Thursday January 24 Ag News

Young Farmers and Ranchers Gather in Columbus

Registration is open for the 2019 Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Conference, Feb. 8-9 at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus. The conference theme is “Growing for Tomorrow” and is presented by Nebraska Farm Bureau and Aurora Cooperative.

“More than 200 young farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals will gain valuable insights into agriculture trends, career opportunities, and knowledge on leading issues facing farmers and ranchers in Nebraska,” said Audrey Schipporeit, director of generational engagement, Jan. 24. “This is a great way for young farmers and ranchers in Nebraska to network and share ideas. The conference offers local tours, innovative breakout sessions, a discussion meet contest, and entertainment.”

The conference begins Feb. 8 with tours of local agribusinesses, including stops at: Pillen Family Farms, Jindra Angus, Duo Lift®, and Behlen. Tour stops are subject to change.

This conference is the start of the YF&R Discussion Meet that qualifies a young farmer or rancher to represent Nebraska at the 2020 American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet. The Discussion Meet is a 25-30 minute competition that simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues, and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

The keynote speaker is Matt Lohr. Lohr was raised on a century farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and developed a passion for farming, working hard, and serving others at a very early age. Matt shares the story of his late wife, Andrea who passed away from breast cancer at the young age of 36. Throughout her journey, she lived in a way that inspired others, glorified God, and showed how life was meant to be embraced. Attendees will leave the session inspired to love others, embrace this precious time on earth, and leave an amazing legacy for all those who follow.

Breakout sessions on Sat., Feb. 9 will cover topics including soil health, family dynamics in farming, tips for successful careers, improving your cow heard, health, growing hops, GMO’s, equipment, and farm policy.

For more information and to register visit www.nefb.org/yf-rconf. Registration includes a t-shirt, all meals, entertainment, tours, and breakout sessions. Registrants will be responsible for making their own hotel reservation and you do not have to be a Farm Bureau member to attend.



Trends in Nebraska Agricultural Land Ownership and Rental Patterns
Jim Jansen, Jay Parsons and Kate Brooks, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

In Nebraska, different types of rental arrangements are used on agricultural land. These arrangements commonly include crop share, cash lease, and cash lease with flexible provisions.

Crop Share: landowner receives a percentage of actual crop yield as payment for leasing the agricultural land to the tenant. The landowner may share input and production costs of raising the crop.

Cash Leases: landowner receives an agreed upon cash payment amount for leasing the agricultural land to the tenant.

Cash lease with Flexible Provisions: landowner and tenant set a base cash rental rate which can flex upon actual crop yields, prices, or a combination of the two. The final cash payment made to the landlord for leasing the agricultural land to the tenant may have premiums or discounts made to the base rate depending upon the agreements set up by the two parties.

Crop and livestock producers across the state of Nebraska were surveyed in July 2016 regarding their farm financial health. Producers were asked questions related to the agricultural land these operations either owned, cash rented, or share leased over the prior five years. A total of 965 surveys were completed representing 1.14 million acres of agricultural land in Nebraska.

Producers were asked to provide the average annual acreage in their operation over the past five years that was irrigated cropland and dryland cropland. Within each category, producers specified the number of acres that were owned, cash rented, or share leased.

Survey responses indicated that, typically, 50 percent of the cropland acres on an operation are owned. The other 50 percent may be rented in either the form of cash leased or crop shared. The Northwest District reported the highest proportion of owned versus rented cropland acreage at 64 percent, while the Central District indicated the lowest percentage at only 42 percent of the acres owned by the operator.

Percentage of Cropland Acres Owned Versus Rented by District in Nebraska
District               Owned       Rented
Northeast           45%              55%
East                    47%               53%
Nebraska            50%               50%

Of the cropland acres that are not owned, over 60 percent are cash rented and the remaining acres are in a share lease. The Northwest district reported the highest proportion of rented acres in share lease arrangements at 78 percent, while the North District reported the lowest with only 2 percent of rented cropland acres in a share lease and 98 percent in a cash lease arrangement. While there may be different variations to cash or flexible leases and crop shares, this survey only asked about general terms and did not go into specific details related to these arrangements.

Percentage of Cropland Acres Cash Leased Versus Crop Shared by District in Nebraska
District               Cash Lease       Crop Share
Northeast              86%                        14%
East                       56%                        44%

Of the total crop acres reported as owned or privately held by the operators, most were owned by operators over the age of 60. Survey participants between the ages of 41 to 60 years old owned about 32 percent of the operator-owned crop and grazing land acres reported in the survey. Operators between 21 and 40 years of age only owned 4 percent of the reported operator-owned acres.

Here are the percentages of rented cropland acres by age group. Survey participants between the ages of 41 and 60 represent the highest percentage of rented acres with 45 percent, followed by survey participants between 61 and 80 years old at 38 percent of the rented acres. The age group between 21 and 40 years old represent only 11 percent of the rented acres. However, this is almost three times higher than the percentage of acres owned by these operators. Not surprisingly, operators over 80 years old accounted for only 7 percent of the rented acres. Survey responses did not suggest any significant differences in the type of lease arrangement by age group.

Further research needs to be developed to determine the impacts these differences may make on a producer’s bottom line. While this article highlights only a few of the differences across the state in crop producers who own and rent cropland, understanding this heterogeneity among producers is important as future extension programs are built.



Farm Futures survey shows farmers mull more corn, fewer soybeans

The U.S. federal government shutdown that postponed key January USDA reports has grain markets on hold. But farmers penciling plans for spring planting are moving ahead with choices according to results of Farm Futures’ latest survey of their intentions for 2019.

Growers said they want to boost corn and cotton acreage, while cutting back on crops affected by China’s import tariffs on soybeans and sorghum. And while USDA previously expected farmers to sow more wheat, uncertain prices and winter wheat planting delays could force a reduction in most classes.

Farm Futures surveyed growers in December and early January, after trade tensions between the U.S. and China eased a little as negotiations resumed to end the dispute. Hopes for an end to tariffs likely convinced some farmers to plan more soybeans than many in the trade expected. The survey reported soybean planting intentions of 84.6 million acres, down 5.5% from 2018, but more than the 82.5 million projected in estimates USDA released in November as a part of its budgeting process. Farm Futures first survey of intentions last summer found acreage of 87.5 million, but that was just as the bite of China’s 25% tariff on U.S. imports was beginning to be felt.

Farm Futures’ initial report had farmers boosting corn acres to 90.8 million, but the latest estimate came in at 90.3 million. While that would be up 1.3% from 2018 it was below the 92 million USDA projected in in November. The agency doesn’t release its first survey of prospective plantings until March 29, though it will update the statistical guess at its annual outlook conference Feb. 21-22.

New crop soybean futures gained on corn over the fall, with the current ratio of 2.35 giving soybeans only a slight edge.

More acres could be in play this spring due to wet conditions and harvest delays that caused fall applications of fertilizer to be very slow. Those same conditions caused a drop in winter wheat seedings to 31.6 million, down 2.7% and 2 million less than Farm Futures summer survey found. But low wheat prices and good soil moisture on the northern Plains could also convince some farmers to plant corn, soybeans and other crops rather than spring wheat. The latest survey found spring wheat intentions of 12.5 million, down 5.3% from 2018. Only durum seedings could rise, moving to 2.5 million after a significant cutback in 2018.

That could take all-wheat acreage to 46.6 million, down 2.5% from 2018.

Cotton continues to draw attention from farmers in the South, following a good rally last summer. Acreage could be up 4.1% this spring to 14.6 million thanks to better prices and soil moisture across the growing region.

Farm Futures summer survey found growers pivoting back to sorghum, a feed grain found mainly on the southwest Plains. But the trade dispute dashed hopes of Chinese imports. The latest survey found farmers planning to cut “milo” seedings 12.1% to 5.1 million.

Farm Futures surveyed 626 farmers from Dec. 7 to Jan. 3. Growers were invited by email to complete an online questionnaire. The survey was released on the first day of the Farm Futures Business Summit in Iowa City, Iowa.



NRD Legislative Conference Brings Together Elected Leaders and Highlights Local Partnerships

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are honored to announce Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts will kick off the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts 2019 Legislative Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska on Tuesday, January 29th at 8:30 am.  The two-day conference provides an opportunity for NRD leaders, elected officials and many partners from both the public and private sectors to discuss natural resources management policy.   The conference will also provide the more than 400 attendees an opportunity to learn how Nebraska’s NRDs have worked with farmers and ranchers, state and federal agencies, and members of the public to protect Nebraska’s natural resources and the economy.  

Tuesday, January 29th will feature Governor Ricketts and discussion of proposed legislation of interest to Nebraska’s NRDs.   At the Tuesday evening Senators Reception, local NRD leaders are provided an opportunity to meet with their state senators.   Wednesday, January 30th will feature many training and breakout sessions for attendees.

A few important topics that affect all Nebraskans include:
    Lower Platte South Natural Resources District will highlight how their efforts to bring together state and federal agencies, as well as partners from the private sector, led to a historic delisting for E. coli on Lincoln’s Antelope Creek. They will showcase how collaboration led to unique projects being implemented by both public and private entities, ultimately leading to improved water quality. (Tues. Jan. 29, 2019, 9:00 am – 9:45 am, Room: Regents AB)

    Lower Loup NRD and JEO Consulting will highlight efforts by the Lower Loup NRD to utilize partnerships between several state and federal partners to make numerous improvements and expand recreational opportunities for the public at Davis Creek Recreation Area.  They will showcase how the hundreds of NRD projects designed and managed for protecting life and property from flooding, can also offer expanded opportunities for public recreational use, while still serving their primary purposes.  (Wed., Jan. 30, 2019, 9:20 am – 10:05 am, Room: Regents C)

    Nebraska’s NRDs work with teachers, FFA advisors and education partners statewide to provide programs that engage Nebraska’s youth in outdoor natural resources education.  Leaders of these NRD education programs will be on hand to demonstrate new programs that are being developed to expand interest and increase engagement of students across the state.    (Wed. Jan. 30, 2019, 9:20 am – 10:05 am, Room: Chancellor 2/3)

    Protecting soil health is a priority for Nebraska’s NRDs.  In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), NRDs offer a variety of cost-share and demonstration programs to assist farmers and ranchers across the state.  NRCS will be on hand to highlight recent results collected from one of the soil health programs currently underway.  The presentation will showcase how EQIP funded Demonstration Farms are providing results that will assist producers in working to accomplish the goals of protecting soil health, improving water quality and  maximizing agricultural productivity.   (Wed. Jan 30, 2019, 10:20 am – 11:05 am, Room: Regents C)

Many Nebraska senators will be attending the conference, including the Reception. All events are being held at Embassy Suites-Lincoln at 1040 P St, Lincoln, NE. You can find parking in the parking garage at the corner of Q St. and 11th St in downtown Lincoln.



FFA Members Return from Educational, Cultural Experience in South Africa

During the past two weeks, 83 FFA members visited South Africa for a 12-day educational and cultural experience.

Members participated in the 2019 International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) as an annual, international opportunity through the National FFA Organization. The seminar allows FFA members to experience a foreign culture, learn about international agriculture and become more knowledgeable regarding the global marketplace.

Eighty-three past and present state FFA officers representing 26 states left the United States on Jan. 4. The group traveled throughout South Africa while surveying the agricultural landscape. FFA officers met with government and U.S. Embassy officials to learn about U.S. and South African trade relations; toured crop and livestock operations; met with business and industry leaders; and explored a private game reserve that is home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.

“We hope that through a structured experience like ILSSO, students will not only see the importance of agriculture on an international level but understand it is essential to feeding the world,” says Eric Nelson, program manager with the National FFA Organization. “This seminar exposes students to culture and food production practices beyond what they are accustomed to in the United States,” Nelson says.

Prior to departing the United States, the students completed eight weeks of online coursework related to cross-cultural adaptability. The program was made possible by corporate sponsors Bunge North America and John Deere.

Those students who participated in the trip were: Maggie Edwards of Graham, Ala.; Summer Parker of Enterprise, Ala.; Zachary Andrews of Camden, Ark.; Brenna Cannon of Jonesboro, Ark.; Lauren Murtagh of Sharon, Conn.; Jake Fitzpatrick of Wimauma, Fla.; Artha Jonassaint of Okeechobee, Fla.; Justus Jones of Trenton, Fla.; Elanie Mason of Parrish, Fla.; Tylre Potter of Deltona, Fla.; Kendall Prescott of Lake Placid, Fla.; Hannah Wagner of Ocoee, Fla.; Dellon Barber of Donalsonville, Ga.; Alexis M. Berte of Algona, Iowa; Gweneth Black of Jefferson, Iowa; Laken Mullinix of Akron, Iowa; Harrison Jansen van Beek of Caldwell, Idaho; Caleb Johnston of New Plymouth, Idaho; Saydee Longhurst of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Melanie Searle of Burley, Idaho; Savanah Stroeble of Kuna, Idaho; Garrett, Craig of Wakefield, Kan.; Miranda Depenbusch of Udall, Kan.; Michael Dowd of Olathe, Kan.; Max Harman of Inman, Kan.; Krissy Isle of Independence, Kan.; Scuyler Zenger of Washington, Kan.; Mattie Mink of Elizabethtown, Ky.; Jack Sisson of Westport, Mass.; Adelia Chandan of Mount Airy, Md.; Jasmine Coates of Forest Hill, Md.; Sydnie Grossnickle of Unionbridge, Md.; Guilianna Kukor of Frederick, Md.; Sabrina Mann of Walkersville, Md.; Jesse Walls of Hancock, Md.; Kristin Klager of Saline, Mich.; Laura Church of Hastings, Minn.; Lauralee Marie Eaton of Pine Island, Minn.; James Mathiowetz of New Prague of Minn.; Grace Taylor of Randolph, Minn.; Kegan Zimmerman of Lamberton, Minn.; Colleen Ellzey of Ellisville, Miss.; AK Mynatt of Corinth, Miss.; Seth Rekdal of Shepherd, Mont.; Halie Andreasen of St. Edward, Neb.; Brooke Bell of David City, Neb.; Graden Marshall Johnson of Holdrege, Neb.; Marie Meis of Elgin, Neb.; Amanda Most of Ogallala, Neb.; Jordan Popp of Broken Bow, Neb.; Christine Albrecht of Belleplain, N.J.; Josh Loew of Newport, N.J.; Jake Newkirk of Bridgeton, N.J.; Jamie Specca of Bordentown, N.J.; Kait Tallamy of Phillipsburg, N.J.; Olivia Parkin of Warwick, N.Y.; Austin Becker of Plain City, Ohio; Gretchen Lee of Pettisville, Ohio; Andrew Gmirkin of Trail, Ore.; Mackenzie Price of Oakland, Ore.; Holly Silvey of Bend, Ore.; Sundee Speelmon of Nyssa, Ore.; Devin Thacker of Canby, Ore.; Dylan Westfall of Hermiston, Ore.; Cristina LaPaglia of South Kingstown, R.I.; April Hamilton of Hitchcock, S.D.; Anna Grace Brown of Humboldt, Tenn.; Chloe Ford of Jonesborough, Tenn.; Garrett Franklin of Celina, Tenn.; Tarrah Ivy of Decaturville, Tenn.; Luke Love of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Makenzie Moorhead of Taft, Tenn.; Ruth Fitzgerald of Arrington, Va.; Newlin Humphrey of Palmyra, Va.; Ethan Jackson of Moneta, Va.; Kendall Knicely of Bridgewater, Va.; Nathan McDonald of Strasburg, Va.; Matthew Myers of Culpeper, Va.; Claire Siebel of Roanoke, Va.; Katherine Thompson of Cross Junction, Va.; Zach Schilter of Chehalis, Wash.; Elizabeth Ours of Maysville, W.Va.;

Students shared their experience throughout their trip on Twitter and Instagram. To see a recap of their adventures, visit: https://www.ffa.org/the-feed/ilsso-brings-state-ffa-officers-to-south-africa/.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 669,989 student members who belong to one of 8,630 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 459,514 alumni members in 2,236 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.



Cost of Production Estimates Available in Ag Decision Maker

Accurately estimating cost of crop production will be vital for farmers in 2019. With a market outlook in 2019 similar to 2018, farmers will face another year of marketing challenges.

The first step toward knowing a profitable sales price is understanding input costs. The January issue of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Ag Decision Maker provides information on costs through its annual “Estimated Costs of Crop Production in Iowa” report.

“Having a firm handle on one’s cost of production provides a key piece of information to any strong marketing plan,” said Alejandro Plastina, assistant professor and extension economist at Iowa State University. “Marketing strategies for farmers include forward pricing, setting a quantity-only marketing plan or using the spot market. The price consequences of these decisions are substantial.”

The report estimates the cost of production for continuous corn to be $3.93, $3.91 and $3.88 per bushel for expected yields of 164, 182 and 200 bushels per acre, respectively. The estimated costs of production per bushel for corn following soybeans are $3.39, $3.39 and $3.38 assuming 178, 198 and 218 bushels per acre, respectively.

Cost of production estimates, per bushel, for herbicide tolerant soybeans are $9.21, $9.04 and $8.86 assuming 50, 56 and 62 bushels per acre, respectively. The total cost per bushel of soybeans is projected at $9.13 for non-herbicide tolerant beans at 56 bushels per acre.

“The average price for corn is near $3.90 per bushel in recent projections for the 2019 marketing year, showing the potential for a slight profit for most yield levels,” Plastina said. “Projections for soybean prices give a more negative outlook at $8.75 per bushel.”

According to the most recent projections, a rented acre of corn following soybeans would need to produce 172 bushels of corn to break even, while a rented acre of genetically modified soybeans would need to produce 58 bushels to break even. However, a rented acre of corn following corn would need to produce 183 bushels of corn to break even.

The highest portion of the cost of production for corn following corn, corn following soybeans and herbicide tolerant soybeans is land, followed by machinery, seed and fertilizer. A full breakdown of estimated costs of production is available through Ag Decision Maker or by accessing ISU Extension and Outreach publication FM 1712 “Estimated Costs of Crop Production in Iowa.”

“Producers need to have a strong grasp of their own production costs,” Plastina said. “Costs of production are not seeing the rapid fluctuations that were seen in recent years, but current prices still create a lot of uncertainty when it comes to profitability on individual operations. Knowing costs is key.”



Iowa Pork Invests in Continued Water Quality Progress

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is once again partnering with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to offer funding for pig farmers interested in implementing new nutrient loss reduction technologies.

IPPA has provided $25,000 to IDALS to help offset up to 50 percent of the costs for pig farmers to install saturated buffers or bioreactors on their farm land. Preference is given to sites that provide the greatest opportunity for nitrate reduction and will be geographically dispersed throughout the state to aid in education and demonstration opportunities.

“This additional $25,000 investment by the Iowa Pork Producers Association will help support our efforts to scale-up the adoption of these edge-of-field practices focused on improving water quality. Both bioreactors and saturated buffers are still fairly new practices. This investment will help us continue to place these practices throughout the state to show farmers how they might fit in their operation,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “Thank you to the Iowa Pork Producers Association for continuing to invest in water quality efforts in our state.”

“IPPA is very pleased to continue this successful partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. We know public/private partnerships such as this continue to drive momentum of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy,” said IPPA President Gregg Hora, a pig farmer from Fort Dodge. “This brings IPPA’s support of these efforts to $75,000.”

This is the third year of funding committed by IPPA. Past funding has assisted in completing 11 projects, with an additional 10 projects under development. These efforts help remove nitrogen from water before it reaches our creeks, streams and rivers. “This is how we keep moving the needle on improving Iowa’s water quality,” Hora said.

Bioreactors are excavated pits filled with woodchips, with tile drainage water flowing through the woodchips. As water from the tile line passes into the bioreactor, denitrifying bacteria converts nitrate into di-nitrogen gas.

Saturated buffers divert water flowing through underground tile lines into buffers along a river or stream, aiding nutrient removal before the water enters the waterway.

This new offering from IPPA builds on its continuing efforts in support of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, including cover crop research, field day support and educational outreach. Producers who qualify and use these dollars from IPPA will be asked to share information and experiences with other farmers through IPPA and IDALS programs.

Hog farmers interested in participating can contact either Drew Mogler at IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or dmogler@iowapork.org; or Matt Lechtenberg at IDALS at (515) 281-3857 or matthew.lechtenberg@iowaagriculture.gov.

“Through our funding of this effort, support of research on conservation practices at Iowa State University, and continued investments in the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance and many other projects, Iowa pork producers remain committed to continuous improvement of their practices and the quality of Iowa water,” Hora said. “Pig farmers take environmental management and regulations designed to protect our natural resources very seriously. Pig manure is a valuable crop nutrient and we are dedicated to making sure its use does not impair Iowa’s water quality. It is our responsibility as farmers to make things better for the future.”

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy science assessment cites an average 4 percent reduction in Nitrate loss and up to 46 percent reduction in Phosphorous loss when using swine manure as a nutrient source compared to commercial fertilizer, while also having positive impacts on soil organic carbon, soil structure and runoff. Research from the University of Arkansas shows that efficiencies of modern pork production enabled pig farmers to reduce water use 41 percent land use 78 percent and carbon footprint 35 percent from 1959-2009.



FCSIC board of directors approves insurance premiums for 2019; Insurance Fund finishes 2018 above secure base amount

The Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation board of directors has voted to maintain the insurance premium assessment rate on the adjusted insured debt of Farm Credit System (System) banks at a rate of 9 basis points for 2019. FCSIC will continue to assess a 10-basis-point risk surcharge on nonaccrual loans and other-than-temporarily impaired investments.

“At year-end 2018, insured debt was $281.8 billion, up by approximately $16.5 billion from year-end 2017,” said Jeffery Hall, chairman of the FCSIC board of directors. “The board decided to maintain the premium rate on adjusted insured debt because debt growth in 2019 is expected to be similar to 2018,” said Chairman Hall. Growth in adjusted insured debt was 6.2 percent in 2018.

Because of the premium assessments and investment earnings, the Insurance Fund finished 2018 above the statutory 2 percent secure base amount (SBA). Based on preliminary results as of Dec 31, 2018, the Insurance Fund level was $66 million above the SBA (or 2.03 percent of adjusted insured debt outstanding).

After deducting its operating expenses, FCSIC is required to transfer funds in excess of the SBA to an allocated insurance reserves account established for each System bank. After all year-end results are finalized, including reports of System institutions on their condition and performance, the board will consider using its discretionary authority under the Farm Credit Act to make payments from the allocated insurance reserves accounts.

Twice a year, the FCSIC board reviews the insurance premium rate and makes adjustments, if necessary, to maintain the secure base amount, which is 2 percent of the adjusted insured debt outstanding at System banks. FCSIC will review premium rates again in June 2019. The board bases its premium review on the following:
-    An assessment of the current level of the Insurance Fund and the projected growth of insured obligations
-    The likelihood of any potential Insurance Fund losses
-    The financial condition of the System banks and associations
-    The outlook for the agricultural economy
-    Any risks in the financial environment

FCSIC is managed by a three-member board of directors. In addition to Chairman Hall, Dallas Tonsager and Glen Smith serve as members of the board.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/18/2019

 According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production contracted 1.9% (down 20,000 barrels per day, or b/d) to an average of 1.031 million b/d—or 43.30 million gallons daily. The four-week average for ethanol production declined to 1.023 million b/d for an annualized rate of 15.68 billion gallons.Weekly production was 2.9% lower than the level a year ago, while the four-week average was 1.4% lower.

Stocks of ethanol were 23.5 million barrels, up 0.4%. This reflects the fourth straight week of progressive increases of 0.1 million barrels/week.

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

Gasoline demand has at last lifted from the prevailing doldrums experienced during the holidays and Winter Storm Gia. Average weekly gasoline supplied to the market scaled up 3.5% to a four-week high of 8.868 million b/d (372.5 million gallons per day), equivalent to 135.95 billion gallons annualized. Refiner/blender input of ethanol followed 2.4% higher (up 21,000 b/d) at 883,000 b/d—equivalent to 13.54 billion gallons annualized. However, the ethanol content in gasoline supplied to the market averaged 9.96%, down from 10.06% the previous week.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production dropped to 11.63%.



Peterson Announces House Agriculture Subcommittee Chairs for the 116th Congress

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota announced the election of the Chairs of the six House Agriculture Subcommittees following the Committee’s Democratic Caucus organizational meeting today in Washington.
-    David Scott of Georgia will chair the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit.
-    Jim Costa of California will chair the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.
-    Marcia Fudge of Ohio will chair the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations.
-    Filemon Vela of Texas will chair the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.
-    Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands will chair the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research.
-    Abigail Spanberger of Virginia will chair the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.

“I look forward to working with each of these talented Subcommittee Chairs,” said Peterson. “They bring a range of experiences and strengths to their work, and each is focused on how the work of their Subcommittee can further our efforts to bring practical solutions to the people we serve.”



Biodiesel Leaders Nationwide “Engage” to Fuel 2019

Hundreds of biodiesel leaders from across the country gathered in San Diego, California this week to ENGAGE in thought provoking discussions to help advance America’s advanced biofuel. During the conference, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated the many accomplishments and milestones of 2018, and got attendees excited about biodiesel’s future in 2019 and beyond.

To honor this year’s theme of ENGAGE, here are some of the major takeaways from the memorable conference:

E – Educate: One of the main goals of the conference is to educate attendees on all things biodiesel and biodiesel related. In order to do that, NBB put together a jam-packed schedule with engaging speakers to offer key information on the latest in the industry. One of the educational sessions was Biodiesel 101, which gave attendees all the basics they needed to know about the biodiesel industry. NBB also hosted sessions on educating the consumer, such as Riding for the Brand, a session designed to share how biodiesel companies can help America’s Advanced Biofuel stand out in a growing field of options for consumers.

N – Navigate: While there is still policy uncertainty, biodiesel experts from across the country shared essential insights to help attendees navigate expectations for the coming years. A focus for many of our biodiesel leaders is federal and state policy, and the impacts they are making in the industry. “It has always been NBB’s strategy to help establish state and regional policies to compliment the federal policies that shape our industry’s market,” says NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen.

During the conference, NBB made sure to cover all policy bases and shared updated information on what 2019 looks like for America’s Advanced Biofuel. The Renewable Fuel Standard, trade, tax incentive, low carbon fuel policies, and Minnesota’s B20 state standard were amongst topics covered.

“Showing our strength, getting down in the trenches and fighting, and securing the support of Congressional allies will continue to be the keys to success,” said Kurt Kovarik, NBB vice president of federal affairs.

G – Gather: This year, we had over 800 biodiesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates gather in sunny San Diego for the conference. The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo has been a place for biodiesel enthusiasts to gather since 2004. In fact, NBB has hosted in California five times for the annual event. With each conference, attendees have the opportunity to network with other professionals and get business done.

A – Answer: NBB worked extensively to ensure this year’s conference was interactive and answered all attendee questions about the future of biodiesel. During the conference, professional speakers answered key questions about the biodiesel market, new regulations, critical policies, alternative fuels, biodiesel branding, and environmental impacts. Each mainstage session allowed audience members the ability to write in questions to be answered by the on-stage panel, providing key insights to attendees.

G – Next (G)eneration: Each year the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel program offers scholarships to college students for an opportunity to participate alongside other industry experts at the conference. The program is intended to foster professional relationships between budding and established scientists, share accurate information, and increase collaboration with academia and the biodiesel industry. At this year’s conference, scholarship winners had the opportunity to share their extensive biodiesel research during a poster session and held a breakout session, One Small Step: The Next Generation of Biodiesel Scientists, to share their key findings and industry breakthroughs.

“The National Biodiesel Conference is a highlight because I get to meet industry experts, hear about key biodiesel issues, and gain a better understanding of the industry dynamics,” said Shyam Paudel, NGSB Co-Chair and student of Missouri University of Science and Technology. “I got the opportunity to present my research and validate my hypothesis by talking to chemists, plant managers, and other biodiesel leaders. Through conversation, I gained insights into the biodiesel supply chain and how policy like the biodiesel tax credit affects the market.”

E – Environment: The environment is always top of mind at the National Biodiesel Conference. Biodiesel’s goal is to promote and advance biodiesel use through sustainable initiatives and practices. Integral sessions discussed how biodiesel companies can commit to the reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions and advance affordable, domestic renewable fuels to clean the environment.

To close out the conference, NBB went out with a bang in the final session, “To 2022 and Beyond: Renewable Fuels in the Next Decade.” Influential renewable fuel industry leaders discussed the Renewable Fuel Standard and what is on the horizon for 2020.

“Opponents of the RFS early on thought that sustainability might be a weakness to exploit. We knew that was wrong, that science was on our side – but we hadn’t galvanized biodiesel’s sustainability story with the data, research, and scientific thought leaders we needed to counter our opponents’ emotion-based attacks,” said NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. “We knew the bombs hurled at biodiesel had little to do with actual facts, but we had to have more than that to defend our fuel.”