Wednesday April 22 Ag News

Freeze Damage to Alfalfa
Megan Taylor - NE Extension Educator, Platte County

Much of Nebraska was 2 to 4 degree above average for the month of March. There was a 3-day heat wave with 70s and 80s on April 6, 7, and 8 in portions of Nebraska. In Lincoln, a record high was set on April 7 (87 degrees) and a record low on April 10 (17 degrees) and tie for a record low on April 14 (16 degrees). In response to these temperature extremes, the National Weather Service in Omaha called it a “weather whiplash”. What effects will these recent freeze events have on the third most dedicated crop, alfalfa, in terms of acres and value of production in Nebraska?

Taking it to the Field
-    Numerous factors influence freeze damage, not just weather station air temperatures
-    Given multiple freeze events, wait 2-3 frost/freezes days before assessing damage and 10 days of favorable weather to assess regrowth (Figure 2)
-    New Seedlings – One set of leaves that escaped is a good sign of survival. Determine the number surviving alfalfa plants per square foot while in the field
-    Established Fields – Expect delay of first cutting and slight yield reductions. Slight and moderate damage does not warrant any action. Hard freeze damage and insufficient prior growth also warrants no action.

Complexity of Freeze Events
The potential damage to alfalfa is correlated with the amount of spring growth (i.e. more growth, more risk). Beside the growth stage of the alfalfa, numerous factors influence the extent of damage from an early morning freeze event:
-    Air temperature (4 to 6 ft above the soil surface or ground-level)
-    Near surface air temperature (6 to 12 inches above the soil surface or ground-level for alfalfa this time of year)
-    Length of freezing conditions
-    Soil temperature
-    Local topography
-    Alfalfa growth stage

Due to the complexity mentioned above, look at the actual response of the alfalfa plant itself to determine freeze damage rather than rely only on temperature. Also, wait several frost/freeze free days before assessing damage.

New Seedings and Seedlings
New seedlings this early in the spring handle low temperatures (low 20s) better than one often thinks due to natural seedling cold tolerance and being close to the warmer soil. Seedlings from emergence to the second trifoliolate leaf stage are more cold tolerant than later growth stages. Companion crops would help new alfalfa seedlings survive under colder or longer periods of exposure. When seedlings lose all trifoliolates (leaves) and look discolored, they will not likely regrow. Having at least one set of leaves escape the frost damage is a good indicator of plant survival. Determining the number of plants per square foot that survived can also help guide management decisions. Stands that are thinner than 15 plants per square foot may need maintenance and probably some reseeding.

Established Alfalfa and Categories of Damage
Established alfalfa will outgrow the damage from a light freeze (upper 20s for several hours). Observable damage from a light freeze is the wilting and sometimes loss of a few upper leaves and some slight curling of the stem (Figure 3 and 4). Buds or growing points will continue to grow as normal. A majority of the terminal buds should still look green and alive 2 to 3 days after the freeze event. In terms of management, there is no need to do anything under these conditions.

Under moderate (mid 20s for several hours) and hard freezes (low 20s and below for several hours) additional damage can occur. Moderate freeze damage will kill the upper part of the stem and terminal buds, but not warrant any action. Regrowth must occur from lower axillary buds on the stem or from new crown buds. As a result, there will be a delay in growth and the first cutting. A hard freeze causes leaf, buds, and stem tissue death and plants will regrow from crown buds. Plants usually quickly fall over flat to the ground. Plants will still regrow from the crown buds. There will be a delay in the start of the first cutting and possible slight yield reduction.

Management Considerations
Numerous factors influence how much alfalfa damage will occur from a spring freeze. It is best to wait several freeze-free days before assessing the final damage. There may need to be some management actions taken after a hard freeze (cutting, grazing, shredding, no action), but usually it is best to do nothing except wait for alfalfa to regrow on its own. Established alfalfa was about 6” tall prior to the freeze on April 10 in areas of southeast and portions of northeast Nebraska. Given the limited amount of growth on most alfalfa fields, cutting for hay would not be practical.

To learn more about assessing freeze damage and management options, please read the previous written article: Assessing Alfalfa Post-freeze https://cropwatch.unl.edu/assessing-alfalfa-post-freeze. There is also a nice follow-up article in 2012 addressing things learned from the 2007 freeze event: How Alfalfa Responds to Frost https://cropwatch.unl.edu/how-alfalfa-responds-frost-unl-cropwatch-april-6-2012.



Safe Handling of Treated Seed
Aaron Nygren - NE Extension Educator, Colfax County

Checking labels has become second nature, but what about checking the seed tag? This year remember to be safe when handling treated seed and check the seed tag for specific handling and use directions.

Treated seed is another route of exposure for the handler when thinking about pesticide safety; whether this exposure is to fungicide, insecticide, or nematicide treatments present on treated seed. Remember that reducing our exposure is key to reducing the overall risk when handling pesticides. Below are tips to safely handle treated seed, remember to read and follow all label directions.

Read the seed tag. This will be key to identifying personal protective equipment PPE requirements, signal words, use, disposal, environmental hazards, and storage information. Also be familiar with any restrictions (plant back or grazing) listed on the tag, before use.

Wear the right PPE. Most seed tags at minimum require long pants, long sleeves, shoes, socks, and chemical resistant gloves to handle the product.

Along with wearing PPE and reviewing the seed tag, choosing the right chemical resistant gloves is key to safe handling. Unlined chemical resistant gloves that cover the forearm provide protection over a greater area and reduce the risk of exposure. Cotton lined gloves, while more comfortable, absorb pesticides, are hard to clean, and increase your risk of exposure. Many seed treatments require wearing gloves that have 14-mil (0.001 inch) thickness or greater when handling treated seed. These gloves can be made out of a variety of materials and are categorized by the EPA by their chemical resistance.

Chemical resistance categories (designated A-H) may be listed on the pesticide label and are based on the solvent rather than the actual pesticides. These categories describe the time you can safely handle a product using the material and thickness of different gloves. Many seed tags will list the EPA chemical resistance category or simply list the glove requirements directly on the seed tag. More information can be obtained by downloading the current label from the seed treatment provider.

When handling treated seed this planting season be safe, reduce exposure, and always wear your PPE. In the event of a spill of treated seed, cover or dispose of the product following label instructions. Review the first aid before using the product and have a gallon of clean water with you to wash reusable gloves before removing them. After the gloves have been removed, remember to wash your hands with soap and water. Lastly, remember to inspect your PPE and replace items that are worn out or no longer effective. Have a safe planting season and for information on glove selection see NebGuide G1961, Pesticide Safety: Choosing the Right Gloves http://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/g1961.pdf.



Grant Opportunities for FFA Chapters, Agriculture Classrooms and Member SAE Projects

The Nebraska FFA Foundation is now seeking applications for 2020 local chapter grants.

The local chapter grant program, in its fourth year, supports Nebraska agricultural education classrooms, FFA programs and individual student Supervised Agricultural Experiences. Funds are provided by supporters of the Nebraska FFA Foundation and its general fund.

This year, grant requests may be any amount up to $10,000 for classroom and chapter projects, and up to $2,000 for student SAE projects. Applications are being accepted until June 30, 2020. Successful proposals from 2019 varied from greenhouse repairs to welding supplies to animal learning lab materials.

“The Nebraska FFA Foundation understands that in the challenging times that we are living today, the investment in local agriculture education classrooms, FFA chapters and students SAE's are critical to strengthening agriculture for today and in the future, here in Nebraska.  The Nebraska FFA Foundation's local grant program helps to support Nebraska FFA members for growing future generations of leaders and preparing for nearly 300 important careers in agriculture,” says Stacey Agnew, Executive Director.

To learn more, visit www.neffafoundation.org.



Nebraska Extension Field Scout Training

Offered remotely via Zoom
May 13, 2020  -  9:00 am–5:00 pm

A Nebraska Extension introductory training course is scheduled for summer employees working in the ag industry and corn and soybean growers wanting to learn how to better manage corn and soybean pests. Training is designed for entry-level scouts who are working for crop consultants, industry agronomists or farm service centers in Nebraska and neighboring states. Also ideal for growers who scout their own fields or are interested in improving productivity, as well as for students being employed by agribusinesses.

Topics include
• Understanding Corn and Soybean Growth and Development
• Crop Diseases and Quiz
• Identifying Weeds - Plant Morphology, Using a Key to Identify Weed Seedlings 
• Corn and Soybean Insect Scouting, Identification, Management
• Nutrient Deficiencies in Corn and Soybeans

Training will include interactive components, participants will receive instructions on downloading free versions of programs being used prior to the field crop scout training session.

Please register at: https://go.unl.edu/2020cropscout or e-mail extevents@unl.edu

For more information, contact Nebraska Extension - email Keith Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu, call (402) 624-8030, or visit https://enrec.unl.edu/crop.



Trenton Agri Products Will Become First Demonstration Site for Ethanol Industry Project to Expand Pollinator Habitat
   
In celebration of Earth Day, the Renewable Fuels Association and Renewable Fuels Nebraska today announced that Trenton Agri Products (TAP) in Trenton, Nebraska will become the first demonstration site for a new ethanol industry initiative to expand pollinator habitat in key production regions. TAP will establish a 5-acre pollinator plot this spring near the entrance to their facility to increase awareness and encourage local farmers to expand pollinator habitat on private lands. The plot will remain in place for at least three years.

“We are excited to be part of the ethanol industry’s efforts to promote the expansion of critical pollinator habitat,” said Charlie Wilson, President and CEO of Trenton Agri Products. “TAP has long been committed to environmental stewardship and strong community partnerships. As a producer of a clean, green renewable fuel, we are pleased to dedicate land at our facility to establish a pollinator demonstration plot and serve as an educational opportunity for the surrounding community.” 

In February, the Renewable Fuels Association, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, Nebraska Corn (comprising the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association) and Pheasants Forever, Inc. announced the launch of a pilot project in collaboration with Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture to expand critical pollinator habitat as part of the ethanol industry’s commitment to improving biodiversity.

The pilot project establishes pollinator habitat and demonstration sites in collaboration with Nebraska ethanol plants. The project will provide support to local corn growers, with the goal of expanding similar habitat with partnering farmers and impacting a minimum of 1,000 acres. The project will also work to connect farmers with relevant financial and technical assistance by leveraging existing Pheasants Forever habitat partnership programs.



IDALS Now Issuing Hemp Licenses and Seed Permits

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has issued its first round of hemp licenses and seed permits for the 2020 growing season. To date, 11 hemp licenses and 38 seed permits specific to hemp have been approved since it became legal to possess hemp in Iowa on April 8, 2020. License applications for outdoor hemp crops will be accepted until May 15. There is no deadline to apply for a license for indoor hemp crops.

“The introduction of hemp brings Iowa farmers another cash crop option for the 2020 growing season,” said Secretary Naig. “As with any new market, there are lessons to learn and challenges to overcome, but we continue to hear from farmers who are excited for this new opportunity.”

A list of licensed hemp growers and seed distributors is posted on the Department’s hemp landing page to help connect buyers and sellers in this new market. The approved lists for the 2020 growing season will be updated every Monday.

Applying for a hemp license
Detailed instructions on how to apply for a hemp license are available at iowaagriculture.gov/hemp. All individuals associated with the hemp production operation must be listed on the hemp license application and must submit their fingerprints for a background check. Interested growers can request a fingerprint card at (515) 725-1470 or hemp@iowaagriculture.gov. A license cannot be issued until all applicants associated with the hemp license pass the background check.

Applying for a permit to sell hemp seed
Before selling, distributing, advertising, soliciting orders, offering, or exposing hemp seed for sale in Iowa, a retailer must obtain a seed permit from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Seed dealers can apply for a seed permit now. Detailed information about hemp seed testing and labeling requirements are available at iowaagriculture.gov/hemp.

All questions about applying for a hemp license or seed permit should be directed to hemp@iowaagriculture.gov or (515) 725-1470. Additional resources for hemp growers are available at iowaagriculture.gov/hemp.

This commercial hemp production program does not legalize the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for human consumption, extraction or processing in Iowa. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still working to determine if CBD is safe for human consumption. Hemp grain, hemp seed oil and protein powder derived from hemp grain have been cleared by the FDA for human consumption.



EUKEN-MYERS FAMILY NAMED 2020 IOWA ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD WINNERS

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Environmental Stewardship Awards Program (ESAP) began 28 years ago, long before sustainability was a buzz word. The ESAP program was meant to highlight conservation efforts and recognize outstanding beef farmers who care for the land with as much dedication as they care for their livestock. Six regional winners are recognized at the national level, while one of these is selected as the winner.

Each year, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association chooses an outstanding cattle operation to nominate for the regional award. The 2020 Iowa Environmental Stewardship Program Award Winners are the Euken-Myers family from Cass County.

Beef production has been a life-long learning opportunity, passion and revenue stream for the Euken-Myers family. Randy and Jill Euken grew up with cattle on family farms and showed cattle as 4-H’ers. Their own farming operation was launched in 1978 when Randy started his farming career and purchased half of the cow herd from his landlord. Over the past 40 years, they have continued to grow and improve their cattle herd by carefully selecting replacement heifers and bulls, keeping and utilizing an extensive set of records, implementing the best practices for environmental stewardship and carefully tending to beef nutrition and herd health. These efforts have resulted in continued improvement in the performance and ROI for their operation and their reputations as good stewards of natural resources, life-long learners and good neighbors.

Now, the family has put in place a farm transition plan that is transferring management and operation of the beef and farming enterprises to their daughter and son-in-law. Over the past three years, Michelle (Euken) Myers and Steve Myers have purchased and improved their own farm and purchased half of the Eukens’ cow herd. They are retaining ownership of their calves in the family feedyard and are carrying on the legacy of environmental stewardship in their farming and cattle enterprises.

Located in southwest Iowa, the farm has a long history of row-crop and cattle production. Jill’s great grandfather and his sons bought the home farm in 1912, and it has remained in the family ever since. Now, more than 100 years later, the Myerses are the 5th generation in the family to earn a living from the farm.

Throughout that time, the farm has included both row-crops and cattle. The land is utilized with erosion and water quality in mind, with the highly erodible ground growing pasture or hay.

The Eukens and Myerses currently have approximately 165 cows and 30 head of replacement heifers. They also feed out their own calves and others in a 400 head feedlot, and purchase feeder cattle that are custom fed elsewhere.

The family manages pasture and hay ground in addition to row-crops. The row-crop acres are farmed with an extended rotation including alfalfa hay.

Greenhouse Gas and Climate Change
In the past few years, there has been an increased focus on climate change by politicians, academicians, and activists. Many of the practices the Eukens and Myerses employ on their farm mitigate climate change in one of two ways: reducing emissions and sequestering carbon.

Reducing emissions has become front and center for the agriculture industry today. Efficiencies in production and equipment have been the most visible change in emission reduction. Farmers and cattle producers have been tasked for years to be more efficient and produce more to feed the world. Livestock producers have become the most diverse of all farmers as they utilize their crops to feed their animals, manure to feed their crops, and cover crops to sequester carbon/nutrients and also feed their livestock.

The Eukens and Myerses utilize many practices on their row-crop operation to reduce emissions, including improvements to their grain-drying systems and reduced tillage. Increased yields over the years have also reduced emissions on a per acre or per unit level.

Sequestering carbon may not have as much of a direct influence on a farmer’s bottom line, but it is another way that the Eukens and Myerses have improved their impact on climate change. The land has an incredible ability to store and utilize carbon, but certain farming practices can increase or decrease carbon sequestration. Through cover crops, minimum tillage and application of manure, the Eukens and Myerses have been able to increase soil organic matter. This increase in organic matter has made their land more profitable and healthy, and has increased its ability to store carbon.

The family has been able to utilize these healthy soils to more sustainably grow crops, feed cattle, and help keep the carbon in the soil and out of our atmosphere. Cover crops have become a big part of no-till, organic, and livestock production the last couple of years. A big part of this reason is due to the efficiencies and unique tools that cover crops provide. Feed, bedding, tillage, and increased organic matter are just a few of the examples of what cover crops provide, including various ways for a farmer to be more sustainable.

Cattlemen are often considered the original stewards of the land. And with progressive, responsible cattle producers like the Eukens and Myerses, it’s easy to see why.



USDA Reports Record Enrollment in Key Farm Safety-Net Programs

Producers signed a record 1.77 million contracts for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2019 crop year, which is more than 107 percent of the total contracts signed compared with a 5-year average. USDA also reminds producers that June 30 is the deadline to enroll in ARC and PLC for the 2020 crop year.

“Producers for several years have experienced low commodity prices, a volatile trade environment and catastrophic natural disasters,” said Richard Fordyce, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “Farmers looking to mitigate these risks recognize that ARC and PLC provide the financial protections they need to weather substantial drops in crop prices or revenues.”

Producers interested in enrolling for 2020 should contact their FSA county office. Producers must enroll by June 30 and make their one-time update to PLC payment yields by September 30.

FSA attributes the significant participation in the 2019 crop year ARC and PLC programs to increased producer interest in the programs under the 2018 Farm Bill and to an increase in eligible farms because of the selling and buying of farms and new opportunities for beginning farmers and military veterans with farms having 10 or fewer base acres. Enrollment for 2019 ended March 16.



Fertilizer Prices Continue Mostly Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continued to be mostly higher the second week of April 2020, according to retailers surveyed by DTN. The recent trend, which is still in place, features extremely slight price moves.

Seven fertilizers were slightly higher in price compared to last month. DAP has an average price of $410/ton, potash $370/ton, urea $384/ton, 10-34-0 $468/ton, anhydrous $492/ton, UAN28 $236/ton and UAN32 $279/ton.

The remaining fertilizer had a slightly lower price looking back to a month earlier. MAP had an average price of $433/ton.

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

Retail fertilizers are now all lower in price from a year ago. Both DAP and MAP are 19% lower, anhydrous is 17% less expensive, UAN28 is 13% lower, UAN32 is 12% less expensive, both potash and urea are 5% lower and 10-34-0 is 3% less expensive from last year at this time.



Pork Board Develops Content To Help Parents Now Filling the Role of Teacher

Parents nationwide now have access to new ways to keep children learning and engaged during the coronavirus crisis, thanks to free materials developed in conjunction with the Pork Checkoff. With hundreds of thousands of adults and young people working and learning from home during the global pandemic, parents are looking for ways to keep their students occupied and informed.  

“The coronavirus pandemic has presented significant challenges for many families,” said Angie Krieger, vice president of domestic marketing for the Pork Checkoff. “Parents are not only working from home, but they’re also being asked to fill the role of teacher. It can be hard for parents to fill this additional role, but America’s pig farmers are ready to help. We have a wealth of fun and educational resources parents can use to teach their children about food, nutrition, farming and the environment.”

Working with the award-winning curriculum specialists at Young Minds Inspired (YMI), the Pork Checkoff  created a series of fun, educational activities that:
-    Support healthy eating habits based on USDA MyPlate guidelines
-    Build understanding of the nutritional profile of pork
-    Explain how pork is an important protein source in global cuisines, and provide recipes that help families build cooking skills together
-    Share the importance of sustainability in food choices and the environmental footprint of modern pig farming

“These resources come at a very relevant time when parents and teachers are looking for new ways to engage students,” said Dr. Dominic Kinsley, managing partner, and editor-in-chief at Young Minds Inspired. “All of our programs are reviewed by a blue-ribbon panel of active teachers, so parents can be assured that these materials are age-appropriate and consistent with content their children are normally exposed to in the classroom.”

The Pork Checkoff has worked with YMI since 2008 to develop and approve standards-based content for classroom use. Just as new materials were about to be shared with classroom teachers around the U.S. this spring, the coronavirus pandemic altered those plans. With minor adjustments, the content was modified to fit the needs of parents now looking for educational materials.

The content may be especially relevant to families, as retail pork sales have risen dramatically since mid-March. From mid-March to mid-April, retail sales of pork has increased 49%.

“Now that more people than ever have pork in their refrigerators and freezers, families can use these lesson plans to better understand where their food comes from, how it benefits their health and learn more about the sustainability of their food choices,” said Krieger. “The additional time I’ve had with my four daughters to have these discussions as we cook together has been enlightening for all of us.”

The lesson plans and activity information can be found at: http://ymiclassroom.com/lesson-plans/pork-family/.



Record High Red Meat, Beef, and Pork Production in 2019

Total red meat production for the United States totaled 55.1 billion pounds in 2019, 3 percent higher than the previous year. Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, and lamb and mutton. Red meat production in commercial plants totaled 55.0 billion pounds. On-farm slaughter totaled 93.1 million pounds.

Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas accounted for 49 percent of the United States commercial red meat production in 2019, unchanged from 2018.

State Total Production
(million pounds   --   2020    --   2019)
Nebraska ........:       8,289.2   -   8,106.4
Iowa ...............:       8,624.0   -   7,700.5
Kansas ............:       5,585.8   -   5,875.3
Texas ..............:       4,678.9   -   4,655.1

There were 835 plants slaughtering under federal inspection on January 1, 2020 compared with 837 last year. Of these, 670 plants slaughtered at least one head of cattle during 2019 with the 12 largest plants slaughtering 52 percent of the total cattle killed. Hogs were slaughtered at 619 plants, with the 14 largest plants accounting for 59 percent of the total. For calves, 4 of the 187 plants accounted for 66 percent of the total and 3 of the 521 plants that slaughtered sheep or lambs in 2019 comprised 49 percent of the total head.   

Totals by Species
Beef
Beef production totaled 27.2 billion pounds, up 1 percent from the previous year. Veal production totaled 79.0 million pounds, down 2 percent from last year. Pork production, at 27.7 billion pounds, was 5 percent above the previous year. Lamb and mutton production totaled 153.2 million pounds, down 3 percent from 2018.

Commercial cattle slaughter during 2019 totaled 33.6 million head, up 2 percent from 2018, with federal inspection comprising 98.6 percent of the total. The average live weight was 1,344 pounds, down 6 pounds from a year ago. Steers comprised 49.3 percent of the total federally inspected cattle slaughter, heifers 29.7 percent, dairy cows 9.7 percent, other cows 9.6 percent, and bulls 1.6 percent.

Commercial calf slaughter totaled 587,000 head, 1 percent higher than a year ago with 98.6 percent under federal inspection. The average live weight was 221 pounds, down 5 pounds from a year earlier.

Pork
Commercial hog slaughter totaled 129.9 million head, 4 percent higher than 2018 with 99.5 percent of the hogs slaughtered under federal inspection. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from last year, at 285 pounds. Barrows and gilts comprised 97.4 percent of the total federally inspected hog
slaughter.

Sheep
Commercial sheep and lamb slaughter, at 2.32 million head, was up 3 percent from the previous year with federal inspection comprising 87.0 percent of the total. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from 2018 at 128 pounds. Lambs and yearlings comprised 94.3 percent of the total federally inspected sheep slaughter.



Bunge agrees to sell 35 U.S. grain elevators

Bunge Limited today announced that it has agreed to sell 35 U.S. interior elevators to Zen-Noh Grain Corporation. The completion of the sale is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

"This transaction will allow Bunge to operate more efficiently and reinvest in higher returning areas of the company while reducing costs and strengthening our balance sheet," said Greg Heckman, Bunge's Chief Executive Officer. "Bunge will continue to be an industry leader in the U.S. grain marketplace through global grain trading and distribution with our export terminals in Destrehan, Louisiana, which we are expanding, and EGT, our joint venture in the Pacific Northwest.  We will also continue our strong presence in the soybean processing business and milling operations."

Through certain supply agreements, Bunge will be able to access a larger and stronger origination and distribution network through Zen-Noh to better serve American farmers and global export customers.

In addition to the export terminals in Destrehan and the EGT joint venture, Bunge will retain ownership in Bunge-SCF Grain, Bunge's joint venture with SCF, and the Bunge elevators in Indiana that directly support Bunge's soybean processing plant in Morristown.



USDA Cold Storage March 2020 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on March 31, 2020 were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 7 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 11 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 4 percent from the previous month but up 2 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 6 percent from last month and up 34 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on March 31, 2020 were up 4 percent from the previous month but down 2 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down slightly from the previous month but up 6 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 14 percent from last month but down 17 percent from March 31, 2019.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on March 31, 2020 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 1 percent from March 31, 2019. Butter stocks were up 3 percent from last month and up 15 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on March 31, 2020 were down 7 percent from last month and down 11 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 7 percent from last month and down 1 percent from a year ago.



Animal Agriculture Alliance releases updated Sustainability Impact Report for Earth Day

Today, the Animal Agriculture Alliance released its updated “Sustainability Impact Report” in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The report highlights how the animal agriculture industry shares the same values as today’s consumer with its never-ending commitment to environmental stewardship, animal care, responsible antibiotic use, food safety and nutrition. To access the report, go to https://animalagalliance.org/issues/sustainability.

The 33-page report covers nine sectors of animal agriculture: dairy, beef, veal, pork, chicken, turkey, egg, sheep and aquaculture. “As the world celebrates Earth Day, we want to shine a light on the farmers and ranchers who treat every day like Earth Day,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “The animal agriculture community is constantly evolving and looking for innovative ways to improve the environmental sustainably of farming and ranching.”

The report contains valuable insights into animal agriculture’s dedication to continuous improvement, including the following environmental stewardship highlights:
-    According to the Environmental Protection Agency, agriculture accounts for a total of 9 percent of U.S. GHG emissions while livestock production is only 3.9 percent.
-    Dairy farmers decreased their carbon footprint by 63 percent from 1944 to 2007.
-    Since 1977, cattle ranchers have reduced their carbon footprint by 16 percent.
-    Pig farmers decreased their carbon footprint by 7.7 percent and their water use by 25.1 percent from 1960 to 2015.
-    The egg industry reduced its carbon footprint by 71 percent and its water use by 32 percent since 1960.
-    Producing the same amount of chicken today as 1965 has 50 percent less impact on the environment.

In addition to the updated report, the Alliance has additional sustainability resources available within its website and Resource Center, including links to new research, social media images and infographics.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 4/17/2020

 This morning, the EIA released its Weekly Petroleum Status Report for the week ending April 17, which continued to reflect the impact on the ethanol industry from the social-distancing and stay-at-home restrictions associated with COVID-19.

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production declined 1.2%, or 7,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 563,000 b/d—the lowest level since the EIA began reporting ethanol production statistics in 2010. Production was 46% below the same week in 2019. The four-week average ethanol production rate dropped 14.4% to 661,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.13 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks rose 0.8% to a record 27.7 million barrels, eclipsing last week’s previous peak. However, the bulk of inventory growth occurred in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3), up 5.8%, with the East Coast (PADD 1), Rocky Mountain (PADD 4), and West Coast (PADD 5) regions scaling back.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, continued to perk up, moving 4.5% higher to 5.311 million b/d (81.42 bg annualized) although coming in 44% lower than a year ago.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, rising 3.4% to 523,000 b/d, equivalent to 8.02 bg annualized, which was 44% below the year-earlier level.

There were no imports of ethanol recorded for the sixth straight week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of February 2020.)



NCBA Delivers "Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act" for Cattle Producers and Small Business

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President, Government Affairs, Ethan Lane today issued the following statement in response to U.S. Senate passage of additional legislation, the Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act of 2020, to provide relief in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:

“We applaud the Senate for advancing this critical replenishment of funding to programs like Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and we are pleased to see the reaffirmation of Congress’s intent that cattle producers be granted access to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program administered by the Small Business Administration. 

"We urge the House of Representatives to move swiftly to approve this package and deliver these funds to producers across the country who are continuing to keep grocery store shelves full during this economic disaster." 

BACKGROUND:
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday evening approved so-called "CARES 2.0" $484 billion emergency relief legislation by unanimous consent.

The measure would provide an additional $321 billion in funding for PPP. Of this amount, $60 billion is set aside for small lenders and community-based financial institutions who serve the needs of unbanked/underserved small businesses, specifically:
-    $30 billion for loans made by Insured Depository Institutions and Credit Unions that have assets between $10 billion and $50 billion; and
-    $30 billion for loans made by Community Financial Institutions, Small Insured Depository Institutions, and Credit Unions with assets less than $10 billion.

An additional $50 billion is provided for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program – allowing for approximately $300 billion in new loans for small businesses – and $10 billion in funding for SBA’s Emergency Economic Injury Grant program.

Authorizing language was included to allow agricultural enterprises as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)) with not more than 500 employees to receive EIDL grants and loans.