Friday April 3 Ag News

RURAL POLL HAS GIVEN A VOICE TO RURAL NEBRASKANS FOR 25 YEARS

In the coming weeks, the Nebraska Rural Poll will arrive in the mailboxes of 7,000 Nebraskans living in rural parts of the state, just as it has each year since 1996.

This year is special — 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the poll, which has given rural Nebraskans an annual platform to voice their opinions and concerns on wide-ranging and important topics including agricultural policy, energy, the environment, climate change, government, crime, education, health care, housing, immigration, taxes, community development strategies, technology and work.

“Rural people haven’t always felt they have much of a voice,” said Becky Vogt, manager of survey research for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics, which developed and administers the poll. “Nebraska’s urban population can sometimes overshadow the rest of the state.”

The poll also gives city, state and federal leaders, economic development groups, researchers and others who use poll data a mechanism to measure changes over time in rural Nebraskans’ sense of well-being and satisfaction with their communities, said Brad Lubben, a Nebraska Extension policy specialist.

The poll’s founders, Husker agricultural economists John Allen and Sam Cordes, designed the poll so some questions about broad topics, including sense of personal well-being and satisfaction with services, were asked year after year.

“It’s important to ask those questions every year to know which direction we are headed and where we are going,” Lubben said.

Other questions are tailored to specific years. For example, recipients of this year’s poll will be asked how closely they were connected to the 2019 flooding and bomb cyclone and whether they experienced damage as a result, Lubben said.

Last year’s polls were mailed just as the flood hit, Lubben said, and responses started coming in shortly after. The flood was still in the national news, and volunteers from across the state, region and country were showing up to affected areas in droves to help clear debris, or with trailer loads of donated hay for livestock.

“The well-being reported last year was pretty strong,” Lubben said. “Even people who experienced significant loss were thankful to have survived and were experiencing an outpouring of volunteerism. We’ll find out if that same sense has held on over the year.”

Rural Nebraskans are generally a fairly optimistic bunch, according to poll data. Each year the proportion of rural Nebraskans who say they are better off than they were five years ago has been greater than the proportion saying they are worse off. In 2019, 45 percent reported they were better off, and 19 percent reported they were worse off. During the past six years, the gap between the two groups has widened.

Rural residents also are increasingly positive about the future. The proportion saying they will be better off 10 years from now has been greater than the proportion saying they will be worse off throughout the history of the poll, Vogt said. Since 2013, the gap between the two groups has gradually widened.

At the same time, rural Nebraskans’ satisfaction with services such as medical and nursing home care, mental health services and access to senior centers, has generally declined across all years of the study. In addition, satisfaction with entertainment, retail shopping and restaurants has generally declined over the past 20 years.

Each year, findings from the Rural Poll are distributed in a series of reports crafted by Vogt and a team of Lubben and other Nebraska faculty. This data is used widely by economic development groups; local, state and federal lawmakers; and nonprofits, among others. Findings from the poll are regularly lifted up in local and state media, but national outlets, including The New York Times and National Public Radio, have also cited the poll over the years.

Other states, including Mississippi, Texas, South Dakota and Ohio, have modeled survey efforts after the poll, said Vogt, and academic researchers have incorporated poll data into examinations of community satisfaction, migration intentions, residential preferences and other topics.

This year, 25 years into the poll’s history, one year after historic flooding and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vogt, Lubben and others will be watching closely to see how rural Nebraskans are faring. Do students from rural areas have access to broadband and the ability to complete their studies remotely? How are tight-knit small communities doing during the era of social distancing? How is COVID-19 affecting rural economies?

The Rural Poll can help provide a sense of the impact of the unexpected on communities across Nebraska — and whether residents believe they can recover.

“We can never predict all of those unforeseen events,” Lubben said, “but the poll does give us a way to measure how we are responding.”


 
Nebraska Corn’s Guide to Staying Safe on the Farm During COVID-19

Nebraska Corn and NCGA are committed to keeping you informed and passing along best practices as we move through the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. Preparations for Spring planting means activity levels are increasing on the farm for things like field preparation and on-farm deliveries. Limiting interactions and exposure is a good idea to limit exposure and risk related to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). It is critical to practice biosecurity for your family, your employees, the public, and animals. Please read the procedures and planning recommendations developed by NCGA below.

On-Farm Safety Procedures
Minimize the exposure of outsiders. Use telephone, emails or texts for communications with employees or contractors who do not reside on the farm. Observe appropriate social distancing if someone needs to visit the farm or work on site.

Increase sanitation of workspaces and make it part of your daily/weekly routine. Simple things like disinfecting work surfaces, countertops, computer keyboards, doorknobs, hand railings, tractor controls, and monitors can make a difference.

Make cleaning supplies readily available, including cleaning solutions, buckets, mops, brushes, etc. for cleaning break areas and the shop readily available. Place disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer on equipment and in truck cabs and in high traffic areas.

Stay in the house if you’re sick. Farmers and their employees regularly work while sick. This is a time to break that tradition. If employees are sick, tell them to stay home, and if the family is sick, they should isolate themselves as much as possible and not visit work areas.

Monitor personal travel with a personal travel log.

Provide guidance for handwashing and handling materials. Make sure guidance is available and communicated to employees.

If you have off-farm employees or seasonal help alert them, all sick employees must stay at home.

If your operation has a significant number of employees, encourage them to avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing during non-work hours.

Alert employees where they can find sanitizing materials in the shop, or in the truck or farm equipment.

Regularly sanitize contact surfaces. Disinfect all door handles and knobs, floor mats, steering wheels and other commonly contacted surfaces. Regularly sanitize common gathering places – shops, lunch areas, office spaces.

Receiving Deliveries
Identify and coordinate a drop-off location for supplier deliveries to the farm. If possible, set this up away from on-farm high traffic areas and housing.

Create specific instructions for drop-off deliveries.Provide the location and all procedures needed at the drop-off point.

Create signage to easily identify drop-off points.

List all point of contacts with contact information to assist with questions leading up to delivery and upon arrival.

Practice distancing with delivery drivers. In these circumstances, it is best not to greet them with a handshake. Instead, keep a recommended distance of at least six feet.

Avoiding personal interaction is best.

Log all deliveries and on-farm entries.

Utilize a visitor’s log for everyone entering the farm.

On-Farm Planning
According to a recent survey of farmers, 70% have no formal back-up plan should a key member of the family farming operation become ill with COVID-19. This doesn’t mean farmers aren’t thinking about the issue, but in most cases, it has not resulted in a plan of action.

Granted, most corn farms continue to be family-run operations with minimal employees and or seasonal help, so much of the advice currently being shared with businesses may not apply. However, there are some basic things you can do and should consider.

• Schedule a brainstorming meeting with all family and employees involved in the operation to discuss possible scenarios, solutions to potential disruptions during planting and subsequent fieldwork.

• Develop a written contingency plan and make sure everyone has a copy. Are there neighboring farmers who might be able to share resources and or labor in an emergency? Who will manage for a few weeks if you or another key person is unable to leave your house or are hospitalized?

• Make a list of immediate changes that can be implemented that can lower risk on your farm.

• Prepare an on-farm workforce, including your family members.

• Consider cross-training of family members and employees regarding key functions and appropriate safe operation of equipment.

• It is recommended that all farms have Continuity of Business (COB) plans, to keep operations running smoothly in case of any disruption. Many state departments of agriculture are recommending farms review and update or write a continuity of business plan in case of disruption due to COVID-19. COB plans are critical for all operations; however, small farms may be at greater risk if a disruption occurs because the owner may be the sole caretaker.

• It is important to have written documentation of your business operations in case of illness, so that another family member or neighbor can assist if you need to be isolated or treated due to COVID-19. Regardless of operation size, production practices, or type of operations, you are strongly encouraged to develop COB plans in case of illness or injury and communicate the plan to family or another person who can step in.



USDA Announces Sign-Up Period for Conservation Stewardship Program Funds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the nation’s largest conservation program. Applications for funding this year need to be completed by May 29, 2020.

The Conservation Stewardship Program helps agricultural producers take the conservation activities on their farm or ranch to the next level. There are over 150 enhancement and conservation practices available to make Nebraska farms and ranches more resilient and sustainable.

“CSP continues to be a very effective tool for private landowners working to achieve their conservation and management goals,” said Craig Derickson, Nebraska NRCS state conservationist. “It is the largest conservation program in the United States with more than 70 million acres of productive agricultural and forest land enrolled.”

CSP is a popular program for Nebraska’s ag producers. Over 5 million acres are currently under contract in Nebraska.

While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by May 29 to ensure their applications are considered for 2020 funding.

Due to recent public health concerns all USDA Service Centers are not open to the public. While employees continue to staff USDA Service Centers, they are currently only available for phone appointments.

For more information and assistance with applying for CSP, visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ne/programs/financial/csp/ or call your local NRCS office. USDA Service Center contact information is available at https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator.



Learn How to Succeed with Cover Crops and No-Till in April 8 Webinar

With spring field days now postponed, Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar Wednesday, April 8, at noon, to provide information on how to succeed with cover crops and no-till for 2020.

Liz Ripley, conservation and cover crop outreach specialist with Iowa Learning Farms at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Mark Licht, assistant professor in agronomy and extension cropping systems specialist at Iowa State, will share results from a variety of cover crop projects.

These projects include a 10-year cereal rye cover crop study, species selection information, water quality impacts, and tips for spring termination. Cover crops continue to grow in popularity in Iowa due to their many benefits: reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, and increased soil organic matter.

“Fall 2019 was another difficult harvest season with limited time to complete fall tillage. Cover crops and no-tillage work together to help increase water infiltration and reduce erosion during heavy rain events,” said Ripley.

“If you’re looking to get started with cover crops, use rye ahead of soybean and oat ahead of corn,” Ripley said. “That combination aims to maximize the successful implementation and management of cover crops, while maintaining profitability.”

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon on April 8:

Click the following URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172. Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172.

Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing: +1 312-626-6799 or +1 646-876-9923. The meeting ID is 364 284 172

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, and can be watched at a later time. Archived webinars are available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for, for those who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the credit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live webinar.



Beef Quality Assurance Training to be Offered Online

Although the COVID-19 pandemic will not allow the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University to deliver in-person educational workshops and trainings, the center is working to provide online and other virtual tools to help producers become more informed. One of these opportunities is a Beef Quality Assurance training offered in webinar format.

The IBC, Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Minnesota Beef Council are partnering to help producers become BQA certified through this free virtual session on Wednesday, April 8, from 7-9 p.m.

BQA is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that raises consumer confidence through offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality in each segment of the beef industry.

Producers are strongly encouraged to become certified, and although voluntary, certification is required to access certain markets. This training and certification session will be interactive and can be accessed from a computer, tablet, or smart phone.

View the session flyer online. Registration is required and can be done up to the 7 p.m. start time. It is necessary to attend the entire session for certification, so no late access will be allowed.

To register, choose "Register" on the main webinar access page. Once registered, you will receive an email with a link to join the event the evening of April 8. The training team will be using the online platform called “WebEx.”

Join the event early if you are unfamiliar with this platform. For more information, contact Beth Reynolds, program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, prior to the event, by email at bethr@iastate.edu or 307-761-3353.

To learn more about the Iowa BQA Program and other upcoming certification trainings in your area, visit www.iabeef.org. BQA Certification is also offered as an online course at no charge at www.bqa.org.



Offering More Options to Help Pesticide Applicators Get Certified

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is offering regulatory relief to help first-time pesticide applicators get certified during the 2020 growing season. This comes after the Department and its testing partners canceled several large, in-person testing sessions based on the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines provided by the CDC.

“These are extraordinary times and yet we, in agriculture, have a responsibility to continue the essential functions that provide the feed and fuel to keep us running,” said Secretary Naig. “Thank you, Gov. Reynolds, for working with the Department to provide regulatory relief to our farmers and agribusinesses. Now the Department has the flexibility to offer additional options to pesticide applicators, which is especially important as farmers head into the planting and growing seasons.”

On April 2, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a Proclamation that temporarily suspends the regulatory provisions in Iowa Codes § 206.5(3), 206.5(4) and 206.6(1) for the duration of the Proclamation and any future extensions.
    First-time commercial pesticide applicators who obtain a private applicator certification can be employed and operate under the instructions and control of a certified commercial applicator.
    Individuals can take the private applicator certification test online during this public health emergency.
    First-time commercial, public or private applicators can apply pesticides under the direct supervision of a certified applicator without an applicator certification.
    Commercial cleaning services can apply disinfecting or sanitizing pesticides indoors where humans live, work, or congregate without a commercial pesticide applicator license.
    A Proclamation signed on March 22 provided regulatory relief to pesticide applicators who were certified through Dec. 31, 2019. These individuals can retain their applicator status and now have until Dec. 31, 2020, to submit the testing or training required to renew their certifications.

Commercial applicators can obtain private applicator certifications
Because of these unprecedented circumstances, individuals seeking to obtain a new commercial pesticide applicator certification may instead obtain a private applicator certification and still be employed as commercial applicators. These individuals must operate under the instructions and control of a certified commercial applicator. The supervising applicator is not required to be physically present. This waiver only applies to agricultural-land applications. It does not include aerial, lawn, turf or pest control applications.

As part of the ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Department will temporarily allow individuals to take the private applicator test online for the duration of the State Public Health Emergency. Individuals can sign-up to take the private pesticide applicator test online. After passing the exam, individuals can submit their test results, application and fee to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Applicators must complete the commercial applicator testing requirements after the Proclamation expires.

Timeframe extended for uncertified applicators to work under the direct supervision of certified applicators
Under the current law, an uncertified applicator can work under the direct supervision of a certified applicator for 21-days. Direct supervision means the application of a pesticide is made by a competent person acting under the instructions of a certified applicator who is physically present and in sight or hearing distance. The waiver extends this apprenticeship/training program through the duration of the Proclamation and any further extensions. When the Proclamation expires, first-time applicators must meet the testing requirements to obtain their certifications.

Uncertified commercial cleaning businesses can apply disinfectant and sanitizer indoors
This waiver only applies to indoor cleaning and disinfection pesticides applied by commercial cleaning services. It does not include agricultural, aerial, lawn, turf or pest control applications. The suspension of this provision only applies for the duration of this Proclamation and any future extension.



Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew Wins 2020 Pulled Pork Madness

A Luther, Iowa, barbecue restaurant came out on top in the championship round of Pulled Pork Madness, a bracket-style social media contest presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew earned the top honor in the contest that wrapped up April 2.

The third-annual contest follows a similar narrowing process as the NCAA's March Madness college basketball tournament. Last month, nearly 1,700 pork fans nominated 125 Iowa restaurants they felt have the best pulled pork sandwiches. The two restaurants with the most votes in each of IPPA's eight districts made up the starting "Sweet 16" bracket. Voters then determined which advanced to the "Elite 8," "Final Four," and championship rounds.

Whatcha Smokin? won out over Moo's BBQ in Newton, which was crowned the champion in 2018.

"We are blown away by the support of the Whatcha Smokin? nation," said Makala Brinkley-Seitz, marketing and development manager for Whatcha Smokin?. "This contest gives our fan base a new way to interact with us during a time when we don't get to see them in the restaurant. Additionally, Pulled Pork Madness has boosted staff morale. They see the love that our guests have for them."

Amid the spread of COVID-19, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all restaurants to suspend dine-in service for several more weeks. Whatcha Smokin? has reduced hours and is offering online and call-in ordering, as well as curbside to-go service.

"During this time of closures and social distancing, it became even more important for Iowa Pork to continue a campaign that promotes Iowa businesses and creates some safe social media fun," said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA's marketing and programs director. More than 6,600 votes were cast throughout the campaign.

At Whatcha Smokin?, a central Texas-style barbecue restaurant, pork is slow-smoked daily. The 16-hour process starts with trimming fat and rubbing each pork butt with spices, then moving the meat to the smoker for 12 to 13 hours. As the butts cook, spritzing them with apple juice helps ensure a tender, juicy inside and caramelized bark outside.

The "fresh-pit" pulled pork is cut to order and served without sauce, as "we like to let the meat speak for itself," according to Brinkley-Seitz. Each sandwich features a 6-ounce pile of meat on a white or wheat bun, with a side of pickles. Pulled pork also is sold in quarter, half, and one-pound takeout quantities.

Business partners and owners Tanya Doyle and Steve Perlowski owned two establishments in Ames before opening Whatcha Smokin? in a former gas station, just outside Ledges State Park, in June 2017. Perlowski became interested in barbecuing and smoking while living in Ames, where he could smell a local restaurant smoking meats daily. He learned to trim, season and smoke briskets from watching videos on his cell phone.

Along with bragging rights, Whatcha Smokin? will receive a "Pulled Pork Madness" plaque and $500, double the $250 prize awarded in the past to provide some financial relief during these challenging times, Sutter said.

Here is a full list of the 2020 Pulled Pork Madness restaurants that competed in the bracket rounds:
    Sizzlin' J Bar & Grill, Galva
    Burn Unit BBQ, Sibley
    Smokin' Grumps Barbecue, Rockwell City
    Double M Catering & Sandwich Shop, Emmetsburg
    Blue Barn BBQ, Cedar Falls
    Starbeck's Smokehouse, Cedar Falls
    Backwoods Bar and Grill, McGregor
    Bents Smokehouse & Pub, Westgate
    The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon, Logan
    Smokin with E's Bbq (Cafe Sign), Lenox
    Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew, Luther
    ShortE's BBQ, Johnston
    Warehouse Barbecue Co. + Brewhouse, Ottumwa
    Moo's BBQ, Newton
    Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa City
    Kula's It's Just Sauce, Walker



Despite Global Challenges, U.S. Pork and Beef Exports on Record Pace through February

U.S. pork exports posted the third largest month on record in February while U.S. beef exports also recorded double-digit gains from a year ago, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Through February, exports of both pork and beef are on a record pace and account for a growing share of record-large U.S. production.

February pork exports reached 273,056 metric tons (mt), up 46% from a year ago, valued at $726.6 million (up 59%), trailing only the volume and value totals from December 2019 and January 2020. For the first two months of the year, pork exports exceeded last year's pace by 41% in volume (546,659 mt) and 54% in value ($1.47 billion).

Pork export value per head slaughtered was $67.77 in February, up 50% from a year ago and the highest since 2014. The January-February average was $65.02, up 45%. Exports accounted for just under 33% of total February pork production and nearly 30% for muscle cuts only, the highest on record and up substantially from last year (24% and 21%, respectively). The January-February ratios were 31.3% of total production and 28.6% for muscle cuts, up from 23.8% and 20.6%, respectively, in 2019.

U.S. beef exports also achieved outstanding growth in February, increasing 18% from a year ago to 112,021 mt and climbing 17% in value ($681 million). These results pushed January-February volume 10% above last year's pace at 219,395 mt and 11% higher in value ($1.35 billion).

Beef export value per head of fed slaughter was $343.03 in February, up 11% from a year ago and the highest since December 2018. The January-February average was $321.86, up 7%. Exports accounted for 15.3% of total February beef production, up from 13.9% a year ago, and 12.4% for muscle cuts only (up from 11%). Through February, exports accounted for 14.1% of total beef production and 11.5% for muscle cuts, up from 13.5% and 10.7%, respectively, last year.

With COVID-19 dominating all news headlines, including those related to global trade, USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the February export results confirmed that global demand for high-quality protein remains strong and resilient.

"By February, COVID-19 had emerged as a major health concern in several key Asian markets and was certainly impacting consumer and business activity, so it is great to see U.S. pork and beef exports achieve such strong growth," Halstrom said. "Obviously these are uncertain economic times and the road ahead remains very challenging, but these results are really a great testament to our international customer base. In the face of unprecedented obstacles, importers, retailers and restaurateurs are finding creative ways to meet consumer needs, and with record production the U.S. industry is well-positioned as a supplier. While we are in an unusual business climate that requires a lot of flexibility and innovation, there are excellent opportunities for red meat exports to continue to build momentum."

Stronger pork exports to Japan, Mexico complement continued surge to China
While China/Hong was the largest driver of pork export growth in February, mainstay markets Japan and Mexico also posted impressive results.

February exports to China/Hong Kong were even with the huge January volume and more than tripled from a year ago to 98,847 mt, while export value more than quadrupled to $243.2 million. For the first two months of 2020, exports increased 260% from a year ago to 195,849 mt and soared by 352% in value ($488.5 million).

Pork exports to Japan totaled 35,262 mt in February, an increase of 23% year-over-year, while value climbed 28% to $145.8 million. Through February, exports increased 9% in volume (66,840 mt) and 12% in value ($278.4 million). Capitalizing on reduced duty rates, U.S. pork is regaining market share of Japan's imports of ground seasoned pork and chilled pork. Strong consumer demand for U.S. chilled pork at retail and for sausages produced from ground seasoned pork underpin this growth.

In Mexico, February exports climbed 16% to 61,693 mt, while value increased 43% to $107.6 million. January-February exports to Mexico increased 11% in volume (132,153 mt) and 41% in value ($242.3 million) from the same period last year, when most U.S. pork entering Mexico was saddled with a 20% retaliatory duty. Although weekly export data show March volumes to Mexico remained sharply higher year-over-year, the pace slowed from that seen in February, partly reflecting devaluation of the peso.

Other January-February highlights for U.S. pork exports include:
-    Exports to Canada continued to build on last year's strong performance, increasing 18% in volume (37,364 mt) and 14% in value ($128.8 million) from a year ago.
-    While the volume shipped to Oceania eased in February, value continued to increase, pushing the two-month totals 9% higher in volume to 21,831 mt and 35% above last year's record value pace at $72.6 million.
-    Strong growth in Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica pushed exports to Central America 4% higher in volume (14,790 mt) and 19% higher in value ($38.6 million) from a year ago.
-    Exports to Vietnam climbed 241% in volume to 3,007 mt and 134% in value ($6.7 million). This included a strong year-over-year increase in variety meat exports, consisting primarily of pork feet.

February beef exports climb in most major markets
Mainstay Asian markets Japan, South Korea and Taiwan fueled beef export growth in February, but shipments also increased to key destinations in the Western Hemisphere, Africa and the Middle East.

February beef exports to leading market Japan increased 24% from a year ago to 27,099 mt and climbed 20% in value to $171.4 million. Through February, exports exceeded last year's pace by 10% in volume (52,304 mt) and 7% in value ($329.5 million). With a level tariff playing field, U.S. beef is regaining chilled market share in Japan, boosted by Japan's strong retail demand. On April 1, the start of the Japanese fiscal year brought another reduction in tariff rates (to 25.8% for beef muscle cuts), and the Japanese yen remains relatively strong.

Demand for U.S. beef continued to build momentum in Korea, where February exports totaled 23,532 mt (up 33% from a year ago) valued at $167.7 million (up 32%). This pushed the two-month total 16% ahead of last year's record pace in volume (41,326 mt) and 14% higher in value ($298.4 million). U.S. beef is also gaining further market share in Korea, with strong retail demand and increased sales through e-commerce platforms.

Other January-February highlights for U.S. beef exports include:
-    Exports to Mexico were 5% above last year's pace at 41,862 mt, valued at $217 million (up 10%). Mexico is the largest volume market for U.S. beef variety meat, and January-February variety meat exports climbed 16% from a year ago in both volume (18,182 mt) and value ($49.3 million).
-    Exports to Taiwan, which is an especially strong destination for chilled beef cuts, were 20% above last year's record pace in volume (10,051 mt) and 17% higher in value ($86.2 million).
-    Exports to China/Hong Kong were down 16% to 12,501 mt, with value falling 8% to $111.2 million. But for China specifically, exports were up 12% to 1,408 mt, valued at $10.4 million (up 4%). With access to China now expanded (as of late March), USMEF expects momentum to build for U.S. beef in the world's largest import market.
-    Strong growth in Peru and Colombia pushed exports to South America 26% above a year ago to 4,367 mt, valued at $20.6 million (up 11%).
-    Guatemala and Panama fueled export growth to Central America, where volume climbed 22% to 2,868 mt, valued at $16.4 million (up 25%).
-    Strong variety meat shipments to South Africa, Gabon, Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, and Mozambique pushed exports to Africa well ahead of last year's pace. Variety meat exports climbed 40% to 4,186 mt, valued at $3.2 million (up 37%), with livers and kidneys being the main items exported to the region. Total exports to Africa were up 37% in volume (4,226 mt) and 18% in value ($3.7 million).

February lamb exports trend lower; variety meat down sharply
A steep decline in variety meat shipments to Mexico pushed February lamb exports 65% below last year in volume (476 mt) and 45% lower in value ($1.3 million). Through February, exports were down 48% in volume (1,435 mt) and 25% in value ($3.4 million). Lamb muscle cuts fared better, with January-February volume down 4% to 470 mt, valued at $2.4 million (down 13%). Markets exhibiting promising muscle cut growth in 2020 include Japan, Jamaica and Canada.



USB Soybean Research Creates New Markets

Whether you're hitting the road for a run or a drive, you can now do so with soy-based rubber technology. U.S. soy is now available in Skechers footwear, thanks to their collaboration with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company -- opening the door to a new market for U.S.-grown soybeans.

The United Soybean Board regularly collaborates with Goodyear on research to learn how to incorporate soy into its rubber technology. This research led to the discovery that soybean oil could not only improve tire flexibility across temperatures but also provide enhanced grip on road surfaces, making it an ideal choice for Goodyear's all-weather tire line. Building off Goodyear's discovery, Skechers utilized the same technology to deliver grip, stability and durability for select models of their running shoes, with plans to incorporate the rubber into more styles throughout 2020.

"This collaboration is an example of two trusted brands coming together to create a high-tech product that will truly benefit our consumer," said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

Today, there are more than 1,000 different soy-based products available, including everything from turf grass to machinery lubricants to asphalt. USB is committed to continuing its work to research, develop and expand new uses, including these tires and shoes, to build demand for U.S. soybean farmers.

"U.S. soybean growers are pleased to see this multiplier effect growing from their own collaboration with Goodyear through the soybean checkoff," said USB Director Ralph Lott II, a USB director and soybean farmer from New York. "USB worked with Goodyear to support their innovation with U.S. soy that is now available in four lines of Goodyear tires. We're enthusiastic that consumers have a new choice for performance as well as sustainability with U.S. soy in a range of Skechers footwear."

Once just a byproduct, soybean oil is now a lucrative value driver for farmers, being used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and functional replacement for petroleum in industrial products. Now, both Goodyear tires and Skechers shoes utilize soybean oil. In fact, Goodyear recently announced it will be increasing its use of soybean oil in 2020 by 25%, with even loftier goals for inclusion by 2040.

"Goodyear has always worked to create innovative products that provide consumers with high-performance tires, and now we're using that same ingenuity to enable consumers to wear high-performance shoes," said Christian Jurado, Goodyear's global director of licensed products.

Skechers' soy-based shoes are available in stores and online now in the Skechers GOrun collection. The brand shared plans to expand the range of styles and colors available through 2020, including branching out into trail, work and safety footwear categories for men, women and children. All models utilizing the soybean oil will be labeled as having Goodyear Performance Outsoles.

Goodyear's soy-based tires are also available in the U.S. and Canada in several sizes and styles, including some of their top-performing tires: the Assurance WeatherReady, Eagle Exhilarate, Eagle Enforcer All Weather and the Assurance ComfortDrive.

To learn more about these innovations and soy-based products, visit soynewuses.org or unitedsoybean.org.



ACE urges EPA to immediately correct RFS implementation missteps for biofuel producers, farmers hit by COVID-19 economic fallout

Today, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address a shortcoming in the Agency’s implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which has been exposed with the recent nosedive in gasoline use as a result of COVID-19, and reminded EPA of pending actions it can take to mitigate the economic fallout for biofuel producers and farmers.

At the time EPA set the 2020 RFS blending requirement and renewable volume obligation (RVO), the Agency projected gasoline demand would approach 143 billion this year. Today, due to the social distancing from COVID-19, as gasoline demand falls, it leads to reductions in ethanol blending, meaning the 11.56 percent RVO will not result in the use of 20.09 billion gallons in 2020 as required by statute. ACE says that without adjusting the percentage of renewable fuel volume obligated parties must use in 2020, EPA will be violating the RFS statute which amounts to an illegal waiver of blending volumes.

The letter outlines three steps EPA has the authority to take: 1) use existing statutory authority to issue an interim final rule by July 1 to increase the RVO for 2020 to the percentage necessary to ensure that the full 20.09 billion gallons required by law are used; 2) restore the 500 million gallons of remanded volume as ordered by the DC District Court in 2017; and 3) based on the recent Tenth Circuit Court precedent regarding small refinery exemptions (SREs), EPA should deny most of the 25 SRE waivers pending for the 2019 RFS compliance year.

Read excerpts from the letter below:
“COVID-19 has exposed a flaw in EPA’s RFS rulemaking approach. Social distancing, stay-at-home, and shelter-in-place orders are cutting gasoline demand by more than 50 percent in most of the country. As gasoline demand plummets during the coronavirus pandemic, so does ethanol demand, meaning the 11.56 percent RVO will not result in the use of 20.09 billion gallons in 2020 as required by statute. Without adjusting the percentage of renewable fuel volume obligated parties must use in 2020, EPA will be violating the RFS statute which amounts to an illegal waiver of blending volumes.

“Depending on how long gasoline demand continues to fall due to COVID-19 restrictions, ethanol use under the RFS could decline between 1 and 2 billion gallons. If EPA fails to act, this reduction in ethanol use would correspond to a loss of between 350 and 700 million bushels of corn demand. This would cost ethanol producers over $2 billion based on the six-month average price and farmers over $1.35 billion in 2020 according to current pricing information.”



Beef Checkoff provides easy beef recipes for children and parents cooking at home

As Americans are spending more time at home, parents may be looking for meal inspiration to keep the whole family happy. The Beef Checkoff is here with recipes that everyone in the family can enjoy and even make together. Some of these family favorites include:

    Personal Beef Pizzas – These individual pizzas call for only four base ingredients and can be customized by each family member based on available ingredients.

    Chuckwagon Beef & Pasta Skillet – With some common pantry staples and kid-friendly shaped pasta, if you have it, this recipe is quick, easy and sure to satisfy event he pickiest of eaters. 

    Cheeseburger Mac – Three simple ingredients and 30 minutes is all that is needed for this filling family dish.

    Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut and Chocolate Chip Beef Jerky Cookies – This sweet recipe uses primarily pantry ingredients and is simple enough to get the kids involved.

“BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com is a great resource for kid-friendly options that can be made with kitchen staples many families may already have on hand,” said Alisa Harrison, senior vice president of Global Marketing and Research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “These family favorites can help simplify dinner (or lunch or snack) time with easy prep and flavors that satisfy the whole family.”

In addition to these kid-friendly recipes, check out BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for easy recipes that call for five ingredients or less and affordable meals under $15 as well as a full collection of cooking lessons and even  virtual farm and ranch tours. From detailed instructions and tips for a dozen different cooking methods to interactive videos of life on the farm and ranch, there’s something for everyone.



USMCA COUNTRIES MISS NOTIFICATION DEADLINE

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement won't go into effect on June 1 as anticipated. Officials from the three countries failed to exchange letters by Wednesday to certify they each met the necessary obligations outlined in the deal. July 1 is now the earliest the deal could go into effect. Once the letters are exchanged, USMCA would go into effect "on the first day of the third month following the last notification," according to the agreement's rules.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for April 2020

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation today announced interest rates for April 2020, which are effective April 1-April 30, 2020. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for April is 0.625 percent, down from 1.500 percent in March.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during April is 1.625 percent, down from 2.500 in March.  Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for April are as follows:
    0.750 percent with three-year loan terms, down from 1.375 percent in March.
    0.750 percent with five-year loan terms, down from 1.375 percent in March.
    1.000 percent with seven-year loan terms, down from 1.500 percent in March.
    1.000 percent with 10-year loan terms down from 1.625 percent in March, and
    1.125 percent with 12-year loan terms, down from 1.625 percent in March.



National Sorghum Producers to Open Board Director Applications

The National Sorghum Producers will begin accepting applications April 6 for three positions on the 2021 board of directors.

“We need strong grower voices now more than ever to help advance the sorghum industry and policies important to sorghum farmers,” NSP CEO Tim Lust said. “The commitment of our board of directors ensures NSP continues its first rate representation of U.S. sorghum producers in Washington, D.C., and throughout the entire industry.”

The NSP board leads efforts toward legislative and regulatory change to help create a more profitable, diverse and competitive sorghum industry. Qualified candidates must be a current NSP member and have a passion for representing sorghum growers through lobbying and fundraising activities. No prior board experience is necessary, only a desire to improve the sorghum industry.

Applications are due Friday, May 8, 2020, at 5 p.m. CST. The NSP Nominating Committee will review all applications before making nominations to the NSP Board of Directors for consideration and election during the August summer board meeting. Each position includes a three-year term beginning October 1, 2020, the start of NSP’s fiscal year.

For the application or more information, interested candidates can contact NSP Director of Operations Garrett Mink at 806-749-3478 or visit www.SorghumGrowers.com/leadership/.