and Sylvain Maestracci, counselor on agriculture for the French Embassy, to provide a European perspective on trade and agriculture.

Key issues, such as geographic indicators for dairy products and the approval of genetically modified crops, still separate the United States and the EU. But the European leaders said there continues to be opportunities for U.S. products in Europe, including soybeans, biofuels and other products even without agriculture in the free trade negotiations.

“The perception that the European market is closed is misleading,” Terzi said. “We are a huge market of 500 million people that is a big importer of food.”

Terzi noted that the United States and Europe have recently worked through several key food safety issues on products such as almonds and Florida oranges.

European farmers share many of the same concerns as their American counterparts, such as low commodity prices, changing demand from consumers and an aging farm population, Maestracci said. In addition, he said. European farmers face a continued barrage of environmental demands from European consumers.

Like their American counterparts, European farmers have seen a reduction in farm subsidy payments and a more market-oriented farm program. But European farmers do not have a robust crop insurance system like the one which provides the backbone of the farm safety net in the United States, Maestracci said.

The need for crop insurance showed up in 2018 when drought gripped much of Europe and drastically reduced harvests.

“The drought has definitely affected farmers and hurt our ability to export barley and other crops,” Maestracci said.



ASA Appreciates USTR’s Inclusion of Ag in EU Trade Talks

As the U.S. begins prepping for trade negotiations with the European Union (EU), the Trump Administration is demanding agriculture be on the table. U.S. law requires the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to publish objectives 30 days prior to negotiations. Yesterday, the Administration included in its negotiating objectives a set of ag-related demands, which has been in question due to the European Union’s reluctance to discuss agriculture.

American Soybean Association (ASA) President Davie Stephens, a soybean grower from Clinton, Ky., said the soy industry appreciates the Administration’s strong move Friday afternoon.

Stephens commented, “ASA appreciates USTR and the Administration’s commitment to keeping agriculture in these negotiations at a time when soybean growers are looking for long-term solutions to bounce back from a prolonged period of instability.”



Animal Agriculture Alliance debuts Sustainability Impact Report

Today, the Animal Agriculture Alliance released its “Sustainability Impact Report” focusing on animal agriculture in the United States. The report highlights how the animal agriculture industry shares the same values as today’s consumer with its never-ending commitment to animal care, environmental stewardship, responsible antibiotic use, food safety and nutrition. To access the report, go to https://www.animalagalliance.org/engage/#sustainability.

The 33-page report covers nine industries: dairy, beef, veal, pork, chicken, turkey, egg, sheep and aquaculture. “Animal agriculture has made great strides in environmental stewardship, animal welfare and overall sustainability over the years,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “As new technology and research become available, the industry will continue to innovate and improve.”

Environmental stewardship highlights:
-    According to the Environmental Protection Agency, agriculture accounts for a total of 9 percent of U.S. GHG emissions while livestock production is only 3.9 percent.
-    Dairy farmers decreased their carbon footprint by 63 percent from 1944 to 2007.
-    Since 1977, cattle ranchers have reduced their carbon footprint by 16 percent.
-    Pig farmers decreased their carbon footprint by 7.7 percent and their water use by 25.1 percent from 1960 to 2015.
-    The egg industry reduced its carbon footprint by 71 percent and its water use by 32 percent since 1960.

Animal welfare highlights:
-    Hens under the United Egg Producers Certified program account for 95 percent of all the nation’s laying hens.
-    The National Chicken Council (NCC) developed the NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines and Audit Checklist, which have been widely adopted within the chicken industry. These guidelines were updated in 2018.
-    As of January 2019, more than 72,000 pig farmers and farm employees were Pork Quality Assurance Plus certified.
-    By 2016, 98 percent of the U.S. milk supply came from dairy farms and cooperatives enrolled in the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management program.

Nutrition highlights:
-    Milk provides nine essential nutrients and is also the number one food source of calcium, vitamin D and potassium for all Americans ages 2 years and older.
-    Today’s pork is 16 percent leaner and 27 percent lower in saturated fat compared to 20 years ago.
-    Lamb is an excellent source of vitamin B12, selenium, zinc and niacin.
-    One 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides about 50 percent of the recommended daily value of protein.
-    One large egg has varying amounts of 13 essential vitamins and minerals, six grams of protein and only 70 calories.



CWT Assists with 6 million Pounds of Dairy Product Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) member cooperatives accepted 28 offers of export assistance from CWT that helped them capture sales contracts for 4.453 million pounds (2,020 metric tons) of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheeses; 454,152 pounds (206 metric tons) of butter and 1.124 million pounds (510 metric tons) of whole milk powder. The product will be delivered during the period from January through June 2019 and is the equivalent of 59.531 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers and all 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 the demand for U.S. farm milk that produces those products.

The amounts of dairy products and related milk volumes reflect current contracts for delivery, not completed export volumes. CWT pays export assistance to the bidders only when export and delivery of the product is verified by required documentation.



The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo Returns to San Diego this Month

America’s largest celebration of all things biodiesel returns in January to California for a record fifth visit. Local residents are invited to join in the festivities at no cost during the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo kick off at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina on Tuesday, January 22.

“Public Day” offers San Diegans the opportunity to join biodiesel enthusiasts from across the nation to learn more about America’s first commercially available advanced biofuel and check out some of the latest advancements in technology and offerings from automobile manufacturers.

In addition to the events on Public Day, the National Biodiesel Conference (January 22 – 24) will offer a diesel-vehicle ride-and-drive opportunity and dozens of demonstrations and presentations on the latest in public policy under the Trump Administration and a new Congress; the environmental and commercial benefits of biodiesel use; and more focus on California and Western carbon markets.

“It’s always exciting when we have the opportunity to return to California, particularly San Diego which has hosted more of our conferences than any other city in the country,” said Donnell Rehagen, Chief Executive Officer of the National Biodiesel Board.

It’s no accident that the National Biodiesel Conference has made so many visits to the Golden State. California is the largest market for renewable fuels, driven by the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).

“Biodiesel and renewable diesel have been the real stars of the LFCS,” Rehagen said. “Since 2011, biodiesel and renewable diesel use in California has grown from 14 million gallons to more than 500 million gallons today. That represents a compounded annual growth rate of 89 percent and was nearly 20 percent of the national market for biodiesel last year.”

And the future looks even brighter. According to targets set by the state, biodiesel and renewable diesel use could reach one billion gallons by 2021 and as much as two billion gallons by 2030.

Nationally, U.S. biodiesel entrepreneurs already produce nearly three billion gallons annually. Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. It is the nation’s first domestically produced, commercially available advanced biofuel. NBB is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel value chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers, and fuel distributors, as well as the U.S. renewable diesel industry.

Residents who would like to attend Public Day at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo should visit the conference registration desk with a valid San Diego driver’s license or military ID.