Tuesday January 7 Ag News

Manure: Waste or Valuable Agricultural Resource?
Larry Howard, NE Extension Educator, Cuming County

Stories about manure often illustrate two opposing sentiments. Is manure a “Waste” that pollutes our water resources and creates undesirable nuisances for communities?   Or, is manure a “Resource” that reduces the demand for importing greenhouse gas intensive inorganic fertilizers and improves the health of our soils? 

Both statements contain some truth. However, the balance of the truth shows in the management choices made during the storage and utilization of animal manures. When using manure in cropping systems, how can manure’s benefits be maximized and undesirable traits minimized?”

A team of university educators from Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota along with some agricultural organizations would like to better understand farmer’s views on factors  that impact manure use on cropland. What issues are most important to you as you make decisions for the use of manure in cropping systems? Why do you choose manure over other fertilizers? Or commercial fertilizers instead of manure? Manure can create challenges, so which of these challenges are “deal breakers” preventing manure use on some fields? Which barriers and benefits drive your decisions about manure use in cropland?

Please help them answer these questions by sharing your perspectives in a 15 minute survey at https://go.unl.edu/manure.



Lindsay and Farmers Edge Expand Digital Partnership to Connect Two Million Irrigated Acres by the End of 2021

Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, and Farmers Edge, a global leader in digital agriculture, announced a plan to connect and digitize two million irrigated acres by the end of 2021. The companies will integrate their digital platforms to provide their growers and dealer networks with a first-of-its-kind, fully connected crop management solution. The expanded partnership will also focus on a collaboration in data science, machine learning, and AI-driven analytics to deliver highly precise water-based insights and predictive models, setting a new standard in agriculture.

[Lindsay and Farmers Edge announced a plan to connect and digitize two million irrigated acres by the end of 2021. The companies will integrate their digital platforms to provide their growers and dealer networks with a first-of-its-kind, fully connected crop management solution.]

As part of the strategic initiative, Farmers Edge will provide Lindsay access to both high-resolution satellite imagery and the most comprehensive field-centric dataset available in the industry. Syncing Lindsay's market-leading irrigation management platform—FieldNET Advisor®—with the Farmers Edge fully-integrated, AI-driven farm management platform—FarmCommand®— creates an exclusive opportunity for growers to access digital tools that deliver real-time information to control pivots and monitor crop health, along with advanced predictive models to help identify issues, including: seeding or application errors, tile drainage, weather damage, pests, disease, and more. The combination of the two digital platforms enables growers to make more informed water management decisions to optimize applications and yield potential.

Adding another layer of connectivity to its suite of solutions, Farmers Edge will provide Lindsay's FieldNET Pivot Watch™—a remote irrigation monitoring solution that includes proprietary IoT sensors that connect to any center pivot—and FieldNET Advisor to help growers better understand when, where, and how much to irrigate.

"This integration of platforms enables growers to use tools like high-resolution satellite imagery to see a visual indication of variation in crop health across a field from the convenience of their laptop or smartphone. The connected farm strategy also enables growers to collect all aspects of field data and feed that information into FieldNET Advisor and FarmCommand. Once that data is collected, the platforms can provide AI-powered insights to ensure the most accurate decisions are being made on the farm," said Albert Maurin, product manager for irrigation software at Lindsay Corporation. "We are excited to bring growers this evolution of our partnership with Farmers Edge, and we will continue to leverage our industry partners to deliver innovative irrigation solutions to our customers."

"Our goal at Lindsay is to help growers increase water and energy efficiency and profit while exercising more sustainable farming practices, and we firmly believe digitization in agriculture is key to that," said Randy Wood, president of global agricultural irrigation at Lindsay Corporation. "Farmers Edge is very much aligned with that vision, and we're confident that by connecting our platforms through this strategic partnership, we'll reach our goal of two million digitized and connected irrigated acres by the end of 2021."

"At Farmers Edge, we're focused on creating a digital agricultural ecosystem that's centered around a fully connected farm. Farmers Edge has thousands of connected machines, weather stations, and in-field sensors across the globe, but we have yet to bring a crucial asset—center pivots," said Wade Barnes, CEO and co-founder of Farmers Edge. "Having access to FieldNET Pivot Watch is a key component for achieving this goal.  The ability to add pivot irrigation data into our unique field-centric datasets, and then move that information into FieldNET Advisor is extremely exciting. The power of the insights and analytics from the partnership will change how farms use irrigation, and we're eager to bring this type of industry changing technology to two million irrigated acres by 2021."

Availability:
This enhanced platform will be available to new and existing Farmers Edge and Lindsay growers through the Zimmatic® dealer network and the Farmers Edge sales network.



Healthy Farms Conference Planned Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 in Grand Island, Neb.

Plan now to attend the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society’s Healthy Farms Conference, Jan. 31 - Feb.1 at the Ramada Midtown Hotel in Grand Island, Neb. Online registration is available at www.sustainablenebraska.org.

The Healthy Farms Conference has been hosted by the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society for over 40 years. The conference combines farmer-to-farmer training with sessions aimed at equipping farmers, aspiring farmers, foodies, and advocates with the skills and knowledge about sustainable agriculture.

Dave Vetter and Bill Bullard are the keynote speakers planned for the event. Vetter is the Chief Executive Officer of Grain Place Foods. He has been a leader in organic agriculture in central Nebraska and the world for over 40 years. Bullard is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA). He has been an advocate for cattle producers for nearly 20 years.

Headquartered in Marquette, Neb., Grain Place Foods began as one of the first organic farming operations in the Great Plains. It expanded into a grain cleaning and storing operation to serve fellow organic farmers. It has since grown into a company that provides grain products that are grown and produced in an ecologically sustainable and socially responsible manner to customers across the U.S. and Canada.

The Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America is the largest national cattle-producer organization in the U.S. that represents the live cattle segment of the United States’ beef supply chain. R-CALF USA’s voluntary membership consists of thousands of U.S. cow/calf producers, backgrounders, stockers and feeders located in 46 states. R-CALF USA represents its members on issues concerning international trade and marketing.

In addition to the keynote speakers, the Healthy Farms Conference will feature breakout sessions on topics ranging from cover crops, agritourism and resources for beginning farmers. The full agenda is available on the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture website www.sustainablenebraska.org.

The Healthy Farms Conference will also include exhibits about local food, holistic health, sustainability, natural resources, and marketing. A silent auction will feature locally produced food, crafts, artwork, agritourism experiences and more. A locally-sourced dinner will be served Friday night featuring food grown by many of the conference attendees and supporters.

Cost to attend the full conference is $85.00. Single day, young farmer/student and family registration rates are also available. All registrations are accepted online by visiting the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society’s website: www.sustainablenebraska.org. Early registration ends Jan. 16 and is greatly appreciated for an accurate meal count.



36th Young Leader Class Kicks Off in Indianapolis

The 36th class of American Soybean Association (ASA) Corteva Agriscience Young Leaders recently began its leadership journey at the Corteva Agriscience Global Business Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Indianapolis training session was the first phase of the program designed to identify future grower leaders within the agriculture community and provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and network with other farmers. Representatives from 19 states and the Grain Farmers of Ontario participated in the program.

During the training, ASA President Bill Gordon (MN) provided participants with an association overview and United Soybean Board (USB) Director Mark Seib discussed the checkoff and engagement of future agricultural leaders. ASA Vice President Kevin Scott (SD) joined the program via teleconference for a panel discussion and open forum on the soybean industry.

The Young Leaders also participated in leadership styles and communications training, discussed consumer trends and acceptance, and were introduced to AgriNovus Indiana. Additional discussion provided updates on other soybean industry advancements.

“As a graduate of the Young Leader program, I’ve seen firsthand how this training provides participants with the tools and knowledge they need to be an effective advocate for agriculture,” Gordon said. “Former Young Leaders can be found in leadership roles throughout the industry and public policy. We are grateful to Corteva Agriscience for making this program possible and helping to lay the foundation of agriculture’s future.”

“Corteva Agriscience was proud to welcome the ASA Corteva Agriscience™ Young Leaders to Indianapolis, Indiana for the first time in our 36-year history as the program sponsor,” said Susanne Wasson, President, Crop Protection Business Platform, Corteva Agriscience. “The Young Leader Program provides participants developmental training to hone their leadership skills and strengthen the voice of agriculture. After meeting with the 2019-2020 Young Leader participants, I am confident the future of the soybean industry is in good hands.”

The 2020 Young Leaders are: Caper & Alison Robinson (AR); Jesse Patrick (GA); Brady Holst (IL); James Ramsey (IN); Eric Schwenke (IN); Noah & Anna Fedders (IA); Ryan & Kristin Oberbroeckling (IA); Jeremy Olson (KS); Houston & Kathryn (Katy) Howlett (KY); Nathan Engelhard (MI): Allison Morse (MI); Mike & Dawn Kunerth (MN); Ryan Mackenthun (MN); Garrett & Cara Riekhof (MO); Josh England (NE); Lucas & Becky Miller (NE); Trey & Rebecca Liverman (NC); Justin Sherlock (ND); Justin & Emily Esselburn (OH); Scott Ruck (OH); Jesse & Emily King (SD); Drew Peterson (SD); Casey Youngerman (TN); Adam & Brittany Davis (VA); Matt Rehberg (WI); Chris & Rachel Renwick (Canada).

This second phase of the Young Leader program will take place Feb. 25 – 29, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas, with training held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.



IOWA POWER FARMING SHOW: AN AGRICULTURAL MEGASTORE

The third largest indoor U.S. farm show, presented by Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect, will be held January 28-30 in Des Moines, Iowa at the Iowa Events Center. Spread across nearly 8 acres, the Iowa Power Farming Show features the broadest mix of ag-related products and services found in the Midwest.

Agriculture remains the lifeblood of rural Iowa where families operate and maintain 86,900 farms across the state. Contributing approximately $27 billion in annual cash receipts to the state’s economy, Iowa farmers grow a diverse mix that includes corn, soybeans, oats and alfalfa, and run beef, pork, poultry, lamb and dairy operations.

“With 740 companies on hand representing 60 product and service categories, farmers will find everything they need to increase profits, lower input costs and improve productivity at the Iowa Power Farming Show,” said Tom Junge, show director. “It’s an agricultural megastore.”

Check out Purdue University’s award-winning agBOT on the Wells Fargo Arena floor. This autonomous machine can identify plants, destroy weeds and fertilize crops, all while navigating a field. The 2019 first place agBOT Challenge winner has the potential to not only decrease the overall cost of farm operation but reduce negative environmental impacts and compensate for farm labor shortages as well.

Ag Tech Innovation Competition on Wednesday at 2 pm on the east end of Hy-Vee Hall. Watch five ag tech start-ups pitch their latest ideas to help producers manage their operations more effectively. A $20,000 Grand Prize and $5,000 People’s Choice  will be awarded!

Exclusive film screening of the movie “Silo” – January 29th from 4:30-6:00 pm – east end of Hy-Vee Hall.

88 NEW exhibitors

NEW second flight of stairs to Wells Fargo Arena floor

Show hours are 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9 am to 3 pm Thursday. Parking and shuttle are FREE at Iowa Cubs-Principal Park. Farmers may register online at iowapowershow.com to save $5 off the $8 admission.



Workshops to Discuss What Dairy Needs to Know about Contagious Disease

Dairy producers and the industry should prepare in advance for the possibility of a contagious disease outbreak, such as foot-and-mouth disease.

On Jan. 27 and Feb. 11, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, along with Iowa State University, will host two one-day workshops for dairy producers, processors, veterinarians, extension employees, emergency responders and others.

The free workshops will focus on how to prepare for a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and steps that can be taken to protect dairies from foreign animal diseases and diseases already found in the United States.

Danelle Bickett-Weddle, associate director of the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University, said the goal is to educate people about prevention, and what they need to know if one of these highly contagious diseases is found.

“Farmers will hear how to protect their animals, what to do if this disease is diagnosed, what a ‘movement standstill’ means, and what the farm needs to do to request a movement permit,” Bickett-Weddle said.

A movement standstill could potentially limit the movement of animals, feed and milk, and would be issued by IDALS or the United States Department of Agriculture.

Bickett-Weddle said foot-and-mouth disease was eradicated from the U.S. in 1929 but is still present in more than two-thirds of the countries around the world.

The workshops include question and answer time, allowing dairy farmers to voice their concerns and provide feedback.

During her portion of the program, Bickett-Weddle will review the resources available from Iowa State University. She said some of the biosecurity measures producers can take are to limit the contact their animals have with visitors, new animals and other exposures.

“Think of your farm as a castle and do the things you need to do in order to protect it,” she said.

Dates and locations
One workshop will be offered Jan. 27 in Sioux Center, Iowa, at Terrace View. The address is 230 St., Andrews Way, Sioux Center.

The same workshop will also be offered Feb. 11, in Calmar, at the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation, 1527 Highway 150 South, Calmar.

A free lunch will be provided at each workshop and pre-registration is encouraged. Check-in starts at 8:15 a.m., with workshops ending at 3 p.m.

Registration must be made through IDALS. Register by emailing fad@IowaAgriculture.gov, or calling 515-281-5305.



Nominate conservation leaders for the 2020 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon invite Iowans to nominate farm families for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. Farmers who voluntarily take action towards improving soil health and water quality are eligible. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, May 4, 2020, to be considered for the 2020 awards ceremony held at the Iowa State Fair. The application is open earlier than past years to allow additional time to nominate outstanding farmers.

To qualify, individuals must take action toward improving water quality and soil health. These farmers incorporate best management practices into their operation because they know that sustainable practices extend beyond the fields and impact those in our state and downstream. They must also actively serve as leaders in the farm community.

“Iowa farmers have been feeding and fueling the world for generations, and are leaders in conservation,” said Gov. Reynolds. “They go above and beyond improving water quality and soil health, serving as a model for others to follow. The 2020 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards is one way we say thank you, and recognize farmers for all they do.”

“Farmers across the state are investing in practices that positively impact their land and water,” said Secretary Naig. “Conservation practices like cover crops, saturated buffers and wetlands are being implemented at a rate that we’ve never seen before. I look forward to recognizing the farmers who have adopted practices that help achieve the goals outlined in Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy.”

“It is always gratifying to be able to recognize the farmers who are voluntarily leading the way when it comes to protecting our land and waters,” said DNR Director Lyon. “Being conscientious of our natural resources will ensure a rich legacy for future generations.”

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, at the Iowa State Fair.

Since the creation of the award in 2012, more than 600 farm families have been recognized. Winners are presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Bayer. The nomination form, a list of previous awardees and other information can be found at iowaagriculture.gov/farm-environmental-leader-awards.



Will 2020 Be The Year The Land Market Tumbles?

The land market in 2019 continued the plateau trend of the past several years during which the supply of agricultural land for sale on the market remained lower than average and prices for good quality cropland held mostly steady. Looking ahead to next year, will financial stress from lower commodity prices and poor harvests in some regions cause prices to decline?

Farmland sale activity in the first part of 2019 was slower than it had been for some time with late spring and early summer especially void of farms for sale. Planting delays and prevented plantings contributed to the lackluster activity.

“Despite the slower land market, Farmers National Company and its agents saw a 25 percent increase in acres sold in 2019 from the prior year and the most since 2014. Sellers are seeking the best advice and marketing strategy to sell their land and that is why the amount of land listed for sale at Farmers National is very strong at over $300 million” said  Randy Dickhut, senior vice president of real estate operations.

Land values in 2019 once again bucked the prevailing depressed mood in agriculture to hold steady or even increase slightly in some instances except for the most stressed areas or segments such as dairy. With generally more cautious buyers, some markets saw a move to private treaty listings or bid sales instead of the traditional public land auction. 

“The lower supply of land for sale had much to do with land prices being mostly steady as did having adequate demand for quality cropland. Lower quality farmland had less demand and in many cases was harder to sell. Investor interest in cropland increased somewhat in 2019 with several new entities entering the market and also from an increase in purchasing activity by existing institutional investors,” said Dickhut.

Several other factors had a favorable effect on farmland values in 2019. Interest rates remained historically low and moved even lower during the year when at one time, most thought rates would work higher. The other significant factor supporting land values and buyer demand, especially by farmers, was the amount of government support for production agriculture. One third of agriculture's 2019 net farm income came from government provided sources including crop insurance, the Market Facilitation Program, and various other conservation and program funding. 

In 2019, the ag industry endured floods, planting frustrations, trade uncertainty and struggling commodity prices. Financial conditions for some producers degenerated, but agriculture overall remains in better shape than expected due to support payments and the fact that land values remain historically strong. The land market weathered many storms in 2019 just like U.S. agriculture as both balanced precipitously on the plateau of the past five years.

So will 2020 be the year that the land market breaks out of its plateau? 

“There are a number of factors that indicate that the land market will continue to be steady in 2020,” said Dickhut.  “Interest rates are low and are poised to remain so during the foreseeable future and government support through MFP payments will likely continue if Chinese trade issues are not fully resolved. Overall, agriculture is in adequate financial shape, but there are individual and regional concerns.”

There are also factors that could have a more depressing influence on farmland values in 2020, Farmers National reported. In addition to on-going trade disruptions, there is the concern if there will be an increase in financially caused sales of land by producers. Buyer demand for good cropland has been adequate for the supply and this would have to remain so in order for land values to continue on their plateau. 

Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas
“Land sale activity across the Southern Plains has been quite varied and dependent on location, quality and use,” said Paul Schadegg, area sales manager for Farmers National Company. “In general, good quality continues to sell while lower quality land struggles.”

During the fall, Farmers National auctioned a good quality crop farm in north-central Kansas for $8,800 per acre, which was near record for the area even though land prices are off the peaks by five years.

“Our local agent did a great job talking with all the potential buyers and Farmers National did a full marketing campaign for the sale. We definitely reached the buyers,” Schadegg said.

Texas timber land and ranches are in demand from buyers and are holding or increasing in price.  In Oklahoma, Schadegg said that Farmers National has held a number of “good auctions selling both cropland and grass.”

“Nebraska land buyers are being more cautious, forcing sellers to be more realistic in a price that will consummate a sale,” said Schadegg.

Looking ahead into the coming year, attention turns to what is going to impact the farm economy and the land market and whether or not the current lower commodity prices will be the new normal. Financial stress has increased for some individual farm operators, but overall financial conditions in agriculture are adequate.

With the current land market sitting on a plateau for the past several years, landowners are asking questions about what to do if they are thinking of selling their farm

“We are getting sellers calling Farmers National looking for good advice about the land market and for the best marketing and sales strategy to get their land sold. These landowners want someone they can trust to sell their farm,” Schadegg said.

Iowa and Wisconsin
What started out as a slow year in farmland sales has now picked up the pace as additional farms come on the market.

“The first six months of the year were about as slow as I have seen the land market. Auction activity really picked up for Farmers National agents through the fall months and for the upcoming winter sales season,” according to Sam Kain, area sales manager for Farmer National Company. The ongoing lower supply of land for sale on the market has helped support land prices.

“Good quality cropland remains steady to strong. Farmers National recently sold a tract of land for $13,000 per acre, which was definitely above expectations. Lower quality land takes more time and effort to get it sold, which is more typical of Wisconsin farms due to the financial stress of the past few years in dairy. Good quality cropland sells well in the state while lower quality land or properties with dairy facilities struggle to sell,” Kain said.

Looking ahead into the coming year, attention turns to what is going to impact the farm economy and the land market. Producers are beginning to wonder if the current lower commodity prices will be the new normal for a while. Financial stress has increased for some individual farm operations and areas that may have had below average yields.

“As the number of farms and amount of acres sold increases, there has to be adequate demand to support current land prices. We have been seeing more cautious buyers for several years and now we are starting to see fewer buyers interested in making a land purchase” said Kain.

With the current land market sitting on a plateau for the past several years, landowners are asking questions about what to do if they are thinking of selling their farm.

“We are getting sellers calling Farmers National looking for good advice about the land market and for the best marketing and sales strategy to get their land sold. These landowners want someone they can trust to sell their farm,” said Kain.



Sasse’s First Vote On Finance Committee Is To Advance USMCA Trade Deal

Today, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, an outspoken advocate for Nebraska agriculture and trade, officially joined the Senate Finance Committee and cast his first committee vote to advance the USMCA trade agreement.

Senator Sasse’s remarks and excerpts are found below....

“There are good reasons why this is regularly referred to as the most powerful committee in the Congress. The work here effects moms and dads, farmers and ranchers, patients and doctors, taxpayers present and future. And so, Chairman, thank you for having me serve on this committee and for your welcome.”

“I'm also extremely eager to have my first vote on this committee be the U.S., Mexico, Canada Agreement. The USMCA should have been done a long, long time ago. It languished in the House for reasons that aren't really that defensible but it's great that we're going to finally have the opportunity to vote on this trade agreement.”

“The USMCA comes at a critical time for Nebraska agriculture. Here's the bad news: farmers have experienced low commodity prices, excessive supply, weather disasters, global trade disruptions and the farm economy - as the Senator from Kansas has said - is embarrassingly sluggish. But here's the good news: the USMCA trade agreement strengthens our trading agreements with North American neighbors. It is also the foundation for some future trade agreements in terms of some modernization of rules and regulations, laws and obligations with conformity, transparency, and verification.”

“So, here's the bottom line: Nebraska is ready to keep feeding the world and we need open trade markets to do so. We should get the job done. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”



NPPC Applauds Senate Committee Approval of USMCA

Today, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, which once implemented will provide much-needed certainty to U.S. pork producers.

"We thank Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) for making USMCA passage a top priority and we thank those members of the committee who support this important trade deal," said National Pork Producers Council President David Herring, a hog farmer from Lillington, N.C. "USMCA will allow the U.S. pork industry to maintain long-term, zero-duty market access to two of our largest export markets.

"We now urge Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to schedule a vote on the floor as soon as possible," added Herring.

In 2018, Canada and Mexico took over 40 percent of the pork that was exported from the United States and a similar percentage is expected in 2019. U.S. pork exports to Canada and Mexico support 16,000 U.S. jobs.



USMCA Moves Ahead in U.S. Senate
   
Members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee today voted 25-3 in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a critical step to moving the new trade agreement toward final passage in the U.S. Senate.

“USMCA will bring much needed certainty, and real benefits to America’s farmers, workers, and businesses. Farmers are getting better and more reliable market access, which they badly need,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in his opening remarks.

Members of the House of Representatives in December overwhelmingly approved USMCA. The agreement is critically important to corn farmers. Mexico and Canada are the U.S. corn industry’s largest, most reliable market. In 2018, 21.4 million metric tons of corn and corn co-products were exported to Mexico and Canada, valued at $4.56 billion.

The trade agreement will next need to be approved by the full Senate which could occur as early as next week.



USMCA Action is a Welcome Start to 2020
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“We are now one step away from unleashing the competitiveness of America’s farmers and ranchers with our two largest trading partners thanks to today’s Senate Finance Committee vote. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will protect our valuable trade relationships with our nearest neighbors and return certainty to our markets. We urge immediate approval by the full Senate to deliver a much-needed win for agriculture. 

“The challenges farmers and ranchers faced in 2019 are no secret, but it’s a new year and we are eager for new opportunities to compete, building on the progress with Japan and the pending announcement of a new China agreement.

“We hope the USMCA will be a model for future U.S. trade agreements as the administration pursues a level playing field around the globe for our farmers and ranchers.”

USMCA BACKGROUND
Designed to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, the USMCA builds on important trade relationships in North America.
-    The agreement is expected to increase U.S. ag exports by $2 billion and result in a $65 billion increase in gross domestic product.
-    The agreement will provide new market access for American dairy and poultry products while preserving the zero-tariff platform on all other ag products.
-    In particular, the agreement gives U.S. dairy products access to an additional 3.6% of Canada’s dairy market – even better than what was proposed in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.
-    U.S. wheat will receive fairer treatment, thanks to Canada’s agreement to grade our wheat no less favorably than its own.
-    Mexico and the United States have also agreed that all grading standards for ag products will be non-discriminatory.
-    Additional provisions enhance science-based trading standards among the three nations as the basis for sanitary and phytosanitary measures for ag products, as well as progress in the area of geographic indications.
-    The agreement also includes measures that address cooperation, information sharing and other trade rules among the three nations related to agricultural biotechnology and gene editing.



NPPC Response to January 5, 2020, 60 Minutes Story

In October 2019, journalist Lesley Stahl conducted an 80-minute interview with Dr. Liz Wagstrom, chief veterinarian of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). The “60 Minutes” story that aired on Jan. 5, 2020, included less than two minutes of Dr. Wagstrom’s comments and failed to include critical information about modern pork production. The U.S. pork industry has an excellent food safety record and NPPC is proud to represent hog farmers who provide the safest, healthiest and most affordable pork in the world. Here’s what consumers should know about U.S. pork:
Food Safety:

The United States pork production system is the envy of the world and yields the safest, highest-quality and most affordable pork available. U.S. pork producers adhere to rigorous government regulations and stringent production standards defined by the industry’s Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus program. Food safety truly is a team effort – from the farm to processing facilities to consumers who must be informed about food handling and cooking temperatures. Close scrutiny of U.S. government data shows that American consumers can take pride not only in the quality, but indisputably in the safety of U.S. pork.

Use of Antibiotics:
U.S. pork producers have been committed to responsible antibiotic use for decades. They supported regulations adopted three years ago requiring veterinary oversight and limiting the use of antibiotics important for human medicine. These regulations and the industry’s PQA Plus certification program require farmers to form client-patient relationships with licensed veterinarians. Only these veterinarians can prescribe antibiotics on farm. Sales data reflects declining use of antibiotics in livestock. Since 2015, there has been a 41 percent decline in antibiotic sales used for livestock.

Although there’s broad scientific acknowledgment that the use of antibiotics in people is the primary source of antibiotic resistance, agriculture is committed to responsible use in animals to minimize any contribution. Both the medical and animal health communities are working to reduce the need to use antibiotics to ensure they’re available and effective for people and animals.

The PQA Plus certification program includes on-farm assessments to evaluate how antibiotics are used. We stand by the safety, affordability and nutritional value of U.S. pork as second-to-none in the world.

The New Swine Inspection System:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently finalized the new swine inspection system (NSIS), a voluntary program supported by many years of research. It is designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the federal inspection process and to provide more flexibility for adopting new food-safety technologies. It had been 50 years since pork inspection had been modernized and these changes were long overdue.

It’s important to know that the USDA maintains absolute authority and accountability for inspection. Like any industry, the pork industry is focused on continually improving and incorporating technologies that improve the way we raise animals and produce safe pork products.

Farm Biosecurity:
The health of pigs is a top priority, so farmers follow strict biosecurity protocols, including being very careful about who comes onto a farm or enters a pig barn. African swine fever (ASF), an animal disease affecting only pigs and with no human health or food safety risks, is growing as outbreaks continue throughout China and other parts of Asia. There are no reported cases of ASF in the United States and thanks to diligent vigilance by USDA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, we have kept the disease outside our borders. Farmers take biosecurity very seriously; the last thing they want is for someone to carry a disease into a barn and cause animal suffering.

While on-farm access is limited, the U.S. pork industry is highly regulated and USDA conducts surveys on farms periodically and makes these findings available. NPPC has actively advocated for USDA funding required to gather more farm data that supports the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement.

For more information about U.S. pork production, please visit https://www.porkcares.org/our-practices/.



IMPOSSIBLE PORK IS IMPOSSIBLE; VIOLATES LABELLING LAW

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) today called Impossible Foods' naming convention for its plant-based products designed to mimic real pork a brazen violation of labelling law. Citing law that prohibits the use of words that redefine pork as it has been known by consumers for centuries, Dr. Dan Kovich, director of science and technology for the National Pork Producers Council, issued the following statement:

"What's impossible is to make pork from plants. This is a brazen attempt to circumvent decades of food labelling law and centuries of precedence. Any adjective placed in front of the word pork can only refine it, not redefine it. It's not pork. It's not pork sausage. It can't be labelled as such."

NPPC supports consumer choice and competitive markets on a level playing field. Accordingly, plant-based and cell-cultured products designed to mimic real meat must face the same stringent regulatory requirements as livestock agriculture, including truthful labelling standards.




U.S. Ethanol Exports Ease Despite Pop in Sales to Brazil while U.S. DDGS Shipments Surge Higher
Ann Lewis, Research Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association
   
U.S. ethanol exports receded in November, decreasing 5% to 107.3 million gallons (mg), according to data issued today by the government and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). However, the Brazilian export market was reinvigorated despite the restrictive tariff rate quota limiting volumes that can enter the country duty-free. Brazil doubled its purchases and overtook Canada as our top customer for the first time since April.

Two-thirds of all U.S. ethanol exports in November landed in Brazil (27.0 mg, +131%), Canada (26.8 mg, -11%), and Colombia (12.5 mg, +47% to a record high). U.S. shippers also sent sizable volumes to Oman (9.4 mg following zero in October), South Korea (9.0 mg, -3%), and the European Union (8.7 mg, +4%). November ethanol sales imply an annualized export volume of nearly 1.5 billion gallons which, if realized, would be the second-largest volume on record.

Shipments of U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol slowed in November by 11% to 52.8 mg. Half of exports were destined for Brazil (27.0 mg, +131%) with the remainder dispersed among another dozen countries including Nigeria (4.7 mg, up from zero), the Netherlands (4.6 mg, +84%), India (3.3 mg, -81%), and South Korea (3.2 mg, +14%). Notably, sales to Mexico scaled back 91% to under 200,000 gallons.

Sales of U.S. denatured fuel ethanol picked up in November, pressing 13% higher to 51.9 mg. Roughly half of exports (25.3 mg) moved north to Canada, despite an 11% decrease to the smallest volume since May. Remaining shipments of denatured fuel ethanol were distributed primarily to Colombia (11.2 mg, +56%), Oman (9.4 mg, up from zero), South Korea (5.1 mg, -10%), and Peru (0.7 mg, -69%).

Exports of U.S. ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes slipped 67% to 2.6 mg. The majority of undenatured product shipped to Canada (0.9 mg), South Korea (0.7 mg), and Saudi Arabia (0.5 mg), while most denatured product landed in Canada (0.2 mg) and the Dominican Republic (0.1 mg).

Imports from Brazil intensified in November as the U.S. purchased its second-largest volume of cane ethanol in a year, up 16% to 25.4 mg. Total U.S. ethanol imports for 2019 now stand at 189.4 mg—nearly triple the volume imported last year during the same period. Consequently, the U.S. is on pace to log over 200 mg by year end.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—rebounded in November, jumping 20% to 911,569 metric tons (mt). Sales to Mexico rallied with a 36% increase in DDGS heading southbound, or 200,669 mt (a six-month high), again marking its place as our top customer (22% of our export market). Sales also took off in South Korea (105,328 mt, +51%) and Thailand (88,424 mt, more than triple October exports). Vietnam (84,188 mt, -29%), Indonesia (72,698 mt, +13%), Turkey (54,449 mt, up from zero), and the European Union (41,588 mt, +116%) rounded out our top markets in November. Total year-to-date exports of U.S. DDGS stand at 10.02 million mt, which implies an annualized export volume of 10.93 million mt.



CWT Assisted December Sales Raise 2019 Milk Equivalent Exports to 1.3 Billion Pounds
NMPF

December’s CWT-assisted sales of 4.1 million pounds of cheese, butter, whole milk powder and cream cheese raised the 2019 export sales to 48.9 million pounds of America-type cheeses, 5 million pounds of butter, 46.1 million pounds of whole milk powder, and 6.8 million pounds of cream cheese. The milk equivalent of these 2019 CWT-assisted sales is 956.3 billion pounds on a milkfat basis.

These sales mean an estimated 135 million pounds of CWT-assisted dairy products have been shipped out of the U.S. and into overseas markets in 2019, the milkfat equivalent of 1.257 billion pounds of milk.

In December, CWT assisted six member cooperatives in securing 42 sales contracts for 2.1 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 332,898 pounds of butter, 1 million pounds of whole milk powder, and 634,931 pounds of cream cheese. The products will be shipped during the months of December 2018 through April 2019.

Assisting CWT member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share through the Export Assistance program positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price. It does this by expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products beyond the domestic market thereby increasing the total demand for U.S. farm milk.



NCBA and Masters of Beef Advocacy Announce 2019 Advocate of the Year

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, has selected Brandi Buzzard Frobose, blogger, Kansas rancher and influencer, as the 2019 Advocate of the Year. This honor is given annually to an outstanding Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program graduate to recognize his or her success in reaching and educating consumers who want to learn more about beef and raising cattle. MBA is a Checkoff-funded program designed to equip advocates with the training, knowledge, and experience to advance their advocacy efforts as spokespeople for the industry.

In addition to being a mom to 3-year old Oakley and co-owner of High Bar Cattle Company with her husband, Hyatt, near Greeley, Kansas, Buzzard Frobose is a full-time beef industry communications professional. As busy as she may be, Brandi still finds time to connect with consumers by honestly and transparently sharing information about beef’s great taste, unbeatable nutrition and the hardworking farmers and ranchers who produce it through her online social media platforms and blog.

Brandi’s interest in and passion for the beef industry was ingrained in her at a young age as she tagged along with her dad and grandpa at feedlots, roping, and working with her cattle and hogs for the local fair.

As an exemplary advocate, Buzzard Frobose enjoys giving her fans and followers a glimpse into her life as a rancher and mom. She also frequently shares tasty beef recipes and candid perspectives on current beef events through her blog, Buzzard’s Beat, and across her social media channels. Her “door” is always open for people to ask questions. Brandi uses social media as a way of connecting, sharing and inspiring others about life on the ranch and raising cattle.

“Passionate, knowledgeable people are among our industry’s greatest assets,” according to Laurie Munns, Utah rancher and chair of the Federation of State Beef Councils, a division of NCBA. “When you add the willingness to communicate with both consumers and critics about the value we bring to society, it’s a blessing. Brandi represents what is best about beef industry outreach.”

Buzzard Frobose started blogging in 2009, and since then has elevated her status as an influencer and beef advocate. She’s become heavily involved in the MBA program, a project she helped to grow during her time as a NCBA employee from 2013 to 2017.

Buzzard Frobose continues to set a strong example for other beef advocates by sharing her story in ways that connect with others inside and outside the beef community. Brandi’s focus on blending stories about her life on the ranch and raising cattle with her role as a working mom resonates with her audience and has fueled success on her social platforms. She genuinely connects with consumers, which has led to interviews this past year on national television networks including CBS, FOX, and MSNBC.

As part of her advocacy work, Buzzard Frobose has tackled large issues, including food labels at the grocery store, environmental sustainability, and beef’s role in healthy sustainable diets. She continually gives back by encouraging fellow beef advocates and sharing her experiences to help others.

You can follow Brandi Buzzard Frobose’s advocacy efforts online at BuzzardsBeat.com or on social media at @BrandiBuzzard. Buzzard Frobose will be recognized as Advocate of the Year during the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio.



Corteva Agriscience Submits Novel New Pasture Herbicide to EPA

Corteva Agriscience submitted for approval a new selective herbicide for broadleaf weed control on pastureland to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Pending EPA registration, this herbicide will provide cattle producers access to a broad-spectrum weed control product that preserves white clover and annual lespedeza — and all their benefits.

Announced during the American Forage & Grassland Council annual conference, ProClova™ herbicide is expected to meet a long-standing need for livestock grazers.

“White clover does so much for forage and livestock production, but it is sensitive to current broadleaf pasture herbicides,” said Jillian Schmiedt, Range & Pasture Category Lead at Corteva Agriscience. “When broadleaf weeds establish, producers don’t have a way to control weeds without also removing white clover. ProClova provides that.”

Multiple years of testing show ProClova provides exceptional, broad-spectrum control of important broadleaf species, including ironweed, cocklebur, wild carrot, buttercup, biennial thistles, ragweeds, plantain, wooly croton, poison hemlock and many others. ProClova will offer several anticipated features, including:
    Preserving white clover and annual lespedeza for an abundant, diverse, quality forage
    Being safe to desirable forage grasses
    Maintaining the benefits white clover and annual lespedeza provide to forage and livestock production
    Controlling a broad-spectrum of weeds in permanent grass pastures, rangeland, hayfields and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres
    Providing an effective, broad-spectrum weed control option for situations such as flexibility in hay marketing and crop rotation, where a nonresidual option is desired
    Having no grazing or manure restrictions and only minimal haying restrictions after application

“Many livestock producers rely on white clover and annual lespedeza in their pastures to improve forage quality for grazing and haying and for what these legumes’ nitrogen-fixing properties bring to soil fertility and health,” said Scott Flynn, Corteva Agriscience Zonal Biology Leader. “Without effective broadleaf weed control, the harm weeds cause to forage production and quality can outweigh the benefits these legumes provide. That can be frustrating.”

Pending EPA registration, ProClova will be the only broad-spectrum herbicide that preserves white clover and annual lespedeza while still controlling broadleaf weeds. Corteva Agriscience expects this to be the fourth new product the company brings to the pasture market in three years.

“During 2018, we introduced MezaVue herbicide as the new standard in pricklypear control, followed by LANDVisor, a digital decision support tool, and then, most recently, DuraCor herbicide, containing the first new active ingredient for pasture broadleaf weed control in more than a decade,” Schmiedt said. “Corteva Agriscience is focused on developing new and better solutions for the challenges beef producers face. We are excited about bringing these new products to market.”

Corteva Agriscience anticipates making ProClova™ herbicide available to livestock producers during 2021.