Thursday March 14 Ag News

NEBRASKA AG LAND VALUES CONTINUE GRADUAL DECLINE

Nebraska agricultural land values declined by 3 percent over the last year, according to preliminary results from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Farm Real Estate Market Survey. The statewide average of land values is $2,650 per acre. Values have dropped nearly 20 percent since peaking at $3,315 in 2014.

Survey respondents indicated trade and property-tax policies were two of the largest factors contributing to the decline in land values.

Grazing land experienced the greatest decline in values, at 4 percent, led by steep drops in the central district of the state. While statewide values declined for all types of land, a small number of areas saw an increase. Most notable was the 6-percent increase in hayland values in the eastern district of Nebraska.

With a few exceptions, rental rates were also down, led by a 10-percent drop in center-pivot-irrigated cropland in the north district.

The Farm Real Estate Market Survey is an annual survey of land professionals including appraisers, farm and ranch managers, and agricultural bankers. Results from the survey are divided by land class and agricultural statistic districts. Land values and rental rates presented in the report are averages of survey participants' responses by district. Actual land values and rental rates may vary depending upon the quality of the parcel and local market. Preliminary land values and rental rates are subject to change as additional surveys are returned.

The preliminary report was released in the Department of Agricultural Economics’ weekly Cornhusker Economics newsletter and is available at https://agecon.unl.edu/realestate. Final results from the survey are expected to be published in early June.



Nebraska Beef Council March meeting
The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Director's will meet at the NBC office located at 1319 Central Ave. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 beginning at 7:30 a.m. CDT. The NBC Board of Directors will discuss strategic planning and USMEF proposal. For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org.



ICON addresses Governor at Ag Leaders conference

The importance of the Mother Cow – the base of Nebraska’s entire beef industry -- was stressed by the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska on March 5 at the Governor’s Ag conference in Kearney.

The cow is the “core of the engine that powers the state’s economy,” ICON Director Dr. Don Cain, Jr. said. “The cow is fundamental to the well-being of Nebraska – and contributes in some way to the financial health of every Nebraskan.”

But the cow, and those who take care of her, are not healthy, Cain said. They are having an economic crisis because of high property taxes.

Property taxes in Nebraska are higher than the cost of labor to keep a cowherd. The cow receives no direct US government subsidies, but she is saddled with the burden of paying more property taxes in Nebraska than any other state in the USA.

Because of that, Nebraska’s cow herd has dropped in numbers, while South Dakota cow numbers have increased by 8%.

Cain urged Gov. Pete Ricketts to reduce the high property tax burden.

If there is no tax relief, Cain warned that every community will be negatively affected, as vital as the beef industry is to Nebraska’s economy.

Without the cow, Cain said, “there is no beef industry, unless you grow it all in a lab -- and that’s not beef.”

Another problem noted was the repeal of the Country of Origin Labeling law. COOL forced meat sellers to label where their products came from. Without COOL, packaging companies are making products that are falsely labeled as domestic.

This has caused the cow to be cheated out of revenue, and it has hurt the great reputation that beef produced in Nebraska deserves.

Getting tax relief and a restored system of mandatory labeling will help the cow be healthy again and the whole state will see economic benefits, Cain said.

Dr. Don Cain is a 5th generation cow-calf producer and a practicing veterinarian of 35 years. He lives in Broken Bow.



2019 World Pork Expo — See, Discover, Connect

The 2019 World Pork Expo will take place June 5-7, delivering three days of education, innovation and networking for pork professionals from across the United States and the world. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), Expo is home to the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, with indoor and outdoor exhibits displayed throughout the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

Each year, more than 20,000 pork producers and representatives visit World Pork Expo to attend educational seminars, learn about the latest products, services and technology within the trade show and share ideas and perspectives with their peers.

“Expo has something for everyone, regardless of your operation’s size or whether you’re an owner, grower, employee, veterinarian or allied industry representative. All aspects of the pork production cycle are presented at Expo,” says David Herring, NPPC president and pork producer from Lillington, N.C. “It’s a great place to see what’s new, discover opportunities and connect with other pork professionals.”

Expansive indoor and outdoor trade show
Expo’s crown jewel is its vast trade show where more than 500 U.S. and international companies display products and services from animal health, nutrition, building and equipment, finance, marketing, genetics and more. The Jacobson Exhibition Center (JEC) will return this year, combining with the Varied Industries Building (VIB) and outdoor displays to present more than 360,000 square feet of exhibit space.

“Exhibitor interest continues to build, and we plan to expand the outdoor exhibits in the space between the VIB and JEC,” says Doug Fricke, director of trade show marketing for NPPC. “For people who haven’t been to Expo for several years, they would be surprised to see how much the show has changed. If you hope to see it all, you will definitely need two days.”

More exhibitors also want to link up with the live-hog shows to display their products and services, so areas around the swine, sheep and cattle barns will be seeing more activity.

Company-sponsored hospitality tents continue to flourish and can be found throughout the fairgrounds. Fricke expects 60 or so hospitality tents at this year’s Expo, giving allied industry representatives an opportunity to connect with producers and their employees in a more relaxed setting.

Expo attendees can visit the trade show from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 7.

See, discover, connect is the theme for the 2019 World Pork Expo, presented by the National Pork Producers Council. The organizers expect 500 companies from the United States and across the world to display the latest technology, products and services for pork production on June 5-7, in Des Moines.

Free educational and business seminars, live-hog shows and sales, a world-class trade show, entertainment and networking with individuals who work to produce safe, wholesome, nutritious pork for domestic and international markets are just some of what you’ll find at this year’s World Pork Expo, June 5-7.

A wide range of activities
The three days of Expo are packed with events and activities, from educational seminars to live-hog shows to business meetings to music and plenty of tasty, grilled pork.

Always high on that list are the nearly two dozen free educational and informational seminars that address innovative production and management strategies, as well as current issues, topics and trends that producers face on and off the farm. The PORK Academy and Business Seminars will run throughout the day on Wednesday and Thursday in both the JEC and VIB

But there are a host of other activities that Expo visitors won’t want to miss:
    Junior National — The World Pork Expo Junior National, hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, kicks off Expo week with activities on Monday, June 3. In its 16 years, the Expo Junior National has grown into one of the nation’s largest youth hog shows. Organizers report that 1,500 exhibitors from 32 states and 3,500 hogs are expected for this year’s show. The Junior National combines educational activities and certification programs, with swine judging, live-hog competitions and showmanship.
    Open Show — On Friday, June 7, the open show, presented by the National Swine Registry, features hundreds of crossbred and purebred boars and gilts from throughout the United States. A breeding stock sale rounds out the live-hog events on Saturday morning, June 8.
    Pre-Expo tour — A two-day, Midwest Agricultural Tour takes place ahead of Expo, beginning on the morning of Monday, June 3, through Tuesday, June 4. Participants will travel across Iowa into Illinois and Indiana, for a first-hand look at crop and pork production, farm equipment manufacturing and commodity shipping.
    NPPC hospitality tent — Expo offers an opportunity to visit one-on-one with NPPC board members and staff to gain perspective on legislation, regulation and public policy issues that impact pork production.
    MusicFest — Presented on Thursday evening, this social event provides an opportunity for visitors to relax, enjoy some free live music and refreshments, while interacting with their peers. This year will feature country singer/songwriter Jake McVey and the crowd-pleasing cover band The Pork Tornadoes.
    Big Grill — More than 10,000 free pork lunches are served during the three days of Expo. Plan to stop by from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy some tasty pork.

“Expo is truly an industry-wide event and reflects the vitality of U.S. pork production,” Herring says. “As individuals make plans to attend this year’s Expo, I want to reinforce the importance that biosecurity measures play on our farms every day and that we need to take the necessary precautions anytime we leave and return to our herds. After all, we all want to ensure the health and well-being of our industry for years to come.”

Register online today
Now in its 31st year, the 2019 World Pork Expo is set for June 5-7, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. More than 20,000 U.S. and international pork professionals are expected to visit this global event that features the world’s largest pork-specific trade show with indoor and outdoor displays totaling more than 360,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Pre-registration is available online (http://worldpork.org/) and offers a discounted rate of $10 per adult (ages 12 and up) and $1 for children, 6 to 11 years old. Onsite registration will be $20 per adult. Whether you pre-register or do so onsite, it provides entrance into Expo for all three days. There is a special Friday-only option for $10.

Whether you’re looking to shop the trade show aisles, listen to a seminar or two, stop by the hog show or connect with other pork professionals, now is the time to make plans to attend the 31st World Pork Expo, June 5-7, in Des Moines.



NCGA on RFS Waivers: When Will the Nonsense Stop?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today, National Ag Day, granted five additional Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) for the 2017 compliance year, waiving 366 million gallons of biofuels from RFS compliance.

EPA’s decision today brings the total waivers from 2016 and 2017 RFS obligations to 53, amounting to 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons. In years prior to 2016, SREs totaled less than 300 million gallons per year.

This action continues to chip away at the RFS and corn demand, hurting America’s corn farmers. The National Corn Growers Association has called for EPA to account for these lost volumes and disclose which refineries receive these waivers and why the waivers are justified.

The five refineries receiving today’s exemptions produced approximately 3.4 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel in 2017, resulting in 366 million Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) being exempted.

Currently, EPA has two remaining refinery exemption petitions for 2017. Refineries have also submitted 39 petitions for 2018 exemptions that EPA has yet to make decisions on.

NCGA is a part of legal actions against the EPA for their abuse of small refinery waivers and will continue to stand up for farmers and a strong RFS.



RFA Statement on EPA Approval of More Small Refinery Exemptions

Today, EPA approved five more 2017 Small Refiner Exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and noted that two more petitions have been received for 2018 exemptions, bringing the total to 39. Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper offered the following statement:

“It's extremely disappointing and outrageous to see EPA once again allow oil refiners to undermine the RFS and hurt family farms, ethanol producers and our environment by exploiting and abusing a statutory provision that exempts them from their obligations to blend renewable fuels. The RFS was created to preserve the environment, protect America's energy security and give Americans more affordable options at the pump. These exemptions undercut those goals, and today’s exemptions mean more than 2.6 billion gallons of RFS blending obligations have been erased with the stroke of EPA’s pen. RFA will continue to fight these exemptions through the courts and urge EPA to adopt a more judicious and restrained decision-making process on refiner exemptions, as well as restore lost volume obligations from previous years.”



ACE CEO statement on EPA granting more RFS waivers

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved five small refinery exemption (SRE) requests that were pending from the 2017 compliance year under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), making the total number of SREs for 2016 and 2017 more than 50 with 2.61 billion gallons of blending obligations waived:

"On National Agriculture Day, as farmers are long-suffering from lost market opportunities and low prices, and many farmer-owned ethanol plants across rural America are considering whether to suspend operations or sell out to a bigger company because of limited demand here at home, EPA has further depressed demand for ethanol by rubber stamping five more Small Refinery Exemptions for 2017, and done so without reallocating the blending obligations to other refiners. Any benefit of selling E15 year-round will be wiped-out until and unless EPA gets back to the rule of law when it comes to these refinery waivers under the Renewable Fuel Standard. That's why ACE has joined with others to petition EPA to reallocate waived gallons and to litigate certain SREs in court."



New Small Refinery Exemptions “A Slap in the Face to Rural Communities”

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that it granted five new small refinery exemptions for 2017, bringing the total gallons of lost demand to 2.6 billion in 2016-2017:

“EPA’s decision to grant five more small refinery exemptions is a slap in the face to rural communities, where farmers have lost a key market for their crops and biofuel plants have shut down or idled production,” said Skor. “EPA continues to hand out exemptions to unidentified refiners, which only strengthens our serious concern that EPA continues to enrich some of the most profitable oil refineries in the world, all in secret.

“Now more than ever, EPA must restore the 2.6 billion gallons of biofuel lost to these small refinery exemptions and ensure that the targets set by EPA are met in earnest, and we will continue to fight tooth and nail to see that happen.”



EPA Undercuts Additional Demand for Biomass-Based Diesel

Today, Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), issued the following statement as EPA retroactively granted five new small refinery exemptions for 2017.

“EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler is unfortunately following in the footsteps of Scott Pruitt, undercutting demand for biodiesel and renewable diesel by handing out retroactive small refinery exemptions to every refinery that asks for one. It appears to be business-as-usual at EPA, with no effort to ensure that renewable volume obligations are made whole following the exemptions. America’s farmers, biofuel producers, and the environment are directly harmed.

“The 2017 volumes for biomass-based diesel were set at 2 billion gallons, well below the industry’s proven ability to produce fuels. Now, the retroactive small refinery exemptions for 2017 have cut the obligation by a total of 240 million gallons or 12 percent. Because they’re retroactive exemptions, the reduced demand for biomass-based diesel will hit our industry throughout 2019. This is just another action by EPA to put big oil interests over America’s soy farmers and biodiesel producers.”

The five new small refinery exemptions reduced the 2017 Renewable Volume Obligation for biomass-based diesel and biodiesel by an additional 48 million gallons. Previously granted exemptions had reduced the 2017 RVO by 192 million gallons. EPA’s small refinery exemptions for 2015, 2016 and 2017 have now reduced biomass-based diesel demand by more than 360 million gallons.



ICGA Distraught by EPA’s Continued Ethanol Demand Destruction

Today, the EPA announced the approval of five additional small refinery exemptions to the 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes, bringing the total loss of demand to 2.6 billion gallons for the 2016 – 2017 compliance years. That’s the equivalent of more than 900 million bushels of lost corn grind demand, hitting at a time when farmers on the countryside are already hurting. 

“Iowa corn farmers are very disappointed to hear the EPA granting five more small refinery waivers making a total of 2.61 billion gallons of lost demand for America’s farmers,” said Curt Mether, Iowa Corn Growers Association President from Logan, Iowa. “The EPA needs to stop granting these unnecessary waivers, disgracing Iowa farmers and their hard-working renewable products who now face tough economic times. Its time the EPA is held to a higher standard in RFS implementation and restore the intent and strength of the RFS.”

ICGA and its partners is a part of legal actions against the EPA for their abuse of small refinery waivers and will continue to stand up for Iowa farmers and a strong RFS.



U.S. Ethanol Consumption Declines for First Time in 20 Years

For the first time in two decades, ethanol consumption declined in the United States from 2017 to 2018, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. The decline follows two years of a dramatic spike in waivers being provided to oil refiners by EPA to subvert the requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The waivers have destroyed demand for at least 2.6 billion gallons of ethanol.

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to the news:

“U.S. farmers and ethanol producers are struggling through the most difficult economy in years while this Administration undermines its own promises to support the ethanol industry.”

“The actions on the part of the Trump Administration to subvert the will of Congress, undermine the positive growth of the U.S. biofuels industry, and destroy demand for U.S. farm products are appalling. The President has promised family farmers for well over two years now to advance the biofuels industry, and thereby expand markets for American grown farm products. Yet his actions, including these by his EPA, are to blame for significant markets being taken away from American family farmers.

“Today, on National Ag Day, EPA announced it had approved five more petitions for RFS waivers from the 2017 compliance year. This follows news from late last year that the agency had granted a waiver to a refinery owned by Exxon Mobil Corp, the largest American oil and gas corporation. The handing out of these waivers to large corporations must end immediately, and the demand that has been destroyed to date must be accounted for in future RFS obligations.



NMPF Backs DAIRY PRIDE Act, Calls for FDA Action on Fake Milks

The National Milk Producers Federation voiced strong support for the DAIRY PRIDE Act today, calling it another means toward a crucial end for consumers: the end of mislabeled non-dairy products as “milks” in the marketplace.

The legislation, introduced by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jim Risch (R-ID) in the Senate and Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT) and Mike Simpson (R-ID) in the House, further prods the FDA toward increasingly necessary action as plant-based imitators of milk, cheese, butter and other products brazenly flout FDA rules that restrict the use of dairy terms on non-dairy products. While NMPF continues to press the agency to strengthen its own enforcement, substantial support for dairy in Congress only underscores the urgency for the FDA to act, said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the NMPF.

Following NMPF’s submission of a citizen petition to FDA last week outlining a path forward as the agency considers more than 13,000 comments submitted to it on the proper use of dairy terms, the DAIRY PRIDE Act would protect the integrity of food standards by prompting FDA to enforce labeling requirements for dairy. The measure would require FDA to issue a guidance for nationwide enforcement of such requirements within 90 days and mandate that FDA report to Congress two years after enactment to hold the agency accountable.

“We hope that the FDA will soon do the right thing by updating and enforcing rules that aid consumers by providing clear, accurate labeling on what is, and what isn’t, milk, and we are ready to help the agency in any way we can,” Mulhern said. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort demonstrates strong support within Congress for fixing this problem, and we commend these lawmakers for laying down this important marker.”

Key leaders in both the House and Senate have chastised the FDA for failing to enforce existing food standards that specify products labeled as “milk” have to come from a dairy animal. The legislation adds momentum to NMPF’s longstanding campaign to encourage the FDA to enforce its own regulations, which has gained steam in the past year through the FDA comment period, prompted by NMPF activism, and the NMPF’s new petition.



January 2019 USDA Dairy Products Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.10 billion pounds, 0.4 percent above January 2018 and 0.7 percent above December 2018. Italian type cheese production totaled 481 million pounds, 1.3 percent above January 2018 and 0.3 percent above December 2018.  American type cheese production totaled 439 million pounds, 1.2 percent above January 2018 and 3.2 percent above December 2018.  Butter production was 190 million pounds, 4.2 percent above January 2018 and
10.4 percent above December 2018.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with January 2018)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 173 million pounds, up 7.7 percent.
Skim milk powder - 30.4 million pounds, down 33.5 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with January 2018)
Dry whey, total - 81.2 million pounds, down 10.1 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 105 million pounds, up 10.9 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 52.2 million pounds, up 20.0 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with January 2018)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 53.0 million gallons, down 3.2 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 28.1 million gallons, down 10.2 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.47 million gallons, down 17.0 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 4.23 million gallons, down 8.5 percent.



USDA Celebrates National Ag Day with New Youth Website

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture joins the nation in celebrating National Ag Day, which highlights agriculture’s crucial role in everyday life, and honors the farmers, foresters, scientists, producers and many others who contribute to America’s bountiful harvest. As part of this effort, USDA is launching a new Youth and Agriculture website to connect young people and youth-serving organizations with Department-wide resources that engage, empower, and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“The future of agriculture in America depends on the investment and involvement of America’s young people,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky. “Connecting with America’s youth on National Ag Day is a tremendous opportunity to show that careers in farming, the agricultural sciences, and veterinary medicine are rewarding, essential, and profitable.”

The USDA Youth and Agriculture website features three key components of agriculture-focused youth engagement – classroom studies, experiential learning, and leadership training. Educators can find ways to include agriculture in the classroom and beyond. Young people can learn about USDA summer outreach programs, youth loans for business projects, and outdoor volunteering. Community leaders can get tips on starting leadership development clubs and education programs. The site also highlights USDA partners, such as 4-H, the National FFA Organization, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), Agriculture Future of America (AFA), and many others working with the Department to connect young people with opportunities in agriculture.

For the career curious, the website provides information on internships and scholarships, USDA employment, and information on agriculture career fields, such as forestry, robotics engineering, biochemistry, and food sciences. Storytelling will help young people learn from peers about youth-led innovations and success stories in agriculture.



Farm Families Essential to America’s Food System, Rural Economies, Natural Resources

Family farm agriculture has for centuries been the lifeblood of America’s food system, and its continued success is essential in order for our country to have vibrant rural communities and pristine shared natural resources.

As the country celebrates National Ag Day today, National Farmers Union (NFU) joined the food and agriculture community by highlighting the important roles family farmers and ranchers play in bettering the world for rural and urban populations alike.

“Family farm agriculture is built into the social and economic fabric of our country,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “We as citizens of the United States have benefitted immensely by having families providing our food, fuel and fiber, taking care of our land and water, and generating economic activity in rural and urban communities. As divides widen between farmers and consumers, and rural and urban populations, we need to encourage the success of these families who unite us all.”

Jim and Jenny Briggs, along with their son Justin, milk 56 cows in central Wisconsin. They rise long before the sun to milk and take care of their animals. And they finish their day’s work later than many businesses close up shop. They do this 365 days a year, without fail, to earn a living and provide for their community. And that impact goes far beyond providing milk.

“Dairy is a high input business,” said Jim Briggs. “Family farms who conduct their business locally are big economic drivers. The more family farms you have, operating with stable milk prices, the better off your local economy is.”

Speaking of the current dairy crisis that is currently causing Wisconsin to lose more than 2 dairy farms each day, Briggs says, “The road we are on now is already having, and will continue to have, long term implications for our community.”

Rachel and Eric Sannerud farm hops, hay and cut flowers in central Minnesota. The two share a commitment to bettering the environment around them for their neighbors and future generations.

“Part of why I got into farming, and part of being a good farmer, is to be a good steward of our natural resources,” said Eric Sannerud. “We’ve implemented conservation practices at my business and on our home farm that protect Minnesota waterways and build healthy soils. It’s a choice that not only helps our operation and marketing, but it’s also simply the right thing to do.”

“The most important aspect of farming is the land and your environment,” Rachel Sannerud said. “We’re lucky to have the piece of land that we do, so we’re going to steward it to the best of our ability for those that will have it in the future.”

Rachel and Jeff Kippley raise corn, soybeans and cattle on their family farm near Aberdeen, South Dakota. They feel that farming is an honest way to make a living, and to positively impact their community and future generations.

“The family farm is the only place we wanted to raise our four children,” said Rachel Kippley. “Farming teaches them the value of hard work and determination. By being good stewards of the land and resources, we’re able to leave the land better than when we began, so that one day our children, can also farm if they choose.”

Kippley, who serves as vice chair on her county commission, noted that family farmers have a long history of service to their communities. “Family farmers are strong advocates for policies that benefit rural America. Through advocating for corn-based products, like E30 gasoline, we’ve had a positive impact on local markets,” she said. In 2018, her county commission made the decision to run all non-diesel vehicles, like their Sheriff and highway fleets, on E30.

Greg Gunthorp, along with his wife Lei and three children, own and operate a pasture-based livestock operation and on-farm processing plant in northeast Indiana. They employ 30 people from the local community full-time and 15 part-time workers. They’ve helped inspire sustainable agriculture solutions and they work to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers.

“For twenty years now, my family has operated Gunthorp Farms, providing consumers with pasture-based pork and poultry,” said Gunthorp. “These practices have been in my family for four generations, and they allow my family and me to provide consumers with a healthy and sustainable food supply while at the same time offering us an alternative to commodity markets. One of the best things that local food & sustainable agriculture allows me to do, besides employing 30 full time & 15 part time employees, is the fact that my children have returned full-time to the operation. The work we do on our farm and in our processing plant ultimately grows consumer trust in the food system and bridges the unfortunate gap that continues to widen between farmers and consumers.”

“I'm proud of the Farmers Union for their support of both direct marketers and commodity producers,” Gunthorp said. “We both have a huge overlap in our need for work on consolidation issues & more transparency in the marketplace."



Celebrating Our Farmers Today and Everyday

Many Americans may never step foot on a farm. But America’s farmers and ranchers are an integral part of our everyday lives, working to feed and clothe the nation. In fact, each American farmer feeds more than 165 people.

Today is National Agriculture Day, a day to celebrate the American farmer and recognize the incredible contributions that our food and fiber producers make every single day.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has instituted an informal motto at the USDA: “Do Right and Feed Everyone.” The crop insurance industry is proud to support the farmers who devote themselves to this important mission.

America’s farmers are the most efficient in the world, but they can’t always predict what the future holds. Crop insurance helps protect our farmers and ranchers, ensuring that they can keep producing a safe and affordable supply of food for those here at home and abroad.

The federal crop insurance program protected a record 334 million acres in 2018. That’s more than 90% of America’s farmland. With insurance available for more than 130 different crops and affordable policies for operations both large and small, crop insurance provides an important safety net for farms across the country.

Jim Korin, chairman of National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) and president of NAU Country Insurance Company, recently said it best: “We must remember our purpose: To provide exceptional coverage and service to farmers and ranchers to help them do what they do best…feed and clothe the world.”

Thank you to all of America’s farmers and ranchers. Today, and every day.



New Legislation Provides Economic Boost to 4-H, FFA Students

A recently introduced House bill would give an economic boost to young people in agriculture by allowing 4-H and FFA students aged 21 and younger to keep more of the modest income they earn. The students can turn around and put the money toward higher education or future agricultural projects.                

The Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2019 (H.R. 1770) would create a tax exemption for the first $5,000 of income students earn from projects completed through 4-H or FFA.

The Farm Bureau-supported measure was introduced by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas).

“The long-term sustainability of agriculture depends on talented young people pursuing careers in farming and ranching, as well as related fields and food-chain professions,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “Student agricultural projects encourage interest in fields of study that will provide the next generation of farmers, ranchers, food scientists, agricultural engineers, agronomists, horticulturalists and soil scientists.”



Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship program awards ag students who aspire to inspire future generations

Syngenta is now accepting applications for its 2019 Agricultural Scholarship program. Totalling $20,000, scholarships will be awarded to select promising college students. As future leaders of the industry, applicants are asked to share how they aspire to inspire future generations of agricultural students.

“At Syngenta, we are committed to supporting the next generation of agricultural innovators who will feed the world’s growing population,” said Wendell Calhoun, communications manager, marketing services, Syngenta. “Through programs like the Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship and #RootedinAg, we are honored to recognize and aid industry ambassadors who fuel the past, present and future success of our industry.”

To apply for the scholarship, students must be enrolled in a crop-related discipline at an eligible university with an accredited agricultural program as of spring 2019. Only U.S. residents pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree are eligible for the scholarship.

Eight regional winners will be selected from the Northeast, Midwest, Mid-South, and Western regions to receive $1,000 scholarships. Syngenta will award two additional $6,000 scholarships to one bachelor’s and one master’s level national winner selected from the pool of regional winners. Scholarship recipients will be announced in August 2019.

The 2018 national winners were two young women with unique experiences that sparked their passion for agriculture. Bachelor’s level winner Sierra Williamson wrote in her essay about her experience growing up in an ag family and how those experiences inspired her to pursue a career in the industry. Uzoamaka Abana, 2018 master’s level winner, learned to appreciate the complexity of food production by visiting her grandmother’s farm, which ignited her curiosity about food sources.

For additional information about the scholarship, including official rules, prize amounts, essay topic, eligible universities and application guidelines, please visit syngentaus.com/scholarships.



Strategie Leaves European Production Forecast Unchanged

Strategie Grains on Thursday left its forecast for European cereal production unchanged, still expecting an 11% on-year increase in the 2019-20 season.

The crop consultant said it expects total production of 311 million tons compared with the 279 million tons expected for the current season--a significant expansion.

Strategie forecasts corn production of 63 million tons, up 3% from the 61.2 million tons expected for this season, and an 11% increase in barley to 61.8 million tons from 55.7 million tons.

One of the biggest rises will be seen in soft wheat, production of which will rise 15% to 146.1 million tons from 127 million tons, Strategie said. Meanwhile, durum-wheat production will fall 8% to 7.9 million tons from 8.6 million tons.

The consultancy's 2018-19 production estimate remained unchanged at 279 million tons.