Monday March 2 Ag News - Welcome to a New Month!

Sprayer Maintenance Tips for Spring
Amy Timmerman – NE Extension Educator

Prior to spring field operations, ensuring your equipment is ready can save valuable time and reduce stress when windows get tight due to weather conditions. The sprayer is a critical piece of equipment in most crop production operations. Ensuring your sprayer is mechanically sound, clean, and properly setup will help ensure quality and timely applications of spring fertilizer and pesticides.

Nozzle selection and setup
The spray nozzles are a critical piece of quality spray applications. Take time to look at the products you plan to apply in 2020 and evaluate if the nozzles you already have will work well with those products at the speeds and pressure you plan to operate in. Some chemicals like dicamba and 2,4-D products have strict nozzle requirements whereas other products like glyphosate allow more choices. For example, there are only four types of TeeJet nozzles approved for use with Enlist Duo herbicide (nozzle specifications on page three). When applying multiple products, refer to the label with the most strict nozzle requirements to select your nozzle for that application. If you operate at a wide range of speeds and pressures during the season you may want to evaluate the benefits of a PWM (pulse-width modulated) spray system to provide a broader range of nozzle flow rates while managing droplet size more consistently.

Running the sprayer with water to evaluate nozzle performance before the season starts is a best practice. Ensure this is done in a safe manner with proper personal protective equipment. This allows you to check the flow through each nozzle. While this can be time consuming, it helps you identify worn, plugged, or damaged nozzles. Using a tool like a Spot-On Calibrator can make this process quicker and simpler.

Nozzles with debris build up can cause significant deviations in flow between nozzles on a common rail boom setup. The debris will cause the affected nozzle to experience a different pressure than non-plugged nozzles on another area of the boom and create rate variation across the boom. This illustrates the importance of recognizing the quality of water you are spraying and taking appropriate measures to protect your system from debris.   This might include additional strainers on the loading lines of the machine and cleaning nozzles more frequently.   It’s also good to examine nozzle alignment during this process. Nozzle holders or mounts can bend or move (especially if booms frequently hit the ground or other obstructions). Proper alignment ensures the optimum spray pattern is maintained by your machine.

Solution plumbing
It’s always recommended that the machine’s plumbing is cleaned regularly to avoid chemical build up and potential cross contamination. Double check these areas prior to heading to the field in 2020.
Strainers are crucial to ensuring particulate doesn’t get into the solution system or nozzles. Regular cleaning of all strainers on the machine is always recommended. Some machines have multiple strainers on the chassis or boom.

Inspect the machine plumbing for hoses that are not properly secured, sagging, or have excess wear. Sagging or kinked hoses can impede solution flow and cause chemicals to become trapped in these areas. Replace worn hoses and tie up loose hoses.

Remove and check the end caps on solution tubes for buildup and clean if needed.

Depending on the type of flowmeter your system uses, remove the insert and ensure it’s clean and can move freely.

Have the flowmeter on your machine re-calibrated. Your local equipment dealer or rate control supplier can assist you with this process.

The fencerow nozzles are typically the first to be broken on a machine due to their placement. If equipped on your machine, make sure the nozzles and plumbing are in good working order and the system is functional if you intend to use it.

Check around fittings for any chemical residue or evidence of leaks.

Inspect the foam marking systems if equipped. While many operators don’t use these today, they can come in handy if your machine experiences GPS problems.

General machine maintenance
It’s important to make sure your sprayer is mechanically sound. Consult your owner’s manual for checklists and specifications to evaluate during this process. Make sure greasable parts and joints are properly lubricated, machine fluids are at the proper level, filters are clean and in good condition, and tire mounting nuts are properly torqued and in good condition. Many boom suspension components require frequent lubrication to ensure adequate movement and can have an impact on boom height control performance. Sprayer tires also are important to evaluate and check. Due to the high speeds and axle loads experienced by sprayer tires, they need to be in good operating condition and properly inflated.

Taking time to inspect and maintain your sprayer now is one step to preparing for a smooth spring.



CASNR WEEK TO FEATURE UNION OPEN HOUSE, DAIRY STORE RELOCATION CELEBRATION

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has designated March 9-13 as CASNR Week. The 20th annual event will celebrate the successes of the college’s students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The week kicks off with a pancake breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. March 9 in the Animal Science Commons Area. A Nebraska East Union mid-renovation open house will follow at 11 a.m.

Other events include a blood drive, fireside chat with Peace Corps representatives, “I Love NU” advocacy day, Ag Olympics, and the Dairy Store relocation celebration and ice cream social. The week will conclude with an invite-only awards luncheon March 13 at the International Quilt Museum.

The CASNR Week schedule:

March 9:
> 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.: Pancake breakfast, Animal Science Commons Area
> 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Nebraska Community Blood Bank blood drive, mobile unit on East Campus Mall
> 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Nebraska East Union mid-renovation open house

March 10:
> 7:30 to 9 a.m.: Doughnuts and bacon, Agricultural Hall
> 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Fireside chat with the Peace Corps, Fireplace Lounge, Nebraska East Union’s second floor
> 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: “I Love NU” advocacy day, Nebraska State Capitol
> 4 to 7 p.m.: “Encounter CASNR” Community Night, Hardin Hall

March 11:
> 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: “Lunch in The Lobby,” Animal Science Commons Area
> 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Dog agility demonstration, Animal Science Complex, R.B. Warren Arena
> Noon to 2 p.m.: Resume Lab, Animal Science Complex Hub
> 5 to 9 p.m.: Ag Olympics, Animal Science Commons, R.B. Warren Arena

March 12:
> Noon to 12:50 p.m.: Ron and Marilyn Hanson Appreciation Luncheon (invite only), Hardin Hall
> 2 to 5 p.m.: Dairy Store relocation celebration and ice cream social, Dairy Store
> 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Homerathon, readings of “Works and Days,” Dairy Store

March 13:
> 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Steve and Jessie Waller CASNR Awards Luncheon (invite only), International Quilt Museum

For more information, visit https://casnr.unl.edu/casnr-week.



USDA Provides Funds to Nebraska for Agricultural Pest and Disease Protection
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating funding to Nebraska from Section 7721 of the Plant Protection Act as part of its effort to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure for pest detection and surveillance, identification, and threat mitigation, and to safeguard the U.S. nursery production system. Overall, USDA is providing almost $70 million in funding this year to support 386 projects in 48 States, The District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. USDA provides this funding under the authority of the Plant Protection Act Section 7721.

“Nebraska is a critical partner in protecting U.S. agriculture,” said USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach. “Through these projects, Nebraska will be able to better protect its own resources, and, contribute to USDA’s mission of keeping our nation’s agriculture economy healthy and strong.”

Imported products bring the risk of invasive plant pests that can affect both nursery and commercial agricultural production. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) will conduct surveys for invasive nursery pests at locations across the State. The results will assist nursery stock producers in maintaining their pest-free status and ability to produce and distribute nursery stock nationwide. In 2018 alone, NDA inspected over 1,600 nursery production acres including field and greenhouse sites.

NDA will also use the funds to survey for khapra beetle, a pest of stored grain that could cause significant economic damage if it were to enter and become established in this country. These surveys are essential for early detection and rapid response. NDA will also use its khapra beetle survey results to support continued foreign market access for Nebraska’s grain exports.

In addition, NDA will survey potato production areas in the State following procedures and protocols set by USDA to demonstrate the Nebraska’s continued freedom from potato cyst nematode. They will also use USDA funds to support academic research to enhance diagnostics for cyst and root-knot nematodes. Nebraska will receive close to $60,000 in funding to support these projects.

Since 2009, USDA has supported more than 4,000 projects and provided nearly $600 million in funding through the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program. Collectively, these projects allow USDA and its partners to quickly detect and rapidly respond to invasive pests and diseases. They also help our country maintain the infrastructure necessary to make sure that disease-free, certified planting materials are available to U.S. specialty crop producers.

As the United States and the world celebrate the International Year of Plant Health in 2020, this funding highlights USDA’s continued commitment to safeguarding our agricultural resources for current and future generations.

You can view the FY 2020 Plant Protection Act, Section 7721 spending plans on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppa-projects.



Winter Webinar to Focus on Pasture and Forage Management

Beef cow-calf producers recognize the importance of staying informed on all aspects of their operation, and the fourth and final webinar in the Winter Cow Webinar series from the Iowa Beef Center will help do that. The session is set for March 10, from 6-8 p.m., and focuses on pasture and forage management.

The series is intended to provide timely topics for beef cow management and the opportunity for producers to access the information by joining the webinar at their own location or at any of the nine host sites listed below, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program specialist Beth Reynolds.

Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will begin the discussion with information on spring forage management. Jeff Mathias, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service state grasslands specialist, will share information on some changes to grazing CRP. The final speaker of the night is Adam Janke, assistant professor and extension wildlife specialist at Iowa State, who will talk about wildlife interactions when grazing.

There is no cost to attend an in-person location or to view the webinar at home. Participants who plan to attend one of the in-person locations listed below are encouraged to preregister by calling the host location.

To view the webinar from your own location, you’ll need to complete the online registration form prior to the seminar. Look for the “Join this live webinar” link on the main webinar series page http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/WinterCowWebinarSeries.html. Use that same link to join the seminar when it begins.



Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.66 million tons (189 million bushels) in January 2020, compared with 5.54 million tons (185 million bushels) in December 2019 and 5.49 million tons (183 million bushels) in January 2019. Crude oil produced was 2.15 billion pounds up 2 percent from December 2019 and up 2 percent from January 2019. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.37 billion pounds during January 2020 increased 1 percent from December 2019 but decreased 2 percent from January 2019.

2019 Fats and Oils Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 62.6 million tons in 2019, a decrease of 1 percent from 2018.  Crude oil production was 24.1 billion pounds, up less than 1 percent from 2018.



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 519 million bushels in January 2020. Total corn consumption was down 2 percent from December 2019 but up 5 percent from January 2019. January 2020 usage included 92.2 percent for alcohol and 7.8 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 2.70 million bushels, down 17 percent from December 2019 and down 6 percent from January 2019. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 469 million bushels, was down 2 percent from December 2019 but up 6 percent from January 2019. Corn consumed in January 2020 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.0 percent and 10.0 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.95 million tons during January 2020, up 2 percent from December 2019 and up 7 percent from January 2019. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.39 million tons in January 2020, down 1 percent from December 2019 but up 2 percent from January 2019.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 308,081 tons during January 2020, up 1 percent from December 2019 and up 17 percent from January 2019. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 258,481 tons in January 2020, up slightly from December 2019 and up 2 percent from January 2019.

2019 Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol for 2019 was 5.45 billion bushels, down 4 percent from 2018. Corn for beverage alcohol in 2019 totaled 41.1 million bushels, up 16 percent from 2018. Corn for fuel alcohol was 5.33 billion bushels in 2019, down 4 percent from 2018. 

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 22.6 million tons during 2019, down 5 percent from 2018. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 15.7 million tons in 2019, down 3 percent from 2018.  Distillers dried grain (DDG) was 4.30 million tons in 2019, down 7 percent from 2018.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 3.47 million tons during 2019, down 4 percent from 2018. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 2.95 million tons, down 5 percent from 2018.



ONE OF THE NATION’S MOST REGENERATIVE CROPS IS ALSO NATION’S 3rd MOST VALUABLE FIELD CROP

According to newly released figures by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), alfalfa is the nation’s third most valuable field crop, valued at over $10.8 billion. “Alfalfa continues to provide tremendous value to the nation’s farmers,” said Beth Nelson, President of the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA). “Not only is it the premier feed for dairy and beef cattle, but its value as a cash crop is undeniable. In terms of total protein per acre, there’s nothing better.”

Alfalfa is best known for its value and importance as a high-protein feed source in dairy and beef production systems, but few are aware of alfalfa’s many benefits in protecting the soil, providing wildlife habitat, and fixing biological nitrogen so farmers require less fertilizer on subsequent crops.

Alfalfa is key to sustainable agricultural systems and is an economic engine in rural communities. In terms of value, it is the nation’s third most valuable field crop following corn and soybean. It is also the ultimate regenerative crop, increasing biodiversity, enriching soils, improving watersheds, and enhancing ecosystems.

Alfalfa must offer a competitive value for farmers in order to provide these benefits and maintain and expand its acreage base. Yields of other major cropping choices have significantly surpassed alfalfa due, in part, to the vast amount of public research dedicated to these other crops. Being recognized in policy and public research funding decisions is critical in keeping pace with other cropping choices.

Alfalfa farmers in 42 states produced dry hay valued at $9.1 billion in 2019. In 17 of those states, farmers also produced alfalfa haylage, valued at an additional $1.7 billion, bringing total crop value to $10.8 billion, according to NASS.



Crop Insurance Guarantees Fall in 2020
John Newton, Chief Economist, American Farm Bureau

USDA’s recently released spring crop insurance prices for corn and soybeans were among the lowest in the last 10 years. Cotton prices dropped as well, down nearly 7% from last year. Not only is crop insurance a key risk management tool for farmers, creditors often use the spring crop insurance prices and revenue to establish a minimum income level (but also including other farm financial indicators) and determine how much credit they will extend to a farmer. Additionally, many monitoring the markets use the spring prices to evaluate potential corn and soybean acreage shifts.

2020 Spring Crop Insurance Prices
The 2020 corn crop insurance price was announced at $3.88 per bushel, down 12 cents, or 3%, from last year. The 2020 spring price is the lowest since 2016’s $3.86 per bushel and the second lowest in the last decade.

For soybeans, the spring price was announced at $9.17 per bushel, down nearly 4%, or 27 cents per bushel. Like corn, the spring soybean price is the second lowest in a decade, behind only 2016’s $8.85 per bushel.

The spring cotton price was announced at 68 cents, down 5 cents per pound and nearly 7% lower than 2019’s price.

Clue for Acreage?
While the spring price discovery is important for crop insurance policies, many in the trade also use the spring prices to evaluate potential acreage shifts for corn and soybeans during the upcoming crop year. USDA’s recent Agricultural Outlook Forum provided a first look at acreage projections for cotton and grains and oilseeds for the 2020/21 crop year. Corn acres were projected at 94 million acres, up 4.8%, or 4.3 million acres, from the prior year. Soybean acres were projected at 85 million acres, up nearly 12%, or 8.9 million acres, from 2019. Combined, corn and soybeans are expected to add more than 13 million acres in 2020.

Importantly, these price guarantees are not fixed. Many producers elect to purchase the harvest price option, which utilizes the maximum of the spring or harvest price to determine if a farm has suffered a loss and may assist growers by indemnifying at the replacement value of the crop (if the harvest price is greater than the spring price). The potential exists for harvest prices to increase during the growing season if there is another adverse weather event or demand accelerates on the back of recently signed trade agreements. Harvest prices could also decrease if supplies are larger than anticipated, or demand is lower than currently projected – the latter being an outcome that is increasingly likely for each day that COVID-19 weighs on markets and global supply chains.



Farmers Union Kicks Off 118th Anniversary Convention

National Farmers Union (NFU) officially convened its 118th Anniversary Convention this afternoon in Savannah, Georgia, to celebrate American farm families and to set the organization’s policy positions and priorities for the coming year. More than 500 Farmers Union members from across the country are gathered for the annual event, which runs through March 3.

“At its core, Farmers Union is a grassroots, family farmer-led organization, a fact that is best illustrated at our annual convention,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Every year, this event brings together family farmers of all types, sizes, and backgrounds around the shared goal of economic prosperity and social justice.”

Over the next three days, Farmers Union members will engage with industry experts, policymakers, thought leaders, and fellow farmers on the issues that matter most to them, including the farm economy, mental health, corporate consolidation in the agricultural sector, climate change and sustainability, and the success of the next generation of family farmers. Keynote remarks at this year’s convention will be delivered Matt Paul, a nationally recognized expert in public affairs, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. NFU President Roger Johnson will deliver his final State of the Farmers Union speech here tonight at the convention opening banquet.

The convention will also feature a panel on black land loss and voting rights with the Federation of Southern Cooperative’s executive director Cornelius Blanding and director of land retention and advocacy Monica Rainge, as well as Latrice Hill, national director of outreach for the Farm Service Agency. The panel will be moderated by Karis Gutter, who leads government and industry affairs for Corteva Agriscience.

These conversations will set the stage for the organization’s annual line-by-line policy review during the final day and a half of the convention. “Through our grassroots policy adoption process, Farmers Union members determine the direction of the organization and the issues we will bring attention to in Washington, D.C. over the coming year,” Johnson explained. “Because the policies adopted this week truly represent the collective interests and concerns of America’s farm and ranch families, they will carry significant weight and credibility in the nation's capital.”

Convention attendees will also be treated to award ceremonies, a screening of the documentary “Fantastic Fungi,” and the choice of several breakout sessions that explore new and burgeoning corners of the industry, such as precision agriculture, the history of grassroots organizing, regenerative farming, farm to table, and hemp production.

More information on convention programming can be found at NFU.org/convention.



Larew to Lead National Farmers Union as its Next President

Delegates to the National Farmers Union (NFU) 118th Anniversary Convention today elected Rob Larew to succeed Roger Johnson as the organization’s president. Patty Edelburg, a Wisconsin dairy farmer, was reelected to serve a second term as vice president. Larew and Edelburg’s two-year terms begin today and will conclude at NFU’s 120th Anniversary Convention in 2022, at which point both may seek reelection.

“I am so honored that the farmers and ranchers, rural Americans, and advocates who make National Farmers Union all that it is have entrusted me with this great responsibility,” said Larew. “Under Roger’s leadership, this organization has grown and flourished. I look forward to building on those accomplishments to further expand the reach and strengthen the reputation of Farmers Union.”

Larew, who was raised on a West Virginia dairy farm, served as NFU’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications since fall 2016. In that role, he oversaw the organization’s legislative advocacy in Congress and the executive branch as well as its public relations activities. Prior to his employment with NFU, Larew served over 22 years in Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), most recently as the staff director of the House Committee on Agriculture.



Peterson Congratulates Larew on Election as National Farmers Union President

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota congratulated new National Farmers Union President Rob Larew on his election at the NFU annual convention Monday in Savannah, Ga.

“Rob is a smart leader and a knowledgeable voice on food and farm issues,” said Peterson. “Farmers Union will benefit greatly from his experience, and I look forward to continuing to work with NFU to protect and strengthen America’s farm and ranch families.”

Prior to his time with Farmers Union, Larew served for 22 years as a Congressional and USDA staffer, first in Congressman Peterson’s personal office, then with Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, before returning to the House Agriculture Committee, where he served as Staff Director for the Democratic staff on the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills.  He also served at the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for March 2020

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation today announced interest rates for March 2020, which are effective March 1-March 31, 2020.

The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for March is 1.500 percent, same as in February.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during March is 2.500 percent, same as in February.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans for March include:
-    1.375 percent with three-year loan terms, down from 1.625 percent in February;
-    1.375 percent with five-year loan terms, down from 1.625 percent in February;
-    1.500 percent with seven-year loan terms, down from 1.750 percent in February;
-    1.625 percent with 10-year loan terms down from 1.875 percent in February; and
-    1.625 percent with 12-year loan terms, down from 1.875 percent in February.

Visit https://www.farmers.gov for more information on loan eligibility, the application process or to find your local service center.



Allen elects to retire as Deere Board chairman May 1st

After a 45-year career of distinction and achievement, Samuel R. Allen has elected to retire May 1 from his current position as chairman of the Deere & Company Board of Directors.

The Deere board has elected John C. May, the company's chief executive officer, to become chairman upon Allen's retirement. The actions are another step in the company's systematic process of leadership transition.

Allen has been chairman of the board of directors since 2010 and served as the company's chief executive officer from 2009 to 2019. May was named CEO in November 2019.

"As a result of Sam's leadership and vision, John Deere has developed a more dynamic business model and is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the demographic and technological trends that are defining the future of our businesses," said May.

Allen led the company to record growth and success. Over his decade of leadership, the company expanded its customer base, increased its global footprint, and made major gains in innovation and precision technologies.

"This was also a time of unmatched financial success which included nine of the ten highest-earning years in company history," May said.

"One of the most significant developments of the period was the emergence of precision technologies as a major factor in our industries. Sam established the Intelligent Solutions Group in 2012 to develop these technologies and help bring them to market," May added. "Today products equipped with these advanced capabilities are making our customers far more productive while helping reshape Deere as a smart industrial company."

Allen is also credited with his emphasis on responsible corporate citizenship. During his tenure as chief executive, the company's investment in philanthropic activities more than doubled, to some $38 million annually. During this time, Deere also launched the global employee-volunteerism program, which has recorded nearly one-million hours of volunteer service since its start in 2010.

Allen joined Deere as an industrial engineer in 1975 after graduating from Purdue University. In 2001, Allen joined the company's senior management team as senior vice president for human resources and industrial relations. Two years later, he was named president of financial services, power systems, and human resources.

Then in 2005, Allen became president of Deere's construction and forestry and power systems businesses. He was elected president and chief operating officer and a member of the board of directors in June 2009 and became Deere's ninth chief executive officer in August of that year.

May joined the board in August of 2019 and became Deere's tenth chief executive officer in November.

"As chairman, John will lead the board with the collaborative style and strategic, operating, and technical skills so capably demonstrated over his 23-year career with Deere," said Allen.

May joined Deere in 1997 and became part of the senior management team in 2012 as president of agricultural solutions and chief information officer. In 2018, he was named president of the Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, with responsibility for the Americas and Australia; the global harvesting, turf and utility, and crop care platforms; and intelligent-solutions group.



Agency Releases Annual Automotive Trends Report Showing Marginal Increases in Fuel Economy

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual Automotive Trends Report, which provides the public with a single source of information about new light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fuel economy, technology data, and auto manufacturers' performance in light of the agency’s GHG emissions standards.

“Today’s auto trends report provides insights into consumer choice and current market trends. Once again we see marginal improvements in fuel economy, but they are yet a far cry from the unfeasible Obama Administration’s standards,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “These concerns are top of mind and play a key role in the finalization of our Safe Affordable Fuel Efficient Vehicles Rule with the U.S. Department of Transportation, which when finalized will reduce the cost of new vehicles and protect consumer choice.”

The report finds that Model Year (MY) 2018 vehicle fuel economy was 25.1 miles per gallon, slightly higher than the 24.9 miles per gallon MY 2017. Since MY 2004, when the fleet averaged 19.3 mpg, fuel economy and CO2 emissions have improved in twelve out of fourteen years.

The report also assesses compliance performance for individual automakers, and for the U.S. fleet as a whole, with the greenhouse gas emissions standards for light-duty vehicles. Once again, only 3 large manufacturers complied with MY 2018 standards based on the technology levels of their vehicles alone. When accounting for credits however, the report shows all large manufacturers are in compliance. Most large manufacturers used banked credits, along with technology improvements, to maintain compliance in MY 2018.

The report highlights the large consumer shift towards sport utility vehicles (SUV). SUVs continue to gain market share – reaching record high 46 percent market share in MY 2019.

To read the full Automotive Trends Report, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/automotive-trends.

Background
This annual report is part of the EPA’s commitment to providing the public with transparent information about new light-duty vehicle GHG emissions, fuel economy, technology data, and auto manufacturers' performance in meeting the agency’s GHG emissions standards. This report includes content previously published in two separate reports, the Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends Report, and the GHG Manufacturer Performance Report. These reports have now been combined to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

EPA has collected data on every new light-duty vehicle model sold in the United States since 1975. Data is collected to support several national programs, including EPA criteria pollutant and GHG standards, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, and vehicle Fuel Economy and Environment labels.



Ranch Group Goes Back to Court with New Information on USDA's RFID Mandate

On Friday, Harriet Hageman, Senior Litigation Counsel for the New Civil Liberties Alliance, filed a new motion in the Wyoming federal district court on behalf of R-CALF USA and ranchers Tracy and Donna Hunt and Kenny and Roxy Fox. The new motion reveals that despite the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) assurances to the court that it is no longer pursuing its RFID mandate, and will not initiate any plans to do so without first providing America's cattle producers with a lawful notice and opportunity to comment, a recently published article under the USDA's control continues to promote those requirements and another such article is scheduled for publication next month.

In October 2019 the ranch group filed a lawsuit alleging that the USDA had unlawfully issued a mandate to require cattle producers to begin using by January 1, 2023, RFID eartags on every head of adult cattle shipped across state lines. Shortly thereafter the USDA withdrew the RFID mandate and asked the court to dismiss the case on the grounds that, having withdrawn the requirement, the case was now moot.

The court agreed that USDA's withdrawal of its mandate had effectively eliminated the controversy between the parties, and it issued an order dismissing the case. However, an almost identical document describing the USDA's RFID mandate was published in the February 2020 edition of the Nebraska Cattleman. The February document, replete with official USDA letterhead and logo, states that the RFID mandate would now take effect as part of "Phase 3" of the agency's plan for implementing the use of mandatory RFID technology.

Hageman contacted counsel for the USDA and was informed that the USDA considered the publication of this new document an oversight on the part of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Hageman was further informed that the new document would also be published in the March edition of the Nebraska Cattleman.

Hageman's most recent motion asks the court to reconsider its previous order to dismiss the case in light of this new information that demonstrates the USDA continues to move forward with a plan to mandate RFID, that it has refused to take steps to prevent the publication of this misinformation, and that it has utterly failed to properly notify the public that the RFID requirement has been withdrawn. Hageman states that USDA's actions are contrary to its prior assurance to the court that no such plans would be pursued without following the lawful notice and comment rulemaking process.

"The USDA's unwillingness to fix this problem speaks volumes. We are frustrated by the agency's refusal to ensure that livestock producers, States and other stakeholders are aware of the fact that there is no RFID mandate in place. The USDA seems to be intentionally creating confusion when it should be clear that the 2013 Regulation governs animal identification and that the agency has no legal authority to require the producers to do something else." Hageman said.

"We're somewhat at a loss to understand the USDA's caviler attitude toward this blatant example of a federal agency that believes it is above the law and can infringe upon the rights, liberties and freedoms of America's cattle producers with impunity," said R-CALF USA Bill Bullard adding, "We hope our federal court system will apply adequate checks to rein in this agency."