Friday May 29 Ag News

Webinar to detail USDA coronavirus food assistance program for producers

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will be the focus of a joint webinar produced by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) this Thursday at noon CDT.

The program provides direct financial assistance to agricultural producers to offset market supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19. It is being implemented by FSA, with county offices across Nebraska accepting applications through Aug. 28, 2020.

The webinar will present information on commodities covered under the program, payment rates and details on navigating the application process. It will be presented by Cathy Anderson, production and compliance programs chief with the Nebraska FSA. Additional analysis of the program’s impact on Nebraska will be provided by Brad Lubben, extension associate professor and policy specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

This is part of series of weekly webinars examining COVID-19’s impact on agriculture in Nebraska that is produced by the Agricultural Economics Extension Farm and Ranch Management team.

The webinar will be held live on Zoom for approximately one hour, including time for questions from participants. Registration is open to everyone at https://go.unl.edu/manage2020. Additional information, a schedule of other upcoming webinars and recordings of all sessions will be available there as well.



LENRD board votes to support funding to restore and establish tree windbreaks

At their May board meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors signed a letter of support to apply for grant funding to restore and establish tree windbreaks across the district.  The Nebraska Forest Service is applying for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and has requested the LENRD’s support.  If this RCPP proposal is selected for funding, the LENRD would provide $300,000 through the Nebraska Forest Restoration Partnership over the next five years as a match for the grant.  This match would be a reduction in the current tree cost-share budget.  In return, additional funds and technical assistance would be made available to the LENRD.  LENRD Natural Resources Technician, Todd Stewart, said, “This grant would allow further opportunities to expand our current programs and develop more windbreaks across northeast Nebraska.  I’m excited for the opportunity to work with area landowners to accomplish this.”

In other action, the board approved a contract with HDR to create a Board of Consultants to perform a peer review of the Willow Creek Dam Underseepage Study.  Through this process, experts in the field will review the study to determine which action to take to further secure the dam, located southwest of Pierce.  The two options proposed include a relief well system or a seepage berm as potential mitigation measures for the elevated piezometric pressures on the dam.  The board also voted to sign a contract with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to reimburse 50% or the LENRD’s costs paid to HDR for the review.

The board is also looking to gather more information and potential ways to reduce the toxic algae and improve water quality in the lake at the Willow Creek State Recreation Area.  The board voted to sign a contract with FYRA Engineering to study the internal phosphorus loading within the Willow Creek reservoir.  LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “This is a multi-phase approach to determine what could potentially be done to combat the issue.”  The board voted 9 to 5 to begin with the first step in the process which involves the collection and analysis of core soil samples.

The board also approved an interlocal agreement for up to $1.7 million with the City of West Point for their levee project.  The agreement was set to expire in June and needed to be updated.  Work on the project will begin in 2021.  This project will protect the City of West Point from flood waters and bring the levee into compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards.

In other business, the board voted to apply for a technical assistance grant through the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).  The LENRD would provide $15,580 for one year to support hiring a full-time employee stationed in the Pierce NRCS office.  This individual would be working on nutrient management plans and irrigation water management in Pierce County.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, June 25th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails at www.lenrd.org.



I-29 Moo University Launches New Dairy Podcast

Dairy producers in the I-29 corridor and across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota have a new way of receiving information, thanks to a podcast launched by the I-29 Moo University dairy consortium. Extension dairy specialists from each state help to develop the topics for the bi-weekly podcast.

“The show’s focus is unique because it aims to discuss current issues faced by dairy producers along the corridor ranging from economics and animal health, to forage, labor and farm programs,” say’s Kim Clark, Nebraska Extension Dairy Educator, and one of three regular hosts for the program.

The first podcast was released on May 26 and featured Kim Clark, Jim Salfer, Minnesota Extension Dairy Educator and Fred M. Hall, Northwest Iowa Extension Dairy Specialist, discussing information for dairy producers concerning the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).

Podcasts are recorded every two weeks, and feature commentary by I-29 Moo University Extension dairy specialists in conversation with other dairy industry experts.

“The podcasts offer another way for dairy producers and the dairy industry across the region to receive current and timely information and resources on dairy production practices, financial management and practical strategies in dealing with farm stress,” said Salfer.

Hall adds that the discussions are driven by current topics and questions from producers.

“We hope that producers will interact with questions and comments that can help develop more programs,” Hall said.

Each episode is 15-20 minutes and is available on the I-29 Moo University website (https://feeds.captivate.fm/i-29-moo-u/), as well as on each state’s dairy Extension website. Producers can also subscribe to the “I-29 Moo U Dairy Podcast” on iTunes and Spotify. Past episodes are archived, so listeners can tune in whenever they choose.

For more information, contact Kim Clark at kimclark@unl.edu or 402.472.6065; Jim Salfer at salfe001@umn.edu or 612.360.4506; or Fred M. Hall at fredhall@iastate.edu or 712.737.4230.



Nebraska Ethanol Board June 10th board meeting to be held in Lincoln

The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet in Lincoln at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 10. The meeting will be at Hyatt Place (600 Q Street) in the conjoined meeting rooms I, II, & III. Board, staff and audience members will be able to adhere to COVID-19 recommended guidelines and spatial distancing of 6 feet apart.

Highlights of the agenda include:
    Budget Report & Budget Planning Fiscal Year 2020-21
    Fuel Retailer Update
    E30 Demonstration Update
    Renewable Fuels Nebraska Update
    Marketing Programs
    State and Federal Legislation
    Ethanol Plant Reports
    Board vacancies
 This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.



Iowa Corn Farmers Thank Essential Healthcare Professionals

From one essential worker to another, Iowa Corn farmers provided a meal as a token of their appreciation to front-line healthcare professionals across the state of Iowa this week.  Iowa Corn partnered with Casey’s General Stores and Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company to provide and personally deliver 1,500 Casey’s pizzas and 12-packs of Coke products to well over 100 hospitals in local Iowa communities including 14 hospitals across 12 counties in crop reporting district 4.

“Iowa Corn farmers say thank you, and we are stronger together in these difficult times,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) President Roger Zylstra, a farmer from Sully, IA. “As the healthcare professionals are relentlessly keeping us and our families safe, Iowa’s corn farmers and livestock producers are working hard to continue to provide a safe, secure food system.”

There are over 4,000 products made from corn, many of which are included in Casey’s pizza and Atlantic Bottling’s Coke products.

“Casey’s is proud to partner with Iowa Corn farmers and Atlantic Bottling to say thanks to healthcare workers. Now more than ever, we all appreciate and applaud the courage of these workers who are serving our communities,” said Katie Petru, Director of Communications for Casey’s General Stores.

“Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company is an Iowa company proud to partner with Iowa Corn and Casey’s supporting our medical professionals and emergency personnel in the local communities where we live, work, and play,” said John Otterbeck, Chief Marketing Officer for Atlantic Bottling Company. “We understand this is not an easy time for many, but Iowans are resilient and together we are stronger.”

Iowa Corn farmers and staff of ICPB delivered pizzas to the district 4 hospitals, which include: Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon County, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Calhoun County, St. Anthony’s Regional Hospital and Manning Regional Healthcare in Carroll County, Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Crawford County, Greene County Medical Center in Greene County, Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie County, Alegent Health Community Hospital in Harrison County, Burgess Memorial Hospital in Monona County, Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida County, Loring Hospital in Sac County, Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Shelby County, UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s and Mercy Medical Center in Woodbury County.



2020 Update for Veterinarians Program to Be Held Virtually

The 2020 Update for Veterinarians program will be held as a virtual webinar that can be viewed from home or office. The June 16 program, organized and provided by Iowa Beef Center, features six full hours of education and information focused on beef cattle production.

Chris Clark, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, coordinates the program and invites practitioners who work with cattle to make plans now to register for the virtual event which will begin at 10 a.m.

“Organizing this event has been challenging as we try to navigate through the coronavirus pandemic, but I really want to provide an opportunity for quality continuing education as we approach the end of this licensure period," he said. "Using a virtual platform will allow this to happen in an easily accessible way."

Clark said attendees will hear about important and timely topics during the day's program.

"The morning presentation from Dan Thomson, chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, will focus on some of the potential management, health and welfare issues associated with the disruptions of the cattle processing capacity and the back-up of market-ready cattle," he said. "Afternoon topics include diseases that are transmitted between wildlife and livestock, and practical application of pain management strategies in beef cattle practice. Finally, we’ll round out the afternoon with updates from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory."

Six hours of continuing education credit have been approved for the program.

Financial benefit
Another benefit of this year's virtual learning platform is financial.

“Using the virtual format, I think we can keep costs pretty minimal and are providing this program free of charge this year," Clark said. "Preregistration for the Webex platform session is strongly encouraged for easier and faster access the day of the program."

See details and registration information on the main webinar page http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/VeterinarianUpdate2020.html. Once registered, participants will receive an email with a link to join the event the morning of June 16. Participants can join the event beginning at 9:50 a.m. and are encouraged to join a few minutes prior to the 10 a.m. start time.  If you have any questions, contact Clark prior to the event at caclark@iastate.edu or 712-250-0070.



Growth Energy Celebrates First Anniversary of Year-Round E15

This weekend marks the first anniversary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule allowing American drivers to fuel up with E15, a fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol, year-round. The rule, issued on May 31, 2019,  lifted summer restrictions and represented the culmination of a decade-long campaign that began with Growth Energy’s 2009 “Green Jobs Waiver” petition, which first opened E15 to all model year 2001 and newer light-duty vehicles.

“COVID-19 may have slowed fuel demand in recent months, but the promise of E15 remains stronger than ever as we mark the first anniversary of year-round sales,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This was a landmark victory for our members, congressional champions, retail partners, and consumers across the country who fought by our side to lift outdated barriers to higher-octane, lower-carbon fuel options.

“As motorists begin returning to the roads, E15 is poised for rapid growth. In fact, a survey by Pilot Flying J shows that 65 percent of U.S. drivers are reporting big plans for extra summer travel once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. And we already know that customers who try E15 are coming back again and again to take advantage of this more affordable, cleaner fuel. Last summer alone, E15 sales jumped 46 percent on a per-store basis from the previous year thanks to year-round sales.

“The future is even brighter. In just the last 12 months, we’ve seen a surge of interest from Growth Energy’s retail partners who are eager to offer consumers a cleaner, more affordable fuel choice. Nearly 400 new E15 locations have been added over the last year, bringing the total to 2,180, and the retail landscape continues to shift as the number of wholesale terminals offering pre-blended E15 continues to rise from only five in 2017 to nearly 200 today.

“We are also working with the leading retailers, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and lawmakers in Congress, to build on our success with our partner Prime the Pump and turbo-charge the installation of new infrastructure that will bring higher biofuel blends to millions of additional motorists. Taken together, these efforts promise to drive the next wave of growth that will revitalize rural communities and displace more petroleum-based additives that poison our air.”

Growth Energy works with leading retailers including Casey’s, Cumberland Farms, Family Express, Holiday, Kum & Go, Kwik Trip, Minnoco, Murphy USA, Protec Fuel, Pump & Pantry, QuikTrip, RaceTrac, Royal Farms, Rutters, Sheetz, and Thorntons to give more drivers access to cleaner burning, high-octane Unleaded 88 at more than 2,000 stations across the U.S. These retailers sell between 2.2 to 2.5 million fuel gallons per year at each retail location, which amounts to over 200 percent more fuel gallons per year than what the average fuel retailer sells annually.



Growth Energy Identifies Omissions in EPA Report

Growth Energy today said the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new “anti-backsliding” report on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) side-steps the wide body of evidence supporting a clear scientific consensus around the clean air benefits of homegrown ethanol. The study, required by the Clean Air Act and released as part of a consent decree reached in February 2019, rehashed outdated information while omitting critical data on the environmental advantages of low-carbon biofuels.

“It’s disappointing to see this EPA miss another chance to correct outdated claims which minimize contributions of U.S. biofuels to clean air and a healthy climate,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “The Renewable Fuel Standard has stood the test of time as America’s single most successful clean energy policy, driving down greenhouse gas emissions while displacing toxic petroleum-based aromatics, like benzene, a known carcinogen.

“The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture data show that ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 39 percent or more compared to traditional gasoline, with corn ethanol’s relative carbon benefits reaching as high as 70 percent. And a vast trove of public, private, and academic studies shows how continuous innovation has allowed us to ramp up biofuel production year after year, without expanding our environmental footprint. The data is clear. Without ethanol, we would be rolling back the clock, with higher emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and smog-forming pollutants linked to cancer, as well as neurological, cardiovascular, and reproductive damage.

“Clean energy leaders and health experts, including those at the American Lung Association, are all speaking out about the importance of alternative fuels like ethanol for protecting our respiratory health, now more than ever. And new research from experts like Dr. Steffen Mueller at the University of Illinois Chicago shows that cleaner biofuel blends can improve health outcomes and save lives.



USSEC DIGITAL AQUACULTURE EVENT CONVENES 900 INDUSTRY LEADERS AND PROVIDES KEY INSIGHTS AROUND GLOBAL MARKET OUTLOOK AMID COVID-19

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) virtually hosted a global digital event, “COVID-19 and the Implications to Aquaculture,” on May 20 with approximately 900 global customers and soybean industry representatives from 60 countries. The event focused on the impact of COVID-19 on global aquaculture production and marketing supply chains. As global markets adapt to these times, U.S. Soy is ready to meet global needs in the aquaculture industry.

In the restricted travel environment caused by COVID-19, USSEC continues to innovate as an industry leader in digital engagement. It’s focused on connecting U.S. farmers with customers through online presentations and discussions, while offering valuable insights about the global/U.S. market.

“Our industry has always prioritized innovation and adaptability in order to better serve our customers and meet the needs within the global seafood industry, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different,” said Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO. “At USSEC, we've had an active program in aquaculture for 35 years, with partners ranging from small fish farms in Asia, to large international operations across the globe. And no matter who we're working with, our top priority is to optimize and demonstrate the value and nutritional benefits of U.S. Soy in aquaculture diets.”

Some key takeaways from the event include:

    George Chamberlain, President, Global Aquaculture Alliance discussed how despite the impact of COVID-19, the demand for aquaculture is growing globally.
        “Asian customers are learning that fresh fish from retail and e-commerce is just as good and even more convenient than live fish. And Western consumers are learning to prepare seafood at home, so eventually when food service opens again, total consumption should be even higher. In the long term, we can expect the global population to increase which will mean greater food and protein demand in the future that cannot be met by today's food systems. Aquaculture is well positioned to address these challenges with healthy foods produced from environmentally and socially responsible systems.”

    Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Analyst — Seafood, RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness noted that while prices have been impacted, production and volumes have remained consistent and recovery could happen this year.
        “In the salmon sector we're going to have some losses primarily due to a low price point, but production and volumes have not been impacted that much, and we do expect a recovery before the end of this year, at least in prices.”

USSEC leadership also spoke at the event to reassure attendees that U.S. farmers and the U.S. Soy community are continuing work to meet customer needs globally:

    Monte Peterson, Chairman of USSEC, board member of the American Soybean Association and soybean farmer in Valley City, North Dakota, shared the farmer perspective in his opening remarks.
        “Despite facing a public health issue and continued global uncertainty, our commitment to producing a safe and reliable soybean meal for aquaculture has never wavered. Agriculture was recognized as critical infrastructure by the U.S. government. And with events like this, we can show how U.S. Soy farmers intend to honor that through their work, proceeding with planting for the 2020 harvest, and staying focused on being a reliable supplier to our customers.”

    Carlos Salinas, USSEC Senior Director of Soybean Meal, noted that the U.S. is positioned to meet increasing global demand.
        “As the global population increases, the demand for seafood and fish will continue to grow. And by 2030, 62% of all seafood produced for human consumption will be a product of aquaculture. With the help of U.S. Soy, expanding feed-based aquaculture can address the needs of both supply and demand. U.S. soybean farmers are an essential partner in the prosperity of the aquaculture community and are helping to revolutionize aquaculture globally. The value of these global partnerships is immeasurable. It's something that helps differentiate the U.S. Soy advantage for our customers.”

USSEC held two identical sessions to accommodate attendees from around the world.



VIETNAM TO TEMPORARILY REDUCE MFN TARIFF RATES ON PORK

Vietnam announced this week it will temporarily reduce its Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates from 15 percent to 10 percent for frozen pork products. The United States is among countries able to receive the MFN rates and once implemented, this will level the playing field with other Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) countries that have free trade agreements with Vietnam. The temporary reductions will take effect July 10, through the end of the year.

A trade agreement with Vietnam is a top priority for U.S. pork producers, especially as the country battles African swine fever and needs safe, reliable and affordable sources of pork. In August 2019, the National Pork Producers Council helped secure a USDA grant enabling the Swine Health Information Center to run a research project in Vietnam to better under the disease in an active-outbreak setting.



USTR RELEASES NEGOTIATING OBJECTIVES FOR U.S.-KENYA TRADE DEAL

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently released a summary of its negotiating objectives for an upcoming trade deal with Kenya. Among objectives are securing comprehensive market access for U.S. agricultural goods in Kenya by reducing or eliminating tariffs; eliminating practices that unfairly decrease U.S. market access opportunities or distort agricultural markets including non-tariff barriers that discriminate against U.S. agricultural goods and restrictive rules in the administration of tariff rate quotas; and providing for enforceable and robust Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) that build upon World Trade Organization rights and obligations.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced Tuesday it is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation into the economic effect of eliminating tariffs on imported goods from Kenya. The investigation was requested by USTR in March as part of the process for negotiating a U.S.-Kenya trade deal, and ITC plans to complete its report by Sept. 16.


 
USDA UPDATES ASF RESPONSE PLAN

On Thursday, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) updated its African swine fever (ASF) strategic plan and expanded it into a full response as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen response capabilities in the event of an outbreak. The USDA APHIS USDA Response Plan: The Red Book May 2020 elevates preparedness activities in the United States should ASF enter the country. ASF is an animal disease affecting only pigs and with no human health or food safety risks.

Among provisions, the response plan provides: a comprehensive feral swine response; an outline of USDA authorities and APHIS guidance specific to an ASF response; specific response actions that will be taken if ASF is detected; updated USDA APHIS National Stop Movement Guidance and changes to surveillance guidance. To view the Red Book, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/fadprep. The agency anticipates there will be updates to the ASF Response Plan as new capabilities and processes become available.




LRP-Lamb Contracts Honored on Current Conditions

COVID-19 has impacted the industry on nearly every front, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture – acting on guidance from the American Sheep Industry Association and the Sheep Venture Company – has found one way to blunt a small portion of that damage.

USDA will now use the National Weekly Slaughter Sheep Report comprehensive price – when the formula price is not available to due confidentiality requirements – to determine Actual Ending Values on LRP-Lamb policies purchased prior to the COVID-19 impact.

“The Agricultural Marketing Service has suspended reporting of the National Weekly Slaughter Sheep Review (LM_LM352) formula price to comply with confidentiality requirements,” wrote USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator Martin R. Barbre in a bulletin to insurance providers and RMA field offices this week. “Without the formula price being released by AMS, the Risk Management Agency is unable to publish Actual Ending Values on any active LRP-Lamb endorsements in a manner that reflects current market conditions to appropriately compensate insureds for the coverage purchased prior to the market impacts of COVID-19, which ultimately led the discontinuance of the National Weekly Slaughter Sheep Review formula price.”

“On May 21, 2020, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors suspended sales of the Livestock Risk Protection for Lamb due to data being unavailable to make offers and settle existing insurance contracts. Effective immediately, RMA will publish AEVs for active endorsements by replacing the National Weekly Slaughter Sheep Review formula price with the comprehensive price when the formula price is not available. The comprehensive price includes formula price transactions in addition to negotiated prices and is designed by AMS to allow price reporting to continue during periods when the formula price report is suspended. Because the comprehensive price includes formula price transactions, it closely follows the formula price.

“For any active LRP-Lamb endorsements, when AMS has not published the formula price for the ending date of the endorsement and the previous four weeks, RMA will use the National Weekly Slaughter Sheep Review comprehensive price to calculate the actual ending value instead of the formula price. RMA will continue to use the formula price to determine the AEVs, as outlined in the policy, if AMS publishes the formula price on the ending date of the endorsement and the previous four weeks.”

ASI Executive Director/SVC Secretary-Treasurer Peter Orwick extends the sheep industry’s appreciation to USDA for finding a work around to the serious issue of not being able to accurately settle insurance contracts due to lack of price reporting because of recent plant shutdowns and changes in purchase of lambs. The industry spent two months providing alternatives, and is pleased that USDA found one that works.



USDA Lamb Purchase Totals $2.675 Million

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week the purchase of $2.675 million in lamb shanks and chops under the Trade Mitigation Food Purchase and Distribution Program.

USDA purchased 200,000 pounds of lamb shanks and 159,600 pounds of bone-in lamb chops through the program. A total of 119,700 pounds of lamb chops and 80,000 pounds of lamb shanks were not purchased under the program due to vendor constraints.

“We appreciate USDA following through on the previously announced lamb purchase,” said American Sheep Industry Association President Benny Cox of Texas. “We hope the new distribution of lamb will strengthen the live lamb market for sheep producers and benefit needy families who will find American lamb at their local food banks in the months to come.”

USDA has a total of $17 million authorized for lamb meat purchases and ASI will continue to work with the department for prompt usage of the funds this year.