Tuesday April 21 Ag News

Burt County Couple Receive Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

Ed and Leta Olson of Craig have been selected for the 2020 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award®.

The Burt County farmers will receive the prestigious award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold. The award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation by American farmers, ranchers and foresters in 21 states.

In Nebraska, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), Cargill and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.  

The Olsons will be presented with the $10,000 award at a public event later this year.

“The Olsons are the epitome of the farmer-conservationists,” said Steve Martin, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN). “They create habitat for wildlife and improved the soil with innovative farming practices. Ed shares his passion for the outdoors as a mentor and instructor. This ensures that future generations are connected to nature and care about conservation.”

“The Olson’s integration of conservation into their farming practices is apparent through the many years of developing habitat for wildlife on their farm,” said Sammy Renteria, general manager of Cargill in Schuyler. “We salute their devotion to farming while providing quality habitat for wildlife and their willingness to share these resources with the surrounding community.”

“Ed Olson has been a great spokesman for conservation. He has an ethic like that of Leopold when it comes to his land and its wildlife,” said Mark Brohman, Nebraska Environmental Trust Executive Director.

“Recipients of this award are real life examples of conservation-minded agriculture,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer. “These hard-working families are essential to our environment, food system and rural economy.”

The Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska is made possible thanks to the generous contributions from Cargill, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Services of America, Audubon Nebraska, Lyle Sittler Memorial Fund, McDonald’s, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska Land Trust, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, World Wildlife Fund - Northern Great Plains, and Green Cover Seeds.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

ABOUT ED AND LETA OLSON
Ed and Leta Olson epitomize what it means to be a steward of the land. When the Nebraska farmers were given a copy of A Sand County Almanac by a local wildlife biologist, they must have seen themselves in its pages.

Their land ethic is expressed by implementing agricultural conservation practices and connecting others with nature.

When many farmers were clearing trees and farming to their fence lines, the Olsons were doing whatever they could to create wildlife habitat, maintain soil health and improve water quality.

Of the 815 acres they farm in eastern Nebraska, 115 acres are enrolled in conservation programs to create filter strips, shelterbelts and pollinator habitat. The Olsons are firm believers that if every farmer took the least profitable 5-10 percent of their farm and used it for conservation, then all farmers would make more money while planting fewer acres.

“While he may not be the biggest farmer that we work with, he undoubtedly makes the largest impact,” said Andy Bohnenkamp, District Conservationist.

Ed has adopted a variety of conservation practices to decrease erosion, protect water quality and increase soil health. Cover crops of grasses, small grains and legumes are planted in the off-season to increase the soil’s ability to hold water and sediment. No-till has been used on his corn and soybean fields for more than 20 years. Terracing has made sloped farm fields more manageable. 

In 2017 the Olsons were among the first landowners to participate in Nebraska’s Corners for Wildlife program that established one to three-acre plots of pollinator habitat at rural intersections. Sewn with wildflowers, these plantings benefit bees and butterflies, and they keep drivers safe during summer months when corn fields would otherwise limit visibility.

They have planted about 4,000 trees and shrubs to create windbreaks, and provide food sources and corridors for wildlife. Such efforts earned them a Legacy Award from Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2015.

Off the farm, Ed has spent his entire adulthood fostering conservation ethics and a respect for the land among hunters and farmers. He co-founded the Burt County Pheasants Forever chapter and educates landowners on how to enhance pheasant habitat by planting natural food sources on abandoned farmsteads and fence lines. As owner of Olson Pearson Auctions & Realty, he donates his time auctioneering at conservation events.

His strongest passion is sharing his knowledge with youth. He teaches youth firearm safety and outdoor ethics as an instructor for the Nebraska Game & Parks Hunter Education Program, and as a volunteer with Pheasant Forever’s Youth Mentor Hunt. As a former 4-H wildlife habitat team leader he provided hands-on experience to youth building goose nests and wood duck boxes.

Generations of local children have learned to fish in the Olson family pond. The youth he first mentored in the 1990s are returning to fish with kids of their own.

Ed and Leta strive to keep their farm as aligned as possible with nature, not only to support local wildlife, but to create a vibrant landscape for the community to enjoy.



CVA announces purchase of Agrex Inc. facility in Laurel, Neb.

Central Valley Ag Cooperative (CVA) has announced it is purchasing the Agrex Inc. shuttle loader facility located in Laurel, Neb. CVA will take over ownership of this Agrex facility effective May 12, 2020.

“This purchase of this asset will allow CVA to provide more diverse cropping and marketing opportunities to our patrons in northeast Nebraska,” said Casey Potter, Senior Vice President of Grain at CVA. “It will also allow CVA to have more competitive access to rail markets for other CVA assets in the area.”

The 110-car BNSF shuttle loader facility consists of 1.6 million bushels of upright bin space and 1-million-bushel bunker space as well as a loop track for rail loading.

“Bringing this asset into CVA’s operation allows patrons access to our full slate of traditional and non-traditional marketing solutions for their grain,” said Potter.



Two Nutrient Management Decision Tools Updated
Charles Wortmann - NE Extension Soil and Nutrient Management Specialist

Recently, two nutrient management tools produced by Nebraska Extension have been updated and are now available at https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soils/software. 

Corn P-Rate Calculator
The corn P-rate determination can be based on P removed in harvests or on soil test P availability, which ever gives the higher rate. This Excel calculator, which is based off of EC 117 “Nutrient Management Suggestions for Corn,” had a problem which resulted in a non-functional file. Roger Wilson and Charles Wortmann corrected this and also made a small revision to the calculator’s choice of the P removal or soil test P option in rate determination. The calculator may not work on some Apple McIntosh computers.

Nitrogen Loss Assessment Tool (N-LAT)
The N-LAT tool had an error in the estimation of ammonia volatilization with fall applied manure. Jim Jansen and Charles Wortmann corrected this issue. The estimates for the availability of organic N from applied manure were also updated.



USDA Service Centers Open for Business by Phone Appointment Only

The Cuming County USDA Service Center will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible.

USDA Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. All Service Center customers wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call to receive services through a phone appointment.

Farm Service Agency: (402) 372-2451 extension 2

FSA employees also may be contacted by email at the following email address: newestpoin-fsa@one.usda.gov

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

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



COVID-19 Outbreak update at Tyson Foods, Inc., Madison

Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (ELVPHD) continues to investigate a COVID-19 outbreak at Tyson in Madison, NE. At this time, there are a total of nine confirmed cases stemming from employees of that Tyson plant. In addition, there are an additional 47 COVID-19 tests pending in the health district, and it is unknown at this time whether any of those 47 pending tests are those of any Tyson employees or direct household contacts of Tyson employees.

At this time, ELVPHD is leading the investigation of these cases as the public health authority and has extended an invitation to Tyson to participate in this process for the purposes of internal plant containment and safe, continued operations. ELVPHD will continue to apply the quarantine directives for symptomatic contacts of workers under Nebraska’s Directed Health Measures, as well as the contact tracing of the asymptomatic, exposed contacts inside and outside of work.

As of Monday afternoon, Tyson plant management has cooperated in the containment process. Next steps outside of the investigation of confirmed cases include additional testing of symptomatic employees, an in-person site visit at the plant, and dissemination of materials to all employees regarding measures to minimize the spread and exposure in the community outside of work.

As this outbreak investigation continues, additional testing results, case numbers related to Tyson, and any further updates will be provided to the public.



 Fortenberry: America’s Food System Is Adapting to Meet Pressing Needs

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) offered the following statement today following his discussion yesterday with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

“Protecting our food is another critical front in the battle against coronavirus.  America consumes half its food outside the home at institutions and restaurants.  With coronavirus-related closures, the key is to adjust logistics so there is no waste,” Fortenberry said.

“Using new funds allocated by Congress, USDA is already making nimble adjustments to our complex food delivery system, working innovatively in public-private partnership to create care boxes of dairy, produce and meat for pickup at food banks in order to match food sources to pressing needs,” Fortenberry added.



COVID-19 shines light on broken cattle markets

With cattle prices near historic lows and falling, Congress must take action to help beef producers, or the national beef supply will be permanently damaged.

Also, Congress must correct systemic problems in the cattle market. Since at least 2015, beef prices have trended upward while cattle prices trended downward, and the spread between those prices is unprecedented.

People all across the country are realizing that something is wrong.

ICON, R-CALF USA and the Organization for Competitive Markets have been saying for years that the U.S. Justice Department should investigate.

In addition, packers and processors are now struggling to provide meat to grocery stores, because they have consolidated their operations into large plants where workers are hard hit by COVID-19.

“We understand that packers and processors have to make a profit, but we cannot continue to produce cattle at staggering losses,” ICON President Jim Dinklage said. “The supply-and-demand balance has gone out of market prices, due to cozy marketing arrangements and captured cattle supplies.”

In addition, the impact of COVID-19 is expected to cause losses of $3.7 billion, or $111.91 per head of mature breeding cattle, in the United States.

Those losses hit home in Nebraska, where cows and cattle are the mainstays of the state’s economy.

A recent study showed that cow-calf producers will be impacted the most by the economic shutdown of the pandemic.

Without relief, those losses could increase by $135 per mature breeding animal, for an additional impact of $4.45 billion in coming years, the study said.

These losses come on top of exorbitant property taxes. The combination is driving Nebraska’s ranchers right out of business. More than ever, ranchers need a fair shake. The need is urgent.

ICON joins R-CALF USA in calling on Congress to require the majority of cattle to be bought and sold on a cash basis and slaughtered within seven days, which would restore transparency and balance to the market.

ICON also supports the anti-trust lawsuit filed by R-CALF USA against the four packers/processors that set prices in 80% of the market.

R-CALF USA research has found when captive supplies exceed 50% or more, then the fed cattle market can be depressed to the monopsony level – with packers controlling cattle and beef prices. Less than 50% cash trade leads to the unprecedented disconnect between cattle prices and wholesale and retail beef prices that we have today.

Also, America's cattle producers' financial strength is being undercut by cheaper, undifferentiated imports of cattle and beef that are not produced under the more stringent production standards of the U.S., which is why beef producers, as well as consumers, need mandatory country of origin labeling.



NEBRASKA GROUNDWATER LEVELS RISE FOLLOWING WET YEAR, REPORT SHOWS

Groundwater levels across much of Nebraska continue to rebound from the historic 2012 drought, according to the 2019 Groundwater-Level Monitoring Report.

However, the groundwater-level rises resulting from the historic flooding of 2019 have not yet been completely accounted for. While the flooding had a grave impact on surface water levels throughout much of Nebraska, how it affects the groundwater supply will be measured in the coming years, said Aaron Young, a geologist with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources.

The reasons for that, Young said, are threefold. Groundwater levels for the annual report are collected each spring, so data from some of the 5,000-plus wells measured throughout the state were collected prior to the mid-March floods. Also, Young said, the floodwaters take time to seep into the state’s vast groundwater supply. And in other cases, he said, wells that would typically be examined for the annual report could not be accessed, as they were completely submerged.

“I personally measure about 125 wells out of about 5,000,” Young said. “Last year, there were six that I attempted to measure where, as you were driving up to it, you could look down the road and it was just water. You couldn't even see the wells sticking out of the ground. The flooded areas may have been underrepresented in this year's report. This year, several hundred wells that we normally measure, particularly in Kearney County, around Fremont and some other hard-hit areas, didn't get measured.”

Young said that some pockets of the state, predominantly in southwestern Nebraska and the Panhandle, saw minor groundwater level declines. But a map in the latest Groundwater-Level Monitoring Report that shows the changes in groundwater supply from spring 2018 to spring 2019 is mostly bathed in hues of green and blue, indicating a wealth of increases in groundwater across the rest of Nebraska. On average, wells measured in spring 2019 saw a 2.63-foot increase in groundwater levels statewide.

“That's a pretty significant rise,” Young said. “In many areas of the state, it doesn't completely offset, but it helps to offset, some of the declines we had from the drought in 2012 that are still lingering in many areas.”

Young said there are some areas of the state that likely will not fully recover from the 2012 drought for an extended period of time, but one of the counties hit hardest by it had some of the biggest gains in groundwater last year.

Colfax County had about a 15-foot rise in groundwater levels this year, Young said, after about a 20- to 25-foot decline during the drought. The county, located about 75 miles west of Omaha, does not have a large irrigated-agricultural footprint compared to other rural Nebraska counties, so its residents most often experienced the lack of groundwater at personal levels, Young said. Due to the drought, many house wells there went dry.

Data used to compile the annual Groundwater-Level Monitoring Report are collected by 30 different state and local agencies, and Young leads a University of Nebraska–Lincoln effort to process the data, plot it and then hand draw maps that are published in the report. The goal, Young said, is to provide annual analysis of one of Nebraska’s most vital resources.

“All this water is essential to our agricultural economy,” he said. “Without this, growing crops would be next to impossible in many parts of the state.”

The report, created at the Conservation and Survey Division in the School of Natural Resources, was written, researched and produced by Young, Mark Burbach, Leslie Howard, Susan Lackey and Matt Joeckel.

When the university reopens, the report will be available for $7 from the Nebraska Maps and More Store, 3310 Holdrege St. Phone orders will be accepted at 402-472-3471. To download a free PDF, visit https://go.unl.edu/h6ke.



NEBRASKA MILK PRODUCTION

Milk production in Nebraska during the January-March 2020 quarter totaled 364 million pounds, up 3 percent from the January-March quarter last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of milk cows was 58,000 head, 1,000 head less than the same period last year.

January-March Milk Production up 2.9 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the January - March quarter totaled 56.0 billion pounds, up 2.9 percent from the January - March quarter last year.  The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.37 million head, 27,000 head more than the October - December quarter, and 26,000 head more than the same period last year.

March Milk Production up 2.4 Percent
Milk production in the 24 major States during March totaled 18.3 billion pounds, up 2.4 percent from March 2019. February revised production at 17.0 billion pounds, was up 5.6 percent from February 2019. The February revision represented a decrease of 7 million pounds or less than 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate. Adjusting February production for the additional day due to leap year causes February revised production to be up 1.9 percent on a per day basis.  Production per cow in the 24 major States averaged 2,072 pounds for March, 34 pounds above March 2019.  The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major States was 8.85 million head, 64,000 head more than March 2019, and 5,000 head more than February 2020.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during March 2020 totaled 460 million pounds, up 1 percent from the previous March according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during March, at 218,000 head, was up 1,000 from last month but down 1,000 from last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,110 pounds, up 35 pounds from last March.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during March 2020 totaled 8.48 million, down from 8.49 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during March totaled 212 million eggs, down from 215 million in 2019. March egg production per 100 layers was 2,496 eggs, compared to 2,527 eggs in 2019.

IOWA: Iowa egg production during March 2020 was 1.39 billion eggs, up 4 percent from last month but down 3 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  The average number of all layers on hand during March 2020 was 55.7 million, down 2 percent from last month and down 6 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for March were 2,489, up 6 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year.

March Egg Production Down 1 Percent
United States egg production totaled 9.53 billion during March 2020, down 1 percent from last year. Production included 8.29 billion table eggs, and 1.24 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.15 billion were broiler-type and 90.3 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during March 2020 totaled 395 million, down 3 percent from last year. March egg production per 100 layers was 2,411 eggs, up 1 percent from March 2019.
                                   
Total layers in the United States on April 1, 2020 totaled 396 million, down 3 percent from last year. The 396 million layers consisted of 331 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 61.8 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.40 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on April 1, 2020, averaged 78.0 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from April 1, 2019.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up Slightly
Egg-type chicks hatched during March 2020 totaled 55.9 million, up slightly from March 2019. Eggs in incubators totaled 57.6 million on April 1, 2020, down 1 percent from a year ago. Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 322 thousand during March 2020, up 70 percent from March 2019.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 2 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during March 2020 totaled 855 million, up 2 percent from March 2019. Eggs in incubators totaled 710 million on April 1, 2020, up 2 percent from a year ago. Leading breeders placed 8.82 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during March 2020, up 7 percent from March 2019.



IRFA to EPA: Revising 2020 Blend Levels Without Reversing RFS Exemptions Undermines RFS

It was reported today that the American Petroleum Institute has asked EPA to revise the 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blend levels in light of the 10th Circuit Court ruling, which found EPA abused its authority when granting RFS exemptions and, if applied nationwide, would dramatically reduce the number of exemptions EPA would grant going forward.

In light of this report, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“Thanks to three years of liberally-awarded, illegal RFS refinery exemptions, the petroleum industry has enjoyed over four billion gallons of biofuel demand destruction and a huge stockpile of RINs they were not required to turn in to EPA. Now, for fear EPA will actually follow the law and apply the 10th Circuit Court ruling nationwide, petroleum lobbyists are asking the 2020 blend levels be lowered. By this request, API is acknowledging the legitimacy of the 10th Circuit decision, and essentially agreeing that the last three years of refinery exemptions were illegal and should not have been granted.

“But API is not asking EPA to reverse those exemptions and restore the four billion destroyed gallons. API wants to continue benefiting from the past illegal exemptions. So their request is not reasonable, it is rank hypocrisy. Unless EPA reverses the past three years of illegal exemptions, lowering the 2020 blend levels would only further punish biofuels producers and farmers at a time when they are already bleeding after years of illegal exemptions, trade disputes, and now COVID-19-driven demand loss.” 



 ARA Supports Navigable Waters Protection Rule's Publishing

Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement today after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) published the Navigable Waters Protection Rule to define “Waters of the United States” in the Federal Register:

"EPA has been working for a long time to correct an overreach from the previous administration and we are grateful this process is finally coming to a conclusion.

"Agricultural retailers and their farmer customers have always worked to ensure that they're protecting our waters and land for everyone's benefit.

"The new definitions of Waters of the United States are realistic, practical and science-based. We are grateful for this action and to have this issue behind us when the rule officially goes into effect on June 22, 2020."



Peterson Statement on Final Navigable Waters Protection Rule

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota issued the following statement Tuesday following the finalization of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, a replacement for the former "Waters of the U.S." (WOTUS) rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

“Since the first inception of this rule, I’ve worked to secure changes to it with the goal of protecting clean water without making it harder for farmers and ranchers to operate,” said Peterson. “I’m encouraged that the new rule takes steps to protect lakes, ponds, streams, and other tributaries, while providing that certainty to our ag producers.”

The WOTUS rule designated an expanded list of waterways regulated under the Clean Water Act. The rule was challenged in the courts which led to regulatory disparities between the states. To fix this problem, Peterson was the lead Democrat on the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015, a bill which required the EPA to withdraw the WOTUS rule and develop a new rule based on input from stakeholders. Peterson supported the Administration’s efforts to reexamine and withdraw WOTUS for the past several years.



NCGA Analysis Shows $50 Per Acre Revenue Declines for Corn Due to COVID-19

Analysis released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today showed cash corn prices have declined by 16 percent on average, with several regions experiencing declines of more than 20 percent, since March 1 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis projects a $50 per acre revenue decline for the 2019 corn crop.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is being felt across all sectors of our economy,” said NCGA President Kevin Ross. “This analysis clearly illustrates its impact on corn growers and will be beneficial as we work to ensure they have the resources needed to navigate these very difficult times.”

NCGA commissioned the economic analysis, conducted by Dr. Gary Schnitkey of the University of Illinois, as part of the organization’s efforts to better understand the economic impact of the global pandemic on the corn industry and work to create solutions to help corn farmers and their customers recover from the financial impacts of this crisis.

The analysis was based on cash corn prices as of mid-April and estimated losses would likely increase through the rest of the marketing year. Further analysis is already underway for the 2020 crop year, with losses anticipated to be higher than those in 2019.

“Corn will be one of the most impacted crops as its two largest uses – livestock feed and ethanol – are under pressure. Impacts of reduced livestock demand are just beginning to come to bear in the market, as livestock processing plants are beginning to be disrupted,” wrote Schnitkey.

An average Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Program payment of $17 per base is projected for corn which would fall short of covering 2019 revenue losses, underscoring the need for the assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).

NCGA will continue to work closely with members of Congress and federal agencies on ways to mitigate the pandemic’s impact and help farmers recover. You can learn more about these efforts at ncga.com/covid-19.



DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA MEMBERS DONATE DAIRY PRODUCTS TO FAMILIES IN NEED

At a time when many Americans are facing unprecedented hardships as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the family farm-owners and employees of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national dairy cooperative, are stepping up to provide nutritious dairy products to those in need. In addition to hosting events such as drive-by milk giveaways at schools and donating fluid milk directly to food banks, DFA announced today the launch of its Farmers Feeding Families Fund, which hopes to raise $500,000 for community food banks across the country. Initial seed money of $200,000 has already been raised through the Cooperative’s DFA Cares Foundation.

“As dairy farmers, we are proud of the role we play in feeding families, and in times like these when so many are struggling, we feel passionately about doing all we can to help,” said Randy Mooney, a dairy farmer from Rogersville, Mo., and chairman of DFA’s Board of Directors. “Food banks are always in need of dairy products, which are less commonly donated because of how perishable they are. Initiatives like this that allow us to get our highly nutritious milk and dairy products into the hands of people who need them are essential right now. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

As demand for food assistance rises with the COVID-19 outbreak, Feeding America, with its more than 200 affiliates across the country, has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

DFA has identified 30 communities across the country whose local food banks will receive funds to purchase much-needed dairy products. In addition, DFA farmer-owners are being asked to help identify additional rural communities in need of dairy products for distribution.
 
Making Good Use of Surplus Milk
Beyond the monetary donation to food banks, DFA is also working with industry leaders and milk processors across the country to come up with solutions and uses for surplus milk due to declines in foodservice demand as a result of COVID-19. A few examples include:
-    Donating more than 9,500 half gallons of milk to Connecticut Food Bank in conjunction with DFA-owned Guida’s Dairy
-    Partnering with Daisy® Brand to donate 120,000 pounds of cottage cheese over a six-week period to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and other local food banks throughout Ohio
-    Working with the American Dairy Association North East and local Dean Foods plants in New York and Pennsylvania to provide more than 36,000 half gallon jugs of milk to City Harvest in Brooklyn, N.Y., Share Food Program in Philadelphia, Pa., and Rolling Harvest in Highstown, N.J., and more than 4,000 gallon jugs to Corinth Central School District in Corinth, N.Y.
-    Coordinating with Dean Foods plants in Texas to donate milk to local food banks in the area

“Hunger is a critical, ongoing need throughout America,” said Jackie Klippenstein, senior vice president of government, industry and community relations. “In times of crisis, that need is even greater. Even in times of uncertainty and increasing challenges, our farm families and employees remain steadfast in their commitment to making an impact in the communities where we live and work.”



More Than 80 Countries Convene Virtually to Learn How U.S. Soy is Ready to Deliver

This week the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted more than 1,600 global customers and soybean industry representatives from 84 countries. The two-day global digital event, The U.S. Soy Connection: Global Digital Conference and Situation Report, highlighted to international customers the strength of U.S. soybean farmers and the soybean value chain. In providing nutrition and information to customers of U.S. Soy at this critical time, U.S. Soy remains open for business despite uncertainty due to the novel COVID-19 virus.

“The value of our partnerships is immeasurable, not only for soy, but for the world at large. Our collaboration across U.S. agriculture will help provide the global market with a stable supply of high-quality products and support,” said Monte Peterson, Chairman of USSEC, board member of the American Soybean Association and soybean farmer in Valley City, N.D. “By hosting events like this, we can address our partners' concerns and learn directly about their challenges. And as we move ahead into the 2020 planting season and beyond, U.S. soybean farmers are committed to provide a sustainable crop and serve as a consistent supplier to our customers.”

Sessions were held over two days and noteworthy speakers included Thomas Mielke, Executive Director of ISTA Mielke Oil World, Emily French, Managing Director at ConsiliAgra, Soren Schroder, Former CEO of Bunge Limited, several USSEC board members and U.S. exporters from across the country.

“Throughout the conference, we showcased that despite the global impact of coronavirus, the supply of U.S. Soy remains unwavering,” said Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO. “During this unique time, our priority is containing the outbreak and ensuring that all members of the soy value chain are safe. USSEC will continue to work tirelessly to show our partners that our entire supply chain is working to ensure a sustainably and safely produced, reliable supply of soy for global customers. It’s imperative that we also provide them with practical information about the global/U.S. market that they rely on from our USSEC events around the world.”

On April 14 attendees heard from globally recognized experts who discussed U.S. soybean trends and the impact that COVID-19 is having on the industry.

Highlights from Day 1:
Thomas Mielke, Executive Director of ISTA Mielke Oil World, discussed COVID-19’s impact on global oilseed supply and demand.   “The Chinese soybean crush has exceeded expectations in the first half of this crop year 2019/20 and domestic soybean meal demand has actually started to increase from a year ago. In China, imports of soybeans are recovering. They increased significantly by approximately eight million tons from a year ago to 37.4 million tons in Oct./Feb. 2019/20, of which 12.8 million tons of U.S. soybeans against the unusually low quantity of only one million tons a year earlier. We expect China to resume purchases of U.S soybeans in the coming weeks while Brazil exports (after record shipments in March and April) will start declining from May onward. Total Chinese soybean imports are set to recover to 91 million tons in Oct./Sept. 2019/20, of which include 21 million tons from the U.S. and 58 million tons from Brazil.”

Emily French, Managing Director at ConsiliAgra, reported on the impact of several severe black swan events and their effect on the global soy complex.  “There's no question that it's agriculture that makes the world go around. Global agriculture continues to do what it does best, and that is feed and nurture the world. As we move through COVID-19, the value of free and reciprocal trade has never been more evident.”

On April 15, industry leaders and U.S. soybean farmers reported on their plans for 2020 planting. In addition, several U.S. exporters hosted a panel discussion to give an update on logistics and export demand.

Highlights from Day 2:
Soren Schroder, Former CEO of Bunge Limited, presented on the reliability and innovation of U.S agriculture.  "Disruptions can take many forms for crops such as the global crisis that we're experiencing now. The U.S. capacity runs on all coasts with highly efficient multi-modal interior logistic systems which ensure a continuous supply; this makes the U.S. export infrastructure very flexible. Both interior and export terminals are highly automated making them more resilient. In short, the U.S. supply chain can be relied upon like no other.”

Doug Winter, U.S. Soybean Export Council Vice Chairman and United Soybean Board Director; U.S. soybean farmer from Illinois.  “U.S. Soy benefits buyers around the world by making more of an effective effort toward satisfying the needs of our international customers. The communication around marketing, the quality of crop and learning the needs of our buyers all work together to help us as farmers support our customers and make better decisions. Whether meeting in person or virtually, it helps us align on a common goal to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of soy."

Joel Schreurs, Director, U.S. Soybean Export Council and American Soybean Association; U.S. soybean farmer from Minnesota.  "Technology makes us considerably more efficient. Every two-and-a-half-acre parcel of land on our farm has a different prescription as far as what fertilizer is needed and what the crop itself will utilize. We maintain records each year to learn how to be better stewards of the land, which benefits the environment and enhances our yields for the future.”

In order to allow participants from multiple time zones to participate in this event, the presentations were repeated twice within each 24-hour period.



 ASA Among Intervenors in Complaint Against EPA Glyphosate Registration

The American Soybean Association (ASA) and other interested parties have joined together as intervenors to block a challenge that would toss out the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plans to reregister glyphosate. The group filed a joint motion to intervene April 20 in Rural Coalition et al. v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency et al and Natural Resources Defense Council et al. v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support EPA’s decision.

Caleb Ragland, chair of ASA’s Regulatory Committee and Kentucky soy grower said, “Glyphosate is an important tool in helping farmers produce more food in a sustainable manner. ASA support EPA’s interim registration decision, which clearly defends the safety of glyphosate when used according to the label.”

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides worldwide. Growers and others depend on it for effective weed control and to minimize tillage farming practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve more land for native habitats. ASA believes in a science and evidence-based regulatory system for crop protection tools and relies on EPA and other federal regulators to use the best available data and sound science to make decisions regarding the safety of available products in the marketplace.

EPA on Jan. 22 published its interim decision for the 15-year registration review of glyphosate, as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). It included a variety of determinations about glyphosate, including revision of requirements for drift management, off-target effects, herbicide resistance management practices, and a human health risk assessment in which EPA found glyphosate posed no significant cancer or non-cancer human health risks.

The motion to intervene made by ASA and other groups is in response to a coalition’s complaints requesting the EPA decision be vacated. Joining ASA in the motion to intervene in the ninth Circuit Court of Appeals challenge are the National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council of America, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Association of Landscape Professionals, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Agricultural Retailers Association and Monsanto.



Farmer Co-ops Urge Exemption of H-2A Workers from Immigration Executive Order

The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) today sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging that any Executive Order from President Trump on restricting immigration to the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic exempt H-2A workers and any other holders of non-immigrant visas who work in the agricultural production chain.

“While we strongly support efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus, last night’s announcement from President Trump has created concerns for many in agriculture. As you know, many producers are dependent upon foreign labor, including the H-2A visa program to meet labor needs,” the letter states. “Thanks to your leadership and hard work in the early days of this crisis, the State Department has prioritized processing of H-2A applications and the Department of Homeland Security has exempted H-2A visa holders as critical essential workers who can cross from Mexico into the U.S.”

The letter went on to note that this is an especially critical time, since many workers are scheduled to arrive in the United States in the coming weeks to begin their jobs on farms across the country.

It also noted that the impact of barring H-2A or other agricultural workers from the country would be felt far beyond the farm gate.

“Not only will the loss of H-2A workers negatively impact the farmer, but an entire chain of workers, who are mostly American, throughout agriculture. In fact, every farmworker engaged in labor intensive agriculture support two to three off farm jobs throughout the sector,” NCFC stated. “The food and agriculture sector, responsible for food manufacturing, processing, and storage facilities, accounts for one-fifth of the nation’s economic activity and has been designated a ‘Critical Infrastructure Sector’ by DHS. The loss of H-2A workers is unequivocally lead to further American job losses.”



Stick to Proven Planting Fundamentals - Proper Planting Sets the Stage for the Entire Season

It has been a while since Midwest farmers have had a ‘normal’ spring. This year is no exception. Despite the uncertainties this spring – whether that’s managing planting equipment, cool soil temperatures or prioritizing fields – following proven planting fundamentals will set up corn and soybeans for success in 2020.

“We’re looking at a compressed planting season,” said Tony Johanson, Mycogen Seeds commercial agronomist in Nebraska. “We've learned to adapt to trying weather conditions over the last couple of years. This spring, don’t jump the gun to start planting but rather wait until conditions are right, regardless of what the calendar says.”

Focus on planting fundamentals
Johanson stresses that while farmers are eager to get those planters rolling early, it’s best to wait until the conditions are right. And when planting begins, don’t bypass crucial fundamentals:
-    Double-check your planter to confirm everything is functional.
-    Get out of the tractor cab and dig behind the planter to make sure seed depth and seed spacing is correct. Corn seed depth should be 1.5 to 2.25 inches.
-    Ensure the seed trench is closed right so soil can absorb moisture for uniform emergence.

Johanson said some Nebraska farmers were still making decisions on which crops to plant in early April. His advice is to make these decisions based on economics rather than moisture considerations as it can be easier to produce 200-bushel dryland corn than 60 bushels of dryland soybeans. If farmers manage inputs and lock up a profitable price, then a shift toward more corn can make sense.

Manage crops beyond planting
After a relatively mild winter, soil temperatures are likely warmer than normal. This can lead to early weed emergence and increased weed populations prior to planting.

“Keep in mind that not all weed species emerge at the same time,” said Kyle Quick, Mycogen Seeds commercial agronomist in Indiana. “The earliest to emerge include kochia, lambsquarters, and common and giant ragweed.”

On the soybean side, farmers have increased access to Enlist E3® soybeans and Enlist™ herbicide technology in 2020. Used with Enlist herbicides, Enlist E3 soybeans give farmers three modes of action to control problem weeds, including ragweed, waterhemp or Palmer amaranth.

“Farmers interested in using new soybean traits in 2020 should talk with their local retailers to understand what each technology offers,” Quick said. “Understand the label, which herbicides to pair and state restrictions. Then look at the variety agronomics. Come up with a plan that matches your needs with common weeds and diseases on your farm.”



USDA Holds Virtual Career Expo for Kansas City Jobs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) are partnering with University of Missouri to host a joint Virtual Career Expo on April 28, 2020, building on an event last year that attracted more than 400 attendees. Both agencies relocated most of their operations to the Kansas City region last fall and are continuing to grow their workforces.

“This is a unique time for our nation and USDA continues to build the ERS and NIFA workforce using innovative techniques,” said Deputy Under Secretary Scott Hutchins, who leads USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics mission area. “Both agencies deliver important scientific programs and services that support American agriculture.”

ERS and NIFA continue to fill open positions and current listings are on USAJobs. Interest in positions has been strong, generating many qualified candidates. Vacancies include positions for economists, geographers, accountants, grant specialists, financial specialists, and communications specialists, among others.

ERS anticipates trends and emerging issues in agriculture, food, the environment, and rural America and conducts high-quality, objective economic research to inform and enhance public and private decision making. The agency is seeking qualified candidates for a variety of positions including economists, editors, web publishers, graphic designers, geographers, administrative support and communications professionals.

“ERS had a great response from the career expo last Fall,” said ERS Acting Administrator Marca Weinberg. “We met so many enthusiastic and talented professionals at the first event. We look forward to meeting with more applicants and continuing to virtually introduce ourselves to the Kansas City community as we seek talented individuals to join our team and help us produce and disseminate timely economic research to support USDA and the public.”

NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. Through an integrated approach, NIFA ensures our scientific discoveries make their way into our communities, farms, and classrooms. NIFA investments assure the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture.

“Kansas City has proven itself to be a hospitable city and a fruitful recruiting ground for our Agency,” said NIFA Director Scott Angle. “NIFA has the feel of a startup company right now. We don’t just need people with agricultural science backgrounds. We need people with budget, finance, and accounting experience. We need people with grants management skills. We need communicators. We’re hiring from the entry level to the Senior Executive Service level.”

Representatives from ERS, NIFA, and the Office of Personnel and Management will conduct information sessions during the Virtual Expo about the agencies and available positions, how to apply for federal jobs and benefits of working for the federal government.

Interested applicants may register for the Career Expo and sign up for information sessions online. Sessions will be held virtually, beginning at 2 p.m. with the last session at 4 p.m. CDT. Breakout sessions will provide an opportunity for potential applicants to learn more about the agencies from current employees.