Friday July 19 Cattle on Feed, Cattle Inventory, + Ag News

NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 4 PERCENT

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.30 million cattle on feed on July 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was down 4 percent from last year. Placements during June totaled 415,000 head, unchanged from 2018. Fed cattle marketings for the month of June totaled 520,000 head, down 2 percent from last year. Other disappearance during June totaled 25,000 head, up 10,000 head from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 650,000 head on July 1, 2019, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was down 2 percent from June 1, 2018, and down 8 percent from July 1, 2018. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 565,000 head on feed, down 5 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,215,000 head, down 3 percent from last month and down 5 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during June totaled 65,000 head, down 4 percent from May and down 16 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 65,000 head, up 44 percent from May and up 27 percent from last year. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 130,000 head, up 15 percent from May and up 2 percent from last year.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during June totaled 72,000 head, down 15 percent from May and last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 90,000 head, up 29 percent from May and up 14 percent from last year. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 162,000 head, up 5 percent from May but down 1 percent from last year. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 8,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Up 2 Percent
   
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.5 million head on July 1, 2019. The inventory was 2 percent above July 1, 2018. This is the highest July 1 inventory since the series began in 1996. The inventory included 7.01 million steers and steer calves, down 2 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.47 million head, up 8 percent from 2018.

Cattle on Feed: by State
                                   (1,000 hd      -    % July 1 '18)
Colorado .......:             1,030               111     
Iowa .............:               650                  92       
Kansas ..........:             2,360               105      
Nebraska ......:             2,300                96      
Texas ............:             2,840               104    

Placements in feedlots during June totaled 1.76 million head, 2 percent below 2018. Net placements were 1.69 million head. During June, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 385,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 295,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 391,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 390,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 185,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 110,000 head.

Placements by State
                                 (1,000 hd      -    % June '18)
Colorado .......:              135                   93   
Iowa .............:                 65                   84    
Kansas ..........:              430                  106    
Nebraska ......:              415                  100      
Texas ............:              400                   93       

Marketings of fed cattle during June totaled 1.95 million head, 3 percent below 2018. Other disappearance totaled 66,000 head during June, 14 percent above 2018.

Marketings by State
                                 (1,000 hd      -    % June '18)
Colorado .......:               160                    100   
Iowa .............:                  72                     85     
Kansas ..........:                440                     93   
Nebraska ......:                520                     98   
Texas ............:                420                    102   



July 1 Cattle Inventory Unchanged

All cattle and calves in the United States on July 1, 2019 totaled 103 million head, unchanged from the 103 million head on July 1, 2018.

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 41.7 million head, were slightly below the 41.8 million head on July 1, 2018. Beef cows, at 32.4 million head, were unchanged from a year ago. Milk cows, at 9.30 million head, were down 1 percent from previous year.

All heifers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2019 totaled 16.4 million head, 1 percent above the 16.3 million head on July 1, 2018. Beef replacement heifers, at 4.40 million head, were down 4 percent from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 4.10 million head, were down 2 percent from previous year. Other heifers, at 7.90 million head, were 5 percent above a year earlier.

Steers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2019 totaled 14.7 million head, up 1 percent from July 1, 2018.

Bulls 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2019 totaled 2.10 million head, unchanged from July 1, 2018.

Calves under 500 pounds on July 1, 2019 totaled 28.1 million head, down 1 percent from July 1, 2018.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 13.6 million head on July 1, 2019. The inventory is up 2 percent from the July 1, 2018 total of 13.3 million head. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 84.4 percent of the total cattle on feed on July 1, 2019, down slightly from previous year. The combined total of calves under 500 pounds and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds (outside of feedlots) is 37.1 million head. This is slightly above the 37.0 million head on July 1, 2018. 

Calf Crop Down Slightly
The 2019 calf crop in the United States is expected to be 36.3 million head, down slightly from last year's calf crop. Calves born during the first half of 2019 are estimated at 26.5 million head, down slightly from the first half of 2018. An additional 9.80 million calves are expected to be born during the second half of 2019.



Elkhorn Valley Cattlemen Producer Meeting

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2019
Madison Fair Grounds, Madison
6:30 p.m. – Social
7:00 p.m. – Meal & Program
$5.00/ person

"Improvements to the beef industry using technology"
Speakers: Jaclyn Wilson, Flying Diamond Genetics

Nebraska Cattlemen staff will give an update on current issues.

Members and guests invited – bring a friend or a neighbor.

Please RSVP by Friday, August 9 to Allan Louthan 402-841-6601



Voting Underway for Nebraska Pork Checkoff Delegates to 2020 Forum

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association invites all those who sold hogs in the state to participate in the Pork Act Election process. Simply complete and submit the ballot at www.nepork.org for those you wish to send to the National Pork Forum in March to vote on your behalf on checkoff issues.

You may vote for up to 5 candidates.

Voter Registration Rules:
To establish my eligibility as a voter for the National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body, I hereby certify that;
1. I am a producer, or an authorized representative of a corporate producer, who producers porcine animals in the U.S. for sale in commerce and is subject to assessment;
2. that I have sold swine and paid checkoff in the time period since the last delegate election process in this state;
3. that I am a resident of the respective state;
4. that I have paid all assessments due; and
5. I am 18 years of age or older.

This year's candidates are (listed here in alphabetical order):
- John Csukker of Columbus, Nebraska is the Environmental Service Manager for The Maschhoffs. John is also responsible for the independent Pork Production Partners in Nebraska and South Dakota. 

- Karen Grant of Meadow Grove, Nebraska operates a farrow-to-finish facility near Meadow Grove, Nebraska with her husband.

- Connor Livingston of Fairbury, Nebraska. He is the director of sites and mill operations for Livingston Enterprise.

- Michael Luckey of Columbus, Nebraska is a fourth generation farmer of crops and livestock.

- Duane Miller of Davenport, Nebraska is a fourth-generation farmer of a diversified grain and livestock farm.

- Aaron Reichmuth of Humphrey, Nebraska farms with his dad John and brother Eric, on their family farm JAE Livestock.

- Darin Uhlir of St. Paul, Nebraska has worked in the pork industry since 1990, currently with Pillen Family Farms.

- Mark Wright of Fremont, Nebraska is the Animal Handling and Welfare Coordinator/Assistant Manager at Weichman Pig Co in Fremont.

For question, please contact the Nebraska Pork Producers Association at (531) 500-2763.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Leaders Ask Congress to Move Forward on USMCA

During a national affairs trip to Washington, D.C., members of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s (NEFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee asked for more economic stability and pushed for the passage of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) this fall.

“It’s important for our young agricultural leaders to travel to Washington, D.C. to let Nebraska’s Congressional delegation know how important issues like USMCA, trade with China, and broadband expansion is so important to young farmers and ranchers,” Mark McHargue, NEFB first vice president said, July 18. McHargue farms and raises livestock near Central City.

The passage of the new USMCA remains a top priority for Nebraska Farm Bureau. Lance Atwater, who farms near Ayr and serves as youth at-large on the NEFB board of directors, asked Nebraska’s congressional delegation to take up and pass the new agreement quickly to provide a level of certainty for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.

“In 2017, Nebraska sold $979 million of major agriculture commodities to Canada and $889 million to Mexico. We must ensure free and open access with two of our largest trading partners and closest allies. We need to create stability for younger producers,” Atwater said.

Improving trade rations with China was also a heavily discussed topic during the national affairs visit. Chairs of the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, Jason and Karah Perdue, raise grain and livestock near York and also serve as South Central representatives on the YF&R Committee. Lack of access to the Chinese market has already imposed clear economic strain to Nebraska’s agricultural and overall economy.

“In 2017, Nebraska sold $937 million of Nebraska commodities to China. We need good outcomes to current negotiations with China, Japan, and the European Union,” Jason Perdue said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau leaders also talked about rural broadband and how important it is to farmers and ranchers and their bottom lines. Luke and Erin Norman are ranchers near Crawford, Nebraska in Dawes County. Internet connection in rural areas is sketchy at best.

“Farmers and ranchers depend on broadband just as they do highways, railways, and waterways, to ship food, fuel, and fiber across the country and around the world. Current and future generations of rural Nebraskans are being left behind because they are without affordable high-speed internet service. We asked our congressional delegation to support a bill called the Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019,” Luke Norman said. 

“While the list of challenges young farmers and ranchers face is long, the need for young people in agriculture to answer the call of growing food for our nation and world remains as strong as ever. Continuing to communicate our message to key decision makers is vital to the future success of our farm and ranch families,” McHargue said.

Those attending the National Affairs visit were:
- Mark (NEFB 1st VP) and Judi McHargue, – Merrick County
- Lance and Krystal Atwater, Lance serves as Youth At-Large, NEFB Board of Directors – Adams County
- Jason and Karah Perdue, Chairs on the YF&R Committee – York County
- Luke and Erin Norman, Northwest Region representatives on the YF&R Committee – Dawes County 



Farmer-Leaders Elected to the Board of Directors for Iowa Corn

Today, Iowa Corn announced the results of the Board of Directors elections for the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB).

Those elected as ICGA Directors will continue to bring grassroots policy issues forward and be the collective voice for nearly 7,500 corn-farmer members, lobbying on agricultural issues at the state and federal level. These individuals include:
     District 1: Dean Meyer, Lyon County*
     District 6: Lance Lillibridge, Benton County*
     District 7: Adam Bierbaum, Cass County
     District 8: Steve Kuiper, Marion County*
               *For those re-elected

Since 1978, Iowa corn farmers have elected their peers to serve on ICPB to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff. ICPB Directors will continue to promote a thriving Iowa corn industry through research into new and value-added corn uses, domestic and foreign market development and providing education about corn and corn products. These individuals include:
     District 2: Jerry Maier, Wright County
     District 3: Derek Taylor, Winneshiek County
     District 5: Rod Pierce, Boone County
     District 7: Ralph Lents, Adair County*
          *For those re-elected

Both ICGA and ICPB are charged with creating opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability. Elected Directors will begin to serve on September 1, 2019.



ICGA Members Take Priorities to Washington, D.C. During Corn Congress

Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) farmer-leaders convened in Washington, D.C. this week alongside other corn farmers from across the country to advocate for key agricultural issues and priorities as part of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Congress meeting.

The Capitol Hill meetings focused on:
-    Passing the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA)
-    Stopping the abuse of small refinery waivers (SREs)

“It was another successful year at NCGA Corn Congress visiting and collaborating with all six members of the Iowa Congressional Delegation as well as 130 non-corn states on Capitol Hill,” said ICGA President and farmer from Logan, Curt Mether. “We appreciate their time as it is vital that all members of Congress understand the importance of American agriculture and the current hardships farmers are battling.”

Mether joined other ICGA farmer-leaders in meetings with the Iowa Delegation including Senators Ernst and Grassley, and Representatives Axne, Finkenauer, King and Loebsack. ICGA leaders discussed the need to work with EPA Administrator Wheeler to maintain a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and continued opposition to the unjustified granting of the small refinery waivers (SREs). In addition, ICGA members introduced the low carbon octane standard to begin laying the groundwork for future ethanol blends.

 “We appreciate the support of the entire Delegation for pushing back on the EPA for granting SREs but most notably Senators Ernst and Grassley who continually support Iowa farmers during threats to the RFS,” stated Mether.

Additionally, during Corn Congress, NCGA delegates re-elected Chris Edgington from Mitchell County to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Board for a three-year term. Edgington will join NCGA Directors Bruce Rohwer of O’Brien County and Kevin Ross of Pottawatomie County on the Corn Board. Ross will serve as NCGA President for Fiscal Year 2020.

“Over the last several years, it has been my sincere pleasure to serve on the NCGA Board representing corn farmers across the nation, with being re-elected I am looking forward to the next three,” said Chris Edgington a farmer from St. Ansgar. “Corn farmers like myself continue to face many challenges, and I am pleased to be serving on the board to continue to fight for the corn industry and the future of American agriculture.”

The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for NCGA and enhance the organization’s public standing on all organizational and policy issues.



 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Iowa State Fair Announce Enhanced Biosecurity Requirements for Swine Livestock Exhibitors

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, State Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand, and Iowa State Fair officials today announced new animal health inspection requirements for swine exhibitors at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
-    All swine must be individually inspected and identified on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection that was completed within seven (7) days of the Iowa State Fair.
-    A veterinarian will inspect all swine upon arrival at the Iowa State Fairgrounds before they are unloaded from the truck or mixed with other livestock on-site.

These additional exhibition requirements were developed with input from veterinarians and other third-party experts. They are designed to promote biosecurity and animal health as African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to spread across China and other parts of Asia and Europe.

“We are working with other state and federal agencies and industry partners to monitor the ASF situation and educate producers about biosecurity,” said Secretary Naig. “While the disease does not pose a human health or food safety threat, it would be detrimental to Iowa’s pork industry and the state’s economy. That’s why we’re implementing additional biosecurity measures for all swine exhibitors at this year’s Fair.”

While African Swine Fever is top of mind, the Department of Agriculture stresses the importance of following proper biosecurity protocols — with all species of animals — every day to protect Iowa’s livestock.

“All exhibitors are encouraged to practice good biosecurity both at the show and at home on the farm,” said Dr. Kaisand. “When exhibitors return home from the Fair, they should disinfect their equipment, isolate animals that traveled to the show from the rest of the herd, and monitor for signs of illness.”

Protecting the health of Iowa’s livestock and the state’s ag-based economy are top priorities for the Department of Agriculture and Fair organizers.

“We value Iowa’s largest industry, agriculture, and recognize the importance of comprehensive biosecurity practices,” said Gary Slater, CEO and Fair Manager. “We work in partnership with IDALS and our state veterinarians to maintain the highest standards for our livestock exhibitors and the animals they bring to show at the Fair.”

Learn more about good biosecurity protocols at iowaagriculture.gov.



AGP Holds Grand Opening of Aberdeen, SD Soy Processing Facility

Ag Processing Inc a cooperative (AGP) held the Grand Opening for its new soybean processing facility in Aberdeen, SD on July 17, 2019. The facility is AGP’s tenth soybean processing location and is scheduled to begin commercial operations by the end of July, 2019. When fully operational, the facility will process over 50 million bushels of soybeans annually. The event was attended by representatives of several AGP member-owner cooperatives, major construction contractors on the project, and many public and economic development officials from the State of South Dakota, Brown County, and the Aberdeen community.

AGP’s Chief Executive Officer Keith Spackler welcomed the attendees and said “The Aberdeen processing facility is a great fit with our overall business platform and with our mission to provide markets for producers’ soybeans, add value to those soybeans, and generate competitive returns for our cooperative owners. These returns include direct support to soybean prices as well as patronage payments to our cooperative owners. We are proud of the benefits it brings to our member-owners and their farmer-owners, as well as to this community, county, and state – that is our culture.”

Brad Davis, Chairman of the AGP Board of Directors, spoke about the original investigative work and feasibility study that was undertaken and presented to the Board, which allowed it to make the strategic decision to move forward on the project. Davis also highlighted the strong relationships AGP has built with state and local economic development officials and critical construction partners throughout the project. “The City of Aberdeen, Brown County, and the State of South Dakota have all been excellent to work with and have been instrumental in helping AGP get to where we are today.”

Cal Meyer, AGP’s Chief Operating Officer, said “AGP built this facility to provide protein and oil to growing domestic and international markets. We will buy large volumes of soybeans in the area, supply soybean meal to regional feed mills, and load unit trains of meal destined for export markets in the Pacific Rim. Additionally we will ship crude soybean oil to our existing refineries to supply expanding food and renewable fuel markets. Overall, this facility is well-positioned to meet this growth, while also providing good jobs, good pay, and excellent benefits to over 60 families in the Aberdeen community.”

Also attending was South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who was a part of the official program and spoke to the assembled crowd. “As Governor and a lifelong producer, one of my top priorities is advancing agriculture. It’s a privilege to welcome AGP and its soybean processing facility to South Dakota,” Noem stated. She added “Bringing opportunities to add value to our farmers’ agricultural products right here in South Dakota is an important priority for me and my team. I am pleased AGP chose to help strengthen this industry by choosing Aberdeen.”

The soybean processing expansion is a natural extension of existing AGP processing and refining capacity and relationships in the region. AGP selected the site in Aberdeen based on numerous factors, including a readily available supply of soybeans, a stable workforce, solid infrastructure, and transportation capabilities. The facility will support over 60 full-time jobs when fully operational.



USDA Awards Agricultural Trade Promotion Funding

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $100 million to 48 organizations through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) to help U.S. farmers and ranchers identify and access new export markets.

In May, President Trump authorized USDA to provide up to $16 billion in programs to support farmers, which is in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and other trade disruptions. ATP is one of three programs that will assist agricultural producers while President Trump works to address long-standing market access barriers.

“China and other nations haven’t played by the rules for a long time and President Trump is standing up to them, sending a clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate their unfair trade practices,” Secretary Perdue said. “At USDA, we are always looking to expand existing markets or open new ones and this infusion of money will do just that. American farmers are so productive that we need to continue to expand our markets wherever we can to sell the bounty of the American harvest.”

The 48 recipients are among the cooperator organizations that applied for $200 million in ATP funds in 2018 that were awarded earlier this year. As part of a new round of support for farmers impacted by unjustified retaliation and trade disruption, those groups had the opportunity to be considered for additional support for their work to boost exports for U.S. agriculture, food, fish, and forestry products.

Already, since the $200 million in assistance was announced in January, U.S. exporters have had significant success, including a trade mission to Pakistan that generated $10 million in projected 2019 sales of pulse crops, a new marketing program for Alaska seafood that led to more than $4 million in sales of salmon to Vietnam and Thailand, and a comprehensive marketing effort by the U.S. soybean industry that has increased exposure in more than 50 international markets. These funds will continue to generate sales and business for U.S. producers and exporters many times over as promotional activity continues for the next couple of years.



OMB FINISHES REVIEW OF USDA'S TRADE MITIGATION PAYMENTS PLAN

The White House's Office of Management and Budget recently completed its review of the second tranche of its trade relief package in response to trade retaliation against U.S. agriculture, indicating that the program specifics will likely be released shortly. USDA's trade retaliation relief program, announced by the administration in May, includes direct payments to qualifying pork producers, pork surplus purchases for the benefit of low-income families and others in need, and additional funding to develop new export opportunities. The amount of farmer payments and commodity purchases have not been announced.



 
FINAL WOTUS RULE SENT TO OMB FOR REVIEW

EPA's final rule on a new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation was sent to the White House's Office of Management and Budget on Friday, July 12. The regulation would replace the WOTUS rule issued in August 2015 by the Obama administration's U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That measure gave EPA broad jurisdiction over U.S. waters to include, among other water bodies, upstream waters and intermittent and ephemeral streams such as the kind farmers use for drainage and irrigation. It also covered lands adjacent to such waters.

Prior to the 2015 rule, EPA's jurisdiction over waterways – based on several U.S. Supreme Court decisions – included "navigable" waters and waters with a significant hydrologic connection to navigable waters.



EPA Rejects Calls to Ban Chlorpyrifos

The Environmental Protection Agency will not ban the insecticide chlorpyrifos, the agency ruled on Thursday, in response to a court order handed down in April.  However, the agency will expedite an ongoing review of chlorpyrifos in response to public concerns raised. The agency has until 2022 to complete its review.

The EPA had until July 18 to address objections to its 2007 decision rejecting a petition asking for a ban. The deadline was set as part of a court order issued on April 19, 2019, by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco.

Chlorpyrifos is the main ingredient in Corteva Agriscience's Lorsban insecticide, which targets soybean aphids, spider mites and corn rootworm.

The EPA has consistently maintained available science supports the human safety of chlorpyrifos, while environmental groups continue to say it is unsafe for humans.



ARA Applauds EPA's Science-Based Decision on Chlorpyrifos

Today Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement following an announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rendering a science-based decision on the crop protection product chlorpyrifos:

"ARA is pleased to see EPA render a science-based decision on chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos is a very important tool for controlling insects, resulting in producing healthy and attractive produce for consumers. Our members use and apply this product safely and effectively. Despite the claims of activists, EPA did not propose a ban in 2016; in fact, EPA's own Science Advisory Board questioned the scientific legitimacy of the approach that led to a preliminary conclusion, and for that reason it was never finalized. Thousands of studies support responsible use of this product and vouch for its safety when used according to label directions, and EPA's periodic registration reviews ensure that this product and others will regularly be reviewed with the best-available science."