Wednesday June 19 Ag News

Nebraska FSA Extends Prevented Plant Reporting Deadline to July 15

The U.S Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska is extending the deadline for producers in the state to report their spring prevented plant crop acres to the agency.

FSA State Executive Director Nancy Johner today announced Nebraska producers now have until July 15, 2019, to report to FSA acres they intended to plant to crops this spring but could not do so because of the difficult weather conditions. This new deadline coincides with the July 15, 2019, FSA acreage certification deadline that is already in place.

“In many areas of the state, flooding and persistent wet weather have made it challenging for producers to get into their fields for planting,” Johner said. “Producers need to report prevented plant acres to FSA to retain eligibility for FSA program benefits. This extension provides them some flexibility to meet that reporting requirement.”

Normally, the prevented plant reporting deadline is 15 calendar days after the final planting date for a crop as established by FSA and the Risk Management Agency (RMA). Johner said the prevented plant reporting deadline extension to July 15 applies to FSA programs only and does not change any crop insurance reporting deadline requirements.

This reporting extension also does not apply to crops that producers have covered through FSA’s Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Producers should check with their county FSA office regarding prevented plant provisions for NAP-covered crops.

“This prevented plant reporting extension to July 15 will mainly apply to spring-planted crops such as corn, soybeans and grain sorghum,” Johner said.

Even though this deadline has been extended, producers are encouraged to communicate with their county FSA office as soon as possible regarding completion of both their spring crop acreage certification and their prevented plant acres reports. While walk-in traffic will be accommodated as much as possible, county FSA offices prefer scheduled appointments with producers to facilitate the flow of business through their doors and make the most efficient use of time for all parties. To find contact information for a county FSA office, producers should type offices.usda.gov in their internet browser.



BYERLY JOINS SHP AS KANSAS & NEBRASKA FIELD MANAGER

Keith Byerly has joined the Soil Health Partnership as the Kansas and Nebraska Field Manager. Byerly brings a broad set of experiences and expertise to this role. 

“I am really impressed with Byerly’s experience of communicating his agronomic knowledge to the growers in his region across various platforms,” said SHP Field Team Director, Jack Cornell. “SHP is dedicated to continually helping farmers make more informed decisions to become more productive in their operations, and Byerly is going to help us provide Kansas and Nebraska farmers with local support.”

Byerly graduated with a degree in agronomy from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 2001 and has been a Certified Crop Advisor since 2002. Byerly spent the last eighteen years working for a cooperative that served multiple states out of Nebraska. For fifteen years, he has been a precision ag manager focusing on data services, prescriptions and hardware.

Raised on the edge of the Nebraska Sandhills, Byerly holds a special appreciation for soil, groundwater, and irrigation management. He now resides with his wife and their two children on an acreage near his wife’s hometown of Bloomfield, Nebraska.

“After almost 20 years working in agriculture on the Western Plains, it has deepened my appreciation for managing our resources, like soil and water, for optimum efficiency,” shared Byerly. “I joined SHP because I saw a great opportunity to be part of a team that was working to improve our use and regeneration of the soil that we all rely on. I am looking forward to being part of the team that makes farming possible and productive for future generations.”

In this role, Byerly will work closely with existing SHP farmers as well as establishing new sites. The SHP looks to expand its footprint in Nebraska by working more closely with corn farmers.  Kansas is one of the first states SHP partnered with on wheat sites. The SHP will continue to build on the network for both corn and wheat in the coming years.

Byerly augments a strong Field Team that is focused on supporting the farmers on a host of areas including identifying and sharing the economic and environmental benefits of varied soil management strategies and provide a set of regionally specific, data‑driven recommendations that farmers can use to improve the productivity and sustainability of their farms.

“We are excited to have Byerly on board. He will play a critical role in helping us better understand the impact of various practices on the diverse soils in Kansas and Nebraska,” states SHP Executive Director, Shefali Mehta.  “He will also help us to build on strong partnerships with many organizations that continue to be focused on soil health in the region. We are looking forward to Byerly bringing his experience and knowledge as we continue to build SHP.”



JULY 15 IS DEADLINE TO ENTER NDA’S ANNUAL POULTRY PHOTO CONTEST

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is encouraging 4-H and FFA members to share their passion for poultry by entering NDA’s annual Poultry Photo Contest. NDA sponsors this annual event to give 4-H and FFA members the opportunity to promote and support Nebraska’s poultry industry through photography. Entries must be postmarked by July 15, 2019.

“NDA’s annual Poultry Photo Contest highlights the state’s diverse poultry population,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “These 4H and FFA members are committed to raising quality poultry and show birds, and this contest lets them use their photography skills to demonstrate, at the state level, their commitment to the poultry industry. We look forward to seeing this year’s group of creative entries.”

NDA staff members will judge photo contest entries based on originality, composition and photographic skills. Contest rules and official entry forms are available online at www.nda.nebraska.gov.

Winners of NDA’s Poultry Photo Contest will be announced during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island. NDA will feature winning photos throughout the year in promotional materials and on social media.

The Photo Contest also gives NDA the opportunity to share information on biosecurity measures that poultry owners can use to keep their flocks healthy and prevent the spread of diseases. Virulent or Exotic Newcastle Disease (vND) has been found in production facilities and backyard poultry flocks on the west coast. Bird owners in Nebraska should always practice sound biosecurity measures to help prevent diseases like vND and avian influenza. If a disease outbreak is suspected, poultry owners can call their local veterinarian or NDA at 800-831-0550.



Land Value Experts Predict Modest Declines, Stable Crop Prices

Agricultural professionals who attended the Iowa State University Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference in May expect a continued modest decline in land values, according to the June edition of the Ag Decision Maker newsletter.

More than 150 participants provided their input, and they also predicted a stabling of cash crop prices.

Wendong Zhang, assistant professor and extension economist at Iowa State, said the results reflect uncertainty with U.S.-China trade relations, and also the low returns expected for production agriculture.

“In general, people are more pessimistic about the land markets in the near-term,” said Zhang. “When you look across the board — people are seeing a continued decline in the land market, in part because of trade uncertainties, but also because of stagnant farm income.”

Overall, respondents expect a 2% decline in land values over the next six months, from May through November, and for land values to remain flat from November 2019 to November 2020.

Slight increases are expected beyond November 2020, and respondents expect the increases to continue more strongly in five years, with a continued ascent thereafter.

Zhang said producers should be cautious not to read too far into the future, because so much can change. However, even with near-term declines that are projected, he said it’s important to remember that land values are still at or near historic highs.

The respondents included ag lenders, farm managers, real estate brokers and realtors, appraisers and auctioneers.

The group also provided cash rent estimates, which showed gross capitalization rates to be stable at around 3.3% through 2040. This means they expect cash rent to rise or decrease at the same pace as land values.

Also in this month’s newsletter, Jenn Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, takes a look at dairy farm stress and provides eight steps farmers should take to evaluate and respond to their own situation.

Her article is called “Taking Care of You in Turbulent Times,” and offers practical advice for farm men, women and families.



ISU Extension and Outreach to Host RUSLE2 Soil Loss Workshop

Livestock producers and service providers can learn how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index in nutrient and manure management plans, during a workshop July 25.

The workshop is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

RUSLE2 software calculates soil loss for a given field, which is needed for figuring out the Iowa Phosphorus Index. 

The RUSLE2 workshop will be held July 25 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County office in Altoona. The workshop runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The introductory level workshop provides hands-on software orientation, including an introduction to the operating parameters, selection of input values, and developing and saving management operations for RUSLE2.

Additionally, real field examples will be used to determine risk calculations of the Iowa Phosphorus Index and how to incorporate these numbers into manure and nutrient management planning requirements. Manure management planning, soil sampling requirements, common errors and the DNR’s review process also will be discussed. An orientation into the new soil loss calculation software, WEPP – Water Erosion Prediction Project, will also be provided.

The workshop will be taught by Don Corrington, USDA-NRCS; Kapil Arora and Dan Andersen, agriculture and biosystems engineering specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach; and Jeremy Klatt, Iowa DNR.

“Nutrient and manure management plans require updated RULSE2 and P-Index calculations every four years, and this workshop will be a great refresher for those producers who develop their own plans or for consultants who are new to this planning process,” said Arora.

The cost is $200 if registered by July 19, and $225 thereafter. The fee includes handout materials, RUSLE2 software, refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring a Microsoft Windows compatible laptop equipped with a USB drive and Microsoft Excel software, as well as the administrator password to the computer in order to install software.

The workshop is limited to 30 participants and walk-in attendees are not allowed. Certified Crop Advisor Credits (5SW, 1 NM) are available.

The agenda, registration instructions, location directions and additional workshop details are available on the RUSLE2 Workshop website. Participants can register online.



Fertilizer Prices Quiet as Planting Drags On

Retail fertilizer prices continue mixed, as has been the case for several months now, according to locations tracked by DTN for the second week of June 2019.

Five fertilizers were higher compared to last month with none up a substantial amount, which DTN considers 5% or more. MAP had an average price of $527/ton, up $1 from last month; potash $392/ton, up fractionally; urea $434/ton, up $8; UAN28 $271/ton, up $4; and UAN32 $314/ton, up $3.

Two fertilizers were slightly lower compared to last month, but again the move lower was fairly slight. DAP had an average price of $497/ton, $1 less than last month, and anhydrous $591/ton, $4 less.

In addition, one fertilizer was unchanged from the previous month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $487/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.47/lb.N, anhydrous $0.36/lb.N, UAN28 $0.48/lb.N and UAN32 $0.49/lb.N.

All eight of the major fertilizers are now priced higher compared to last year. DAP is 3% higher, MAP is 4% more expensive, both potash and 10-34-0 are 11% higher, UAN28 is 12% more expensive; UAN32 is 14% higher, anhydrous is 17% more expensive and urea is 19% higher compared to last year.



ASA Testifies on Impacts of Trade War

American Soybean Association (ASA) Board Member and Missouri farmer Ronnie Russell appeared today before the House Financial Services Committee Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy, testifying on the impact of trade and tariffs on soybean producers and the larger agricultural economy.

“Soybean farmers like me are feeling the impacts of the tariff war, and they are unsure if they will be able to make it through another growing season,” Russell said. “Older farmers are considering retiring early to protect the equity they’ve built up in their farms, while younger producers are looking at finding other employment. We may also see the shuttering of more businesses in rural communities whose livelihoods depend on the health of the farm economy.”

The 25% retaliatory tariff imposed last July has all but halted shipments to China, which up until last year was the largest export destination for U.S. soybeans. In 2017, China purchased $14 billion worth of U.S. soybeans. Now, the tariff has caused immediate and severe damage to the price of U.S. soybeans, which fell from $10.89 to $8.68 per bushel last summer.

“Our finances are suffering and stress from months of living with the consequences of tariffs is mounting. Soybean growers need China’s tariff removed now,” Russell continued. “Long-term, what farmers and rural communities need is predictability and certainty, which only comes through maintaining and opening new markets where we can sell our products. While we are working hard to diversify and expand other market opportunities, the loss of the China market cannot be fully replaced.”  

Russell concluded his remarks by calling on Congress to urge the Administration to conclude negotiations with China that include an immediate lifting of the soybean tariff. He also asked both Congress and the Administration to finalize and enact the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), to bring a sense of progress and stability back to U.S. soybean growers and rural America.



NEW DATA: Americans Have Paid $22 Billion in Higher Tariffs Since Trade War Began

Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, the national campaign supported by over 150 of America’s largest trade organizations representing retail, tech, manufacturing and agriculture, today released new data that shows Americans have paid nearly $22 billion in additional tariffs since the trade war began. The data, which is broken down by individual tariff action, shows American businesses and consumers have paid $15 billion in higher costs due to tariffs on Chinese imports. The data runs through April 2019, the most recent month available through the U.S. Census Bureau.

“The American people are facing one of the largest tax increases in decades due to the unprecedented tariffs we’ve seen over the past year,” Tariffs Hurt the Heartland spokesman Jonathan Gold said. “These unilateral tariffs are erasing the benefits of tax reform and raising costs for American businesses and families. We all agree China is a bad actor and must be held accountable, but a massive tax hike on Americans isn’t the answer. It’s time for Congress, which never approved these tax increases, to step up and take back its authority on trade.”

Imports
The data released today shows that over 70 percent of the additional tariffs collected during the trade war have come from Section 301 tariffs on China. Many of those tariffs increased from 10 percent to 25 percent on May 10, 2019, which will further balloon the impact on consumers and businesses. Through April, over $15 billion in all tariffs has come from China 301 tariff actions; $4.6 billion has come from steel tariffs; $1.3 billion has come from aluminum tariffs and $460 million has come from tariffs on solar products and washing machines.

Exports
In addition to the rapid rise in import tariffs, the data shows a swift decline in American exports due to the consequences of retaliatory tariffs. In April 2019, exports generally decreased by 2.5 percent from April 2018 levels. For products specifically targeted by retaliation, exports fell by 28 percent in April, which follows a sharp downward trend over the last 10 months for all products targeted by retaliation.

The Tariff Tracker: The data released today is part of a monthly Tariff Tracker that Tariffs Hurt the Heartland has launched in conjunction with Trade Partnership Worldwide, which compiles monthly data released by the U.S. government. The monthly import data is calculated using data from the Census Bureau. The monthly export data is compiled using data from the Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As part of the Tariff Tracker project, Tariffs Hurt the Heartland is also releasing data on how individual states have been impacted by increased import tariffs and declining exports.



FFAR-Funded Industry Venture Achieves Initial Success in Ending Surgical Castration of Swine

Male piglets are castrated to improve the quality of meat for consumers, but this practice is also a concerning animal welfare issue, as it is usually preformed without pain management. Recombinetics/Acceligen, DNA Genetics and Hendrix Genetics successfully used a genome editing method to create swine that remain in a pre-pubertal state, thus eliminating the need for surgical castration. The first litter of castration-free prototype piglets using commercially relevant genetics confirms the methodology is working.

In 2017 the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) awarded a grant to Recombinetics, Inc. to end surgical swine castration. Since then, Recombinetics/Acceligen, DNA Genetics, and Hendrix Genetics, pioneering companies in swine genetics, responsible farm animal breeding and precision breeding technologies, formed the “Alliance to End Surgical Castration of Swine.” This venture developed an approach that prevents sexual maturation in swine without introducing any foreign material into the genes of pigs. 

“This first litter of permanently prepubescent piglets is a huge success,” said Sally Rockey, FFAR executive director. “Not only does the industry benefit, but once this technology is deployed commercially, we can eliminate an animal welfare issue while maintaining a quality product for consumers.”

Intact male pigs experience “boar taint,” which causes an unpleasant odor and unsavory taste in the resulting meat. Male pigs are castrated young to prevent boar taint; pain relievers are rarely administered. Castrated piglets show an acute physiological stress response to castration, including increased stress hormone levels, elevated heart rate and demonstrated indicators of pain that can last for four days following the procedure. The European Union has banned the practice of swine castration, but its implementation has been delayed amid challenges to the costs of implementation.  

This project has successfully deleted the gene that triggers the release of hormones necessary for sexual maturation in the piglets’ DNA, preventing them from reaching puberty, and thus negating the need to castrate the pigs. The next step in this research is determining the commercial viability of castration-free pigs. Since these prototype pigs were created to be permanently prepubescent, the alliance is determining how to breed these pigs without comprising traits like feed efficiency and meat quality. The alliance comprises some of the largest pig genetic companies in the world, possessing the capacity and capabilities needed to supply these permanently prepubescent pigs to pork producers worldwide.

Research is being led by Principal Investigator Tad Sonstegard, Ph.D., Chief Executive and Scientific Officer of Acceligen, Recombinetics’ agriculture division.

“The birth of these castration-free prototype piglets using commercially relevant genetics is just another example of how Acceligen is working to deploy our breeding technologies to help producers better meet the demands of consumers and producers to improve food animal well-being,” said Sonstegard. “The technical expertise and support provided by DNA Genetics, Hyphor, and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research gives our alliance the capability to meet these demands with the highest standards. Together we will bring the castration-free trait to market and provide solutions to benefit the pork industry,” said Sonstegard.

“At Hendrix Genetics, we are very excited about the birth of the first castration-free piglets. This is an important step to end one of the biggest concerns of the swine industry regarding animal well-being. Within Hypor, Hendrix Genetics’ swine business unit, we are continuously exploring new opportunities to support the pork value chain with innovative and sustainable genetic solutions,” said Luis Prieto Garcia, Managing Director Swine, Hendrix Genetics.



Global Dairy Platform’s Nourish 2019 Focuses on the Role Dairy Plays Preserving our Planet and Nourishing Consumers of the Future

Nourish 2019, June 17–19 in Chicago, Ill., welcomed world-renowned speakers such as, H.E. Mario Arvelo, Chair of the United Nations Committee on World Food Security, to share their perspectives on the state of our planet, the impact heightened environmental concerns are having on consumers, policy makers and rural communities around the world, and the role the global dairy community can play in creating a truly sustainable future for everyone.

“Nourish 2019 provided honest conversations about the role dairy plays in the future of our planet,” said Donald Moore, Executive Director, Global Dairy Platform, who hosted the conference. “This event is a statement by food and dairy industry partners of our continued commitment to collaboratively create a sustainable future.”

The dynamic roster of engaging leaders in media, technology, food and public health, who participated in Nourish 2019, included representatives from the United Nations, World Wildlife Fund, Dairy Farmers of America, Chobani, Food tank, World Resources Institute, Emerging Ag, Rabobank, The Good Food Institute, U.S. Dairy Export Council, Arla Foods, China Mengniu Dairy Company and Royal FrieslandCampina.

A thought-provoking event hosted by Global Dairy Platform (GDP), Nourish 2019 offered dialogue and panels with diverse topics which challenged the dairy sector to enhance collaboration towards continued positive action. Here is a look at the core themes:

Protecting Our Resources and Building Anew
There is no denying the world is in a constant state of change, and it is the responsibility of the food industry to be aware and engaged in discussions around the environment and the fundamental role dairy can play. Melissa D. Ho, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Fresh Water and Food, World Wildlife Fund–U.S., provided a unique perspective on the state of our environment and the adjustments which should be considered as part of the food system to protect natural resources.

Redefining Our Food System
Which food system helps us sustain the planet the most? There isn’t a clear-cut answer. However, this session, moderated by Robynne Anderson, President, Emerging Ag, highlighted different perspectives on the future of food systems by expert panelists, showcasing the number of varying opinions on this topic.

Dairy Without Borders
The current and potential benefits of dairy are far and wide across the globe. From providing access to healthy and affordable nutrition to creating new employment opportunities, there is no denying dairy will play an important role in emerging communities. Moderated by Secretary Tom Vilsack, President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Dairy Export Council, global dairy leaders weighed-in on how geopolitical trade issues are affecting the food and dairy industry and their impact on giving global access to nutrition.

For more information about Global Dairy Platform visit: www.globaldairyplatform.com.



USDA Certified Organic Operations for 2018

USDA recently announced the number of certified organic operations in the United States reached 27,494 in 2018, up by 1,093 over the 2017 count. The number of international operations certified was up 713 to just over 15,500. Together these totals represent a 4.4 percent increase, bringing the total USDA Certified Organic Operations to just over 43,000.

A complete list of certified organic farms and businesses is available in the Organic Integrity Database. The database discourages fraud by providing accurate and timely information about operations certified to use the USDA organic seal.



USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Dr. Seth Meyer to Depart

USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson has announced the departure of USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Dr. Seth Meyer, effective July 13, along with the appointment of Deputy Board Chair Dr. Mark Jekanowski as acting board chair.

“Seth has been a real asset to USDA, OCE, and the World Agricultural Board. The Board in particular has benefited tremendously from his knowledge and leadership,” said Johansson.

Dr. Meyer was named chairman of the World Agricultural Board (WAOB) in May 2014 after joining the USDA Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) as chief economist for domestic agricultural policy in 2013. He will be returning to the faculty of the University of Missouri’s Department of Agricultural Economics.

“Dr. Jekanowski’s experience as deputy chairman makes him very well prepared for this position,” noted Johansson. “He has a deep understanding of the unique nature of the Board’s mission.”

Prior to joining the World Board, Dr. Jekanowski was with USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS), first as chief of the Crops Branch, and more recently as deputy director for the ERS commodity outlook program. Previously, Jekanowski was a senior vice president and head of the Washington office of Informa Economics.

The World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) serves as USDA’s focal point for economic intelligence and the commodity outlook for U.S. and world agriculture. The Board coordinates, reviews, and approves the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report as well as long-term agricultural projections.



Kansas State University names Ernie Minton dean of the College of Agriculture, KSRE director

Leading the Kansas State University College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension into the future will be a familiar face. Ernie Minton, the interim dean and KSRE director, has been appointed to the posts following a national search.

Minton's appointment, which went into effect June 16, was made by Charles Taber, university provost and executive vice president.

"The College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension are central to achieving our land-grant mission, and it's important we have balance and stability in this time of change," Taber said.  "Based on his years of steady leadership as interim dean and director and associate dean and associate director, Dr. Minton is the right leader for the College and KSRE at this time."

As the college dean and KSRE director, Minton is charged with advancing both on a variety of fronts, including program development; faculty and student development; research, teaching and extension; program accreditation; and the college's and university's goals in K-State's visionary 2025 plan.

The College of Agriculture is home to more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. and world and offers 16 undergraduate majors, 10 graduate programs, 14 minors and six certificates. The college's award-winning faculty conduct leading research in agricultural and horticultural crops, livestock, natural resources and the environment, earning multimillion-dollar grant totals each year. K-State Research and Extension is a statewide network of educators sharing unbiased, research-based information and expertise on issues important to Kansas. It has established local, state, regional, national and international partnerships.

"It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the interim dean and director, and I am thrilled to be selected as permanent dean and director," Minton said. "I'm proud to be a career K-Stater and to work with such a talented and loyal group of students, faculty and staff of the College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension. I look forward to moving the college and KSRE forward to embrace our traditions and build on our strengths to better serve our state, national and global stakeholders."

Minton had been serving as the interim college dean and KSRE director since July 1, 2018. Under his leadership, the college reached its Innovation & Inspiration Campaign goal of $120 million earlier this year. He also has led college-level planning for major infrastructure improvements and renovations to key college facilities, including Shellenberger Hall, Feed and Technology, Waters Hall and the Waters Hall Annex, as well as plans to modernize the diary teaching and research facility.

Before his appointment as interim dean, Minton served as the college's associate dean of research and graduate programs and associate director of research for K-State Research and Extension from 2016-2018. A professor of animal sciences since 1995 and a member of the Kansas State University faculty since 1983, Minton was interim associate director of research and technology transfer for the Kansas Agriculture Experiment Station from 2008-2009 and associate director of research and technology transfer for the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station from 2009-2016.

Among his many honors and awards, Minton received the 2019 Wallace Kidd Diversity Award from the university's chapter of MANNRS — Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences — and the College of Agriculture's Diversity Programs Office; 2017 Experiment Station National Excellence in Leadership Award from the North Central Regional Association of Experiment Station Directors; and was named a fellow of the Food Systems Leadership Institute in 2012.

Minton, who has served on several national and regional boards, is currently chair of the Strategic Realignment Committee for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities' Board on Agricultural Assembly and is a member of the Kansas State University Research Foundation board of directors.

Minton has a bachelor's degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University and a master's degree in animal science and a doctorate in animal reproduction, both from Oklahoma State University.




Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/14/2019

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 14, ethanol production scaled back 15,000 barrels per day (b/d), a 1.4% decrease, at an average of 1.081 million barrels per day (b/d). This is equivalent to 45.40 million gallons daily. However, the four-week average ethanol production rate moved 0.3% higher to 1.070 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.40 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks tightened by 0.9% to 21.6 million barrels, a 55-week low. Reserves were 0.2% lower compared to year ago volumes and 3.0% below two years ago this week. Stocks built in the Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) and West Coast (PADD 5) regions but declined across the other PADDs.

There were zero imports recorded after 44,000 b/d hit the books last week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of April 2019.)

The volume of gasoline supplied rose 0.5% to a record 9.928 million b/d (417.0 million gallons per day, or 152.20 bg annualized). Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol decreased 1.2% to 942,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.44 bg annualized, but remained 0.7% above the year-ago level.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production decreased to 10.89%.



The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) to Host Latin American Beef Sustainability Summit next month in Brazil

The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) along with Arcos Dorados (world’s largest independent McDonald’s franchisee), GTPS, and with support from the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock, will host a Latin American Sustainable Beef Summit July 10-12, 2019 in São Paulo, Brazil.

The Summit will be hosted at the McDonald’s Hamburger University and will allow sustainable livestock stakeholders from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, and Mexico, and key representatives from the global sustainable livestock stakeholder sector to set the vision for what hundreds of companies can realistically do to make a positive contribution to advance beef sustainability.

During the event, national beef sustainability roundtables will present, along with an impressive line-up of thought leaders from around the globe to address important topics including biodiversity, responsible antibiotic use, Carbon sequestration, and more. Participants will also spend time building a recommendation the beef sectors can bring forth for the upcoming COP 25 Climate Change conference.

Alvaro Pereira of Globescan, Julian Chara of CIPAV, Professor Mateus Parahos da Costa of Sao Paulo State University, and João Shimada of Earth Innovation will speak at the Summit, along with representatives from organizations like FAO, the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock, UNDP, among others.

The Summit agenda also includes a field trip on Friday, July 12 to experience Brazilian beef sustainability. Participants will have the chance to travel to Farm Mantiqueira of Grupo Roncador (http://www.gruporoncador.com.br/o-grupo ) in Pindamonhangaba municipality, located in São Paulo state.

“Latin America countries produce a large segment of the global beef supply. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are exporting thousands of tons of beef to fast-growing nations with large consumer markets, such as China, and demand is fast-growing.” said Ruaraidh Petre, Executive Director of the GRSB. 

“The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef is looking forward to leading discussions at the Summit that will cultivate projects, tools, and opportunities that can be leveraged to amplify impact in beef sustainability across Latin America and that make an impact around the world.” continued Petre. 

Leonardo Lima, Sustainability Director of Arcos Dorados said “McDonald’s believes education is key. The opportunity to host the Latin American Sustainable Beef Summit and to open our facility in support of beef sustainability is a MUST. We must learn together, work together and move together if we are to provide value to our communities.”

Josefina Eisele, Latin American Director for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, added “The Summit agenda represents the most important opportunities impacting beef sustainability in Latin American today. In addition to core topics like deforestation and animal welfare, efforts will be spent discussing the real impacts of jurisdictional approaches, traceability, capacity building, and investments for sustainable beef. I’m thrilled our members have committed to collaborate at the Summit and look forward to the strategies that will materializes at the event.”

Registration details can be found at https://grsbeef.org/page-1861946 and is open to those who want to guide the Latin American beef sector into 2020 and beyond.



Cisbay Global Reveals Ag Biotech Secret-Patents Green-Lighted

Cisbay Global, a leading microbial technology company focused on developing next-generation agricultural solutions, improving crop production and wastewater solutions, announced in April they were granted both soil enhancement and biological water treatment patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

This conferment will help facilitate Cisbay's mission to reverse years of soil depletion through the exploitation of their breakthrough technology platform that isolates, identifies and validates "perfect beneficial microbes." This formulation of microorganisms is already benefiting farmers around the world with more than 15 percent increases in crop production in a variety of soil types and climates.

Dr. Jimmie Keeton, Chief Scientific Officer at Cisbay commented, "In my 40 years of agricultural and aquatic research, the science of bioremediation and the use of beneficial microbes, now truly opens a new frontier for human history. By utilizing nature's microbes to naturally improve protein and plant production, Cisbay is at the forefront of this technology, helping feed the world in a new and sustainable way."

"We have successfully raised pre-round of funding. We are now generating revenue. Our next step is to scale up. We are seeking the next series of financing to exponentially increase our revenue growth in the international and domestic markets," says Cavin Pham, CEO of Cisbay Global.

Cisbay receives the TechConnect Innovation Award 2019
Cisbay is recognized for their revolutionary Microbes for Plant Growth and Water Remediation technology this month at TechConnect World Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

The technology consists of an extensive microbiome works and selection of highly complex microbial functional traits that focus on living soil and bacterial soil disease management. A population of beneficial microorganisms is a crucial factor in the promotion of plant growth, yield and quality.

"We are very excited about helping farmers achieve higher profitability and improve their dirt and at the same time doing good for the environment.  This Innovation Award really represents who we are as a leading Ag biotech company," says Jasbir Sidhu, President of Cisbay.

TechConnect provides strategic technology prospecting and commercialization services through a broad network of innovators worldwide. The annual TechConnect Innovation Awards choose leading early-stage technologies from around the world through an industry-review process. Rankings are based on the potential positive impact the submitted technology will have on a specific industry sector.