Thrusday May 21 Ag News

NE Cattlemen Detail Midyear Meeting Schedule

Midyear Committee meetings will be held via zoom June 9th and 10th. These meetings are open to all current Nebraska Cattlemen members and registration is required. Each meeting will be two hours in length beginning the morning of Tuesday, June 9th.

Brand and Property Rights kicks off the webinar sessions on June 9th at 10:00am. Senator Steve Halloran will discuss where Brand Legislation goes from here. Nebraska Brand Committee Executive Director John Widdowson and Chair Adam Sawyer will follow-up with an update from NBC.

Taxation will be right after the lunch hour starting at 1:00pm on Tuesday broadly discussing Nebraska’s 2020 Legislative session, COVID-19 implications, and a property tax relief outlook.

We end the day on Tuesday with a jam-packed Marketing and Commerce Committee webinar starting at 3:30pm. Lots to talk about during this two-hour session. A few highlights will be an update on the current packer investigation, LRP modifications, LMR renewals, Senator Grassley’s proposed mandate requiring 50% negotiated trade and lots more!

Wednesday begins with the Education committee webinar at 10:00am hearing from Post-Secondary institutions and Nebraska FFA.

After Lunch on Wednesday starting at 1:00pm the Animal Health and Nutrition meeting will discuss secure beef supply and traceability.

We wrap up committee webinars at 3:30pm with Natural Resources and Environment committee. Participants will hear from Scott Yager, NCBA Chief Environmental Council and Government Affairs on federal environmental issues, Dirac Twidwell, UNL Associate Professor will give an update on cedar tree efforts and the meeting will end with Cay Ewoldt, NDEE talking carcass disposal during depopulation scenarios.

“We are experiencing a time of challenge and change. It is unfortunate that we do not get the opportunity to meet with our members in person for 2020 Midyear; however, we hope to have success with the webinars. There is a lot to discuss and I look forward to you joining us June 9th and 10th via zoom.” Nebraska Cattlemen President, Ken Herz

Thank you to all midyear meeting webinar sponsors:
Allflex Livestock Intelligence, Arthur J Gallagher & Co., Bill’s Volume Sales, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, CIH - Commodity & Ingredient Hedging, Farm Credit Services of America, Murphy Tractor and Equipment Co., Nebraska Corn Board, NMC CAT, Settje Agri-Services & Engineering Inc., South Central Cattlemen, Zoetis. 

More information at www.nebraskacattlemen.org.  



NDA PROVIDES GUIDANCE FOR RESTRICTED FAIR OPENINGS AND LIVESTOCK SHOWS/EVENTS TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced a new Directed Health Measure (DHM) that will take effect on June 1, 2020 to continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Nebraska.

The DHM provides guidance including requirements that must be met for gatherings at fairgrounds and activities commonly hosted as part of county fairs.

In accordance with the DHM, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in cooperation with representatives of the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers, the Nebraska State Fair, Nebraska Extension, Nebraska FFA and several local health departments has created guidance documents for county fair officials and livestock show managers to utilize as they work to determine what their event may look like in 2020.

“The county fair and livestock show season is going to look different this year,” said NDA Communications Director Christin Kamm. “As the mother of a 4-Her, I understand the fear and concern that livestock families have been experiencing this spring. The hope of the committee is that these guidelines will allow for portions of the county fairs and livestock shows to continue, in a modified fashion.”

According to the NDA guidance, the decision to move forward or not, with a county fair or livestock event, will be decided at the local level. The guidance documents can be found on the NDA COVID-19 website (www.nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19).

In the event of changes to the current DHM or additional statewide restrictions or relaxations, the guidance documents will be updated. Therefore, event organizers are encouraged to frequently check NDA’s website and NDA social media accounts for the most current information.



AFAN ANNOUNCES COLD STORAGE GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR FOOD PANTRIES, REQUESTS DONATIONS

The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) today announced a grant program to assist food pantries in purchasing refrigerator and freezer units to store perishable food. AFAN is partnering with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) and Nebraska’s various commodity groups on this project.

“Midwest Dairy initiated this effort by granting funds for four refrigerators to store milk at food pantries,” said Steve Martin, executive director of AFAN. “The Nebraska Department of Agriculture followed suit and a statewide effort emerged with the hope that more contributions will be collected.”

“Milk is the number one requested item at food pantries,” stated Kris Bousquet, Manager Farmer Relations Nebraska, Midwest Dairy. “One of the challenges food pantries have is the lack of funds to purchase refrigerators or freezers. This grant program addresses that need and allows food pantries to safely store milk, dairy products and meat that their clients want and need.”

“We found many food pantries throughout Nebraska have the desire to distribute milk and dairy products, chilled or frozen meats and fresh produce. AFAN and its members are fulfilling this desire through proper storage and handling of these products,” said Steve Wellman, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. “By providing funding for refrigerators and freezers we can help food pantries with equipment that will benefit their clients for years to come.”

AFAN will be administering the program, purchasing units for food pantries and receiving donations from private entities for this project. Food pantries can receive up to $4,000 for refrigerators, freezers and associated expenses through AFAN.

The demand for these units has already exceeded the funding that has been committed to this project and AFAN is seeking monetary donations to be able to assist more food pantries in obtaining equipment to ensure safe food products for everyone who needs it. Full details of the program can be found on the AFAN website at www.becomeafan.org or by calling 402-421-4472.



Rural Mainstreet Index Inches Up from April’s Record Low: Three of Four Banks Restructuring Farm Loans

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) increased slightly from Aprils’ record low. According to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy, May’s reading represented the third straight month with close to record lows.     

Overall: The overall index for May increased to 12.5 from April’s record low 12.1, but down significantly from March’s weak 35.5. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Since this time last year, livestock and grain prices have sunk by 19.1% and 4.7%, respectively.  Accordingly, approximately 73% of bankers reported restructuring farm loans. As a result of the restructuring,  bank CEOs expect farm loan defaults to expand by only 5.4% in the next 12 months,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business. 

Farming and ranching: Farmland prices continue to slide. May’s reading fell to 39.7 from April’s 40.9. This is the 77th time in the past 78 months the index has been below growth neutral.

The May farm equipment-sales index increased slightly to 21.9 from 20.0 in April. This marks the 80th month straight month that the reading has remained below growth neutral 50.0. 

According to recently released U.S. Court data calculated by the Farm Bureau, Chapter 12, U.S. family farm bankruptcies for the 12-month period ending March 2020 rose to 627 filings, a 23% increase from the previous 12 months. While this is well below the filings in the 1980s, it still raises concerns for rural communities across the U.S. 

Over the 12-month period ending in March 2020, a net increase of 41 of the bankruptcies were in the Rural Mainstreet region.  Increases by state were: Iowa +23, Nebraska +22, South Dakota +7, and Minnesota +5.  Reductions by state were: North Dakota -10, Kansas -4, Colorado -1, and Wyoming -1.

Rural Mainstreet Bank CEOs expect farm loan defaults to expand by only 5.4% over the next 12 months. Almost three fourths of bankers have restructured farm loans to deal with weak farm income.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for May slipped to 10.0 from April’s 10.1. The state’s farmland-price index slipped to 38.5 from last month’s 39.8. Nebraska’s new-hiring index plunged to 7.2 from April’s 14.5. “Between the first week of January 2020 to the first week of May, U.S. Department of Labor reported that the state’s insured unemployment rate rose from 0.5% to 7.1%,” said Goss. 

Iowa: The March RMI for Iowa rose to 8.2 from March’s regional low 7.1. Iowa’s farmland-price index dropped to 37.9 from April’s 38.8. Iowa’s new-hiring index for May climbed to 19.4 from April’s regional low of 4.2. “Between the first week of January 2020 to the first week of May, U.S. Department of Labor reported that the state’s insured unemployment rate rose from 2.3% to 11.7%,” said Goss. 

Each month, community bank presidents and CEOs in nonurban agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of a 10-state area are surveyed regarding current economic conditions in their communities, and their projected economic outlooks six months down the road. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are included.  

This survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005.



Aksarben Pig Challenge debuts with a new partner, 2020 Farm Credit Services of America employees mentor Aksarben youth

The Aksarben Pig Challenge presented by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) is a new opportunity at the 2020 Aksarben Stock Show.  Youth will experience raising a market hog for six months, keeping records, showing, and sharing their progress with an adult mentor. 

Youth between the ages of 11 to 18 and representing multiple states are part of the inaugural 2020 class. Several FCSAmerica employees have volunteered to correspond with the youth as mentors.  Participating youth are expected to write monthly to their assigned mentor, sharing details about their project and what they are learning about the agricultural industry.    

The youth in the program were selected through an application process and provided with a pig to feed and show throughout the spring and summer. Participants are judged throughout the course of their project, from the time they take ownership in the spring of a 50-pound pig through the Aksarben Stock Show in September, when they return with an estimated 300-pound hog. 

“The pig challenge is a two-year project in the making, and this is the initial year.   We sourced good, purebred hogs from breeder Trent Loos and the curriculum is modeled after our successful lamb and calf challenge programs.  We know the importance of collaboration within agriculture and this partnership is helping youth communicate with agricultural professionals, thanks to Farm Credit Services of America for stepping up to support the program,” stated Greg Harder, Aksarben Stock Show executive director. 

“As a mission-driven financial cooperative, FCSAmerica is focused not only on serving producers today but also helping to advance the industry for tomorrow. Growing the next generation of producers and agricultural leaders is essential to the continued success of the U.S. agricultural industry,” said Jason Edleman, senior vice president for business development FCSAmerica’s western territory, including parts of Iowa, Nebraska and all of Wyoming. “The opportunity to support the Aksarben Pig Challenge is one of the many ways FCSAmerica is investing in youth and their future in agriculture.”

The Aksarben Stock Show is indeed a family tradition with a rich history dating back to 1928.  The Aksarben Purple Ribbon Scholarship Auction is the pinnacle event and open to the public to attend. The top three Pig Challenge winners will advance to auction on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at 7 p.m.  Prior to the auction, the Purple Ribbon Reception presented by Five Points Bank will be held for buyers to mingle with the youth exhibitors in the Loft.  

The Aksarben Stock Show is held at Fonner Park with beef, sheep and goat shows taking place in the Five Points Bank Arena in the Nebraska Farm Bureau Show Ring.  The swine show is held in the Aurora Cooperative Pavilion.  Youth from Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming are eligible to show between the ages of 9-19 years old.  Aksarben Stock Show will be held Sept 24-27, 2020 in Grand Island, NE.  For complete details visit www.showaksarben.com.



USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the Department is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural businesses and agricultural producers and being a strong supporter of all aspects of the rural economy,” Secretary Perdue said. “Ensuring more rural agricultural producers are able to gain access to much-needed capital in these unprecedented times is a cornerstone of that commitment.”

In addition to expanding eligibility to certain agricultural producers, the changes Secretary Perdue announced today allow USDA to:
    Provide 90 percent guarantees on B&I CARES Act Program loans;
    Set the application and guarantee fee at two percent of the loan;
    Accept appraisals completed within two years of the loan application date;
    Not require discounting of collateral for working capital loans, and
    Extend the maximum term for working capital loans to 10 years.

B&I CARES Act Program loans must be used as working capital to prevent, prepare for or respond to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The loans may be used only to support rural businesses, including agricultural producers, that were in operation on Feb. 15, 2020.

USDA intends to consider applications in the order they are received. However, the Department may assign priority points to projects if the demand for funds exceeds availability.

USDA announced the expanded B&I CARES Act Program authorities in a notice published in the May 21 Federal Register. Program funding expires Sept. 30, 2021.

In Nebraska contact:
Joan Scheel 402-437-5594 or joan.scheel@usda.gov (Lincoln)
Bill Sheppard 402-371-5350 ext.104 or bill.sheppard@usda.gov  (Norfolk)
Kelley Messenger 308-455-9837 or kelley.messenger@usda.gov (Kearney)
Marla Marx 308-632-2195 ext. 132 or marla.marx@usda.gov (Scottsbluff)

USDA is developing application guides for lenders and borrowers on the B&I CARES Act Program. The Agency also will host two webinars to provide an overview of program requirements.

To register for the webinar on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, visit https://globalmeet.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1322642&tp_key=7a700acddd.

To register for the webinar on Wednesday, June 3 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, visit https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1324161&tp_key=6067315417.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.



IDALS Launches Foreign Animal Disease Training for Iowa Veterinarians

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is introducing a foreign animal disease program for veterinarians licensed to practice in Iowa. The IowaFADefense program will teach veterinarians how to rapidly detect, respond to and contain foreign animal diseases affecting livestock and poultry. The program will also increase the number of veterinarians who are trained and able to assist the Iowa Department of Agriculture and USDA in responding to a foreign animal disease outbreak.

“If a foreign animal disease breaches U.S. borders, it could be devastating to Iowa’s agriculture-based economy,” said Secretary Naig. “It will take a quick, coordinated response from state, federal and private animal health experts to mitigate the spread of the disease. That’s why we’re hosting a training program for private veterinarians who would be an essential part of a foreign animal disease response if the need arises.”

Veterinarians who participate in the IowaFADefense program will learn how to:
    diagnose foreign animal diseases,
    assist the state and federal departments of agriculture with foreign animal disease investigations,
    teach farm staff how to collect surveillance samples during an outbreak,
    work with their clients to enhance on-farm biosecurity,
    improve on-farm record-keeping strategies to quickly facilitate foreign animal disease investigations, and
    conduct a small scale epidemiologic investigation on a farm.

African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Virulent Newcastle Disease are included in the IowaFADefense program curriculum.

The program is entirely online and taught through a combination of webinars, interactive activities and modules, and video demonstrations. In-person meetings may be added in the future. Veterinarians who complete the entire program will earn 19 hours of continuing education credits. To participate, veterinarians must register by June 5, 2020, at iowafadresponse.com.

The IowaFADefense program is free to Iowa veterinarians and is funded through the state’s foreign animal disease preparedness and response fund. For more information about the IowaFADefense program, call (515) 281-8588 or email animalindustry@iowaagriculture.gov.



Red Meat Production Down 15 Percent From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.86 billion pounds in April, down 15 percent from the 4.55 billion pounds produced in April 2019.

By State        (million lbs   -   % April '19)
Nebraska .......:          548.7             83      
Iowa ..............:          618.4             87      
Kansas ...........:          391.1             79      

Beef production, at 1.82 billion pounds, was 20 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.24 million head, down 21 percent from April 2019. The average live weight was up 24 pounds from the previous year, at 1,353 pounds.

Veal production totaled 4.8 million pounds, 20 percent below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 33,300 head, down 22 percent from April 2019. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from last year, at 250 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.03 billion pounds, down 10 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.41 million head, down 11 percent from April 2019. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 289 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.1 million pounds, was down 27 percent from April 2019. Sheep slaughter totaled 180,900 head, 23 percent below last year. The average live weight was 123 pounds, down 6 pounds from April a year ago.

January to April 2020 commercial red meat production was 18.3 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 2019. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 10 percent, pork was up 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 12 percent.



USDA Cold Storage April 2020 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on April 30, 2020 were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 5 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 14 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down slightly from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 3 percent from last month and up 32 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on April 30, 2020 were up 3 percent from the previous month but down slightly from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 6 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 8 percent from last month but down 12 percent from April 30, 2019.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on April 30, 2020 were up 8 percent from the previous month and up 6 percent from April 30, 2019. Butter stocks were up 19 percent from last month and up 27 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on April 30, 2020 were down 3 percent from last month and down 9 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 6 percent from last month but up 1 percent from a year ago.



USDA and USTR Announce Continued Progress on Implementation of U.S.-China Phase One Agreement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today announced additional progress in the implementation of the agriculture-related provisions of the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement (The Agreement), which entered into force on February 14, 2020. Recent actions described below build upon the actions announced by USDA and USTR on February 25, March 10, and March 24. These are difficult times for both our countries. It is important that we each continue to work to make our agreement a success. Because of this continued progress due to the Agreement:

    U.S. blueberries and California Hass avocados can now be exported to China. This new market access will provide California avocado growers and blueberry growers from around the United States with new opportunities to market their products to Chinese consumers in the coming years. In 2019, China imported a record volume of fresh fruits and vegetables exceeding $8.6 billion.  

    U.S. barley for processing, along with the forage products Timothy hay, alfalfa hay pellets and cubes, and almond meal pellets and cubes can now be exported to China. In 2019, China imported $1.5 billion of barley used as feed and for malt beverage production, and a record $500 million of forage products. 

    In recent weeks, China updated its lists of U.S. facilities eligible to export beef, pork, poultry, seafood, dairy, and infant formula products to China. China’s lists now include 499 beef, 457 pork, 470 poultry, 397 seafood, and 253 dairy and 9 infant formula facilities. As a result of these actions, more U.S. facilities are eligible to export U.S. food and agricultural products to China than ever before. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service continues to update its export library, which provides additional guidance for U.S. meat and poultry meat exporters, including information related to the scope of products that may be exported to China, China’s labeling requirements, and other guidance.

    China published on May 15 a new domestic standard for dairy permeate powder for human consumption that will allow imports of this product from the United States in the future. In 2019, China imported nearly $12 billion of dairy products from around the world. 

China continues to implement its tariff exclusion process in an attempt to facilitate imports of U.S. commodities. USDA continues to publish guidance for U.S. exporters seeking to participate in this process (USDA Global Agricultural Information Network). USTR is continuing to process and where appropriate grant exclusions of products from China. USDA also is implementing its obligations under the agreement.

United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said, “China is a market of tremendous potential for U.S. agriculture and these actions will help U.S. exporters expand their sales there. We look forward to continued cooperative work with China on implementation of Phase One commitments, and immediate increases in U.S. exports of all manner of agricultural products.”

United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said, “China has worked with the United States to implement measures that will provide greater access for U.S. producers and exporters to China’s growing food and agricultural markets. Under President Trump’s leadership, we fully expect this agreement to be a success.”



Fertilizer Trends Remain Mixed

Retail fertilizer price moves continued to be mixed in a narrow range the second week of May 2020, according to retailers surveyed by DTN.  This marks the sixth consecutive week prices have not moved a significant amount, which DTN designates as 5% in either direction.

Five fertilizers were higher in price compared to last month, but again, there were no notable moves. DAP has an average price of $413/ton, up $3; urea $388/ton, up $4; 10-34-0 $468/ton, up less than $1; UAN28 $237/ton, up $1; and UAN32 $280/ton, up $1.

The remaining three fertilizers had a slightly lower price, with all declining by less than $1/ton. MAP had an average price of $433/ton, potash $370/ton, and anhydrous $492/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.

All eight retail fertilizers are lower in price from a year ago. MAP is now 18% lower, both DAP and anhydrous are 17% less expensive, UAN28 is 11% lower, UAN32 is 10% less expensive, urea is 9% lower, potash is 6% lower and 10-34-0 is 4% less expensive from last year at this time.



USGC Details Grain Market Movements During COVID-19

While much of the world has spent the last couple of months sheltering at home to avoid the COVID-19 pandemic, grain trade has continued supplying nations with needed commodities. As many parts of the world are on the verge of reopening, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) President and Chief Executive Officer Ryan LeGrand sat down with the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) to discuss how the movement of grain has continued, mostly unhindered, throughout the global spread of the coronavirus.

He explained that rail cars are continuing to move north to Canada and south to Mexico; barge facilities are operating throughout the inland waterway system; and vessels are loading and shipping U.S. products to destinations around the world. He did note shortages in container availability, but emphasized grain is moving, and the United States is open for business.

“The reality is the physical movement of grain, feed and ethanol hasn't fundamentally changed,” LeGrand said. “Loading the various modes of transportation with grains really doesn't require the presence of a large group of people, so the flow of grain and feed has gone largely uninterrupted during the pandemic.”

LeGrand said that while he expects few changes in the overall processes of fulfilling customer orders, there have been some shifts. For example, many countries are now accepting electronic versions of phytosanitary certificates, which are produced by the U.S. government deeming the product free of pests and other contaminants. Previously, importing countries typically only accepted a hard copy.

“I think the actual trading will look much the same in both the short and long terms,” LeGrand said. “Deals happen over phone calls and emails, and that will remain the same. In the short term, I think we're going to see far fewer industry events where people gather, so that will have an effect on networking, which is an important part of the industry, but how long that lasts really remains to be seen.”

LeGrand says the impact of the pandemic is shifting market development activities, but the Council’s global staff remains committed to the organization’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.

“Throughout the Council, we have shifted to a virtual world,” LeGrand said. “So much of what we've done in our 60 years of existence has involved face-to-face meetings with buyers and with foreign policy makers. In the past maybe a virtual meeting could have been presented as an alternative. Going forward, it could be that the virtual meeting is the first option, and in-person meeting could be considered as an alternative.

"I hope that sooner rather than later, we have the confidence to get on a plane and fly to meetings or conferences, but the reality of our situation doesn't currently allow for that to happen.”

LeGrand emphasized while some of the methods have changed, the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives has not. The organization’s global staff have fully embraced technology and continuing to make trade happen, even when face-to-face meetings are not possible.



Cargill Donates to Help FFA Chapters Deal with Fallout from COVID-19

This spring has brought uncertainty to many FFA members and chapters across the country – as banquets, spring plant sales and fundraisers have been canceled. The National FFA Organization has developed a program– the FFA COVID-19 Chapter Assistance Program – to help chapters in these uncertain times.

The purpose of this program is to provide FFA chapters with an opportunity to receive up to $2,000 in funding to help offset the loss of program revenue and to assist them in navigating through these difficult times.

“Spring and summer are traditionally a key time for our chapters to fundraise,” said National FFA Chief Program Officer, Christine White. “Due to school closures and the current need for social distancing, it has made it difficult for chapters to host these essential events, creating a negative impact on their chapter programs’ revenue.”

Cargill, a 60-year partner of FFA, announced today that they will contribute $500,000 to the program to assist chapters.

This contribution is part of Cargill’s $35 million commitment to COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts and specifically to Cargill’s North America Protein support for partners focusing on agriculture communities, farmers and ranchers.

“At the heart of our food system, farmers carry on their essential work of nourishing the world. We are partnering with organizations like FFA to support the resilience of communities, farmers and ranchers during this unprecedented time,” said John Niemann, managing director, protein ingredients & international channel, Cargill Protein North America and current chair of the National FFA Sponsors Board. “We want to thank FFA for their continued support of future sustainability and agriculture leaders who continue to provide innovative solutions to the challenges of a complex food system.”

“Throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen our members across the country step up to the plate and help in their communities,” said National FFA Organization Chief Marketing Officer Molly Ball. “At National FFA we are excited to have this opportunity to assist our chapters where it is needed so they can continue to do the great work. We appreciate our partnership with Cargill as we continue to grow the next generation of leaders in agriculture.”



HELM Agro US and ISK Biosciences Announce Collaboration in the Commercial Development of Three New Herbicides
HELM Agro US, Inc., a global manufacturer of high-quality crop protection and fertilizer products and Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. (ISK), have entered into a long-term collaboration for the commercial development of three novel crop protection herbicides.

Under the initiative, HELM will partner with ISK Biosciences Corporation (ISKBC) of Concord, Ohio, a subsidiary of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha Ltd. of Osaka, Japan, in the commercial development of the new market offerings beginning in 2020.

"Both companies are excited about the far-reaching potential of these new generation products,” says Dave Schumacher, President of HELM Agro US. “Our strategic alignment with ISK is a significant milestone for us, and one that will enhance our commercial activities and ability to deliver greater value to the market.”

Naoto Tani, Senior Vice President of ISK Biosciences Corporation says, “For ISK Biosciences, this is truly a great opportunity to continue offering solutions to American growers. As a company focused in research and development, we are highly committed to continued innovation with integrity. We are excited as a company to be trusted in bringing new products to the U.S. market.”

New Innovations Revealed
The companies plan to launch three new herbicides that target top-of-mind weed control challenges faced by growers across multiple crop segments.

First in the lineup - a new PPO inhibitor herbicide developed from a new ISK molecule for rapid and effective preplant burndown of broadleaf and grass weeds.

A novel active ingredient for the corn, cotton and soybean markets, this new technology receives high performance ratings in controlling a broad spectrum of weeds across a wide variety of crops and geographies, including ALS, triazine and glyphosate-resistant species.

Additional characteristics include an ultra-low use rate, broad tank mix compatibility and expanded use as a desiccant for cotton.

Classified as a Group 14 herbicide, the product will be formulated as a suspension concentrate with EPA registration expected in 2020.

Second on the list - a non-selective burndown herbicide for specialty crops featuring a new active ingredient from the ISK development pipeline. Grapes will be the first high-value crop to garner access to the technology for broad spectrum control of grass and broadleaf weeds, including many resistant to other herbicide classes.

EPA and state registrations for the new herbicide are anticipated for later this year. Further registrations for citrus, pulse crops and tree nuts are expected in 2022. To accommodate grower preference, the product will be developed in a water dispersible granular (WDG) formulation.

The third product forthcoming - a co-formulation of the active ingredients tolpyralate and nicosulfuron for selective postemergence broadleaf and grass control in field corn and seed corn.

Product highlights include a low use rate, superior crop safety features and a wide application window.

Synergy-based Success
“The industry is on the brink of a new era of innovation,” says Schumacher. “We believe these three products will significantly work in growers’ favor to overcome many of today’s most serious weed control challenges.”

With a new strategy in place, Schumacher says his Company is on course for rapid growth over the next several years.

“Combining ISK’s research strengths with HELM’s product development and marketing expertise is an incredibly strong formula for success. HELM is transforming itself to be laser-focused on the customer while sharpening its portfolio with cutting-edge technologies that improve on-farm productivity and profitability. We’re excited about the future and our plans for customer success in the adoption of this new technology.”