Monday December 2 Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending December 1, 2019, there were 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 2 percent very short, 13 short, 82 adequate, and 3 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 2 percent very short, 11 short, 84 adequate, and 3 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn harvested was 96 percent, near 99 for both last year and the five-year average.

Winter wheat condition rated 2 percent very poor, 4 poor, 26 fair, 49 good, and 19 excellent.

Sorghum harvested was 97 percent, near 99 both last year and average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 24 fair, 60 good, and 11 excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

Rain and snow suspended harvest activity and limited other fieldwork across much of Iowa as farmers were held to 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending December 1, 2019, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Wet conditions have producers inching toward the finish line as the 2019 harvest nears completion.

Ninety-two percent of the corn for grain crop has been harvested, 11 days behind last year and 2 weeks behind the 5-year average. Producers in the Northeast and South Central Districts had greater than 15 percent of their crop left to be harvested while all others had 10 percent or less remaining. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was at 19 percent.

Livestock producers have been feeding hay and grazing cattle on corn stalks. Muddy conditions and snow covered fields have been unsuitable for making bedding for overwintering livestock.



11% of US Corn, 4% of US Soybeans Still in Fields

U.S. farmers made little headway in wrapping up the 2019 row-crop harvest last week, as two major winter storm systems hit wide swaths of the country at midweek and at the end of the week.

Nationwide, the corn harvest inched ahead only 5 percentage points last week to reach 89% complete as of Sunday, Dec. 1, 9 percentage points behind the five-year average of 98%.

Soybean harvest also slowed to a near standstill last week, moving ahead only 2 percentage points to reach 96% as of Sunday and remaining 3 percentage points behind the five-year average of 99%.

NASS said in its report Monday that it will give another update on U.S. corn and cotton harvest progress next Monday, Dec. 9.



AFAN: Nebraska’s Livestock Industry Is Poised for Growth

Nebraska’s livestock industry is poised for growth.

That was a recurrent theme at the annual meeting of the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture (AFAN) and We Support Agriculture (WSA) on November 25th in Lincoln.

AFAN Executive Director Steve Martin said the huge Costco/Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) project in eastern Nebraska has created positive momentum for future growth of the industry.

“There’s a lot going on,” Martin said. “There’s growth in the swine industry. There’s growth in poultry. There’s a lot of interest from outside companies—and if we can bring that outside investment into the state, it drives demand for our crops and provides jobs for people. Those are really good things that we can do.”

With the Costco/LPP project nearing completion, Martin said AFAN will be focusing on other opportunities, such as recruiting additional poultry and beef producers.

Will Keech, Livestock Development Director with AFAN, said the Costco/LPP project “has really put Nebraska on the map in terms of the poultry industry, as well as the greater protein processing sector in the U.S.”

“It really gives us the opportunity to reach out to communities, to companies, and to leaders throughout the state to promote the economic benefit that has been brought here because of this project,” Keech said. “Our goal is to hopefully lay the groundwork for that grassroots network that we need for potential future poultry or other protein processing projects, of similar scale and capacity to Costco.”

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts also addressed the group. Ricketts said the Costco/LPP project is a great example of growing value-added agriculture in the state.

“That plant represents a $450 million investment,” he said. “It has created about a thousand jobs in Fremont. It is also giving the opportunity to about 100 farm families to be able to produce those chickens for that factory. Those farm families then can help build equity, diversify their revenue stream and, importantly, bring young people back into the business.

Ricketts pointed out that the Costco project will use the equivalent of 2,000 acres of corn and 2,000 acres of beans every week.

“This is what it means to have that value-added agriculture here in our state. We think this is going to have a $1.2 billion impact.”

Another highlight of the AFAN/WSA annual meeting was a presentation on gene editing by Jana McGuire with the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). She said it’s important to communicate about gene editing in a way that connects with consumers, “avoiding the negative perceptions that developed around the term “genetic modification.”

“One of the reasons we started the coalition is to help communicate with the public about these technologies right off the bat,” she said, “so they understand the promise of gene-editing—what it can do and what it can’t do—and just make those connections with people so they have a good understanding as the technology is introduced.”

An interactive afternoon “Engage Training” session was open to those wanting to know more about how to communicate effectively to the public about the positive impact gene editing makes on agriculture, as well as on human health. The session was well attended.

The meeting concluded with the recognition of Russ, Angela and Cheyenne Sundstrom, owners of the Broken Box Ranch in Moorefield. They received of the 2019 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award, sponsored by the Sand County Foundation with support from AFAN, Nebraska Cattlemen, Cargill, and The Nebraska Environmental Trust.

AFAN’s annual meeting was sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board and the Nebraska Corn Board.



Save the Date for the Nebraska On-Farm Research Annual Results Meetings

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network's Annual Results Updates are scheduled for February 2020 at 6 locations across the state!  Lunch will be served at all locations.

Beatrice — Feb. 18 at the Holiday Inn Express; check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST.

near Mead— Feb. 19 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center; check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program running from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST

Norfolk — Feb. 20 at Madison County Extension Office; check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST.

Kearney — Feb. 26 at the Buffalo County Extension Office; check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST.

Alliance — Feb. 27 at the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center, 908 Yellowstone Ave.; check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST.

York — Feb. 28 at Holtus Convention Center; check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST; Jointly sponsored by USDA-NRCS and the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network

Note: While all locations will feature on-farm research related to cover crops and soil health, the York location will focus specifically on these topics with special guest speakers.

Mark your calendar now
There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is requested for meal planning. To register for any of the sites call (402) 624-8030 or email OnFarm@unl.edu and indicate which site you plan to attend.

For more information visit: http://cropwatch.unl.edu/on-farm-research. 



Perdue to Address Farmer2Farmer Conference

Farmers Business Network (FBN), the independent farmer-to-farmer network, announced that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will address the company's fifth annual Farmer2Farmer Conference, at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 12 in Omaha, Neb.

The Farmer2Farmer V Conference is designed to arm growers with the tools, information and inputs they need to profit amid whipsaw trade conditions, shifting global consumer appetites and unpredictable weather.

Some 4,000 leading farmers - representing every major commodity crop in North America - will gather in Omaha, alongside technologists, policy makers, investors and business leaders from around the world to discuss the agricultural economy in the 2020's and the future of family farms.

Secretary Perdue will be on hand to speak with farmers, hear about innovation happening in agriculture, and discuss issues regarding the rural economy.

Farmers Business Network, Inc. is an independent farmer-to-farmer network, built by and for over 9,200 farmers, representing Farmers First. FBN members receive input price and performance transparency and comprehensive farm benchmarking and analytics based on over 220 million acre-events of real-world precision agronomic data. The FBN Direct e-commerce platform provides national, transparent pricing on ag chemicals, fertilizers, seeds, and technology helping farmers reduce operating costs. FBN Crop Marketing provides farms premium contracts, production contracts, risk management, and price intelligence.

The FBN network has grown to cover more than 34 million acres of member farms in the U.S. and Canada. Blending the best of Midwestern agricultural roots and Silicon Valley technology, the company has offices in San Carlos, Calif., and a National Operations Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., Canadian headquarters in High River, Alberta, and employees spanning 44 states and 6 Canadian provinces.



I-29 Moo University Winter Workshop Series Focus Is Dairy Calves

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach encourages dairy producers to register for the I-29 Moo University Winter Workshop series, “Prosperity of Dairy Calves,” to be held in five locations across the region beginning Jan. 6, 2020.

“This workshop series will highlight a number of experts who will focus on topics to help dairy producers achieve successful calf management in 2020,” explained Tracey Erickson, South Dakota State University Extension dairy field specialist. Erickson is the program co-chair with Jennifer Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

The workshops will be held in partnership with the Minnesota Milk’s Dairy Management Workshops, Minnesota Midwest Dairy District 3, 4, and 18 meetings, as well as South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa’s Midwest Dairy Checkoff Update Meetings. 

The five meeting locations are as follows:
    Perham, Minn.: Jan. 6, 2020, located at The Cactus (43521 Fort Thunder Road); in partnership with Minnesota Milk’s Dairy Management Workshops and Midwest Dairy’s District 3 and 4 meetings.
    Brookings, S.D.: Jan. 7, 2020, located at the Swiftel Center (824 32nd Ave.); in partnership with South Dakota’s Midwest Dairy – Checkoff Update Meetings.
    Pipestone, Minn.: Jan. 8, 2020, located at Pipestone Systems (1801 Forman Drive); in partnership with Minnesota Milk’s Dairy Management Workshops and Midwest Dairy’s District 18 meeting.
    Orange City, Iowa: Jan. 9, 2020, held at Sioux County Extension Office (400 Central Ave. NW); in partnership with Iowa’s Midwest Dairy Checkoff Update Meetings.
    Wayne, Neb.: Jan. 10, 2020, held at Wayne State College, Student Center Niobrara Room (E 14th Street); in partnership with Nebraska’s Midwest Dairy Checkoff Update Meetings.

Registration details
Registration fees are waived due to generous sponsorships; however, pre-registration is requested by Jan. 2 to allow for meal counts and materials. To register, visit https://2020winterworkshopseries.eventbrite.com or go to the I-29 Moo University website at https://dairy.unl.edu/i-29-moo-university. A registration form can also be requested from Erickson at Tracey.Erickson@sdstate.edu, or Bentley at jbentley@iastate.edu.

Workshop speakers and agenda
Workshop presenters and agenda will be the same at all locations. Presenters will be:
    Dr. Jennifer Van Os, assistant professor and extension specialist – Animal Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Dr. Pat Gorden, associate professor, vet diagnostic and production animal medicine at Iowa State University. 
    Jennifer Bentley, dairy specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach in northeast Iowa.

The day begins at 9:30 a.m., with registration and refreshments.
    10 a.m., Jennifer Van Os, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will present “Why Animal Welfare is Essential for the Animal, Producer, and the Consumer.”
    11 a.m., Pat Gorden, Iowa State University, will present “Incorporation of Pain Mitigation Protocols as part of your Best Management Practices, as you Disbud Calves.”
    1:15 p.m., Jennifer Van Os, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will present “Two Heads are Better than One: Benefits of Pair or Group Rearing of Calves.”
    2:15 p.m., Jennifer Bentley, ISU Extension and Outreach dairy field specialist, will provide a “Resource Update of the Incorporation of Calf Care and Handling SOP’s.”

Between each presentation, attendees will participate in a roundtable discussion on the topic presented.  Midwest Dairy staff in each state will conduct Midwest Dairy Checkoff updates over the lunch hour.

For the full agenda, visit the I-29 Moo University events webpage... https://dairy.unl.edu/i-29-moo-university/upcoming-events. 



USDA appoints 19 new, 24 returning soybean farmers to serve on the United Soybean Board

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue appointed 19 new and 24 returning directors to serve on the United Soybean Board (USB). These farmer-leaders will be officially sworn in for service at the annual USB meeting on December 11, and serve three-year terms.

“This year we are welcoming one of the largest classes of new directors USB has ever seen,” said USB Chair and Kentucky farmer Keith Tapp. “We have a strong group of new leaders who will join our ongoing work to innovate beyond the bushel. Each adds new perspective to the board and will help USB’s efforts to create new markets and opportunities for soybean farmers.”

Newly appointed farmer-leaders include:
    Nebraska — Ron Pavelka, Glenvil
    Iowa — Lindsay J. Greiner, Keota
    South Dakota — Mike McCranie, Claremont, and Jason Frerichs, Wilmot
    Alabama — Wendy S. Yeager, Orville
    Indiana — Donald Wyss, Fort Wayne
    Kansas — Kurt Maurath, Oakley
    Kentucky — Barry Alexander, Cadiz
    Minnesota — William Zurn, Callaway
    Mississippi — Jerry Slocum, Coldwater
    North Carolina — Reginald H. Strickland, Mt. Olive
    North Dakota — Matthew Gast, Valley City, and Ryan Richard, Horace
    Ohio — Charles W. Bayliss, West Mansfield
    Tennessee — Don Willis, Hillsboro, and Steve May, Hurricane Mills
    Virginia — Susan A. Watkins, Sutherland
    Wisconsin — Tony Mellenthin, Menomomie
    Eastern Region — J. Nicholas Kercheval, Harpers Ferry, WVa

Returning farmer-leaders include:
    Nebraska — Ed Lammers, Hartington
    Arkansas — Derek Haigwood, Newport
    Delaware — Cory Atkins, Seaford
    Illinois — Doug Winter, Mill Shoals; and Daniel Farney, Morton
    Indiana — Kevin Wilson, Walton
    Kansas — Lance Rezac, Onaga
    Louisiana — Charles J. Cannatella, Melville
    Maryland — William Layton, Vienna
    Michigan — David R. Williams, Elsie; and James B. Domagalski, Columbus
    Minnesota — Gene Stoel, Lake Wilson
    Mississippi — C. Douglas Simmons III, Leland
    Missouri — Meagan Kaiser, Bowling Green; and Neal W. Bredehoeft, Alma
    New Jersey — Bill Bibus, Chesterfield
    New York — Ralph K. Lott, Seneca Falls
    North Dakota — Darren Kadlec, Pisek
    Ohio — Steve Reinhard, Bucyrus
    Oklahoma — Paul Fruendt, Guthrie
    Pennsylvania — John Harrell, Lebanon
    Wisconsin — Charles Prellwitz, Ripon; and Jennifer Poltermann, Genoa City
    Western Region — Grant Watermann, Vona, Colorado

These directors join those already serving terms on the board to make a total of 78 directors. USB administers soybean checkoff funds to research, marketing and promotional efforts that maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These farmer-leaders aim to develop new and existing markets and build preference for U.S. soy, specifically in the areas of meal, oil and sustainability. Per the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the number of seats on the board is determined based on bushels produced in that region. Due to yield increases in 2018, USB will increase from 73 directors to 78.



Fourth Annual “Give A Ham” Brings Joy (and breakfast) to Homeless Shelter

On Tuesday, December 3, a giant grocery list and giant hearts will join together in Des Moines on Giving Tuesday. The plan? Bring a hearty breakfast to people staying at Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS).

“We are thrilled with this generous gift each year,” said CISS CEO Melissa O’Neil. “We know a warm breakfast helps all of us focus and feel healthier and this joint partnership allows for a larger community to understand the challenges of finding that warm meal when you are homeless.”

Those working with CISS are the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, and Fareway. They are working together for the fourth year in a row to mark Giving Tuesday in a meaningful way.

“When we were looking for a charity that would appreciate a donation of pork products, it just made sense to work with the Shelter,” explained Patrick Gannon, an IPPA board member and Iowa pig farmer from Colfax. “It is our way of giving back on Giving Tuesday locally, and it is part of our larger national campaign for Hams Across America where we highlight the diverse product donations the pork industry makes throughout the year.”

Volunteers will begin cooking breakfast around 5:30 a.m. The menu includes eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, orange juice and coffee (all donated by the contributing organizations) for approximately 300, which includes people staying at CISS in emergency shelter, living on their second and third floors and anyone living on the streets that needs breakfast.

“We are proud to join the pork industry on Giving Tuesday to kick-off the Hams Across America campaign,” said Fareway Vice President of Market Operations Jeff Cook. “Serving a protein-rich meal at the Shelter stresses the importance of supporting our local communities and farmers, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.”

CISS provides 150 beds in its emergency shelter. Earlier this fall when temperatures were lower than normal, the shelter had close to 200 people several nights in a row.

“Our numbers are up for this time of year,” explained O’Neil. “Typically, we don’t see 200 until January, so you can imagine how this impacts our supplies and operations.”

CISS provides three meals per day to people staying with them. They maximize resources to keep the cost of breakfast to $1.97 per person. In their end of the year request for donations, they ask for people to consider sponsoring one breakfast for a week at $13.97, or to cover the cost of one breakfast for the month with a donation of $59.10.

“On Giving Tuesday, thanks to the gift from pork industry associations and Fareway, we offer our heartiest breakfast of the year with both bacon AND sausage,” O’Neil added. “It’s a real treat for our clients and it not only warms their stomachs, but the conversations that we have that morning warms all of our hearts.”



Presidential Candidates Confirmed for Iowa Ag Forum

Five Democratic presidential candidates have confirmed their participation in a forum focusing on issues relevant to family farmers and rural communities at the Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) Annual Convention.

The 'Candidate Conversations' forum is scheduled for Dec. 6 3 p.m. at the Hotel Grinnell in Grinnell. The forum immediately follows the keynote address by Lori Wallach, director of Global Trade Watch.

"We are excited for the opportunity to bring presidential candidates and our members together," said Aaron Lehman, IFU president. "Time are tough in the rural Iowa and it's important that candidates connect with farmers and rural residents on the issues that are vital to the survival of family farms, sustainable agriculture, and rural communities."

The forum will be moderated by Aaron Lehman, IFU President and Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union President. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask presidential candidates about the issues impacting them and the rural communities they live in the most.

"Rural America is at risk," said Lehman. "Farmers are hit hard by needless trade disputes, attacks on ethanol, massive agribusiness consolidation and the growing impact of climate change. Our members have the best perspective to ask important questions about the candidates' vision for a better agriculture."

Confirmed presidential candidates include:
- Steve Bullock, Governor and former Attorney General of Montana
- Julián Castro, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
- John Delaney, former member of the United States House of Representatives
- Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator
- Tom Steyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist

Admission to the forum is included in convention registration for IFU members and is $35 for non-members. A fundraising reception will directly follow the event with proceeds supporting the IFU Education Foundation. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://iowafarmersunion.org/annual-convention/.

Since 1915, IFU members have worked together to strengthen the independent family farm through education, legislation and cooperation and to provide Iowans with sustainable production, safe food, a clean environment and healthy communities. IFU is a grassroots member organization of family farmers and ranchers, advocates, and consumers committed to promoting family agriculture in Iowa.



USDA: Farm Sector Profits Forecast to Increase in 2019

Inflation-adjusted U.S. net cash farm income (gross cash income less cash expenses) is forecast to increase 12.9 percent to $119.0 billion in 2019.

U.S. net farm income (a broader measure of farm sector profitability that incorporates noncash items including changes in inventories, economic depreciation, and gross imputed rental income) is projected to rise 8.2 percent from 2018 to $92.5 billion in 2019.

The forecast increases are due to a combination of lower production expenses, which are subtracted out in the calculation of net income, as well as increases in government payments and farm-related income.

These factors contributing to higher income are expected to more than offset the forecast decline in cash receipts from commodity sales.

If forecast changes are realized, net farm income would stand at 2.8 percent above its inflation-adjusted average calculated over the 2000-18 period and net cash farm income would be 10.0 percent above its 2000-18 average.



USDA October 2019 Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 486 million bushels in October 2019. Total corn consumption was up 7 percent from September 2019 but down 5 percent from October 2018. October 2019 usage included 91.9 percent for alcohol and 8.1 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.20 million bushels, down 3 percent from September 2019 and down 3 percent from October 2018. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 437 million bushels, was up 8 percent from September 2019 but down 5 percent from October 2018. Corn consumed in October 2019 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.3 percent and 9.7 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.86 million tons during October 2019, up 4 percent from September 2019 but down 6 percent from October 2018. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.30 million tons in October 2019, up 7 percent from September 2019 but down 4 percent from October 2018.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 293,890 tons during October 2019, up 1 percent from September 2019 and up 4 percent from October 2018. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 233,348 tons in October 2019, up 12 percent from September 2019 but down 5 percent from October 2018.



USDA Fats and Oils: October 2019 Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.62 million tons (187 million bushels) in October 2019, compared with 4.87 million tons (162 million bushels) in September 2019 and 5.51 million tons (184 million bushels) in October 2018. Crude oil produced was 2.15 billion pounds up 13 percent from September 2019 and up 1 percent from October 2018. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.57 billion pounds during October 2019 increased 11 percent from September 2019 but decreased slightly from October 2018.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 188,299 tons in October 2019, compared with 163,321 tons in September 2019 and 175,960 tons in October 2018. Canola crude oil produced was 157 million pounds, up 17 percent from September 2019 and up 8 percent from October 2018. Canola once refined oil production, at 126 million pounds during October 2019, was up 5 percent from September 2019 but down 5 percent from October 2018.

Cottonseed once refined oil production, at 42.7 million pounds during October 2019, was up 5 percent from September 2019 but down 11 percent from October 2018.

Edible tallow production was 74.1 million pounds during October 2019, up 2 percent from September 2019 but down 10 percent from October 2018. Inedible tallow production was 294 million pounds during October 2019, down 2 percent from September 2019 and down 9 percent from October 2018. Technical tallow production was 102.8 million pounds during October 2019, up 8 percent from September 2019 but down 7 percent from October 2018. Choice white grease production, at 114 million pounds during October 2019, increased 7 percent from September 2019 and increased 9 percent from October 2018.



Large Choice-Select Beef Value Spreads
Josh Maples, Extension Economist, Mississippi State University

The widespread between Choice and Select beef cutout values continues to send a signal for more choice beef. The spread has been near or above $20 per cwt since June. The average weekly spread in October was more than double the historical seasonal average and November was seasonally large, too. For 17 of the 21 weeks from July 6th to November 23rd, the weekly average Choice-Select spread was the largest for that week of the year over the past two decades.

The Choice-Select beef spread is a measure of the value of the Choice boxed beef cutout relative to the Select cutout and is influenced by supply and demand factors for both grades. The supply impacts on Choice beef are perhaps the most obvious factor over the past few months. The percent of cattle graded Choice has been about one to two percent below year-ago levels for each month since June. These months have also been at or below the five-year average. Simply put, there have been fewer Choice cattle than were probably expected. Since most cattle either grade Choice or Select, the lower percentage of Choice cattle implied a higher percentage of Select cattle. Indeed, the percentage of cattle grading Select has been higher each month since July compared to a year ago.  The result of relatively less Choice beef and an increase in Select beef has played a key role in the larger Choice-Select spread. 

Demand for particular beef cuts also plays an important role. A wider Choice-Select spread is typically expected in October and November largely due to seasonal demand for Choice ribs and loins (i.e. the middle meats) during the holidays. For example, Choice ribeye prices usually increase due to seasonal demand. Wholesale Choice ribeye prices hit just over $10.00 per pound a few weeks ago and continue to hover around $9.60. This is compared to a 2018 high of $9.15 per pound. Choice rib and loin primal values are 4% and 7% above a year ago, respectively while the Select rib primal value is only up 1% and the loin primal value is the same as a year ago.

In summary, both supply and demand factors have contributed to the historically large Choice-Select spreads over the past few months. The result has been a big incentive to try to attain that Choice or higher grade on fed cattle.



CORN TRADE IS A HUGE DRIVER OF THE U.S. ECONOMY

Who you know and your relationship with them can make a big difference in many aspects of your life, but if you are a corn farmer this is likely a huge understatement. You see, trade is critical to farmer’s profitability and relationships can either float or sink the export ship.

According to the U.S. Grains Council, U.S. corn exports totaled 52.3 MMT or 2.06 billion bushels in 2018/19 and moved to 62 countries. That’s a lot of relationships to juggle for USGC and a big reason the National Corn Growers Association has made a resolution of trade agreements like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) a priority. Addressing both components - relationships and the access that comes with trade agreements – is a potent combination.

 As we head toward 2020, NCGA, USGC and many of their partners will be involved in a “Did You Know” campaign to raise awareness of the importance of free trade and trade agreements to farmers and a strong U.S. economy. Look for these messages on NCGA social channels from Dec. 2 to Dec. 20, 2019, and share them with your friends and contacts.



Merck Animal Health Again Joins Sponsorship of Stockmanship & Stewardship Program to Benefit Cattle Handling

Up to five regional Stockmanship & Stewardship events will be coordinated throughout the United States by the producer education team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in 2020, thanks to sponsorship from Merck Animal Health. Additional funding and support for the program is provided by the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program.

Stockmanship & Stewardship events bring together cattle producers from a large area for a two-day cattle handling and educational program. They highlight proper and accepted stockmanship techniques and provide local stewardship information appropriate for the region. Events have been held throughout the country over the past three years.

“Merck Animal Health has been a strong partner of the beef industry and NCBA in our BQA and other programs for many years,” says Chase DeCoite, director of BQA at NCBA. “We look forward to their continued partnership in this widely successful education effort.”

“We’re excited to extend our partnership with the NCBA and our sponsorship of the Stockmanship & Stewardship program for 2020,” says Kevin Mobley, executive director, cattle sales and marketing, Merck Animal Health. “We enjoy the opportunity to work directly with our customers to help educate them on proper animal handling as a part of our animal welfare platform.”

Stockmanship & Stewardship events include live cattle demonstration and hands-on opportunities, as well as BQA training with possible classroom sessions. In addition to cattle handling and effective stockmanship, possible elements of regional sessions include sustainability and environmental stewardship, animal health and regional issues and hot topics.



EPA Celebrates 49th Birthday and Kicks Off Year-Long 50th Anniversary Celebration

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrates it’s 49th birthday and kicked off a year-long celebration leading up to the agency’s 50th anniversary on Dec. 2, 2020.

“Since the agency’s inception under the leadership of the late Administrator William Ruckelshaus, EPA staff have worked tirelessly to clean up our air, water, and land for the American people,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Together, we have achieved significant milestones in support of our mission to protect human health and the environment. I look forward to celebrating EPA’s accomplishments over the coming year and continuing to build on our progress for future generations.”

Born in the wake of elevated concern about environmental pollution, EPA was established on Dec. 2, 1970, to consolidate into one agency a variety of federal environmental responsibilities including research, monitoring, standard setting, and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection while simultaneously safeguarding human health. The agency’s first administrator, William Ruckelshaus, took the oath of office on Dec. 4, 1970.

Over the last 50 years, the agency has worked to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment by improving the nation’s air, cleaning up land and water resources, and providing a cleaner, healthier environment for all people. Some of the agency’s accomplishments include:
-    Cleaning up the air: From 1970 to 2018, the combined emissions of the six criteria pollutants dropped by 74%, while the U.S. economy grew by 275%, Americans drove more miles, and population and energy use increased.
-    Improving water quality: In the early 1970s, more than 40% of our nation’s drinking water systems failed to meet even the most basic health standards. Today, more than 92% of community water systems meet all health-based standards, all the time.
-    Cleaning up our land: Throughout the history of EPA’s Brownfields program, which aims to clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties, local communities have been able to use grants to leverage 150,120 jobs and more than $28 billion of public and private funding.

In honor of 50 years of environmental protection, over the next year, EPA will commemorate the agency’s many achievements and continued progress, culminating in a 50th Anniversary celebration on Dec. 2, 2020.

Follow EPA’s 50th Anniversary celebration on social media using #EPAat50.