Tuesday December 10 Ag News

Reinkes Take Home Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award

Randy and BrenDee Reinke of Neligh were named the recipients of the 2019 Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award. The award was given Dec. 10, at the “We Love our Members” luncheon during Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 102nd Annual Convention in Kearney, Neb.

The Reinkes, of Antelope County Farm Bureau, were recognized for their ongoing involvement and commitment to agriculture. Candidates for the award are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic, service, and community organizations.

Randy is the third generation involved in the family owned agriculture implement dealership and has two associate degrees, one in Agriculture Diesel Technology and the other in Truck Diesel Technology. BrenDee grew up on her family’s farm and is currently a CPA with a master’s degree in Business Administration. Together the couple have a first-generation farm operation raising alfalfa, grass hay, and other various rotating crops.

As active Antelope County Farm Bureau members, the couple have developed events in their region to attract new Farm Bureau members. They also promote agriculture in their community by holding an “Ag Olympics” at the Antelope County Fair, distributing place mats with information about agriculture to local restaurants and participating in the Ag in the Classroom program, which offered teachers agriculturally based resources to use in their classrooms.

In the next five years, Randy hopes the family’s implement dealership will grow its employee base and work on an H-2A temporary agricultural program to allow them to continue to keep up with the demand for sales and service. BrenDee wants to expand the number of agricultural clients at her CPA firm and is working towards becoming a partner in the firm.

The Reinkes will continue to grow their leadership with Farm Bureau and want to continue their active role in policy development, advocating for agriculture, and supporting agricultural education.

“Farm Bureau is instrumental to supporting agriculture and we want to be involved in promoting Farm Bureau to as many people as we can to show the support the organization provides for agriculture,” BrenDee said.

Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for the Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award. As Nebraska winners, the Reinke’s will receive $500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2020 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Austin, Texas in January to compete with other state winners at the national level.



Brady Revels Takes Home Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet Competition

Douglas County Farm Bureau member, Brady Revels of Omaha is the winner of the 2019 Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet competition. The award was announced Dec. 10, at the “We Love Our Members” luncheon during Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 102nd Annual Convention held Dec. 8-10 in Kearney.

Revels received the top score of the contestants who advanced to the final round of the Discussion Meet contest. Rather than debating, contestants work to develop a solution to a problem being discussed, building on each other’s contributions. Competitors in the annual contest must be prepared to speak on several current agricultural related topics; the selected question is announced a short time prior to the contest round.

Revels is a Douglas County Farm Bureau board member and serves on the YF&R Committee. He grew up on a family farm in Florida but relocated to Nebraska when his job as a sales representative for an animal health company moved him to Omaha. He helps coach several area FFA judging teams and volunteers with the Nebraska State Dairy contest. His wife, Katie, is a chiropractor.

Revels competed with three other contestants, Sean Krebs, Cadrien Livingston, and David Schuler. Krebs is an Antelope County Farm Bureau member and a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in Agriculture Engineering. He grows popcorn, field corn, and soybeans, and raises cow/calf pairs on his family farm. Cadrien Livingston is a Knox County Farm Bureau member and serves on the YF&R Committee. She is a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Communication and will graduate in Dec. 2019. Livingston raises Registered Gelbvieh Angus cattle with her mother on their family farm. She is also an advocate for safety in agriculture. David Schuler is a Morrill County Farm Bureau member and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Animal Science. He raises Red Angus seed stock with his family on their ranch. Schuler also served as an FFA State Officer.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Names 2020 Leadership Academy Class

Ten farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals from across Nebraska have been selected for Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 2020 Leadership Academy. They will begin a year-long program starting Jan. 23-24 in Kearney.

“The goal of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy is to cultivate the talents and strengths of our members and connect their passion for agriculture to opportunities of service within the Farm Bureau organization. Great leaders have a clearly defined purpose; purpose fuels passion and work ethic. By developing leadership skills, academy members can develop their passions and positively impact their local communities and the state of Nebraska.” said Phil Erdman, facilitator of the 2020 Leadership Academy.

Erdman works with Audrey Schipporeit, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s director of generational engagement to help facilitate the program. Erdman also serves as the vice president of membership for Nebraska Farm Bureau.

“We congratulate this group of diverse individuals and thank them for their willingness to step out of their comfort zone to learn more about how they can influence their community, state, and world for the better,” said Schipporeit.

Academy members will participate in sessions focused on leadership development, understanding the county, state, and national structure of Farm Bureau and its grassroots network, policy work on agriculture issues, and the importance of agricultural literacy. The group will also travel to the Capitols in Lincoln and Washington, D.C. to visit with elected officials and agency representatives.

The 2020 Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy members are:
Kelsey Scheer, a member of Howard County Farm Bureau, lives in Saint Paul. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Economics. Kelsey is in feed sales for an ag cooperative. She also works with her family’s cow/calf operation.

Connie Brott, a member of Hayes County Farm Bureau, lives in Hayes Center. Her family farms and raises cattle and owns a custom harvest business.

Michael Nelson is a member of Chase County Farm Bureau, and lives in Enders. He is the owner and operator of a seed business and provides seed treatments for soybeans and wheat. Michael also farms dry land crops and raises cattle.

Joseph Melnick, a member of Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau, lives in Hastings. He grew up on a family farm and is operations director for a custom cover crop company. Joseph is also an Army veteran.

Daniel Hasart, a member of Cherry County Farm Bureau, lives in Wood Lake. He works full time on the family farm and cattle feeding operation. He currently manages the day-to-day operations of their cow/calf business.

Natasha Schumacher, a member of Box Butte County Farm Bureau, lives in Hemingford. She is a mom of three and married to a fifth-generation farmer. The family farms dry edible beans, wheat, and corn, and operates a cow/calf herd.

Jeffery Schuerman, a member of Boyd County Farm Bureau, lives in Butte. Jeff served three years in the Marines before becoming involved in farming and ranching with a cow/calf operation. He is also a self-employed truck driver.

Brett Santin is a member of Merrick County Farm Bureau, and lives in Palmer. He grew up on family farm and received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management before returning to his family farm where he helps manage their cow/calf herd.

Austen Sis, a member of Red Willow County Farm Bureau, lives in McCook. He grew up on a family farm which he returned to after college. They raise irrigated food grade crops in Southwest Nebraska.

Josh England, a member of Hall County Farm Bureau, lives in Doniphan. He grew up on a family farm which he returned to after college graduation to farm with his father and uncle. They raise corn and soybeans.



Nebraska Farmers Union 106th Annual State Convention Completed

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) held their 106th annual state convention in Norfolk at the Divots Conference Center December 6-7.  The convention theme was:  “Harnessing the Power of Organization to Serve Family Farm Agriculture Since 1913”.  The attendance was good and the weather cooperated as NeFU members elected officers, set policy, and heard from 25 speakers on the issues facing agriculture in the year ahead.    

NeFU Election Results:  
            John Hansen was re-elected to his 16th two-year term without opposition. Hansen’s 30 years at the helm as president is the longest in the organization’s 106 year history. Elton Berck served 17 years from 1957 to 1974.
            Delegates from their respective districts elected two NeFU Board of Directors.  Mary Alice Corman of Edgar was re-elected to a three-year term from NeFU District 3. Art Tanderup of Neligh was elected to a three year term from District 7 replacing retiring director Martin Kleinschmit of Hartington.  
            Three delegates from the membership were elected as delegates to the 118th National Farmers Union convention in Savannah, Georgia March 1-3, 2020. Bill Armbrust of Elkhorn, Paul Theobald of Osmond, and Norm Wallman of Cortland were elected to represent NeFU as delegates.  Shannon Graves of Bradshaw, Randy Ruppert of Nickerson, and Darrel Buschkoetter of Lawrence were elected first, second and third alternates.
            Ron Todd-Meyer of Lincoln was re-elected by the membership to serve on the NeFU Foundation Board, and Al Davis of Hyannis was elected from the NeFU Board of Directors as its Foundation representative.  

President’s Award Winners:
            The President’s Award is NeFU’s highest award, and is presented to individuals who provide outstanding service and leadership to family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities at the state or national levels.
            This year’s President’s Award winners were Craig Larson, retiring General Manager of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, Martin Kleinschmit of Hartington, retiring NeFU District 7 Director, and the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline.  “All three award winners, in their own way, went above and beyond in their commitment to providing services and leadership of family farmers, ranchers, and the rural community,” said NeFU President John Hansen. “Rural Nebraska is a better place thanks to their efforts.”

NeFU delegates set policy.  Vern Jantzen, NeFU Policy chair, guided NeFU delegates as they adopted the 2019-2020 NeFU policy Saturday afternoon along with six Special Orders of Business.  The issues covered by the Special Orders of Business included: Climate Change, Hemp Production, Corporate Tax Incentives, Net Metering, Property Tax Relief, and Rural Broadband.

The new policy and the Special Orders of Business will be posted on the NeFU website within the week  at:   www.nebraskafarmersunion.org.



New pet food ingredient company to open as Petsource by Scoular

Scoular now has a name for its new freeze-dried pet food ingredient manufacturing subsidiary: Petsource by Scoular.  The name was announced on Tuesday.

Petsource will develop, procure, freeze-dry and package high-protein ingredients for pet food manufacturers. It is among the first in the country to bring these steps together under one roof, positioning itself as the go-to source for pet food companies.

“The name ‘Petsource’ signifies that we are redefining what start-to-finish looks like in pet food ingredient manufacturing,” said Amy Patterson, Petsource General Manager. “Petsource will be a one-stop shop for unparalleled levels of safety, quality and reliability across the freeze-dried pet food supply chain.”

Central to the project is a $50 million manufacturing plant under construction in Seward, Nebraska. Scoular broke ground in August, and the plant is on track to open in fall 2020.

The plant will create up to 100 new jobs in Seward. Hiring is expected to begin in spring 2020.

Petsource on Tuesday also announced Jon Heussner as Director of Operations responsible for manufacturing at the Seward site. Heussner has held leadership roles in operations, project management and engineering for Tyson Foods, Conagra Brands, Hain Celestial Seasonings and most recently, Dean Foods.

“As a lifelong pet owner with years of supply chain experience, it is a privilege to work with the great team assembled by Petsource to manufacture safe and high-quality products,” Heussner said.



Iowa Pork Producers Association Announces 2020 Iowa Pork Congress

The 2020 Iowa Pork Congress will be held Jan. 22 and 23 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. This event, organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), is North America's largest winter swine trade show and conference.

A keynote address will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 22, by Andy Curliss, the chief executive officer of the North Carolina Pork Council. Curliss will provide a deep and broad look at how a significant, coordinated effort is threatening animal agriculture, not only in his state, but across the country. His presentation will include insights on how these attacks are being implemented.

The Iowa Pork Congress will include 10 other educational seminars, training sessions on quality assurance and manure application, social events, and youth activities.

"The seminars and presenters lined up for Pork Congress will provide producers with practical information that can be put in place immediately, as well as outlooks and ideas that can help guide future decision-making for both pig farmers and pork stakeholders," said IPPA President Trent Thiele, a pig farmer from Elma.

The trade show includes more than 300 exhibitors. "This is always a major draw," Thiele said. "Every year, attendees have the opportunity to visit with representatives from companies that serve the pork industry. These companies come from Iowa, the U.S. and around the world to offer solutions that help our pork producers become more efficient, profitable and successful."

There is also a strong lineup of business seminars. They include a discussion about Iowa nuisance cases by attorney Eldon McAfee; a look at economics for prices and supplies of both pigs and crops presented by Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns of Kerns and Associates; and panels of speakers who will address building ventilation, antibiotic alternatives, using manure in cover crops, prolonging the longevity of buildings, the use of risk management and insurance, as well as two sessions with the latest updates on African swine fever.

For youth, the annual Youth Swine Judging contest will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There, registered 4-H and FFA members can learn more about the industry and compete for valuable scholarships.

Other activities and events will be held in association with the Iowa Pork Congress. The association's annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, followed by a reception and auction for the IPPA Scholarship Foundation. The Pork Congress Banquet where Master Pork Producers are announced is on Wednesday evening.

"The IPPA Board and staff have worked hard over the last several months to produce another good show and we hope to see many producers from Iowa and the Midwest," said Thiele.
 
 Registration
Pre-registration to attend the Iowa Pork Congress is available through Jan. 9, 2020. IPPA members can attend the trade show and conference at no cost by registering by that deadline at www.IowaPorkCongress.org, or by using the form in the November issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine, or by calling (800) 372-7675.

Non-IPPA members can save $5 off the normal $10 admission cost by registering by the Jan. 9 deadline.

Registrations will be accepted after the deadline, including through each day of the show, but the cost will be $10.

For more information about events and registration, contact IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or visit www.IowaPorkCongress.org.



CHS Inc. Owners Elect Five Board Members During Annual Meeting

CHS Inc. owners elected five board members to three-year terms during the cooperative's 2019 Annual Meeting held Dec. 5-6 in Minneapolis. CHS Inc. is the nation's largest cooperative and a leading global agribusiness company owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States.  Newly elected to three-year terms are:

    Hal Clemensen succeeds former director Randy Knecht, who retired from the CHS board of directors on Dec. 6. Clemensen represents Region 4, covering South Dakota, and has been the president of the Board of Directors of Agtegra Cooperative since its formation in 2018. He was president of the South Dakota Wheat Growers Association from 2005 until its merger with North Central Farmers Elevator in 2018. He is a past director and is an active member of the South Dakota Soybean Association and an active member of South Dakota Corn Growers. In 2015, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives named him Farmer Cooperative Director of the year. He raises corn, soybeans and wheat near Conde, South Dakota. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economic and Agricultural Business from South Dakota State University. Clemensen was appointed to the Board's Government Relations and Corporate Risk committees.

    Kevin Throener succeeds former director Dennis Carlson, who retired from the board on Dec. 6, and represents Region 3, which covers North Dakota. Throener has been a director of CHS Dakota Plains Ag since 2014 and served as vice president of the Sargent County Farmers Union Board of Directors since 2007. He has also served on the Cogswell, North Dakota Volunteer Fire Department since 1997 and was its chief from 2010 to 2018. Throener raises corn, soybeans and alfalfa and operates a feed lot and cow/calf business near Cogswell, North Dakota. Throener and his wife Ronda are first-generation farmers who built their operation from the ground up. He studied Agricultural Systems Management at North Dakota State University. He was appointed to the Board's Governance Committee and the CHS Foundation Board of Trustees.

Reelected to three-year terms are:
    Mark Farrell, who operates a corn, soybean and wheat farm in Dane County, Wisconsin, representing Region 5.
    Alan Holm, who operates a corn, soybean, sweet corn, peas and hay operation and has a cow-calf herd near Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, representing Region 1.
    Steve Riegel, who raises corn, soybeans, alfalfa, dryland wheat and milo near Ford, Kansas, representing Region 8.

Following the Annual Meeting, the board held its annual re-organization meeting. Each of the following board members was elected to one-year officer terms:
    Dan Schurr, chair.
    C.J. Blew, first vice chair.
    Jon Erickson, second vice chair.
    Russ Kehl, secretary-treasurer.
    Steve Riegel, assistant secretary-treasurer.



Sasse Statement on USMCA Deal

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, an outspoken advocate for Nebraska agriculture and trade, issued the following statement regarding the agreement reached on the USMCA trade deal.

“It’s about dang time and it took a messy fight, but here’s the great news: we’ve earned a win for Nebraska farmers and ranchers. I’ve been working with the President for more than a year now, pushing Speaker Pelosi to get this done. I’m glad House Democrats have stopped stonewalling so we can let Nebraska keep feeding the world.”



Smith Statement on USMCA Deal

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement regarding the imminent announcement of the completed United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA):

“Coming to an agreement on USMCA is a tremendous step forward, and I applaud President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer for their diligent work in getting a beneficial trade deal for our nation. USMCA improves upon NAFTA and has been my top priority on the Ways and Means Committee. This trade agreement is great for Nebraska agriculture and I look forward to supporting it when it is considered by the House.”



Ricketts Applauds USMCA Deal

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that President Donald J. Trump had secured bipartisan support for a vote on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade deal.

“Congratulations to President Trump on securing bipartisan support for his historic USMCA deal.  The President and his team have tirelessly worked to build bipartisan support for it in Congress.  Approval of this trade agreement will expand opportunities for Nebraska’s farm families, and we look forward to its final approval.”



Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding Deal on USMCA

 “While our farm and ranch families have waited far too long for this good news, we are pleased a deal has finally been reached on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. This is a crucial step forward in bringing long-term stability to Nebraska agriculture markets with two of Nebraska’s most important trading partners. USMCA ensures Nebraska beef, pork, corn, and soybean producers will maintain essential access to Mexico and Canada markets that account for significant percentages of Nebraska’s overall international agricultural sales. USMCA also opens the door for greater purchases of Nebraska wheat, poultry, and dairy products, as well as modernizing other areas of this critical agreement. We expect and urge swift action by the House and Senate to seal the deal on USMCA before the holidays.”



Secretary Perdue Statement on USMCA Agreement

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced agreement on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):

“USMCA is a big win for American workers and the economy, especially for our farmers and ranchers. The agreement improves virtually every component of the old NAFTA, and the agriculture industry stands to gain significantly,” said Secretary Perdue. “President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer are laying the foundation for a stronger farm economy through USMCA and I thank them for all their hard work and perseverance to get the agreement across the finish line. While I am very encouraged by today’s breakthrough, we must not lose sight – the House and Senate need to work diligently to pass USMCA by Christmas.”
 
Background:
USMCA will advance United States agricultural interests in two of the most important markets for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. This high-standard agreement builds upon our existing markets to expand United States food and agricultural exports and support food processing and rural jobs.

Canada and Mexico are our first and second largest export markets for United States food and agricultural products, totaling more than $39.7 billion food and agricultural exports in 2018. These exports support more than 325,000 American jobs.

All food and agricultural products that have zero tariffs under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will remain at zero tariffs. Since the original NAFTA did not eliminate all tariffs on agricultural trade between the United States and Canada, the USMCA will create new market access opportunities for United States exports to Canada of dairy, poultry, and eggs, and in exchange the United States will provide new access to Canada for some dairy, peanut, and a limited amount of sugar and sugar-containing products.

Earlier this year, nearly 1,000 American food and agriculture associations and companies announced their support for USMCA and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture signed a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to ratify USMCA.

In September, all former U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture since President Reagan’s Administration announced support for USMCA. In a letter to Congressional leaders, former Secretaries John Block (Reagan), Mike Espy (Clinton), Dan Glickman (Clinton), Ann Veneman (W. Bush), Mike Johanns (W. Bush), Ed Shafer (W. Bush), and Tom Vilsack (Obama) underscored the importance of passing USMCA saying, “We need a strong and reliable trade deal with our top two customers for U.S. agriculture products. USMCA will provide certainty in the North American market for the U.S. farm sector and rural economy. We strongly support ratification of USMCA.”

Key Provision: Increasing Dairy Market Access
    America’s dairy farmers will have expanded market opportunities in Canada for a wide variety of dairy products. Canada agreed to eliminate the unfair Class 6 and 7 milk pricing programs that allowed their farmers to undersell U.S. producers.

Key Provision: Biotechnology
    For the first time, the agreement specifically addresses agricultural biotechnology – including new technologies such as gene editing – to support innovation and reduce trade-distorting policies.

Key Provision: Geographical Indications
    The agreement institutes a more rigorous process for establishing geographical indicators and lays out additional factors to be considered in determining whether a term is a common name.

Key Provision: Sanitary/Phytosanitary Measures
    The three countries agree to strengthen disciplines for science-based measures that protect human, animal, and plant health while improving the flow of trade.

Key Provision: Poultry and Eggs
    U.S. poultry producers will have expanded access to Canada for chicken, turkey, and eggs.

Key Provision: Wheat
    Canada agrees to terminate its discriminatory wheat grading system, enabling U.S. growers to be more competitive.

Key Provision: Wine and Spirits
    The three countries agree to avoid technical barriers to trade through non-discrimination and transparency regarding sale, distribution, labeling, and certification of wine and distilled spirits.



NCGA Applauds Bipartisan Effort to Advance USMCA to Congress, Urges Passage

National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross today made the below statement following an announcement that the White House and Congress are moving forward with the necessary legislative steps to ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“NCGA’s top legislative priority in 2019 has been passing USMCA. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to ratifying this important agreement and securing the future of our trading relationship with Mexico and Canada, the top export market for U.S. corn farmers. It’s been a brutal year for many farmers who really need the certainty this would provide for agricultural trade.

“NCGA appreciates the bipartisan efforts between Speaker Pelosi, Ambassador Lighthizer and the House working group to reach an agreement. I urge lawmakers to pass USMCA and help us close out 2019 with a win for America’s farmers and the U.S. economy.”



Soy Farmers Appreciate USMCA Agreement, Ask for Swift Passage

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is pleased that United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi have announced agreement on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“We are very happy to hear a bipartisan compromise has been achieved, and we now encourage our Congressional leaders to swiftly ratify this agreement by bringing it to vote,” said Davie Stephens, soy grower from Clinton, KY, and ASA president. “This deal is a positive for U.S. soybean farmers,” he concluded.

Mexico is the #2 market for whole beans, meal and oil, and Canada is the #4 buyer of meal and #7 buyer of oil for U.S. soybean farmers, making the trade agreement essential to sustaining the growth realized in those two countries under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Under NAFTA, U.S. soybean sales to Mexico quadrupled and to Canada doubled.

ASA and other agriculture groups have for months advocated on the Hill and online for #USMCAnow to encourage Congress to ratify USMCA by year end.



U.S. Dairy Industry Commends Breakthrough on USMCA, Urges Swift Passage of Deal

The U.S. dairy industry commended the White House and Congress for reaching a deal on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and urged lawmakers to vote swiftly on legislation implementing the trade pact.

“Passing USMCA would be boon to America’s dairy farmers,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “USMCA will expand trade opportunities with our most valuable partners and secure immediate benefits for our rural communities, adding an estimated $548 million to dairy-farm revenues in its first six years after implementation. Newly announced improvements to USMCA will also ensure that if our trading partners flout their dairy obligations under the trade deal, the U.S. has the tools it needs to vigorously enforce our rights. An already good deal for U.S. dairy farmers is even better now, thanks to these changes.”

Our membership would specifically like to thank Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, who provided enormous leadership working with members of Congress to address their concerns, as well as the work of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and other members of Congress who worked hard to find solutions that addressed concerns over the agreement.

Now it’s up to Congress to quickly finalize USMCA and secure its benefits for America’s dairy industry this year.

“Washington has worked hard to make USMCA an even better deal for America’s dairy farmers and exporters; now we are counting on Congress to move expeditiously to pass USMCA and usher in its significant improvements to trade rules,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. “Finalizing USMCA will bolster international confidence in the U.S. as a serious negotiating partner and build momentum for other trade agreements in key markets abroad. Without this crucial trade agreement, Made-in-America dairy and agriculture products could be left behind in the new year.”

USMCA makes important changes to Canada’s trade-distorting policies, reforms Canada’s controversial dairy pricing system and provides exclusive access to the Canadian market for U.S. farmers and manufacturers. The trade deal also strengthens our relationship with Mexico and establishes new protections for common cheese names, using a combination of approaches to protect the continued use of a number of generic cheese terms, such as parmesan and feta.

Important advancements made during negotiations between lawmakers and the White House included an enhanced Dispute Settlement process for enforcing the agreement’s measures. This stronger enforcement mechanism gives the dairy industry greater assurance that USMCA’s gains will be fully realized.



NGFA commends completion of USMCA deal

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) commended completion of negotiations to finalize the much-needed ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“We particularly appreciate the dedication and persistence of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and House leaders to overcome final hurdles on labor enforcement to reach this milestone,” said NGFA President and CEO Randy Gordon. “We also commend the governments of two of our most important trading partners – Mexico and Canada – in working with the United States to accommodate these concerns.

“We urge the House to expeditiously pass this agreement so it can be ratified by the Senate this year,” Gordon added. “Doing so will be a tremendous win for the United States and the entire North American region and our interdependent economies.”

The USMCA trade agreement will preserve or expand upon critical market access for U.S. agricultural products in the North American market. In addition to maintaining a tariff-free environment for most agricultural goods, USMCA also will help address non-tariff barriers, which are paramount among the current global challenges that distort and slow cross-border trade flows. Among other benefits, USMCA will: Facilitate cross-border trade flows through higher levels of regulatory coherence and cooperation; implement timelines and notifications for adverse import checks; include steps to reduce the likelihood of trade disruptions in products of agricultural biotechnology; use technical consultations for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) disputes; and require that SPS standards be grounded in science and based on proper risk assessments and implemented using accepted risk management techniques. 



Mexico Approves USMCA Revisions; NPPC Calls for Congressional Vote This Year
Today, Mexico approved U.S. changes to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, paving the way for a congressional ratification. The Trump administration worked closely with Congressional Democrats to address their concerns in the revisions to the agreement. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauds the administration, Congress and the governments of Canada and Mexico for working hard to fine-tune the trade deal so that Congress can vote this year.

"Mexico's approval of USMCA changes proposed by the United States is welcome news for U.S. pork producers and all of American agriculture," said NPPC President David Herring, a pork producer from Lillington, N.C. "Members of Congress can count on hearing, yet again, from pork producers as NPPC is unleashing a grassroots call to action. We want a vote this year and NPPC will score this critically important trade agreement as a key vote."

Last year, Canada and Mexico took over 40 percent of the pork that was exported from the United States and a similar percentage is expected this year. U.S. pork exports to Canada and Mexico support 16,000 U.S. jobs. Last year, U.S. pork exports to Mexico totaled $1.3 billion and exports to Canada totaled $765 million.



Farm Bureau Asks for Swift USMCA Approval
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“We urge members of Congress to swiftly approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Agriculture is at a critical crossroads with the downturn in commodity prices, losses from natural disasters and the trade war. This is an opportunity for Congress not only to help U.S. farmers and ranchers turn the corner on trade, but also show that Washington can still get things done on a bipartisan basis.

“Ratification of the USMCA would build on the momentum of the U.S.-Japan agreement, which gave a major boost to American agricultural products in our fourth-largest market, and send a signal that the U.S. is back in business in the international marketplace.

“We urge Congress to work toward speedy approval. America’s farms and ranches are depending on you.”



Growth Energy Hails Announcement of USMCA Deal

Today, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest ethanol association, hailed the announcement of a long-awaited deal on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on trade. The USMCA modernizes the previous trade pact, strengthens the trade relationship between these North American nations, and provides critical market access for U.S. agriculture. Following the announcement, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued a statement in support of USMCA:

“This is welcomed news for U.S agriculture and biofuel producers across North America,” said Skor. “We have a rich history of trade with Mexico and Canada, and the USMCA strengthens that vital economic bond between our three nations. This was no easy feat, so we thank our champions in Congress and the administration for their tireless efforts to secure its approval and for pursuing much-needed economic opportunities for rural Americans.”

The USMCA provides additional market access and trade opportunities for U.S. biofuel and its coproducts. Mexico’s move toward implementing a ten percent blend of ethanol nationwide could deliver a potential new market of 1.2 billion gallons for U.S. producers.

Canada is the U.S.’s second largest ethanol export market, accepting 347 million gallons in 2018. The Canadian market has the potential to increase materially over the next 10 years due to changes in both federal and provincial policy, including pushes by Ontario and Quebec to move to a fifteen percent ethanol blend.

Additionally, Mexico is the U.S.’s largest dried distillers grains (DDGs) export destination, with over 2 million metric tons shipped in 2018. Canada was our seventh largest export destination for DDGs with 664 thousand metric tons in 2018, and is on track to be the fifth largest export destination in 2019.



NCBA Applauds Movement on USMCA

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jennifer Houston issued the following statement regarding today's announcement that the U.S. House of Representatives will soon move forward on the U.S.- Mexico -Canada Agreement (USMCA):

"There is no higher policy priority for America's beef producers than maintaining our duty-free access to Canada and Mexico, and that's exactly what the USMCA will do. The Trump Administration and Speaker Pelosi deserve credit for working together to get this deal done, and now is the time for Congress to approve USMCA so our producers can move forward with the certainty they need and deserve."



R-CALF USA Statements on USMCA

R-CALF USA, the nation's largest producer-only cattle trade association that lobbies on behalf of America's cattle farmers and ranchers released the following statements today following announcement of an agreement between House Democrats and the White House on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

"Once again the House of Representatives and the White House have reached an agreement on a measure that will provide windfall profits for Agribusiness giants at the expense of America's hard-working cattle farmers and ranchers.

"Although the U.S. cattle industry is the largest segment of American agriculture, making it an unsurpassed economic cornerstone for Rural America, the proposed USMCA does absolutely nothing to change provisions impacting cattle and beef trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"In fact, the new USMCA is worse than the old NAFTA because at least for several years during the old NAFTA American cattle farmers and ranchers received the tool they needed to finally compete against the growing volume of cheaper imported beef and cattle from Canada and Mexico. From 2013 through 2015, mandatory country-of-origin labels for beef empowered America's cattle producers to finally begin competing against this growing tide of cheaper, undifferentiated foreign beef.

"We've asked Congress and the President to, at the very least, restore mandatory country-of-origin labels (COOL) so American cattle farmers and ranchers could compete against the duty-free, cheaper and undifferentiated cattle and beef flowing into our country and depressing our markets.

"We've been ignored.

"We should now expect the downward trends caused by NAFTA to continue, if not accelerate, under the USMCA. Under NAFTA, we lost 20 percent of our cattle operations, wiped out 75 percent of our farmer-feeder-type feedlots, reduced our herd size by millions of head of cattle, and we've eliminated opportunities for current and aspiring cattle producers alike with the burden of a horrendous trade deficit in the trade of cattle and beef with Canada and Mexico.

"We urge Congress to vote the USMCA down in its present form."



Farmers Union Urges White House to Replace Aromatics with Biofuels

Following an initial statement of support, National Farmers Union (NFU) today sent a letter to President Donald Trump endorsing the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition recommendation to lower air toxic emissions caused by the use of gasoline aromatics. In accordance with the coalition’s position, the organization suggested that aromatics be replaced with biofuels, which are higher octane, burn more cleanly, and far better in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, and public health.

NFU is a longtime proponent of replacing toxic aromatics with ethanol, filing comments to that effect on several different rulemakings, including the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule. In a statement, NFU President Roger Johnson emphasized the benefits of doing so and advised the administration to adopt the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition’s recommendations.

“Governors Tim Walz and Kristi Noem, along with the rest of the Governors Biofuels Coalition, are to be commended for raising this important issue with the President. The use of toxic aromatics in gasoline is indefensible. They are a public health risk, degrading air quality by emitting a significant amount of fine particulate matter as well as air toxics like benzene, toluene, and xylene. If that weren’t enough, they are also expensive, carbon intensive, and energy inefficient.

“Fortunately, there’s an easy solution in ethanol. Not only is it substantially cleaner than petroleum-based octane additives, but it is cost effective and readily available as well. We urge this administration to reduce health care costs, ease compliance burdens, and provide lower cost fuel for consumers by making the prudent choice to replace aromatics with ethanol.”



Johnson to Retire from Role as Farmers Union President

After serving as president of National Farmers Union (NFU) for over a decade, Roger Johnson announced that he does not intend to seek reelection again next year. His current term will end at the organization’s annual convention in March, at which point an election for his successor will be held.

During his eleven-year-long tenure, Johnson has led efforts to fight corporate consolidation in the agriculture industry, help farmers adapt to and mitigate climate change, develop fair international trade agreements, provide information and resources to rural communities struggling with mounting stress and opioid misuse, and ensure the economic and social viability of family farm agriculture. Prior to leading the family farm organization, he served as North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner and as president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).

Johnson, a third-generation family farmer from Turtle Lake, North Dakota, grew up in Farmers Union, participating in the organization’s youth programs and serving as a county president and chairman of the board of a local Farmers Union cooperative. He released the following statement about his impending retirement:

“Farmers Union has been a fundamental part of my identity for my entire life – and it has been my greatest honor to serve this organization and the admirable farmers and ranchers who comprise its membership. It’s a bittersweet feeling to take a step back from this career-defining role, but ultimately, it’s time for me to spend more time with my wife and four grandchildren.

“My top priority, as president and now during this transition process, is to protect the future of family farmers and rural communities, and I am confident that National Farmers Union is well positioned to keep doing just that. Compared to where we were eleven years ago, today we are more financially secure, our membership is growing, and we have built our reputation as a leader for progressive agriculture – all thanks to our highly capable and dedicated team. My decision will change none of these things. While I enjoy my quiet retirement, I am sure that Farmers Union staff and members will continue the organization’s 117-year-long mission to build a better, more sustainable, and more equitable food system.”



Extreme weather issues across the U.S. resulting in high risk for mycotoxins in corn silage

The past year has been one of the most challenging years in recent memory for corn farmers across the Midwest due to excessive rainfall, which has resulted in delayed and/or prevented planting in many areas. Extreme weather conditions and moisture levels can reduce yields and induce plant stress, and they can also lead to future issues for the crop, including molds and mycotoxins. Increased moisture can allow Fusarium molds to flourish, producing a variety of mycotoxins that include deoxynivalenol (DON), fusaric acid, T-2, HT-2 and zearalenone (ZEN).

Mycotoxins are a concern for livestock producers, as they influence feed quality and animal safety. They are produced by certain species of molds and can have toxic properties that impact animal health and performance. Samples of the 2019 corn silage from across the U.S. are currently being submitted to the Alltech 37+® mycotoxin analytical services laboratory, and analysis is indicating the presence of high levels of mycotoxins.

The samples have included an average of 7.13 mycotoxins, with a range of 2 to 14 mycotoxins per sample. In 86.6% of the samples, DON was present; 99.5% contained fusaric acid; and 94.1% tested positive for emerging mycotoxins, including beauvericin, moniliformin, enniatins, phomopsin and alternariol. These emerging mycotoxins will add to the risks potentially affecting rumen function, gut health and immune response. A point of interest is that ZEN was found in 48.9% of the samples and has become increasingly prevalent over the past two years.

“These levels of mycotoxins found in the 2019 crop are significantly higher than the average values,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, nutritionist with the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management team. “Livestock producers across the U.S. should test their own corn silage to identify the levels of individual mycotoxins and the subsequent risk present to livestock health and performance.”

Mycotoxins are seldom found in isolation, and when multiple mycotoxins are consumed, they may have additive — or even synergistic — interactions that increase the overall risk to performance and health. As a result, an animal may have a stronger response than what would be expected if it was only experiencing a single mycotoxin challenge.