Wednesday February 5 Ag News

When should colostrum replacement products be used for newborn calves?
Larry Howard, NE Extension, Cuming County

We all recognize that it is crucial that newborn calves get off to a good start and one of the most important things that needs to happen at birth is the adequate consumption of high-quality colostrum by the newborn calf. Ideally, we like to see vigorous calves stand and nurse within two hours of birth and repeatedly nurse by the time it’s 12 hours old. However, there are situations that could impact the quality and quantity of colostrum available to newborn calves. In these situations, colostrum replacement products may need to be considered. Such situations include:

DIFFICULT CALVING
Calves that experience difficult births often are slow to stand and nurse. Research has shown that calves born with no assistance stood and nursed within 40 minutes after birth and had a higher immunoglobulin concentration at 24 hours while calves that required assistance took more than an hour to stand and had a significantly lower immunoglobulin concentration.

SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Harsh winter weather conditions can cause cold stress. Calves that experience cold stress may be less likely to get up and nurse, cold-stressed cows also have reduced potential of providing high-quality colostrum.

THIN COWS
Nutrition plays a direct role in the production of colostrum. Undernourished cows may not have received enough energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins during the gestation period and, therefore, the ability to produce quality colostrum is reduced. As body condition decreases so does the amount and concentration of immunoglobulins in colostrum.

FIRST-CALF HEIFERS
Colostrum quality and quantity is usually lower in first-calf heifers. There is also a higher likelihood that first-calf heifers may lack good “mothering instinct” and will not allow the calf to immediately suckle – or may reject the calf altogether.

There are a number of colostrum replacement products commercially available. Care should be taken in selection of the product to ensure you are getting a replacement and not a supplement. Although similar, replacements have higher concentrations of immunoglobulins(Ig), than supplements and are intended to serve as the sole source when fresh colostrum is not available. There are other nutrients such as sugars, fats, vitamins, and minerals in replacements, but there can be variability in the quality and digestibility of products based on the source of these nutrients and the method of processing. Be sure to carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions since products may vary in how they are mixed and the number of recommended feedings. You should consult your veterinarian to help you make a more informed purchasing decision for the colostrum replacement product that is suited best for your operation. This decision is an important one because you only get one chance to start a calf off right.



ICON signs national letter to President Trump

The Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska have signed on to a letter to President Donald Trump calling for the end of federal policies that are steadily eliminating family farms across the United States.

“The federal government has been both an active and passive player in the demise of the family farm,” the letter says.

The letter, signed by 11 agriculture groups, calls for a seat at the table when government agricultural policy is created.

It was authored by Gerald Carlin, the Chairman of Policy Development for Farm Women United.

“Family farms are the backbone of this country and they cannot receive a just economic reward for their labor,” the letter says.

The signatories cite an “ever-deepening crisis in agriculture (that) goes back many decades because farmers have no power in the marketplace” and calls on Trump to scrutinize the actions of USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue.

“Is it time for a change to another Secretary of Agriculture, one who will finally listen to real farmers, not the “industry?” the signatories ask. “We need a seat at the table. If USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue is not this advocate, he should resign or be fired.”

Perdue “dances around difficult issues like a typical politician and seems to attend mostly short-notice meetings with ‘establishment ag’ figureheads,” the letter says.

The status quo of “globalization, corporatization, and consolidation continues unabated,” seemingly with Perdue’s blessing, the letter says.

The federal government has also imposed burdensome regulations on family farmers, including prohibiting public schools from serving whole milk, to the detriment of dairy farmers.

To remedy the situation, the letter calls for Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) to include beef, pork, and dairy products.

Certainly, people should know what country their food comes from, the letter says.

The letter also calls on Trump to address “market concentration and the shortage of, or absence of, competitive markets.”

“We strongly agree with the Farm Women United, especially in calling for Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling,” ICON President Jim Dinklage said. “Livestock prices have never recovered from all time highs when we had COOL.” 

A copy of the letter was signed by the Cattle Producers of Louisiana, Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association, Contract Poultry Growers Association of the Virginias, Mike Eby Family Farm Activist, Family Farm Defenders, Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH), Oklahoma Independent Stockgrowers Association, Progressive Agriculture Organization and R-CALF USA.



APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR NDA’S NEBRASKA AG YOUTH INSTITUTE

It’s application time for one of the biggest youth agriculture outreach events in the state—the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). NAYI brings together high school juniors and seniors to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with agriculture leaders and discover the many careers available in agriculture. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) helps sponsor and coordinate NAYI every year. 

NAYI will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus July 6–10, 2020. Approximately 200 students attend every year. Applications for NAYI are available at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted online. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending have until April 15, 2020, to apply. 

“With networking, career development, and leadership activities, NAYI is a creative and fun way to engage a whole new generation of people working in the ag industry,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “If you know high school juniors or seniors with an interest in agriculture, be sure to encourage them to apply to NAYI before the April 15th deadline. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity.” 

NAYI is in its 49th year, making it the longest running agricultural youth program of its kind in the nation. This year’s theme is “Building Your Brand” and will feature motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues and career options, a farm management game, a formal banquet and awards presentation, and a street dance. 

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 21 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth. 

NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture. Applications are available online at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted by April 15, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.



Reinke Mfg. Acquires Ace Irrigation Company

Reinke Manufacturing announced the acquisition of Ace Irrigation & Manufacturing to expand its manufacturing operation.

"Ace has been a supplier to Reinke for many years, so we know that Ace makes a quality product," said Chris Roth, Reinke President. "With the addition of Ace, Reinke now has six U.S.-based locations that will give us more capacity to produce and deliver the irrigation products needed by growers."

Regarding Ace's culvert division, Roth added "We're also excited to add the culvert line to our product offering. This will allow Reinke to continue to grow into the future, building upon the success that Ace has delivered their customers for nearly 70 years."

Family-owned in Deshler, Neb., since 1954, Reinke manufactures center pivots and develops technologies to increase water efficiency for growers. The company currently has five U.S. locations in Deshler, Belleville, Kan., Amarillo, Texas, Burley, Idaho and Tifton, Ga.

Ace began operations in 1952. The company manufactures aluminum and steel pipe for irrigation as well as culvert pipe on 30 acres in Kearney, Neb. "We've worked with and respected Reinke for some time," said Tom Bokenkamp, ACE Chief Executive Officer. "Their reputation for delivering quality products is something we both have in common. I appreciate the dedication they've shown to our organization and our employees throughout this acquisition process."

With more than 500 employees around the world, Reinke will add another additional 50 employees to their ranks by acquiring Ace. Roth believes the company cultures will fit well together.



Iowa Farm Bureau names three young farmer "Grow Your Future" award winners

Have you ever thought about powering up with crickets for a protein boost, browsing Airbnb to find a way to sleep next to cows or buying beef directly from an Iowa family farm? Winners of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) Grow Your Future Award—Gym-N-Eat Crickets, New Day Dairy Guest Barn Bed and Breakfast and McGreal Family Farm— hope through their businesses, people will do exactly that.

At this year’s IFBF Young Farmer Conference, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, more than 500 young Iowa farmers, ages 35 and under, joined in fellowship to learn more about farm business management and ways to add value to their bottomline. During the lunch hour, six farmers participated in a Grow Your Future pitch-off to vie for cash prizes. The top three winners include:

    Gym-N-Eat Crickets, a Story County business owned by Shelby Smith, took home the top prize of $7,500. Smith raises her own crickets to make dried cricket powder, energy bars and a variety of roasted cricket flavors from dill pickle to fiesta. Crickets are high in protein by volume, low in fat and high in iron while being grown using very little resources. Smith’s customers have used crickets as salad and pizza toppings, in baked goods and more.

    New Day Dairy Guest Barn Bed & Breakfast in Butler County was awarded second place with a $5,000 cash prize. Owner Lynn Bolin and her family added three private bedrooms with a shared kitchen and living space to their barn where guests can have a 24/7 view of 150 dairy cows. Guests can get a closeup look of the latest technology that ensures animal health and comfort.

    McGreal Family Farm was awarded a $2,500 third-place cash prize. Lara Mangialardi, along with her partner Jake McGreal, run this Clayton County Farm where they specialize in raising 100 percent grass-fed beef, vegetables, herbs, maple syrup and fruit preserves. They sell direct to customers from their farm and through farmers markets and even offer a customizable ‘beef box’ which offers a month’s supply of roasts, ground beef, steaks and beef sticks.

The Grow Your Future Award launched in the summer of 2019. Iowa Farm Bureau’s members ages 35 and under were encouraged to submit an application with a short video to showcase their ag business. Six finalists were narrowed down through public voting and went on to the final ‘pitch’ round at the Young Farmer Conference.

“Young farmers continue to find opportunities to add value to their farms or seek out non-traditional avenues in agriculture. You often hear ‘fortune favors the bold,’ and although it can be risky to take on something new, many are finding success in it,” says Ben Hollingshead, IFBF Young Farmer Advisory Committee chair. “Having Iowa Farm Bureau as a resource for business planning and mentoring is a tremendous value for young farmers, and for entrepreneurs to be able to showcase their big ideas through the Grow Your Future award not only helps those businesses but provides inspiration to many other young farmers looking to add more value to their farm.”



Highlights From the February 2020 Farm Income Forecast
USDA Economic Research Service

Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast to increase $3.1 billion (3.3 percent) to $96.7 billion in 2020. In inflation-adjusted 2020 dollars, net farm income is forecast to increase $1.4 billion (1.4 percent) from 2019. In inflation-adjusted terms, net farm income in 2020 would be 30.5 percent below its peak of $139.1 billion in 2013 but 5.4 percent above its 2000-18 average ($91.7 billion), if realized. Net cash farm income is forecast to decrease $10.9 billion (9.0 percent) to $109.6 billion. Inflation-adjusted net cash farm income is forecast to decrease $13.1 billion (10.7 percent) from 2019 and would be 0.6 percent below its 2000-18 average ($110.2 billion).

Net cash farm income encompasses cash receipts from farming as well as farm-related income, including government payments, minus cash expenses. It does not include noncash items—such as changes in inventories, economic depreciation, and gross imputed rental income of operator dwellings—reflected in the net farm income measure above. The divergence between the two measures in the 2020 forecasts is largely caused by how net sales from inventories are treated. Net cash farm income records income in the year the sale occurred, while net farm income counts it in the year the production occurred. High net sales ($14.7 billion) from crop inventories forecast in 2019 are expected to boost net cash farm income significantly that year. Very low net sales from inventories ($0.5 billion) in 2020 are expected to contribute to a decrease in net cash farm income between the two years. In the net farm income series, cash receipts are adjusted to remove net inventory changes and track more closely with the value of annual agricultural production.

Cash receipts for all commodities are forecast to increase $10.1 billion (2.7 percent) to $384.4 billion (in nominal terms) in 2020. Total animal/animal product receipts are expected to increase $8.2 billion (4.6 percent) following growth in receipts for hogs, milk, cattle/calves, and poultry/eggs. Total crop receipts are expected to be largely unchanged, increasing $1.9 billion or 1.0 percent from 2019 levels in nominal terms but declining 0.9 percent when adjusted for inflation. Direct government farm payments are forecast to decrease $8.7 billion (36.7 percent) to $15.0 billion in 2020 (in nominal terms), with the decrease caused by lower anticipated payments from the Market Facilitation Program.

Total production expenses (including operator dwelling expenses) are forecast to increase $10.4 billion (3.0 percent) to $354.7 billion (in nominal terms) in 2020. Spending on most categories of expenses, especially feed and hired labor, is expected to increase but interest expenses are expected to decline.

Farm business average net cash farm income is forecast to decrease $8,100 (8.7 percent) to $85,200 per farm in 2020. Every resource region is forecast to see farm business average net cash farm income decrease by 4.4 percent or more. All categories of farm businesses except hogs and dairy farms are expected to see average net cash farm income fall in 2020.

Farm sector equity is forecast up by $29.8 billion (1.1 percent) in nominal terms to $2.70 trillion in 2020. Farm assets are forecast to increase by $39.5 billion (1.3 percent) to $3.13 trillion in 2020, reflecting an anticipated 1.4 percent rise in farm sector real estate value. When adjusted for inflation, farm sector equity and assets are both forecast to decline in 2020. Farm debt in nominal terms is forecast to increase by $9.7 billion (2.3 percent) to $425.3 billion, led by an expected 3.2 percent rise in real estate debt. The farm sector debt-to-asset ratio is expected to rise from 13.45 percent in 2019 to 13.59 percent in 2020. Working capital, which measures the amount of cash available to fund operating expenses after paying off debt due within 12 months, is forecast to decline 15.0 percent from 2019.

Median Income of Farm Operator Households Forecast to Rise in 2019, Remain Flat in 2020
Total median farm household income is forecast to increase to $76,810 in 2019 and to remain relatively flat in 2020, at $76,590. In percentage terms, that is a nominal increase of 5.6 percent (a 4.1 percent increase after inflation) between 2018 and 2019, and a subsequent decline of 0.3 percent (a 2.1 percent decline after inflation) in 2020. The forecast rise in 2019 is notable because it is counter to the trend from 2015 through 2018 of declining median farm household income.

Farm households typically receive income from both farm and off-farm sources. Median farm income earned by farm households is forecast to increase in 2019 to -$1,383 from -$1,735 in 2018 but then decline slightly to -$1,840 in 2020. In recent years, roughly half of farm households have had negative farm income each year. As a result, many of these households rely on off-farm income—and median off-farm income is forecast to increase each year, up 2.2 to $67,314 in 2019 and up 1.9 percent to reach $68,589 in 2020. Because farm and off-farm income are not distributed identically for every farm, median total income will generally not equal the sum of median off-farm and median farm income.



Prices of DAP, Other Fertilizers Continue to Move Lower

As has been the case for quite some time, retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly lower, according to prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of January 2020.

Only one fertilizer had a sizeable price decline compared to last month. DAP is 6% lower compared to the month prior and now has an average price of $414/ton.

Five other fertilizers had a slight price decline from the previous month but nothing significant. MAP had an average price of $435/ton, potash $373/ton, urea $359/ton, 10-34-0 $467/ton and UAN28 $237/ton.

The remaining two fertilizers had a slight price increase looking back to last month. Anhydrous had an average price of $488/ton and UAN32 $275/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 now all lower in price from a year ago. MAP and DAP are both now 19% lower, anhydrous is 17% less expensive, UAN28 is 13% lower, both urea and UAN32 are 12% less expensive, potash is 3% less expensive and 10-34-0 is 1% lower from last year at this time.



Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Dishes Up New Ads Addressing Common Myths About Beef

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is addressing common questions and hot topics in the beef industry head-on with the launch of new digital and social media ads. The ads focus on the topics of sustainability, health and meat substitutes.

Staying true to the brand’s notable swagger, the ads leverage the popular “Nicely done, beef” creative wrapper to directly address misinformation while highlighting beef’s strongest attributes – taste, quality, health sustainable production. Examples of some current ads in market include:

“This year the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Checkoff-funded programs are focused on continuing to drive demand for beef by re-enforcing that real beef’s great taste and nutrition that cannot be replicated and directly addressing myths that may affect consumer decisions to choose beef,” said  Laurie Munns, a cattle rancher from Hansel Valley, Utah and federation division chairman, at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association “To achieve this, we are leaning on checkoff funded technical research and focusing on the real facts about real beef.”

The new series of ads are currently running on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. will continue to roll out additional creative elements such as video, programmatic and native advertising in the weeks ahead.

The ads directly target older millennial consumers, especially parents, directing them back to BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com where they can learn about beef’s powerful nutrition and sustainability stories, and find beefy mealtime inspiration.

“As a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, we are using the dollars of beef farmers and ranchers to ensure consumers, media, chefs, dietitians and food service and retail partners have the facts when it comes to beef,” Alisa Harrison, senior vice president, Global Marketing & Research. “It’s important to keep in mind that consumers crave real beef and meat alternatives represent less than 1 percent market share, while real beef represents more than 99% market share or sales at retail and foodservice. While these products aren’t replacing beef, we still want to ensure people are choosing their proteins based on facts and not fear-based misinformation.”

These ads are just latest in the “Nicely done, beef.” series, which were first released in early 2018. One of the original, “Nicely done, beef.” ads, which says “Nicely done, beef. You prove that meat substitutes are just that. Substitutes.” has more than 53 million impressions since it was launched and has resulted in more than 286,000 clicks back to the BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com website. In 2019 alone, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. marketing efforts, including the Nicely done ads, have reached consumers more than 1 billion times. 

“As consumers have an increasing interest in where their food comes, the nutrients it provides and how to prepare it in new and innovative ways, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand will continue to serve as an informative, convenient and mouthwatering resource,” said Season Solorio, senior executive director, Brand Marketing and Communications. “Thanks to these ongoing efforts, consumers can continue to feel good about choosing beef for the center of their plates.”

To see more of the latest content and delicious mealtime inspiration from Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.



NCBA Unveils Top Policy Priorities For 2020

This morning, the Executive Committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) approved the organization’s top 2020 Policy Priorities. Approval came at the annual Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

Like last year, NCBA’s top policy priorities include issues related to international trade, proper regulation of fake meat, and regulatory reform, although after a series of significant policy victories in 2019, this year’s priority list is focused on implementing and protecting those gains while further advancing progress into new territory.

For example, after helping secure bilateral trade deals with Japan, China, and the European Union, as well as the ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, NCBA’s focus this year will turn to implementing those deals, while still expanding access in those markets -- as well as newly changed markets like the post-Brexit United Kingdom.

Likewise, after securing proper regulatory oversight of fake meat by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, NCBA in the coming year will work to build on that successful regulatory framework while also advancing bipartisan legislative efforts like the Real MEAT Act in the U.S. House and Senate to end deceptive labeling of plant-based fake meat.

“America’s cattle producers have made tremendous and historic progress on the policy front over the past year,” said NCBA President Jennifer Houston. “Now it’s time to implement and defend those gains and to keep pushing for policies that will help improve conditions for cattle producers so they can better provide the nation and the world with delicious and nutritious U.S. beef.”

This year’s priorities include an issue that was a late addition to last year’s list after Congressional introduction of the so-called Green New Deal: climate policy. NCBA plans to “Continue to push back against misguided climate policies while advancing the U.S. cattle industry’s tremendous environmental record, upholding the U.S. cattle industry as the global model for sustainable beef production.”

In the year ahead, NCBA also plans to prioritize the importance of cattle markets — specifically promoting “policy that creates markets free from unfair practices and manipulation both in the fundamental markets and the cattle futures markets.”

The association will also aggressively pursue final rules on key regulatory issues and defend victories on issues like the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) / Navigable Waters Protection Rule, 2020 Dietary Guidelines, Endangered Species Act modernization, Electronic Logging Devices, and comprehensive NEPA reform.

“NCBA is a true member-driven organization, and these policy priorities reflect a lot of hard work, debate, and study by a lot of grassroots-level cattle producers who have chosen to get involved in the policy process,” Houston said. “Some folks will always be content to throw stones from the sidelines. NCBA members choose to fight - and win - on the front lines.”



Beef Quality Assurance Online Modules Updated to Boost Realism, Ease of Use

Building on its updated National Manual launched in Summer 2019, the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program has updated its online training modules to make them more realistic and useful. The new modules are now available to those who are first becoming BQA certified online and those who are getting recertified as required after three years.

               First launched in 2017, the online training modules have been embraced to date by more than 100,000 in the cattle industry. BQA certifications are also available at in-person training events offered through state beef councils, cattlemen’s affiliates, extension programs and other local efforts throughout the country. Funded by the Beef Checkoff, the BQA program touches more than 85 percent of beef produced in the United States today.

              “The new online modules maintain the program’s integrity and make its lessons more real-life and user friendly,” says Bob Smith, DVM, chair of the BQA Advisory Board. “They incorporate a wealth of input from people who use the practices every day as well as experts in the field and share them in a way that is practical and understandable. We believe the improvements will make this successful program more enjoyable and an even better learning experience.”

               The online BQA experience is tailored to each participant by industry sector and interest. After registering, participants are taken through an interactive training module that can be completed online, anytime, with participants starting and stopping training at their convenience without losing progress. Categories for training and certification include Cow-Calf, Stocker, and Feedyard. Online training and certification are available for free and accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days each week, making it a convenient option for busy farmers and ranchers.

              To find out more about BQA online certification, go to www.bqa.org/bqa-certification.



More than 1,000 Attend Cattlemen’s College in Run-Up to 2020 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show

More than 1,000 cattlemen and women took advantage of educational opportunities at the 27th annual Cattlemen’s College in San Antonio, Texas Feb. 4-5.

               Held in conjunction with the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Feb. 5-7, Cattlemen’s College is one of the cattle industry’s most in-depth and helpful educational events, helping cattle producers make their operations more efficient and successful. Since first established, Cattlemen’s College has been sponsored by Zoetis Animal Health.

               A live demonstration, Taking the Mystery out of IVF, was presented the afternoon of Feb. 4, as were three Producers’ Choice sessions to provide attendees with opportunities to attend sessions they might otherwise miss. Building and Protecting Your Business – Estate and Succession Planning: Key Concepts for a Successful Transition, Here’s the Beef: Keeping Beef on the Plate, and Practical Nutrition Management – Nutrition Myths Busted were presented just prior to a Taste of Texas Cattlemen’s College Reception, sponsored by Certified Angus Beef.

               Keynote speakers at the Opening Session Breakfast Feb. 5 were Wayne Morgan, PhD., corporate vice president and president of protein products and sustainability for Golden State Foods, and Tryon Wickersham, Ph.D., associate professor at Texas State University, who spoke on "Sustainable Beef: Beyond What's Possible."

               During their presentation, Morgan and Wickersham outlined the progress the industry has made in addressing sustainability at all segments of the beef industry, stressing to those in the audience why the issue is important.

               A Grab ‘n Go breakfast after the Feb. 5 General Session, along with a Beef Advocacy Coffee Chat, also sponsored by Certified Angus Beef.

               Eighteen sessions in six Cattlemen’s College tracks followed the breakfast, featuring presentations from experts in a variety of important cattle industry topics. Sessions were concurrent, so attendees can view videos of missed sessions online in the coming weeks.

              “Without question, our annual Cattlemen’s College has become the premier education event for U.S. cattlemen and women,” said Josh White, NCBA executive director of producer education. “The sessions with our knowledgeable presenters provide valuable, up-to-date insight for producers, who recognize education and information are key to success in their operations. Cattlemen’s College is paving the way to a brighter industry future for our industry.”       
 
              Videos from Cattlemen’s College will be available online following the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show. Those unable to attend any of the sessions in San Antonio will be able take advantage of this online option at www.ncba.org/cattlemenscollege.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/31/2020

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending Jan. 31, ethanol production rose 5.1%, or 52,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 1.081 million b/d—equivalent to 45.40 million gallons daily. The four-week average ethanol production rate rose 0.4% to 1.063 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.30 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks thinned by 3.2% to 23.5 million barrels. Inventories shifted lower in all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the third consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of December 2019.)

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market climbed 1.6% to 8.933 million b/d (375.19 million gallons per day, or 136.94 bg annualized). Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, rising 1.7% to 888,000 b/d—equivalent to 13.61 bg annualized.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production increased to 12.10%.



December Global U.S. Ethanol Sales were Invigorated while DDGS Exports Subsided
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association

The official numbers are in and they confirm that U.S. ethanol exports netted the second-highest volume on record in 2019. According to government data released today and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), American shippers rallied at year’s end with ethanol sales surging 37% higher to 146.5 million gallons (mg) in December. While coming in 13% under the 2018 record, ethanol producers still garnered a robust 1.47 billion gallons in exports last year.

In December, nearly all (96%) U.S. ethanol sold outside our borders landed in ten countries, with most experiencing healthy growth. Exports to Canada expanded 18% to 31.7 mg—sufficient to regain its status as our top customer after yielding that title to Brazil in November. Shipments to Brazil grew 14% to 30.8 mg, the largest volume in eight months. India was the third-largest destination at 27.8 mg, scaling up from 3.3 mg in November. Substantial volumes were also exported to South Korea (15.7 mg) and the European Union (14.4 mg).

Shipments of U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol rallied in December, up 29% to 68.2 mg. Eighty percent of exports were destined for Brazil (30.8 mg, +14%), India (12.8 mg, +287%), and the Netherlands (10.9 mg, +137%). Another dozen countries secured the remaining volumes of undenatured exports, including the Philippines (5.1 mg) and the United Kingdom (3.5 mg).

Sales of U.S. denatured fuel ethanol pressed higher in December, lifting 47% to 76.4 mg—the highest monthly total since Oct. 2018, aided by record shipments to India, South Korea, and Mexico. Forty percent of exports crossed the border to Canada (30.6 mg, +21%), with sizeable shipments also landing in India (15.0 mg), South Korea (13.8 mg), Colombia (6.7 mg), Mexico (3.7 mg), and Peru (3.4 mg).

Exports of U.S. ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes declined 24% to 1.9 mg, the lowest volume in two years. Most product shipped to Canada (0.9 mg), South Korea (0.6 mg), and Colombia (0.3 mg).

Imports from Brazil moderated in December as the U.S. purchased 14.0 mg of cane ethanol, scaling back from the 25.5 mg purchased in November. Total U.S. ethanol imports in 2019 increased 162% to 203.6 mg, up from 77.6 mg the prior year. In fact, more foreign ethanol entered our borders in 2019 than the last three years combined, marking the first time to breach 100 mg since 2013.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—declined in December by 16% to 767,682 metric tons (mt). Mexico solidly retained its position as our top DDGS export market despite diminished sales (143,330 mt, -29%), capturing nearly one-fifth of the global market in December. Shippers exported 125,303 mt to South Korea, a 19% gain over November and the largest volume in nine months. Indonesia boosted imports by 31% to 95,405 mt, the largest imports in over a year. Significant volumes also landed in Vietnam (80,041 mt, -5%), Japan (80,041 mt, +102%), and Canada (43,991 mt, +6%). Total exports of U.S. DDGS realized in 2019 were 10.79 million mt, landing 9% under 2018.



AFBF, INTL FCStone Partner on Risk Management Tools for Farm Bureau Members

The American Farm Bureau Federation is partnering with INTL FCStone to offer Farm Bureau members exclusive discounts on FCStone’s catalog of agricultural risk management tools, which range from customized commodity marketing plans to data management solutions and educational seminars and cover an extensive range of agricultural commodities, from grains and oilseeds to dairy and livestock.

“As farmers and ranchers, we often feel we are at the mercy of factors beyond our control, whether it’s weather or the actions of foreign governments, so it’s important to take control where we can, and this new member benefit can help us do that,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Understanding how commodities markets work and, most importantly, making them work for each farm as a risk management and marketing tool, is crucial. This important partnership will give Farm Bureau members access to invaluable education and resources to help them succeed, a central goal of the Farm Bureau mission.”

Through this partnership, eligible state Farm Bureau members can receive*:
-    Ten free trades each year when opening a new trading account.
-    A 20% discount on an annual subscription to Know-Risk™ Crop Marketing, giving them access to powerful software tools and expert advisors.
-    Access to INTL FCStone’s Market Intelligence expertise at reduced rates.
-    A 40% reduction in fees to attend market outlook conferences and educational seminars designed to help members utilize and understand targeted risk management strategies.
*Details and restrictions apply. Only available to members of participating state Farm Bureaus.

To learn more, go to FB.org/FCStone or contact your state Farm Bureau benefits administrator.  To join Farm Bureau, go to FB.org/about/join.