Tuesday December 3 Ag News

LENRD Board approves applications for new irrigated acres

Earlier this fall, landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries, had an opportunity to submit applications to expand irrigated acres.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The board voted to accept applications for standard variances in some portions of the District.  We received 123 applications for new irrigated acres during the sign-up period, which was open from October 1st through October 31st, 2019.”  Eligible applications were processed using the District’s scoring and ranking process, which integrates several categories that are each assigned different score values within the subcategory.  Each eligible application was given a total score, and subsequently the applications are ranked from highest to lowest score.

The board voted at their December 2nd meeting to allow up to 292.24 acre-feet of new peak season streamflow depletions in the LENRD’s Hydrologically Connected (10/50 Area), which calculates to 2,795 new irrigated acres.  The board also voted to allow for the development of 2509.92 new irrigated acres in the LENRD’s Non-Hydrologically Connected (Non 10/50 Area).  These approvals were determined from the final rankings as provided by District staff, and a cut-off was established to determine the number of acre-feet of new depletions, and the number of new irrigated acres that would be made available for each respective management area.

Bruckner continued, “Staff will now go through the process of contacting the landowners in writing, for both approved and non-approved applications.”  After the landowners have been properly notified, the approved list will be made available by submitting a request for public records to the District.

In other action, the board approved the annual groundwater allocations for the Quantity Management Subareas subject to allocations for the 2020 growing season.  Bruckner, said, “Each year, the board must determine the annual groundwater allocation amounts for the Wayne and Eastern Madison County Quantity Management Subareas for the upcoming crop year.”  The board voted to establish the 2020 allocation amounts at:  18 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 14 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Eastern Madison County Quantity Subarea, and 17 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 12 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Wayne County Quantity Subarea.  These groundwater allocation amounts have remained unchanged since first being imposed for the 2013 pumping season.

In other business, the board approved 5 Community Forestry Incentive applications for a total cost of $13,719.69.  The communities receiving grants this year include:  the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Public Schools, the Village of Pilger, the City of Wakefield, and the City of West Point.

The board also voted to approve the memorandum of agreement between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the LENRD.  LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The NRCS and LENRD share a rich history of collaborating to deliver comprehensive technical and financial assistance to landowners and other entities to protect, restore, and enhance natural resources.  This agreement reinforces the partnership between both agencies and will be in effect until mutually modified or terminated.”

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans for the future of our natural resources.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, December 19th at 7:30 p.m. at the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.  Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails at www.lenrd.org.



Extension, FSA to Host Farm Bill Education Meetings Across Northeast Nebraska in December

Nebraska Extension and USDA Farm Service Agency in Nebraska will host a series of Farm Bill education meetings next month to assist producers as they begin to make farm-bill related program decisions. The 2018 Farm Bill, signed into law last December, reauthorized the existing Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety net programs that were in the 2014 Farm Bill, however producers will need to make new program enrollment decisions over the coming months.

While the ARC and PLC programs under the new farm bill remain very similar to the previous farm bill, a few program changes coupled with changes in market conditions and outlook could significantly impact producer decisions.

“Producers face a familiar choice between ARC and PLC, but under very different circumstances now as compared to 2014,” said Brad Lubben, Policy Specialist with Nebraska Extension. “Understanding the program mechanics, analysis and available decision tools will help producers make sound enrollment decisions with FSA.”

The joint Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Farm Service Agency producer education meetings are scheduled at seven locations in northeast Nebraska in December in advance of the coming ARC/PLC enrollment deadlines in early 2020.

The meeting schedule for eastern Nebraska includes:
*Added - Dakota City – Dakota County Service Center – December 5, 1:30-4:30 PM
  - West Point - Nielsen Center - December 9, 9 AM-12 NOON
  - Scribner - Dodge County Fairgrounds Mohr Auditorium - December 11, 9 AM-12 NOON
  - Lincoln - Lancaster County Extension Center - December 16, 9 AM-12 NOON
  - Wayne - Wayne Fire Hall - December 16, (2 meetings) 1-4 PM or 6-9 PM
  - Norfolk - Northeast Community College Lifelong Learning Center - December 18, 1-4 PM

Please check the website for updates on locations, dates and times. All times are local with registration beginning 30 minutes ahead of start.

The meetings are all free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged for planning purposes for materials and facilities. Attendees can register for any of the meetings conveniently on the web at farmbill.unl.edu or by calling or visiting their county FSA or Extension office. The educational programs are each set to run three hours in length, featuring information and insight from FSA specialists and Extension experts, as well as other relevant information from local agencies.
There also are resources available online that can educate producers in their ARC/PLC decision-making process. Links to these resources are available from FSA at www.fsa.usda.gov/ne under the Spotlights section or from Extension at farmbill.unl.edu.



Confronting Cropping Challenges

Getting the latest information on issues facing crop farmers AND an opportunity to renew your private pesticide applicator license will all take place at a series of meetings in December. This is the fourth year for Confronting Cropping Challenges and responses from last year’s programs were very positive. This year the program will be offered at five locations in the area.
Monday, December 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – American Legion - Neligh
Tuesday, December 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Fire Hall - Wayne
Wednesday, December 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Nielsen Community Center - West Point
Thursday, December 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Club Room, Ag Park - Columbus
Friday, December 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Rybin Building, Fairgrounds - Arlington

Topics that will be covered this year include:
What can we learn from the Thistle Caterpillar feeding in 2019?
How can we deal with Frogeye Leafspot in 2020?
What are our options to deal with herbicide resistant weeds in 2020?
Alfalfa management
Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification

Anyone that just wants the crops information can attend the first four sessions and leave. If you need to have your private applicator license renewed (renewal only, not initial certification) in 2020, you can stick around for the final session to be recertified. Even though this training is being offered in 2019, you will not lose a year of certification on your license.

The cost for the program is $10 if you are only attending the first four sessions. If you are being recertified, the cost will be $50. The additional $40 is the same as you would pay to be recertified at a traditional private pesticide applicator training.

Pre-registration is appreciated but not required by calling Nebraska Extension at 402-374-2929.

Stay tuned for additional private pesticide training dates that will be held in the area during the first part of 2020.

For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.



Beef Quality Assurance Transportation Being Offered by Nebraska Extension

Nebraska Extension will be holding BQA (Beef Quality Assurance) Transportation trainings & certification at the following locations:
-December 5, 7:00 p.m. – O’Neill, Holt Co. Courthouse Annex
-December 17, 1:30 p.m. – Columbus, Platte Co. Extension Office
-December 17, 6:00 p.m. – York, York Co. Fairgrounds 4-H Building
-December 18, 6:00 p.m. – West Point, Courthouse Meeting Room
-December 19, 1:30 p.m. – Lexington, Dawson Co. Extension Office
-December 19, 6:00 p.m. – Lexington, Dawson Co. Extension Office

BQA Transportation plays a critical role in the health and welfare of cattle.  The proper handling and transport of cattle can reduce sickness in calves, prevent bruises and improve the quality of the meat from these animals.  When a transporter participates in the program they are showing consumers they are ready to take very step possible to keep cattle as healthy and safe as possible.

The program covers many topics including:
Cattle handling guidelines and diagrams
Checklists for loading/unloading
Checklists for hot/cold weather factors
Checklists for fit/injured/weak cattle
Checklists for traveling
Loading suggestion and worksheets
Bio-security & Emergency Action Plans

Anybody who hauls fat cattle or weigh-ups to Tyson, Cargill, JBS and National for slaughter are required to have completed BQA transportation training by January 1, 2020.  Currently this training is free to attend and the certification is good for 3 years. 

For further information contact Rob Eirich@ 308-632-1230.



Applications Now Accepted for the 2020 NePPA Pork Mentorship Program

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association wants students to be a part of the 2020 Pork Mentorship Program. If students are connected to agriculture and believe in the future of the pork industry, they are encouraged to apply! Scholarships are available for college-age students who have an interest in the pork industry – they don’t have to be a pork producer! Students may apply for this opportunity by visiting the youth tab on www.nepork.org. Applications are due December 15th.

The Pork Mentorship Program is directed under Kyla Habrock, NPPA Youth Education Director. Habrock stated, “The NPPA Pork Mentorship Program is more than just a scholarship. It’s a way for students to build their capacity as a leader and professional in the pork and agriculture industries in Nebraska. The program provides students with an opportunity to identify future career goals and to evolve into strong agricultural advocates.”

The Pork Mentorship Program was established in 1999. To date, nearly 150 students have completed the program and over $75,000 in scholarships have been awarded. Each year the students participate in activities that encourage personal growth, leadership development, community engagement, and expand their knowledge of the pork industry. A $500 scholarship is awarded upon the completion of the year-long program.



Nebraska Dairy Leadership Academy

The Nebraska Extension Dairy Team is hosting a leadership academy this winter specifically for those in the dairy industry.  This leadership academy will address the unique needs of dairy leaders through custom training and coaching to provide and build leadership skills for young dairy producers.  There will be in-depth, interactive workshops to address the real world challenges faced by leaders today with training topics identified to help refine leadership skills and build business acumen. Leadership coaching, held between leadership sessions, is designed to support the specific leadership goals of each individual while developing a leadership skill set. This program applies to dairy farm leaders, upper management and employees of all levels. We also strongly encourage spouses to participate in this program.  

This leadership academy will focus on eight areas.
-    Goal setting
-    Coaching for performance
-    Managing operational costs
-    Creating strategic plans
-    Employee recruitment and retention
-    Managing conflict
-    Evaluating financial statements
-    Cultural development

Participants in the Leadership Academy will convene to focus on one leadership topic for one day.  At the end of the day, participants and their spouse will enjoy an evening activity or social.
In addition to the in-person sessions, participants will be divided into coaching groups.  Coaching groups will “meet” online between face-to-face sessions.  The objective with coaching groups is to hold each other accountable, discuss the leadership topics, and learn from fellow producers how they are implementing new ideas on the farm.
 
Outcomes
-    Producers will increase their leadership skills and abilities for utilization both on and off the farm
-    Dairy producers will expand their network of connections with fellow dairy producers
-    Dairy producers will build a team culture on the farm to improve employee retention
-    Dairy producers will have an increased knowledge of finances and budgeting for financial planning, sustainability, profitability
-    Dairy producers will utilize their leadership skills to serve on organizations including dairy checkoff organizations

Who should attend?
Dairy owners, managers, herdsmen, spouses....  This program will be capped at 25 next generation dairy leaders to provide a hands-on learning experience. 

Cost
The cost is $300 for the first person from the farm and $250 for each person from the same farm.  the registration fee includes all leadership sessions and is due at the first session.  Registration includes materials, meals, and social events for each leadership session. 

Timeline
Below is a schedule of leadership topics, dates and locations.   
December 11, 2019 - Creating a Vision & Goal Setting, Lincoln
February 24, 2020 - Farm Finances: reading balance sheets, creating budgets, making purchasing decisions, employee pay - Columbus (NSDA Annual Convention is the following day – February 25)
May 2020 - Cultural Competency - Omaha
July 2020 - Employee Retention and Recruiting - Kansas City
September 2020 - Coaching for Performance - Lincoln
November 2020 - Managing Conflict, the Culture Code, Understanding Checkoffs, Sioux City, IA

Registration
To register, contact Kim Clark at 402-472-6065, email KimClark@unl.edu. 



Nebraska Producers Reminded to Sign Up for Market Facilitation Program

USDA today reminded producers in Nebraska the nationwide deadline to sign up for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) is Dec. 6, 2019. MFP payments are aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations.

“Farmers have had a tough year due to unfair trade retaliation and natural disasters, but the Market Facilitation Program offers some much-needed relief,” said Nancy Johner, State Executive Director in Nebraska. “I encourage farmers not to miss the deadline to submit an application.”

Since signup began on July 29, more than 41,000 producers in Nebraska have signed up for MFP and have received $700.5 million. Across the country, more than $10.1 billion has been paid for 2019 MFP crop and livestock commodities to nearly 601,000 applicants.

Last month, USDA began making payments on the second tranche of 2019 MFP payments. Producers of MFP-eligible commodities are now eligible to receive 75 percent of the total potential payment. If conditions warrant, producers may receive the final tranche in January 2020.

Additionally, due to changes to the 2018 MFP program that were required by the 2019 Disaster Bill, producers previously deemed ineligible for MFP in 2018 because they had an average AGI level higher than $900,000 may now be eligible for 2018 MFP benefits. Those producers must be able to verify 75 percent or more of their average AGI was derived from farming and ranching to qualify. The deadline for this signup also is Dec. 6, 2019.

Producers who have yet to sign up for MFP should contact their local FSA office. Information on eligibility requirements and the application can also be found on www.farmers.gov/MFP.



Winter Cow Webinar Series Offers Convenient Viewing Options

Beef cow-calf producers recognize the importance of staying informed on all aspects of their operation, and a new four-part webinar series from Iowa Beef Center will help them do just that.

Iowa State University extension program specialist Beth Reynolds said the Winter Cow Webinar series is intended to provide timely topics for beef cow management and the opportunity to access the information when it's convenient for them, even if that means they cannot attend a meeting in person. The first session of this series is set for Wednesday, Dec. 11, and focuses on winter feeding management.

"The weather pattern of 2019 has created several challenges for putting up hay, corn silage and other forage resources in ideal condition," Reynolds said. "Producer data from our recent Iowa Beef Center Cow Systems Project demonstrated that approximately 40% of total production costs were devoted to stored feed costs, and since we can’t control the markets, focusing on controlling feed costs is really important to the profitability of the beef cow enterprise."

The purpose of improving feed management is to improve costs without sacrificing performance, and the Cow Systems Project manual provides a good reference for those costs. Producers interested in learning more can access the Cow Systems Project manual from the Extension Store, https://store.extension.iastate.edu, for more information.

Speakers will share information on assessing feed quality and determining nutritional management strategies of beef cows as cows enter the third trimester of gestation. Garland Dahlke, IBC associate scientist, will present "Winter Feed: Considering the Feed Quality Forecast" and Katy Lippolis, assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State, will talk on "Winter Nutritional Management for Beef Cows."

The webinar is available for viewing at home and at several host sites throughout the state. Area beef specialists will be at host sites to facilitate further discussion following each webinar. Local discussions may include local feed quality issues and ration needs specific to individual producers.

There is no cost to attend an in-person location or to view the webinar at home, but you are encouraged to preregister for both options by either calling your preferred host location or completing the online registration form for access information for home viewing. Walk-ins for in-person locations are welcome. Plans are to record each webinar and provide links to those recordings when they're available.

The list of webinar dates and topics follows. All sessions will be held from 6–8 p.m.
    Dec. 11; Winter feeding management.
    Jan. 22, 2020; Preparing for calving season.
    Feb. 18, 2020; Market trends, tracking and improving profitability.
    March 10, 2020; Pasture renovation, forage management.

See the webinar series program page http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/WinterCowWebinarSeries.html for additional information and links to archived recordings.



Feedlot Forum 2020 Explores Cattle Marketing Challenges and Expectations

Feedlot Forum 2020 will be held Jan. 14, 2020, 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. at the Terrace View Event Center, Sioux Center. The event marks the 17th year for the program co-hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Beef Center, the Sioux, Lyon and Plymouth County Cattlemen’s Associations, and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

Feedlot Forum is an opportunity for feedlot producers and allied agribusiness professionals to receive the latest information on beef production and marketing. The program features several industry-leaders as speakers, agribusiness sponsor displays, a steak dinner and a $10 beef certificate for attendees.

“The feedlot industry has had its share of challenges, including restricted processing capacity, high export tariffs and plant proteins competing for the center of the consumer’s plate,” said Beth Doran, beef program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Coupled with these challenges, the consumer also has expectations. They want assurance that their beef is produced with attention to animal stewardship and environmental sustainability, and that it is nutritious and high quality.”

Keynote speakers and their topics are:
    Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, director of sustainability, JBS USA, presenting “Customer Expectations of Today.”
    Greg Hanes, Cattlemen’s Beef Board CEO, “International Customer Expectations and Your Checkoff.”
    Colin Woodall, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO, “NCBA’s Role in Marketing Issues.”
    Andrew Gottschalk, R.J. O’Brien and Associates senior vice president and HedgersEdge.com LLC president, “Herd Expansion Ends, What’s Next?”

Attendees will also hear brief updates on the Iowa Beef Industry Council’s efforts to increase consumer demand and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association’s efforts to maintain market access for Iowa feedlot operators.

“Marketing has expanded beyond the farm gate to include not only state and national venues, but now an expansive international focus,” Doran said. “The goal of this forum is to help today’s producer learn what it will take to be competitive in the future.”

The forum features 26 agribusiness sponsor displays with the latest in cattle products, technology and services, all of which are available to cattle producers.

Registration for Feedlot Forum 2020 is $25 per person with a discounted price of $10 for students. Registration is due to the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County office (400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700, Orange City, IA 51041) no later than Jan. 9, 2020.

For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.



FarmlandFinder Raises $3M to Increase Transparency in the Farmland Market

FarmlandFinder, a digital toolset for farmland professionals, has raised a $3 million Series Seed funding round. Cultivian Sandbox led the round with participation from Iowa Farm Bureau’s Rural Vitality Fund and Next Level Ventures.

FarmlandFinder offers simple, easy-to-use market intelligence and data management tools to farmland professionals, including landowners, brokers, appraisers, ag lenders and land investment firms. This digital suite of tools gives farmland professionals access to the most complete and up-to-date farmland market data in the Midwest, as well as analytical tools to help make informed decisions and operate more efficiently.

“Each year $56 billion of farmland exchanges ownership, and most of this is done entirely offline with very little access to data or real-time information,” said FarmlandFinder Founder and CEO Steven Brockshus. “We’re increasing transparency in a traditionally opaque industry, which helps to level the playing field and drive efficiency. Through a data-rich platform, we’re able to help buyers, sellers and land professionals make informed decisions in a fraction of the time.”

Brockshus is no stranger to agriculture, having grown up on a 5th generation family farm in Iowa and later serving as a National FFA Officer. The seed for FarmlandFinder was planted when Brockshus attended a farmland auction with his father and saw first-hand how little information was available. Brockshus reflects on that day, “Buying or selling a farm is one of the biggest decisions a landowner makes and they have very little access to real-time information to help them make an informed choice. At FarmlandFinder, we are leveraging technology to give them more power when making that decision.”

FarmlandFinder will use the funding to expand its team in order to help more landowners, ag lenders and land investment firms leverage data to grow their business. The company’s data-driven approach in a data-poor industry is just one of the things that has attracted top ag tech investors to get involved:

“With its extensive database of farmland real estate and user-friendly software tools, FarmlandFinder is pioneering the digitization and transparency of the farmland real estate market, and we’re excited to be their partner on this journey.” said Amanda Donohue-Hansen, Vice President at Cultivian Sandbox Ventures.



Giving Tuesday Launches Fourth Annual Hams Across America Initiative

When it comes to giving back to their communities, pig farmers across the U.S. like to adopt the "go big or go home attitude", and this Giving Tuesday is no different. Today, U.S. pig farmers, the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), Smithfield Foods, Inc., Prairie Fresh Pork, JBS USA Pork and state pork associations kicked off the fourth annual Hams Across America campaign.

“Each year Hams Across America kicks off on Giving Tuesday, which is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving," said David Newman, president of the National Pork Board. The programs concept is simple: Give a ham to those in need or to those you care about this holiday season.”

Pig farmers and those involved in the pork industry are encouraged to extend their giving through Dec. 23 with Hams Across America. Individuals can participate by purchasing a gift of ham (or any pork product) and paying it forward to those in need. Participants are encouraged to share their pay-it-forward stories on social media using #HamsAcrossAmerica and #GiveAHam. They also are encouraged to challenge others they know to pay it forward and to share how they live the We CareSM ethical principles. The We Care principles include: Food Safety, Animal Well-Being, Public Health, Environment, Our People and Our Community.

“Hams Across America illustrates key We Care value of America's pork producers – community support,” said National Pork Producers Council President David Herring. “We’re honored to share our products with those in need so they can enjoy delicious, healthy meals this holiday season.”

The National Pork Board and the NPPC are partnering with many state pork associations across the United States to extend the Hams Across America campaign through the holiday season. These events include:
    The Nebraska Pork Producers Association will distribute hams to homeless shelters in Omaha and Lincoln areas.
    The Iowa Pork Producers Association will team with law enforcement across the state, packing meals to fight food insecurity through the Arresting Hunger campaign. Iowa Pork also will serve breakfast to clients of the Central Iowa Shelter and Services on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
    The Missouri Pork Producers Association will donate $5,000 to the Food Bank of Central & Northeast Missouri. Also, Smithfield Foods and Prairie Fresh Pork will donate nearly 70,000 pounds of pork on Dec. 10.
    The Tennesse Pork Producers Association will partner with PFG Nashville to serve breakfast to clients of the Nashville Rescue Mission.
    The Wisconsin Pork Producers Association is partnering with Compeer Financial to donate fresh hams to Wisconsin food banks.
    The Colorado Pork Producers Association will donate $10,000 to the Food Bank of the Rockies. Smithfield Foods and JBS USA Pork also will donate over 50,000 pounds of pork on Dec. 19.

 “Smithfield Foods is proud to again be a part of Hams Across America and to contribute protein to those in need this holiday season,” said Jonathan Toms, associate manager of charitable initiatives for Smithfield Foods. “Hunger relief is at the center of everything we do at Smithfield, and we are humbled to be able to provide support through this partnership with the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council.”

“Our producers at Seaboard Foods and Triumph Foods believe it’s important to support our communities and neighbors whether they are next door or across the country,” said David Eaheart, senior director of communications and Prairie Fresh brand marketing at Seaboard Foods. “With the hope of making the holiday season brighter for those facing food insecurity, we’re glad to join the National Pork Board, NPPC and other U.S. pig farmers in supporting Hams Across America with our Prairie Fresh pork products.”

JBS USA Pork is proud to support the Hams Across America campaign with a donation of 20,000 pounds of pork to the Food Bank of the Rockies. “Hunger relief is an integral part of JBS and we are grateful to be included in this incredible nationwide effort to help feed our communities,” says Bob Krebs, president at JBS USA Pork.

This year, the National Pork Board is partnering with nine YouTube creators who will put their own spin on paying it forward with pork to share the message with consumers. The #HamsAcrossAmerica YouTube campaign runs through the end of the year and is projected to engage 5 million viewers. The roster of creators includes Good Mythical Morning, Guga Foods, HellthyJunkFood and Binging with Babish. The campaign video playlist and more information on how to get involved can be found at pork.org/HamsAcrossAmerica.

“Partnering with influencers to share our pork story has been an important piece of our digital strategy. This is especially important since YouTube reaches 95% of Gen Z, a demographic with whom we need to start building relationships with now,” Newman said. “We are excited for these amazing creators to help share pig farmers’ commitment to our communities.”



WHEN IT COMES TO SOIL HEALTH GOOD NEWS ISN’T HARD TO FIND

Thursday, December 5, is World Soil Day and the National Corn Growers Association is joining the Soil Health Partnership in celebrating the growing focus on improved soil health in agriculture.

The SHP effort is cool because they are encouraging farmers to tell their own unique soil health journey! Outside the Ag industry, many folks don’t know about the soil health revolution taking place so don't forget to use the hashtag #mysoilhealthjourney and tag @soilhealthpartnership to join the celebration.

The Nature Conservancy, one of the many groups working with SHP and NCGA, believes a sustainable food system is potentially one of the most significant ways to ensure a future where both nature and people thrive.

Research estimates that improving adopting soil health-promoting practices on at least half of U.S. croplands by 2025 could deliver up to $7.4 billion in water and climate benefits annually. So, Happy Soil Health Day.



NCBA Seeks Clarity and Consistency in Beef Origin Labeling Practices

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the nation's oldest and largest national organization representing American cattle producers, today reaffirmed its policy supporting voluntary country-of-origin labeling (COOL). Because the association takes the concerns of its members and stakeholders seriously, its Executive Committee has unanimously approved efforts to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) to address the Agency’s longstanding policy on geographic origin statements.

Specifically, NCBA is seeking solutions to the labeling requirements and verification procedures in place for beef products labeled as “Product of the U.S.A,” “Made in the U.S.A.,” or similar origin claims, which will resolve the concerns of beef producers, work at the speed of commerce, meet America's trade obligations and prevent confusion among consumers.

For several months, NCBA has been studying origin claims in use on some beef product labels. During the NCBA Summer Business Meeting in July, NCBA leaders formed a producer-led working group to examine the extent of these concerns and the federal regulations governing such practices. Although the working group has not determined whether such practices are occurring on a widespread basis, concerns remain that consumer expectations relative to beef product labels bearing origin claims may not be consistent with FSIS’s current policy.

“NCBA recognizes that product labels are a defining feature of the shopping experience for consumers. While the majority of beef products currently advertised, marketed, or labeled as ‘Product of the U.S.A.' are likely compliant with current FSIS regulations, the potential for consumer confusion exists,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “The core mission of FSIS is to ensure all meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, not adulterated, and properly marked, labeled, and packaged. While FSIS has policy regarding origin labels, ultimately origin claims are marketing claims and should be regulated as such.”  

NCBA said it and its state affiliates are committed to working together with USDA to bring forward a meaningful solution to ensure that any voluntary country-of-origin claims are verified by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) prior to the approval of labels by USDA-FSIS. NCBA believes that beef labels with voluntary country-of-origin labeling marketing claims should be verified through existing USDA framework that is market-based and respects international trade commitments.   It is critically important that any changes not trigger retaliatory tariffs from Mexico or Canada that have already been approved by the WTO.  

NCBA believes that other recent efforts to address these concerns by Congress or other industry groups — while well-intentioned — miss the mark and don’t go far enough to address the situation.

“We look forward to working with USDA and other stakeholders – something NCBA is uniquely positioned to do – to ensure that accurate and voluntary origin labels are in place to benefit beef producers and consumers,” Woodall said.



USDA Improves Crop Insurance for Coarse Grains Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced changes to crop insurance for coarse grains in 2020. The USDA's Risk Management Agency says the changes allow producers more flexibility to choose enterprise units (EU) or optional units (OU) by Following Another Crop (FAC) or Not Following Another Crop (NFAC) cropping practice in select grain sorghum and soybean counties.

"We continually listen to producers and other stakeholders in developing our crop insurance policies, and we make adjustments to these policies when necessary," said RMA Administrator Martin Barbre. "With these changes, we believe grain sorghum and soybean producers will have more flexibility."

These changes are important because they:
- Allow producers to better manage the unique risks of each practice by having separate FAC and NFAC units.
- Producers may now be indemnified independently by FAC and NFAC units. A gain on one of the cropping practices will not be offset by the loss on the other cropping practice.

Changes are further described in a final rule, now available on the Federal Register at regulations.gov. Interested parties are invited to comment on the rule for 60 days.

Over 75 million acres of grain sorghum and soybeans worth a total of over $25 billion (liabilities) are covered by crop insurance in 48 states.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov.



Penn State research demonstrates significant increase in feed efficiency with unique corn silage

Research by Penn State University found a 4% increase (6% increase uncorrected) in ECM feed efficiency with Enogen® Feed corn silage – with no negative effect on rumen fermentation.1 The unique Syngenta hybrids, available from NK Seeds retailers, feature an in-seed technology that converts starch to usable sugars more quickly than other corn.

The research, results of which were presented at the 2019 American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) Northeast Branch meeting in November, was conducted by Sergio Welchez, graduate research assistant, and Dr. Alex Hristov of Penn State University's Department of Animal Science. In their replicated experiment, they compared Enogen Feed corn silage to non-Enogen corn silage. The only difference in feed was the type of corn silage used, so the results indicate the effect of the in-seed alpha amylase technology of Enogen Feed corn.

"This data further confirms results seen in extensive research at several universities and commercial trials," said Eileen Watson, Ph.D., Enogen development specialist. "On average, we've found that Enogen Feed corn fed as grain or silage may increase feed efficiency by about 5% compared to corn without the Enogen trait."

The Penn State research supports what dairy producers are seeing in their own operations. On-farm results demonstrate that Enogen Feed corn hybrids deliver a new level of starch digestibility in ruminants, whether fed as grain or silage.

"Good corn silage is about 35 percent starch on a dry matter basis," said Duane Martin, Ph.D., head of marketing for Enogen, Syngenta. "Enogen Feed corn hybrids convert starch to useable sugars more quickly and efficiently than other corn. This results in more available energy and improved feed efficiency, which can lower feed costs and improve profit potential in livestock operations."

In addition to feed efficiency benefits, Enogen Feed corn hybrids stand and yield with the best elite corn hybrids, helping dairy producers gain efficiencies in the field as well as in dairy operations.2

"If you are a dairy producer growing your own feed, a simple switch in your corn hybrid may help increase the feed value of the silage in your ration," said Joe Bollman, NK® corn product manager. "Enogen Feed corn hybrids are proven, high-yielding hybrids with the traits you need to protect yield potential. And, there are no additional management challenges, unlike some silage-specific hybrids."



FDA Nomination Heads to Senate Floor With NMPF, Hopeful for Progress on Fake Milk

The National Milk Producers Federation today expressed hope that the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee vote to send Dr. Stephen Hahn’s nomination to be commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to the full Senate for final confirmation represents another step toward greater transparency in the use of dairy terms in the marketplace.

“It is long past time for the FDA to begin enforcing its own standards, which make clear that dairy terms are reserved for real dairy products, not plant-based imitators that mislead shoppers by misrepresenting nutritionally inferior products,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “We are hopeful that today’s vote to forward Dr. Hahn’s nomination to the full Senate is the beginning of the end of this long process, and we are eager to work with Dr. Hahn upon his confirmation to ensure that dairy product standards are enforced once and for all.”

Hahn voiced his support in his confirmation hearing last month for “clear, transparent, and understandable labeling for the American people” in an exchange with Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin.

The National Milk Producers Federation, which has been speaking out on plant-based imitators for four decades, has been encouraged by recent, long overdue FDA attention to the issue. For more background on NMPF’s position and statements of support from public-health organizations, click here. NMPF also in February released a “road map" for how the agency can adapt existing standards to reflect the current marketplace and protect labeling integrity.  



USDA Announces Details of the 2020 Agricultural Outlook Forum Program

USDA announces details of the 96thAgricultural Outlook Forum program, which takes place February 20-21, 2020 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

The 2020 Forum is themed The Innovation Imperative: Shaping the Future of Agriculture. The Forum’s plenary panel and several breakout sessions will focus on the central role science and innovation play in driving future growth and addressing challenges facing farmers.

Speakers will highlight some of the cutting edge technologies and emerging trends and their implications for the future of agriculture. Topics include scientific advances in corporate food safety strategies, and farming practices for extreme weather uncertainties.

The Forum’s program will begin with a presentation by USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson on the Department’s outlook for U.S. commodity markets and trade for 2020 and the U.S. farm income situation.

In addition to science and innovation, the 2020 program will cover five key areas:
    Managing risk and ensuring sustainability
    U.S. agricultural trade and global markets
    Commodity outlooks
    Rural economy
    Food and nutrition

The USDA offers a pre-forum field trip for early arrivals. This year’s trip will include a visit to an urban commercial rooftop farming enterprise, and a trip to USDA’s Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, to share USDA research on food genetics and pollinator health.

The Agricultural Outlook Forum brings together more than 1,500 participants each year from the U.S. and around the world, including producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and nongovernmental organizations. The Forum’s program includes more than thirty sessions and one hundred expert speakers.

To register for the 2020 Agricultural Outlook Forum, visit www.usda.gov/oce/forum.