Monday March 30 Ag News

LENRD board moves forward with watershed study

For the first time in 47 years, the board room at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) office was empty as the board held their March meeting online via audio/video conferencing.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The world is navigating through uncharted waters as the coronavirus pandemic continues.  As we practice social distancing, the office remains closed to the public until further notice.  Even though the office doors are closed, most of our staff are working off-site to ensure that we continue to offer a high-level of public service to the citizens of our district.”  He continued, “Our online meeting went very well and I anticipate that we’ll need to continue to use the video conferencing format until things drastically improve.”

During the March 26th meeting, the board approved the contract with JEO Consulting Group for the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan.  This contract will allow for an environmental assessment of the watershed as well as developing an approved Watershed Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) plan with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Sousek said, “After nearly a year in the making, all the necessary paperwork with the USDA has been signed and approved to secure the WFPO grant with NRCS.  This grant in the amount of $390,000 will complete a watershed study in the Battle Creek area and offer further information for a flood prevention plan for the entire watershed.  This study will take approximately 18 months to complete.”

The board also instructed staff to apply for a new WFPO grant through NRCS to develop a watershed plan for the Maple Creek Watershed.

In other action, the board approved the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Scribner and Dodge County for the Elkhorn River Bank Stabilization Project to repair damages from the 2019 flood.

Sousek added, “Don’t hesitate to reach out to us during these uncertain times.  We are returning phone calls and emails and meeting virtually, it’s business as usual for us here.  We also have a drop box located at our main entrance on the west side of the building.”

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, April 23rd at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails at www.lenrd.org.



USDA Announces More Than 3.4 Million Acres Selected for General Signup Conservation Reserve Program

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue late last week announced the acceptance of more than 3.4 million acres in the general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup recently completed, the first general signup enrollments since 2016. County offices will begin notifying producers with accepted offers no later than April 3.

In Nebraska, 131,209 acres were accepted in CRP general practices, which is 88 percent of the acres requested for enrollment in the state, and 5,503 acres were accepted as part of the CRP State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement, which is 80 percent of the acres requested for enrollment in the state.

Through CRP, farmers and ranchers receive an annual rental payment for establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to the nation’s environment and economy.

“The Conservation Reserve Program is one of our nation’s largest conservation endeavors and is critical in helping producers better manage their operations while conserving valuable natural resources,” Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Nancy Johner said. “Nationally the program marked its 35th anniversary this year. We are pleased that Nebraska fared well in the enrollment process.”

Over these 35 years, CRP has addressed multiple concerns while ensuring the most competitive offers are selected by protecting fragile and environmentally sensitive lands, improving water quality, enhancing wildlife populations, providing pollinator forage habitat, sequestering carbon in soil and enhancing soil productivity. Seventy percent of the nation’s land is owned and tended privately, and America’s farmers, ranchers and landowners have willingly stepped up to protect the environment and natural resources.

This general signup included offers for State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE), which allows producers to install practices that benefit high-priority, locally developed wildlife conservation objectives using targeted restoration of vital habitat. Nationally over 95 percent of SAFE offers submitted were accepted under this general signup, representing more than 487,500 acres. This acceptance level highlights the commitment to SAFE as an important part of CRP.

The 2018 Farm Bill established a nationwide acreage limit for CRP, with the total number of acres that may be enrolled capped at 24.5 million acres in 2020 and growing to 27 million by 2023.

While the deadline for general CRP signup was February 28, 2020, signups for continuous CRP, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, CRP Grasslands and the Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP) are ongoing. The CRP Grasslands deadline is May 15, and the SHIPP signup begins March 30, 2020, and ends August 21, 2020.

Continuous and Grasslands enrollments are available nationwide. All counties located within the Prairie Pothole region states of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota are eligible for SHIPP.  

This spring, FSA will roll out a new pilot conservation program, the Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers 30 (CLEAR 30).



NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the month of March 2020, topsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 8 short, 80 adequate, and 11 surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 6 short, 86 adequate, and 7 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 16 fair, 71 good, and 8 excellent.

Weekly reports will begin April 6th for the 2020 season.



Farmers Union Asks Nebraskans to Use Flex Fuels in Their Flex Fuel Vehicles

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) is asking Nebraskans to make a special effort to use flex fuels in their flex fuel vehicles. Last year’s data from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles says there are over 252,500 flex fuel vehicles in Nebraska. “We believe many flex fuel owners are not aware their vehicle is flex fuel capable. While virtually all vehicles can safely burn E10 or E15, flex fuel vehicles are designed to use up to E85 flex fuels. Higher ethanol blends are good for the environment, air quality, rural economic development, family farmers, and your pocketbook,” said NeFU President John Hansen.

Hansen said “Nebraska’s 25 ethanol plants annually employ 1,300 people; produce 2.18 billion gallons of ethanol, 6.4 million tons of distillers grains for livestock, 515 million pounds of corn oil; and consume 750 million bushels of corn which is 39% of the Nebraska corn crop. Ethanol production’s $5 billion value added agriculture investment represents the most effective rural economic development program that Nebraska has ever pursued. Our state cannot afford to lose these local economic drivers that grow local and state tax revenues, provide property tax relief, provide good paying jobs with benefits in rural communities, and help support corn prices and the family farmers that grow the corn.”

NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen of Plymouth said “It is a shame to not take advantage of the flex fuel capacity of your vehicle. Nebraska’s ethanol producers and corn producers are both struggling financially. It would make a lot of difference if more flex fuel vehicle owners would go out of their way to fill up with home grown flex fuels.  Ethanol burns more cleanly and cooler. Flex fuels lower carbon monoxide emissions, and cancer producing particulates.” 

NeFU urged fuel consumers to find flex fuel stations near them at the Nebraska Ethanol Board website at: http://ethanol.nebraska.gov/wordpress/buy-ethanol/nebraska-ethanol-stations/. In addition, to the Nebraska Ethanol Board the Nebraska Corn Board is also a good source of information about flex fuel vehicles and other biofuel issues at: https://nebraskacorn.gov/

“The Coronavirus pandemic has given many of us a wake-up call about the wisdom of our nation’s past globalization polices. We are learning the hard way that it is not smart to depend on foreign produced medical supplies and drugs. When we are dependent, we are vulnerable. What is true for medical supplies and drugs is also true for food and renewable fuels. Our national security needs our nation’s hardworking independent family farmers and our nation’s renewable fuel industries growing our nation’s own food and renewable fuels,” Hansen said.

“If you have a flex fuel vehicle, and do not currently use flex fuels, we are asking you to give them a try. It is the environmentally and economically smart and right thing to do.  Based on the hundreds of thousands of miles I have put on my flex fuel vehicles, I know they are both cost effective and cleaner burning. And when I think about the good things biofuels do for our society, I smile going down the road,” Hansen concluded.



Evaluating & Preparing Bulls in advance of the Breeding Season
Steve Niemeyer – NE Extension Educator

Although the breeding season for many herds is still a few months away, it is time to be evaluating bull body condition. Body condition is just as important in bulls as it is in cows. Research has shown that bulls in a body condition 5-6 have better semen quality than those in a 4 or 7.   Much like cows, bull body condition needs to be evaluated as fat cover over the front ribs, brisket, and tail head (Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows, EC 281) making sure that gut fill does not impact the score given.

During the breeding season, bulls may lose 100-200 pounds (which could translate to 1-2 body condition scores (BCS)), therefore, having them in a BCS 5.5-6.5 before the breeding season starts is critical. Starting to evaluate bull BCS 90 days before breeding season will allow producers time to add the necessary weight to bulls before the busy season. Prior to the breeding season is typically a time when the bulls are fed hay as green grass is probably not available. If a 1300 pound yearling bull was fed about 35 pounds of meadow hay that was 56% total digestible nutrients (TDN) and 10% crude protein (CP), this bull would likely maintain his weight, but would likely not gain any. If the producer wants this bull to gain 100 pounds in 90 days, the bull would need 35 pounds of the meadow hay and 1 pound of a distillers based cube. However, if the producer needs this bull to gain 100 pounds in only 60 days, the bull would need 3.5 pounds of a distillers based cube on top of about 31 pounds of the meadow hay. If the producer fed 29.5 pounds of millet hay (54% TDN, 8% CP) and 14 pounds of corn silage (68% TDN, 8% CP) for 90 days, the bull would gain about 100 pounds. However, if the producer waited until 60 days before breeding, the producer would need to feed 23 pounds of the millet hay, 27 pounds of corn silage, and 4 pounds of wet distillers grains (108% TDN, 30% CP) to help the young bull gain 100 pounds. Mature bulls often weigh between 1500 and 2000 pounds, so feed intake would need to be increased accordingly. Additional considerations for helping bulls maintain wellness and gain weight is to use windbreaks and bedding to reduce body heat loss and prevent frostbite on testicles.

Many times at weaning when cows are pregnancy checked and producers are disappointed with the results, the assumption is typically that the cows were thin and not cycling well at breeding time. While this may be part of the issue, seldom is the condition of the bulls prior to breeding time evaluated to see if body condition of the bulls could be a potential issue.

Evaluating the body condition score of bulls at least 90 days before breeding and feeding them to gain weight so that they are in a BCS 5.5 to 6.5 at the onset of breeding can help keep bulls active, healthy, and productive through the breeding season. Sixty days prior to the start of the breeding season is probably the last chance to increase weight and BCS without a substantial increase in energy feeds. Be proactive about monitoring bull condition, especially young bulls. University of Nebraska Extension personnel can assist producers with ration development.



NPPC Cancels 2020 World Pork Expo
Next Year's WPX Set for June 9-11, 2021

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) today announced that its board of directors has decided to cancel the 2020 World Pork Expo in June due to COVID-19 human health concerns. World Pork Expo 2021 is scheduled for June 9-11 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

"While deeply disappointed to cancel this year's Expo, NPPC's board of directors unanimously agreed it was prudent to make this decision now," said NPPC President Howard "A.V." Roth, a pork producer from Wauzeka, Wisconsin. "By eliminating COVID 19-related uncertainty surrounding the event, we allow producers and others across the industry to focus on the essential role we play in the nation's food supply system at this critical time."

"We will do our part to support the nation's transition back to normalcy and look forward to making next year's World Pork Expo better than ever," added Roth.

World Pork Expo is the world's largest pork-specific trade show, where more than 20,000 industry professionals gather for three days to showcase innovations, introduce new products and participate in training and educational programs. 



DOT Expands Hours of Service Waivers for Feed Truckers

The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Safety Administration expanded the scope of its nationwide waivers for Hours of Service rules to include feed deliveries, as well as raw materials to manufacture disinfectants and other vital cleaning supplies, among other efforts.

HOS governs the amount of time commercial truckers can drive their loads and when they are required to rest between drives.

Last week, the agency announced HOS waivers to cover livestock haulers.

The waivers remain in force until April 12, and could be extended if warranted by the COVID-19 crisis.



New Study Finds U.S. Soybean Industry Has $115 Billion Impact on the American Economy

The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), a trade association representing owners/operators of oilseed crush facilities, is pleased to announce the availability of a new study, The Economic Impact of the U.S. Soybeans & End Products on the U.S. Economy, that examines the value of the American soybean industry. NOPA partnered with the United Soybean Board (USB) in commissioning LMC International Ltd, an independent economic consulting firm that specializes in global agricultural commodity and agribusiness sectors, to develop the study.

This 31-page study analyzes the soybean value chain’s impact to the U.S. economy, based on data from crop years 2014/15 to 2016/17. As highlighted in the report summary, during this period:
— The total economic impact on the U.S. economy from the soybean sector averaged $115.8 billion.
— The soybean sector supported an average of 357,000 people, comprising 280,000 paid, full-time equivalent jobs as well as an additional 78,000 family members, beyond growers themselves, who support and are supported by soybean farming operations.
— The total wage impact of the sector averaged $11.6 billion.

Economic impacts highlighted in the study are quantified in terms of revenue, wages, jobs and number of people dependent on the sector — all focused on the production, distribution and use of soybeans, and soybean products, spanning across the value chain, from soybean farming and production to consumers and exports. Findings are presented, with educational intent, at the national and state levels, as well as by congressional district. The study also includes one-page summaries for 39 key states where the soybean industry primarily operates.

A copy of the full study (November 2019) is available under the Resources section of NOPA’s website at nopa.org. 



Soy Innovation Challenge to Award Disruptive Innovators

U.S. soybean farmers principally are price takers in the existing soybean supply chain, without transparent access to market signals originating from end users. Similarly, the complexity of the value chain makes it difficult for end users to buy raw materials that meet their needs. To enhance farmers’ ability to make dynamic, profit-enhancing decisions based on clear demand information, the Soy Innovation Challenge, sponsored and founded by the United Soybean Board (USB) and led by the Yield Lab Institute (YLI), aims to solve this problem.

To commemorate National Ag Day, USB and the YLI announce the Soy Innovation Challenge. This non-dilutive startup accelerator program identifies innovative soybean value chain-based product solutions and supports the most promising ones with business coaching and entrepreneurial networking. The Soy Innovation Challenge seeks ideas for the creation of new kinds of supply chain structures and technologies that offer transparency, facilitate alignment based on measurable sustainability parameters and increase farm profitability.

“On the occasion of National Ag Day, it’s critical that the voice of the farmer is present in deciding which disruptive technologies will transform the global food system,” said Andy Fabin, USB director and farmer from Indiana, Pennsylvania.

This partnership between USB and the YLI initiates a real opportunity to increase collaboration and bridge the gap between farmers, agribusinesses, experts and the selected startup companies or teams.

“The soybean value chain represents an exciting new challenge for the Institute,” said Brandon Day, COO at the YLI. “By opening a worldwide call to ag-tech startups in the soy innovation space, we are creating a platform for technology and innovation to capture and provide value directly back to soy farmers.”

With the application period launching March 24 through May 1, 2020, USB and the YLI invite ag-tech startups, project teams and groups to submit their ideas (apply online). This includes entities that operate in the soybean value chain and have an innovative product, service or technology that provides value directly back to U.S. soybean farmers. Cash prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the challenge. All selected teams will receive mentoring and resources to help advance their ideas in the areas of technical, business, financial and environmental impact.

“U.S. agriculture has a unique opportunity to offer solutions to the climate challenge,” said Tim Venverloh, USB Vice President of Sustainability Strategy. “Meeting consumer demand for sustainably produced U.S. soybeans will involve protecting soil health, improving nutrient use efficiency and enhancing the delivery and communication of sustainability information.”



Beef Experts Dish Out Real Facts About Real Beef

In the latest effort to address myths about beef production and nutrition, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, has released a new video series, ‘Real Facts About Real Beef.’ The videos highlight real farmers and ranchers and other beef experts candidly addressing some of the most common misconceptions and questions about cattle and beef.

According to market research, 52 percent of people agree that they trust the people who raise cattle[i]; however, only 27 percent of people say they are knowledgeable about how cattle are raised. [ii] In a time when consumers are more removed from food production than ever, these videos deliver facts directly from the source - beef farmers and ranchers, as well as credentialed experts in the fields of sustainability, human nutrition, and more. 

The videos in this series include:
    Real Facts About Real Beef: Red Meat and Health – Cattle rancher and life coach, Kiah Twisselman, takes on the myth that “red meat is bad for your health” in this video. She highlights that, while there are many mixed messages on the internet about certain foods being bad or good for your health, it is ultimately important that people are eating a well-balanced diet with nutrient dense foods like lean beef.

    Real Facts About Real Beef: Cattle Production and Climate Change – In this video, Carlyn Petersen, an animal biology doctoral student, is tasked with addressing the myth that “methane from cattle is the leading cause of climate change.” She tackles this myth head on with the real fact that cattle only contribute about two percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and that the leading contributor of greenhouse gas is actually the burning of fossil fuels.

    Real Facts About Real Beef: Grazing Cattle vs. Crops – Mike Williams, a cattle rancher and owner of Diamond W Cattle Company, addresses the myth that “instead of letting cattle graze all over, we could be using that land to grow crops for humans.” As a rancher in the western U.S., Williams knows best and shares how cattle largely graze on land that isn’t suitable for growing crops, and that this land actually thrives when grazed properly.

    Real Facts About Real Beef: Cattle Production and the Environment  - For this video, Dr. Frank Mitloehner, a leading expert on cattle and sustainability, debunks the myth that “cattle production and farming is harmful to the environment, creating soil erosion, water pollution and poor air quality.” Dr. Mitloehner explains that, as an animal science researcher, he has found the exact opposite to be true, and that, in fact, a properly run ranch or farm will sequester carbon and promote biodiversity.

“’Real Facts About Real Beef’ is one more way Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is working to help ensure consumers are informed when it comes to how beef is produced and the nutrients it delivers,” said Buck Wehrbein, federation division chair at NCBA. “These videos are a powerful way we’re able to share fact- and science-based information about beef production and nutrition with these important audiences.”

The ‘Real Facts About Real Beef’ videos will be promoted on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, to help address misinformation about beef production and its role in a healthy, sustainable diet. In addition to addressing the myths head on, the videos direct consumers to BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for additional information.

This video series is just the latest from Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. in an effort to debunk myths about the beef industry. In mid-January, new ads, complete with the brand’s unique personality and swagger, were rolled out addressing the topics of health, sustainability and meat substitutes. The initial six-week digital media flight generated more than 35 million consumer touchpoints, reaching more than 11.6 million consumers multiple times.

In addition to these myth busting efforts, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is giving consumers a behind-the-scenes look at beef production with 360° virtual ranch tours. The videos take consumers on an educational journey to farms and ranches across the United States to learn how beef farmers and ranchers raise cattle to produce high-quality beef.

“As a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, we are committed to ensuring consumers, media, chefs, dietitians foodservice, retail partners and other stakeholders have the facts and information they need when it comes to the beef industry,” said Alisa Harrison, senior vice president of global marketing and research at NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

For more facts about real beef, visit www.BeefItWhatsForDinner.com.



Lots of Supplies Amid Market Turmoil
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Cattle and calf prices, futures markets, cutout prices, and provide many great topics for discussion. This week we'll focus on beef supplies. It just so happens that in today's volatile market large amounts of beef (and pork and poultry) are available.

With just 2 days left in the first quarter of 2020, fed steer and heifer slaughter is up 5.4 percent over last year. Cow and bull slaughter is up 4.5 percent over last year. Steer dressed weights are 22.5 pounds greater than in the first quarter last year, while heifer average weights are 13.7 pounds heavier. Cow weights are up 2.6 pounds. Saturday slaughter rates have jumped dramatically as packers work through these large supplies of cattle offered. The last Saturday of March had an estimated 75,000 head slaughtered compared to 34,000 the same weekend the year before and only 14,000 on average over the last five years. The combination of increased slaughter and weights leaves total beef production up 6.7 percent in the first quarter (with a couple days left).

Beyond live cattle slaughtered, loads of wholesale beef are purchased and moved every day. March 16th saw 194.75 loads (7.79 million pounds) of Choice beef cuts move. That was the largest volume day since September, 2011, right before 9/11. Clearly, grocery stores jumping into the market to refill their pipelines and shelves led to large beef movement. Coarse grinds on March 23rd, 44.4 loads, were the largest movement since November, 2017.

A lot more market volatility is likely to come as the effects of covid-19 ripple through our economy. While we come to grips with all the demand implications it's worth recognizing that it is occurring in the time of cyclically peak beef supplies.



NGFA, ag groups, request all states increase truck weight limits

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and more than 60 national agricultural groups today urged each state to increase truck weight limits on highways within their jurisdiction to a “minimum harmonized weight” of 88,000 pounds.

“Increased truck weights improve the food and agriculture industry’s efficiency and capacity to deliver essential food, feed and key ingredients which sustain our food supply chain,” the groups said in a March 30 letter to all state governors, lieutenant governors, transportation directors and agriculture commissioners. “This will become more critical if the availability of truck drivers is impacted adversely by COVID-19.”

The federal “Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security Act” signed into law last week expressly clarifies the U.S. Department of Transportation’s authority to allow states to increase truck weight limits on U.S. highways and Federal Interstate Highways within their jurisdictions during the COVID-19 emergency. 

“Establishing a minimum truck weight limit of 88,000 pounds would ensure that a minimum harmonized weight exists across the country and help protect against essential shipments adhering to this common increase from being impeded at state borders,” the letter notes.

The NGFA has been working to encourage consistency among state, federal and local rules that affect business operations and COVID-19 emergency response efforts. In a March 25 letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) spearheaded by NGFA and signed by more than 50 other agricultural groups, NGFA urged the agency to grant relief from federal drive time hours-of-service rules for all truck drivers hauling agricultural goods.



NMPF Coronavirus Page Adds Employer Section, Boosts Spanish-Language Resources

The National Milk Producers Federation’s coronavirus webpage has added key guidance documents for agricultural employers in the wake of recent legislation and also expanded its Spanish-language resources to meet member needs as farmer economic and workforce situations rapidly evolve.

Under “Guidance for Employers,” the site includes materials from the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Small Business Administration and others that will help agricultural employers navigate complex workforce matters. Meanwhile, documents important to both employers and employees, including NMPF’s Dairy Farmer Handbook on Coronavirus Prevention and Management, are being made available in Spanish, ensuring that essential information is available across all facets of dairy production.

“Dairy farms are built on high-quality workforces that are responding to the nation’s need for dairy products 24 hours a day, seven days a week at an extremely challenging time. We know that employers have questions, and we are doing our best to help address them,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, the largest U.S. dairy-farmer group. “We also know that many U.S. dairies and their supply chains are built on the labor of hard-working, highly skilled Spanish-speaking workers. The resources we are making available make certain that everyone throughout dairy is better-equipped to manage this crisis.”

NMPF’s increased efforts in workforce guidance predate coronavirus, through the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program’s Workforce Development initiative.



Sorghum Checkoff Board Launches Sustainability Initiative, Hires Everhart-Valentin as Sustainability Director

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program has launched an initiative to increase market value for growers by positioning sorghum as a sustainable solution for food, feed and energy sectors that serves the global community and its needs for nutrition and environmental health. The board also recently named Kira Everhart-Valentin as the organization’s first sustainability director.

Everhart-Valentin will be responsible for developing and leading the sorghum industry’s sustainability initiatives and will continually assess opportunities for investment and collaboration to increase the value of sorghum for farmers and industry stakeholders.

“We are delighted to have Kira join the Sorghum Checkoff,” Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director Florentino Lopez said. “Her unique skill set and experience will bring a meaningful perspective to developing and maintaining a sustainability strategy that appropriately highlights sorghum’s potential as an environmentally sustainable crop while still respecting the importance of maintaining economic stability for sorghum producers.”

Everhart-Valentin is a graduate of Kansas State University and has a master’s degree in political science and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and journalism in addition to bachelor’s degrees in modern languages and international studies.

She has worked in the sorghum industry for a number of years, beginning with serving Western Kansas farmers and businesses. Most recently, she served as the program coordinator with the USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab on Collaborative Research on Sorghum and Millet at Kansas State University, working extensively internationally.

In this role, she managed a global program on sorghum and millet with partners across nine different countries. The program linked U.S. teams with international teams across various areas of sorghum innovation and technology, including genetic improvement, agronomic practices and end-use processing.

“I’m excited to help define what sustainability means to sorghum as a crop and an industry,” Everhart-Valentin said. “I hope to connect sorghum's many environmentally sustainable qualities to end users and consumers in a way that responds to the increasing demand for sustainable production practices while bringing value back to the sorghum grower for utilizing those responsible practices.”

More information about sorghum and its sustainable benefits can be found at SorghumCheckoff.com/Sorghum-Sustains or SimplySorghum.com/Sorghum-Sustains.