Wednesday March 18 Ag News

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:

Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board
Kent W. Pulfer, Wayne
Douglas Temme, Wayne
William L. Thiele, Clearwater

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.



NSB accepting applications for Market Development Coordinator Until March 23

The Nebraska Soybean Board has extended the deadline for people to express interest in their Market Development Coordinator position.  The NSB Market Development Coordinator is responsible for conducting a variety of tasks on behalf of the soybean board.

The main responsibility of the Market Development Coordinator is to work with international and domestic contractors and industry contacts to open new markets for Nebraska soybeans. In order to this, the position works as a program manager to monitor projects that have been funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board international and domestic committees. This includes meticulous examination of invoices and quarterly reports, providing resources and assistance to programs that NSB has chosen to fund. Regularly attending industry meetings to present about Nebraska Soybean, and organization updates and project reports at NSB board meetings.

If you are interested in the position, please submit your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Scott Ritzman at scott@nebraskasoybeans.org by March 23, 2020.  More information here... nebraskasoybeans.org. 



CUMING CO FEEDERS BANQUET POSTPONED

The Cuming County Feeders Board of Directors has decided to postpone the Cuming Co. Feeders Banquet that was scheduled for April 18. They are working on setting a date for the banquet to be held this summer.  All contribution that have been received will be mailed back.  For more information, call Pat at 402-380-8314 or Keith at 402-380-8648.

Nebraska Soybean Board meeting Cancelled
The Nebraska Soybean Board has cancelled their meeting for Thursday, March 19 through Friday, March 20 at the Embassy Suites located at 1040 P Street in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Other COVID-19 Cancellations and Postponements......
March 28 - Burt County Cattlemen Ladies Night Out, Tekamah - Cancelled
April 4 - Washington County Cattlemen Banquet, Arlington - Postponed TBD



Nebraska Cattlemen Applauds Action Letters to COVID-19 Task Force and Packers

Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) staff and leadership, focused on finding solutions to help correct the market situation, applaud two letters the National Cattlemen Beef Association (NCBA) sent March 17th to top government and packing industry leaders.

The first letter went to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence as chair of the federal government's response to the coronavirus outbreak. The letter asks that the Administration, in partnership with state and local leaders, take swift and proactive steps to minimize the negative consequences of COVID-19 and preserve the economic viability of the U.S. beef supply chain. Specifically, it asks for USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) to expand the availability of low- and zero-interest loans in addition to increasing flexibility of terms for existing loans. Further, it requests FSA coordinate with USDA Rural Development and the Small Business Administration throughout the implementation of these accommodations.

Regarding transportation, the letter requests the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) emergency declaration and suspension of Hours of Service to extend to haulers transporting shipments of livestock feed, critically important animal health technologies, and trucks moving livestock to feedyards and packing facilities. This critical step will not only keep cattle haulers in business, but it is the only way to ensure movement across the entire beef supply chain during this challenging time.

Regarding cattle prices, and the increasing disparity between cattle and boxed beef prices, it requests that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) keep a close eye on the cattle markets to ensure that no one tries to use the uncertainty of the live cattle market to manipulate or illegally take advantage of the situation.

The letter explains that the U.S. cattle producers are no strangers to difficulties in the market created by factors outside of their control and believe they will recover from these dark days in due time. Cattle families feel the impact of this pandemic just like other families and will do their best to keep cattle healthy and to provide American families with safe, high-quality beef. Producers ask government leaders to work with them to keep the stream of commerce moving as efficiently as possible so that they may continue to keep store shelves stocked with beef for American consumers.

NC also supports the second letter, which was sent to the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), the trade organization representing packers. It asks that NAMI members be aggressive in the cash market and base their bids on the increased cutout value we see rather than the futures. This will help with market liquidity and transparency, thus helping bring some stability back to the cattle markets. Second, it asks packers to participate in the weekly Fed Cattle Exchange to provide further confidence to the producer segment of our industry by providing transparency and price discovery. The letter also asks that NAMI actively communicate your actions with NCBA and allow us to communicate those actions to the full beef community.

The letter to NAMI states NCBA will continue to work with USDA to ensure it provides the inspectors and graders to keep the beef supply moving. Any plant shutdown or slowdown will further compound the economic impact on feeders, stockers, and cow/calf producers. NCBA will also help to fight any attempt to restrict interstate commerce that would impact the flow of cattle and beef.

About the calls for action, Nebraska Cattlemen President Ken Herz said NC staff and leadership remain committed to members. "Please know we are working diligently to find solutions to the current situation while keeping our long-term focus on improving market transparency and reducing market volatility. We will continue to keep you up to date as more information becomes available."



Nebraska Farm Bureau President Says Risk of COVID-19 Spread to Rural Nebraska “Real”, Offers Checklist to Help Farmers, Ranchers Prepare

Nebraska Farm Bureau is advising farmers, ranchers, and other rural Nebraskans to not underestimate the risk posed by the potential spread of COVID-19. While most of the confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 have occurred in Eastern Nebraska, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson is urging all Nebraskans to take precautions to help minimize the potential for spread and encouraging farmers and ranchers to prepare for possible impacts to their rural communities and agricultural operations.

“I know some may view the COVID-19 outbreak as only a concern to our state’s high-density population centers, but make no mistake, the potential for the spread of COVID-19 to rural areas is real. It’s especially serious considering the unique challenges rural hospitals and health care providers may face in treating and containing the virus. It’s imperative we all do our part to try and slow the spread of this highly contagious disease. It’s also critical we make sure our farm and ranch operators are ready to deal with possible ramifications in the event of expanded spread,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

To aid agriculture producers in preparing for potential COVID-19 expansion, Nebraska Farm Bureau developed a list of things for farmers and ranchers to consider, covering topics from personal health to operational preparedness.

“There’s no reason for panic, but every reason to plan ahead and be prepared,” said Nelson.

The preparedness list includes:

Protect personal health of farm/ranch owner/operators and employees.
    Personal health is an important first step. Washing hands frequently, disinfecting shared surfaces, and making sure soap and other sanitization supplies are available to employees is a key first step. Strengthening immune systems by taking vitamins and making good food choices is another way to stay healthy. For example, beef is good source of zinc that keeps immune systems strong. Doing business over the phone or online when possible can help limit in-person visits and potential exposure.

Plan for possible labor shortages.
    Ask yourself – what is my plan if my farm help can only work limited hours due to school closings or other events? Are there things my employees can do remotely via technology if they can’t be there in person? Do I have others who can help if my current labor force is unavailable?

Plan for possible supply/input shortages.
    Do I have a backup for feed, fuel, and other inputs in the event my normal channels or supply lines are disrupted? Do I have enough supplies on-hand to weather short-term disruptions? Do I have enough on-farm storage capacity for fuel and other inputs if there is an extended shortage?

Communicate with those with whom you do business.
    Stay in close contact with your business partners - including both input suppliers and those to whom you sell commodities and products. Doing so will give you the best information to make decisions. Are processors, co-ops, etc., accepting delivery? Are they running normal schedules and hours?

Communicate any disruptions.
    If you experience or hear of disruptions in supply chains alert Nebraska Farm Bureau immediately via email at information@nefb.org. Nebraska Farm Bureau will continue to exchange information with state and federal officials focused on addressing disruptions and maintaining a safe food supply.

“Farmers and ranchers play a critical role in assuring the safety and abundance of our nation’s food supply. In the face of COVID-19, it is imperative we as agricultural producers do our part to help maintain our food system. That means being prepared on our operations and taking personal responsibility and precautions to help slow the potential spread of the virus. By protecting ourselves, our communities, and our farms and ranches, Nebraska farmers and ranchers can play a positive role in working with Nebraskans to collectively address the challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Nelson.



Coronavirus Creates Trade Deal Uncertainty

With planting season just weeks away, news of the coronavirus has farmers wondering what to expect in the marketplace and how it might impact the recently announced phase one trade deal with China.

According to the deal, China has agreed to buy $12.5 billion in U.S. agricultural products in 2020, and $19.5 billion more in 2021. Recent world events have caused uncertainty as to when those shipments will begin, and whether the targets will be met.

“The farmers are hopeful, but they want to understand how the phase one deal will impact their income and export potential, and the coronavirus adds significant uncertainty” said Wendong Zhang, an assistant professor and extension economist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

In an article he co-authored for The Conversation – an independent and nonprofit source of news analysis from academic experts, Zhang says China can still make the purchases noted in the deal, at least for the year 2020, but current events will make doing so more challenging.

“A resilient and recovering Chinese economy means the country can comply with the trade deal and potentially minimize damage to the U.S. economy from an ongoing trade war,” according to the article, which also adds, “Make no mistake. These disruptions have been profound.”

New restrictions in China and the U.S. have led to significant reductions in Chinese imports, according to Zhang, with the possibility that the start date for the phase one deal could be pushed back from February, to late April or May. The rapid spread of coronavirus in Europe and the U.S. makes Chinese buyers even more cautious regarding overseas personnel and cargo flows.

In the article, which Zhang co-authored with Tao Xiong, professor of agricultural economics at Huazhong Agricultural University in China and a visiting scholar at the Iowa State Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, the authors say another factor affecting trade is market prices.

The phase one deal allows Chinese agricultural purchases to be based on market prices and commercial considerations, rather than quarterly purchase targets or commodity-specific purchase contracts. This provision gives China more flexibility with what it purchases, according to the article. For example, China recently bid on U.S. sorghum.

Zhang said there is reason for U.S. producers to be optimistic, including China’s own post-coronavirus recovery and increased demand for pork and other proteins, due mostly to the devastating effects of African swine fever.

“Once life returns to normal, as the coronavirus outbreak slows globally, I think the orders and shipments will slowly ramp up. But the coronavirus will definitely be a hard hit,” Zhang said.



Pulled Pork Madness: Voting Underway to Determine 'Elite 8'

Has the NCAA's cancellation of March Madness given you the blues? Get in on some bracket action with the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Pulled Pork Madness, a competition that pits Iowa restaurants against each other for the best pulled pork sandwich. The "Sweet 16" matchups were announced Monday.

Members of the public have until noon Friday, March 20 to vote for their favorites and help determine which advance to the next round. Past winners-Warehouse Barbecue Co. + Brewhouse in Ottumwa (2019) and Moo's BBQ in Newton (2018)-are going head to head in District 7.

The monthlong contest, which mimics the college basketball tournament, follows a similar narrowing process that gets restaurants to the "Elite 8" and "Final Four."

Restaurants in the "Sweet 16" are:
District - Restaurant - Town
1 - Sizzlin' J Bar & Grill - Galva
1 - Burn Unit BBQ - Sibley
2 - Smokin' Grumps Barbecue - Rockwell City
2 - Double M Catering & Sandwich Shop - Emmetsburg
3 - Blue Barn BBQ - Cedar Falls
3 - Starbeck's Smokehouse - Cedar Falls
4 - Backwoods Bar and Grill - McGregor
4 - Bents Smokehouse & Pub - Westgate
5 - The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon - Logan
5 - Smokin with E's Bbq (Cafe Sign) Lenox
6 - Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew - Luther
6 - ShortE's BBQ - Johnston
7 - Warehouse Barbecue Co. + Brewhouse - Ottumwa
7 - Moo's BBQ - Newton
8 - Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon - Iowa City
8 - Kula's It's Just Sauce - Walker

Earlier this month, nearly 1,700 pork fans nominated Iowa restaurants they felt have the best pulled pork sandwiches. Of the 125 restaurants nominated, the two with the most votes in each of IPPA's eight districts make up the "Sweet 16" bracket.

Playoffs will be fast and furious. Other voting deadlines are March 25 (Elite 8), March 30 (Final Four) and April 2 (championship round). The winner will be announced April 3.

Cast votes and see the results from each round at IPPA's website, https://www.iowapork.org/, and by following the organization's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/IowaPork/. Also, keep up with the contest on social media using the #PulledPorkMadness hashtag.

"This campaign is a fun way to promote businesses around the state, including restaurants, bars and food trucks who serve up delicious pulled pork sandwiches," said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA's marketing and programs director. "We love the interaction and excitement for pork that comes with this bracket-style competition!"

Along with bragging rights, the winning restaurant will receive $250 and a "Pulled Pork Madness" plaque.



$2 million gift from leading ag organizations supports Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory project

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and the Iowa Pork Producers Association have each committed a gift of $1 million to help enhance the animal health, food safety, public health and competitiveness of Iowa’s animal agricultural industries.

The commitment will support the new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) building project at Iowa State University. The laboratory is the only full-service and fully accredited veterinary diagnostic lab in Iowa and has been a state and national leader in protecting animal and human health since it was established in 1947. Processing more than 90,000 submissions a year – and more than a million tests in total – the laboratory plays a key role in ensuring animal health, including wildlife and companion animals; public health; world food safety; and the competitiveness of Iowa’s $32 billion animal agricultural industry.

“Our investment underscores how Iowa’s pig farmers rely on this in-state facility to help us quickly recognize and contain animal diseases,” said Mike Paustian, the Walcott farmer who is president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “The current VDL has been pushed to its limits, while the need for the services they provide continues expanding rapidly. Over 75 percent of the samples being submitted to the VDL are from pig farms, which is why we have decided to help lead the charge to secure the funds needed for this project. Not only is that important to us, but to Iowa’s rural economy. The VDL is a world-class resource that will be critical to the future success of pork producers in Iowa.”

The investment in the new state-of-the-art facility will help greatly increase the state’s diagnostic service and discovery capabilities for current and future generations of Iowa’s livestock farmers. In addition, the new facility will help keep Iowa State at the forefront in discovery of emerging and re-emerging diseases, provide a rich caseload to teach future veterinary practitioners and make innovative discoveries regarding new methods to control and eradicate diseases.

“Livestock is critical to Iowa’s agricultural industry so it is imperative that we are constantly innovating and continuously improving what we do for the overall well-being of our animals and our food supply,” said Craig Hill, president of Iowa Farm Bureau and multi-generation livestock farmer from Ackworth, Iowa. “With this new world-class facility, Iowa livestock farmers will have immediate access to unbiased, third-party diagnoses in livestock and poultry to help ensure a safe food supply for future generations.”

“We are very grateful for the visionary generosity of the Iowa Pork Producers and Iowa Farm Bureau," said Dan Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. "Through their partnership with Iowa State and the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will continue to be a leader in protecting animal and human health while advancing Iowa’s animal agriculture economy.”

The Iowa Pork Producers promotes, educates and provides a leading voice for a sustainable, socially responsible and globally competitive pork industry.

The Iowa Farm Bureau is the largest statewide, grassroots farm organization in Iowa celebrating over 100 years of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families and their communities.

Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa Farm Bureau made their gift commitments through the Iowa State University Foundation. The foundation is a private, nonprofit organization committed to securing and managing gifts that benefit Iowa State University. The Forever True, For Iowa State campaign, with a historic goal to raise $1.5 billion, will help support Iowa State in becoming the premier land-grant university for the 21st century and beyond.



International Conference on Pig Survivability set for October 28-29

The International Conference on Pig Survivability is planned for October 28 and 29 in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Hilton Omaha. The conference is part of the Improving Pig Survivability project, a five-year, interdisciplinary, multi-university project funded by the National Pork Board and Foundation for Food and Agriculture. It's aimed at reducing mortality in the U.S. swine industry by 1% or more per year of the project.

Joel DeRouchey, swine extension specialist with Kansas State University, said the conference objective is to facilitate the discussion and dissemination of the most current information relative to sow, litter, weaned pig and grow-finish mortality.

“By featuring presentations and panel discussions from industry leaders and scientific experts, we want to bring the industry together to motivate change,” he said. “We want attendees to walk away with a sense of urgency toward the issue of mortality and some practical ideas of what to do about it.”

Jason Ross, director of Iowa State University's Iowa Pork Industry Center, said attendees will hear from well-known presenters.

“The conference will feature speakers from an array of swine-related businesses and organizations that will discuss relevant, take-home messages to impact swine survivability," he said.

Confirmed speakers and topics are:
    Dr. Lee Schulz, Iowa State University; economics of swine mortality
    Ron Ketchem, Swine Management Services, a division of MetaFarms; trends of U.S. swine survivability
    Dr. Bill Christianson, COO of Genus PIC; trends of international swine survivability
    Cassie Edgar, McKee, Voorhees, and Sease, PLC; advancing technology — regulatory, advocating, and future
    Gustavo Pizarro, DVM, Pipestone Veterinary Services; industry successes and failures in pre-weaning survivability
    Chris Rademacher, DVM, Iowa State University; industry successes and failures in post-weaning survivability
    Valerie Duttlinger, Chief Analytics Officer at Summit Smart Farms; finding the right people for the right jobs
    Sara Probst Miller, DVM, Ag Create Solutions president and creative director; effective training: what works and what does not
    Larry Coleman, DVM; keeping the urgency with employees
    Dr. Justin Ransom, senior director, Sustainable Food Strategy at Tyson Foods; social responsibility of pig survivability
    Dr. Fernando Bortolozzo, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; breeding herd mortality: opportunities for measurable impact
    Dr. Kara Stewart, Purdue University; pre-weaning mortality: opportunities for measurable impact
    Deb Murray, DVM, New Fashion Pork; nursery mortality: opportunities for measurable impact
    Jim Pillen, DVM, Pillen Family Farms; finishing mortality: opportunities for measurable impact
    Bill Even, CEO National Pork Board; call to action
    Dr. Noel Williams, COO Iowa Select Farms, and Mike Tokach, Kansas State University; conference impressions: now, what should we do to capture value in academics and industry
    Numerous industry panels for interactive discussions

To learn more about the conference, visit https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/survivability/. Registration will open in May. To be notified when registration is open and to receive other updates from the Improving Pig Survivability project, subscribe to project updates at www.piglivability.org.

The Improving Pig Survivability project is organized as a collaborative effort by Iowa State University, Kansas State University and Purdue University. 



NPPC Renews Call for Labor Solutions, Other Essential Support for Pork Production Continuity

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) renewed its call for government help to prevent a severe labor shortage from becoming a crisis. The decision by the U.S. Department of State to suspend visa processing in Mexico threatens to worsen the labor shortage in the pork industry and across U.S. agriculture. Mexico is a very important source of labor for U.S. hog farmers and packing plants.  

"I want to underscore that our farms and plants are not in crisis today," said NPPC President Howard "A.V." Roth, a pork producer from Wauzeka, Wisconsin. "Farmers are the foundation and heart of the food supply system. Hog farmers and others in the pork industry are doing their part to ensure American kitchens are well-stocked. But we are very concerned about the recent State Department announcement regarding consulates in Mexico and the implications for our operations."

The pork industry, a farm sector that operates year-round, uses the H-2A visa program for specialized work, but cannot use the program for most labor needs because of its seasonal limitation. Hog farmers are major users of the TN visa program, which taps labor from Mexico.

In addition to workforce concerns, NPPC said U.S. pork producers need additional federal support, including:
-    Clarity from the U.S. Department of Transportation that farms are part of the critical domestic infrastructure needed to produce the food that feeds America and the world. This clear designation ensures the uninterrupted supply of commercial feed and other production inputs to farms, as well as the transport of livestock from farm to market. Hog farmers also have concerns about the potential shortage of standard supplies such as boot covers, coveralls and disinfectants needed to maintain high standards of biosecurity, animal care and food safety.
-    Provisions in the pending congressional relief package to provide financial support for childcare for farm and plant workers.

Roth added, "U.S. hog farmers are committed to maintaining the continuity of the food supply and we stand with the administration in its response to the COVID-19 challenge. The pork supply chain is operating, but now is the time to get ahead of looming challenges and ensure federal and state policies support farmers and the critical role they play in meeting the nutritional needs of the nation."



Webinar Series to Address the Impact of Coronavirus on Corn Belt Ag

The coronavirus is causing unprecedented disruptions in the U.S. and global economies, including the corn industry. You can get a better handle on developments by participating in a series of “live” webinar events starting Friday, March 20, beginning at 11 a.m.

The farmdoc webinars by the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences will be happening the following dates and times:
    Fri, Mar 20, 2020 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
    Tue, Mar 24, 2020 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
    Fri, Mar 27, 2020 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
    Mon, Mar 30, 2020 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT

The webinars are expected to be 30-minutes long but can be extended, if necessary. Each webinar will begin with brief presentations, with the bulk of the time available to answer questions from attendees. Register here... ncga.com.



Farm Bureau Highlights Immediate Challenges Facing the Agriculture Sector

American Farm Bureau has released its first assessment of the impact on farmers and ranchers in the wake of the national mitigation efforts to combat COVID-19. 

In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, AFBF President Zippy Duvall pledged that “America’s farmers and ranchers will be with you every step of the way, doing all that we can to help you win this fight and to ensure the health, safety and prosperity of all America.” USDA invited Farm Bureau to convey agricultural issues or concerns arising as the pandemic mitigation efforts and impact advance. Duvall said labor, supply chain issues and possible price manipulation topped the list of immediate issues farmers are raising with the national organization.

The letter, which will be updated as new issues materialize, outlines concerns from Farm Bureau members across the country as national and local leaders take action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health. 

H-2A
With the State Department’s announcement to suspend all processing of new, non-emergency visa applications in Mexico, U.S. farms and ranches could face a serious labor shortage at a critical time for planting and harvesting crops essential to the domestic food supply. U.S agriculture depends on more than a quarter-million H-2A workers every year, and Farm Bureau is calling on the Administration to find a safe measure to ensure these skilled workers can come to our farms and ranches. AFBF along with members of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition also sent a letter to Secretary of State Pompeo to address these concerns.

Supply Chain
“As companies adopt social distancing policies in keeping with health directives, this mode of work could have a significant impact on the processing plants that drive America’s supply chain,” Duvall wrote. Meat packing plants, dairy processors, ethanol plants and other processing facilities all play vital roles in delivering the food and fuel Americans will continue to depend on in the long days ahead. Additional impacts could include access to seed, fertilizer and crop protection tools farmers need to grow a healthy crop. In addition to calling for close monitoring of potential shutdowns or reduced hours at these facilities, Farm Bureau is also requesting that the current FMCSA Emergency Declaration waiver to hours of service for food transportation be expanded to address the full agricultural supply chain.

Market Concerns
Maintaining stable and fair markets is especially critical at times like these. Duvall noted concerns from livestock producers regarding market manipulation and urged USDA to monitor the situation to protect ranchers and consumers alike from price manipulation. In the fresh produce market, growers have expressed concerns regarding possible dumping of products from other countries. “USDA should work with the appropriate Federal agencies in ensuring U.S. farmers are not unfairly disadvantaged during this unique period,” Duvall wrote.

Duvall also noted USDA’s unique role in urging rural America to take all the prescribed measures to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of COVID-19, and thanked Secretary Perdue for his leadership in addressing the crisis facing agriculture and rural America. “We applaud your leadership and commitment and stand ready to work with you as our nation meets this unique challenge.”



Fertilizer Prices Remain Mixed

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mixed which has been the trend in several months now, according to prices tracked by DTN for the second week of March 2020.

Five fertilizers were lower in price compared to last month but none were down a sizeable amount. DAP had an average price of $407/ton, MAP $432/ton, potash $370/ton, anhydrous $490/ton and UAN28 $235/ton.

The remaining three fertilizers, meanwhile, had a minor price increase looking back to last month. Urea had an average price of $377/ton, 10-34-0 $466/ton and UAN32 $278/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.41/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.42/lb.N and UAN32 $0.44/lb.N.

Retail fertilizers are now all lower in price from a year ago. DAP is 20% lower, MAP is 19% less expensive, anhydrous is 18% lower, both UAN28 and UAN32 are 13% less expensive, urea is 6% lower, potash is 4% less expensive and 10-34-0 is 1% lower from last year at this time.



IRFA Announces Partnership with ISU BioBus

Many of the often-touted benefits of biodiesel – from cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions to high-paying jobs in rural communities – benefit the next generation beyond all others. In recognition of the important role students and young professionals will play in the future of the biodiesel industry, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is announcing a partnership with Iowa State University’s BioBus program.

BioBus is an on-campus, student-run organization that collects used cooking oil from Iowa State’s campus dining facilities and uses it to make biodiesel to be used in the school’s CyRide buses.

“We are excited to partner with a group of your scientists who recognize the power and potential of biodiesel,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt. “BioBus provides students a platform where the next generation of scientists can learn not only about the science behind biodiesel but see its benefits play out in the real world.”

In addition to providing a donation to the program, IRFA intends to work alongside the group and help support their growth, enabling them to achieve their goals to expand production and student participation.

“We are thankful to IRFA for their support,” said John Cramsey, President of the BioBus club. “Our club looks forward to expanding our reach here on campus in terms of both biodiesel production and student awareness of the benefits of biodiesel.”



Newly Branded Vehicles Highlight of Biodiesel Day

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today launched its 2020 vehicle branding program designed to showcase biodiesel’s sustainability and emissions reduction benefits. The program kicks-off on National Biodiesel Day, the anniversary of Rudolf Diesel’s birthday, with the theme “Biodiesel: Better. Cleaner. Now!”

“When Rudolf invented the diesel engine in the 1890s, it was designed to run on peanut oil and he envisioned the prominent role plant oils could play in fueling vehicles of the future,” said Kaleb Little, NBB director of communications. “Our industry has come a long way since then and we are excited to highlight numerous fleets advertising their biodiesel use right on their vehicles."

NBB is also launching the 2020 branding program to help biodiesel users across the country share their stories of sustainability and emissions reductions.

“Our new tagline, “Biodiesel: Better. Cleaner. Now!”, tells the biodiesel story simply," said Little. "Biodiesel is better and cleaner than petroleum diesel – with proven environmental, health and economic benefits – and is ready to use now, unlike some other options that require massive infrastructure or retrofit investments.”

NBB encourages biodiesel users to promote their use of biodiesel and share its benefits by applying for matching funds to be used for vehicle branding initiatives which may include wraps, stickers, or other innovative efforts. Applications are available online  and are due by April 30, 2020.

In 2019, NBB provided matching funds to six biodiesel users. They include Roslin Enterprises; Cape Cod Biofuels; The City of Moline, Illinois; G&D Integrated; CityLink, Greater Peoria Mass Transit District; and Al Warren Oil.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/13/2020

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending Mar. 13, ethanol production moderated with a 0.9% decline, or 9,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 1.035 million b/d—equivalent to 43.47 million gallons daily. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 0.1% to 1.053 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.14 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks expanded 1.1% to 24.6 million barrels. Inventories shifted higher across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and Midwest
(PADD 2).

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded after 9,000 b/d hit the books the prior week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of January 2020.)

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market accelerated by 2.6% to 9.696 million b/d (407.23 million gallons per day, or 148.64 bg annualized), the largest volume since mid-September. However, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol veered 0.4% lower to 915,000 b/d—equivalent to 14.03 bg annualized.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production retreated to 10.67%.



Two Grain Barges Sink on Lower Mississippi River

A tugboat leading a train of barges of grain collided with the Luling Bridge Sunday morning, sinking two of the barges in the Mississippi River.  The Mississippi River had been closed near the Luling Bridge, upriver from New Orleans.  No injuries were reported in the crash, according to a spokesman for the Coast Guard.

Two of the 29 barges being pulled by the tugboat sank in the crash. It's unclear how much grain was spilled into the Mississippi.



ACE alerts Trump Administration and Congress economic stimulus will be needed amid COVID-19 market fallout

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads across the U.S., threatening American lives and adversely impacting the nation’s economy, the transportation fuel sector will be especially hard hit.  Declines in consumer gasoline use will shrink demand for corn ethanol. In response to the economic turmoil being felt by its members, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings released the following statement:

“As Americans do their part to minimize activities and slow the coronavirus’ spread, it creates yet another headwind for ACE members already harmed by trade wars and EPA’s abuse of small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). While the Trump Administration was quick to buoy Big Oil by pledging federal purchases to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the President and Congress will also need to take action to help ethanol producers, and the farmers supplying them corn, who are suffering a proportional economic disaster.

“Preliminary economic forecasts estimate the lack of gasoline consumption caused by the coronavirus will likely reduce ethanol demand by hundreds of millions of gallons and cut corn grind by hundreds of millions of bushels. Demand destruction could be on steroids for several weeks, taking money from the pockets of farmers and ethanol producers who are already suffering from trade wars and mismanagement of the RFS.

“As a first step, the Administration should announce it will comply with the Tenth Circuit’s ruling limiting small refinery exemptions, which benefit oil companies at the expense of farmers and rural Americans, and apply the court’s decision nationally to end the misuse of the RFS. Additionally, EPA should at long last restore 500 million gallons to the RFS in compliance with the 2017 DC Circuit Court case regarding the improper use of EPA’s waiver authority.

“Further, with China releasing its list of U.S. companies eligible to export DDGs earlier this week, the Administration must push to reduce or remove Chinese tariffs to make that huge potential export market a reality. Ethanol producers have diversified over the past several years, enabling them to adjust operations and increase co-product output in response to market signals. Now more than ever we need to sell ethanol and DDGs into all domestic and foreign markets.

“These are first steps. ACE will be actively discussing additional actions that can be deployed both in the near- and long-term to mitigate the staggering and potentially unprecedented impact coronavirus will have on ethanol demand. Whether that be new policies to spur the use of low carbon fuels or additional emergency authorities the Administration or Congress could implement, ACE will be providing decisionmakers in the nation’s capital with economic stimulus recommendations.”



Nominations Now Accepted for Beef Quality Assurance Awards

Nominations for the 14th annual National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards are now being accepted. Deadline for nominations is June 5, 2020.

The 2020 National BQA Awards recognize five winners in the areas of beef producer, dairy, marketing and education:
-    The beef producer honors include BQA Cow Calf and BQA Feedyard awards, which recognize producers who best demonstrate the implementation of BQA principles as part of the day-to-day activities on their respective operations;
-    The BQA / FARM (Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) award honors those dairy operations that demonstrate the best in animal care and handling while implementing the BQA and FARM programs at the highest levels;
-    The BQA Marketer Award acknowledges livestock markets, cattle buyers and supply-chain programs that promote BQA to their customers and offer them opportunities to get certified; and
-    The BQA Educator Award celebrates individuals or companies that provide high quality and innovative training to individuals that care and handle cattle throughout the industry chain.

“These awards recognize the industry’s most accomplished representatives of quality in beef production, marketing and education,” according to Glen Dolezal, PhD, AVP Technical Services and Procurement, Cargill Protein. “They also demonstrate the pride we all have in the work being done to enhance our industry and the products we provide to consumers.”

The National BQA Awards are selected by a committee of BQA-certified representatives from universities, state beef councils, sponsors and affiliated groups. Nominations may be submitted by organizations, groups or individuals on behalf of a U.S. beef producer, dairy producer, marketer or educator. Individuals and families may not nominate themselves, though the nominees are expected to be involved in the preparation of the application. Past nominees are encouraged to submit their application under the new nomination structure. Previous winners may not reapply.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association manages the BQA program as a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. Funding for the BQA Awards is made possible by the generosity of Cargill, which has supported the program since its inception, and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, which sponsors the BQA educator award.

For the application and nomination requirements, as well as more information about BQA, go here... www.bqa.org.  All nominations are due by June 5, 2020.



Center for Food Safety Filed Lawsuit Against FDA Challenging Decision to Approve Genetically Engineered Soy Protein Found in the Impossible Burger 

Yesterday, Center for Food Safety (CFS) filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its decision to decline the advocacy group’s objections to the agency’s approval of a genetically engineered (GE) soy protein used in the Impossible Burger. Also referred to as genetically engineered “heme,” soy leghemoglobin is the color additive Impossible Foods uses to make its plant-based burger appear to “bleed.”

CFS’s lawsuit asserts that FDA used the wrong legal standard when it reviewed and approved GE heme to be used in raw Impossible Burgers sold in grocery stores. Instead of using the color additive safety standard that specifies “convincing evidence that establishes with reasonable certainty that no harm will result from the intended use of the color additive,” FDA conflated that standard with the food additive safety standard, which does not specify that there must be “convincing evidence.”

“By treating these two standards as ‘the same,’ FDA ignored the ‘convincing evidence’ requirement out of its color additive safety standard, which the agency isn’t legally allowed to do,” said Ryan Talbott, staff attorney at CFS. “This isn’t just a problem with FDA’s review and approval of soy leghemoglobin, but how the agency consistently ignores the “convincing evidence” standard in its review of all color additives that are added to our food.”

In order to make this GMO heme, Impossible Foods uses the process of synthetic biology (or synbio) to extract DNA from the roots of soy plants—where a small amount of heme is produced—and inserts the DNA into genetically engineered yeast where it is fermented to mass-produce this genetically engineered heme.

“This heme produced using synbio has never been consumed before. FDA should have required additional independent testing to make sure that this new substance does not cause allergic reactions or other health problems in people,” said Jaydee Hanson, Center for Food Safety’s policy director. “But instead of following its own guidelines for 90-day studies, the agency allowed the company to conduct a 28-day study to evaluate the safety of its own product.”

CFS filed an objection to FDA’s approval of the GE heme in uncooked Impossible Burgers in October 2019. This objection should have halted Impossible Burger sales in grocery stores, but several chains including Wegmans, Gelson's, and Fairway Market started selling Impossible Burgers illegally before FDA responded to CFS’s objection.

While CFS avidly supports plant-based eating, the lack of transparency in getting the GE Impossible Burger in restaurants and retail stores highlights a troubling deregulatory trend which prioritizes corporate profit over public health and safety.