Friday August 2 Ag News

Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days at four locations Aug. 13 - 16

Soybean Management Field Days help growers stay competitive in the global marketplace and increase profits while meeting the world's growing food and energy needs right here in Nebraska. The field days scheduled for Aug. 13-16 will offer producers research-based information to improve their soybean profitability.

The field days are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff in partnership with Nebraska Extension in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and are funded through soybean checkoff dollars. The efforts of the checkoff are directed by the United Soybean Board promoting progress powered by U.S. farmers.

“Our goal is to help soybean growers maximize productivity and profitability through smart decisions and efficient use of resources. Meeting the world's growing food and energy needs starts right here in Nebraska – at the 2019 Soybean Management Field Days,” says Victor Bohuslavsky, Nebraska Soybean Board Executive Director.

According to Nebraska Extension Educator Keith Glewen, Soybean Management Field Days provides an opportunity to learn about research-based information. “Producers will see their checkoff dollars at work as they learn about leading technology and ideas.”

The event consists of four stops across the state, each with replicated research, demonstration plots, lunch, and time for questions. Producers can obtain ideas and insight about the challenges they face in producing a quality crop at a profitable price in today's global economy.

Presenters include university specialists, educators, and industry consultants. Topics include:
-    Making Sense of Production Costs and Policy Changes
-    Insects, Cover Crops, and Hail: Making Good Management Decisions
-    Soybean Weed Control and Cover Crops - What's Doing All the Work? Rethinking Your Weed Management Program and Cover Crops and Soil Microbial Communities - Possible Effects on Soybean Nutrition and Nutrient Cycling
-    Soybean Production and Cover Crops - Seed, Planting, and Irrigation Management Decisions

Agronomists and plant disease and insect specialists will be available to address production-related questions. Participants can bring unknown crop problems for free identification.

The field days will begin with free registration at 9 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.

Dates and Locations
The field days begin with 9 a.m. registration and conclude at 2:30 p.m.
-    Aug. 13 ― Sargent, Don Fellows Farm From Sargent: Go 2 miles north on Hwy. 183 then turn west on Road 817 and go 1/4 mile. The field day is on the south side of the road. GPS coordinates: 41.669138, -99.370768
-    Aug. 14 ― Pilger, Tim and Angie Labenz Farm From Pilger:  Go 2 miles south onto Hwy. 15, then 1 mile west on 837 Ave., and 1/4 mile north on 573 Rd. The field day is on the east side of the road. GPS coordinates: 41.967281, -97.078066
-    Aug. 15 ― Plymouth, Ross and Judd Boekner Farm From Plymouth: Go 2 miles west on Hwy. 4 and 1/4 mile north on 576th Ave. The field day is on the west side of the road. GPS coordinates: 40.308921,-97.029196
-    Aug. 16 ― Waverly, Lynn Neujahr Farm From Waverly: From the intersection of Hwy. 6 and 148th St. go south 2.5 miles on 148th St., then 3/4 mile west on Alvo Rd. The field day is on south side of the road. GPS Coordinates: 40.885317, -96.535462

For more information about the field days and maps to sites, visit http://enrec.unl.edu/soydays, or contact the Nebraska Soybean Board at 800-852-BEAN or Nebraska Extension at 800-529-8030.



NEBRASKA EXTENSION PROVIDES IN-FIELD TRAINING IN AUGUST ON SOIL HEALTH, CORN AND SOYBEAN PRODUCTION

Nebraska Extension is offering in-field training opportunities at three Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics in late August. They include the Soil Health Clinic Aug. 22, the Midwest Soybean Production Clinic Aug. 27, and the Midwest Corn Production Clinic Aug. 28.

The clinics feature:
-    hands-on, in-field training with CCA credits;
-    the unbiased expertise of university specialists;
-    up-to-date research-based information; and
-    one-on-one attention, on-site plot demonstrations, and beneficial interaction with other participants. The small manageable groups promote interaction between presenters and participants.

The training sessions consistently receive excellent reviews. Last year, participants estimated the value of the knowledge gained and/or anticipated practice changes would increase income by $9.16 per acre.

The clinics are held at a site specifically developed for the training at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (ENREC) near Mead. The corn and soybean clinics will feature plots with crop growth and development at a range of vegetative/reproductive growth stages, allowing participants to see a whole growing season in one place.

Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat and resource materials. If registering for one clinic, the cost is $115 if registering one week in advance and $140 after.  A two-day discount is provided for those registering for both corn and soybean clinics; cost is $170 one week in advance and $220 after.

The clinics are backed by a money-back guarantee if a participant is not completely satisfied with the training.

Participants will meet at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building at the University’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead.

Aug. 22 - Midwest Soil Health Clinic
A hands-on experience to learn more about the components of soil health

This outdoor training experience will be of value to home and acreage owners, farm operators, and industry consultants, said Nebraska Extension Educator Keith Glewen.  “One of our objectives of this training is to demonstrate the dynamics of the soil which includes physical, chemical and biological properties. Hopefully, this information will aid urban and rural stewards of the soil to implement practices to improve soil health.”

Trainers include University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty and resource personnel from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. In addition to the hands-on experience, attendees will receive a resource notebook.

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. with registration at 8 a.m.

Topics:  Management considerations to improve soil health; measuring bulk density,  porosity, and infiltration and the impact on soil health; physical soil properties – the foundation for soil health; cover crops for improving soil health; what is soil biology – active carbon test; soil characteristics, productivity and landscape position; and chemical soil properties.

CCA Credits: 6.5 credits in soil and water management have been applied for and are pending
   
Aug. 27 – Midwest Soybean Production Clinic
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. with registration at 8 a.m.

Topics: Cultural practices; genetics/agronomics; insect management in soybeans; plant pathology; soil fertility;  IPM for successful weed management in soybean; and irrigation

CCA Credits:  Eight credits have been approved (2.5 – crop management; 1 – nutrition management; 1 - soil and water management; and 3.5 in pest management)

Aug. 28 – Midwest Corn Production Clinic
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. with registration at 7:30 a.m.

Topics: Cultural practices; genetics/production: How much of the yield potential can be fulfilled?; insect damage on corn; plant pathology; soil fertility; and IPM for successful weed management in corn

CCA Credits:  Eight credits have been approved. (1 – crop management; 2 – nutrition management; 4 – pest management, and 1 – soil and water management)

Visit the program website for more information or to register or contact Nebraska Extension CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033, 800-529-8030, email cdunbar2@unl.edu, or fax 402-624-8010.



Iowa’s Best Burger at Iowa State Fair
The 2019 Iowa’s Best Burger will be featured during the upcoming Iowa State Fair at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters on Friday, August 9. This year, Iowa’s Best Burger comes from Wood Iron Grille in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Wood Iron Grille will feature their signature burger, the Wood Iron Original Burger. This award-winning burger includes a hand-pattied beef burger consisting of a mixture of ground chuck and beef short ribs and features applewood smoked bacon, a sweet and tangy onion jalapeno jam and smoked cheddar cheese.

The Wood Iron Original Burger will be sold for $9 at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters and will be available to fair-goers for one-day-only starting at 10 a.m. on August 9 while supplies last.

“The Wood Iron Grille burger is very delicious and I think our customers will enjoy it,” states John Mortimer, Manager of the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters. “This will give fair-goers the chance to try the award-winning burger if they are unable to travel to the restaurant in Oskaloosa.”

The Iowa’s Best Burger Contest is hosted annually by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. Nearly 6,000 nominations for 500 restaurants were received between February 11 and March 11 this year. The winner was announced on May 1.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters is open daily during the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18, 2019. Breakfast is served from 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., lunch and dinner is served from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. More information can be found daily at www.cattlemensbeefquarters.com and on their Facebook page.



Iowa Corn Farmer-Leader Wayne Humphreys Elected to U.S. Grains Council Board

Delegates of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) elected Wayne Humphreys, a farmer from Columbus Junction, as a Corn Sector Director during their 59th Annual Board of Delegates meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday. Humphreys currently serves as the president of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB).

“As I take my place on the USGC Board, I am eager to learn and provide insights that will help build our global trade markets,” said Humphreys. “It is vital corn farmers have secure markets for corn in every form, especially during these trying times, and my goal is to help secure international markets. The fastest-growing segment for corn demand is the export of ethanol to international markets, and USGC has boots on the ground working towards making that happen.”

ICPB Director Duane Aistrope also sits on the USGC Board as an At-Large Director. Deb Keller has finished her position as Past-Chair for 2018-2019, and she will now retire from the board after serving for many years. “As a corn farmer, I always knew how important markets were, but until I became active with USGC I wasn’t aware of all the intricacies involved in enabling trade,” said Keller. “I’ve come to appreciate how much the Council does for me as a farmer, not only developing markets but also enabling trade for us as farmers. It truly has been an honor to represent other corn farmers by serving on the USGC Board,” she said. Keller is a past director of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and has served on Iowa Corn’s Exports & Grain Trade Committee.

During these difficult agricultural trade environments, USGC put new insight into emerging markets in India and Africa and focused on new opportunities for ethanol sales during the meeting. The Council’s delegate body heard from multiple speakers including the CEO of Edgewise Trade Advisers and a former USDA Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS) official Scott Sindelar. “There is a significant role the USGC can play in India. India’s leaders are intent to have the country be a leader on the global stage, and changes within the Indian government could help USGC programs build demand and enable change from within,” stated Sindelar at the meeting on Tuesday.



United States and European Union Sign Breakthrough Agreement on U.S. Beef Access to EU

The United States will be able to nearly triple its annual duty-free exports of beef to the European Union (EU) over the next seven years under a new agreement signed today at the White House.

American ranchers will be guaranteed a bigger share of Europe’s beef market, with annual duty-free exports expected to grow from $150 million to $420 million when the agreement is fully implemented.

“American ranchers produce the best beef in the world. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, this new agreement ensures that American ranchers can sell more of that beef to Europe,” said U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who signed the agreement with the Honorable Jani Raappana of Finland, representing the Presidency of the EU, and Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis of the Delegation of the EU.

The new agreement negotiated by the Trump Administration establishes a duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) exclusively for the United States. Under the agreement, American ranchers will have an initial TRQ of 18,500 metric tons annually, valued at approximately $220 million.  Over seven years, the TRQ will grow to 35,000 metric tons annually, valued at approximately $420 million.

Under the current agreement, U.S. duty-free beef exports to the EU are only approximately 13,000 metric tons annually, valued at approximately $150 million, and risked declines going forward.

Background
In 2016, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and the North American Meat Institute requested the U.S. Trade Representative to take tariff action under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to enforce the World Trade Organization dispute finding in favor of the United States against the EU’s ban on the use of hormones in cattle production. USTR held a public hearing on February 15, 2017. 

Negotiations resulted in a new agreement, which was approved by the European Council on July 15, 2019. It will go into effect following the European Parliament’s approval, which is expected this fall. With the EU providing a country specific duty-free quota for U.S. beef, the United States has agreed as a part of the agreement signed today to conclude the proceedings under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 initiated in December 2016.



NCBA Hails Increased Access to European Markets for U.S. Beef

Jennifer Houston, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), today joined President Trump and other NCBA officers at a White House signing ceremony for an agreement that will establish a duty-free quota for high-quality American beef in the European Union (EU).

Houston released the following statement after the event:
 “Today is a good day for America’s cattlemen and cattlewomen. President Trump and his trade team deserve a lot of credit for standing up for America’s cattle industry and securing this important market access to Europe. For many years it has been difficult for us to sell our high-quality U.S. beef to European consumers because of the restrictive tariff and non-tariff barriers, but the establishment of this 35,000 metric ton duty-free quota sends the signal to America’s cattle industry that Europe is ready for U.S. beef. All across America, our beef producers go to great lengths to raise safe and delicious beef products that are enjoyed by consumers around the world. It is exciting to know that European families will enjoy more of the delicious U.S. beef that we feed our families. And this would not have happened if it were not for the effort of President Trump and his trade team.”
 
BACKGROUND:
The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the signing of an agreement with the European Union to establish a duty-free quota for high-quality U.S. beef from non-hormone treated cattle. Once implemented, the annual quota will increase from 18,500 metric tons in year one to 35,000 metric tons in year seven. The country-specific quota will benefit U.S. beef producers who participate in USDA’s non-hormone treated cattle program that was established in 1999. USTR estimates that this quota will increase annual U.S. beef sales in Europe from $150 million to $420 million in year seven.



Fischer Statement on U.S.-EU Beef Trade Agreement

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a cattle-rancher and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced a beef trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union (EU):

“The Beef State welcomes the news of this new trade agreement between the U.S. and the EU. Nebraskans produce some of the most high-quality and delicious beef there is and this deal marks another opportunity for our families, communities, and businesses. I look forward to continuing to work with this administration on opening more markets for our state’s hardworking ag producers.”

The trade deal announced today will allow the U.S. to export 35,000 tons of hormone-free beef to the EU per year.



Ricketts Praises President Trump’s EU Agreement to Increase Beef Exports

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that President Donald J. Trump signed a new deal with the European Union (EU), which will increase beef exports from the United States to the EU.

“For years, we have been working to increase the amount of beef Nebraska exports to the European Union,” said Governor Ricketts.  “This agreement from President Trump presents a major growth opportunity for our state, and will help Nebraska build on our successes from the last 15 years.  As we seize this great opportunity, I look forward to taking our message about Nebraska beef on the road during my trade mission to Germany this November.”

In 2005, only five percent of the U.S. beef entering the EU came from Nebraska.  By, 2018, Nebraska’s share rose to 53%, and was valued at $124.3 million.  

President Trump’s new deal will allow the U.S. to almost triple the amount of beef it is currently exporting.  As the nation’s leader in commercial red meat production and a top three exporter of US beef, Nebraska agriculture stands to benefit greatly from the expansion of this marketplace.

In 2015, Governor Ricketts led a trade mission to the EU to promote Nebraska products.



Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding European Union Deal on U.S. Beef

“President Trump’s announcement that the European Union will grant increased access to the European markets for U.S. beef is great news for Nebraska beef producers. Quality beef is in high demand in the European Union, particularly in countries like Germany and Italy. Today’s action will only boost opportunities for Nebraska beef producers to fill these markets moving forward.”

“Under the deal, U.S. farmers will ultimately be entitled to nearly 80 percent of the European Union’s quota on hormone-free beef over the next seven years. The quota is the result of a long-standing dispute between the two countries that led to several dispute settlement proceedings with the World Trade Organization that stem back to the European Union’s decades old decision to ban hormone-treated meat, despite overwhelming scientific evidence the product is safe for consumers.”

“Hopefully, today’s deal is a positive step in building relations to secure a bilateral trade deal with the European Union to open even greater access for U.S. agriculture products. Nebraska shipments of beef and beef products to the European Union ranged from $120-$143 million over the last five years. That’s between 40-50 percent of total U.S. shipments. With the agriculture economy struggling and the recent difficulties in trade negotiations with China, it’s critical we continue to grow agriculture market opportunities where we can.”



Secretary Perdue Statement on U.S. and E.U. Beef Agreement

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after an agreement was signed between the United States and the European Union regarding beef trade between the two nations:

“Getting more US beef into the EU market is yet another example of President Trump expanding markets around the globe for our agriculture producers. EU consumers desire high quality products, and I have no doubt that when given the opportunity to purchase U.S. products we will see more Europeans choose to buy American. America’s farmers and ranchers are the most productive on earth and I thank President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer for their continued work to promote the bounty of the American harvest across the world.”



USMEF Statement on Signing of U.S.-EU Agreement on Access for U.S. Beef

Today at the White House, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer signed an agreement granting the United States a country-specific share of the European Union's duty-free high-quality beef quota. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom, who participated in the White House ceremony, issued the following statement:

This agreement provides more reliable and consistent access to the EU market and will be a tremendous boost for the U.S. beef industry. The agreement sends a very positive signal to customers in Europe who see a bright future for U.S. beef and to producers who are interested in expanding their non-hormone treated cattle (NHTC) business but have grown frustrated as they struggled to recover the additional production costs. USMEF greatly appreciates the tireless efforts of USTR and USDA to secure better access to this very high-value beef market.



2018 FARM PRODUCTION EXPENDITURES UP 7 PERCENT

Farm and ranch production expenditures for Nebraska totaled $24.2 billion in 2018, up 7 percent from a year earlier, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Livestock expenses, the largest expenditure category, at $8.09 billion, increased 28 percent from 2017. Feed, the next largest expense category at $3.10 billion, increased 3 percent from 2017. Rent, the third largest total expense category, at $2.44 billion, increased 2 percent from 2017.

Livestock expenses accounted for 33 percent of Nebraska's total production expenditures. Feed accounted for 13, rent 10, and farm services 8 percent.

The total expenditures per farm or ranch in Nebraska averaged $528,105 in 2018, up 8 percent from 2017. The Livestock expense category was the leading expenditure, at $176,253 per operation, 7.69 times the national average. Rent expenditures, at $53,159 per operation, were 3.73 times the national average. The average feed expenditure, at $67,538, was 2.54 times the national average. Farm services expenditures per operation, at $43,791, were 2.01 times the national average.

These results are based on data from Nebraska farmers and ranchers who participated in the Agricultural Resource Management Study conducted by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Producers were contacted in January through April to collect 2018 farm and ranch expenses.



2018 United States Total Farm Production Expenditure Highlights

Farm production expenditures in the United States are estimated at $354.0 billion for 2018, down from $357.8 billion in 2017. The 2018 total farm production expenditures are down 1.1 percent compared with 2017 total farm production expenditures. For the 17 line items, 7 showed an increase from previous year, while the rest showed a decrease.

The four largest expenditures at the United States level total $178.1 billion and account for 50.3 percent of total expenditures in 2018. These include feed, 15.2 percent, farm services, 12.5 percent, livestock, poultry and related expenses, 13.1 percent, and labor, 9.6 percent.

In 2018, the United States total farm expenditure average per farm is $175,169, down 0.4 percent from $175,935 in 2017. On average, United States farm operations spent $26,622 on feed, $22,911 on livestock, poultry and related expenses, $21,822 on farm services, and $16,775 on labor. For 2017, United States farms spent an average of $26,798 on feed, $21,193 on farm services, $20,455 on livestock, poultry, and related expenses, and $17,702 on labor.

Total fuel expense is $12.3 billion. Diesel, the largest sub component, is $8.1 billion, accounting for 65.9 percent. Diesel expenditures are up 8.0 percent from the previous year. Gasoline is $2.13 billion, down 3.2 percent. LP gas is $1.41 billion, up 0.7 percent. Other fuel is $660 million, down 17.5 percent.

The United States economic sales class contributing most to the 2018 United States total expenditures is the $1,000,000 - $4,999,999 class, with expenses of $113.3 billion, 32.0 percent of the United States total, down 2.2 percent from the 2017 level of $115.9 billion. The next highest is the $5,000,000 and Over class with $92.5 billion, up from $91.2 billion in 2017.

In 2018, crop farms expenditures decreased to $181.9 billion, down 1.5 percent, while livestock farms expenditures decreased to $172.1 billion, down 0.6 percent. The largest expenditures for crop farms are rent at $24.1 billion (13.2 percent of total), labor at $24.5 billon (13.5 percent), and farm services at $24.8 billion (13.6 percent). Combined crop inputs (chemicals, fertilizers, and seeds) are $53.2 billion, accounting for 29.2 percent of crop farms total expenses. The largest expenditures for livestock farms are feed at $52.3 billion (30.4 percent of total), livestock, poultry and related expenses at $44.2 billion (25.7 percent), and farm services at $19.3 billion (11.2 percent). Together, these line items account for 67.3 percent of livestock farms total expenses. The average total expenditure for a crop farm is $208,026 compared to $150,108 per livestock farm.

The Midwest region contributed the most to United States total expenditures with expenses of $104.7 billion (29.6 percent), down from $107.8 billion in 2017. Other regions, ranked by total expenditures, are the Plains at $91.7 billion (25.9 percent), West at $76.2 billion (21.5 percent), Atlantic at $45.0 billion (12.7 percent), and South at $36.3 billion (10.3 percent). The Midwest decreased $3.1 billion from 2017, which is the largest regional decrease.

Combined total expenditures for the 15 estimate states is $232.8 billion in 2018 (65.8 percent of the United States total expenditures) and $236.0 billion in 2017 (65.9 percent). California contributed most to the 2018 United States total expenditures, with expenses of $36.8 billion, (10.4 percent). California expenditures are down 2.7 percent from the 2017 estimate of $37.8 billion. Iowa, the next leading state, has $25.3 billion in expenses, (7.2 percent). Other states with more than $20 billion in total expenditures are Texas with $25.1 billion and Nebraska with $24.2 billion.



Ernst Calls for Rollback of Obama-era WOTUS Rule to Be Codified Into Law

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced legislation to codify into law the Trump Administration’s rollback of the Obama-era “Waters of the United States,” or “WOTUS,” rule.

“The Obama-era WOTUS rule threatened Iowa’s farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses by giving the federal government authority to regulate water on 97 percent of land in our state,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “President Trump and his administration have taken tremendous steps to roll back this overreaching regulation and provide for more certainty with a new, clearer definition of WOTUS. But it’s the job of Congress to make a new, reasonable definition permanent, and that’s what this bill does—it ensures more predictability and workability for Iowans for years to come.”

In late 2018, the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule to replace the Obama Administration’s 2015 WOTUS rule. The Define WOTUS Act would codify a definition of “Waters of the United States” and reassert Congressional responsibility to define this important term. The definition in the Define WOTUS Act also makes substantial improvements over various administrative attempts to define the term by clearly outlining what is, and is not, a federally regulated waterway.

Senator Ernst introduced the bill with Senator Mike Braun (R-IN).

Background
Like EPA’s rule, the Define WOTUS Act provides much greater certainty to American farmers, workers, businesses and landowners. It gives landowners clear guidelines by which they can go out on their land and clearly determine what is regulated by the EPA and what is not. Because Congress is not restricted by various rulemaking statutes, the Define WOTUS Act provides a clearer definition with more obvious safeguards to protect against a runaway bureaucracy.



NCBA Applauds Introduction of the Define WOTUS Act

National Cattlemen's Beef Association Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Colin Woodall today released the following statement in response to the introduction of the Define WOTUS Act by U.S. Sens. Mike Braun of Indiana and Joni Ernst of Iowa:

"America’s cattle producers welcome the introduction of the Define WOTUS Act. The Trump Administration is working hard to repeal and replace the illegally broad 2015 WOTUS Rule, but finalization of a practical WOTUS definition is only the beginning. EPA will spend years proving what the Senate made clear today: Congress intends the management of America’s waters to be accomplished through cooperative federalism. NCBA appreciates the leadership or Senators Ernst and Braun, and additionally appreciates the Define WOTUS Act’s inclusion of NCBA’s science-based proposal of 185 flow days per year for determining federal jurisdiction."



ASA Now Accepting Applications for the Conservation Legacy Awards

Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award. The awards recognize farm management practices of U.S. soybean farmers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable.

Are you using a reduced tillage practice on your farm? Do you grow cover crops? Have you taken steps to improve energy efficiency or water quality? These are just a few conservation practices used on some farms today that can help produce sustainable U.S. soybeans. Different regions of the country have their own unique challenges and ways to approach conservation and sustainability. We want to hear your farm’s conservation story!

All U.S. soybean farmers are eligible to enter to win a Conservation Legacy Award. Entries are judged on soil management, water management, input management, conservation, environmental management and sustainability.

The selection process for these awards is divided into four regions – the Midwest, Upper Midwest, the Northeast and the South. One farmer from each of these regions will be recognized at the 2020 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, and one of these farmers will be named the National Conservation Legacy Award recipient.

Award Winners Receive:
-    An expense paid trip for two to Commodity Classic, Feb. 27-29, 2020, in San Antonio, Texas.
-    A feature story and video featuring the award winner’s farm and conservation practices.
-    Potential opportunity for the national winner to join other farmer-leaders on an international trip to visit U.S. soy customers overseas.

The Conservation Legacy Awards are sponsored by the American Soybean Association (ASA), BASF, Bayer, the United Soybean Board/soybean checkoff and Valent U.S.A.

More information on past winners of the award and how to submit your application is available in the “About” section under “Awards” on the ASA website https://soygrowers.com/about/awards/conservation-legacy/. All applications must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 13, 2019.



U.S. Ethanol Exports Surge in June while Imports Return; Distillers Grains Exports Remain RobustAnn Lewis, Renewable Fuels Assoc. Research Analyst
   
U.S. ethanol exports increased to 128.4 million gallons (mg) in June, according to data issued by the government and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). This was a 29% jump from May.

Canada was the top destination for the second consecutive month, with a 28% increase in sales at 29.5 mg of ethanol. Shipments to Brazil nearly tripled in June to 28.0 mg, up 164% after sales plummeted 74% in May. India was the third-largest destination at 21.9 mg, a 52% gain over the prior month. Other top importers of American ethanol included South Korea (6.8 mg, down 24%), Colombia (6.8 mg, down 25%), Oman (6.3 mg), and Peru (6.1 mg). Total exports for the first half of the year stand at 759.9 mg—19% lower than the first six months of 2018. This implies an annualized export volume of 1.52 billion gallons which, if realized, would be the second-largest volume on record.

June shipments of U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol were 64.0 mg, a gain of 31% following a drop in May. Sales to our two largest customers, Brazil (25.6 mg, up 15 mg) and India (18.9 mg, up 4.5 mg), improved by an average of 78% in June and accounted for 70% of our global market for undenatured fuel. Other key destinations were Spain (5.8 mg) and Mexico (3.5 mg).

U.S. exports of denatured fuel ethanol experienced a 16% upturn in June at 53.5 mg. This includes a 30% bump in sales to Canada at 28.1 mg, which accounted for half of American product exported. Oman (6.3 mg), Peru (6.1 mg), and Colombia (6.0 mg) were other major markets.

U.S. sales of ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes rallied in June as 10.9 mg entered the global marketplace, over 6 mg above May volumes. U.S. shippers exported 7.1 mg of undenatured product, with the bulk distributed to Brazil (2.4 mg), Saudi Arabia (2.1 mg), South Korea, Colombia, and Canada. India (3.0 mg) sourced most exported denatured product for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes.

The U.S. imported 24.0 mg of undenatured fuel ethanol from Brazil in June. This was the largest monthly volume of foreign ethanol to enter the U.S. since Aug. 2018. Total imports for the first half of the year stand at 47.9 mg, compared to 1.6 mg the first six months of 2018. This implies an annualized import volume of 95.7 mg for 2019 which, if realized, would represent the largest volume in six years.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, pared back 6% to 962,592 metric tons (mt) in June after experiencing a jump the prior month. Mexico was again the top customer despite a 29% decline in sales, purchasing 162,887 mt. DDGS exports to Vietnam shot 37% higher to a seven-month high of 125,523 mt. Other key customers were South Korea (114,564 mt, up 4%), Indonesia (82,334 mt, up 10%), Canada (71,384 mt, up 20%), and Turkey (71,326 mt, down 39%). Shipments to these six top markets represented two-thirds of all global sales, with remaining volumes distributed among another 30 countries. U.S. distillers grains exports for the first half of 2019 stand at 5.35 million mt—5% lower than the first six months of 2018. This implies an annualized export volume of 10.70 million mt.



VanderGriend Elected to Growth Energy Board of Directors

Growth Energy today announced that Nathan VanderGriend has been elected to the organization’s board of directors. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement, welcoming VanderGriend to the board:

“We welcome Nathan as the newest member of our board of directors,” Skor said. “Nathan brings a unique perspective to the table, with years of industry experience and dedication that will prove to be invaluable as we continue to build a brighter future for American biofuels. I look forward to working with Nathan as he joins this esteemed group of leaders for Growth Energy.”

“In the eight years I’ve been a member of Growth Energy, I have seen first-hand the level of commitment, desire, and unwavering determination Growth Energy embodies as it leads this industry into the future,” said VanderGriend. “From pushing our industry’s legislative priorities and protecting the RFS in Congress, to securing market growth through year-round E15 and Prime the Pump, Growth Energy has led the charge. I am proud to be joining the Growth Energy Board and look forward to championing the strategies that create better markets and more opportunities for my customers.”

Nathan VanderGriend is the President and CEO of ERI Solutions Inc., which provides environmental, health and safety (EH&S), non-destructive testing (NDT), sustainability, and risk control solutions for a range of industries, including the biofuels industry.  In addition to this role, VanderGriend oversees Paragon NDT, LLC, a full-service non-destructive testing and inspection company, manages and serves on the board of ERM SPC, Ltd., a captive reinsurance company, and serves on the board of Mission Haiti, a non-profit service organization focused on improving the lives of the people of Haiti. Prior to assuming his current position, VanderGriend served as ERI Solutions Inc.’s Vice President of Client Relations.

Growth Energy’s board of directors represents the most diverse set of leaders in the biofuels industry and includes producers large and small, advocacy experts, agricultural leaders, and a NASCAR team owner.



Bankruptcy Bill Will Help More Family Farmers Access Relief

The U.S. Senate yesterday passed the Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019, a bill that will expand family farmers' access to relief under Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy rules by increasing the debt limit from $4.2 million to $10 million. The bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives last week, now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature.

National Farmers Union (NFU) endorsed the legislation when it was first introduced in April, as it would help more family farmers avoid liquidation or foreclosure. NFU President Roger Johnson released the following statement in response to its passage:

“Chronic overproduction, an ongoing international trade war, and a series of extreme weather events have created a perfect storm for the farm economy. Farm debt is at a record high, and too many operations have been pushed to the brink financially. The Family Farmer Relief Act will help more family farmers access Chapter 12 relief, giving them a fighting chance to stay in business. We applaud Congress for passing this important legislation, and we urge President Trump to swiftly enact it into law.”