Monday March 23 Ag News

NeFB Shares COVID-19 Relief Package Priority List with Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) is working closely with the Nebraska congressional delegation to address concerns related to how COVID-19 has impacted commodity/cattle markets, supply chain concerns, and the ability to get H-2A workers in agriculture.

“Unfortunately, market uncertainty has shook farm commodity markets at a time when those of us in production agriculture have experienced a multi-year decrease in overall farm income. From live cattle (down 25%), hogs (down 22%), soybeans (down 14%), corn (down 13%), and wheat (down 12%) to ethanol margins currently at negative 25 cents, from top to bottom, commodities are experiencing significant downward pressure,” Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson said. “With these downward trends, we continue to hear concerns being expressed about potential market manipulation particularly amongst our cow/calf producing members. Farm Bureau has shared that concern with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service as well as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) over the past several days,” he said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau is asking Congress to provide some level of stabilization payments to farmers and ranchers who have watched commodity markets drop.

“We’d also ask these payments be expanded to include cattle producers as they continue to bear much of the brunt of this market downturn. We also ask that Nebraska’s delegation keep in touch with the USDA, as well as the CFTC and ask that they continue to monitor the current market situation,” Nelson said.

While stores around the country continue to see temporarily empty shelves, retailers remain confident supplies of a vast majority of food items remain available. But there are still temporary supply shortages and there are concerns about long-term shortages as COVID-19 continues. NEFB is working to ensure that all our nation’s food processing facilities remain operational during this difficult time.

“As farmers prepare for this year’s planting season and cattle producers continue to work through calving, every effort should be made to ensure supplies of fertilizer, seed, crop protection products, feed, and animal health products remain readily available. While many have already purchased many of these items, we must ensure the supply of these product are available when needed,” Nelson said.

Another concern lies in the ethanol industry as ethanol producers have seen already thin margins disappear, slightly rebound, and then disappear again over the past week. This business is also vital to our state’s cattle industry as ethanol byproducts have become a near constant addition to feed rations. The shuttering of ethanol plants could have far reaching consequences for rural communities across the state.

“NEFB is asking Congress to work with USDA to ensure food production plants remain operational and provide any regulatory relief that might be needed should problems arise. While we absolutely appreciate the exemptions granted to livestock and crop haulers from federal Hours of Service regulations, the hauling of products such as fertilizer and livestock supplies should also be added to that list,” Nelson said.

NEFB is also worried about the availability of H-2A farm workers. With the recent announcement by the State Department to suspend routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services at the U.S Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico until further notice, this is a concern for farmers and ranchers. Nebraska may not be as reliant as some states on the H-2A program, but farmers and ranchers across our country rely on this program to meet their labor needs. According to data compiled by the American Farm Bureau Federation, over 90 percent of the just under 300,000 H-2A workers in the United States came from Mexico. H2-A workers play a critical role in making sure farmers and ranchers get their products to the supply chain and to the grocery store.

“We would ask our Nebraska delegation to work with the administration to find an appropriate mechanism, either through an emergency waiver or some other means, to ensure that H-2A workers may continue to safely come to America’s farms and ranches,” Nelson said.

The toll COVID-19 is taking on our nation’s health care system, small businesses, and overall economy has been profound. NEFB hopes by working with Nebraska delegation and taking aforementioned actions in order to limit the impacts on our nation’s food supply will directly help Nebraska farm and ranch families.



CVA OFFICES CLOSING TO THE PUBLIC

To help fight the spread of COVID-19, and for the safety of employees and customers, Central Valley Ag has closed its offices to all outside traffic, effective immediately. According to an announcement on ther webside, locations remain open for business, they are just closing access to the location offices.

They are still accessible via phone, email or by appointment.  Please consult the CVA website www.cvacoop.com to find the contact information for your location. You may also contact the CVA home office at 888.343.0323 for assistance as well.

The message wraps up by thanking you for your understanding and for helping them as they work to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on their operations.



COVID-19 Affects Operations at Husker Ag Ethanol Plants
Seth Harder, General Manager Husker Ag LLC

Due to the current circumstances and the demobilization of the country, during the next couple of weeks Husker Ag has elected to keep one of our plants down. We just completed a spring maintenance turnaround and rather than bring both plants online, we are waiting until we see a more clear picture of the virus and fuel demand as the terminals are starting to fill up.

We are in fine financial standing, with a large unused line of credit, as well as significant cash assets. We will continue to pay timely for your corn.

Also, we are taking every precaution to safeguard our employees, and as such are restricting access to the site by outside visitors and vendors. We also ask that you follow our signs and policies when you are on the property.

This week, the Department of Homeland Security reaffirmed that ethanol plants are a part of the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure.   So as such, we are fairly confident that we will continue to operate even in a quarantine situation.

We appreciate your business and we will try to keep updating you as things change.



USDA Service Centers Taking Precautions to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus

U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Beginning Monday, March 23, USDA Service Centers in Nebraska will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone, and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. In the event a Service Center is closed, producers can receive assistance from the closest alternate Service Center by phone.

Producers can find Service Center phone numbers at farmers.gov/service-center-locator. FPAC agencies continue to look at flexibilities to deliver programs on behalf of producers, just as they have in past situations, such as natural disasters. Farmers and ranchers are resilient and FPAC agencies will continue to deliver the farm safety net programs and resource conservation programs that keep American agriculture in business today and long into the future. 

Online services are available to customers with an eAuth account, which provides access to the farmers.gov portal where producers can view USDA farm loan information and payments and view and track certain USDA program applications and payments. Online NRCS services are available to customers through the Conservation Client Gateway. Customers can track payments, report completed practices, request conservation assistance, and electronically sign documents. Customers who do not already have an eAuth account can enroll at farmers.gov/sign-in.

For the most current updates on available services and Service Center status visit farmers.gov/coronavirus.



Ricketts Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced recent appointments he has made to fill Nebraska’s boards and commissions.  The following appointees are unpaid and are not subject to Legislative confirmation:

Beginning Farmer Board
Britt D. Anderson, Gothenburg

Thank you to the many Nebraskans that generously give their time and talent to make a difference in our state.  These appointments will provide crucial insight and expertise to their respective boards, committees, and commissions.  To learn about openings and apply to serve on a board or commission, go to https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req.



Hemp in the Heartland WEBINAR
Lessons Learned Nationally, Implications for Nebraska
March 24, 2020 | 1 - 4 p.m.
https://hnpfarm.com/events/
Due to coronavirus precautions, this event has moved online and will be held as a webinar.

As Nebraska takes its first, historic steps into a new agricultural market, please join HNP Farm Services and partners for an afternoon of learning and discussion with leading industry experts at this informational webinar.

During this free online event, executives from leading companies along the hemp value chain will present on topics ranging from emerging cannabinoid science, to market dynamics, to the genetics and agronomy of farming hemp. In addition to providing an overview of the status of the industry nationally, presenters will share their views and experiences on best practices to date.

Space will be limited- please confirm your attendance by registering today: https://hnpfarm.com/events/.



Green Plains Donates Industrial Ethanol for Hand Sanitizer Production

Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) today announced it has donated industrial ethanol to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) for the use in the production of hand sanitizer.

“It has never been more imperative for Green Plains employees to help support local communities and do our part in mitigating the spread of COVID-19,” said Todd Becker, president and chief executive officer of Green Plains Inc. “With a severe shortage of hand sanitizer, donating our industrial ethanol to the state of Nebraska is the least we could do in this challenging environment.”

The donated product is made at Green Plains’ York facility, which currently produces 50 million gallons of 200-proof industrial ethanol for use in global markets each year. With the increased need for hand sanitizer, the company is now focusing its efforts to help communities in Nebraska and across the country where there are shortages of this product.

Once the hand sanitizer is produced at NDCS, it will be given to high priority facilities impacted by the coronavirus.



IRFA Members Donate Ethanol and Glycerin to State of Iowa for Hand Sanitizer Production

Today two Iowa Renewable Fuels Association members sent the first donated shipment of Iowa ethanol and glycerin to the state of Iowa to be used by Iowa Prison Industries for the production of hand sanitizer during the national shortage.

The donation is made by Iowa ethanol producer Absolute Energy and Iowa biodiesel producer Western Iowa Energy. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) worked with Iowa Prison Industries to secure the shipment of these products and other necessary ingredients. Templeton Rye is also providing distilled water for the project. The finished product will be distributed free of charge by the state of Iowa for priority use.

“The whole country is working tirelessly to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and Iowa biofuels producers are proud to help anyway we can,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “We applaud Absolute Energy and Western Iowa Energy for stepping up in the best way they could to help with this effort, as well as the other biofuel plants who stand ready to help if additional production is needed.”

IRFA notified Governor Kim Reynolds’ office early last week that Iowa biofuel producers would be willing to help with hand sanitizer production if needed and her team worked hard to help ensure the project’s success.

“Governor Reynolds and her team deserve credit for making this happen,” Shaw said. “Even during this time of emergency, a number of regulatory technicalities crossing multiple federal agencies stood in our way. Thanks to the efforts of staff in Governor Reynolds’ and Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst’s offices, we were able to overcome these hurdles that could have otherwise prevented this production of much-need hand sanitizer. Knocking down these barriers will have impacts beyond Iowa. In fact, we already know other states have heard about Iowa’s project and are working with their biofuel producers to implement similar programs.”



IDALS Waives Deadline for Pesticide Applicators to Renew Certification

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the deadline for pesticide applicators to renew their certifications has been waived by a proclamation signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds on March 22.

Iowans who were certified through Dec. 31, 2019, can retain their status and now have until Dec. 31, 2020, to submit the testing or training required to renew a pesticide applicator certification.

 “I want to thank Gov. Reynolds for working with the Department to find a solution that allows our farmers and agribusinesses to continue operating while upholding the pesticide testing and certification standards in our state,” said Secretary Naig. “Agriculture is a critical part of our state’s infrastructure. We will continue supporting the agriculture community to prevent supply chain interruptions during this unprecedented situation.”

This waiver comes after the Department canceled its in-person testing sessions through March 31, based on social distancing recommendations from the CDC. Applicators still need to meet pesticide certification standards by Dec. 31, 2020. They are encouraged to apply for recertification upon completion of the testing or training requirements.

More details are available at iowaagriculture.gov/covid-19.



Flex Fuel Spreads Its Reach, as Casey’s Becomes 5,000th Station to Offer E85
   
The number of fuel stations now offering Flex Fuel E85 has reached an important milestone, as a Casey’s store in Ankeny, Iowa, became the 5,000th station nationwide to sell E85. While offering significantly lower emissions than traditional fuel, the E85 flex fuel blend also offers a price advantage to consumers.

“Reaching the 5,000-station mark is a significant achievement for the ethanol industry and our partner in the retail sector,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The continued expansion of E85 and other flex fuels is great news for drivers looking for savings at the pump and a way to help the environment. E85 has been available to the public for decades but has really caught on in recent years. We’re especially happy to see that this notable landmark was reached by our friends at Casey’s, a company that has long been dedicated to making ethanol-blended fuels available to their customers.”

The 5,000th location is the Casey’s store at 3605 NW Irvinedale Drive in Ankeny, Iowa, where E85 is currently selling for about 30 percent less than regular Unleaded 87.

“We are proud to be a part of this historic milestone as we continue bringing consumer-driven products like Unleaded 88 and E85 to the communities we serve,” said Jake Comer, Fuel Pricing Manager for Casey’s General Stores. “We are grateful for key industry partners like the Renewable Fuels Association that work hard to ensure the success of renewable fuels.”

Click here for a map of E85 locations nationwide. At the E85Prices.com website, visitors also can share reviews and current prices.



USMEF Statement on Expanded Access to China for U.S. Beef and Pork

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has updated its Export Library for China to reflect expanded access for U.S. beef and pork. These changes were among the provisions negotiated in the U.S.-China "Phase One" trade agreement.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

This is an exciting day for the U.S. beef and pork industries, which have waited a long time to have more meaningful and reliable access to China, and USMEF thanks USTR and USDA for their tireless efforts to negotiate and implement the Phase One trade agreement.

With much broader access for U.S. beef, the U.S. industry is well-positioned to expand its presence in the largest and fastest growing beef market in the world. And while unprecedented volumes of U.S. pork have been shipped to China in recent months, the U.S. pork industry has also faced significant barriers that have kept exports below their full potential. The changes announced in the Export Library will benefit pork exporters looking to expand their business in China, as well as producers and everyone in the U.S. supply chain.

U.S. pork and beef still face retaliatory duties in China, but a tariff exclusion process implemented by the Chinese government earlier this month is providing some level of relief. While elimination of all retaliatory duties is still the best way for China to level the playing field for U.S. red meat, the exclusion process is expanding opportunities for importers and for the U.S. industry.



USDA Cold Storage - February 2020 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on February 29, 2020 were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 5 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 4 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 6 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 5 percent from last month and up 38 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on February 29, 2020 were up slightly from the previous month but down 4 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 3 percent from the previous month but up 6 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 13 percent from last month but down 25 percent from February 28, 2019.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on February 29, 2020 were up slightly from the previous month but down 1 percent from February 28, 2019. Butter stocks were up 22 percent from last month and up 24 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on February 29, 2020 were down 12 percent from last month and down 13 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 6 percent from last month and down 1 percent from a year ago.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS 

All layers in Nebraska during February 2020 totaled 8.84 million, up from 8.48 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during February totaled 204 million eggs, up from 201 million in 2019. February egg production per 100 layers was 2,305 eggs, compared to 2,373 eggs in 2019.

IOWA EGG PRODUCTION
Iowa egg production during February 2020 was 1.34 billion eggs, down 9 percent from last month but up 2 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of all layers on hand during February 2020 was 56.9 million, down 2 percent from last month and down 3 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for February were 2,348, down 7 percent from last month but up 5 percent from last year.

February Egg Production Up 3 Percent
United States egg production totaled 8.94 billion during February 2020, up 3 percent from last year. Production included 7.79 billion table eggs, and 1.15 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.07 billion were broiler-type and 81.3 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during February 2020 totaled 397 million, down 2 percent from last year. February egg production per 100 layers was 2,254 eggs, up 5 percent from February 2019.
                                   
Total layers in the United States on March 1, 2020 totaled 394 million, down 3 percent from last year. The 394 million layers consisted of 330 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 60.9 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.41 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on March 1, 2020, averaged 77.5 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from March 1, 2019.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Down 8 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during February 2020 totaled 48.2 million, down 8 percent from February 2019. Eggs in incubators totaled 49.1 million on March 1, 2020, down 8 percent from a year ago. Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 482 thousand during February 2020, up 140 percent from February 2019.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 8 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during February 2020 totaled 807 million, up 8 percent from February 2019. Eggs in incubators totaled 718 million on March 1, 2020, up 4 percent from a year ago.  Leading breeders placed 8.14 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during February 2020, up 3 percent from February 2019.



NASS Remains Operational, Farm Reports on Schedule

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service statistical reports remain on schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including the March 26 Hogs and Pigs and March 31 Prospective Plantings reports. NASS also continues to collect data for all upcoming reports, asking farmers to complete their surveys online, if they don't already respond that way. To protect the health and safety of producers, partners, and employees, NASS has suspended in-person data collection at least until April 3.

"We are making every effort to produce the U.S. crop, livestock, and economic statistics that the nation counts on," said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. "But to do that responsibly, we are following guidance to slow the spread of coronavirus and to protect the health and safety of producers and employees. It is now more important than ever for everyone who receives a survey to complete it promptly online and encourage others to do the same."

Ensuring that responses are returned on time means little or no additional outreach is needed. In addition, online response is faster and more convenient for producers. Returning the completed questionnaire by phone or U.S. mail is acceptable, but mail responses require in-office personnel to open, scan, and check in each form.

"If we are able to collect enough data over the coming weeks, and conditions are such that estimates can be established and released, we will continue to publish these important reports on schedule. The data in the reports are indicators of the nation's feed and food supply," said Hamer.

To respond online at agcounts.usda.gov, producers will need their unique 17-digit survey code from the questionnaire or letter received in the mail. Both the online questionnaire and phone data collection interviews are secure. All information submitted to NASS is confidential, only used for statistical purposes, and published in aggregate form, as required by federal law so that no individual or farm information can be identified. For more information on how NASS protects information, visit www.nass.usda.gov/confidentiality. For assistance with the online or paper questionnaire, or to submit information by phone, call toll-free 866-294-8560.

NASS continues to evaluate all program operations as the COVID-19 situation evolves.



Student leaders come together virtually to learn how to share story of agriculture

Today and tomorrow, students from across the country will come together online, to learn best practices on sharing the importance of agriculture. It’s part of National Ag Day – a day that not only celebrates agriculture but provides an opportunity for those in the industry to share the importance of agriculture with a broader audience.

The future of agriculture is strong – and this is evident in many student-led agriculture organizations. This week, student leaders from FFA , 4-H, AFA and MANRRS will join together to share information on the critical role agriculture plays in our culture and economy.

“National Ag Day gives students from agriculture youth organizations the chance to work together and share to our national government leaders of the importance of agriculture and agriculture education. The skills the students learn this week, they’ll be able to use as they move forward in life and strengthen agriculture along the way,” said Celya Glowacki, advocacy and literacy officer, for the National FFA Organization.

Ag Day is an opportunity for others to learn how agriculture provides safe, abundant and affordable products.

Originally, the student-leaders were scheduled to be in D.C. Instead, they are working together virtually, to discover how they can continue to be advocates for the agriculture industry while telling the important story of agriculture throughout the nation. “As we provide virtual programming for our agriculture students this week, we are able to not only help flatten the curve, but also broaden our reach regarding the story of agriculture,” Glowacki said.

For more information regarding the virtual events, visit https://www.ffa.org/ag-literacy-and-advocacy/.



Corn Checkoff Assisting Teachers with Online Curriculum

If you are a teacher or a parent looking for teaching resources or activities during COVID-19, the National Corn Growers Association and Nourish the Future community network is here to help. The program made possible by farmer-funded state corn checkoff programs across the U.S. provides excellent teaching resources immediately as schools shut down across the country. 

These difficult times remind us of how valuable and important teachers are. They are creative, quick to pivot, and able to keep students learning in tough circumstances. They have the skills needed to flourish while teaching our children during these uncertain times.

The Nourish the Future team has designed virtual resources that can be found at https://nourishthefuture.org/virtual. This is what their team is doing to help teachers during these difficult times:
-    Communication! Sending resources and offering help
-    Packaging online curriculum collections in ways that makes them easy for a teacher to use today
-    Mobilizing an advisory group of teachers from across the country
-    Designing virtual experiences so that students can connect with industry through field trips and webinars – check out virtualfarmtrips.com!
-    Looking at professional development in a new way, combining virtual experiences with in-person workshops shifting to the fall

The curriculum covers topics like Biotechnology, Energy and Ethanol, Plant Anatomy and Growth Stages, Soil Science and Sustainability, and the Role of Clean Water in a Healthy Ecosystem. Lesson plans are designed for middle school through high school, including advanced high school options.

NCGA believes agriculture is a vital partner in engaging students in STEM concepts in ways that directly and indirectly impact their lives. Not only does teaching ag-based curriculum in the science classroom inspire students to solve real-world science issues, reaching students is critical to address the job gap in agriculture-related careers, many of which go unfilled.

NCGA and its state corn checkoff programs began leveraging the great work started by Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association in 2019, making the latest teaching materials and teacher training and mentoring available nationwide. If you want to see how your checkoff support is helping teachers during the closures, go to www.nourishthefuture.org. 



The Beef Checkoff’s Support for Beef Demand Continues: An Update
Jared Brackett, Chairman, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Filer, Idaho

As I watch television news reports from my ranch and listen to radio broadcasts in my truck while checking on cattle, I see the impact that COVID-19 is having on our economy, including the stock market and cattle markets. And, as a beef producer, I know firsthand how frustrating this situation is for cattlemen and women across the country. Certainly, none of us could’ve anticipated the circumstances we’re currently facing on top of other issues that have impacted the entire beef industry over the past few years.

While I’m a beef producer first and foremost, I’m also the 2020 chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB). Our 99-member board – consisting primarily of domestic beef, veal and dairy producers – oversees the collection and spending of Beef Checkoff dollars. Our goal is to promote beef and increase demand, and in these uncertain times, I want to assure you that the Beef Checkoff and its contractors continue to work toward that very important goal.

We know that we must quickly reassess our 2020 plans in all checkoff program areas – promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and producer communications. Our contractors are pivoting as we speak, changing their strategies and tactics to better address the current and future effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few days, we contacted them to ask for updates in light of the rapidly evolving world situation. As anticipated, our contractors and subcontractors are responding accordingly to ensure beef demand remains stronger than ever.

Most are emphasizing strategies and tactics intended to encourage beef consumption at home rather than in restaurants as more areas mandate social distancing and quarantining. They’re providing influencers, supply chain partners and the media with recipes, videos and other educational materials to support these efforts. Contractors and subcontractors are turning more to social media, digital marketing, updated website content, newsletters, emails and other online tools to continue delivering positive messages about beef to their intended audiences. Many are transitioning scheduled in-person conferences and expos to virtual events or rescheduling them for later this year. More detailed information on specific contractors, programs, events and initiatives is available from our new “COVID-19 Response” page at DrivingDemandForBeef.com.

The COVID-19 situation is extremely fluid, and none of us can know what next month, next week or even tomorrow may bring. That’s why Beef Checkoff contractors will continue adjusting their plans over the next few weeks and months. As chairman of the CBB, I will work with our team to continue providing regular updates at DrivingDemandforBeef.com. Knowledge is power, and it’s our job to make sure you are aware of how your checkoff dollars are being spent to help the beef industry adapt to this changing world.

We are all in this together, and we will rise to meet this new challenge. Please know that the Beef Checkoff and its contractors will be working diligently on your behalf to keep driving beef demand so that you can focus on what you do best: producing high-quality beef for consumers worldwide. My thoughts are with all of you, and my hope is that someday soon, we’ll be able to look back and see how our combined efforts made a positive difference during this difficult time.



Ranch Group to U.S. Senate: We Don't Want a Bail-out, We Want Our Industry Back

In a short message sent today to every U.S. Senate office, R-CALF USA emphatically stated:

"Congress should not pass any cattle industry bail-out unless it is accompanied by REAL market structure reforms to correct the severe and prolonged problem depicted below. The serious crisis that America's cattle producers face today has been going on for several years, and no one listened. The coronavirus virus has simply shined a light on the severity of our industry's ongoing crisis. You must fix the absolute disconnect between live cattle prices and wholesale and retail beef prices. Until that's done any bail-out will simply accelerate the ongoing exodus of cattle producers from our industry. We offer two structural reforms that Congress should implement immediately:

1. Place immediate limits on the percentage of cattle that packers can procure through arrangements that both circumvent and undermine the competitive cash market (to preserve the integrity of our industry's nearly destroyed price discovery market, which, importantly, informs our industry's futures market).

2. Require all beef sold in America to be distinguished as to where the animal from which it was derived was born, raised, and harvested so American consumers can put American cattle producers First and choose to purchase safe, wholesome, exclusively American beef.

"We have more solutions, but these are the priorities. R-CALF USA is the largest producer-only cattle trade association in America. We don't want a bail-out, we want our industry back."

The ranch group included the following graphic to help the U.S. Senate understand the severity of the crisis faced by America's cattle producers.



Dr. Mark Jekanowski Appointed World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman

Chief Economist Robert Johansson today announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Jekanowski as the World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman. Dr. Jekanowski is currently acting Board chairman and will assume his new duties on March 29.

“Dr. Jekanowski brings to this leadership position extensive experience in domestic and global agricultural commodity markets and deep understanding of the World Agricultural Board and its unique mission.” Johansson said.

Dr. Jekanowski will be responsible for leading the development and release of the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. He will also serve as program chairman for USDA’s largest annual meeting, the Agricultural Outlook Forum.

Dr. Jekanowski joined the World Agricultural Outlook Board in 2019 as deputy chairman. Prior to that he was with USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS), first serving as chief of the Crops Branch, and later as deputy director for the ERS commodity outlook program. Previously, Dr. Jekanowski was a senior vice president and head of the Washington office of Informa Economics.

Dr. Jekanowski succeeds Dr. Seth Meyer, who departed USDA in July 2019 after servicing as chairman of the World Agricultural Outlook Board for five years.

The World Agricultural Outlook Board is USDA’s focal point for economic intelligence and the commodity outlook for U.S. and world agriculture. The Board coordinates, reviews, and approves the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report as well as USDA’s long-term agricultural projections.