Wednesday January 29 Ag News

Sasse Statement on USMCA Signing

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, an outspoken advocate for Nebraska agriculture and trade, released the following statement after President Trump signed the USMCA trade agreement into law.

“The USMCA is now law — and that’s great news for Nebraska. Our farmers and ranchers deserve the certainty that this trade deal provides, and our neighbors, Canada and Mexico, are going to have it good knowing that they can buy from the very best America has to offer: Nebraska ag producers. We worked hard to get this deal across the finish line and the President and his team deserve a bunch of credit for getting this done.”



Smith Statement on President Trump Signing USMCA

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after attending the signing of United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) today at the White House:

“The signing of USMCA is a major win for the United States. After more than 25 years, NAFTA needed to be modernized for the 21st century while ensuring its continued successes for Nebraska agriculture. I thank the President and his team for completing the work on USMCA and look forward to pursuing more opportunities for opening markets around the world.

Smith, a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over trade, travelled to Ottawa and Mexico City to attend USMCA negotiations and served on the Republican whip team when USMCA passed the House.



Ricketts Attends President Trump’s USMCA Signing Ceremony

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts attended President Donald J. Trump’s signing ceremony for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).  Gov. Ricketts has been a vocal proponent of USMCA as President Trump has worked to hammer out the agreement with Canada and Mexico.

“This is a historic moment in our country’s relationship with our two closest neighbors,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “President Trump’s new trade deal ensures Nebraska will have the opportunity to grow our relationship with Canada and Mexico.  I appreciate the hard work of Nebraska’s federal delegation, ag groups, chambers, and so many others who successfully fought to seal the deal on USMCA.”

In 2018, Canada was Nebraska’s largest export market and Mexico was third.  Combined, the countries purchased over $3.13 billion worth of Nebraska’s products.  Canada and Mexico are also substantial direct international investors in Nebraska, employing about 6,400 people in the state.  Canada is Nebraska’s largest export market for hay, planting seeds, and enzymes.  Mexico is the state’s largest export market for corn, dairy, distillers grains, animal fats, and sugars and sweeteners.

Debbie Borg of Allen also represented Nebraska at the USMCA signing.  Borg serves on the Nebraska Corn Board and raises row crops and livestock on their family farm with her husband Terry and kids Hannah, Heidi, and Hunter.



Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding President Trump Signing USMCA Trade Deal into Law

“Today American agriculture is able to mark yet another item off the ‘to-do’ list when it comes to international trade. We thank President Trump for signing the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) legislation authorizing implementation of this major trade deal. USMCA will allow our farm and ranch families to maintain market access for Nebraska beef, pork, corn, and soybeans with two of our largest trading partners, as well as open new doors for the sale of Nebraska wheat, poultry, and dairy products. With the U.S. and Mexico having authorized the deal, we look forward to our Canadian neighbors taking the final steps for approval so we can begin to take advantage of this updated agreement.”



Naig at White House for Signing of USMCA

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement in response to President Trump signing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement today.

“It was exciting to be in Washington D.C. to witness President Trump sign the modernized USMCA,” said Secretary Naig. “U.S. farmers are benefiting from the Trump administration’s efforts to renegotiate unbalanced trade agreements. Under the new USMCA, Iowa farmers will gain greater access to our two largest export markets, which is great news heading into the 2020 planting season.”



Perdue Statement on USMCA Signing

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“Today is a good day for American agriculture. Throughout this process, there were many detractors who said it couldn’t be done. But this is further proof that President Trump’s trade negotiation strategy is working. This agreement shows the rest of the world the United States is open for business. USMCA is critical for America’s farmers and ranchers, who will now have even more market access to our neighbors to the north and the south. I am excited to see the economic benefits of this agreement increase the prosperity of all Americans, especially those living in rural America,” said Secretary Perdue.

USMCA will advance United States agricultural interests in two of the most important markets for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. This high-standard agreement builds upon our existing markets to expand United States food and agricultural exports and support food processing and rural jobs.

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

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



NCGA: USMCA a Win for Agriculture

National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross today declared President Trump’s signing of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) a big win for American agriculture. Mexico and Canada are the U.S. corn industry’s largest, most reliable market; 21.4 million metric tons of corn and corn co-products, valued at $4.56 billion, were exported to Mexico and Canada in 2018. The signing follows overwhelming Congressional support for the trade deal.

Ross made the following statement.
“This is a big win for America’s farmers, our rural communities and the American economy. USMCA builds on our already successful trading partnership with Mexico and Canada. This agreement should serve as a template for opening the door to new market opportunities for U.S. corn. Corn farmers are grateful for the hard work done by the President, the U.S. Trade Representative and everyone in the Administration who made today’s signing possible.”
Ross attended today’s White House signing along with Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association President Patty Mann, Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Les Anderson and Wisconsin Corn Growers Association President Doug Rebout. Passing USMCA was NCGA’s top legislative priority for 2019, and the organization will continue to work with the Administration to identify future opportunities for market access and new agreements.



NPPC Heralds Signing of USMCA Agreement

President Trump today signed into law the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, which, once implemented, will provide much-needed certainty for U.S. pork producers. National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President David Herring attended today's signing ceremony, as well as seven other NPPC board members: Scott Hays (Missouri), Dale Reicks (Iowa), Duane Stateler (Ohio), Lori Stevermer (Minnesota), Kraig Westerbeek (North Carolina), Terry Wolters (Minnesota) and Russell Vering (Nebraska).

"USMCA provides U.S. pork producers with certainty in two of our largest export markets and we thank President Trump and his administration for making USMCA a top priority," said Herring, a hog farmer from Lillington, N.C. "We look forward to implementation of a trade deal that preserves zero-tariff pork trade in North America."

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

"With USMCA now signed into law, NPPC is focused on another top trade priority for U.S. pork producers: unrestricted access to China," said Herring. "We believe that pork will be the litmus test for China's compliance with its phase-one purchase commitments to the United States. We urge China to eliminate the 60 percent punitive tariffs and other restrictions on U.S. pork exports. Tariff elimination would more than double annual U.S. pork sales, generate 184,000 new American jobs and reduce the overall trade deficit with China by nearly six percent, all within the next decade."



Soy Leaders Attend USMCA Signing in Support of Trade Deal

Members of the American Soybean Association (ASA) board of directors from five states attended the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement signing ceremony at the White House in celebration of the new treaty. ASA represents soy farmers from 30 total soy-producing states and is pleased to see the agreement signed into law.

“This final step by President Trump ensures soybean growers will maintain access to two of their top markets, and it will also support the poultry and dairy industries that are important to soy,” said Bill Gordon, ASA president and grower from Worthington, MN. Gordon continued, “We reiterate our hearty thanks to both houses of Congress, the President, and their staff who worked together to make this important deal happen.”

Mexico has already acted on USMCA, and Canada’s Parliament is expected to follow the United States and approve the deal in the coming weeks. The deal is expected to take effect later this year after additional procedural steps.

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



NCBA: USMCA Ratification Latest Victory for U.S. Cattle Producers

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jennifer Houston, who attended today’s White House signing ceremony for the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), today released the following statement:

“This is a great day for America’s cattle producers and we were once again honored to participate in another great victory for our industry. Of course, the ratification of USMCA comes on the heels of a game-changing new trade deal with China, a new bilateral agreement with our largest export partners in Japan, and much-improved access to the European Union.

“Add that to the new waters rule that was finalized last week, new proposed grazing regulations, and new proposed rules that would provide much-needed relief the National Environmental Policy Act, and it’s easy to see that 2020 is off to a truly historic start for U.S. beef producers. I want to thank the President and his entire team for listening to our producers’ concerns and for working with us to find real common-sense solutions.”



U.S. Wheat Industry Applauds the Trump Administration for Signing the U.S. Mexico-Canada Agreement into Law

Today, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) extend thanks to President Trump for signing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law, making it an official trade agreement. 

“USMCA will bring some guarantee to the unpredictable climate of farming,” said National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President and Lavon, Tex., farmer Ben Scholz. “Trade deals create markets which provide stability for growers, making the profession more attractive to future generations. NAWG would like to thank the Administration again for working to get this agreement finalized.”

 “Wheat farmers and Mexico’s wheat buyers are very glad to see the cloud of uncertainty lifted from our trade relationship,” said U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Chairman and Paulding, Ohio, wheat farmer Doug Goyings. “Replacing NAFTA without harm to the wheat trade relationship was a priority for all of us – mission accomplished.”

USMCA retains tariff-free access to imported U.S. wheat for those long-time flour milling customers in Mexico, a crucial step toward rebuilding trust in the U.S. as a reliable supplier in this important, neighboring market. In addition, the USMCA makes important progress towards more open commerce for U.S. wheat farmers near the Canadian border by allowing U.S. varieties registered in Canada to receive reciprocal grading treatment. 

Other measures that benefit the wheat industry include the Agreement’s language around agricultural biotechnology which supports 21st Century innovations in agriculture and new language to strengthen disciplines for science-based SPS measures.



USMCA Nears Completion with Trump’s Signature

During a ceremony held today at the White House, President Donald Trump signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law. Though the agreement has already been approved by Mexico, it will not be fully implemented until it is ratified by the Canadian government.

National Farmers Union (NFU) opposed the free trade framework established by USMCA’s predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and the organization initially withheld endorsement for USMCA when it was introduced over a year ago. However, the NFU Board of Directors later voted to support it after the House Democrats made several notable improvements. In a statement, NFU President Roger Johnson thanked House Democrats for working to strengthen the deal and applauded its passage:

“Since NAFTA set a precedent for unfettered free trade two-and-a-half decades ago, our nation’s trade deals have favored the interests of multinational corporations at the expense of family farmers and ranchers and rural economies. With the passage of USMCA, we are hopeful that this era is finally over and that some equity will be restored to international markets.

“We are especially pleased to see significant improvements over earlier versions of this deal, including stronger labor, environmental, and enforcement provisions as well as the elimination of giveaways to the pharmaceutical industry. These improvements are the direct result of many months of negotiations by Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats, for which we commend them.

“Though USMCA is a big step forward, it should be a floor for future trade deals, not a ceiling; when negotiating with other trading partners, we encourage the Trump administration and Congress to build on this momentum to establish fair trade agreements that protect rural jobs, ensure fair prices for farmers, and restore sovereignty to the United States.”



Growth Energy Praises Passage of USMCA

Today, President Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which modernizes the previous trade pact, strengthens the trade relationship between these North American nations, and provides critical market access for U.S. agriculture. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement praising it’s ratification by the United States:

“This historic agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada is welcomed by biofuel producers across North America, as it reinforces our already strong trade relationship and opens the door for more opportunities for our allies in the agriculture industry. We are grateful to President Trump, his administration, and our champions in Congress for their steadfast commitment to securing this win for American agriculture.”

Canada is the only remaining country that needs to ratify the trade agreement. Once this happens, the three countries must meet procedural obligations before the deal takes full effect.

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

Canada is the U.S.’s second-largest ethanol export market, accepting 347 million gallons in 2018. The Canadian market has the potential to increase materially over the next 10 years due to changes in both federal and provincial policy, including pushes by Ontario and Quebec to move to a fifteen percent ethanol blend. The Canadian province of Manitoba also recently announced it will move province-wide to a ten percent ethanol blending standard.

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



Pres. Trump Signs USMCA, Misses the Mark for U.S. Farmers and Ranchers

Today, President Trump signed the U.S., Mexico, and Canada trade agreement (USMCA). The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) issued the following statement:

Today, President Trump signed the USMCA trade deal to replace "nightmare NAFTA." But like its predecessor, USMCA fuels the consolidation and monopolization of food and agriculture, and is harmful to the survivability of America’s independent farmers and ranchers.

NAFTA provided windfall profits for global corporations at the expense of farm and ranch families, and USMCA does not tilt the scales of justice back. It does not address excessive agriculture and food market concentration, the overproduction of milk, the disparity in grain pricing, nor does it provide the U.S. with mandatory Country of Origin Labeling authority.

Organization for Competitive Markets is gravely disappointed that the economic viability of America’s farmers and ranchers has once again been left out of the trilateral trade agreement.



Rural America Now Dependent on Congress to Fix USMCA's Glaring Deficiency

Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), describing it as a modernization of the antiquated, 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Trump had described NAFTA as a terrible trade agreement that harmed Americans.   

The new USMCA, however, makes no changes in the trade of cattle and beef, even though the U.S. cattle industry is the largest segment of American agriculture and the combination of cattle and beef are the leading agricultural import from Canada and Mexico.

R-CALF USA urged Trump to modernize the cattle and beef trade in the USMCA to enable America's cattle farmers and ranchers to compete against the growing volumes of cattle and beef imports from Canada and Mexico, which are direct product substitutes for American cattle and beef products.

The group specifically asked Trump to include a Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (M-COOL) requirement in the USMCA to require all beef sold at retail stores to bear a consumer label disclosing the countries from where the beef animal had been born, raised and slaughtered.

"America's cattle producers cannot compete even in their home market while imported cattle and beef remain indistinguishable from beef produced exclusively from cattle born and raised on America's farms and ranches," said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.

R-CALF USA tied its USMCA request to Trump's 2017 Buy American Hire American Executive Order explaining that Americans cannot choose to buy American beef without a label disclosing which beef is American and which beef is imported.

But, while R-CALF USA argued America's cattle farmers and ranchers will continue to be harmed, representatives of the concentrated beef packing industry argued that disclosing the origins of beef to consumers would hurt their profits.

"And, they won this round," said Bullard adding, "The multinational beef packers will continue exploiting the reputations of America's cattle farmers and ranchers by importing cheaper, undifferentiated beef and selling that beef to unsuspecting consumers who are led to believe the imported beef was born, raised and slaughtered right here in America.

While the U.S. annually exports almost $2 billion in cattle and beef to Canada and Mexico, the economic benefits from those U.S. exports are overwhelmed because the U.S. annually imports over $4 billion of the very same commodities - cattle and beef, from Canada and Mexico.

Bullard explained that while this ongoing trade imbalance harms America's cattle farmers and ranchers, it is a boon for multinational beef packers that both source cheaper imports to increase their domestic margins and sell more foreign beef into the United States from their foreign platforms to increase their foreign margins.

"Unfortunately, just as consumers cannot yet distinguish domestic beef from foreign beef, the President and his administration has not yet distinguished the economic interests of America's cattle farmers and ranchers from those of the multinational beef packing complex," Bullard commented.   

According to Bullard, the ongoing, unabated negative trade balance is causing the U.S. cattle industry to shrink, which is putting a severe strain on Rural America. He said the group must now rely on Congress to pass legislation to fix what he calls the glaring deficiency in the USMCA.

"We will now go to Congress for help in mitigating the harm the USMCA will continue to cause Rural America by seeking legislation to require Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling for all beef sold in America," Bullard concluded.



Midwest Hemp Forum coming to Antelope County February 21st

After a successful 2019, educating over 700 farmers at five Hemp Farmers Forums in Clatonia, David City, Pilger, York & Syracuse; Midwest Hemp Forum is proud to announce the first event of 2020, our upcoming February 21st Neligh Hemp Farmers Forum, hosted by the Neligh Office of Economic Development and Antelope County Ag Society. Learn from Farmers currently growing hemp, local harvesting equipment experts, Professors, Processors and other Hemp experts.

The Neligh Hemp Farmers Forum will be taking place from 11:30-3:30PM at the Antelope County Ag Society Exhibit Building, 709 E. US-275 Neligh, NE 68756, doors will open at 11AM.

Tickets can be claimed at midwesthempforum.com or hempfarmersforum.com.

“The Neligh Office of Economic Development is thrilled to sponsor Midwest Hemp Forum’s Neligh Hemp Farmers Forum. There are over 700 farms in Antelope County alone. With corn prices in the mid $3.50 range, we need to offer an alternative crop to Nebraska producers. Hemp could be that alternative crop. Hemp could reduce the cost of insecticides and herbicides as well as the use of precious water resources.The environmental benefits could be a game changer in many industries. The plant is 100% utilizable and can be manufactured into over 25,000 products to help Northeast Nebraska manufactures and entrepreneurs prosper. Creating an greater export product basis for the county and ultimately for Nebraska,” said Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, Director of Economic Development for the city of Neligh.

"The Midwest Hemp farmers forum is the educational event that Nebraska needs to ensure its farmers have the knowledge and resources to succeed, as well as building a network of producers interested in this new commodity,” Said Jacob Bish of Bish Enterprises & Hemp Harvest Works, a Gilter, Nebraska based Ag Implement dealership and Midwest Hemp Forum participant.

Forum participants include Dr. Andrea Holmes, a Doane University Chemistry Professor and past President of the Nebraska American Chemical Society. Dr. Holmes oversees and administers Doane University’s Cannabis Certificate program which has certified over 1700 individuals across the United States with skills to work in various areas of the Hemp marketplace.

“Before prohibition the midwest had a comparative advantage in Hemp production. Nebraska was the 3rd largest Agricultural Hemp producer in the United States after only Kentucky & Illinois. Since that generational knowledge had been lost, we have been hosting these Forums across Nebraska to allow Farmers the ability to learn a little about the crop and make a proper opportunity cost decision about diversifying with Hemp on their operations in 2020 or 2021,” said Colin Fury, event organizer of the Midwest Hemp Forum.

Participants also include 20 year Hemp farmer Jeff Kostuik of Hemp Genetics International. Jeff is a Manitoba Canada based Hemp producer passionate about the use of Hemp, whether it be for fiber, grain, oil or as a nutraceutical, and grows Hemp seed hearts for Manitoba Harvest.

“The hemp forum was a real eye opener for me. I think people saw just how versatile hemp can be,” said Brent Broberg of Tilden based Broberg Organics.

Sponsors include Agri-Inject Inc, Al Stelling Farm Bureau Financial Services, Antelope County AG Society, Bish Enterprises, Blackburn Manufacturing Blackburn Manufacturing Company , Broberg Organics, LLC , Great Plains Seed Company, Heritage Bank , Midwest Hemp Exchange, Nature Safe, and the Neligh Office of Economic Development .

“Bish Enterprises has been providing innovative harvest technology since 1976,and we've continued this tradition with hemp as it's come onto the market. Beyond developing new equipment solutions, we work with other equipment manufacturers to provide hemp producers all of their equipment needs,” said Jacob Bish of Bish Enterprises/Hemp Harvest Works in Giltner.

“The best part of the Forum are the outstanding innovators and Agricultural producers you meet at the event, folks like Brent Broberg of Tilden who raises Organic Earthworms castings, which are a great fertilizer option for Hemp producers, and we are excited to see Blackburn Manufacturing and so many other Antelope County businesses take interest in what Forbes estimates will be a $22 billion American industry by 2024“ said Event Organizer Colin Fury. “ Hemp plants and worm castings are a great match. We’ve had a lot of interest and look forward to helping hemp farmers with their fertilizer needs, said Brent Broberg of Broberg Organics in Tilden”

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture will begin licensing Hemp processors and producers on Monday, February 3rd, 2020. To learn more Farmers can visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/hemp/.

“It is morning for hemp in Nebraska, and we will have NDA licensing applications available to any attendee of the Forum interested in growing hemp on their farm in 2020.” said Fury.

The legalization of hemp at the Federal and now our State level has opened up a new industry for our region. If you’re interested in adding hemp to your rotation—for oil, seed, or fiber production this event is for you.

The Neligh Hemp Farmers Forum is free and lunch will be served. Tickets can be claimed online at www.midwesthempforum.com.



Twelve Organic Certifiers Recognized for Enforcement Successes

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) today recognized the work of accredited organic certifiers with awards for extraordinary support of the National Organic Standards. The awards were presented at the annual NOP Certifier Training for organic inspectors from around the world, held in San Antonio, Texas.

Ten certifiers were recognized for the exceptional quality and timeliness of data provided to the Organic INTEGRITY Database. “Better data deters fraud by making it faster for investigators to identify higher risk activities and focus additional enforcement resources,” said Jennifer Tucker, who heads the NOP. “Catching and punishing fraud quickly supports the high level of trust that farmers and consumers continue to demonstrate in the USDA Organic Seal.”

The federal organic regulations currently require the annual posting of a set of basic facts regarding certified operations into the USDA Organic INTEGRITY Database (OID). All USDA accredited certifiers met the January 2, 2020, annual deadline for uploading required updates about the operations they certify. The OID also includes many optional fields, like acreage, that can aid in oversight and enforcement. “The ten certifiers recognized today significantly exceeded the minimum requirements by supplying additional detail on their certified operations and submitting updates on a rolling basis throughout the year,” said Tucker.

“The ready availability of robust data is also good for certified farms and ranches as the database becomes increasingly important as a resource for companies looking to buy certified organic ingredients,” said Tucker. “It is gratifying to see continued growth in the number of certifiers who voluntarily compete for these awards, significantly increasing the amount of quality data available to NOP staff and the growing list of our law enforcement partners.”

The third annual Investing in INTEGRITY Data Quality Award winners:
    CCOF Certification Services, LLC (Santa Cruz, CA)
    Primus Auditing Operations (Santa Maria, CA)
    Marin Organic Certified Agriculture (Novato, CA)
    Yolo County Department of Agriculture (Woodland, CA)
    Colorado Department of Agriculture (Broomfield, CO)
    One-Cert, Inc (Lincoln, NE)
    New Jersey Department of Agriculture (Trenton, NJ)
    Global Organic Alliance (Bellefontaine, OH)
    Clemson University (Pendleton, SC)
    IMOcert Latinoamerica LTDA (Cochabamba, Bolivia)

In addition, NOP recognized four certifiers for exemplary work investigating significant grain fraud cases in 2018-2019. “The quick, thorough work by staff at CCOF, QCS, One-Cert, and Oregon Tilth provided sound evidence to support timely enforcement actions that impact the entire supply chain,” said NOP Enforcement Division Director Betsy Rakola. “We appreciate these good people for helping USDA ensure consumers get what they pay for when they buy USDA Certified Organic products for their families.”

2020 Director’s Award winners are:
    CCOF Certification Services, LLC (Santa Cruz, CA)
    Quality Certification Services (Gainesville, FL)
    One-Cert, Inc (Lincoln, NE)
    Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (Corvallis, OR)

In addition to on-demand courses available online at the USDA Organic Integrity Learning Center, the NOP also provides classroom training for organic inspectors on topics from oversight to advanced enforcement in conjunction with the Accredited Certifiers Association and the International Organic Inspectors Association.

The Organic INTEGRITY Database makes information on current and former certified organic operations publicly available online from anywhere in the world. It allows users to quickly confirm the organic certification status and other details of a farm or business and helps certifiers support the organic community in fraud prevention.

More information on organic enforcement and oversight is available on the NOP website at www.ams.usda.gov/organic.



Apply for Century and Heritage Farm Recognition

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encouraged eligible farm owners to apply for the 2020 Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program was created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to recognize families that have owned their farm for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.

"I look forward to the Century and Heritage Farm day at the Iowa State Fair each year. Recognizing and hearing the stories of each of these farm families is a great way to celebrate the history and impact that agriculture has on the state," said Secretary Naig. "It was an honor for my family to be on the stage a few years ago and I look forward to recognizing other farm families who are receiving this honor in 2020."

To apply, download the application on the Department's website at iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program.

Applications may also be requested from Kelley Reece, Coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program via phone at 515-281-3645, email at Kelley.Reece@IowaAgriculture.gov or by writing to Century or Heritage Farms Program, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319.

Farm families seeking to qualify for the Century or Heritage Farms Program must submit an application to the Department no later than June 1.

The Century Farm program was started in 1976 as part of the Nation's Bicentennial Celebration. To date, more than 20,000 farms from across the state have received this recognition. The Heritage Farm program was started in 2006, on the 30th anniversary of the Century Farm program, and more than 1,000 farms have been recognized. Last year 332 Century Farms and 153 Heritage Farms were recognized.

Past awardees and photos can be accessed on the Department's website. To search the applications of past recipients, visit centuryfarms.iowaagriculture.gov/.

The ceremony to recognize the 2020 Century and Heritage Farm Award Winners is scheduled to be held at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 20 in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion.



Center for Rural Affairs releases fact sheets, tips on building climate resiliency

As part of a project focusing on elevating the stories of rural climate leaders, the Center for Rural Affairs today released a series of fact sheets focused on building  resiliency in the face of climate change.

When it comes to addressing issues surrounding our changing climate, tasks, such as turning off electronic equipment at the end of the work day, switching to paperless bills, and recycling plastic, glass, and paper, can go a long way.

“Individuals living in rural areas have an important role in addressing climate change,” said Kayla Bergman, policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “The Center can assist individuals in understanding how to take necessary actions to address climate change.”

The “Building Climate Resiliency” fact sheets cover steps to address climate change for rural residents of various backgrounds and professions.

The series offers tips and information for educators, rural entrepreneurs, homeowners, and farmers and landowners.

For example, a fact sheet for educators addresses how they can be leaders in creating climate-smart classrooms by using reusable materials and supplies, as well as recycling.

The fact sheet in this series for rural entrepreneurs offers information about how businesses can lead by example through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and smart fuel/travel choices.

The final two fact sheets provide information to homeowners on ways they can reduce their carbon footprint, such as using efficient appliances and going paperless with their bills and how farmers and landowners investing in soil health will build their resiliency in the face of climate change.

“No matter the background or occupation, there are rural Americans taking important steps to address our changing climate in their lives and businesses,” Bergman said. “These fact sheets feature those stories and examples of actions taken.”

The fact sheets can be found at cfra.org/publications.



Pig Farmers Pay It Forward with Two Million Servings of Pork

The National Pork Board announced today more than 2 million servings of pork have been donated in the last two months by pig farmers working together to help fight food insecurity in their local communities. The donations – made through the national Hams Across America effort – showcase the pork industry’s commitment to the We CareSM ethical principles, including a focus on community.

“Giving back to our communities is an important part of who we are,” said David Newman, president of the National Pork Board and a pig farmer representing Arkansas. “Our Hams Across America program gives me and other pig farmers another way to live out the We Care ethical principles, but my favorite part is getting to share our love of the food we produce with neighbors in need.”

The Hams Across America program helps overcome food insecurity, especially in rural areas where pig farmers farm and live. In November, the Oklahoma Pork Council kicked off the #GiveAHam challenge, a grassroots effort that encourages farmers to pay it forward with pork donations to local food pantries and to challenge colleagues and others in their communities to do the same. The challenge was supported by a record number of participants, with more than 200 individuals and businesses contributing time, resources and pork to the nationwide effort.

In its fourth year, the Hams Across America campaign also received strong support from Smithfield Foods, Prairie Fresh® Pork and JBS USA Pork. These companies provided more than 170,000 pounds of pork to food banks across the country. 

During the campaign, the National Pork Board partnered with nine YouTube creators who paid it forward with pork by donating over 25,000 servings to their communities. The YouTube campaign engaged nearly 6 million viewers.

“It was amazing to see how these creators paid it forward with pork and shared stories of pig farmers’ commitment to our communities,” Newman said. “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 the Gen Zers that we need to start building relationships with.”

The Hams Across America campaign is a nationwide effort organized and managed by the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, state pork associations and U.S. pig farmers. For more information on pig farmers’ commitment to giving back to their communities, visit porkcares.org.



State Beef Councils Win Crucial Step in Court Case Against Beef Checkoff

The beef industry won an important victory today helping ensure cattlemen and cattlewomen will continue to direct how checkoff investments are made at the state level. In the matter of R-CALF vs. Sonny Perdue, a magistrate judge granted summary judgment to the government and the 15 qualified state beef councils targeted by R-CALF and its activist legal partners at Public Justice.

“We are pleased with today’s opinion, which allows state beef councils to continue the important work of beef promotion and research. Although this case is far from complete, this was a crucial step toward ensuring state beef councils retain the important ability to direct their investments at the grassroots level,” said Colin Woodall, NCBA Chief Executive Officer.

The decision of the magistrate judge will now be forwarded to the federal district court for a final ruling. It could continue to be appealed by either party after the district court judge issues an opinion, a process that will continue over the next several months or longer.

“The beef checkoff continues to provide important benefits for cattle producers in the form of research and promotion that returns nearly $12 for every dollar invested in the program. The Beef Checkoff is weakened, and the benefits it provides our industry are put in jeopardy, by lawsuits such as this one,” said Woodall. “We’re committed to defending state beef councils from these attacks and ensuring producers at the grassroots level continue to determine how checkoff dollars are invested in their states.”



DAP, Urea Lead Fertilizer Prices Lower

Average retail fertilizer prices continued to shift even lower the third week of January 2020, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

For the first time in quite some time, multiple fertilizers were significantly lower compared to last month. DTN designates any change over 5% as a significant price move.

DAP is 7% lower compared to the month prior and now has an average price of $413 per ton. Urea is 6% lower compared to the third week of December 2019 and has an average price of $357/ton.

Five other fertilizers had a slight price decline from the previous month. MAP had an average price of $435/ton, potash $374/ton, anhydrous $487/ton, UAN28 $237/ton and UAN32 $275/ton.

The remaining fertilizer, 10-34-0, had a slight price increase looking back to last month. The starter fertilizer had an average price of $470/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.39/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.42/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.

Retail fertilizers are mixed in price from a year ago. MAP and DAP are both now 19% lower, anhydrous is 17% less expensive, urea is 13% lower, both UAN28 and UAN32 are 12% less expensive and potash is 2% less expensive from last year at this time. In addition, 10-34-0 is 1% higher compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/24/2020

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending Jan. 24, ethanol production shifted lower by 20,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 1.9%, to a twelve-week low of 1.029 million b/d—equivalent to 43.22 million gallons daily. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.8% to 1.059 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.23 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks grew 0.9% to 24.2 million barrels, the largest reserves in six months and 1.1% higher than the same week last year. Inventories built in all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3), which experienced a sharp decline.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the second straight 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 expanded 1.5% to 8.793 million b/d (369.31 million gallons per day, or 134.80 bg annualized). Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol scaled 1.0% higher to 873,000 b/d—equivalent to 13.38 bg annualized.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production declined to 11.70%.



Improvements to Hemp Regulation Needed to Support Farmers

Improved testing rules, an expanded testing timeline, and clarity around hemp transportation would help farmers grow and market this new crop, the American Farm Bureau Federation said in comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The comments relate to USDA’s Interim Final Rule regulating hemp production nationwide.

Earlier this month, farmers and ranchers at AFBF’s Annual Convention voted to support an increase in the allowable THC level in hemp up to 1%. The vote gives AFBF leaders and staff the flexibility to engage in discussions with regulators and lawmakers about the appropriate legal limit on THC.

Current law limits THC content in hemp to 0.3% or below. In addition, regulations require testing to be conducted only on the flower of the plant, despite the harvesting and use of the entire plant.

AFBF is requesting that USDA allow THC testing of the entire plant, including the flower, leaf and stem, to be averaged together. Since hemp’s legalization, there is growing demand for hemp fibers to make everything from clothing to rope and flooring, none of which is impacted by the THC level.

The Interim Final Rule requires the collection of plant samples needed for THC testing within 15 days of the anticipated harvest date. In comments to USDA, AFBF noted this narrow window places an unnecessary burden on farmers, who risk losing their entire crop if they cannot complete harvest in just 15 days, and fails to consider the potential for delayed test results due to a lack of THC testing facilities. AFBF is urging USDA to extend the 15-day window to 45 days before the anticipated harvest date to remove this unfair and expensive burden on farmers.

USDA requires that all THC testing labs be certified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. With only 44 DEA-certified labs in 22 states to serve hundreds of hemp farmers, many believe testing delays and backlogs are inevitable. Without a certified lab in each state, hemp growers may have to transport untested samples across state lines to comply with the regulations. However, if the hemp being transported is above the 0.3% THC threshold, farmers will have shipped an illegal product across state lines, opening them up to potential prosecution.

Many states have used private labs with third-party certifications to conduct THC testing, based on guidelines in the 2014 Farm Bill. These labs are regularly assessed and must meet international performance requirements to maintain certification. AFBF is requesting that USDA allow testing in private labs that have obtained third-party accreditation, to minimize delays and costs to hemp farmers.



With FDA Stalled, Congress Needs To Pass DAIRY PRIDE for Consumers, NMPF’s Balmer Says

Congress needs to pass the DAIRY PRIDE Act soon to ensure FDA does its job to ensure consumers have accurate information for informed decisions about what to feed themselves and their families, National Milk Producers Federation Executive Vice President Tom Balmer told a congressional subcommittee today.

Allowing non-dairy products to use dairy terms to promote goods with wildly different nutritional values has undermined public health and directly flouts the FDA’s own rules, Balmer said in testimony at a hearing on “Improving Safety and Transparency in America’s Food and Drugs” before the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health. Proper labeling benefits consumers by drawing clear distinctions among products, encouraging better-informed choices, he said.

“Plant-based industrial food processors typically go to great lengths to try to replicate real milk by grinding seeds, nuts or grains into a powder, adding water, whiteners, sweeteners, stabilizers and emulsifiers, possibly blending in some vitamins and minerals, and then marketing the resulting concoction using dairy terms,” Balmer said. “By calling these products “milk” they are clearly seeking to trade on the health halo of real milk. Yet these imitators engage in misleading marketing because their products don’t have the same consistent nutritional offerings as real milk.”

Federal regulations clearly state that a product labeled as “milk” comes from a cow or certain other lactating animals, and that other dairy products are likewise made from animal milk. FDA has not been enforcing these regulations.

The DAIRY PRIDE Act, introduced by Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT) and Mike Simpson (R-ID) in the House and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jim Risch (R-ID) in the Senate , would designate foods that make an inaccurate claim about milk contents as “misbranded” and subject to enforcement of labeling rules. It would require FDA to issue guidance for nationwide enforcement of mislabeled imitation dairy products within 90 days of its passage and require FDA to report to Congress two years after enactment to hold the agency accountable in its enforcement. The legislation would force FDA to act against plant-based imitators of milk, cheese, butter and other products that brazenly flout FDA rules.

Newly confirmed FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn has voiced his support for “clear, transparent, and understandable labeling for the American people.” Still, given the agency’s inability to follow up on earlier pledges to act, NMPF is calling for DAIRY PRIDE’s passage as a vehicle to require FDA action. 



U.S. Wheat Associates Launches 40th Anniversary Campaign

On January 12, 1980, wheat farmer leaders with Great Plains Wheat and Western Wheat Associates officially merged to become one organization, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), to focus on building overseas demand for U.S. wheat. To mark its 40-year anniversary in 2020, USW has launched an outreach effort to recognize and celebrate the people who produce the wheat and their enduring partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wheat buyers and wheat food processors around the world.

“This anniversary is a platform for us to reinforce our authentic story—that behind the world’s most reliable supply of wheat are the world’s most dependable people,” said Steve Mercer, USW Vice President of Communications. “In online media, new marketing materials and face to face with overseas wheat buyers, we are going to talk about the legacy of commitment from farmers and the important partnerships that are a unique and differential part of importing U.S. wheat.”

The primary component of the USW campaign is a new landing page on www.uswheat.org titled “Our Story.” The page includes historical background and profiles of U.S. wheat farm families and overseas customers. The campaign also features a new video that defines the value created by farmers, the U.S. wheat export supply system and the service the USW organization offers to flour millers and wheat food processors around the world.

“Many of the millers and bakeries USW works with overseas are also family-owned and going through the same generational changes as U.S. farm families,” Mercer said. “That is one reason why we will emphasize past and present connections between our farmers and customers in those stories, through our Wheat Letter blog and in Facebook and Twitter posts as we continue to update content throughout 2020.”

USW’s mission is to “develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance wheat’s profitability for U.S. wheat producers and its value for their customers.” USW activities in more than 100 countries are made possible through producer checkoff dollars managed by 17 state wheat commissions and cost-share funding provided by the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service.




ADM Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings of $0.90 per Share, $1.42 per Share on an Adjusted Basis
•  Net earnings of $504 million 

ADM (NYSE: ADM) today reported financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2019.

“Our team delivered a solid fourth quarter, consistent with our expectations three months ago,” said Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano. “At the end of 2019, we can look back on a full year in which the team did a great job managing through some difficult external conditions while continuing to deliver innovative solutions for our customers.

“Looking ahead, we’re excited about the opportunities we see in 2020 and beyond. Our industry-leading array of products and solutions from nature is helping us give our customers an edge in meeting global demand in fast-growing consumer trend areas — from alternative proteins, to foods and beverages that enhance health, to unique products for pets. We expect market conditions to improve as the year progresses, particularly as impacts from the U.S.-China Phase 1 trade deal take hold. More importantly, another year of expected 20-plus percent growth in Nutrition profitability, combined with our work to improve business performance, advance Readiness, and harvest our growth investments, give us confidence in strong results in 2020 and the years to come.”

Results of Operations

Ag Services & Oilseeds results were higher year over year, and included approximately $270 million net operating profit impact from the passage of the biodiesel tax credit (BTC) for 2018 and 2019.
    Ag Services results were slightly lower year over year. In North America, a delayed U.S. harvest contributed to lower export volumes and correspondingly lower margins, partially offset by South America results, which benefited from improved margins driven by good export demand and farmer selling.
    In Crushing, margins overall remained solid, though substantially lower than the near-record levels last year caused by the short 2018 Argentine soybean crop. Negative timing impacts this quarter versus positive timing impacts in the prior-year quarter also contributed to lower year-over-year results.
    Refined Products and Other results were substantially higher. The impact of the passage of the retroactive biodiesel tax credit for 2018 and 2019 was a major driver. Absent the BTC, results were strong and higher year over year, as the business benefited from strong global demand for both biodiesel and food oils. The Algar Agro acquisition in Brazil, which was completed in December 2018, also contributed to results.
    Wilmar results were slightly higher year over year.

Carbohydrate Solutions results were lower than the fourth quarter of 2018.
    Starches and Sweeteners results were up year over year, driven by reductions in manufacturing costs and higher income from co-products in North America, partially offset by continued margin pressures in EMEAI. Stronger global wheat milling results also helped contribute to segment performance.
    Bioproducts results were down, largely due to continued unfavorable ethanol industry margins.

Nutrition results were substantially higher year over year.
    WFSI results were significantly higher than the prior-year quarter. Strong sales and margins for WILD in North America, EMEAI and APAC drove results for the quarter. In Specialty Ingredients, lower sales volumes and margins in emulsifiers and reduced margins in edible beans were partially offset by continued margin growth in proteins. Health & Wellness results benefited from a new strategic agreement for ADM fermentation capacity.
    Animal Nutrition was up substantially versus the prior-year period. Neovia continued to contribute positively to results, partially offset by continued losses in lysine due to a weak global pricing environment.

Other results were up significantly year over year. Captive insurance results were negative, but substantially better than the fourth quarter of 2018. ADM Investor Services results were higher versus the prior-year period.



Consumers Can’t Define Pesticides, Research Shows: Why That Doesn’t Matter

New research shows the online conversation around pesticides is expected to explode by 212 percent over the next two years, even though consumers aren’t sure what pesticides are. New findings from The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) illustrate the confusion and growing concern around crop protection products and the lesson for agriculture that definitions don’t matter.    

The study, which analyzed millions of U.S. consumer interactions online in real time to understand motivations, values, fears and maturity of trends, shows that often consumers talk about pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides as part of the same conversation. The research suggests that these types of products are viewed as part of the same category. 

They’re also talking about two topics: the harm and toxicity for human consumption and alternative farming practices that reduce the need for pesticides, specifically GMOs and organic farming.  

Definitions Don’t Matter
“Understandably, it’s frustrating when the public doesn’t understand the ins and outs of producing food. But it’s not realistic to expect them to,” said Terry Fleck, CFI executive director. “And while the industry can get caught up in trying to ‘educate’ consumers about science, the fact that consumers can’t differentiate between a pesticide and fungicide doesn’t really matter.”    

Currently, 20.5 million U.S. consumers are engaging online in the conversation about pesticides, according to the study, a number projected to grow to 63.9 million over the next two years.

“Clearly the predicted increase in the discussion reflects a real and meaningful level of concern, one that has nothing to do with science or definitions,” said Fleck.

At the heart of the issue is consumer concern about food safety, the environment and “big ag,” said Fleck. As CFI’s past trust research has shown, there’s a fear the agriculture industry will put profit ahead of principle. Fleck said consumers are simply putting pesticides in the bucket of “bad industrial chemicals” – any chemical used on food that should be avoided at all cost. He compares it to the GMO issue.

“Many of us have seen and chuckled at the Jimmy Kimmel Live show video when shoppers at a farmers market take a stab at explaining GMOs. Most can’t define them. But they do fear them,” said Fleck. “Rightly so, consumers are concerned about how their food is grown. In the end, they want safe, wholesome, affordable food that is grown in a way that protects people, animals and the planet.”

Ditch the Dictionary
Instead of pointing consumers to a dictionary, Fleck recommends that those involved in growing food engage in conversations that authentically and transparently speak to the topics consumers value most.

Demonstrate how agriculture cares for the environment and is reducing the use of crop protection products. Engage on the topic of food safety and how the industry is continually striving to produce food more responsibly every day.    

Use analogies consumers can relate to like the use of bug spray in homes to controls spiders or products used on lawns that control weeds.

“Farmers do the same thing, but with much more precision,” he said. “Explain the advances that allow farmers to precisely map fields so they can apply exactly what’s needed, where it’s needed, when it’s needed.”

The survey details a consumer who is leery of “corporate collusion,” believes society can overcome human limitations through technological innovations and doesn’t want to be a silent bystander.

“With the advancements being made and the values that underly every decision, agriculture is in a perfect position to communicate in a way that breaks down the “big is bad” stereotype, highlights new technology helping the industry make great strides and empowers consumers to feel good about – not fear – what’s happening on today’s farms,” said Fleck.

For more information on CFI digital ethnography research, visit www.foodintegrity.org.