Friday December 13 Ag News

Forward Together the Theme of 4th Annual Grower’s Gala

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation held its fourth annual Grower’s Gala on Dec. 9, during the 2019 Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Convention. The evening included a dinner sponsored by Farm Bureau Bank, a live auction, and entertainment by the Bobby Layne Orchestra.

Lancaster County Farm Bureau sponsored the annual “deck of cards” raffle, and Andy DeVries of Keith County Farm Bureau was the lucky winner of a Browning Citori CX White Shotgun.

“This year, the Grower’s Gala provided an opportunity to pause and reflect on the historic storm and flood damage of 2019 as well as the inspiring generosity and resilience that followed. While many are still working on clean-up and rebuilding, it was nice to recognize the progress and continued support of farm and ranch families,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director.

Thanks to the generosity of donor Charles W. Herbster of Falls City, Neb., a matching gift doubled the first $25,000 raised at the Grower’s Gala. Totals for the evening topped $63,000 to support the Foundation’s programs including Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom, the Ag Pen Pal program, scholarships and awards, and consumer engagement efforts.

“At a time when so many rural Nebraskans are hurting, the mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation – to create a Nebraska where all value the contributions of agriculture– is more important than ever. The support shown at the Grower’s Gala reinforces the strength we have when we move forward together,” said Schafer.

Special thanks to auctioneer Rick Shoemaker of Huss Livestock Market, LLC, and the following live auction and raffle donors: County Farm Bureaus: Antelope, Blaine, Box Butte, Brown, Buffalo, Burt, Cedar, Cheyenne, Colfax, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dixon, Douglas, Garfield, Hall, Hitchcock, Holt, Keith, Keya Paha, Knox, Lancaster, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, Madison, McPherson, Pierce, Red Willow, Rock, Sheridan, Stanton, Thayer, Thomas, Thurston, Wayne, and Wheeler. Nebraska Farm Bureau member benefit partners: AgriVision Equipment Group - Pender, Case IH Agriculture, Certified Piedmontese Beef, Farm Bureau Bank, Grainger Industrial Supply, John Deere, Nebraska Star Beef, and Plains Equipment Group - North Platte. Additional supporters: 40 North, Amigo’s, Ashley Spitsnogle Artworks, Aurora Cooperative, Steve Benzel, Courtyard Marriott-Lincoln, Craft Axe Throwing, DEKALB, David Endorf, Fonner Park, Graduate Hotel, Tina Henderson, Autumn Jacobs, Terry and Shelley Keebler, Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln Escape Room, Lincoln Residence Inn, Livewire Fence Supply, Jake Miller, Steve and Elma Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau, PepperJax Grill, Ramada Inn Midtown-Grand Island, The Rabbit Hole Bakery, Jay Rempe, Rob Robertson, Jerry and Patty Shorney, and T&H Meat Co.



Nebraska Cattlemen Discuss and Develop Policy During Annual Convention & Trade Show

Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) hosted the Annual Convention and Trade Show in Kearney on December 4th – 6th, 2019. Just shy of 600 cattlemen and women walked the hallways of the Younes Convention Center those few days. Mingling with colleagues, networking and attending council and committee meetings the week was full of opportunity.

Among all the commotion and events happening, convention is the time for members to bring up policy they are passionate about. During the committee meetings members discuss current issues and look towards the future in developing policy that NC will stand behind for the betterment of the industry.

Animal Health and Nutrition
The Animal Health and Nutrition committee heard from Mike Drinnin and Dr. Jeff Fox on the development of a Secure Beef Supply plan. All producers are encouraged to develop their own plans to ensure the movement of cattle following a catastrophic event. The Department of Ag is helping NC facilitate the process. Members in attendance were then briefed on LB 344, a legislative bill that revises disease statues in one complete act. Director Wellman explained the intent to pull it all together in one place and answered questions regarding the bill. Dr. Dennis Hughes, State Veterinarian reported on hot disease issues around the state and the response his team performs.

Brand and Property Rights
The Brand and Property Rights Committee heard from Chairman of the Nebraska Brand Committee (NBC), John Widdowson, on how NBC is progressing in implementation of the electronic programs developed to replace the paper-based system. Attendee’s then heard from a panel on how differing segments of the cattle industry in Nebraska view brand inspection. Panel speakers included: Pete Lapaseotes, represented the point of view of a registered feedlot and a producer who does not brand his calves or yearlings while inside the brand inspection area; Craig Uden, represented the point of view of registered feedlot and a producer who runs cows and calves inside the brand inspection area; and Frank Utter, a cow calf producer who brands his calves inside the brand inspection area and a former intermittent brand inspector. Policy was also reviewed during the committee meeting. There was significant discussion regarding the continuation of brand inspection, brand recording and brand investigation duties of the Nebraska Brand Committee.

Education and Research
Post-Secondary Institutions gave updates during the Education and Research committee meeting. Mike Roeber, Northeast Community College, Norfolk gave an update on their expansion. Doug Smith, NCTA, Curtis shared about their recruitment efforts and Mark Goes, Southeast Community College, Beatrice discussed their schedule changes.

Marketing and Commerce
Informational updates were provided on USDA’s Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) price and volume reporting program, the work of NC’s Dealer Trust Task Force, and cattle and beef market reactions following the August 9, 2019, fire at Tyson’s Holcomb, Kansas beef harvest plant. In addition to review and renewal of all 2017 vintage NC Marketing and Commerce Committee resolutions and policy statements, new resolutions were adopted by the Committee. The new pieces of policy supported regulatory or legislative mechanisms specifically defining “beef” as only including products derived from cattle production; encouraged the use of USDA-APHIS approved electronic ID methods for disease traceability and surveillance and helping add value; and supported an increase in CME Live Cattle spot month position limits, commensurate with increases in deliverable supply resulting from the addition of new physical delivery points in recent years.

Natural Resources & Environment
The natural resources and environment committee focused discussions on resources needed to ensure all sizes of cattle feeding operations can remain profitable while implementing controls needed to help protect natural resources. The committee also learned about efforts to help protect Nebraska’s remaining prairie from invasive cedar trees. The committee rounded off with policy discussion focused on property owners water rights and protecting the rights of farmers and ranchers in Nebraska to expand the livestock sector.

Taxation
Revenue Committee Chair Lou Ann Linehan presented her 2020 legislative plan for property tax relief. Additionally, Scott Peterson, NCBA Vice-Chair for Tax & Credit, and Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO discussed ongoing efforts related to federal tax reform. New policy includes strong support for preserving stepped-up basis, which is a critical tool to meet cattle producers’ unique needs for protecting assets for future generations.

Nebraska Cattlemen encourages members to attend annual convention and other meetings throughout the year to voice their sentiments during policy discussion. Policy is NC’s guidebook when combating for our members on the state and federal issues level.



U.S. Beef Integrity

The Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska have joined dozens of groups across the country in urging the U.S. Senate to strengthen a bill prohibiting "Product of the USA" labels to be used on imported beef.

Although the bill addresses a real problem – that imported beef can be labeled as a product of the USA -- it falls short of what is needed, ICON President Jim Dinklage said.

The bill (SB 2744, The U.S. Beef Integrity Act, sponsored by Sen. John Thune and Mike Rounds of South Dakota) addresses only beef. Currently, chicken and lamb must have a country of origin label, and it would be less confusing for consumers, and best for American cattleman, if beef and pork are reinstated under the country of origin labeling (COOL) system that is already in place for the other meats.

ICON and all the other groups call for reinstatement of mandatory country of origin labeling for both beef and pork.

Without mandatory COOL, USA cattle and hog producers have no assurance that the meat they produce will ever have proper labels for consumers to see in grocery stores. But with mandatory COOL,USA beef and pork producers can truthfully promote their meat as it is -- exclusively born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States.

Stopping foreign-raised products from being deceptively labeled as "Product of USA," is a proper step, but does not address the serious problem, Dinklage said.



Ricketts Comments on Finalization of “Phase One” China Deal

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that President Donald J. Trump had achieved a “Phase One” agreement on trade with China.

“President Trump’s relentless focus on right-sizing our trade relationship with China is critically important for Nebraska.  Since 2012, China’s imports from Nebraska have declined.  Nebraskans would like to see more consistent trade, and a Phase One agreement creates the opportunity for that to happen.  The U.S. must stay the course on addressing remaining priorities in our national interest in Phase Two.”



NCBA Welcomes First Phase In U.S./China Trade Deal

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall issued the following statement regarding today's announcement that the U.S. and China have agreed to a phase one trade deal:

“The announcement of a phase one deal with China is welcome news for the U.S. beef industry. While we wait to learn more about the details of the agreement, we are optimistic that this positive news will bring long lasting relief to farmers and ranchers who have been targeted with China’s retaliatory tariffs for many months.” said Woodall. “While tariffs grab most of the headlines, China’s unjustifiable non-tariff barriers and restrictions on science-based production technologies must be addressed so that Chinese consumers can enjoy the same high-quality, safe and sustainably-produced U.S. beef that Americans have enjoyed for decades. We encourage the Trump Administration to keep working with China to establish meaningful market access and rules of trade based on market demand and science, most importantly. This is an important step forward and something that both countries must build on for our mutual prosperity. “



USMEF Statement on U.S.-China Phase One Trade Deal

Today the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that the United States and China have reached a "Phase One" trade deal. More details are in this USTR press release.  U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

China is the world's largest and fastest-growing destination for imported red meat, and the U.S. industry is excited about the prospects for expanded opportunities in China. We look forward to learning more details about this Phase One agreement.

U.S. pork and beef products have been subject to burdensome retaliatory duties in China since 2018, and this has made it very difficult for the U.S. industry to capitalize on China's rapidly growing need for high-quality proteins. But long before retaliatory duties entered the picture, non-tariff barriers were a major, persistent obstacle for U.S. exporters looking to expand their business in China. USMEF thanks the Trump administration for bringing these issues to the forefront in an effort to persuade China to follow international standards for red meat trade.



U.S. Farmers Eager to Return to Global Competitiveness
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“America’s farmers and ranchers are eager to get back to business globally.  Progress restoring our ability to be competitive in China is a key component of that and this development is welcome news. We appreciate the administration’s initiative and look forward to further progress toward resolving this trade battle.

China went from the second-largest market for U.S. agricultural products to the fifth-largest since the trade war began. Reopening the door to trade with China and others is key to helping farmers and ranchers get back on their feet. Farmers would much rather farm for the marketplace and not have to rely on government trade aid, so today’s news is especially welcome.

We are eager to learn the details of China’s commitment to purchase more agricultural products. American agriculture has been caught in the trade war crosshairs and it’s time to turn the page. We encourage the administration to continue building on today’s announced progress and aggressively pursue a full trade agreement with China and other partners around the world.”



Wheat Organizations Encouraged by Progress on Phase One Deal with China

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are encouraged by news today that the United States and China have agreed on the text of a “Phase One” trade deal that apparently would roll back tariffs and re-open China’s important market for U.S. agricultural imports.

Earlier this year, China agreed to new policies related to new agricultural tariff rate quotas (TRQ), including a 9.6 million metric ton reduced tariff TRQ for wheat imports. China had imported as much as 1.65 million metric tons of U.S. wheat in marketing year 2016/17 and an additional 866,000 metric tons in 2017/18 before implementing retaliatory tariffs in March 2018. We also believe that China’s flour millers and growing baking industry would welcome the opportunity to purchase high-quality U.S. wheat classes again.

We want to thank the negotiators in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for their dedicated effort and we look forward to learning more details about the agreement.



State Fleet to be Fueled by Biodiesel in Iowa

The State of Iowa leads the way in biodiesel production, producing 365 million gallons of the homegrown fuel last year. Now, thanks to an executive order signed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, the state is showing its commitment to building domestic demand and using the fuel, too.

Gov. Reynolds today signed an executive order requiring state agencies to purchase diesel engines and vehicles with manufacturer support for at least a 20% blend of biodiesel (B20).

"Iowa is the nation's leading producer of biodiesel and should also be a leader in ensuring biodiesel manufacturers support biodiesel blends, thereby furthering Iowa's economy, environmental sustainability and value-added agriculture," Reynolds said before signing the order at Iowa Farm Bureau's annual meeting in Des Moines.

Iowa's 11 biodiesel plants produced 365 million gallons in 2018, up 20% from the year before.

The governor's reading of the executive order, her fifth since taking office in May 2017, was welcome news to Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) President Tim Bardole.

"Anything to increase the use of biodiesel is positive for agriculture," the Rippey farmer said. He and his family have been using biodiesel for nearly 20 years on their farm.

"The product is good for the engine and good for the environment," Bardole said, referring to the cleaner-burning properties of the fuel.

Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board and senior director of market development for ISA, said Reynolds' executive order shows a commitment to biodiesel usage.

"It's great the state is taking a leadership role in promoting and using higher blends of biodiesel like B20," Kimberley said. "It sets a great example and provides confidence for other diesel users to follow suit."

It also supports farmers like Bardole, a fifth-generation farmer.

"As tight as the margins are and as tough as the soybean market has been, it would have been even worse without the 65-cents-a-bushel support from biodiesel production," he said.

Reynolds said the value of biodiesel and ethanol have been proven time and time again. The fuels have reduced dependence on foreign oil, lowered prices at the pump, provided a cleaner-burning fuel, created a reliable market for corn and soybeans, and support high-quality jobs in the state and in the nation.

"It's my hope that by instituting this executive order in Iowa, it will inspire other governors to consider making biofuels a priority in their states as well," Reynolds said.



Commercial Manure Applicator Training Scheduled for Jan. 8

Commercial manure applicators can attend annual training to meet commercial manure applicator certification requirements Jan. 8, 2020.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct Commercial Manure Applicator training from 9 a.m. to noon at 73 locations in Iowa, including these counties - Carroll, Harrison, Ida, Plymouth, Shelby, & Sioux. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. There is no fee for the workshop, but applicators must register by Dec. 27 with the ISU Extension and Outreach county office where they plan to attend. A complete list of workshop locations can be found at http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/certification/macprogrampostcard.pdf.

Commercial manure applicators needing to recertify and those wanting to certify for the first time should attend. All currently certified commercial manure applicator licenses will expire on March 1, 2020. Those wanting to renew must complete training requirements and submit forms and fees to the DNR prior to March 1, to avoid paying late fees. The law requires all commercial manure applicators to attend three hours of training annually to meet certification requirements.  Businesses that primarily truck or haul manure of any type or from any source are also required to meet certification requirements.

Those unable to attend the program on Jan. 8 need to schedule time with their ISU Extension and Outreach county office to watch the training Blu-rays. Due to scheduling conflicts, many extension offices will no longer accept walk-in appointments to watch these Blu-rays but do offer scheduled dates and times to provide this training.

If you can’t attend training during one of the scheduled reshow dates at your county extension office, you will be charged a $10 fee to view the training at your convenience. If attending the workshops or watching the three-hour Blu-rays is not convenient, commercial applicators may contact their local DNR field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam.

Another option for commercial manure applicators is to take their training online at DNR MAC eLearning site at https://elearning-dnr.iowa.gov/. The applicator will need to sign in and get an A&A account.

In addition to the commercial manure applicator training offered on Jan. 8, ISU Extension and Outreach will also offer six dry/solid manure workshops for commercial manure applicators in February 2020. Information regarding these workshops and locations is also contained in the link to the brochure listed above. Program requirements are the same as the regular commercial training program, but this training program is geared more toward dry/solid manure issues. 

If you have questions about the commercial manure applicator certification program, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or go to http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/mac.html.



ISU Confinement Site Manure Applicator Workshops Scheduled for 2020

Confinement site manure applicators and anyone interested in learning about manure issues should plan to attend a two-hour workshop offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in January or February. These workshops are offered in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. There is no fee to attend, but applicators will need to pay certification fees to complete certification requirements.

“Iowa law requires confinement site manure applicators to attend two hours of continuing education each year of their three-year certification period or take and pass an exam once every three years,” said Dan Andersen, assistant professor, ISU Ag and Biosystems Engineering and coordinator of the manure applicator certification program.

A total of 62 counties will participate in the confinement site manure applicator workshops. In addition, a series of six dry/solid manure applicator certification meetings will be held in February. ISU Extension and Outreach county offices have a complete list of workshop dates and locations, which include:
  - Shelby County Extension Office, Harlan, Feb 4 - 1:30pm
  - Holstein Community Center, Holstein, Feb 12 - 9:30am
  - Western IA Research Farm, Castana, Feb 21 - 1:30pm
  - Plymoth County Extension Office, LeMars, Feb 26 - 9:30am

The workshops serve as initial certification for those applicators who are not currently certified, recertification for those renewing licenses and continuing education for those applicators in their second or third year of their license.

Due to uniform certification deadlines, applicators are encouraged to attend workshops prior to March 1, to avoid being assessed a late fee of $12.50 for those who are re-certifying. Those unable to attend one of the workshops need to schedule time with their extension county office to watch the training video. Due to scheduling conflicts, many extension offices will no longer accept walk-in appointments to watch these videos but do offer scheduled dates and times to provide this training.

If you can’t attend training during one of the scheduled reshow dates at your county extension office, you will be charged a $10 fee to view the training at your convenience. If attending the workshops or watching the two-hour training video is not convenient, confinement site manure applicators may contact their local DNR field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam to meet certification requirements.

Applicators also have an online certification option, in which an applicator can take the training online at the DNR MAC eLearning site, https://elearning-dnr.iowa.gov/. The applicator will need to sign in and get an A&A account.

Contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office for more information about the Manure Applicator Certification Program, or visit http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/mac.html.



Iowa Chef Competition Showcases Beef and Soy Sharing the Plate

Restaurants are an important and valuable partner to the beef community. Their focus on providing quality dishes that appeal to consumers at an affordable price keeps our customers coming back for future pleasurable eating experiences. With the help of restaurants, Iowa’s beef farmers are dedicated to making delicious-tasting beef not only desirable, but attainable and worth repeating often.

This fall the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) partnered with the Iowa Restaurant Association (IRA) and The Soyfoods Council to host a two-part, state-wide, culinary competition that challenges competing chefs from across Iowa to create an entrée featuring a Beef Sirloin Ball Tip Steak and a soy-based side dish or sauce. A team of professional judges visited each restaurant to evaluate the dishes. Before a Celebratory Gala, held in conjunction with the Iowa Hospitality Expo at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on November 18, the 8 chefs showcased their competition creations in sample portions. Hundreds of event attendees then voted for a People’s Choice winner.

“These award-winning creations highlighted the exceptional culinary talent of Iowa’s chef community,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “We love the message combining beef and soy in a competition sends. There is room for both on the same plate, they are complements, not competitors. The variety of this year’s entries and flavors also exemplify the adaptability of these Iowa-based products to any style of cuisine. We expect to see many of these competition dishes on menus this year.”

This year's winners were:
    First Place - Matt Drennan, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, West Des Moines
    Runner-up - Alex Beltran, Rathbun Grill at Honey Creek Resort
    Third Place - Nick Marino, Park Street Kitchen + Bar, Downtown Hilton DSM
    People's Choice - Anthony Nace, Blu Toro Cantina, West Des Moines

Learn more about a few of this year’s competitors by visiting www.desmoinesfoodster.com.



Sorghum Checkoff Board Directors Sworn in, Officers Elected

Five Sorghum Checkoff board directors were sworn in during the December 2019 board meeting in Lubbock, Texas.

Returning to the board is Kent Martin of Carmen, Oklahoma. Newly appointed to the board are James Haase of Eads, Colorado; Jeffry D. Zortman of Fowler, Kansas; Kendall Hodgson of Little River, Kansas; and Joshua Birdwell of Malone, Texas.

The newly sworn in board members were appointed by the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in August and will serve a three-year term.

"We are pleased to welcome both the new and returning directors to the Sorghum Checkoff," said Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director Florentino Lopez. "The board of directors provides leadership and vision for our efforts to increase shared value, enhance opportunity for producer profitability and advance demand for sorghum producers."

New leadership was also elected during the December board meeting. Craig Poore of Alton, Kansas, will serve as chairman, Kent Martin of Carmen, Oklahoma, as vice chairman, Boyd Funk of Garden City, Kansas, as treasurer and Jim Massey of Robstown, Texas, as secretary.

"The opportunity to serve at the helm of this organization is an honor, and I would like to thank outgoing Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri from New Mexico for her leadership the past two years," Poore said."As we step into these leadership roles, we know the great responsibility we have to all producers and this industry and look forward to carrying out the strategic goals established by the board of directors."

Martin Kerschen of Garden Plain, Kansas; Clayton Short of Assaria, Kansas; and Daniel Krienke of Perryton, Texas, completed their terms as board directors. The exiting board directors were honored for their service to the Sorghum Checkoff at a ceremony on Dec. 11.

"We extend our deepest appreciation to Martin, Clayton and Daniel for their many years of service on the board," said Sorghum Checkoff CEO Tim Lust. "Their countless hours of dedication and hard work will continue to generate results into the future for sorghum farmers and this industry."