Wednesday February 19 Ag News

PSC moves forward with complaint against Organic Grain Dealer

The Nebraska Public Service Commission today, Wednesday, February 19, voted to move forward with a Complaint requiring Organic Producers Iowa Nebraska South Dakota (OPINS) Cooperative of North Bend to cease and desist all operations as a Grain Dealer in Nebraska.

In August 2019, OPINS Cooperative filed a renewal application for a Grain Dealers license, but failed to comply with Nebraska Revised Statute §75-903 or Commission Rules and Regulations.  As a result, the Grain Dealer license for OPINS Cooperative was allowed to expire as of October 1, 2019.

In December 2019, the Cooperative management received additional correspondence from the PSC informing them they no longer held a Grain Dealer license. In January 2020, PSC Grain Department examiners visited the North Bend facility and reviewed company records indicating grain purchases had been made without an active Grain Dealer License.

A formal complaint will be opened and an Order setting a hearing date for OPINS Cooperative will be issued at a later time. Once a hearing is set, the Cooperative will be required to show cause as to why it should not be assessed civil penalties for operating as a Grain Dealer without a license.



Construction company invests in Northeast Community College’s Nexus project

The company that has provided construction management services to Northeast Community College has made a $50,000 investment to the institution’s Nexus project to build new agriculture facilities on the Norfolk campus.

Kingery Construction, headquartered in Lincoln, has contracted with Northeast since 2014 on projects that include Path Hall, Hawks Village, the current student center remodeling and addition, and repair of more than 20 roofs and buildings after a large hail storm in 2014.

According to Rod Berens, president and co-owner of Kingery Construction, “The people we’ve worked with at Northeast have been great partners and allies.”

Kingery Construction was owned and operated by three generations of the Kingery family for nearly 90 years until 2013, when it was purchased by the current owners, Berens and Rick Wintermute.

“Rick and I both have children,” Berens explained, “and further education is something we believe is important. We see the real need for the local community college, providing a quality education at an affordable price. That’s why we wanted to be a partner in the Nexus project at Northeast.”

Berens added, “We have hired many community college graduates for our company, and they have been good, hard-working employees.”

“We appreciate the support of Kingery Construction for the Nexus project,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast Foundation. “They have been a good partner with Northeast on several projects over the past five years and this financial investment will support agriculture students and the local communities where those students will work and live after graduation.”

Funding for the $23 million Agriculture & Water Center for Excellence project is currently being solicited to enhance and expand the agriculture facilities at Northeast Community College. In addition to the college’s commitment of $10 million, Northeast is seeking at least $13 million in private funds to begin the initial phase of construction, which includes a new veterinary technology clinic and classrooms, a new farm site with a large animal handling facility and other farm structures for livestock operations, a farm office and storage. The new facilities will be located near the Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex on E. Benjamin Ave. in Norfolk.

In August, the Acklie Charitable Foundation (ACF) announced a $5 million lead gift to the Nexus project. ACF was founded by the late Duane Acklie and Phyllis Acklie, both Madison County natives and graduates of Norfolk Junior College, a predecessor institution of Northeast Community College.

For more information on the Nexus Campaign, contact Kruse, at tracyk@northeast.edu, or call (402) 844-7056. Online donations may be made through agwaternexus.com. Checks may also be mailed to Nexus Campaign, Northeast Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 469, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469.



NEW PROGRAMS FEATURED AT TRIUMPH OG AG EXPOSITION IN OMAHA, MARCH 4-5, 2020

One of the Area's premier indoor farm events, the TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION will be held March 4-5, 2020,  at the CHI Health Center - Omaha, 10th and Capitol Avenue, just off I-480.  The 54th Annual Farm and Ranch Machinery Show will once again be filled with the latest agricultural innovations, equipment and supplies with more than 500 displays for farmers, ranchers, and their wives to meet experts all on one level of over 150,000 square feet in the state-of-the-art CHI Health Center - Omaha.     Since 1967, the Triumph of Ag Expo has been regarded as one of the finest indoor farm shows. The 2020 Expo is your opportunity before spring planting to save time and money, improve operations, yields, safety, efficiency and find the latest solutions. In this challenging industry, the Annual Omaha Show is convenient for farmers to attend with Free Admission, which it has offered for over 50 years. This year’s Show is also bringing back the popular Free Parking at 13th & I-80, Omaha Zoo exit, with continuous Free Shuttle to and from the Expo’s front door.

"The Triumph of Ag Expo is always packed with lots of new improvements and helpful information" says Brent Pohlman from Midwest Laboratories. At no other time this spring will area Farm Operators be able to see this much farm equipment and technology on display.  The 2020 Expo is excited to have RFD TV coverage on Market Day Reports leading up to and during this year's Expo. New features for the first time include a designated area showcasing “Innovations in Farming."  "It's an excellent opportunity to see all types of Shortline farm equipment, new products, labor and time saving ideas all under one roof," says Mike Mancuso, the Show's Producer.  "The Triumph of Ag Expo is the best place for farmers to find answers for what they do control while taking advantage of the new technologies with hands-on experience. New feature this year will be continuous demonstrations of Drone and new technologies.” The show will also offer tremendous savings and be your opportunity to win a Maverick Drone as well as valuable prizes throughout the Show.

The 2020 Show will offer expanded Educational Sessions. These Sessions will present hot topics with industry experts which include:

 "Convergence of the Big Three in Agriculture: Ag Economy, Ag Technology & Ag Experience” Presented by: Doug Johnson from Moody’s Analytics

“2019, a Year of Extremes – What to expect in 2020” Presented by State Climatologist, Martha Shulski from the University of Nebraska

“Where are the Values Concerning Equipment, Land Sales & Land Rent going?” Presented by Mike Fujan from BigIron Realty

“Regenerate Nebraska – Building Nebraska Agricultural Communities from the Ground Up” Presented by Graham Christensen from GC ReVolt

“Solar and Wind for Agriculture – A Look at both and which way to go” Presented by Michael Shonka from Solar Heat and Electric

"Saving the Family Farm: Farm Succession Planning, Estate Planning, Investments & Insurance” Presented by: Dana Troske - Mutual of Omaha & Jerrod Gregg - Farm Saver Estate Planning

Ben Hellbusch, from Busch Equipment of Columbus, Nebraska and Council Board Member said, "The Expo has something for every kind of farm operation," including tillage equipment, planters, monitor and control systems, soil testing equipment, mowers, cattle chutes, augers, fertilizers, various seed hybrids, feeders, tanks and pumps, hay moving and handling equipment, plows, combines, computers and software, tractors, and many more agricultural products and services for today's farmers and ranchers.              

If you are interested in agriculture and farming, this year’s Expo is the place to be on March 4-5, 2020. Exhibits are open 9 AM to 4 PM on Wednesday and 9 AM to 3 PM on Thursday.     In addition to all of the latest equipment, products, and services, see antique farm tractors and equipment, and enjoy special programs.  THE TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION FARM & RANCH MACHINERY SHOW is produced by Mid-America Expositions, Inc.



Nebraska State Conservationist Receives National Honor

Craig Derickson, state conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Nebraska was named “Outstanding State Conservationist” by the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA).

Mike Brown, executive director of NASCA said, “Craig is being honored as the State Conservationist who has had the greatest impact on locally-led conservation on a statewide basis. He has demonstrated excellence in service, dedication, cooperation, and partnership throughout his career, and especially in the face of disastrous flooding throughout Nebraska in 2019.”

Kent Zimmerman, projects director at the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and president of the NASCA board presented the award to Derickson during the National Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. During the presentation, Zimmerman referred to Nebraska’s challenging past year.

“Considering the year we’ve had, Craig really deserves this award,” Zimmerman said.

Derickson’s nomination was accompanied by numerous letters of support from his conservation partners in Nebraska, which described his devotion to his job, his partners, and to locally-led conservation.

Brown said, “Craig exemplifies partnership in every way, and NASCA is pleased to recognize him as the 2019 Outstanding State Conservationist.”



Make Safety Your First Priority When Emptying Grain Bins

Following the wet and late harvest of 2019, several Midwest states are on the edge of a dangerous cliff when it comes to emptying their grain bins. Conditions are aligning to create the potential for tragic accidents and grain suffocation deaths to occur when grain bins start to be emptied.

It is common knowledge that quality harvested grain placed in storage, coupled with a best management practice of caring for grain, yields quality grain leaving storage for market. Inversely, either poor quality grain being placed in storage or poor management practices for caring for grain leads to spoiled grain leaving storage.

Getting spoiled grain out of storage always poses an increased safety risk for entrapment and suffocation to a farm operator and worker. There are years of documentation that illustrate the direct connection from spoiled grain leaving storage to a tragic grain entrapment and the resulting fatality.

“Grain’s tremendous force that holds victims in grain, and the speed that entrapment occurs are often misunderstood,” said Charles Schwab, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Schwab says it’s important to shift attention once the operator determines that unloading the grain is becoming difficult. The priority of “getting the grain out” should switch to “keeping everyone involved safe.”

However, there is still time and a strong likelihood of acceptable weather to alter the grain storage conditions, before leading to more problematic conditions that put people at risk of entrapment and loss of life.

Dirk Maier, professor in agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State, said that evaluating CO2 concentrations can be effective in monitoring stored grain quality and early detection of grain spoilage. A hand-held CO2 sensor, available from several retailers, can be used at exhaust vents or access ports for measuring concentrations.

“CO2 concentrations around 450-600 parts per million (ppm) are a safe range to continue storage, 600-1,500 ppm indicates onset of mold or moisture infiltration, and 1,500-4,000 ppm is a severe condition,” Maier said.

These measurements can assist farmers in identifying grain bins that need immediate attention.

Maier offers the management tip that when you locate a grain bin with a CO2 concentration range above 600 ppm and increasing from week to week, use the proper weather conditions and aeration fans to bring the condition back into acceptable range.



Help USDA Celebrate Bird Health Awareness Week

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites you to join poultry health experts for a webinar on Thursday, February 27. We’ll be celebrating Bird Health Awareness Week by helping anyone who owns or handles poultry learn about the importance of biosecurity and ways to prevent the spread of infectious poultry diseases.

Whether you are just starting out raising poultry or have years of experience, practicing good biosecurity is the best way to keep flocks disease free. The “Defend Your Flock from Poultry Disease: Know the Signs and How to Respond” webinar will take place on Thursday, February 27 from 2:30-3:30 PM EST. Register for this FREE webinar today at bit.ly/APHISWebinar.

If you don’t already follow APHIS’ Defend the Flock campaign on social media, check out our Twitter and Facebook during Bird Health Awareness Week (February 24-28) to get daily tips and resources you can use to protect your flock’s health.

To get biosecurity updates and information twice a year, sign up to receive the Defend the Flock e-Newsletter. The next issue is due out this summer. Select “Defend the Flock e-Newsletter” under Veterinary Services at bit.ly/2UC7iLi.



Nominations Now Open to Recognize the 2020 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year

Nominations are now being sought to find the 2020 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year. This is the 68th year this prestigious honor has been given to Iowa farmers who are committed to exceptional environmental stewardship.

The statewide and regional awards, co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honor Iowa farmers with distinguished track records of continuous commitment to soil conservation and water quality improvements. The grand prize winner will receive the use of a new John Deere 6E utility tractor for one year.

To nominate a farmer for the award, send a brief letter, 100 words or less, summarizing the nominee’s conservation efforts and commitment to improving soil and water, to your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office. Nominations are due May 18, 2020.

Last year’s Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year, Jarad Weber, farms in Lee County and was recognized for embracing innovation in conservation as he takes on the challenge of improving Iowa’s water quality. 

“Farm families take great pride in caring for their land so they can pass it down to their children and grandchildren. That’s why farmers all over the state are embracing conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “I encourage all Iowans to nominate deserving conservation leaders in their communities for this distinguished award.”

“Leading by example is so important because everyone has a role to play in protecting our soil and water quality.  Over the decades we’ve proudly honored countless Iowa farmers who have taken a leading role making progress in conservation. Their efforts to help share the importance and success of conservation practices encourage others to follow in their footsteps,” says IFBF President Craig Hill.

One nominee will be selected by each of Iowa’s 99 SWCD offices. These individuals will be considered for regional conservation awards. Nine regional award winners will compete for the title of “Iowa’s Conservation Farmer of the Year.”

The winner will be announced during the Iowa State Fair and will receive the keys to their tractor during the Conservation Districts of Iowa annual meeting, August 10-11, in Ames. The 2020 Conservation Farmer of the Year winner will receive free use of a John Deere 6E Series utility tractor for up to 12 months or 200 hours of use. The prize, valued at more than $12,000, is once again donated by the Farm Bureau partner Van Wall Equipment of Perry and John Deere.  



Fertilizer Prices Continue Mostly Lower

The prices of most retail fertilizers remain lower than at the same time last month, although three prices saw small upticks, according to prices tracked by DTN for the second week of February 2020.

Only one fertilizer had a noteworthy price decline, which DTN considers a move of 5% or more. The average retail DAP price declined 5% and had an average price of $413/ton.

Four other fertilizers had a minor price decline from the previous month. MAP had an average price of $435/ton, down $9; potash $373/ton, down $2; 10-34-0 $464/ton, down $6; and UAN28 $235/ton, down $2.

The remaining three fertilizers also had minor price increases compared to last month. Urea had an average price of $361/ton, up $4; anhydrous $490/ton, up $3; and UAN32 $277/ton, up $2.

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 now all lower in price from a year ago. MAP and DAP are both now 19% lower, anhydrous is 18% less expensive, both UAN28 and UAN32 are 13% lower, urea is 11% less expensive, potash is 3% lower and 10-34-0 is 1% less expensive from last year at this time.



ASA Among Farm Groups Launching New Resource for D.C. Decisionmakers

Twenty farm groups representing millions of U.S. farmers are publicly launching Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF), a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability. This coalition will serve as a primary resource for policymakers as they consider sustainability and climate policies important to agriculture.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) has been involved with FSF since its inception to play an active role in the direction of the new D.C.-based group.

ASA CEO Ryan Findlay explained, “Soybean farmers have an awesome story to tell, including their sustainability initiatives, so it’s great to be able to collaborate with like-minded organizations to facilitate sound policy and program decisions and have a platform to share our efforts.”

The coalition will share with elected officials, media and the public U.S. agriculture’s commitment to sustainability and the incredible strides already made to reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint. As policy proposals are developed and considered, the goal is for the coalition and its guiding principles to serve as a foundation to ensure the adoption of meaningful and constructive policies and programs affecting agriculture.

Farmers are committed stewards of the land, leading the way on climate-smart farming by promoting soil health, conserving water, enhancing wildlife, using nutrients efficiently and caring for their animals. For decades, they have pushed past the boundaries of innovation thanks to investments in agricultural research and the adoption of practices that improve productivity, provide clean and renewable energy, enhance sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon.

FSF’s guiding principles call for policies that support science-based research, voluntary incentive-based conservation programs, investment in infrastructure, and solutions that ensure vibrant rural communities and a healthy planet. More about the coalition members, guiding principles and sustainability achievements can be found at sustainablefarming.us.



NCBA, Agriculture Groups Launch Farmers for a Sustainable Future to Highlight Environmental Stewardship

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today joined 20 other national agricultural groups in kicking off Farmers for a Sustainable Future, a coalition of ag organizations committed to environmental and economic sustainability. The coalition was introduced at a news conference on Capitol Hill today.

“Today’s launch of the Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF) is a defining moment,” said NCBA Vice President, Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, who spoke at today’s rollout event in Washington. “Twenty-one agricultural groups — which represent the vast majority of the agricultural industry in our country — are standing side by side in unity to correct a false narrative that has haunted us for as long as I can remember. We’re here because we support incentivizing innovation, science-based research, resilient infrastructure, and focusing on outcomes.”

Other members of the Farmers for a Sustainable Future coalition include the American Farm Bureau Federation, USA Rice, American Sugar Alliance, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National Pork Producers Council.

NCBA is also a founding member of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, a multi-stakeholder organization composed of more than 220 ranchers, feed yard operators, packers, food service companies, research institutions, and NGOs that share a mission to advance, support, and communicate about beef’s sustainability.

Lane said that American beef producers have a great environmental story to tell, and FSF is another way for NCBA to do just that.

“We know that consumers care how beef is produced, and they want to know that it’s done in a way that’s environmentally and socially sustainable,” Lane said. “In fact, the U.S. is the leader in sustainable beef production, with a carbon footprint 10 to 50 times lower than the rest of the world. And while we’ve already made a lot of progress, American cattle farmers and ranchers are committed to continuous improvement by producing high-quality beef even more sustainably for generations to come.”



Farmers Join Forces for Sustainability and Responsible Climate Policy

Twenty-one farm and ranch groups representing millions of U.S. farmers and ranchers are launching Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF), a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability. This coalition will serve as a primary resource for lawmakers and policymakers as they consider climate policies.

The coalition will share with elected officials, media and the public U.S. agriculture's commitment to sustainability and the incredible strides already made to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. As policy proposals are developed and considered, the goal is for the coalition and its guiding principles to serve as a foundation to ensure the adoption of meaningful and constructive policies and programs affecting agriculture.

Farmers and ranchers are committed stewards of the land, leading the way to climate-smart farming by promoting soil health, conserving water, enhancing wildlife, using nutrients efficiently, and caring for their animals. For decades, they have pushed past the boundaries of innovation thanks to investments in agricultural research and the adoption of practices that improve productivity, provide clean and renewable energy, enhance sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon.

FSF's guiding principles call for policies that support science-based research, voluntary incentive-based conservation programs, investment in infrastructure, and solutions that ensure vibrant rural communities and a healthy planet.

FSF members include American Farm Bureau Federation, American Pulse Association, American Sugar Alliance, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Cattleman's Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council of America, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, National Sorghum Producers, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Sunflower Association, Southern Peanut Farmers Association, United Egg Producers, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Dry Bean Council, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, USA Rice.

More about the coalition members, guiding principles and sustainability achievements can be found at www.SustainableFarming.us. 



Farmers Join Forces for Sustainability and Responsible Climate Policy

Twenty-one farm and ranch groups representing millions of U.S. farmers and ranchers are launching Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF), a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability. This coalition will serve as a primary resource for lawmakers and policymakers as they consider climate policies.

The coalition will share with elected officials, media and the public U.S. agriculture’s commitment to sustainability and the incredible strides already made to reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint. As policy proposals are developed and considered, the goal is for the coalition and its guiding principles to serve as a foundation to ensure the adoption of meaningful and constructive policies and programs affecting agriculture.

Farmers and ranchers are committed stewards of the land, leading the way to climate-smart farming by promoting soil health, conserving water, enhancing wildlife, using nutrients efficiently, and caring for their animals. For decades, they have pushed past the boundaries of innovation thanks to investments in agricultural research and the adoption of practices that improve productivity, provide clean and renewable energy, enhance sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon.

FSF’s guiding principles call for policies that support science-based research, voluntary incentive-based conservation programs, investment in infrastructure, and solutions that ensure vibrant rural communities and a healthy planet.



NCFC Joins with Other Farm Groups in Forming Farmers for a Sustainable Future

The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives today joined with 20 other farm and ranch groups in announcing the formation of Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF), a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability. The coalition will serve as a primary resource for lawmakers and policymakers as they consider climate policies.

“Farmer co-ops have been at the forefront of sustainability in the food and agriculture space, serving as a vital link between their farmer-owners and the food processors and retailers further down the value chain. Farmers for a Sustainable Future gives us the opportunity to join with other ag groups to talk about the tremendous achievements made across all of agriculture in promoting economic sustainability, environmental stewardship and vibrant rural communities,” said Chuck Conner, president and CEO of NCFC. “This effort is important as policymakers, at both the state and federal levels, and our partners in the value chain develop programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. American agriculture has already made significant advances in this regard and FSF will serve as a great resource as debate on this issue unfolds.”

FSF’s guiding principles call for policies that support science-based research, voluntary incentive-based conservation programs, investment in infrastructure, and solutions that ensure vibrant rural communities and a healthy planet.

FSF members include American Farm Bureau Federation, American Pulse Association, American Sugar Alliance, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council of America, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, National Sorghum Producers, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Sunflower Association, Southern Peanut Farmers Association, United Egg Producers, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Dry Bean Council, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, USA Rice.

More about the coalition members, guiding principles and sustainability achievements can be found at www.SustainableFarming.us.



NBB Commends Iowa Senators for Strong Support for Biodiesel Producers

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today thanked Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for encouraging Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig to promptly process 2018-2019 claims for the biodiesel tax credit.

"With our strong support, Congress took action and renewed the tax incentive for five years in order to support this important industry and provide a positive market signal," the Senators write in a letter dated February 13, 2020. "Timely payment of claims for 2018 and 2019 is necessary for the recovery of the entire biodiesel industry, including producers, blenders, and farmers."

In late December 2019, Congress retroactively reinstated the biodiesel tax incentive for 2018 and 2019 and extended it through 2022. On January 15, 2020, the IRS issued guidance for biodiesel producers and blenders to claim payments for the retroactively reinstated credit. The agency will accept claims for 2018 and 2019 credit until August 11, 2020.

Kurt Kovarik, NBB's VP of Federal Affairs, added, "On behalf of NBB's members and biodiesel producers across the United States, I thank Senators Ernst and Grassley for their constant and strong support of the biodiesel industry. The Senators stood with our industry to urge their colleagues to renew the credit, issued last-minute appeals to ensure its passage, and have now followed through to see that the credit provides a much-needed economic lifeline to biodiesel producers and farmers. We look forward to continuing to work with them as strong champions for the industry."

Dave Walton, owner of Walton Farms and Walton Farms Custom Ag, also said, "Renewal of the biodiesel tax incentive will help sustain and build an important market for Iowa's soybean growers, who faced a very tough season last year. We appreciate that Senators Ernst and Grassley stood with Iowa's farmers and biodiesel producers throughout the challenges." Walton is also an executive director and treasurer of the Iowa Soybean Association and a member of NBB's governing board.

Tom Brooks, general manager of Western Dubuque Biodiesel, added, "Last year, several of Iowa's biofuel producers were forced to close their doors due to the lapse of the biodiesel tax credit and the EPA's efforts to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard. Senators Ernst and Grassley have been vocal and effective champions for the industry on both issues." Brooks is also a member of NBB's governing board.



NFU’s College Conference on Cooperatives Continues Excellence in Cooperative Education

National Farmers Union (NFU) hosted 75 students in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last weekend for its annual College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC). The three-day conference provides an interactive learning experience for American agriculture’s next generation on the importance, structure, and operations of various types of cooperative groups.

“Cooperatives have long played a vital role in bolstering rural and urban communities alike – which is why National Farmers Union established this program more than four decades ago” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “By engaging tomorrow’s agricultural leaders in hands-on application of cooperative business principles and structures, we can help inform them of and prepare them for the many opportunities available to them through the cooperative model.”

Representatives and farmers from traditional and value-added agricultural, housing, and consumer cooperatives offered their insight on cooperative development. Students heard from former CHS Foundation president William Nelson as well as former executive director of the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives Anne Reynolds. In addition, participants visited several area cooperatives, including Mississippi Market Food Co-op, Seward Co-op, Riverton Housing Co-op, and REI, as well as the Mill City Museum, a river-front museum built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill.

“NFU was founded on the core principles of education and cooperation, and we proudly build on that foundation today with in-person learning experiences like CCOC,” Johnson said. “Thanks to the support of our sponsors, NFU is able to provide cooperative education beyond the farm and ranch gate to young leaders from college campuses across the United States.”

This year’s conference was made possible by premier supporters CHS Foundation, CHS Inc., CoBank, Farmers Union Industries Foundation, and NFU Foundation. National Farmers Union also appreciates the generosity of the Ralph K. Morris Foundation, which provided travel scholarships for several students and hosted the keynote luncheon.



NFU Recommends Improvements to Maximize Environment Benefits of EQIP

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues 2018 Farm Bill implementation with the release of its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Interim Rule, National Farmers Union (NFU) is urging the agency to strengthen the conservation program to better support farmers as they work to ensure the longevity of their land and natural resources. In comments submitted to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and in a subsequent statement, NFU President Roger Johnson emphasized the program’s value and recommended improvements to ensure its efficacy.
           
“Conserving natural resources and mitigating climate change are top concerns for family farmers and ranchers – so much so that they apply for the programs that help them achieve those goals at a rate that far exceeds capacity. Considering the overwhelming popularity of such programs, including the Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), it is imperative that every dollar earmarked for them is spent wisely and in full.

“NRCS can take several steps to ensure they maximize the environmental impact of EQIP spending. First, we encourage the agency to include climate resilience and soil health in its list of EQIP priorities. These are two of the most critical issues facing agriculture today, and farmers need all available tools and resources to appropriately address them.

“We also recommend that NRCS give individual states the ability to set their own high priority practices for increased payment rates. Local and regional officials are the most knowledgeable about the resource concerns in their communities and should determine, whenever possible, how best to address those concerns.

“Lastly, we urge NRCS to prioritize farmers and ranchers when allocating EQIP funding. While we support the agency’s efforts to improve water conservation by providing financial assistance to states, irrigation districts, and groundwater management districts, that funding should only be available to water management entities that predominantly serve farmers and ranchers, and it should only be used for projects that specifically assist agricultural users.”