Thursday January 31 Ag News

NEBRASKA LEAD 37 FELLOWS VISIT EUROPE

Twenty-nine Nebraska LEAD 37 fellows recently returned from an international study and travel seminar in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Poland.

“The seminar is designed to provide firsthand appreciation and understanding of our international community and the potential for people of all nations to work together,” said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD program director and group leader.

During the Jan. 5-20 seminar, fellows participated in briefings with Wayne Bacon, European consultant for the U.S. Grains Council; Francois Guerin, senior policy adviser for Copa Gogeca (united voice for farmers and cooperatives in the European Union in Brussels); Marek Beran, directorate general for agriculture and rural development at the European Commission; Mark Cropper, senior expert, agriculture and rural development at the European Commission; Maury Salz, president of Claas Omaha while at the Claas Corporate Offices in Harsewinkel, Germany; and professors Kathrin Toppel, Dorothee Straka and Henning Windheim, during a visit to the University of Osnabruck (Germany) and the Department of Applied Agriculture.

The LEAD fellows also visited international businesses, entrepreneurs and several farms, including vegetable, fruit and row crop farms growing corn and wheat. There were also visits to the Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands); the European Parliament’s Visitors Center (Brussels); Bayer Monheim, Headquarters of the Crop Science Division (Germany); Bioenergie Park (near Osnabruck, Germany); Autostadt Wolfsburg, headquarters of Volkswagen; Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall Museum; the Wielkopolski National Park (near Poznan, Poland); the University of Warsaw Dairy Research Farm; and the POLIN Museum, where the fellows learned about the history of Polish Jews in Warsaw.   

“The people-to-people encounters provided the members of Nebraska LEAD Group 37 an opportunity to view characteristics, conditions and trends in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Poland and determine relationships to issues and situations in our country,” Hejny said. “Through this experience, participants develop techniques in identifying comparisons and contrasts of the countries we recently studied in areas such as agriculture, politics, economics, energy, religion, culture and history, as well as technology, trade, food, art and philosophy.”

Nebraska LEAD 37 Fellows who participated in the seminar, listed by hometown, are:
> Alliance: Miles Buskirk
> Aurora: Evan Janzen
> Benkelman: MerleAnn Raichart
> Broken Bow: Clay Govier
> Cairo: Scott Sorensen
> Cody: Chelsea Luthy
> Cozad: Jason Keiser
> David City: Cory Kudlacek
> Eagle: Ted Retzlaff
> Elgin: Luke Beckman
> Exeter: Jerry Boeck
> Farnam: Adam Grabenstein
> Gering: Kyle Ann Hopkins
> Gothenburg: Amber Burge, Scott Speck
> Hastings: Adam Pavelka
> Kearney: Jose Valles
> Lincoln: Thad Baum, Kristi Block, Megan Grimes, Jamison Jensen
> Merna: Ross Daake
> O’Neill: Aaron Troester
> St. Paul: Dan Vech
> Scottsbluff: Christopher Stillahn
> Seneca: Bree DeNaeyer
> Springfield: Kimberly Stuhr
> West Point: Sam Schmidt
> York: Aaron Kavan

The Nebraska LEAD Program includes men and women currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness. The two-year leadership development program is under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 39, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program, 104 Agricultural Communications Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0940; call 402-472-6810 or email leadprogram@unl.edu. The application deadline is June 15.



NEBRASKA GROWERS TO SHARE ON-FARM RESEARCH RESULTS

Farm operators and agronomists from across the state are invited to attend a Nebraska On-Farm Research Network meeting at a location near them.

Producers can gain valuable crop production-related information from more than 70 research projects conducted on Nebraska farms by Nebraska farmers in partnership with University of Nebraska faculty. These research projects cover products, practices and new technologies that impact farm productivity and profitability.

Locations and times are: 
> Feb. 18 — Grand Island, Hall County Extension Office, College Park Campus, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m;
> Feb. 19 — Norfolk, Lifelong Learning Center, Northeast Community College, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.;
> Feb. 20 — Beatrice, Valentino’s restaurant, 701 E. Court St., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
> Feb. 26 — North Platte, West Central Research and Extension Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
> Feb. 27 — Alliance, Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST.

Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to the start times listed. Lunch will be served at all locations.

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is a statewide program that addresses critical farmer production, profitability and natural resource questions. Growers take an active role in the project, which is sponsored by Nebraska Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Checkoff and Nebraska Dry Bean Commission.

The programs will provide an opportunity to hear growers who conducted on-farm research share their results from the 2018 growing season. Field-length replicated treatment comparisons were completed in growers’ fields using their equipment.

Research projects to be discussed include: cover crops, variable-rate seeding, planting populations, starter fertilizer, fungicide applications, alternate-crop rotations, seed treatments and nitrogen-management technologies. Certified Crop Adviser credits have been applied for and are pending approval.

There is no fee to attend. Preregistration is requested for meal-planning purposes. Call 402-624-8030 or email onfarm@unl.edu to register for any of the five sites.

For more information on the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and how to participate, visit http://cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch.



Foreign Animal Disease Workshops Available to Livestock Producers, Veterinarians

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced a series of free, interactive Foreign Animal Disease prevention and response workshops for livestock producers and veterinarians. The workshops will be offered through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health and will be offered multiple times throughout the state.

“Animal agriculture is critical to our state’s economy,” said Naig. “These workshops are a great example of how we’re working to bring the industry together to help prevent and prepare for potential disease threats.”

Workshop attendees will learn what to expect if Foot and Mouth Disease or African Swine Fever is found in the U.S. Experts will share their plans for animal movements and the requirements that would go into effect if a Foreign Animal Disease outbreak occurred. Attendees can also expect to hear how to protect their animals from diseases and suggested daily health monitoring strategies.

Workshops are scheduled at the following locations:
    Feb. 7 – Washington, Iowa (Washington Co. Ext. Office, 611 Highway 1 South)
    Feb. 12 – Ames, Iowa (Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center, 2601 E. 13th St.)
    Feb. 26 – Nashua, Iowa (Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St.)
    March 5 – Sioux Center, Iowa (Terrace View Event Center, 230 St. Andrews Way)
    March 12 – Carroll, Iowa (Carrollton Inn, 1730 US-71)

Onsite registration opens at 8:30 a.m. the days of each session. However, online pre-registration is encouraged. Workshops start at 9 a.m., going until 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided free of charge. For more information, email fad@IowaAgriculture.gov.



Iowa Farmers Market Association to Hold 21st Annual Winter Workshop

3The 21st Annual Iowa Farmers Market Workshop will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church at 3010 52nd Street in Des Moines.

Topics to be covered will include marketing strategies using social media, market cooking demonstrations, insurance options for markets and vendors, an in-depth look at the National Farmers Market Coalition, a market manager panel, and an “ask the expert” panel with staff from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Food & Consumer Safety Bureau, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) Meat & Poultry Inspection Bureau, Weights & Measures Bureau and State Horticulturist.

Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Julie Kenney will provide the welcome at the opening of the workshop.

“Secretary Mike Naig appreciates the work managers and producers do in organizing these local markets,” said Kenney. “With over 150 farmers markets throughout the state, Iowans are able to access locally grown fresh produce, baked goods and other items.”

The Iowa Farm Bureau will be offering free consumer market bags and Iowa Farmers Market Nutrition Program training by IDALS staff will also be offered at the end of the workshop.

“Each workshop is unique and we cover so much during the day. These workshops are a great way for our statewide group to reconnect with one another.  It looks like a great agenda this year,” said Iowa Farmers Market Association President Donna Brahms.

More information including the full agenda and registration form can be found on the IFMA website: http://www.iafarmersmarkets.org/ . 



Trump Calls Chinese Soybean Purchase a Sign of Faith

China, the world's largest buyer of soybeans, is expected to keep purchasing U.S. supplies as trade negotiations between the two countries continue, President Donald Trump said from the Oval Office on Thursday.

"They started on a smaller scale, and today they're starting very big, and I very much appreciate that," Trump said. "It's a fantastic sign of faith."

Bloomberg reports that China is expected to purchase 5 million tons of U.S. soybeans, Trump said. That would be on top of the estimated 5 million bought in the weeks after Trump met with his counterpart Xi Jinping in December in Argentina.

"That's a tremendous purchase, which will take place now and our farmers are going to be very happy," Trump said. "On behalf of our agricultural industry and on behalf of our farmers, frankly, we appreciate it very much. That's a very big order."

The U.S. and China have made important progress during talks that were candid, specific, and fruitful, according to a statement published by China's Xinhua News Agency on Friday. The nation has agreed to increase imports of U.S. agriculture and energy products, it said, reaffirming a pledge made last year, as well as purchases of industrial products and services. The countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation on intellectual property rights and technology transfer, Xinhua said.

China is usually a top buyer of U.S. soybeans, taking 30 million to 35 million tons a year. The countries have been holding talks in Washington, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will travel to Beijing to continue negotiations, reports Bloomberg.

China slapped retaliatory tariffs on American supplies in mid 2018. After that, U.S. exports to the Asian country plummeted while shipments from Brazil surged. Prices in the U.S. fell, while premiums in Brazil jumped. Prices in the Americas have since come closer to parity.



Markets Expected to Continue Strong; Leverage Shift on the Horizon

During the first half of 2019, the United States will see a shift away from El Niño conditions as equatorial ocean currents begin to cool into the summer, Art Douglas, Ph. D., professor emeritus at Creighton University, told the audience during the popular 2019 CattleFax Outlook Seminar today. The session, held as part of the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans, La., saw a capacity crowd as cattlemen and women gathered to hear expert market and weather analysis.

Douglas explained the developing trend will turn the eastern third of the United States drier, as the jet stream pushes moisture from the Gulf of Mexico across the southern tier of the nation. “After a cooler February, the United States will mostly enjoy a relatively mild spring with a reduced threat of delayed planting,” said Douglas. He pointed out that summer weather will be dependent on how quickly El Niño conditions fade.

“La Niña conditions are unlikely in the next eight months as the equatorial current shows only slow cooling,” said Douglas. “The residual warmth along the equator will lead to a wetter summer in the southern half of the U.S., while warm waters off the coast of Mexico will favor an active monsoon season in the Southwest.”

Turning to the market outlook, CattleFax analyst Kevin Good said he expects prices will remain strong, with demand and the economy expected to remain solid.

“We’ve been on one heck of a good run for a few years and I expect that to continue into 2019,” said Good. “However, we expect to see margins begin to compress and leverage to shift from the cow-calf and stocker sectors to the feeder as we expand the supply of cattle.”

He said price risk remains over the next few years in response to the last five years of expansion. The beef cowherd expansion cycle is believed to be within 1-2 years of being complete.

“Cattle producers, on average, will receive a smaller percentage of the retail beef dollar as larger cattle supplies increase price pressure across all segments of the industry,” said Good. “Retail beef prices will likely see some inflation in 2019, but larger beef, pork and poultry production will be price limiting.”

However, domestic demand remains robust and higher wages and job growth are supportive of prices. CattleFax projects the all-fresh retail beef price to average $5.73/lb., up $.06 from year ago levels, while the composite cutout will rise $4 to average $216/hundredweight (cwt.) during 2019.

Going forward into 2020, economists see the potential for an economic slowdown, Good noted. “This may slow the benefits of recently strong consumer incomes and spending,” he said.

Fed cattle prices are expected to be steady during 2019, averaging $117/cwt., with market resistance at the $130-level and downside risk to $100/cwt. at the low end of the trading range, according to Good. He said a larger supply of cattle outside of feedyards coupled with limited profitability in the feeding sector will hinder demand and pressure feeder cattle prices. CattleFax projects 750 lb. steer prices will range from $130-$160/cwt., with an average at $147/cwt. for the year ahead. 

“The relatively strong calf market we saw in 2018 will be under pressure this year,” said Good. “However, values in the spring should have the potential to reach the mid-$180s. On the other hand, a larger calf crop and softer demand have the potential to erode prices to the $140-level next fall, so there is certainly more price risk in feeder cattle and calves than in the fed cattle markets in 2019.”

Feed and grain prices are expected to remain stable during the year ahead, with corn acreage increasing an expected 2 million acres to total 91 million acres and soybeans declining 2.2 million acres to 87 million and wheat gaining 1 million acres to total 49 million.

“Corn is expected to trade in a range of $3.60 to $4.10 per bushel during the first half of the year,” said CattleFax analyst Mike Murphy, who also pointed out that hay acreage isn’t expected to change significantly from 2018, but better winter precipitation across much of the United States should help provide a strong start to the 2019 hay crop.

Good explained that cull cow prices will have additional downside risk during the year ahead. “Years of expansion and poor operating margins in the dairy sector are generating more cull cows, which weighs on the markets,” he told the audience. “The additional supply and the limited packing capacity for non-fed cattle will result in a market which averages approximately $55/cwt. during 2019, with a spring high near $60/cwt. and a fall low in the lower $40s.”

CattleFax analysts said the global trade outlook is currently supportive for the U.S. beef industry, with strong demand in many overseas markets. However, they note that trade disruptions could have significant impacts on the market outlook. Ratification of the pending U.S./Mexico/Canada (USMCA) agreement will be crucial to markets this spring. Likewise, the possibility of a bilateral trade agreement with Japan could create a positive upside to the market this year.

CattleFax CEO Randy Blach closed the session with a reminder about the importance of international markets to the beef industry.

“Long-term, the profitability of our industry is tied to trade,” he said. “We must have open markets and science-based trade standards for our products if we’re going to continue the run of profitability we’ve experienced in recent years.”



NCBA Announces 2019 Policy Priorities
Fake Meat, Trade, Dietary Guidelines, Regulatory Relief Top List

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today released its official Policy Priorities for 2019. The release came as approximately 10,000 members of the cattle industry joined together for its annual convention and NCBA Trade Show, which is being held this week in New Orleans.

This year’s Policy Priorities include a mix of familiar and new issues for the industry, and while the group will engage on a wide variety of policy issues (click here to read NCBA’s full policy book) the organization in 2019 will focus on four main issue areas:

Fake Meat. NCBA was successful in 2018 in arguing for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have primary jurisdiction over the inspection and marketing of lab-produced and plant-based fake meat. Now in 2019 the group will work to ensure that a regulatory framework is properly implemented - one that protects the health and wellbeing of consumers, prevents false and deceptive marketing, and ensures a level playing field for real beef products.

Trade and Market Access. A perennial issue for U.S. cattle producers, 2019’s priorities on trade will focus on promoting a bilateral trade agreement with Japan, securing swift passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and expanding access for U.S. beed in key markets like China, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Dietary Guidelines. The federal government updates its official Dietary Guidelines every five years, and as that process ramps up in 2019, NCBA will work to protect the scientific credibility of Dietary Guidelines and promote accurate information about the nutritional advantages of beef as part of a balanced diet.

Regulatory Reform and Implementation. The past two years have brought about significant regulatory relief for beef producers, but much work remains to be done on additional relief and implementing recent reforms. This includes issues such as full implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill, enacting a permanent solution to overly restrictive Hours of Service rules for livestock haulers, finalizing a new water rule to replace the 2015 Waters of the U.S. rule, exempting livestock producers from EPCRA air emissions reporting requirements, modernizing and streamlining the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and federal grazing regulations, and promoting antimicrobial stewardship by producers and preserving access to key veterinary technologies.

“Thanks to the dues-paying members of NCBA and our outstanding team in Washington, D.C., we’ve made a lot of good progress over the past couple of years,” said NCBA President Kevin Kester. “But this is no time to rest on our laurels. There are many policy challenges still facing our producers, and these Policy Priorities will act as our roadmap over the coming year. I’d encourage my fellow producers who are not yet members of NCBA to join us in the important battles ahead.”



Education Takes Center Stage During Cattlemen’s College at 2019 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans

More than 1,500 cattlemen and women took advantage of educational opportunities at the 26th annual Cattlemen’s College in New Orleans, La., Jan. 29-30. The turnout was more than 50 percent greater than attendance at the 25th Cattlemen’s College in Phoenix, Ariz., in January 2018.

            Held in conjunction with the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, Cattlemen’s College serves as one of the cattle industry’s most in-depth and helpful educational events, helping cattle producers make their operations more efficient and successful. Since first established, Cattlemen’s College has been sponsored by Zoetis Animal Health since it was first established 26 years ago.

            Keynote speaker at the breakfast Jan. 30 was Bill Cordingley, head of wholesale banking North America, Rabobank. He spoke on "Greater Expectations, Bigger Opportunities," touching on the different forces that work together to yield a complex demand story for beef.

              U.S. cattle producers should expect “a more global and uncertain environment” in the demand for beef, Cordingley told the audience. Cattle producers are doing a good job, he said, and “consumers already love your product. The challenge is, will this be enough in the future, and what role will you play?”

              Cordingley pointed to technology and the pace of change as having an influence in the future of the cattle industry. “Technology has changed everything,” he said. Furthermore, detractors are not bashful about “painting the industry in the wrong way.” Producers should be engaged in helping tell a positive story, he says.

              Exports and trade will also be important in the future, he said, and a focus on these issues will serve the industry well. The good news, he said: “There are few significant competitors to high quality U.S. beef.” Today 12 percent of U.S. beef is exported; RaboBank expects that number could increase to 15 percent.

            More than two dozen sessions in eight Cattlemen’s College session tracks followed the breakfast, featuring presentations in business, cattle health, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, grazing management, consumer interest, and industry hot topics. Because many sessions were concurrent, attendees will be able to view videos of missed sessions online in the coming weeks.

            A highlight of the Cattlemen’s College event was a Jan. 29 afternoon session that featured Dr. Temple Grandin conducting a cattle handling and facility design presentation. A reception followed, with the full slate of concurrent educational sessions the following morning.

            For the second year, the college began with a special Producer’s Choice collection of sessions Jan. 29. An online vote conducted prior to the schedule finalization determined the three educational sessions that were offered for a “first look”: Programming Your Cow Herd for Success, Unraveling Secrets of the Rumen, and Practical Management to Reduce Disease Challenges.

             “The increasing attendance at our Cattlemen’s College sessions demonstrates how much value our producers put in education,” said Josh White, NCBA executive director of producer education. “They recognize that education and information is the heart blood of progress and success. Our knowledgeable presenters have been through many of the challenges facing those in their audiences. Together, they are paving the way to a better cattle industry future.”

              Video sessions from the Cattlemen’s College will be available online following the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show. Those unable to attend any of the sessions in New Orleans will be able take advantage of this online option at www.ncba.org/cattlemenscollege.



Stockmanship & Stewardship Program Announces Dates, Locations for 2019 Campaign

Five sessions of the Stockmanship & Stewardship program will be conducted in 2019 to help bring cattle producers together for further education on proper stockmanship techniques, including local stewardship that is appropriate for their regions. The sessions were announced during the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans, La., Jan. 30 – Feb 1., 2019.

The two-day California, Iowa, Colorado, Louisiana and Kansas events are made possible through sponsorship from Merck Animal Health and will be coordinated by the producer education team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and local host organizations. Additional funding and support for the program is provided by the beef checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program.

Tour dates for the 2019 Stockmanship & Stewardship tour are:
Tulare, Calif.                    March 20-21
Ames, Iowa                     June 28-29
Fort Collins, Colo.           TBD August
Manhattan, Kan.             September 20-21
West Monroe, La.           October 4-5

“For the third year, we’re thrilled to be able to hold these sessions that focus on proper cattle handling and stewardship,” said Chase DeCoite, director of BQA at NCBA. “Producers who have attended these events in the past have gone home with greater understanding of the best practices in working with cattle in their particular area of the country.”

Stockmanship & Stewardship events include live cattle demonstration and hands-on opportunities. They also include BQA training and classroom sessions highlighting issues that affect cattle producers in each region. In addition to cattle handling and effective stockmanship, possible elements of regional sessions include sustainability and environmental stewardship, animal health and regional issues and hot topics.

For more information on either the Stockmanship & Stewardship or BQA programs, contact DeCoite at cdecoite@beef.org.



USDA Awards Agricultural Trade Promotion Program Funding

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $200 million to 57 organizations through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) to help U.S. farmers and ranchers identify and access new export markets. The ATP is one of three USDA programs created to mitigate the effects of unjustified trade retaliation against U.S. farmers and exporters. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) accepted ATP applications between September 4 and November 2 – totaling nearly $600 million – from U.S. trade associations, cooperatives, and other industry-affiliated organizations. USDA has released a list of the ATP funding recipients.

President Donald J. Trump authorized up to $12 billion in programs to provide assistance to U.S. agriculture through a trade mitigation package announced by Secretary Perdue on September 4, 2018. In addition to the $200 million allocated to the ATP, the package also included the Market Facilitation Program to provide payments to farmers harmed by retaliatory tariffs, and a food purchase and distribution program to assist producers of targeted commodities.

“At USDA, we are always looking to expand existing markets or open new ones, so we are proud to make good on the third leg of the President’s promise to America’s farmers,” said Secretary Perdue. “This infusion will help us develop other markets and move us away from being dependent on one large customer for our agricultural products. This is seed money, leveraged by hundreds of millions of dollars from the private sector, that will help to increase our agricultural exports.”

All sectors of U.S. agriculture, including fish and forest product producers, were eligible to apply for cost-share assistance under the ATP. FAS evaluated applications according to criteria that included the potential for export growth in the target market, direct injury from the imposed retaliatory tariffs, and the likelihood that the proposed project or activity will have a near-term impact on agricultural exports.

“We were pleased to see the large demand for participation in the program, and truly got some out-of-the-box ideas that we are hopeful will expand our global footprint,” Perdue said. “We examined all applications carefully, considered our ranking criteria, and awarded the funds in order to make the best use of taxpayer dollars in growing agricultural trade.”



Grower Leaders Hone Skills in Nation’s Capital
   
Corn farmers from across the country traveled to Washington this week to take part in the second phase of the annual leadership development programs co-sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association and Syngenta. While in town, the group visited numerous congressional leaders and got an inside look at parliamentary procedure and how lobbying works on Capitol Hill.

“For three decades, the Leadership At Its Best program has played an important role in helping corn growers become leaders at the state and national level,” said Kevin Ross, NCGA’s current first vice president and a LAIB graduate himself. “In Washington, our farmer leaders saw firsthand how decisions made in our nation’s capital impact us all back on our farms. Using the skills developed here, these farmer leaders effective, compelling voices will concretely benefit NCGA and all its farmer members through their current and future endeavors.”

The Leadership At Its Best class received briefings on the issues facing America’s farmers in the coming year followed by presentations from lobbyist and Hill staffer panels explaining how the lobbying process functions in Washington, D.C. to get the best result from interaction with members of Congress and their staff. They then had the opportunity to see the process in action during a series of visits with congressional leaders. Additionally, the group participated in parliamentary procedure training with NCGA Parliamentarian Chris Dickey.

This class of NCGA’s Advanced Leadership program, also co-sponsored by Syngenta, joined their counterparts in Washington for a second session as well. In addition to exploring important topical briefings from staff, the group underwent extensive, high-level media training and explored “A Day in the Life of a Lobbyist.” This program, which builds upon the skill set developed through Leadership At Its Best, has played an integral role in developing top-notch association leadership.

This year’s Leadership At Its Best Class includes: Stuart Sanderson (Ala.); Jeremy Fix (Colo.), Randall Wegner (Colo.); Jim Greif (Iowa); Martin Marr (Ill.); Jim Roesner (Ind.); Kaitlin Donovan (Kan.); Matthew Splitter (Kan.); Steve Rome (Kan.); Mark Roberts (Ky.); John Bruning Jr. (Md.); Brandon Fast (Minn.); Scott Winslow (Minn.); Brian Lehman (Mo.); Jason Hull (Mo.); Jean Henning (N.D.); Terry Wehlander (N.D.); Bert Ring (Texas); Mark Hoffmann (Wis.); Mike Berget (Wis.); and Sara Schoenborn (Wis.).

The current Advanced Leadership Program includes: Duane Aistrope (Iowa); Kevin Ross (Iowa); Dennis McNinch (Kan.); and Deb Gangwish (Neb.).

Phase One of Leadership At Its Best took place in August and included sessions on media training, public speaking, advocacy and meeting management.



ASA’s WISHH, USDA & Cambodian Government Launch CAST Strategic Partnership for Aquaculture

American Soybean Association (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) leaders joined Cambodian and U.S. government officials and partners today in Phnom Penh to launch a strategic partnership that will grow trade and development of Cambodia’s important aquaculture sector. Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon and Chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia Michael Newbill officiated at the launch ceremony of ASA/WISHH’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded Commercialization of Aquaculture for Sustainable Trade (CAST) – Cambodia project.

CAST will accelerate production of high-demand fish species for the Cambodian market and develop a lasting aquaculture industry. The five-year CAST project is a prime example of WISHH’s enterprise-driven development approach. A key aspect of the project strengthens local production of high-quality feed and fish. CAST makes it possible for Cambodia’s private sector and universities to work closely with U.S. soybean growers and businesses, as well as academic and non-governmental organizations.

His Excellency Veng Sakhon described how the project will strengthen value chain linkages from hatcheries to producers, buyers and distributors.

Newbill, who is the U.S. Embassy’s ranking representative in Cambodia, said, “The CAST project is unique because it uses an abundant resource—soy—and utilizes it as a feedstock for Cambodia’s growing aquaculture industry. This project means increased sales of U.S. soybeans to Cambodia. The result will be increased production of locally raised high-quality protein source that Cambodians will enjoy eating and greater ties between our two countries."

He added, "The CAST project’s goal of increasing aquaculture production is in line with the Ministry’s policies and will improve Cambodian livelihoods. Importantly, it will also reduce pressure on wild capture, which currently accounts for about 76 percent of total fishery production.”

WISHH’s CAST project benefits from the strategic expertise of key partners, including the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Kansas State University, Auburn University, World Vision, and local universities in Cambodia. Importantly, Cambodia’s local private-sector feed mills and hatcheries and the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries are all collaborating with WISHH to implement CAST.

“CAST is another exciting WISHH opportunity for U.S. soybean growers to work in Southeast Asia thanks to USDA funding,” said WISHH Chairman Daryl Cates, an Illinois soybean grower. “Cambodia’s small-and medium-sized entrepreneurs are well-positioned to drive commercial growth in the aquaculture sector – both to produce a consistent supply of quality fish and increase market demand for quality assured inputs, like fish feed, and related aquaculture support services.”

In addition to Chairman Cates, WISHH Program Committee Members at the event included: Craig Converse (SD), Scott Gaffner (Ill.), and Dawn Scheier (SD). Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council Board Members Kyle Durham, Tim Gottman, Bob Littleton, and Director of Business Development Tony Stafford. North Dakota Soybean Council Director Daniel Mock is also in Cambodia, along with WISHH Executive Director Liz Hare, Asia Division Director Alan Poock, and CAST Chief of Party Jim Hershey.

The WISHH delegation will tour Cambodia’s Center of Excellence on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition of Royal University of Agriculture, a fish hatchery, animal feed store and more. Cambodia’s GDP has increased by more than 7 percent per year since 2011, growing the demand for animal and aquaculture-sourced protein. CAST’s anticipated local economic impact exceeds $300 million over the life of the project, and Cambodia’s aquaculture industry demand for soybean protein is projected to reach 100,000 metric tons per year by 2030.

While in Southeast Asia, the WISHH trade team will also travel to Myanmar, where WISHH is leading USDA-funded activities to grow the soy food market, and USSEC is active in the animal feed and aquaculture sectors.

ASA/WISHH connects trade and development. As a trailblazer for trade, WISHH grows markets for U.S. soy farmers, and at the same time, improves lives and economic opportunities in developing countries. WISHH works with international companies and organizations that purchase U.S. soy. These buyers invest thousands of their own dollars to research and promote soy-based foods and feeds made with U.S. soy in emerging markets. Over the last five years, WISHH leveraged soybean farmer checkoff investments by a ratio of more than 6-1.



NMPF Applauds Freshman Lawmakers’ Support for Enforcing Dairy-Labeling Rules

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) strongly supports the newly elected members of Congress who wrote to U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb calling for stricter enforcement of the agency’s long-standing dairy standards of identity. Proliferating plant-based products falsely using “milk” and other dairy terms have created nutritional confusion in the marketplace to the detriment of public health.

“Modifying the word ‘milk’ with a plant product descriptor does not make the label accurate or appropriate, as these products simply do not contain milk or milk ingredients and the plant-based liquids are not permitted ingredients in milk,” wrote 10 first-term House members in a letter organized by Reps. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) and John Joyce (R-PA). “The use of such a descriptor is a clear violation of milk’s standard of identity.”

“It’s simple: if it comes from a cow, it’s milk; if it doesn’t, it’s not. Why would we call a product something it’s not?” Brindisi said. “Dairy farmers in Upstate New York set high standards for the milk they produce. Copycat products shouldn’t be able to profit off of their hard work.”

“As a doctor, it is clear to me that the mislabeling of milk creates a public health issue,” Joyce said. “Consumers should be able to feel confident that they are getting the proper nutritional value from their dairy products and enforcing these Federal regulations is necessary for that to occur.”

“We welcome this new wave of support from incoming lawmakers of both parties” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “This letter adds to already broad support for uniform labeling regulations that will bring clarity for businesses and consumers.”

The freshmen letter builds upon a bipartisan call for FDA action last October that attracted 48 House member signatures. Surveys have repeatedly shown that Americans favor proper labeling of dairy alternatives. A January poll found that only 1-in-5 consumers think plant-based imitators should be called milk, while an earlier survey showed consumers, by nearly a 3-to-1 margin, called for FDA to end the mislabeling of fake milks.



Notice of Intent Filed to Sue Over Chronic Water Pollution From Colorado Slaughterhouses (Press Release)

The Center for Biological Diversity and Food & Water Watch today filed a notice of intent to sue JBS USA and the Swift Beef Company for illegally dumping slaughterhouse pollution into Colorado waterways, putting people and wildlife in danger and violating the Clean Water Act.

The Lone Tree Wastewater Treatment Plant processes up to 4 million gallons of wastewater each year from two slaughterhouses located along the Front Range at the confluence of the South Platte and Cache la Poudre Rivers. For years it has been illegally discharging dangerous wastes, including ammonia nitrogen and suspended solids, into a tributary of the South Platte River, threatening Colorado citizens as well as the survival of an endangered fish called the pallid sturgeon.

“It’s disgusting that JBS has been allowed for years to treat Colorado’s waterways as a sewer for dangerous meatpacking waste,” said Hannah Connor, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The company needs to clean up its filthy act, both to protect public health and save endangered wildlife.”

Today’s notice follows chronic violations of Lone Tree’s Clean Water Act permit. The facility, maintained by JBS USA and the Swift Beef Company in the city of Greeley, processes animal fat, meat, pathogens, ammonia and excrement. Its violations include failing to meet toxicity testing standards for discharged waste, unpermitted discharges of total suspended solids and ammonia nitrogen and failing to report violations.

“JBS is among the biggest companies controlling the vast majority of meat consumed in the United States. The consolidated nature of the meat industry means fewer facilities creating more and more toxic waste,” said Tarah Heinzen, staff attorney at Food & Water Watch. “It’s up to this powerful and extremely profitable company — not Colorado residents — to clean up its own mess.”

The South Platte River is a vital freshwater resource that originates in the Rocky Mountains and flows through Denver and across northeastern Colorado before entering Nebraska and eventually joining the Missouri River.

The broad, shallow waters of the lower Platte River are downstream from the plant. As it meanders through eastern Colorado and into Nebraska, the river provides important habitat for endangered pallid sturgeon.

The river is also within the migratory path known as the North American Central Flyway. It provides essential habitat for birds, including the endangered whooping crane, northern Great Plains population of the piping plover and interior least term.

“As government agencies increasingly fail to step in and enforce the law, citizens and communities are mobilizing to hold polluters like JBS and Swift Beef accountable in the courts,” said Neil Levine, environmental enforcement project staff attorney at Public Justice and counsel for the plaintiffs. “From failing to comply with environmental permits to being the epicenter for massive beef recalls due to E. coli and salmonella contamination, these companies have imperiled their neighbors and their customers for far too long. When regulators refuse to act, the courts have a critical role to play in enforcing the law and protecting public health and safety.”



Corteva Agriscience Announces DuraCor Herbicide for Pastures and Rangeland

With the cattle industry’s largest gathering — the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show — as a backdrop, Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, unveiled DuraCor™ herbicide as its newest anticipated broadleaf weed control product for pastureDuraCor_600px.pngs and rangeland.

Following last fall’s submission of DuraCor to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this announcement marks the next step in bringing ranchers and land managers the first new active ingredient for pastures and rangeland in nearly 15 years.

“Cattlemen are focused on managing costs, yet keep an eye on increasing productivity,” says Damon Palmer, Pasture and Land Management Leader at Corteva Agriscience. “Effective weed control on grazing land can help on both fronts.”

Pending EPA registration, DuraCor will provide cattle producers a broader-spectrum weed control product, compared with current market standards. Powered by Rinskor™ active, recipient of the 2018 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, DuraCor is expected to control more than 140 broadleaf weed species and offer several anticipated features, including:
-    Low use rate.
-    Compatibility with dry and liquid fertilizer.
-    Low-odor formulation.
-    Safe to desirable forage grasses.
-    Season-long residual control.

“The ability to simplify pasture weed control saves time and expense,” Palmer says. “When you factor in a doubling — at minimum — of forage production you get by eliminating weeds, the return on investment is impressive. That’s critical to sustainable beef production.”

Multiple years of testing show improved control of important broadleaf species, including wild carrot, giant hogweed, wild parsnip, poison hemlock and common caraway, plus better late-season control of marshelder and tall ironweed.

“Broadleaf weeds reduce forage yield,” explains William W. Witt, Emeritus Professor, Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky. “But in the case of certain species — tall ironweed, for example — cattle don’t like to graze near it, so you’re losing grazing area, too.”

Witt conducted multiple trials over several years with DuraCor. One year after treatment, tall ironweed control exceeded 90 percent. In his work, Witt also found this new pasture herbicide provided exceptional control of plantain.

“Plantain is a big issue in hayfields,” Witt said. “In our area, where producers often graze and hay pastures in the same season, eliminating plantain would improve hay quality.”

Pending EPA registration, Corteva Agriscience expects this to be the second of three products brought to the pasture market over three years.

“Corteva Agriscience is committed to giving cattle producers the reliable partner they need for improving range and pasture productivity,” Palmer says. “Our dedicated team of local range and pasture specialists allows us work with producers to help them meet individual goals for their land. We’re committed to researching and developing new, simple solutions for ranchers across the country.”

Corteva Agriscience anticipates making DuraCor available to cattle producers during 2020.