Tuesday February 5 Ag News

Fischer Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement this evening after President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address:

“Tonight, President Trump laid out a hopeful vision for the future. I agree with a central focus of the president’s speech: we need to see more cooperation and consensus in Washington. We can and should work together to strengthen our national defense, invest in infrastructure, bring down the cost of health care, and open up new opportunities for agriculture producers. I remain committed to bridging the divide and delivering results to improve the lives of Nebraskans and all Americans.”



 Sasse Statement on the State of the Union Address

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement after the President’s State of the Union address.

“It was encouraging to hear the President condemn the kind of cruelty we’ve seen recently from New York’s extreme abortion laws. Pro-life Nebraskans should be encouraged to hear the President call on Congress to protect the dignity of every individual and build a culture that values life.”



Smith Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement this evening in response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

“Tonight President Trump struck a tone of unity, positivity, and opportunity for Americans of all walks of life in his annual State of the Union address. With over 5 million jobs created and a rapidly expanding economy, President Trump has led the way on pro-growth initiatives such as tax reform and regulatory relief.

“I am encouraged by the president’s remarks and I look forward to much more success as he seeks to secure our nation’s borders, ensure greater market access for American producers, and connect more Americans with economic opportunity.”



Ricketts Praises President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union Address to the U.S. Congress.

“From new trade deals to incredible job growth, the Trump economy is helping deliver more opportunity for American families.  The President’s continued focus in 2019 on protecting working Americans and strengthening national security sends the message that America is choosing greatness.  I urge Congress to work with President Trump to continue to build on the pro-growth policy successes that are strengthening our economy and helping more Americans achieve their dreams.”



Perdue Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

 U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement regarding President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address:

“President Trump provided a unifying, hopeful vision for the nation tonight, highlighting Administration accomplishments and the booming economy, but also expressing optimism that even greater achievements lie ahead.  The President’s policies have been beneficial to American agriculture in the short term, but also have laid the foundation for long-term prosperity.  Our trade agreements with other nations are getting stronger, and the strategies the President has employed will lead to new and expanded markets for our products.  This was a patriotic speech, reminding Americans of the greatness of this country, with even brighter hopes for the future.”



NCBA Applauds President Trump's Call for Swift Congressional Approval of US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jennifer Houston today issued the following statement regarding President Trump's call in his State of the Union Address for swift Congressional approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement:

"We welcome President Trump's call for quick passage of the USMCA, and we hope that members of both parties in both chambers heed that call. With 96 percent of our potential customers living outside the United States, there's no policy issue more important to American cattle producers than access to foreign markets. The sooner we can secure our access to Mexico and Canada, the sooner we can focus our time, energy, and resources on improving our access to lucrative markets in Asia and Europe."




Tariffs Hurt the Heartland Statement on State of the Union Address

Tariffs Hurt the Heartland spokesman and former Congressman Charles Boustany released the following statement on tonight’s State of the Union Address. In the address, the President called for additional authority to impose tariffs, including passage of the Reciprocal Trade Act. The President also updated Congress on progress in negotiations with China. If the U.S. and China fail to reach an agreement by March 1st the Trump Administration has said it will increase tariffs on $200 billion in imports to 25%.

Call for Passage of the Reciprocal Trade Act
“The fact that this bill is dead on arrival in the House and Senate is a good sign that Congress has had enough. It is encouraging, but shouldn’t be surprising, that a bill abdicating Congress’s ability to oversee tariff increases has attracted so little support. A new report showed that the bill will cost American consumers $60 billion every year. With markets reeling, soybeans rotting, and small businesses paying record tariffs, the last thing we should do is give the administration unchecked power to plunge the country further into the depths of a global trade war.”

 Status of Negotiations with China
“We hope that the President is right that a deal is within reach, and we are encouraged by signs of progress. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If both sides fail to reach an agreement and the administration increases tariffs further on March 1, it won’t just be markets that will be in turmoil. It will also be American small businesses, farmers, retailers, and consumers.

“There is no patience left for this trade war. In just the past week, we have seen movement on two new bills in Congress that would curtail the President’s authority to impose tariffs. These bills are gaining steam because the pain from the trade war is mounting in American communities large and small. Tomorrow, our campaign will release a new report showing that tariffs, and the potential escalation of tariffs, mean job losses and reduced wages. It’s time for the President to reach a deal that takes tariff increases off the table for good, ends the threat of new tariffs and brings an end to the tariffs we are facing right now.”



NAWG CEO Responds to 2019 State of the Union Address

Tonight, President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union Address. The theme of the speech was “Choosing Greatness” and focused on immigration, trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and national security.

NAWG CEO Chandler Goule provided the following statement in response:

“Wheat farmers are pleased to hear President Trump discuss the need to invest in America’s infrastructure. With any infrastructure legislation, we hope the President and Congress prioritize the critical needs of rural infrastructure. This includes making improvements to transportation infrastructure, expanding access to broadband, and updating rural agricultural research facilities.

“As we consider our place in the world stage, let's make sure that we preserve smart trade deals that keep American wheat producers in a strong position. This includes remaining in NAFTA until the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement is in place and moving forward with new bi-lateral deals.

“We appreciate the President continuing to talk about the need to enforce our trade deals and commend the Administration’s work to ensure countries like China are living up to its commitments. We recognize that China’s trade policies are unfair and create unnecessary distortions that hurt U.S. farmers and other industries, which is why NAWG supports the two World Trade Organization (WTO) cases the U.S. has taken against China instead of tariffs.

“NAWG looks forward to continuing to work with the Administration and Congress on the implementation of the 2018 farm bill. The bill gives growers access to programs that allow them to produce high-quality crops while using fewer resources. Programs within the bill further the rural economy by creating new jobs, spur investment, and provide farmers with the tools they need to continue producing a safe and abundant food supply.”



Farm Credit, Rural Groups Call on Congress to Focus on Rural Infrastructure

The Farm Credit Council today joined with the Rebuild Rural Coalition in sending a letter to Congressional leadership on behalf of rural communities, U.S. agricultural producers, rural businesses and rural families.

“As the President addresses Congress this evening and discusses the need for investment in infrastructure, we urge all in the room to consider and understand the unique needs of rural communities,” said Farm Credit Council CEO Todd Van Hoose. “The more than 240 organizations signing this letter have united on behalf of rural America. We hope the White House and Congress will do the same to ensure that our rural communities have access to clean and safe drinking water, secure and dependable surface transportation, reliable and affordable power, healthcare, housing and broadband and research institutions with state-of-the-art facilities in order to thrive and attract future generations.”

The coalition, comprised of more than 240 local, state and national organizations from across the country, strongly encouraged Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy to “move quickly to pass bipartisan legislation to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure, including specific provisions focused on the unique needs of rural communities and agriculture.”



Farm Bureau Applauds State of the Union Address
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“President Trump has outlined bold priorities in his State of the Union address, and we hope the administration and Congress can move forward in a bipartisan manner to make progress toward the goals that we all share. Farmers and ranchers across the country need reforms to our immigration system, and we echo President Trump’s call for Congress to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to preserve and build on the export gains with our North American neighbors. At the same time, we support bipartisan efforts to rebuild and modernize our nation’s infrastructure, including broadband technology in rural areas.

“Farm Bureau also appreciates President Trump’s message of optimism and unity. The bipartisan passage of the farm bill last year shows that our elected leaders can come together and achieve great things for our country.”



Survey Shows Increasing Use and Interest in Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Practices

Farmers in Iowa’s Missouri-Little Sioux watershed are increasing their use of and interest in key best management practices recommended by the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, according to a new study conducted at Iowa State University.

The study is part of the ongoing Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Farmer Survey, which aims to measure change in Iowa farmers’ knowledge and attitudes related to the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and their use of best management practices. Farmers in the Missouri-Little Sioux watershed, which covers the northwest and west central areas of Iowa, were surveyed in 2015 and 2016.

cornfield with grassy buffer strip.Because one of the survey’s goals is to track progress toward the INRS, farmers were asked how long they had been using key practices. Most farmers reported having used many of the more established practices such as terraces and buffers along streams for more than three years. Among practices that have been promoted heavily by the INRS for their effectiveness, substantial percentages of farmers reported more recent adoption. Among cover crops users, 56 percent had started using them in the previous three years. Similarly, 27 percent of farmers who reported employing contour buffer strips and 20 percent of variable rate nitrogen users stated that they began using the practices in the previous three years.

Additionally, farmers expressed increased interest in potential future use of other best management practices. Between 2015 and 2016, the percentage of farmers who indicated that they might use side-dress fertilizer application in the future increased from 22 to 35 percent. The proportion who indicated they might use extended rotations increased from 14 to 21 percent, and those who considered using bioreactors increased from 10 to 17 percent.

“These results show that many farmers in the watershed have started using key practices such as cover crops since the Nutrient Reduction Strategy started, and those who aren’t using them are increasingly open to the possibility,” said J. Arbuckle, associate professor and extension rural sociologist at Iowa State and co-author of the report. “That represents progress, but there’s still a long way to go; for example, just 15 percent of farmers in the watershed reported using cover crops.”

Between 2015 and 2016, farmers reported no significant change in the knowledge of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy or in their attitudes related to water quality and the Strategy. However, the sources of information from which farmers learned about the Strategy experienced some change. In 2015, 48 percent of farmers learned about the Strategy from commodity or farm organizations; 54 percent learned from these sources in 2016, representing a statistically significant increase.

“Commodity groups have placed emphasis on communicating with members about the INRS and nutrient loss reduction, and these results indicate that those efforts have been effective,” said Laurie Nowatzke, measurement coordinator for the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and co-author of the report. “Still, there is opportunity for various partners to more effectively conduct outreach with farmers in the Missouri-Little Sioux watershed. These findings are useful as we measure progress towards meeting the goals of the Strategy and identify areas that may require additional information, outreach and resources.”

Additional findings include the following:
-    31 percent of farmers in the Missouri-Little Sioux HUC6 watershed reported that they were knowledgeable or very knowledgeable about the INRS, and 28 percent reported slight or no knowledge.
-    The farm press, ISU Extension and Outreach and conservation agencies were the most common sources of information about the Strategy.
-    Pressure to make profit margins and lack of economic resources, including cost-share and lack of landlord willingness to invest in conservation, were increasingly cited as substantial barriers to conservation practice adoption.
-    The percentage of farmers citing lack of knowledge about best management practices as a barrier to adoption of those practices declined significantly, indicating that farmers are learning more about BMPs.

Full results of the survey can be found in ISU Extension and Outreach publication “Iowa Farmers and the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy: Survey Results from the Missouri-Little Sioux Watershed” (SOC 3087).

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Farmer Survey is a five-year study that surveys a random sample of farmers in a new Iowa six-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC6) and a random sample of repeat respondent farmers from a previously surveyed HUC6 watershed each year. Future reports will highlight results from the following watersheds: the Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum, the Iowa, the Des Moines, the Missouri-Nishnabotna, and the Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon.

The project is funded by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, with additional support from ISU Extension and Outreach; the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; and the Iowa State Agriculture Experiment Station.



U.S. Soy Sets Export Record During Past Market Year

Farmer investments in international markets produced strong results in the 2017/2018 marketing year, despite trade dynamics developing as the export period closed. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. soybean farmers exported a record-breaking 2.6 billion bushels of U.S. soy and soy products, valued at more than $28 billion last market year. The U.S. also set a new record high in combined volume of the whole soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil exported in 2017/2018, with soybean meal exports accounting for the greatest growth.

Derek Haigwood, a soybean farmer from Newport, Arkansas and chairman of U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and director for United Soybean Board (USB), said he expects to see the impact of trade issues in the next, 2018/2019, marketing year. The official marketing year runs from October 1 to September 30. Exports during the 2017/2018 marketing year would not have been largely impacted by the tariffs introduced by China as shipments abroad normally take place after harvest (October-December).

USSEC recently initiated the “What it Takes” strategy to grow U.S. soybean demand worldwide and mitigate export losses to China. The program provides opportunities for industry experts and farmers to remind buyers about the intrinsic feed value of U.S. soy, mainly its exceptional amino acid content, the nation’s reliable transportation system and sustainable farming practices.

“Particularly at a time when global trade flows have dramatically changed, it is critical that we ensure access in all markets that want to purchase U.S. soybeans and soy products,” states Haigwood.

Keith Tapp, chair of USB and farmer from Sebree, Kentucky, says the dedication to opening new markets for soy has been and will remain a priority USB investment and support.

“Our work to build the preference for U.S. soy is more important than ever,” he says. “Soy production is growing worldwide, and we continue to work across borders, industries and disciplines to find and develop markets for U.S. soy products.”

In cooperation with USB and USSEC, the American Soybean Association (ASA) is a key partner in the collaboration to expand international markets for soy. ASA continues to advocate that President Donald Trump’s administration and Congress maintain current market access through passage of the USMCA as well as negotiate new free trade agreements to build additional market access for U.S. soybeans.

In 2017, the U.S. soy industry launched an effort to shift a sizable portion of its efforts to markets where there is significant future potential due to factors such as large populations, improving economic conditions, and currently low per capita protein and oil consumption. As a result of the coordinated work by these three soy organizations through programs such as WISHH and “What It Takes,” sizable export growth was seen in developing markets including Pakistan, Egypt and India. Globally, demand is forecasted to grow by about 15 million tons in 2019, according to economists at the USSEC.



NFU Announces Featured Speakers, Themes for 117th Anniversary Convention in Bellevue, WA

Family farmers and ranchers traveling to Bellevue, Washington, for the National Farmers Union (NFU) 117th Anniversary Convention will have the opportunity to hear from top speakers in American and international agriculture during the four-day conference.

Andrew Winston, a globally recognized expert on helping businesses thrive and create a more sustainable world, will headline the event’s general session speakers. The convention also features breakouts and sessions focused on the farm economy and farm stress, international trade, family farm sustainability, and grassroots organizing. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities facing American farm families, NFU will host leading authorities and innovative speakers to prepare its members for the effects of climate change, changes in the tax code, and extreme consolidation in the agriculture sector, among others.

The convention annually brings together members, industry professionals, policymakers, and reporters for a series of educational breakout sessions, award presentations, and, most importantly, the family farm organization’s unique, grassroots policy adoption process.

The most up-to-date convention information, including a tentative agenda and hotel information, can be found on the NFU website at www.nfu.org/convention.



FFA Members Celebrate Agriculture and Leadership During National FFA Week

Agriculture is part of our daily lives—from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. Next week, nearly 670,000 FFA members across the country will share the story of agriculture as part of National FFA Week.

Whether it is through service projects or community gatherings, National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about the role the National FFA Organization plays in the development of agriculture's future leaders and the importance of agricultural education.

National FFA Week always runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, George Washington's birthday. This year, the week kicks off on Feb. 16 and culminates on Feb. 23.

The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, in recognition of Washington's legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more.

Today, FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. The top school-based youth leadership development in the nation, FFA continues to help young people rise up to meet new agricultural challenges by helping members develop their unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways. FFA members are our future leaders, our future food-suppliers, our future innovators and so much more!

National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to share agriculture with their fellow students as well as their communities. Chapters also give back to their communities through service projects during FFA Week. For example, during FFA Week the Abernathy FFA in Texas will be partnering with the Hub City Outreach Center to make sidewalk chalk that will then be donated to the summer program that focuses on reaching out to at-risk youth at the center. In Ohio, the Ohio Valley CTC FFA chapter will be working with Adams County Soil and Water to create a program to educate students and community members on the proper disposal of used oil and fluids. In Iowa, the Roland-Story FFA chapter is partnering with Meals on Wheels in packaging and providing meals for the elderly who are in need. Peterson Academies Technology FFA is focusing on literacy during FFA Week, by teaching mothers to read to their babies at an early age. The chapter will provide pamphlets on the importance of early literacy and then will donate gently used books to the University of Florida Health to distribute at a local event.

During FFA Week, the six national officers will visit chapters across the country. Western Region Vice President Shea Booster will visit Arkansas; Adrian Schunk, eastern region vice president, will visit West Virginia; Ridge Hughbanks, central region vice president, will visit Iowa; Jordan Stowe, southern region vice president, will visit South Carolina; Layni LeBlanc, national secretary, will visit Washington; and National FFA president Luke O’Leary will visit Connecticut.

National FFA Week is also a time for alumni and sponsors to advocate for agricultural education and FFA. On Tuesday, Feb. 19, the National FFA Foundation will celebrate Give FFA Day, a 24-hour campaign encouraging the public to support various needs impacting FFA members. If interested in giving, one can visit FFA.org/giveffaday. On Wednesday, FFA Alumni and Supporters will celebrate Alumni Day. Friday, Feb. 22, all FFA members and supporters are encouraged to wear blue and show their FFA pride!



Commodity Classic Announces Renewing of AEM Partnership

The National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers announce that AEM will continue their participation in Commodity Classic, now as a partner and member of the event’s new management committee. This farmer-driven partnership will provide a strong basis for further growth while providing new, innovative ideas for Commodity Classic to provide an even better world-class experience and gathering place for all segments of agriculture.

The inaugural event under this new partnership will be held February 28-March 2, 2019, in Orlando, Fla.

Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president, said, “Over the past three years, we have been incredibly impressed as we grew our involvement in Commodity Classic, and our association takes great pride in the role that we play and experiences we bring to the table. Great things can happen in the industry when leaders work together, have a long-term vision and stay focused.”

“Commodity Classic has continued to grow over the years, and we look forward to even greater growth over the years to come,” said NCGA President Lynn Chrisp, a Nebraska corn grower. “We feel strongly that this relationship maintains the strength of our show, which continues to be produced by farmers and for farmers. At the same time, it will also leverage AEM’s many years of experience and expertise in producing top quality trade shows.”

“We all value the power of education and of top-quality interaction among attendees and exhibitors on the show floor,” said ASA President Davie Stephens, a soybean grower from Kentucky. “Commodity Classic’s farmer focus remains its greatest strength. Agriculture, as an industry, is truly interconnected. By working together, we increase our collective strength and grow our opportunities for success.”

The show will continue – and even elevate - its proud tradition of offering valuable education sessions, innovations exhibited on the show floor and unparalleled peer-to-peer networking.

Commodity Classic is the annual convention and trade show for the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, National Association of Wheat Growers, and National Sorghum Producers. Visit www.commodityclassic.com.



AGCO Reports Fourth Quarter Results

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, reported net sales of approximately $2.6 billion for the fourth quarter of 2018, an increase of approximately 2.6% compared to net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2017. Reported net income was $1.26 per share and adjusted net income, which excludes restructuring expenses, costs associated with the early retirement of debt and a tax gain related to U.S. tax reform, was $1.31 per share for the fourth quarter of 2018. These results compare to reported net income of $0.55 per share and adjusted net income, which excludes restructuring expenses and a tax charge related to U.S. tax reform, of $1.10 per share for the fourth quarter of 2017. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of approximately 4.7%, net sales in the fourth quarter of 2018 increased approximately 7.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.

Net sales for the full year of 2018 were approximately $9.4 billion, an increase of approximately 12.6% compared to 2017. Excluding the favorable impact of currency translation of approximately 0.1%, net sales for the full year of 2018 increased approximately 12.5% compared to 2017. For the full year of 2018, reported net income was $3.58 per share and adjusted net income, which excludes restructuring expenses, costs associated with the early retirement of debt and a tax gain related to U. S. tax reform, was $3.89 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $2.32 per share and adjusted net income, which excludes restructuring expenses, a non-cash expense related to waived stock compensation and a tax charge related to U.S. tax reform, of $3.02 per share for the full year of 2017.

“AGCO delivered solid results in 2018 while making important investments to position us for future success,” stated Martin Richenhagen, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Sales growth across all of our regions and solid operational execution allowed AGCO to meet its financial targets for 2018 and deliver improved results compared to 2017. We are growing our business by delivering the broadest product offering in the industry. We provide full-line smart farming solutions to our customers throughout the agricultural production cycle, starting with soil preparation and cutting-edge smart planting, through spraying and harvesting, and ending with grain storage and protein production equipment. AGCO will continue to invest in new products, new technology, improved distribution and enhanced digital capabilities in order to improve our margins and produce higher returns on our invested capital. Looking forward to 2019, we are forecasting further earnings improvement as industry conditions trend positively and we benefit from our cost reduction strategies targeted at purchasing actions and factory productivity, as well as new product development.”