Thursday January 23 Ag News

FINANCIAL SERVICES PROGRAM AIMS TO HELP NEBRASKA FARMERS, RANCHERS

A new Nebraska Extension financial services program offers farmers and ranchers across the state tools to utilize existing data to improve decision-making and management in their operations.

Nebraska Strong Financial Services was created by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics to offer analysis and planning that is complementary to — and independent of — accounting services. Benchmarking, which measures a variety of financial indicators to compare performance to other area operations, will be a major focus of the program.

“Management requires measurement,” said Cory Walters, associate professor of agricultural economics. “Benchmarking provides a foundation for farm businesses to assess how they are doing relative to leading businesses.”

Comparing a producer’s operation to state and regional data will provide a clearer picture of performance over time and aid in decision-making.

“Benchmarking allows farms to survive and correct weakness to increase economic efficiency, which increases the chance of farm survival,” Walters said.

As part of extension, Nebraska Strong Financial Services offers an unbiased source of analysis, said Pedro Masi, a financial analyst hired to work with producers in the program.

“We don’t see ourselves as competing with accounting firms for accounting services,” he said. “We are actually providing an additional service to help farmers improve their decision-making.”
The program offers both whole farm and enterprise analysis to provide an overview of operations and identify strengths and weaknesses. Cash flow planning and benchmarking are then incorporated to aid projections and assessment over time. All data collected through the service will remain anonymous.

During the post-analysis phase, Nebraska Strong Financial Services can also work to help producers connect with the specialized expertise of extension educators and university faculty, to assist with farm management needs, such as better marketing strategies, pest

Producers of any size, including those affected by the 2019 flooding, are encouraged to find out more or sign up for the service by calling Masi at 402-472-3401 or visiting the Nebraska Strong Financial Services website at https://agecon.unl.edu/nsfs.



Ricketts Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced recent appointments he has made to fill Nebraska’s boards and commissions.

The following appointees are unpaid and are not subject to Legislative confirmation, including:
Healthy Soils Task Force - Nathan P. Pflueger, Osceola

The following appointees are unpaid and subject to Legislative confirmation, including:
Nebraska State Fair Board - Beth Smith, Lincoln

Thank you to the many Nebraskans that generously give their time and talent to make a difference in our state.  These appointments will provide crucial insight and expertise to their respective boards, committees, and commissions.  To learn about openings and apply to serve on a board or commission, go to https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req.



 NARD Legislative Conference Brings Together Elected Leaders, Highlights Partnerships

In preparation for another legislative session, the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts host their annual Legislative Conference to highlight partnerships and discuss natural resources policy at the Lincoln Embassy Suites Jan. 28-29.

The two-day conference brings together Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), elected officials and public-private partners integrally involved in conservation, technology and policymaking. The conference also provides attendees an opportunity to learn how Nebraska’s NRDs work with ag producers, state and federal agencies, and members of the public to protect Nebraska’s natural resources and the economy.

Governor Pete Ricketts has been invited to kick off the event Tuesday, Jan. 28, followed by a discussion of proposed legislation of interest to the NRDs. During the evening Senators Reception, NRD leaders will meet with state senators to discuss natural resources challenges and successes in the districts.

The conference continues Wednesday, Jan. 29, with breakout sessions for attendees, including:
    How NRDs can use and benefit from bonding authority
    Initiating secure, online payments for customers
    Promoting science for the common good: working with the media
    Economic development and natural resources enhancements
    Responsibilities for dam safety and strategy for siting new dams
    Current status of agroforestry and pathways for practical implementation

More than 400 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference, which is presented by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors. Online registration and a detailed agenda are available on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ website www.nrdnet.org.



Eye on Biodiesel Winners Showcase an Image of Success

The National Biodiesel Board’s annual awards recognize a diverse group of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to biodiesel. From long-time champions to present-day breakthroughs, the commercial biodiesel industry wouldn’t be where it is today without these individuals.

“Each year we recognize valuable leaders who have helped us make strides in America’s Advanced Biofuel,” said NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Our association applauds and thanks these individuals and organizations for their sincere devotion to making our world better, cleaner, now!”

NBB recognizes the 2020 “Eye on Biodiesel” award winners throughout the week at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. The honored nominees include:

Victor Bohuslavsky, Executive Director, Nebraska Soybean Board – Inspiration Award
Victor Bohuslavsky and the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) have truly been instrumental in biodiesel growth since its origination. Bohuslavsky spearheaded support for and development of the biodiesel industry in Nebraska after recognizing the glut of soybean oil that needed a new market to add value to the state’s soybean farmers.

Under Bohuslavsky’s leadership, NSB also played a vital role in the development of the Bioheat® market on the East Coast through supporting organizations such as the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) and Brookhaven National Laboratory, along with work at NBB. Through this relationship in the Northeast, biodiesel is at the forefront of efforts to improve air quality and reduce emissions in home heating.

Other awards presented:
Northeast Heating Coalition – Industry Partnership Award
Wallace E Tyner, Agricultural Economist, Purdue University – Pioneer Award
Mike Erker, United Soybean Board, Director of Bio-Based Products – Impact Award
Ruan Transportation Management Systems – Initiative Award



FFA Members Return from Educational, Cultural Experience in Portugal and Spain

During the past two weeks, 75 FFA members visited Portugal and Spain for a 12-day educational and cultural experience.

Members participated in the 2020 International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) as an annual, international opportunity through the National FFA Organization. The seminar allows FFA members to experience a foreign culture, learn about international agriculture and become more knowledgeable regarding the global marketplace.

Seventy-five past and present state FFA officers representing 23 states left the United States on Jan. 4 The group traveled throughout Spain and Portugal while surveying the agricultural landscape. While in Spain, the group toured a variety of cities- from Madrid to Toledo to Seville. Students visited a beef cattle farm as well as Costa Tropical- the most prominent co-op in Spain. They then spent time in Almeria, which is known as “Europe’s Vegetable Garden.”  They also visited the main olive oil cooperative in Spain.

In Portugal, students visited the Amorim Cork factory – as Portugal has become one of the worlds’ top cork producers. They also visited Companhia das Lezirais, a state-run agricultural and forestry company. In Lisbon, they toured the city and visited College of Agriculture at Santarem- the most important agricultural school of Portugal.

“We hope that through a structured experience like ILSSO, students will not only see the importance of agriculture on an international level but understand it is essential to feeding the world,” says Eric Nelson, program manager with the National FFA Organization. “This seminar exposes students to culture and food production practices beyond what they are accustomed to in the United States,” Nelson says.

Prior to departing the United States, the students completed eight weeks of online coursework related to cross-cultural adaptability. The program was made possible by corporate sponsors Bunge North America and John Deere.

 Students shared their experience throughout their trip on Twitter and Instagram. To see a recap of their adventures, visit: https://www.ffa.org/the-feed/state-ffa-officers-travel-to-spain-and-portugal-this-january/

Those students who participated in the trip were: Brandon Traini of Anchorage, Alaska; Ka’Shiya McKinney of Tallassee, Ala.; William Aycock of Albertville, Ala., Alyssa Glover of Dothan, Ala.; Cole Hanson of Plant City, Fla.; Lauren Roberts of Cross City, Fla.; James Prescott of Plant City, Fla.; Sydney Swartman of Plant City, Fla.; Ronald Raper of Marianna, Fla.; Madison Dvorka of Lakeland, Fla.; Courtney Ball of Avon Park, Fla.; Hope Brecht of Belle Plaine, Iowa; Shalani Wilcox of Menan, Idaho, Katelyn Hettinga of Kuna, Idaho, Herman Roberts of Preston, Idaho, Cassidy Plum of Meridian, Idaho, Sydney Plum of Meridian, Idaho, Katherine Doumit of Troy, Idaho; Lukas Sebesta of Wilson, Kan., Abby Goins of Oswego, Kan., Elizabeth Wright of Olsburg, Kan., Mason Prester of Wilson, Kan., Jon Wells of Sedan, Kan.; Salem Johnson of Campti, La.; Jaclyn Bryant of Frederick, Md.; Lafe Aarsvold of Altura, Minn., Elaine Dorn of Kenyon, Minn., Savannah Aaenrud of Donnelly, Minn., Madilyn Smith of Preston, Minn., Nicholas Potthoff of Dunnell, Minn., Adam Kroll of Royalton, Minn., Britton Fugsleth of Fertile, Minn.; Gabriel Elliott of Asbury, Mo.; Jacquelyn Everett of Philadelphia, Miss., Mary Barnes of Decatur, Miss.; Kyla Andres of Missoula, Mont.; Jacy Hauge of Fargo, N.D.; Luke Krabel of Juniata, Neb., Samuel Wilkins of Ainsworth, Neb., Kooper Jelinek of Atkinson, Neb., Megan Fehr of Sutton, Neb., Weston Svoboda of Burwell, Neb., Savannah Gerlack of De Witt, Neb.; Nicole Sickler of Pedricktown, N.J.; Talia Priore of Alloway, N.J., Owen Donnelly of Oxford, N.J.; Anna Bica of Watertown, N.Y.; Holly McClay of Fredericktown, Ohio; Deidre Schreiber of Enterprise, Ore., Olivia Palacios of Hubbard, Ore., Keegan Gibbs of Heppner, Ore., Elizabeth Hanson of Woodburn, Ore., Riley Davis of Albany, Ore., Josiah Cruikshank of Bend, Ore.; Sarah Kroeger of Brookings, S.D., Marie Robbins of Aurora, S.D.; Erika Brown of McEwen, Tenn., Caroline Gurton of Paris, Tenn., John Ryan Scarlett of New Market, Tenn., Taylor Campbell of Jonesborough, Tenn., Emily Nave of Woodbury, Tenn., Nathanial McClard of Westmoreland, Tenn.; Ryan Gobble of Abingdon, Va., Erin Orgen of Stephens City, Va., Carly Carpenter of Mount Crawford, Va., Makenzie Kline of Strasburg, Va., Hope Showalter of Mt. Crawford, Va., Madison Sifford of Goldvein, Va., MaKayla Craig of Remington, Va., Shelby Stevens of N. Dinwiddie, Va., Jacob Dinterman of Appomattox, Va.; Devin Schafer of Ritzville, Wash., Abbie Dorhauer of Yelm, Wash., Kendyl Wiley of Davenport, Wash.; and Cassie Hargis of Harpers Ferry, W. Va.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/17/2020

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending Jan. 17, ethanol production scaled back by 46,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 4.2%, to 1.049 million b/d—equivalent to 44.06 million gallons daily and a nine-week low. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 0.8% to 1.068 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.37 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks expanded by 4.5% to 24.0 million barrels, the largest reserves since July 2019. Stocks built in all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) and West Coast (PADD 5).

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded after 25,000 b/d hit the books the prior week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of November 2019.)

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market grew 1.2% to 8.662 million b/d (363.80 million gallons per day, or 132.79 bg annualized). Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, increasing 1.2% to 864,000 b/d—equivalent to 13.25 bg annualized.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production decreased to 12.11%.



October-December Milk Production up 0.8 Percent

Milk production in the United States during the October - December quarter totaled 53.8 billion pounds, up 0.8 percent from the October - December quarter last year.  The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.34 million head, 18,000 head more than the July - September quarter, but 22,000 head less than the same period last year.

By State -  million lbs  -  % of Q4 '18
Nebraska ...:        354.0            unch   
Iowa ..........:       1,306.0         -1.5    
Kansas .......:         972.0            4.9    

December Milk Production up 0.9 Percent
Milk production in the 24 major States during December totaled 17.4 billion pounds, up 0.9 percent from December 2018. November revised production at 16.7 billion pounds, was up 0.9 percent from November 2018. The November revision represented an increase of 4 million pounds or less than 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 24 major States averaged 1,978 pounds for December, 14 pounds above December 2018.   

The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major States was 8.81 million head, 16,000 head more than December 2018, but unchanged from November 2019.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during December 2019 totaled 444 million pounds, down 1 percent from the previous December according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during December, at 215,000 head, was down 1,000 from last month and down 5,000 from last year.  Monthly production per cow averaged 2,065 pounds, up 30 pounds from last December.



Record High Red Meat and Pork Production in December

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.73 billion pounds in December, up 8 percent from the 4.37 billion pounds produced in December 2018.

By State          million lbs  -  % of Dec '18
Nebraska ....:       680.4            105      
Iowa ...........:       770.3            116      
Kansas ........:       484.1            104      

Beef production, at 2.26 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.75 million head, up 7 percent from December 2018. The average live weight was up 5 pounds from the previous year, at 1,373 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.5 million pounds, 1 percent above December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 49,800 head, down 7 percent from December 2018. The average live weight was up 18 pounds from last year, at 228 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.44 billion pounds, up 9 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 11.4 million head, up 9 percent from December 2018. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 288 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.1 million pounds, was down 8 percent from December 2018. Sheep slaughter totaled 196,500 head, 3 percent below last year. The average live weight was 123 pounds, down 8 pounds from December a year ago.

January to December 2019 commercial red meat production was 55.0 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2018. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 2 percent, pork was up 5 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.



Secretary Perdue to Travel to Belgium, Netherlands and Italy

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will travel to Belgium, Netherlands and Italy January 26th to January 30th to engage with his counterparts on important issues facing agriculture at home and abroad. The Secretary will also meet with industry representatives and tour agriculture operations.

Belgium
Sunday, January 26th
    Secretary Perdue tours a livestock farm and participates in a farm roundtable with U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Ronald Gidwitz, Belgian Minister of Agriculture Denis Ducarme, Wallonia Region Minister of Agriculture Willy Borsus and farmers from the European Union.

Monday, January 27th
    Secretary Perdue meets with EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski, EU Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan and EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides.

    Secretary Perdue participates in a media roundtable at the United States Mission to the European Union (USEU).
    Secretary Perdue attends a luncheon with the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers.
    Secretary Perdue participates in an EU Parliament engagement with the European Food Forum.
    Secretary Perdue delivers remarks at a reception to recognize partners in the U.S.-European Union agricultural relationship.

Netherlands
Tuesday, January 28th
    Secretary Perdue tours Wageningen University & Research (WUR) Bleiswijk Research Station with Dutch Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten, WUR President Louise Fresco, U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra and Dutch Ambassador to the U.S. André Haspels.
    Secretary Perdue tours Koppert Cress, a Dutch company focused on innovative agriculture.

Italy
Wednesday, January 29th
    Secretary Perdue meets with industry representatives at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
    Secretary Perdue participates in a roundtable discussion with USUN Permanent Representatives from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.
    Secretary Perdue meets with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu.
    Secretary Perdue meets with Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) David Beasley, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Operations Valerie Guarnieri and WFP Director of School Feeding Unit Carmen Burbano.

Thursday, January 30th
    Secretary Perdue meets with Italian Minister Teresa Bellanova at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Policies.
    Secretary Perdue participates in a pasta cooking presentation promoting American farm and food products.



EPA and Army Deliver on President Trump’s Promise to Issue the Navigable Waters Protection Rule – A New Definition of WOTUS

Today, at an event at the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James will announce a new, clear definition for “waters of the United States.” With the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) are delivering on President Trump’s promise to finalize a revised definition for “waters of the United States” that protects the nation’s navigable waters from pollution and will result in economic growth across the country.

“EPA and the Army are providing much needed regulatory certainty and predictability for American farmers, landowners and businesses to support the economy and accelerate critical infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “After decades of landowners relying on expensive attorneys to determine what water on their land may or may not fall under federal regulations, our new Navigable Waters Protection Rule strikes the proper balance between Washington and the states in managing land and water resources while protecting our nation’s navigable waters, and it does so within the authority Congress provided.”

“Having farmed American land myself for decades, I have personally experienced the confusion regarding implementation of the scope of the Clean Water Act,” said R.D. James, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. “Our rule takes a common-sense approach to implementation to eliminate that confusion. This rule also eliminates federal overreach and strikes the proper balance between federal protection of our Nation’s waters and state autonomy over their aquatic resources. This will ensure that land use decisions are not improperly constrained, which will enable our farmers to continue feeding our Nation and the world, and our businesses to continue thriving.”

The Navigable Waters Protection Rule ends decades of uncertainty over where federal jurisdiction begins and ends. For the first time, EPA and the Army are recognizing the difference between federally protected wetlands and state protected wetlands. It adheres to the statutory limits of the agencies’ authority. It also ensures that America’s water protections – among the best in the world – remain strong, while giving our states and tribes the certainty to manage their waters in ways that best protect their natural resources and local economies.

The revised definition identifies four clear categories of waters that are federally regulated under the Clean Water Act: the territorial seas and traditional navigable waters, like the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River; perennial and intermittent tributaries, such as College Creek, which flows to the James River near Williamsburg, Virginia; certain lakes, ponds, and impoundments, such as Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania; and wetlands that are adjacent to jurisdictional waters.

These four categories protect the nation’s navigable waters and the core tributary systems that flow into those waters.

This final action also details what waters are not subject to federal control, including features that only contain water in direct response to rainfall; groundwater; many ditches, including most farm and roadside ditches; prior converted cropland; farm and stock watering ponds; and waste treatment systems.

The final definition achieves the proper relationship between the federal government and states in managing land and water resources. The agencies’ Navigable Waters Protection Rule respects the primary role of states and tribes in managing their own land and water resources. All states have their own protections for waters within their borders and many already regulate more broadly than the federal government. This action gives states and tribes more flexibility in determining how best to manage their land and water resources while protecting the nation’s navigable waters as intended by Congress when it enacted the Clean Water Act.

Despite prior reports, there are no data or tools that can accurately map or quantify the scope of “waters of the United States.” This is the case today, and it was the case in 2014 when the Obama Administration issued its blog titled “Mapping the Truth.” Therefore, any assertions attempting to quantify changes in the scope of waters based on these data sets are far too inaccurate and speculative to be meaningful. While this Administration agrees that the current data and tools are insufficient, we are committed to supporting the development and improvement of the technology needed to map the nation’s aquatic resources.

This final action is informed by robust public outreach and engagement on the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, including pre-proposal engagement that generated more than 6,000 recommendations and approximately 620,000 comments received on the proposal. The final definition balances the input the agencies received from a wide range of stakeholders.

More information, including a pre-publication version of the Federal Register notice and fact sheets, is available at: https://www.epa.gov/nwpr.   



Fischer Applauds Step Two of President Trump’s WOTUS Repeal

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after President Trump announced “Step 2” of his administration’s efforts to repeal the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Senator Fischer has long been a proponent of scaling back the 2015 WOTUS rule.

“I applaud the Trump administration for taking this next step which includes a much narrower definition of “Waters of the United States” than the 2015 rule. This helps to put Nebraskans back in charge of our state’s own precious water resources. It will also address the higher costs and federal overreach that the Obama-era regulations would have put on Nebraskans,” said Senator Fischer.

Step 1, which was announced in October, repealed the Obama administration’s WOTUS rule. Step 2, known as The Navigable Waters Protection Rule, now offers a more narrow definition of protected waterways relative to the Obama rule.

Senator Fischer has been a leader in efforts to stop the 2015 WOTUS rule. After the Obama administration announced WOTUS, Senator Fischer chaired a field hearing by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in Lincoln regarding the rule. She also helped introduce the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, which would have required the Obama administration to consult states and stakeholders before imposing federal regulations on state-owned water resources, as well as the Defending Rivers from Overreaching Policies (DROP) Act. This bill targeted the flawed science used by the EPA to expand the definition of water.



Ricketts Applauds President Trump’s WOTUS Rollback

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts praised President Donald J. Trump and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a new rule that rolls back President Barack Obama’s 2015 rule pertaining to the Clean Water Act.  The 2015 rule had stretched the bounds of the EPA’s authority beyond its constitutional scope by expansively defining “Waters of the United States ” (WOTUS).

“Thank you to President Trump and his team for successfully rolling back President Obama’s expansive Waters of the U.S. rule,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “This new rule builds on the great work the Trump Administration has been doing to cut red tape.  The rule respects states’ rights, and protects our farmers and ranchers from federal government overreach.” 

The 2015 rule had taken authority away from states, transferring it to the federal government.  The EPA’s new rule acknowledges that states have primary responsibility to regulate their own water resources.



Statement by Steve Nelson on Behalf of the Common Sense Nebraska Coalition Regarding WOTUS Rule Replacement

“Today the Trump Administration successfully enacted a new clean water rule effectively replacing the highly controversial Obama era 2015 ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Rule. Today’s action is a major victory for Nebraskans and others who support private property rights and respect the rights of states to manage waters as directed by Congress under the Clean Water Act.”

“This new rule provides much needed clarity and certainty to landowners as to their obligations and marks the successful conclusion of the Common Sense Nebraska coalition’s ongoing efforts to stop the largest expansion of federal authority over private land in U.S. history. Nebraskans care about clean water and environmental stewardship, and this new rule will allow us to protect both without needlessly expanding federal regulations and powers.”

“We greatly appreciate the work of the Trump Administration, the federal agencies involved, and the members of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation; all of whom have contributed to this ‘win’ for Nebraskans.”

Common Sense Nebraska is a Nebraska-based coalition consisting of organizations and entities that have come together in response to EPA’s “Waters of the U.S.” proposal which would harm both rural and urban Nebraskans through expansion of EPA’s powers and authorities under the federal Clean Water Act. The coalition’s purpose is to build awareness and understanding of the EPA proposal and the impacts it would have on Nebraskans.



Naig Voices Support for Final WOTUS Rule

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.

“The 2015 WOTUS rule enacted by the Obama administration failed to clearly define which bodies of water fall under the Navigable Waters Protection Rule,” said Secretary Naig. “The new rule finalized under the Trump administration helps address these issues by defining four categories of waters that are considered ‘waters of the United States.’ This provides clarity and consistency for stakeholders, and removes one hurdle we had to overcome to implement conservation practices outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.”



Secretary Perdue Statement on EPA WOTUS Rule

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today praised the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for defining the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule:

“President Trump is restoring the rule of law and empowering Americans by removing undue burdens and strangling regulations from the backs of our productive farmers, ranchers, and rural land-owners. The days are gone when the Federal Government can claim a small farm pond on private land as navigable waters,” Secretary Perdue said. “I thank President Trump and Administrator Wheeler for having the backs of our farmers, ranchers, and producers and for continuing to roll back Federal overreach. With reforms and deregulation, Americans once again have the freedom to innovate, create, and grow.”



NCBA on New Water Rule: "Some Power Has Been Put Back in Hands of Landowners"

NCBA President Jennifer Houston today released the following statement in response to the finalization of a new water rule:

“This is the last regulatory step in a long-fought battle to repeal the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule and replace it with common-sense regulation. The 2015 WOTUS rule was an illegal effort to assert control over private property - and we fought to have it repealed - but it also needs to be replaced, and today’s action is the last step in that process.

“President Trump, EPA Administrator Wheeler, and Assistant Secretary of the Army R.D. James deserve a lot of credit for listening to cattle producers and for working with us to get us to this point. We look forward to working with EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to successfully implement this new rule in the years to come.

“NCBA relentlessly fought WOTUS on Capitol Hill, at the Agencies, and in the Courts. Today, we can rest a little easier knowing that some power has been put back in the hands of landowners.”



NPPC Applauds EPA's Actions to Replace WOTUS Rule

The National Pork Producers Council applauded today's action by the Environmental Protection Agency to replace the unlawful 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule with a final rule called the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The final rule is fully consistent with the Clean Water Act and recent Supreme Court decisions. The EPA's actions give farmers greater certainty, while also protecting water quality and the environment. 

The previous WOTUS rule issued by the Obama administration in August 2015 gave EPA broad jurisdiction over U.S. waters to include other water bodies, upstream waters and intermittent and ephemeral streams. Most importantly, it also covered lands adjacent to waters such as farm fields.

"We're pleased EPA has finalized a common-sense rule, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, that works with—not against—farmers to protect our nation's waterways," said NPPC President David Herring, a pork producer from Lillington, N.C. "The previous WOTUS rule was a dramatic government overreach and an unprecedented expansion of federal authority over private lands. Today's action balances the role of federal, state and local authorities, protects property rights and provides clarity for farmers like me, while providing regulatory certainty to our farmers and businesses."

NPPC opposed the 2015 WOTUS rule because it was overly broad and had significant technical flaws, including the process that EPA used to develop the rule, which violated basic due process and long-standing procedural protections. On Aug. 21, 2019, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia remanded the rule to EPA to redraft, stating that the Obama-era WOTUS rule itself violated the Clean Water Act and that the Obama administration's procedures for enacting the WOTUS rule were clearly in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act.



NMPF Applauds Final WOTUS Rule Release

NMPF is pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army Corp of Engineers have released a new final Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Today’s action puts an end to years of contentious rulemaking and will provide a common-sense approach to regulating waters of the U.S.

On Oct. 22, 2019, the EPA and the Department of the Army published a final rule to repeal the 2015 Clean Water Rule: Definition of “Waters of the United States” to restore regulatory text that existed prior to the 2015 Rule. That final rule became effective Dec. 23.

In the interim between repealing the 2015 Rule and introducing a new one, the agencies implemented pre-2015 Rule regulations, as informed by applicable agency guidance documents and consistent with Supreme Court decisions and longstanding agency practice. This action was a temporary fix as the agencies continued their work in crafting the WOTUS replacement issued today.

NMPF has engaged with EPA on this issue for years, in meetings and in numerous written comments, seeking improvements to the 1986 WOTUS rule, which lacked clarity for farmers. While NMPF will need to carefully review today’s new rule, we were pleased with the proposed rule and believe it will provide much-needed clarity and not infringe on the rights and responsibilities of state jurisdictions.



New “WOTUS” Rule Favorable for Soy Farmers

The Trump Administration has announced replacement regulation for Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), which was repealed fall 2019. A spokesperson for the administration said during the announcement that the new Navigable Waters Protection Rule, “represents a promise made [by President Trump] and a promise kept.” Under the president’s direction, members of the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say they have worked to remove unnecessary regulatory burden and lay out a new definition that includes a, “unifying legal theory” around navigable waters with more clear guidelines illuminated in its preamble.

“We are pleased that this rule replaces the 2015 rule, which was cumbersome and confusing, and that new regulation will better provide certainty and clear direction for our farmers.” said Bill Gordon, soy grower from Worthington, Minn., and American Soybean Association (ASA) president. “We have long rallied for a replacement rule that protects our waterways while still offering a workable solution for farmers and that does not impose undue burden on agriculture. We express our thanks to the administration.”

ASA looks forward to reviewing the rule fully and learning more of the details.



NCGA: New WOTUS Rule Good News for Agriculture

National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross made the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of the new, final Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The new rule replaces the 2015 WOTUS rule that would have increased regulatory burdens and costs for farmers.

“Farmers are committed to protecting the environment and implementing on-farm soil health practices like planting cover crops, reducing tillage and more carefully managing crop residue. This new rule gives the flexibility and clarity needed to implement stewardship practices without the threat of government action. The final WOTUS rule will protect our nation’s water and be implemented without confusion, welcome news for farmers. NCGA appreciates the work done by the Trump Administration to provide this regulatory certainty.”



NAWG Applauds Release of Updated WOTUS Rule

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a final rule to provide more clarity in Clean Water Act (CWA) applicability to, and definition of, waters of the U.S. (WOTUS).

“Today’s announcement is welcome news to America’s wheat producers who’ve dealt with years of regulatory uncertainty,” said NAWG President and Lavon, TX, farmer Ben Scholz. “Farmers are dependent on protecting our natural resources for safe and reliable water to grow crops and for the communities that farmers are a part of. To do so, we need regulatory certainty and clarity as well as a commonsense framework for how the rules will work. Wheat growers are pleased the Trump Administration has made this announcement and looking forward to diving into the details.”

This final rule follows an initial proposed rule from December 2018 that NAWG supported. Throughout this process, U.S. farmers have continued to press for regulatory clarity and a framework that focused on waters that are truly navigable in nature. 



New Clean Water Rule Provides Clarity, Certainty to Farmers and Ranchers
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duval

“Farmers and ranchers care about clean water and preserving the land, which are essential to producing healthy food and fiber and ensuring future generations can do the same. That’s why we support the new clean water rule. It provides clarity and certainty, allowing farmers to understand water regulations without having to hire teams of consultants and lawyers. We appreciate the commitment of the agencies involved and this administration to crafting a new regulation that achieves important regulatory oversight while allowing farmers to farm. Clean water, clear rules.”