Thursday April 11 Ag News

2017 Census of Agriculture Data Now Available

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the results of the 2017 Census of Agriculture, spanning some 6.4 million new points of information about America’s farms and ranches and those who operate them, including new data about on-farm decision making, down to the county level. Information collected by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) directly from farmers and ranchers tells us both farm numbers and land in farms have ongoing small percentage declines since the last Census in 2012. At the same time, there continue to be more of the largest and smallest operations and fewer middle-sized farms. The average age of all farmers and ranchers continues to rise.

“We are pleased to deliver Census of Agriculture results to America, and especially to the farmers and ranchers who participated,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We can all use the Census to tell the tremendous story of U.S. agriculture and how it is changing. As a data-driven organization, we are eager to dig in to this wealth of information to advance our goals of supporting farmers and ranchers, facilitating rural prosperity, and strengthening stewardship of private lands efficiently, effectively, and with integrity.”

“The Census shows new data that can be compared to previous censuses for insights into agricultural trends and changes down to the county level,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “While the current picture shows a consistent trend in the structure of U.S. agriculture, there are some ups and downs since the last Census as well as first-time data on topics such as military status and on-farm decision making. To make it easier to delve into the data, we are pleased to make the results available in many online formats including a new data query interface, as well as traditional data tables.”

Census data provide valuable insights into demographics, economics, land and activities on U.S. farms and ranches. Some key highlights include:
-    There are 2.04 million farms and ranches (down 3.2 percent from 2012) with an average size of 441 acres (up 1.6 percent) on 900 million acres (down 1.6 percent).
-    The 273,000 smallest (1-9 acres) farms make up 0.1 percent of all farmland while the 85,127 largest (2,000 or more acres) farms make up 58 percent of farmland.
-    Just 105,453 farms produced 75 percent of all sales in 2017, down from 119,908 in 2012.
-    Of the 2.04 million farms and ranches, the 76,865 making $1 million or more in 2017 represent just over 2/3 of the $389 billion in total value of production while the 1.56 million operations making under $50,000 represent just 2.9 percent.
-    Farm expenses are $326 billion with feed, livestock purchased, hired labor, fertilizer and cash rents topping the list of farm expenses in 2017.
-    Average farm income is $43,053. A total of 43.6 percent of farms had positive net cash farm income in 2017.
-    Ninety-six percent of farms and ranches are family owned.
-    Farms with Internet access rose from 69.6 percent in 2012 to 75.4 percent in 2017.
-    A total of 133,176 farms and ranches use renewable energy producing systems, more than double the 57,299 in 2012.
-    In 2017, 130,056 farms sold directly to consumers, with sales of $2.8 billion.
-    Sales to retail outlets, institutions and food hubs by 28,958 operations are valued at $9 billion.

For the 2017 Census of Agriculture, NASS changed the demographic questions to better represent the roles of all persons involved in on-farm decision making. As a result, in 2017 the number of producers is up by nearly seven percent to 3.4 million, because more farms reported multiple producers. Most of these newly identified producers are female. While the number of male producers fell 1.7 percent to 2.17 million from 2012 to 2017, the number of female producers increased by nearly 27 percent to 1.23 million. This change underscores the effectiveness of the questionnaire changes.

Other demographic highlights include:
-    The average age of all producers is 57.5, up 1.2 years from 2012.
-    The number of producers who have served in the military is 370,619, or 11 percent of all. They are older than the average at 67.9.
-    There are 321,261 young producers age 35 or less on 240,141 farms. Farms with young producers making decisions tend to be larger than average in both acres and sales.
-    More than any other age group, young producers make decisions regarding livestock, though the difference is slight.
-    One in four producers is a beginning farmer with 10 or fewer years of experience and an average age of 46.3. Farms with new or beginning producers making decisions tend to be smaller than average in both acres and value of production.
-    Thirty-six percent of all producers are female and 56 percent of all farms have at least one female decision maker. Farms with female producers making decisions tend to be smaller than average in both acres and value of production.
-    Female producers are most heavily engaged in the day-to-day decisions along with record keeping and financial management.

Results are available in many online formats including video presentations, a new data query interface, maps, and traditional data tables. To address questions about the 2017 Census of Agriculture data, NASS will host a live Twitter chat (@usda_nass) Ask the Census Experts #StatChat on Friday, April 12 at 1 p.m. ET. All information is available at www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

The Census tells the story of American agriculture and is an important part of our history. First conducted in 1840 in conjunction with the decennial Census, the Census of Agriculture accounts for all U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. After 1920, the Census happened every four to five years. By 1982, it was regularly conducted once every five years. Today, NASS sends questionnaires to nearly 3 million potential U.S. farms and ranches. Nearly 25 percent of those who responded did so online. Conducted since 1997 by USDA NASS – the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture – it remains the only source of comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation and is invaluable for planning the future.



USDA NASS ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF 2017 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE - NEBRASKA HIGHLIGHTS

Data from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2017 Census of Agriculture show the number of farms in Nebraska during 2017 was 46,332, down 7 percent from the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Land in farms, at 45.0 million acres was down 1 percent from that reported five years prior. Land in farms account for 91.5 percent of the total land area in the state compared to 39.8 percent for the U.S. The average size of farm in Nebraska was 971 acres, up 7 percent or 64 acres from 2012.

The total value of agricultural products sold in 2017 was 22.0 billion dollars, down 5 percent from 2012. Of the total value of production, 58 percent originated from livestock with 42 percent from crops. Average net income per farm was 87,824 dollars, down 19 percent from 2012.

During 2017, the average age of producers was 56.4 years compared to 54.3 years in 2012. The number of young producers, defined as age 35 or less, was 9,141, or 12 percent of all producers. The number of female producers was 24,730, or 32 percent of all producers. For 2017, data were collected from a maximum of four producers per farm, while for 2012 data were collected from a maximum of three producers per farm.

The Census of Agriculture contains numerous statistics not readily available from other sources. For example, 81 percent of Nebraska farms have Internet access compared to 75 percent for all U.S. farms. Additional information on demographics, decision making, and minor commodity statistics are also available.



Naig: Census Proves Agriculture Vital to Iowa Economy

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the USDA NASS 2017 Census of Ag report released Thursday.

"Thank you to all the farmers who participated in the 2017 Census of Ag. This data gives us a valuable snapshot of the crop and livestock production happening right here in Iowa, and it reaffirms that agriculture is vital to the state's economy," said Secretary Naig. "We generated almost $29 billion in crop and livestock sales in 2017, and livestock sales now exceed crop sales by 4 percent. Iowa remains number one in corn and pork production, and planted cover crop acres increased 256 percent since the 2012 census."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Thursday released the 2017 Census of Agriculture results sharing a wide-range of information about Iowa's farms and ranches and those who operate them, including new data about on-farm decision making, down to the county level. Information collected directly from producers tells us both farm numbers and land in farms have small percentage declines since the last Census in 2012 and the average age of all farmers and ranchers continues to rise.

The Census information will be used by farmers, ranchers, local officials, agribusiness, commodity groups and others to guide future decisions, in evaluating and implementing policies, and to educate consumers, which will provide a return on the investment made by the thousands of farmers who completed their Census form.

"We are pleased to deliver Census of Agriculture results, especially to the farmers and ranchers who participated," said Greg Thessen, NASS' Upper Midwest regional director. The Census provides a wide range of demographic, economic, land, and crop and livestock production information. Many of these data about Iowa and our counties are only collected and reported as part of the every-five-year census."

The 2017 Census of Agriculture data show the following key trends for Iowa:
- There are 86,104 million farms (down 2.9 percent from 2012) with an average size of 355 acres (up 2.9 percent) on 30.6 million acres (down 0.2 percent).
- The value of agricultural products sold by Iowa farmers totaled $29.0 billion, down 6 percent or $1.87 billion from 2012. Crop sales accounted for $13.8 billion of the total, down 20 percent from 2012, while livestock sales accounted for $15.1 billion, up 12 percent from 2012.
- Iowa ranked 2nd nationally for total value of agricultural products sold and livestock sales in 2017 with Iowa's crop sales ranking 3rd highest.
- Farmers in Sioux, Lyon, Plymouth, Washington, and Kossuth counties had the largest value of sales in Iowa for 2017.
- Farmers spent a total of $23.5 billion on production expenses in 2017, down 1 percent from the $23.7 billion in 2012.
- Farmers harvested crops from 24.3 million acres in 2017 with no-till practices used on 8.20 million acres (up 18 percent from 2012) and reduced (conservation) tillage practices used on 10.1 million acres (up 16 percent).
- Farms with internet access rose from 74 percent in 2012 to 80 percent in 2017.

For the 2017 Census of Agriculture, NASS changed the demographic questions to better represent the roles of all persons involved in on-farm decision making. As a result, in 2017 the number of Iowa producers is up nearly 11 percent to 143,447, because more farms reported multiple producers. Most of these newly identified producers are female. While the number of male producers fell 3.2 percent to 94,382 from 2012 to 2017, the number of female producers increased by nearly 53 percent to 49,065. This change underscores the effectiveness of the questionnaire changes.

Other demographic highlights include:
- The average age of all Iowa producers is 57.4, up 1.8 years from 2012.
- There are 14,986 young producers age 35 or less on 11,136 farms. Young producers are more involved in making decisions regarding livestock than any other age group.
- Just over one in five producers is a beginning farmer with 10 or fewer years of experience and an average age of 43.7.
- The number of Iowa producers who have served in the military is 12,829, or 9 percent of all producers. They are older than the average at 70.1 years of age.
- Thirty-four percent of all Iowa producers are female with the largest percentage of female producers involved in record keeping and financial management along with day-to-day decisions.

Results are available in many online formats including video presentations, a new data query interface, maps, and traditional data tables. To address questions about the 2017 Census of Agriculture data, NASS will host a live Twitter chat (@usda_nass) Ask the Census Experts #StatChat on April 12 at 1 p.m. ET. All information is available at www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

The Census tells the story of American agriculture and is an important part of our history. First conducted in 1840 in conjunction with the decennial Census, the Census of Agriculture accounts for all U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. After 1920, the Census happened every four to five years. By 1982, it was regularly conducted once every five years. Today, NASS sends questionnaires to nearly 3 million potential U.S. farms and ranches. Nearly 25 percent of those who responded did so online. Conducted since 1997 by USDA NASS -- the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture -- it remains the only source of comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation and is invaluable for planning the future.



Star City BaconFest 2019 Draws Hundreds of Lincoln-Area Foodies to Sample Bacon-Inspired Gourmet Treats.
Star City BaconFest 2019 returned to the Capital City for its fifth year on April 7, with well over 600 bacon enthusiasts enjoying gourmet treats served up by leading Lincoln-area restaurants. The event was hosted again this year by the Cornhusker Marriot Hotel.

    The annual event, sponsored by the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) and the Nebraska Restaurant Association (NRA), benefits culinary students in the state and provides over $5,000 in scholarships through the NRA's Hospitality Education Foundation.  

    “Bacon-based creations from the Lincoln area’s talented chefs wowed the BaconFest crowd,” said Brandy Nielson, Membership and Marketing Coordinator with the Nebraska Restaurant Association. “Their tasty items definitely were enjoyed by everyone. And thanks, too, to Hormel for providing all the bacon used by the chefs.”

    Jane Stone, the NPPA’s Domestic Marketing Director, agreed. “The Nebraska Pork Producers Association continues to be amazed at the excitement and enthusiasm BaconFest generates each year. Hats off to our participating chefs. Everything was delicious. Our industry loves this event because not only do we get to showcase bacon, one of our most popular pork products, but we hope it also provides a farm-to-table connection for our urban consumers.”

    BaconFest-goers were asked to vote for their favorite treats again this year. Winners were:
First place, Brewsky’s, for its Sweet & Spicy Sliders – seasoned slow smoked pork injected with apple cider topped with Granny Smith Apple Coleslaw, diced candied Jalapeno Bacon and a Raspberry Bullet Bourbon Jam; Second place, Hurts Donut, for its Mini Maple Bacon Long John; Third place, Smoking Gun Jerky, for its Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Bacon, Maple & Cracked Black Pepper and Hawaiian Jerky.

    Participating vendors included: 9 South Char Grill; Brewsky's; HiWay Diner; The Single Barrel/Mulberry BBQ; HopCat; McKinney's Irish Pub;The Eatery; Ashland Country Club; Rodizio Grill; Lazlo's Brewery & Grill/Fireworks; Hurts Donut; Screamers Dining & Cabaret; Billy's Restaurant; Smoking Gun Jerky; Hormel; Buzzard Billy's; LeCupcake; Art & Soul; Papillion LaVista South ProStart; Cornhusker Hotel; Millertime Pub and Grill; and Green Flash.



USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety to speak April 15

Merging science with policy to ensure food safety will be the topic of an April 15 seminar at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, Mindy Brashears, will speak at 10 a.m. in Room 277 of the Food Innovation Center.

As Deputy Under Secretary, Brashears leads the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which has a mission of protecting the public’s health by preventing foodborne illness, modernizing inspection systems, policies and approaches, and achieving operational excellence. Brashears has served in the role since Jan. 29, 2019.

Prior to the USDA, Brashears was a professor and director of the International Center for Food Industry Excellence at Texas Tech University. Her research program focused on improving food safety standards to make an impact on public health. Her work evaluated interventions in pre- and post-harvest environments and on the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance in animal feeding systems. She has an extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals and has been invited to speak at national and international events on the topics of her research to give keynote addresses. Her research has resulted in more than 20 patents or patents pending for her innovative approach to improving food safety in the food supply.

Brashears began her career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, working as an assistant professor and extension food safety specialist from 1997-2001.

The seminar is supported by the Department of Food Science and Technology at Nebraska.



 EXTENSION RELEASES RESULTS FROM 2018 FARMER-CONDUCTED RESEARCH

Farmers participating in the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) conducted over 70 on-farm research studies in 2018, covering a wide range of topics. The projects evaluated practices such as cover crops, row spacing, planting population, starter fertilizer and more.

“Farmers in Nebraska have generated a lot of valuable research data,” said Nebraska Extension Educator Laura Thompson. The results help address critical production, profitability and natural resources questions that producers in the region are facing.

Accessing the research results is now easier than ever before with a new online Results Finder tool. The tool allows users to search and filter data from over 800 on-farm research studies dating back to 1990. Thompson encourages farmers and agronomists to use the Results Finder tool to review the findings and possibly generate ideas to implement on operations in 2019. The tool is available at resultsfinder.unl.edu.

In addition to being posted online, the results were shared with farmers, crop consultants and others in the ag industry during winter meetings. Attendees of the research meetings noted they appreciated having a source of unbiased research, the variety of topics, and the opportunity for interaction with other farmers and educators.

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is a collaborative partnership between Nebraska Extension, the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff and the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission. It provides a way for growers to validate their production practices and make decisions for future years based on what they have learned in their own fields. Research is typically conducted with the producer’s equipment, on the producer’s land and using the producer’s management practices. Nebraska Extension educators provide technical expertise to set up robust research studies and analyze research results.

“Conducting on-farm research provides the opportunity to evaluate production practices with a grower’s equipment using replicated field length strips in a farm environment. This is a great way to address questions related to the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of your operation,” said Nebraska Extension Educator Keith Glewen.

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is open to farmers across the state and welcomes new participants. To view recently posted research projects or learn more, visit cropwatch.com/farmresearch.



Naig Appoints Susan Kozak as Soil Conservation and Water Quality Division Director

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has hired Susan Kozak as division director for Soil Conservation and Water Quality.

“Our economy is dependent upon agriculture, and agriculture is dependent upon our natural resources,” said Secretary Naig. “I am confident Susan will provide strong leadership as we continue to implement the state’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, build on our rich history of soil conservation, and increase our focus on water quality. Susan is the right person to nurture key partnerships that help us execute our conservation work.”

Kozak’s appointment follows a recommendation from the State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee. By statute, the committee recommends three candidates to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Kozak joined the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as an environmental specialist in the Mines and Minerals Bureau in 2008. She was appointed the Mines and Minerals Bureau Chief in 2014, and has been serving as the Acting Division Director for Soil Conservation and Water Quality since January 2018. Kozak works closely with the State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee, is a leader with the Monarch Conservation Consortium, and is the current Secretary/Treasurer for the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs.

Since Kozak stepped into the Acting Division Director role last year, she has provided leadership for the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and other soil conservation programs. The WQI was established during the 2013 legislative session to help implement the state’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The WQI seeks to harness the collective ability of both private and public resources and organizations to support Iowans as they implement practices to reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality.  

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this team of conservation experts, who are very passionate about their work and ensuring the wise use of our soil, water and mineral resources,” said Kozak. “I am excited to continue our outreach efforts with the 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state and our many other conservation partners.”



USDA Announces Emergency Grazing on CRP Acres in Iowa

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Amanda De Jong today announced that effective immediately, emergency grazing use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres is approved in Iowa through May 14, 2019. The authorization was granted to address the impacts of the recent extreme weather, including flooding. Participation is limited to livestock producers who lost pasture or fences due to the flooding.

“By allowing emergency grazing, we expand the available resources to help Iowa producers respond to recent weather events,” De Jong said.

Producers who are interested in the use of emergency grazing of CRP acres must request FSA county office approval before moving livestock onto the acres. Producers whose livestock grazing land was adversely impacted by the flood, must file a CCC-576 Notice of Loss or provide written certification of that loss. The request must include a modified conservation plan, with grazing provisions, from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

CRP participants can allow others to use their CRP acres under this emergency grazing authorization; however, the livestock owners will also need to complete FSA paperwork indicating their grazing land was adversely impacted by severe weather. There will be no reduction in CRP rental payments to CRP contract holders who use the emergency grazing authorization. CRP contract holders are not permitted to charge livestock producers for the emergency grazing option.

For more information on eligible practices or to request approval for emergency grazing use of CRP acres, contact your local FSA office



Emergency CRP Grazing Available

For several weeks now, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has been working to help producers across the state adjust to the inclement and disastrous weather that has plagued our state. Today we applaud USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Amanda De Jong for her announcement of emergency Conservation Reserve Program grazing.

Emergency grazing is approved in Iowa through May 14, 2019. Participation is limited to livestock producers who lost pasture or fences due to flooding. Interested producers must contact the FSA county office before grazing.

According to FSA, “CRP participants can allow others to use their CRP acres under this emergency grazing authorization; however, the livestock owners will also need to complete FSA paperwork indicating their grazing land was adversely impacted by severe weather. There will be no reduction in CRP rental payments to CRP contract holders who use the emergency grazing authorization. CRP contract holders are not permitted to charge livestock producers for the emergency grazing option.”

For more information on eligible practices or to request approval for emergency grazing use of CRP acres, contact your local FSA office or visit www.farmers.gov/service-locator.

While weather and natural disaster continues to affect our producers and the production livestock they tend to each and every day, we will continue to work with FSA on Livestock Indemnity Program  flexibility and work with local offices to ensure this assistance goes into widespread use on behalf of Iowa’s beef business during a very challenging time.



Biodiesel Tax Credit Marker Bill Introduced, House Supporters Push Leadership to Act

Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) has introduced a bipartisan marker bill, the Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act of 2019 (HR 2089), that would provide a two-year (2018-19) extension of the $1 per gallon biodiesel and renewable diesel blenders tax credit. As of today, the House Members that have signed on as co-sponsors include: Reps. Kelly (R-PA), Kind (D-WI) Adrian Smith (R-NE), Axne (D-IA), Bustos (D-IL), Craig (D-MN), Danny Davis (D-IL), LaHood (R-IL), Loebsack (D-IA), Walorski (R-IN), DeLauro (D-CT), Pascrell (D-NJ), Larson (D-CT), Sewell (D-AL), and Pence (R-IN). The marker bill serves as a demonstration of support and, if enacted, would be part of a larger package of tax extenders or tax provisions.

Also, biodiesel supporters in the House of Representatives are preparing to send a letter to House leadership urging immediate action on the extension of the biodiesel tax credit. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) is leading the letter along with Reps. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA).



PORK PRODUCERS SEEK TRADE, ANIMAL DISEASE PREVENTION AND LABOR SOLUTIONS

The National Pork Producers Council today wrapped up its Spring Legislative Action Conference. More than 100 pork producers from across the United States gathered in Washington this week to meet with their representatives in Congress to discuss solutions for trade, animal disease preparedness and agriculture's labor shortage.

"Lifting metal tariffs on Mexico and restoring zero-tariff access for U.S. pork in our largest export market is our number one priority," said David Herring, a pork producer from Lillington, North Carolina and president of the National Pork Producers Council.  "Restricted access to Mexico has placed a severe financial strain on our farmers for more than a year. We asked our representatives to do all they can to push for an end to this and other trade disputes, including China, that are hurting our export-dependent farmers."

NPPC members also urged members of Congress to advocate for the quick completion of a trade deal with Japan at a time when new trade agreements Japan has formed with other countries are threatening U.S. pork market share in its largest value market. Pork producers also urged their representative to vote to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement to secure long-term zero-tariff pork trade in North America.

Producers also discussed two solutions to mitigate the risk of animal disease in the United States: 1) appropriations funding for 600 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture inspectors to further strengthen defenses against African swine fever (ASF) and other animal diseases and 2) to sign a letter of support that calls for the USDA to implement the Farm Bill as intended, including development of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank.

"Prevention is our best defense against an animal disease like African swine fever for which no vaccine exists," said Herring. "For a disease like Foot-and-Mouth disease, which would also close U.S. pork's export markets, prevention is also critical. Should an outbreak occur, a vaccine bank will allow us to quickly contain the disease. A vaccine back is critical."

NPPC members also asked members of Congress to address U.S. agriculture's labor shortage challenge by reforming the H-2A visa program to include year-round agricultural workers and asked for support to place for oversight of this program with the USDA.



Secretary Perdue Statement on Vietnam's Ban on the Importation of Glyphosate

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement in response to the announcement by Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) that Vietnam will ban the importation of glyphosate:

“We are disappointed in Vietnam’s decision to ban glyphosate, a move that will have devastating impacts on global agricultural production. As I’ve often said, if we’re going to feed 10 billion people by 2050, farmers worldwide need all the tools and technologies at our disposal.

“On numerous occasions, USDA has shared scientific studies with MARD from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other internationally recognized regulatory bodies concluding that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans. This ban flies on the face of that scientific evidence. Furthermore, Vietnam has sidestepped its obligation to notify this regulatory change to the World Trade Organization.

“Vietnam also needs to look at the potential ramifications for its own farmers. In addition to the immediate effect of slowing the development of Vietnamese agricultural production, there’s the very real risk that Vietnam’s farmers will turn to unregulated, illegal chemical products in place of glyphosate.”



Ranchers Welcome Bernhardt Confirmation, Urge Action on Remaining Vacancies

Today Ethan Lane, senior executive director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Federal Lands, released the following statement in response to the confirmation of David Bernhardt to be Secretary of Interior:

“The confirmation of Secretary Bernhardt is welcome news for livestock producers across the country. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Secretary and are glad he can finally focus on the Department of Interior’s critical work. While we celebrate the confirmation of a new Secretary, several senior positions at the Department of Interior remain vacant. We urge the White House to quickly address these vacancies by re-nominating qualified candidates like Aurelia Skipwith to serve as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as filling other critical vacancies throughout the Department and Administration.”



DMC Payments Already Outpace Annual Premium, According to USDA Data

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service margin calculation for February indicates a second month of payouts for producers who enroll at the higher coverage levels allowed under the new Dairy Margin Coverage program.

The prices used to determine the February 2019 margin under the Dairy Margin Coverage program, the new version of the previous Margin Protection Program for Dairy, generated a margin of $8.22 per cwt. That would not have produced a payment to any farmer under the old MPP, which had a $8/cwt. ceiling. Under the new DMC, that margin will generate a payment of $1.28 per cwt. for producers who purchase coverage for this year at the new maximum level of $9.50 per cwt.  For example, a farmer insuring 5 million pounds of milk production history at the maximum $9.50 per cwt. is already guaranteed to receive $6,307 and $5,347, respectively, for the first two months of the year under the DMC as currently calculated.

The February margin was $0.23 per cwt. higher than the margin in January, the result of a $0.20 higher milk price and a 3-cent lower feed cost. Together, margins from the first two months of 2019 are already enough to ensure that producers who enroll at the maximum coverage level will receive more in DMC payments during 2019 than they will pay in premiums. USDA, which has announced that signups for the 2019 program will begin by June 17, is predicting that DMC coverage at $9.50 per cwt. will continue generating payments each month from March through August.

The 2018 Farm Bill also removes the previous restriction that prohibited producers from enrolling milk in both the MPP program and the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy (LGM-Dairy) program during the same month. It further allows farmers previously prevented from enrolling in MPP during 2018 due to this restriction to enroll retroactively in MPP and collect payments for 2018 for the months during which they were prevented from doing so. Farmers who purchased buy-up coverage under MPP during 2014-2017 are also eligible under the Farm Bill to receive a partial refund of their net payments during those years.



CWT-Assisted Export Sales Near a Half-Billion Pounds of Milk Equivalent, Adds Products

CWT member cooperatives secured 50 contracts to sell 5.1 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 1.6 million pounds of butter, and 11.1 million pounds of whole-milk powder in March. These contracts bring the 2019 total of the CWT-assisted product sales contracts to 25.4 million pounds of cheese, 2.8 million pounds of butter, and 22.2 million pounds of whole milk powder and will move the equivalent of 459.6 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis abroad this year.

CWT also announced that effective April 1, it will add pasteurized process cheese, cream cheese and anhydrous milkfat to the other dairy products eligible for export assistance – American-type cheeses, butter and whole milk powder.

“World dairy markets are evolving and the addition of these products to those eligible for CWT assistance will help U.S. dairy farmers serve world consumer demand,” noted Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF.

Assisting CWT member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share through the Export Assistance program expands the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



EIA Data Underscores Need for Commitment to Secure, Clean Energy Future

For fifteen years, the Solutions from the Land's (SfL) renewable energy platform, the 25x'25 Alliance, has compiled and compared year-to-year total and renewable energy production and consumption data to gauge progress to the 25x'25 Goal: By 2025, America's farms, forests and ranches will provide 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States, while continuing to produce safe, abundant, and affordable feed, food, fiber and energy.

According to the most recent Monthly Energy Review (MER) issued by the DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA), both renewable energy production and consumption grew over 2018. But due to a relatively small increase in the amount of energy consumed last year, the percentage of renewables as part of that mix increased only slightly.

Total energy production in the United States increased by 7.275 quadrillion BTUs (quads) to 95.533 quads, a jump of more than 8 percent. Fossil fuel production was led by net increases in natural gas (3.984 quads) and crude oil (3.267 quads) and accounted for most of the production growth. (Coal, however, saw a slight decrease in production over the previous year.)

All renewable energy resources saw an uptick in production, except for hydroelectric power. Total renewable energy production clocked in last year at 11.716 Quads, or 12.26 percent of total energy production, which is actually a slight decrease from 2017's 12.71 percent.

Even though the production of renewable energy increased, it did not increase as much as fossil fuel production, thus contributing to an overall percentage decline of renewable energy production as compared to total energy production.

The year-over-year increase in total fossil fuel production was 9.89 percent (6.835 quads), while total renewable energy production only increased by 3.7 percent (0.418 quads).

On the consumption side, a total of 101.268 quads was consumed in the United States last year, an increase of 3.461 quads over 2017. Consumption of most energy sources (natural gas, petroleum, nuclear, geothermal, solar, wind and biomass) increased, except for coal and hydroelectric power. This is the first time U.S. energy consumption exceeded 100 quads of energy since 2007. Total fossil fuel energy consumption increased to 81.161 Quads, a hike of 3.144 quads (4.03 percent) over 2017 levels.

If fossil energy production increased by 6.835 quads and fossil energy consumption only increased by 3.144 quads, it might be asked: Where did the remaining energy go? The difference went to energy exports. The United States has nearly doubled its energy exports over the past five years, with increases coming in nearly every energy source.

Much like fossil fuels, nearly all renewable energy resources (except hydroelectric power) experienced an increase in consumption in 2018, coming in at 11.515 quads, a hike of 3.01 percent over the 11.179 quads recorded in 2017. Again, renewable energy consumption increased, but not at the rate or volume that fossil fuel energy consumption increased.

Because total energy consumption only grew at a rate of 3.54 percent, renewable energy consumption as a percentage of total energy consumption ticked up 0.1 percent, to 11.37 percent. This represents a significant gap from our goal of 25% renewable energy consumption by 2025.

Given that the total renewable energy consumption (11.515 quads) was less than total renewable energy production (11.716 quads) in 2018, it might be asked: Why the 0.201 quad difference? The United States is now a net exporter of biomass-based energy when accounting for the export of biofuels (ethanol and/or biodiesel) and compressed wood pellets.

If the United States is producing 95.533 quads of energy and consuming 101.268 quads of energy, where is the net difference in energy being sourced from? While the nation has dramatically increased energy exports over the years, the United States remains a net importer of energy - especially of crude oil - to satisfy our domestic energy needs.

The 2018 numbers drive home the need for the right local, state and federal policies and investments that can enable the country to close the energy gap with renewable energy produced domestically from sustainable feedstocks and renewable resources, mostly from our rural areas.

Stakeholders are urged to ramp up their messaging to policy makers by reinvigorating the national 25x'25 goal and calling on them to: make energy efficiency the option of first choice in energy decisions; increase the production of renewable energy resources; ensure renewable energy has unfettered access to markets; increase consumer access to renewable energy resources; and, expand public and private investments in renewable energy R&D to increase efficiencies and further reduce production costs.

When the 25x'25 Goal was introduced fifteen years ago, it was seen as the answer to a national energy strategy that lacked vision. At that time, the 25x'25 Goal was the sort of long-term vision the country needed. To achieve our goal, policy makers and the consuming public must strengthen their commitment to a secure and clean energy future.



 ACE introduces fuel retailers to ethanol at a technical forum in Mexico’s “oil country”

This week, American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty traveled to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital and largest city of the southeast Mexico state of Chiapas. This trip marks his third time to the country this year to speak at ethanol technical information forums for Mexican petroleum equipment installers and retailers. The forums are a joint effort of the U.S. Grains Council and the Mexican Association of Service Station Suppliers (AMPES), to inform Mexican petroleum marketers about opportunities in sourcing, marketing, and retailing ethanol-blended gasoline, as Mexico’s transportation fuel sector evolves.

“Chiapas shares a border with Guatemala to the east, the northwest part of the state touches Mexico’s largest oil fields, and Tuxtla Gutiérrez is only a few hours from PEMEX’s headquarters. For all practical purposes, it’s oil country,” Lamberty said. “It’s also an area of amazing natural beauty, and we’re helping these marketers understand ethanol can help make gasoline cleaner and more friendly to their environment while also making it more affordable.”

“Mexico’s refineries operate far below capacity, and 70 percent of the fuel sold in the country is imported,” Lamberty added. “A new 600,000-barrel waterborne terminal directly north of Tuxtla Gutiérrez opened last year, and with so much of the nation’s fuel imported, we’re asking these marketers, ‘Why not import ethanol?’ And because this is an area built on oil revenue, we’re making it clear that it’s not ethanol versus gasoline, it’s ethanol to add octane, lower emissions, and bring down the cost of gasoline. We’re here to introduce them to ethanol and address any questions they may have about ethanol supply, logistics, blending, octane economics, and retail marketing and promotion.”

Lamberty has shared his experience as an ethanol splash blender and retailer at 10 events in Mexico since the fall of 2017, to set owners’ minds at ease with respect to adding ethanol blended fuel to locations using existing infrastructure. He has also demonstrated how marketers can make money as distributors of ethanol, something that has inspired the same entrepreneurial spirit exhibited by U.S. splash blenders back when ethanol was first being introduced in the nation. Fuel equipment companies in Mexico report increased interest from retailers and prospective wholesale distributors of ethanol since the workshop series began.



U.S. Tractor and Combine Sales Were Up in March

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," the sale of all tractors in the U.S. in 2018, were even in March compared to 2018.

Two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were up even compared to last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 3%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were up 5%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were up 13%. Combine sales were up 71% for the month.

For the year, a total of 44,523 tractors were sold which compares to 42,027 sold in 2018 representing an 6% increase for the year.  For the year, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 10% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are down 2%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are even, while 4-wheel drive tractors are up 25%.  Sales of combines for the year totaled 977 compared to 719 in 2018, an 36% increase.