Tuesday April 7 Ag News

LEAD FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR GROUP 40

Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 40 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness.

“Up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential will be selected from five geographic districts across our state," said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director.

In addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April, Nebraska LEAD fellows also participate in a 10-day national study/travel seminar and a two-week international study/travel seminar.

Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, Nebraska’s political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care, and the resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle.

The Nebraska LEAD Program is designed to prepare spokespersons, problem-solvers and decision-makers for Nebraska and its agricultural industry.

In its 39th year, the program is operated by the nonprofit Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nebraska colleges and universities, businesses and industry, and individuals throughout the state.

To request an application, email leadprogram@unl.edu or call 402-472-6810. Requests can also be sent to 104 ACB, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0940. Applications are due no later than June 15.

For information about the selection process, visit https://lead.unl.edu.



Fischer Seeks More Solutions for Cattle Producers Affected by COVID

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after taking actions toward solutions for cattle producers affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. These actions include calls for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Senate Judiciary Committee to look into potential anticompetitive behavior in the beef packing industry.

"I've heard concerns from Nebraskans across the state about the impact COVID-19 is having on their cattle operations and on the industry as a whole.  Americans are purchasing more beef products at grocery stores, which is resulting in another round of windfall profits for meatpackers. Meanwhile, producers are taking price losses that threaten the viability of their businesses. Something must be done now. That’s why I am taking these actions today to investigate allegations of price gouging,” said Senator Fischer.

Today Senator Fischer sent two letters urging investigation into potential price gouging in the beef industry. Specific information on each of these letters is below.

Letter to Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee: Senator Fischer wrote to Chairman Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights. She called for a public hearing to examine claims of price manipulation, collusion, restriction of competition, price gouging, or other unfair practices within the current structure of the beef meatpacking industry. The full letter is available here.

Letter to USDA: Senator Fischer also wrote to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting that the USDA expand its investigation of beef pricing margins that was launched following the Holcomb, Kansas, beef processing facility fire to include recent market impacts as a result of COVID-19. The investigation would determine if there is any evidence of unfair practices and ensure the beef meatpacking industry is compliant with the Packers and Stockyards Act during this national emergency. The full letter is available here.

As the COVID-19 epidemic continues, Senator Fischer is actively seeking additional ways that Congress can mitigate these issues in the future such as improving price discovery mechanisms and increasing cash market activity.



Small Business Administration Programs for Ag

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association wants to provide you with the latest information on programs within the CARES Act that farmers are eligible for. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), of which your Association is a state affiliate, is working diligently to get clarification from SBA on the eligibility of their programs for our farmers.
 
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Department of Treasury released its regulation for its $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program.
-    Small businesses (including farms) who have fewer than 500 employees are eligible for the program.
-    The program provides organizations with funds for up to eight weeks to cover payroll costs, including benefits, with limited use also allowed for rent, utilities and mortgage interest.
-    Loan payments will be deferred for six months and can be forgiven if the funds are used for certain purposes and retain employees.
-    Receipts-based limitations do not appear to apply to this program as they typically do for SBA programs.
-    Applicants will need to apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or any participating federally insured depository institution, credit union, or Farm Credit System institution.
-    Small businesses and sole proprietorship's could begin applying April 3. Independent contractors/self-employed individuals can apply beginning this Friday, April 10.    
 
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
NCGA understands farmers are currently not eligible for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, although small ag co-ops are eligible. There has been some discussion among members of Congress in expanding eligibility for this program through a change in SBA interpretation or to include farmers in the next legislative package. NCGA signed onto a letter seeking the addition of farmers, as was Congressional intent when the CARES Act was passed. 



Nebraska Innovation Campus New Home for Sanitizer Production

In the parking lot of Nebraska Innovation Campus’ (NIC) Food Processing Center (FPC), a white tent houses a temporary hand sanitizer production facility. More than 20 organizations have come together to help meet the escalating needs of our healthcare community. This means hospitals like Nebraska Medicine will get the supplies they need at no cost.

“We are very grateful to Nebraska’s ethanol producers, UNL, the State of Nebraska, and many other people and organizations for pulling together to make this happen,” said James Linder, MD, CEO of Nebraska Medicine. “At Nebraska Medicine we are using up to 500 liters (more than 132 gallons) of hand sanitizer a day. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to protect our frontline medical workers as they respond to this pandemic.”

Hunter Flodman, PhD., assistant professor of practice in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), who is also the technical advisor for the Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB), and Jan tenBensel, NEB Chairman, have spearheaded the project. They started brainstorming ideas on Wednesday, April 1, and on Sunday, April 5, in a few short hours, more than 1,200 gallons of hand sanitizer had been mixed. By Monday, the team was in full production mode.

“The coronavirus pandemic has created greater problems than many of us could have imagined,” Dr. Flodman said. “After hearing about shortages of hand sanitizer, we hoped we could find a way to overcome some of the obstacles our fuel grade ethanol producers were facing – including navigating the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations. We found that opportunity at Nebraska Innovation Campus. This partnership with the Food Processing Center is key because it is an FDA-approved facility for the production of food. The FPC had to register with the FDA as an over-the-counter drug manufacturer for the process of producing hand sanitizer. Without them, we would not have been able to make this happen.”

“After we found a home for the project, everything has been falling into place,” tenBensel said. “We reached out to our ethanol industry partners, and one-by-one they started donating their goods and services and continue to do so. The response is remarkable.”

After the first full day of production, the team was able to distribute more than 2,000 gallons of hand sanitizer. They anticipate thousands more gallons by week’s end, which will go to hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, first responders, and other facilities in need. The project will continue as resources allow.

“Dr. Flodman worked virtually around the clock to design the production model, one that could produce up to 5,000 gallons per day if absolutely necessary and if supplies remained available,” said Terry Howell, executive director for the FPC.

At this time, Green Plains Inc., and KAAPA Ethanol are donating ethanol and BASF, Cargill, and Syngenta are providing the required chemicals and packaging materials. Sapp Bros. is collecting ethanol from the plants, storing it at their facility, and delivering it to NIC in small batches where Dr. Flodman, the FPC’s pilot plant employees, other FPC staff, and a team of student workers combine the ingredients and bottle it for distribution.

Roger Berry, administrator for the Nebraska Ethanol Board, said that some of Nebraska’s 25 ethanol plants have idled due to lack of demand, which is creating storage problems. Several ethanol producers across the nation are donating their products to hand sanitizer manufacturing efforts.

“We are proud of our ethanol producers’ involvement in this undertaking,” said Troy Bredenkamp, executive director of Renewable Fuels Nebraska. “It is the bit of positivity we needed right now. During a time when ethanol plants are facing catastrophic losses, the University has transitioned to remote classes, and businesses are changing how they operate, we’re honored to join in this effort to collectively help Nebraskans during this strange and challenging time.”

If you are a government or public health organization and would like to request hand sanitizer, please contact your local public health response coordinator for assistance and to coordinate delivery.

This coordination has included the time, talents, and finances of many partners. While this is an ongoing effort and more ethanol plants will contribute as the FDA allows, the organizers recognized the following for their support: Aurora Coop; BASF Enzymes; Beatrice Scale Company; Bosselman Enterprises; Cargill; CKS; Gov. Pete Ricketts and these State of Nebraska agencies: Nebraska Department of Administrative Services, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, and the Nebraska Ethanol Board; Greenfield Global; Green Plains Inc.; HowatRisk; Johnson Matthey; KAAPA Ethanol; Market Actives; Nebraska Innovation Campus; Renewable Fuels Nebraska; Sapp Bros.; Syngenta; The American Cleaning Institute; and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln including the College of Engineering.



Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health provides COVID-19 prevention tips for agricultural community

The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is providing guidance on the prevention and spread of COVID-19 for farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers. Precautions include eliminating exposure, finding ways to reduce person-to-person contact, using administrative authority to establish new work guidelines as necessary, and making use of all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

CS-CASH also reminders workers to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on prevention of the coronavirus, as well as instructions/recommendations from state and local government officials, medical providers, extension resources and other trusted sources.

In order to remain healthy and able to do your work, follow these precautions:

TAKE EXTRA CARE TO AVOID INJURIES
Since hospitals are overwhelmed with coronavirus patients and medical provider resources already are strained, farm/ranch workers should take extra precautions to avoid work-related injury or illness. Be aware of your surroundings and practice safety principles.

CREATE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
Create a business plan that outlines how your operation will go forward in the event of someone becoming ill and unable to function in their job. Review the plan with everyone involved in daily operations to ensure that the plan could be implemented, if necessary.

Review your operation’s daily activities and seek ways to avoid person-to-person contact. Postpone tasks that require personal interaction but aren’t necessary to daily operations. When possible, complete work activities remotely rather than as a group or person-to-person, and take advantage of electronic communications.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Utilize the masks/respirators commonly used to deal with agricultural dust, gases, etc., to help combat the spread of coronavirus including:
    N95/100 masks for dust
    Half mask with cartridges for dust and gases (including pesticides)

N95/100 masks also protect against viruses. If these types of masks are not available, a tight-fitting surgical mask or home-made mask may provide some protection. Wearing a mask as you complete agricultural activities helps protect the wearer from both agricultural hazards (dust, gases) and from being exposed to or exposing others to coronavirus, if you are infected.

If your N95 mask has a valve, be aware that your exhaled breath escapes through the valve and is not filtered. If your mask features an exhale valve, tape it shut. This minimizes the spread of small particles and droplets that are breathed out.

In order to ensure that your mask is effective, do a seal check to make sure the mask fits closely around your nose and mouth.

After removing the mask, wash your hands. When working in dirty or high-dust environments, place a clean cloth/bandana over the mask to help protect it. Keep the mask clean and in good condition so it remains effective.

When not in use, store masks in a clean, dry location. Anytime you reuse a mask, assume it carries some contamination. Wash or sanitize your hands after putting it on and taking it off, or when cleaning, caring for and storing the mask.

HAND HYGIENE: ON AND OFF THE FARM
Everyone should wash their hands regularly. Basic handwashing steps include:
-   Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, apply soap.
-   Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
-   Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds (hum “Happy Birthday” song twice).
-   Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
-   Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

When possible, use soap to wash your hands. If soap isn’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. In the event hand sanitizer isn’t available, a recipe to create hand sanitizer has been provided by Nebraska Medicine: www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/how-to-make-your-own-hand-sanitizer-2020.

Wash/sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes and nose.

DISINFECT SURFACES: ON AND OFF THE FARM
Everyone comes in contact with a variety of surfaces throughout the day, including cell phones, touch screens at stores and businesses, ATMs, vehicle steering wheels and controls, tools, utensils, tables, chairs, doorknobs, light switches, tablets, remote controls, keyboards, handles, desks, toilets and sinks.

Touching contaminated surfaces has been shown to be a means to transmit coronavirus. To sanitize these surfaces, wear disposable gloves and use water in combination with cleaning and EPA-registered disinfecting agents or wipes. The active ingredient in bleach – sodium hypochlorite – is effective at killing the virus. Be sure to allow the bleach to work for a minimum of 10-15 minutes before wiping the surface with a clean cloth.

WHEN TO USE DISPOSABLE GLOVES
-   Wear gloves when handling or transporting any item/equipment that is or is suspected to be contaminated.
-   Wear gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are or are suspected to be contaminated.
-   Remove and discard gloves once cleaning or disinfecting is completed.
-   DO NOT wash or reuse the gloves.
-   Complete hand hygiene procedure after glove removal and disposal.

WHEN YOU RETURN HOME FROM WORK
To protect your family and your community after returning from work, leave personal protective equipment that has been used throughout the day at your worksite or in your truck. Wash your hands before leaving work and use disinfectant on your hands before entering your home. Remove your shoes and leave them outside or by the door. If possible, change your clothes and shower before contacting anyone in your household.

HOW CAN YOU GET INFECTED WITH CORONAVIRUS?
Currently, medical providers know that coronavirus can be spread through person-to-person contact or from touching a contaminated surface or object.

Virus spreads in person-to-person contact:
-   Between people who are in close contact, less than 6 feet between them.
-   Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
-   These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly can be inhaled into the lungs.
-   Some recent studies have suggested that coronavirus may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
-   Maintaining good social distance (about 6 feet) is important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

WHAT IF I AM SICK?
If you have a fever or cough, you may have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. See home recovery details at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/caring-for-yourself-at-home.html.

Get immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following emergency warning signs:
    Trouble breathing
    Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    New confusion or inability to arouse.
    Bluish lips or face.

If you call 911, inform the operator that you have or believe you might have COVID-19. If possible, put on a face mask before medical help arrives. More details are available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html#warning-signs.



Cover Crop Management Tips for Spring

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig shares spring management tips for farmers who planted fall cover crops. Successfully managing cover crops will differ based on the fall planting date, spring growth conditions and the goals established by the farmer. By considering these steps, farmers can maximize cover crop benefits while protecting cash crop yields.

“Cover crop acres in the state of Iowa have seen a 256 percent growth from 2012 to 2017, according to the U.S. Census of Agriculture,” said Secretary Naig. “In addition to enhancing soil health and improving water quality, cover crops have benefits for weed control and forage for livestock. It is important to follow best practices in order to maximize the return on investment.”

Six Tips for Cover Crop Success:

1. Evaluate for winter kill
Scout the cover crop fields and check the crown of the plant for green plant tissue. If the leaves are brown and there is no visible green material near the soil surface, the plant may have winter-killed. Oilseed radish and oats typically winter kill and do not need to be terminated. Winter cereal rye, winter wheat and winter triticale often need to be terminated in the spring.

2. Consider termination options
The Conservation Systems Best Management Practices Manual provides termination guidelines with the intent of minimal impact to cash crops that follow cover crops. Herbicides or roll killing can be an option for termination. Tillage can also be used but is not recommended because planter challenges may occur. Tillage also disrupts the cover crop residue and makes it less effective in preventing soil erosion and suppressing weeds. If tillage termination is required, more than one pass may be needed to effectively terminate the cover crops. If herbicides are used to terminate the crop, it is best to spray when the crop is actively growing, during the middle of the day and when overnight temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Allow for growth
To see maximum benefits in the field, allow cover crops to grow as long as possible. Plan to terminate cover crops near soybean planting dates. If planting corn for the first time after an over-wintering cover crop, terminate 10-14 days before the estimated corn planting date.

4. Adjust planter setups
A field planted after a winter cereal cover crop will be in a different condition than a tilled or no-till field with no cover crop. Evaluate the planter setup and make sure that the seed slot/trench is properly closed at planting and seeds are at the proper depth. An open seed slot can be especially damaging to corn seed.

5. Understand crop insurance requirements
Crop insurance plans will mandate when cover crops must be terminated. Some policies require that cover crops are terminated five days before planting your cash crops. These timelines will vary based on insurance policies, planting zone and whether tillage is used. Contact an insurance agent to discuss the details of a policy.

6. Plan ahead for future planting
Cover crop management plans may need to be adjusted based on the type of cover crop planted and how it was terminated. For example, some residual herbicides have carryover restrictions for certain species of cover crops. Talk to an agronomist or cover crop seed representative about specific management systems and how to integrate cover crops.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship offers annual funding to assist farmers with implementing cover crops into their operation. To learn more or participate in the cost-share opportunities, visit your local Soil and Water Conservation District Office.

This information was put together with help from the Iowa cover crop working group, which includes representatives from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa State University, Iowa Learning Farms, and USDA Agricultural Research Service.



Fischer, Colleagues Call on USDA to Allocate Additional Funds to Biofuel Industry Negatively Impacted by COVID-19

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined 14 of her Senate colleagues today in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting additional funds be allocated to the biofuel industry through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) during the unprecedented economic circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the country follows the advice of local and state governments and remain at home, motor fuel use has rapidly decreased… The decrease in fuel consumption has left production facilities little choice but to idle production or close completely,” the senators wrote in a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue.

“Farm income and prices for corn and other crop commodities are directly linked to the health of the renewable fuel industry. Ethanol plants use 40 percent of all corn grown in the United States. Among other feedstocks, biodiesel and renewable diesel producers currently use over 8 billion pounds of soybean oil a year, creating demand that adds 13 percent to the cash price of a bushel of soybeans. We have seen a significant drop in the price of corn and soybeans because of the decline in demand. Keeping plants open is vital for our states and we ask that you use the authority given by Congress to assist the biofuel industry during extremely difficult times. We are supportive of the proposals the biofuel industry has put forward to reimburse feedstocks and also believe that adding additional CCC funds to the Higher-Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program will drive future biofuel demand,” the senators continued.

The historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stabilization (CARES) Act provided an additional $14 billion to the CCC to help stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices while also maintaining balanced and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities.

In addition to Senator Fischer, the letter is cosigned by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and John Thune (R-S.D).



RFA Thanks Senators for Standing Up for America’s Renewable Fuel Workers

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of senators for asking Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to ensure USDA uses funding recently appropriated under the CARES Act to assist ethanol producers who are suffering the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter to Secretary Perdue, the 15 senators noted that more than 4 billion gallons of ethanol production capacity has been recently idled as fuel demand has been pummeled by COVID-19.

“Farm income and prices for corn and other crop commodities are directly linked to the health of the renewable fuel industry,” wrote the senators. “Keeping plants open is vital for our states and we ask that you use the authority given by Congress to assist the biofuel industry during extremely difficult times.”

“Once again, renewable fuel champions in the Senate are working tirelessly to stand up for an industry that is vitally important to rural America,” RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said. “We thank them for recognizing the unprecedented challenges facing ethanol producers today and seeking solutions to help our industry weather this storm. Ethanol prices have plunged to record lows, stocks are at all-time highs, and plants throughout the Heartland are shutting down. As ethanol serves as the largest market for U.S. corn growers, the well-being of the ethanol industry is directly linked to farm income and the livelihood of farm families across the nation. We agree with the senators that providing assistance to the renewable fuels industry would be an appropriate and timely use of emergency relief funding appropriated to USDA.”

Cooper noted that, as of Monday, 41 ethanol plants with an annual production capacity of 3.2 billion gallons (BG) have been fully idled, while 66 plants have reduced their output rates by a collective 1.8 BG. Another 13 plants with 0.8 BG of capacity were closed or idled due to other factors prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, he said, a total of about 5.8 BG of capacity is idle today, representing more than a third of the industry’s total production capacity. On an annualized basis, this would represent a potential lost demand for 1.7 billion bushels of corn.

Signing the Senate letter to Sec. Perdue were Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa, Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley of Missouri, John Thune and Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Tammy Duckworth and Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith of Minnesota, and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.



POET Ethanol Idles 3 plants, delays start-up in Indiana

POET announced today it will idle production at its bioprocessing facilities in Chancellor, S.D., Ashton, Iowa, and Coon Rapids, Iowa, and delay the start-up of its new plant in Shelbyville, Ind., as producers across the United States continue to grapple with the economic fallout of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On an annualized basis, these operational changes are expected to reduce corn demand by 110 million bushels, freezing 330 million gallons of ethanol production across the four facilities. POET has also significantly slowed production at other facilities, further decreasing corn demand.

“Across the board, biofuel producers and our partners in the farm community face an unprecedented challenge,” said POET Founder and CEO Jeff Broin. “From day one of this crisis, we have placed the highest priority on protecting the health and welfare of our workers, partners and farm suppliers. At the same time, we are working hard to ensure that every biorefinery remains well-positioned to support a strong and swift recovery once daily life returns to normal. That means responding dynamically to shifting conditions and optimizing production, market by market, as the situation evolves over the next few months.

“Unfortunately, plummeting fuel demand amid the coronavirus pandemic has overwhelmed markets already suffering from continued trade barriers, a foreign price war over oil and regulatory uncertainty here at home. In South Dakota, the crisis has been compounded by one of the worst growing seasons in memory. As a result, POET is taking the difficult step of idling production at our biorefineries in Chancellor, Ashton and Coon Rapids and delaying the start-up of Shelbyville.”

Ethanol producers across the country are slashing production amid the ongoing crisis. Nationally, experts predict a decline in fuel demand of up to 55 percent. If these conditions persist, it will result in an annualized drop in ethanol demand of up to eight billion gallons or 2.7 billion bushels of corn.

“As always, we will continue monitoring the situation closely and working with team members at each plant to stay ahead of market changes as the situation continues to evolve day by day,” said POET President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Lautt. “We remain optimistic that elected leaders will move ahead swiftly on efforts to shore up the rural economy and deliver relief for struggling families. We are fully committed to protecting the strong, stable biofuel markets that America’s farmers need now more than ever, and we look forward to rebuilding and growing America's agricultural markets.”



Recent plant closings show biofuel demand, farm economy under significant strain

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement regarding the continued economic hardship facing America’s biofuel producers and farmers as more plants go offline amid the COVID-19 pandemic: 

“Biofuel producers and our farm partners are confronting an economic crisis beyond anything rural America has seen before. Fuel demand has cratered, foreign nations have flooded the market with crude oil, and U.S. ethanol producers are bleeding cash after one of the toughest years in memory. In fact, fuel demand has fallen by more than half. On an annual basis, that equates to as many as 7 or 8 billion gallons loss of ethanol demand, or the market for approximately 2.4 to 2.7 billion bushels of corn.

“Today, POET Biofuels, the world’s largest biofuel producer, joins dozens of other American producers that have been forced to take plants offline. The list of plants that have cut or halted production continues to grow, with examples across the United States, including California, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, and South Dakota. At this rate, nearly half of America’s biofuel production could soon be offline. These plants support hundreds of thousands of jobs, including a highly-skilled manufacturing workforce that rural America cannot afford to lose.

“Protecting these biofuel and farm jobs at the heart of our rural economy will be vital to ensuring that we are positioned to reinvest and rebuild in the months to come. We urge policymakers to act swiftly to expand markets for higher biofuel blends, lift regulatory barriers to vital markets, and ensure that financial assistance is available to farmers, workers, and rural businesses hit hardest by the crisis.”



Growth Energy urges USDA to act on lawmaker concerns

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor thanked rural America’s top elected leaders for their ongoing efforts to protect biofuel and farm jobs amid a steep drop in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a bipartisan coalition of 13 senators sent a letter today calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to utilize resources in the recent relief package to help “farmers and producers who will bear the impact of this decrease in consumption, further damaging an already hurting rural economy and resulting in the closing of production facilities that employ many people in rural communities in our home states.”

“We applaud our Senate champions for their ongoing efforts to protect rural communities, where farmers and biofuel producers have been stretched beyond the breaking point. The plunge in biofuel demand sparked by COVID-19 has generated a perfect storm, adding to the burdens created by a foreign price war over oil, continued trade barriers, and regulatory uncertainty here at home. Nearly half the industry may be offline within weeks, and without swift and decisive action in Washington, many more may soon halt grain purchases or close their doors completely. The USDA should act quickly to implement the urgent call from lawmakers and safeguard farm and biofuel jobs.”



NMPF – IDFA Submit Joint Plan to USDA to Support Dairy Industry Through COVID-19

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) sent a set of recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture yesterday urging the Administration to take swift, comprehensive action to support the U.S. dairy industry through the COVID-19 crisis. The plan outlines how this disaster is affecting U.S. dairy from farm to fork and underscores the main challenge facing U.S. dairy today: Supply exceeds demand by at least 10% – a gap that could widen as supply increases to its seasonal peak and as “shelter in place” conditions endure. NMPF and IDFA urge USDA to use as many tools as possible – as quickly as possible – to bridge the supply and demand gap without creating any long-term market repercussions.

NMPF and IDFA are grateful to Congress and the Administration for moving quickly to pass and sign into law the CARES Act, a substantial relief package to bolster the programs and support mechanisms needed to weather the COVID-19 crisis. The NMPF-IDFA plan calls for USDA and the Administration to go above and beyond traditional programs and solutions to bring balance and certainty to the dairy industry in the months ahead. Through the CARES Act, Congress has deployed substantial financial resources to USDA. To ensure the U.S. dairy industry is intact following the COVID-19 disaster, NMPF and IDFA request the federal government use every financial tool in its arsenal to bring balance to the dairy industry as quickly as possible. The organizations also ask that USDA harness the productive capacity of U.S. dairy to address the growing and widening food insecurity facing many Americans by redirecting wholesome, nutritious dairy foods to food banks and national nutrition programs.

“The COVID-19 crisis has hit the dairy industry with a unique set of challenges that impact our dairy farmers and processors equally hard,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M. “As the impact deepens across our economy, the federal government must go above and beyond traditional programs and solutions to bring balance and certainty to the dairy industry. The CARES Act deployed substantial financial resources to USDA to address dairy’s unique challenges. The IDFA-NMPF plan calls for USDA and the Administration to bring those resource to bear as quickly as possible. The dairy industry requires a response that is robust, broad and strategic enough to lift all boats in a way that prevents long-term market impacts, preserves the supply chain so the industry remains intact once the COVID-19 crisis passes, and ensures dairy remains a vital part of feeding a growing number of food insecure Americans.”

“As most of the country shelters in place and large swaths of the foodservice sector come to a standstill, dairy sales outside retail channels have plummeted. Market prices have fallen rapidly, creating a crushing economic outlook for producers of nutritious, and necessary, milk and dairy products,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “While no plan can wholly remedy the losses that are occurring, dairy is responding with a united plan that can help mitigate the damage caused to it by the COVID-19 pandemic. After extensive discussions across the industry, we have developed this comprehensive action plan to address many of the key marketplace challenges created by the pandemic and are presenting it to USDA. We will engage in discussions with USDA in the coming days about the proposal, urging the department, as we know it will, to move quickly to address the effects of the pandemic on our industry. We look forward to working closely with USDA as we fight for dairy farmers.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the U.S. dairy supply chain in a matter of weeks, lowering milk prices, sapping demand by shutting down most restaurants and other foodservice businesses, and bringing unprecedented challenges to our dairy farms and processors. Together, NMPF and IDFA are unified in their proposal to USDA and the Administration and will continue to work around the clock to ensure the U.S. dairy industry remains a viable, critical piece of our national, economic and food security.