Friday February 1 Ag News

Nebraska Cattlemen Select Priority Bills for the 2019 Legislative Session

Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Board of Directors met in Lincoln for their annual legislative meeting. NC’s six policy committees brought attention to bills and resolutions recently introduced in the Nebraska Legislature that are of interest to Nebraska beef producers.

Under close review and in accordance with NC Policy, the Board of Directors considered and took positions on nearly 90 pieces of legislation and choose three bills as priorities for this legislative session.

Once again, NC board members went into this legislative meeting acknowledging the immediate need for property tax relief and reform in the State. Nebraska Cattlemen chose to support and prioritize LB 497 by Senator Curt Friesen. The bill is the product of much work and discussion during the interim with senators and agricultural interest groups who have heard the outcry for property tax relief from constituents and members. LB 497 contains many provisions to address the inequity in school funding statewide and the over reliance on property tax dollars. NC policy aligns with provisions of the bill and the association looks forward to working with the Legislature to pass reform in 2019.

After much discussion about agricultural challenges across the country, NC took a position to support and prioritize LB 227, introduced by Senator Dan Hughes. The bill would strengthen existing nuisance protections for Nebraska agriculture operations under the Nebraska “Right to Farm Act”. Nebraska Cattlemen worked directly with Senator Hughes to add new terminology regarding changes to agricultural operations while still following all local zoning laws and regulatory permitting requirements. NC strongly believes this bill is important for livestock expansion and economic development in Nebraska and will continue to work with Senator Hughes on the bill’s progression.

Lastly, NC choose to support and prioritize LB 660 by Senator Tom Brewer. This bill will change the provisions relating to the executive director and chief investigator of the Nebraska Brand Committee. NC has worked with the Nebraska Brand Committee to clarify duties of staff in the best interest of the Nebraska cattle industry.

“We had a great discussion this year on numerous bills and issues that we face as an industry. As in years past, property tax relief is at the top of the list and something our organization continues to be passionate about. We will continue to work diligently with the Legislature and Governor Pete Ricketts to help fix this issue for all Nebraskans and encourage action to implementing a definitive plan” said Ken Herz, Chairman of NC Legislative Committee.



No-Till, Cover Crops, and Planned Grazing Systems Educational Workshop
Lifelong Learning Center – Norfolk, Nebraska
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. - Registration (coffee and rolls provided by LENRD)

9:30 a.m. - Finding success with a holistic system approach
  - Dan Forgey: Agronomy Manager Cronin Farms Gettysburg, SD
  - Chris Proctor: UNL Weed Management Extension, Ag and Horticulture Department

Dan has been with Cronin Farms for 49 years and is the cropping foreman for the farm. During their 26 years of No-till, Dan acknowledges that mistakes have been made, but Cronin Farms is gaining and learning from them. Dan has lived through the 23 years of tillage with planting 75% of acres and leaving 25% as black fallow. He knows how to destroy the soil, but also how to make the soil come alive again. Cronin Farms planted 11 cash crops and 3 forage crops in 2018. Cronin Farms is now working cattle into their no till system with the use of cover crops. With no-till, diversified rotations and cover crops they are starting to see the real benefit of soil health. The attitude is that as long as you keep learning from your mistakes, No-till will work. He has been working covers into their rotations since 2006. Dan is a firm believer that you should take care of the land, and it will take care of you. He attributes much of the farm’s success to the teachings of Dwayne Beck. They are also a big user of precision agriculture with 85% of our acres VRA.

Chris is a Weed Management Extension Educator in the Agronomy and Horticulture Department. His primary role is communicating with Nebraskans about relevant weed management related topics. Much of the research-based information he provides is related to the ever increasing concern over herbicide resistant weeds and the impact on crop production in Nebraska. One of the ways he is addressing this concern is with several research project across the state focusing on the use of cover crops as an additional weed management tool.

Dan Forgey: Integrating cover crops and livestock to improve soil health

Lunch - 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. (Provided by LENRD)

Chris Proctor: Weed Management Strategies in 2019

Farmer Panel: Dan Stelling, Jeff Steffen, and Scott Heineman.
These progressive producers are growing cover crops after small grains in expanded rotations and are integrating livestock for grazing cover crop mixes to increase soil health. See the PowerPoint presentations of their operations and enjoy the sharing and learning opportunity for discussion in the Q & A sessions.

Please RSVP by February 4, 2019 for meal count to your local NRCS or call LENRD, 402-371-7313.  The event is sponsored by: Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District.



“Tools for the Future” at Missouri Valley Crop Fair

In the tradition of providing farmers the latest industry insights, the Iowa Corn District 4 Committee along with the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) will host “Tools for the Future” crop fair in Missouri Valley, Iowa on Tuesday, February 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“The crop fairs give Iowa corn farmers access to information they might not get elsewhere,” explained Larry Buss, an ICPB director and farmer from Logan who chairs the Iowa Corn Grassroots Network, Membership & Checkoff (GNMC) Committee. “Crop fairs are customized to include topics that fit each region of the state, with opportunities for farmer-to-farmer learning and a chance to interact with subject area experts on a variety of topics including legislative policy, water quality, market development and risk management.”

Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be provided at noon to attendees.

9 a.m.  Iowa DOT Rules and Regulations that Affect Your Farming - Sargent Kevin Killpack, Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement
10 a.m.   Policy, Farm Bill and Trade - Kevin Studer, Iowa Corn Federal Policy Advisor
11 a.m.  Effective Phosphorus, Potassium and Lime Management with Low Crop Prices - Antonio Mallarino, Professor, ISU Nutrient Management and Research Extension

RSVPs are appreciated by February 5 to Janelle Kracht by calling 515-229-9980 or email jkracht@iowacorn.org.

“Through the power of your membership we are able to advocate at both the state and federal level for issues which directly impact your bottom-line. If you are not an ICGA member, I encourage you to join us today to have your seat at the table and get engaged on issues impacting your farm,” said GNMC committee Vice Chair Roger Wuthrich, an ICGA director and a farmer from Bloomfield. You may join at the crop fair or at iowacorn.org/join.

Crop fair sponsors include Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Corn District 4 Committee, Harrison/ Crawford Corn Growers, Midstates Bank, Missouri Valley Insurance, King Agri Sales, and Performance Ag Services.



Iowa Cattlemen's Association Affiliate Meetings
Cherokee - Banquet: February 2, Community Center in Marcus; 5:30 pm Social and 6:30 pm Meal
Shelby - Banquet: February 2, Defiance Parish Hall in Defiance; 6 pm Social with meal to follow
Cass - Banquet: February 2, Comm. Bldg at the Fairgrounds in Atlantic; 6 pm Social and 7 pm Meal
Crawford - Banquet: February 9, Boulder's Conf. Cntr in Denison; 5:30 pm Social and 6:30 pm Meal
Carroll - Banquet: February 23, Legion Hall in Arcadia; 5 pm Social, 5:30 pm Dinner, 7 pm Program



Through National Cattlemen’s Foundation, CME Invests in Future of Beef Industry
Ten $1,500 scholarships for the next school year have been awarded by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation to outstanding students pursuing careers in the beef industry. The scholarships are sponsored by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group (CME).

Also receiving a trip to the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans, La., Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 as the overall winner of the scholarship was Olivia Willrett of Illinois, who is a student at Colorado State University. Willrett wrote an essay for her scholarship entry titled “Tracing Beef from Farm to Fork.”

The other nine students, each earning $1,500 CME scholarships from NCF, were:
·       Sydni Lienemann, Nebraska, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
·       Lauren Mosher, Iowa, Iowa State University·       Grady Woodard, Kansas, Kansas State University
·       Shaye Koester, North Dakota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
·       Katie Gardner, Arkansas, University of Arkansas
·       Ryan Beany, Florida, University of Florida
·       Bailey Morrell, Colorado, Colorado State University
·       Shelby Souva, Michigan, Lansing Community College
·       Nolan Newman, Ohio, Ohio State University



Farm Bureau Releases Strategic Action Plan Goals for 2019

The American Farm Bureau Federation today released its top public policy goals for the year. The AFBF board approved its 2019 Strategic Action Plan following delegate action during the organization’s 100th annual convention in New Orleans.AFBF will use the goals as a guide for strategic planning and grassroots activity throughout 2019. The five top issues are:

The American Farm Bureau Federation today released its top public policy goals for the year. The AFBF board approved its 2019 Strategic Action Plan following delegate action during the organization’s 100th annual convention in New Orleans.

AFBF will use the goals as a guide for strategic planning and grassroots activity throughout 2019. The five top issues are:
-    116th Congress: Build relationships to educate and work with members of Congress, with support from Farm Bureau’s grassroots leaders and lobbying programs, to promote policies that benefit farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
-    Agricultural Labor: Enact legislation that helps farmers and ranchers meet their labor needs.
-    Infrastructure: Work for greater investment in rural and agricultural infrastructure, including broadband internet access; rural roads and bridges; inland waterway locks and dams; sea ports; and agricultural research.
-    Regulatory Reform: Work for reform of the rulemaking process to ensure that federal rules are supported by science and created in a transparent manner, while identifying specific regulations and regulatory opportunities that improve the ability of farmers and ranchers to remain productive and competitive.
-    Trade: Defend and expand trade opportunities for U.S. agriculture.

The AFBF board also approved a set of “watch-list” issues at the New Orleans meeting. AFBF will monitor these issues as part of its ongoing strategic planning process. These include:
-    Animal Agriculture: Increase efforts to defend animal agriculture production and promote meat consumption, as well as work for policies to enhance animal ag producers’ productivity and profitability, such as transportation issues unique to livestock and poultry production, aquaculture and apiculture.
-    Energy: Ensure policy that enhances the availability and affordability of energy for farmers and ranchers and encourages the growth of renewable energy production. Monitor climate legislation to ensure it does not unduly burden or restrict agriculture.
-    Farm Policy: Monitor implementation of the 2018 farm bill to ensure farmers’ and ranchers’ needs are met.
-    Labeling: Monitor rules and practices dealing with labeling of food and agricultural products, including milk and milk substitutes, cell-based food and food containing ingredients that are products of biotechnology.
-    Mental Health: Promote resources for farmers and their families who are struggling with substance addiction, depression and other mental health challenges.
-    Taxes: Continue working to eliminate the estate tax, promote other tax policies that benefit farmers and ranchers, and preserve the Unrelated Business Income Tax exemption that allows Farm Bureau to be a voice for farmers and ranchers.

The priorities and watch-list issues are only some of the topics the organization will address in 2019. AFBF continues to identify opportunities to take action consistent with the policies set forth by the organization’s farmer and rancher delegates from across the country.



USMEF Statement on Agricultural Trade Promotion Program Funding

On Jan. 31, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details of a key component of the Trump administration's trade mitigation package designed to address the effects of retaliatory measures impacting exports of U.S. agricultural products. The Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) provides additional funding to help U.S. exporters develop new markets and help mitigate the adverse effects of other countries’ tariff and non-tariff barriers.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is one of 57 organizations that will receive ATP funding through the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

USMEF appreciates the Trump administration's recognition of the extremely competitive environment U.S. agricultural products face in the global marketplace, and how changes in trading partners' tariff rates can put these products at a significant disadvantage. As authorized by FAS, this funding will help USMEF and other organizations defend existing market share and develop new destinations for U.S. agricultural products, which is especially important at a time when trade disputes and preferential trade agreements have further intensified competition in many key markets.




Trade Mitigation Funds Will Benefit Export Market Development for U.S. Wheat Growers

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are pleased that U.S. wheat growers now have the opportunity to increase efforts to expand export market access with USDA’s Jan. 31 announcement awarding $200 million to 57 organizations through the Agriculture Trade Promotion Program (ATP). USW was awarded $8.25 million, which will be distributed over the next three years.

Administered by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the ATP is one of three USDA programs within the Trump Administration’s trade mitigation package—created to ease the effects of recent trade retaliation against U.S. farmers and exporters. The funds will support export market development programs led by U.S. trade associations, cooperatives and other industry-affiliated organizations.

“U.S. wheat growers are facing tough times right now with the impact of retaliatory tariffs putting a strain on the export market and threatening many decades worth of market development,” said Chris Kolstad, USW Chairman and a wheat grower from Ledger, Mont. “We appreciate the recognition that farmers need help to manage this additional risk. This program is a positive step forward and our people are ready to get to work.”

“With the United States exporting half of the wheat crop it grows, programs like the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) are crucial for our farmers to remain competitive in the global market,” stated NAWG President and Sentinel, OK wheat farmer Jimmie Musick. “We welcome today’s news that our sister organization U.S. Wheat Associates was awarded significant funding for trade mitigation activities. This funding will provide some relief to the adverse impact wheat has felt since U.S. placed tariffs on Chinese goods, opening the door for retaliation. We hope to see these affected markets opened again quickly.”

U.S. wheat growers have a long history of recognizing the value of export market development by supporting the successful public-private partnership between USW’s state wheat commission members and FAS. Each year, growers contribute a portion of their wheat sales which qualifies USW to apply for matching funds through FAS programs like the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program.



NPPC STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF TRICHINAE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM FOR PORK EXPORTS

The National Pork Producers Council this week released a new Meat of the Matter paper focused on the importance of participation in the USDA’s Trichinae Surveillance Program. NPPC worked to secure funding for this Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) program designed to comply with new standards within the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Codex Alimentarius.

The new chapters and standards on Trichinae are science based and fair. They apply to all OIE and Codex members and will provide a key to unlock access to foreign markets that have previously used the guise of Trichinae risk to protect their domestic industry. The U.S. pork industry, however, must prove that its herd meets the standards for negligible risk. Otherwise, any other nation could restrict U.S. chilled exports simply by showing we are out of compliance with the new standards.



Canadian, Mexican Agriculture Leaders to Take Part in USDA’s 2019 Outlook Forum

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that the agriculture leaders of Canada and Mexico will speak at USDA’s 95th Agricultural Outlook Forum (PDF, 113 KB), held Feb. 21-22, 2019, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.

Minister Lawrence MacAulay of Canada and Secretary Victor Villalobos Arambula of Mexico will join U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for the forum’s keynote address on February 21. The plenary session will mark the first time the three ministers have spoken jointly at a public forum since the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in November 2018.

“I’m delighted to have Minister MacAulay and Secretary Villalobos join me at the forum. This will be an opportunity to highlight the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and rural communities in North America. Trade has been a powerful force for supporting farm income and rural communities in all three countries. This meeting gives us a chance to focus on how the USMCA will facilitate agricultural trade among our three countries,” Perdue said.

This year’s Agricultural Outlook Forum, themed “Growing Locally, Selling Globally,” highlights current issues and trends affecting agricultural production and global markets. It offers a platform for exchanging ideas, information and best practices among producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and non-governmental organizations, both domestic and foreign. Concurrent sessions will explore topics such as global trade trends, innovations in agriculture, developments in animal and crop biotechnology, frontiers in conservation, and outlooks for food and commodity markets. An exhibit hall will showcase resources from USDA agencies and private organizations. Last year, nearly 1,600 stakeholders attended the forum.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for February 2019

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation, today, announced interest rates for February 2019, which are effective February 1 – February 28, 2019. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for February is 2.625 percent, the same as 2.625 percent in January.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during February is 3.625 percent, the same as 3.625 percent in January.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for February are as follows: 2.500 percent with three-year loan terms, down from 2.750 in January; 2.500 percent with five-year loan terms, down from 2.750 percent in January; 2.625 percent with seven-year loan terms, down from 2.875 percent in January; 2.750 percent with 10-year loan terms, down from 2.875 percent in January and; 2.750 percent with 12-year loan terms, down from 3.000 percent in January.



DowDuPont Reports Higher Sales, Triple Earnings

DowDuPont, the company that purchased Monsanto last year, recorded earnings (on a reported basis) from continuing operations of 21 cents per share for fourth-quarter 2018 compared with a loss of 52 cents per share it logged in the comparable quarter a year ago.

The company raked in net sales of $20 billion for the quarter, flat year over year. It also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $21 billion. The company witnessed higher sales volumes and prices, offset by unfavorable currency impact. Currency reduced sales 2% in the quarter.

Net sales from the agriculture division rose 1% to $2.8 billion in the reported quarter on the back of sales of new crop protection products. Volumes rose 4% while pricing improved 5%.

Looking ahead, DowDuPont envisions global economic expansion to continue this year at a modestly slower pace on a year-over-year comparison basis. The company said that it will remain focused on actions including capturing cost synergy savings, capitalizing on its growth investments and delivering productivity.