Court Reverses EPA on Dicamba for 2020 Season
Nebraska Agri-Business Association
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “substantially understated” the risks of dicamba and vacated the EPA’s registration of the herbicide for this year.
NA-BA received the following information from the Agricultural Retailers Association, “ARA has now received a copy of the Mandate from the Court. Given this development, the safest conclusion to draw is that the registrations have been vacated and the products are no longer labeled. There may still be some legal recourse available to EPA and the manufacturers, but we would advise ceasing applications of Xtendimax, Engenia and Fexapan until advised by the registrants that it is legal to do so.”
NA-BA is waiting for information and guidance from the EPA and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). The product manufactures are currently in discussions with the EPA, sharing the urgency and need to communicate quickly.
We will work closely with our members and agencies to provide an update to any rules and regulations and share additional information as soon as it becomes available.
NE Farm Bureau on Court Ruling Banning Dicamba Application
Steve Nelson, President
“The recent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court effectively banning the application of three major dicamba crop protection products in the middle of the crop growing season is not only irresponsible, but disrespectful to farmers who made seed choices, planting decisions, and herbicide purchases months ago based on the understanding they would have access to these important herbicides. It is a travesty that the court chose to act now, mere days away from the limited window in which farmers would be applying these products. Nebraska Farm Bureau is committed to working to find a solution to help those farmers who find themselves harmed by this poorly timed decision.”
Secretary Perdue Statement on Ninth Circuit Dicamba Decision
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement on the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision to vacate Dicamba registrations:
“Producers need all the tools in their toolbox to produce the world’s food, fuel, and fiber, and USDA re-affirms its support for EPA’s science-based process for assessing and managing ecological risks, balanced against the agricultural and societal benefits of crop protection tools. USDA stands ready to assist its federal partners in meeting that goal. Farmers across America have spent hard earned money on previously allowed crop protection tools. I encourage the EPA to use any available flexibilities to allow the continued use of already purchased dicamba products, which are a critical tool for American farmers to combat weeds resistant to many other herbicides, in fields that are already planted. Unfortunately, the Ninth Circuit has chosen to eliminate one of those tools.”
NDA PROVIDES GUIDANCE TO DETASSELERS TO HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
Every summer, thousands of Nebraskans detassel seed corn, performing an essential cross-pollinating task for seed companies. In recognition of this important work and to help detasselers stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has issued guidance for this summer’s season of detasseling.
“Throughout this pandemic we have taken extra steps to ensure the health and safety of workers in the agricultural industry including detasselers and the important work they do,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “Detasselers already use personal protective equipment in their line of work. This new guidance recommends additional PPE along with plans for social distancing.”
NDA’s guidance on detasseling can be found on their COVID-19 website at nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19. In the event of additional statewide restrictions or relaxations, these recommendations will be updated. Therefore, detasselers, seed corn companies and farmers are encouraged to frequently check NDA’s website and NDA social media accounts for the most current information.
Fall calendar for UNL on-campus instruction finalized
Modifications to the academic calendar have solidified University of Nebraska–Lincoln plans for a return to on-campus, in-person instruction in the fall 2020 semester.
Announced in a May 29 email from Chancellor Ronnie Green, the university’s Forward to Fall plan includes an early start and pre-Thanksgiving end to the semester with the opportunity for students to participate in an optional three-week remote instruction mini-session in late November and December. Designed to reduce travel and potential exposure to COVID-19, the fall schedule also eliminates holidays for Labor Day and a traditional fall break.
Green said the plan for a compressed semester allows the university to continue its land-grant mission; support greater access and achievement of students; preserve high-quality educational experiences; move forward with global impacts of research and creative activity; and reduce safety risks to protect the campus and larger community.
“We recognize that these changes to the fall calendar present new challenges, but they also present new opportunities,” Green said. “It will also give us greater flexibility should there be a resurgence of infections later in the fall.”
The updated fall semester will begin on Aug. 17, one week earlier than previously scheduled, with remote instruction. In-person teaching will begin Aug. 24.
Other important dates for the semester are:
- Sept. 7 (Labor Day): Classes will meet. For employees, Labor Day will be considered a working holiday, similar to Presidents Day, Arbor Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day;
- Oct. 19-20: Fall break has been suspended, and classes will meet Oct. 19-20;
- Nov. 19-20: "Fifteenth Week" preparation for finals; and
- Nov. 21-25: Final exams.
After Thanksgiving, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 18, the university will offer a three-week, mini-session via online instruction. Additional details about the mini-session will be announced.
“As we are doing this summer, we will be able to offer innovative new courses during this session to help our students continue their educational journey,” Green said. “These courses will include expanded opportunities for experiential learning, career preparedness, and unique course subjects based on the historic times we are experiencing.”
All fall courses planned for online instruction are not impacted by changes to the academic calendar and will be offered as previously scheduled. At this time, fall commencement exercises continue to be tentatively planned for Dec. 18-19.
The university will announce additional Forward to Fall plans — including plans for campus housing — as details are finalized.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming students back to campus in the fall, perhaps this year more than ever,” Green said. “I want to thank all of the faculty, staff and students who have engaged creatively to figure out these complex issues.
“We have truly demonstrated a Nebraska can-do spirit and, I am very confident in our continued success.”
NDA SELECTS STUDENTS TO ATTEND FIRST VIRTUAL NAYI EVENT
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) today announced the student delegates selected to attend this year’s Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). In its 49th year, NAYI challenges its delegates to learn more about the agricultural industry and careers available to them in their future. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, this year’s Institute will be held virtually. NAYI is coordinated by NDA and the members of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC).
“NAYI is the longest running program of its kind in the nation and is a popular event for our student delegates,” said NDA Communications Director and NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm. “While the COVID-19 situation has kept us from hosting an in person event this year, we are pleased to be able to still offer all of the typical learning aspects that our delegates are accustom to. Moving to a virtual format has also allowed us to provide additional opportunities for learning that we have not previously been able to offer before. This year’s theme is ‘Building Your Brand’ and we intend to help our delegates do just that.”
Since its inception, NAYI has helped educate more than 6,500 youth from around the state. NAYI is made possible through numerous donations from agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations. This year’s virtual NAYI will be held July 6-10, and the 2020 delegates will received additional information as the week approaches.
NAYI and additional youth learning opportunities throughout the year are organized by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC). The 21 college students who serve on NAYC are chosen by NDA to share their passion and knowledge about agriculture with young people across Nebraska. During NAYI, NAYC members provide valuable insight and advice about agriculture, college coursework and career building.
Delegates
First Name Last Name City
Jakob Anderjaska Hayes Center
Neligh Andersen Gothenburg
Kacy Anderson McCook
Taylor Anderson Virginia
Charles Aufdenkamp North Platte
Kirsten Bell David City
Karson Berke Eustis
Lanouette Bohmont Martell
Blaine Bonifas Aurora
Abby Bruns Rushville
Blake Bruns North Platte
Jillian Buell Bassett
Danielle Burge Grant
Allison Carpenter Scottsbluff
Emily Carpenter Scottsbluff
Autumn Cary Syracuse
Celie Childears North Platte
Tayler Chytka Cozad
Aubree Claflin Sumner
Sophie Clark Johnson
Morayah Cupp Champion
Carley Damme Blair
Zach Dickau Elwood
Sarah Dilley Lincoln
Makenna Dirkschneider Blair
Makenna Eisenzimmer Big Springs
Alanna Fangmeier Hebron
Vickie Ference Ord
Alexis Ferris Central City
Jadyn Fleischman Herman
Hazel Flowers Lincoln
John Ford Cairo
Cassidy Frey Superior
Blake Frink Hastings
Karlie Gerlach Wellfleet
Cailey Grabenstein Smithfield
Jennifer Guerra-Mazariegos Eddyville
Logan Hafer Long Pine
Emily Hanson Mead
Makennen Havlat Pleasant Dale
Ross Hebda Silver Creek
Nevaeh Heinold Scottsbluff
Brett Heinrich Hickman
Samuel Hilbers Hooper
Lily Hilgenkamp Arlington
Andrea Hipke Spencer
Ella Hochstein Seward
Elizabeth Hodges Julian
Kate Holcomb Broken Bow
Hannah Holtmeier Plymouth
Ashtyn Humphreys Wymore
Shelby Hurlburt Gordon
Abigail Jacobs Ord
Alexis Jansen Gretna
Ellie Jarecke Culbertson
Braden Johnson Gering
Faith Junck Carroll
Benjamin Kamrath Hastings
Elizabeth Karnopp West Point
Kylie Kempf Carroll
Emily Kerbs Hickman
Kyle Kizzire Scottsbluff
Aliah Klapal Omaha
Olivia Klug Columbus
Kara Kniep Deshler
Alivia Knoerzer Elwood
Cooper Koch York
Megan Kotas Western
Natalie Koubek North Platte
Jake Kozisek St. Libory
Madison Kreifels Syracuse
Ethan Kreikemeier West Point
Erin Kujath Fairbury
Dalton Kunkee Lexington
Emma Kuss Seward
Cameron Lancaster Doniphan
Jaycee Lapp Hayes Center
Logan Larson Dewitt
George Cordell Lee Elsie
Alyeea Lopez Whitney
Kendra Loseke Blair
Chloe Marshall Burwell
Emily Martindale Brewster
Kaci Mashino Spencer
Luke Mathiesen Herman
Ella McFarland Bloomfield
Reagan Meier Elm Creek
Abby Miller Mead
Emily Miller Nickerson
Hannah Moseman Oakland
Alyssa Moser Clearwater
Thomas Moss North Platte
Kala Most Tobias
Mackynzi Muller Palmer
Rylee Naprstek Gothenburg
Jaya Nelson Bassett
Rosie Nelson O'Neill
Darla Nichols Miller
Karla Nichols Miller
Allison Nielsen Kennard
Korrina Niemann Wayne
Evan Niemeier Elwood
Hector Nunez Ohiowa
Samantha Oborny Garland
Danielle Osmond Broken Bow
Katelyn Pehrson Laurel
Savannah Peterson Gothenburg
Jerad Phillips Wallace
Blake Racicky Mason City
Anna Ready Scribner
Emily Rempel Beatrice
Bobbi Reppert Hooper
Aspen Rittgarn Gordon
Ashlyn Robinson North Platte
Ryan Robinson Wilcox
Kenna Rogers Dunning
Reagan Ross Callaway
Trevor Ross Callaway
Kizziah Rutherford North Platte
Taylor Ruwe Hooper
Sonny Scheets Fairbury
Treaven Scheideler Scotia
Payton Schiller Scribner
McKenna Schlueter Blair
Gracie Schneider Cozad
Trevor Schneider Cozad
Reagan Scholting Wisner
Abby Scholz Loomis
Hannah Schrader Neligh
Morgan Schroeder Cozad
Braden Schulte Kearney
Jadyn Schultis Diller
Jennifer Sedlacek Nehawka
Kelsey Simpson Burwell
Matthew Soper-Wendell Grant
Justin Sousek Malmo
Brinn Space Minden
Emilee Spitz Columbus
Jeht Stateler Hoskins
Taylor Steager Surprise
Preston Sueper Lindsay
David Swotek Lincoln
John Swotek Lincoln
Isela Tercero Broken Bow
Tommy Thompson Blair
Erin Timoney Ulysses
Chaylee Tonniges Gresham
Kailey Trampe Kearney
Madison Tunender Atkinson
Grant Turner Trumbull
Jacson Valentine David City
Cambrea Vogel Crawford
Megan Vrbka Staplehurst
Josie Vyhnalek Friend
Sydney Wellsandt Unadilla
Gracie Wenzel Arthur
Faith Whitesel Miller
Noah Wilke Holdrege
Allison Wilkens Gibbon
Sheridan Wilson Lemoyne
Ethan Wittler Talmage
Evelyn Wooldrik West Point
Macey Wooldrik West Point
Gage Wright Hastings
Rebecca Wulf Hooper
Kaden Wykert Sutherland
Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council
First Name Last Name City
Nick Birdsley Omaha
Grant Dahlgren Bertrand
Miles Eggleston David City
Cooper Grabenstein Bertrand
Emily Hatterman Wisner
Colin Ibach Sumner
Cole Kalkowski Omaha
Felicia Knoerzer Elwood
Kelsey Loseke Blair
Kelli Mashino Spencer
Layne Miller Lyons
Courtney Nelson Monroe
Creighton Niemeyer De Witt
Tyler Perrin Ogallala
Ralston Ripp Kearney
Megan Schroeder Wisner
Isaac Stallbaumer Oconto
Clayton Thomas Bloomington, IL
Colton Thompson Eustis
Josie Thompson Wayne
Wesley Wach Hayes Center
To learn more about NAYC or NAYI, or to view the listing of delegates selected to participate in NAYI 2020 - visit NAYI’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/index.html. Follow NAYI activities on Facebook by searching and liking the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. On Twitter, follow @THE_NAYC or #NAYI20.
Game and Parks has resources for landowners with wildlife damage
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is proactively working with landowners who have encountered wildlife damage to their crops and property.
“Crop and livestock damage can be a serious issue for many landowners,” said Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. “We understand this and need to let landowners know what tools we have to help them, and listen to their ideas about other ways to resolve these problems.”
Game and Parks believes the best way to manage big game populations is by hunting. In 2020, the agency has:
• increased antlerless deer tags across the state by 6% from 2019 quotas and 25% since 2017;
• increased doe/fawn antelope tags by 42%, adding a bonus doe/fawn tag to all landowner doe/fawn permits;
• increased antlerless elk tags by 40%; and
• lengthened antlerless elk season to Aug. 1, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021 and added areas in every unit for landowner opportunity.
In 2019, antlerless deer units Frenchman and Loup East had lengthened seasons and met management goals of increasing antlerless harvest. This success is due largely to landowners allowing access to their land.
Landowners experiencing wildlife damage should contact their district Game and Parks office. A list of offices is available at OutdoorNebraska.org/locations. They can discuss options such as scare devices, damage control permits or opening lands to public access for hunting. Landowners also may contact the agency about wildlife damage issues at OutdoorNebraska.org/depredation by filling out a Landowner Assistance Form.
Landowners, hunters and Game and Parks working together are the driving force for wildlife conservation in Nebraska. Landowners provide habitat and hunting access while hunters fund conservation by buying permits and stamps. Those funds are invested back into programs for private landowners that benefit wildlife and provide access for recreational opportunities, big game research, and maintaining 289 wildlife management areas that encompass 190,884 acres.
Game and Parks is charged with managing all wildlife in the state. It strives to find a balance between healthy wildlife populations, hunting opportunities, and keeping deer and all game populations at socially acceptable levels.
Hunting has an $848 million annual economic impact in Nebraska and supports nearly 9,000 jobs. Nebraska offers extraordinary mixed bag opportunities for hunting and watching wildlife.
Iowa Legislature Reauthorizes Biofuel Tax Differentials
On their first day back at the Iowa Capitol, legislators wasted no time getting to work on important policies. On Wednesday night the Iowa legislature reauthorized the Iowa biofuel tax differentials, helping boost biofuel demand and lower fuel prices.
Senate File 2403, which unanimously passed both chambers, extends and modernizes fuel tax differentials for E15 and higher ethanol blends and B11 and higher biodiesel blends, which are set to expire on June 30, 2020. Passage signals continued support of renewable fuels and will put millions of dollars back into the Road Use Tax Fund each year for vital infrastructure projects.
“Reauthorization of the biofuel tax differentials is a ray of sunshine during some of the darkest days Iowa biofuels have ever faced,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Policy Director Nathan Hohnstein. “We thank Iowa’s elected leaders for reauthorizing a program that is working to boost biofuel demand. Iowa biofuel plants are still struggling to claw their way back from the demand destruction caused by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions by EPA. This unanimous passage sends a strong message of support to Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers.
“We especially want to thank Senator Randy Feenstra and Representative Louie Zumbach for their leadership and diligent efforts to ensure the reauthorization of this policy. Since the biofuel tax differentials were originally established, sales of ethanol and biodiesel have increased dramatically. We urge Governor Reynolds to sign this bill into law, ensuring Iowa continues to build on this progress.”
Since the first fuel tax differential bill was passed, E10 and higher ethanol blends and B11 and higher biodiesel blends have grown to make up about 90% and 57% of sales in 2019, respectively. The new fuel tax differential modernizes the ethanol differential by applying it only to E15 and higher blends.
USDA Issues First Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Payments
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications for this important relief program.
“The coronavirus has hurt America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers, and these payments directed by President Trump will help this critical industry weather the current pandemic so they can continue to plant and harvest a safe, nutritious, and affordable crop for the American people,” said Secretary Perdue. “We have tools and resources available to help producers understand the program and enable them to work with Farm Service Agency staff to complete applications as smoothly and efficiently as possible and get payments into the pockets of our patriotic farmers.”
In the first six days of the application period, FSA has already made payments to more than 35,000 producers. Out of the gate, the top five states for CFAP payments are Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and South Dakota. USDA has released data on application progress and program payments and will release further updates each Monday at 2:00pm ET. The report can be viewed at farmers.gov/cfap.
FSA will accept applications through August 28, 2020. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion in financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.
In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.
Getting Help from FSA
New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.
Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap. Also, on that webpage, producers can find a payment calculator to help producers identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments. Producers self-certify their records when applying for CFAP and that documentation is not submitted with the application. However, producers may be asked for their documentation to support the certification of eligible commodities, so producers should retain the information used to complete their application.
Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print a pre-filled CFAP application, sign it, and submit it to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery through an office drop box. Please contact your local office to determine the preferred delivery method for your local office. Team members at FSA county offices will be able to answer detailed questions and help producers apply quickly and efficiently through phone and online tools. Find contact information for your local office at farmers.gov/cfap.
Policy Clarifications
FSA has been working with stakeholder groups to provide further clarification to producers on the CFAP program. For example, the agency has published a matrix of common marketing contracts that impact eligibility for non-specialty crops and has provided a table that crosswalks common livestock terms to CFAP cattle categories. Updated information can be found in the frequently asked questions section of the CFAP website.
More Information
To find the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/CFAP or call 877-508-8364.
USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
U.S. Exports of Ethanol and DDGS Ebb in April
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association
U.S. ethanol exports were 99.4 million gallons (mg) in April, a decline of 40.5 mg (29%) from March. Notably, lighter sales to our largest markets, Brazil (23.8 mg, -36%) and Canada (10.8 mg, -61% to the lowest volume since August 2010) accounted for three-fourths of that drop. Exports to India also declined although to a lesser degree (15.8 mg, -19%). However, shipments to Mexico experienced a six-fold bump as a record 13.8 mg crossed the border. South Korea also saw a sizable jump (12.6 mg, +9%). These five markets represented 78% of total U.S. global ethanol shipments in April. An annualized export pace of 1.75 billion gallons would be implied by prorating year-to-date sales, but seasonal factors and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will likely result in 2020 exports being below this level.
U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol shipments in April shifted 6% higher to 63.6 mg. While sales to Brazil dropped by over a third to 23.8 mg, exports were robust to India (12.9 mg, up from zero in March) and Mexico (9.0 mg, up from 1.3 mg). South Korea (3.8 mg), Turkey (3.4 mg), and the Philippines (3.0 mg) were other large markets for U.S. undenatured ethanol.
April U.S. denatured fuel ethanol exports shrank by 59% to 27.0 mg. Shipments to chief customer Canada plummeted by 68% to 8.3 mg (accounting for 31% of exported product), with South Korea (7.9 mg, -13%) and India (2.5 mg, -84%) trending downward as well. However, notable sales occurred to Finland (3.9 mg) and Mexico (2.0 mg).
Exports of U.S. ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes dipped 38% to 8.8 mg after a prior month pop in sales. Mexico (3.2 mg), Saudi Arabia (2.0 mg), and Canada (1.6 mg) were our largest customers.
There were no U.S. imports of ethanol recorded in April. However, Brazil shipped 36.0 mg of cane ethanol to the West Coast during the first three months of the year.
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—declined by 15% in April to 765,635 metric tons (mt). Mexico cut imports by a third to 126,756 mt (the lowest volume since May 2017), thereby relinquishing its lead customer status for the first time since October 2018. While shipments to Vietnam were marginally unchanged from March at 139,724 mt (equivalent to 18% of April worldwide sales), the country became the largest U.S. DDGS importer for the first time. DDGS shipments to South Korea slowed (down 27% to 93,701 mt) while exports tripled to Thailand (up 223% to 85,715 mt). These four markets were responsible for 58% of U.S. DDGS exports in April, with the remainder parsed out among another 33 countries. Worldwide U.S. DDGS sales for the first four months of the year imply an annualized export volume of 10.48 million mt.
ASA Submits Comments to EPA Supporting New SCN-Resistant Soybeans
The American Soybean Association this week sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in support of a new soybean cyst nematode (SCN)-resistant soybean as the agency considers the product registration.
SCN is the single most damaging pest soybean producers face, both in the U.S. and globally. While there are some existing tools available for growers to manage SCN, many tools can be difficult or complicated to use given the nature of SCN infestations, and thus may have limited efficacy. Additionally, there is a growing threat of nematode resistance to some of these tools.
ASA welcomes the registration and availability of additional tools, including a new SCN-resistant soybean variety enabled by plant incorporated protectants to protect crops and maintain strong yields.
“U.S. soybean growers would like to enjoy the management benefits offered by this tool for many years to come,” ASA states in the comments. “We welcome and look forward to working with EPA, the registrant, research and extension personnel, and other relevant stakeholders to craft thoughtful and practical guidance for growers to best preserve the efficacy of this tool.”
USDA Dairy Products April 2020 Production Highlights
Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.07 billion pounds, 1.7 percent below April 2019 and 5.1 percent below March 2020. Italian type cheese production totaled 452 million pounds, 5.0 percent below April 2019 and 7.2 percent below March 2020. American type cheese production totaled 446 million pounds, 3.6 percent above April 2019 but 0.9 percent below March 2020. Butter production was 216 million pounds, 25.1 percent above April 2019 and 10.1 percent above March 2020.
Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with April 2019)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 183 million pounds, up 9.3 percent.
Skim milk powder - 40.4 million pounds, down 12.7 percent.
Whey products (comparisons in percentage with April 2019)
Dry whey, total - 77.8 million pounds, up 3.8 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 91.4 million pounds, down 15.4 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 37.5 million pounds, down 7.7 percent.
Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with April 2019)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 62.9 million gallons, down 2.8 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 37.1 million gallons, down 16.7 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.72 million gallons, down 11.3 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 4.80 million gallons, down 5.6 percent.
Senate Legislation Promotes Agriculture in Climate Policy
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today endorsed the Growing Climate Solutions Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Mike Braun, R-Ind., Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.
The bipartisan legislation addresses the potential for agriculture to serve as a critical climate solution by making it easier for producers to participate in climate-smart practices, navigate carbon markets and earn extra income through carbon sequestration.
“Corn farmers have been leaders in adopting farming practices to improve the quality of soil, water, and the air around our farms and are pleased to endorse the Growing Climate Solutions Act. This bipartisan effort recognizes agriculture’s role in mitigating the impact of climate change and promotes voluntary, agriculture-friendly ideas into the climate discussion. NCGA thanks the Senators for their leadership and looks forward to working together to implement a policy that benefits both the environment and farmers’ bottom line,” said NCGA President Kevin Ross.
The Growing Climate Solutions Act will:
Create an Online “One Stop Shop” for Producers and Foresters interested in carbon markets to help them get their foot in the door. A new USDA website will serve as a comprehensive resource with information for farmers and foresters interested in generating carbon credits. It will explain how they can get started and connect them with USDA-certified entities to set up their carbon credit operation and provide more details on the private-sector marketplace.
Establish a USDA Certification for the private parties that farmers work with in order to generate and ultimately sell their carbon credits. Modeled off of the National Organic Program, the certification provides transparency and legitimacy to technical assistance providers, who advise producers on conservation practices to use in order to generate carbon credits, and third party verifiers, who verify that the appropriate protocols were followed to ensure the integrity of the credits so they can be sold. The USDA will ensure that these private third parties have agriculture and/or forestry experience, which is lacking in the current marketplace.
Organize an Advisory Council to keep the Secretary and USDA updated on new developments in the rapidly-expanding landscape of carbon markets. The council of agriculture experts, scientists, conservationists, and producers will ensure that the certification program remains relevant, credible, and responsive to the needs of farmers, forest landowners, and carbon market participants alike.
Assess Progress in Carbon Markets through a regular report to keep lawmakers up to speed on barriers to market entry, producer challenges, market performance, and opportunities for USDA to contribute to the further adoption of voluntary carbon sequestration.
NMPF Applauds Bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act
The National Milk Producers Federation, the largest U.S. dairy group, today applauded the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act introduced in the U.S. Senate, calling it an important step toward reducing agricultural carbon emissions that aligns well with dairy’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality or better by 2050 through the industry’s Net Zero Initiative.
The legislation, introduced by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), along with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), encourages sustainable farming practices by making it easier for farmers to participate in carbon markets. The Growing Climate Solutions Act creates a certification program at USDA to help solve technical entry barriers that make it difficult for farmers and forest landowners to participate in carbon credit markets.
“We commend Senators Braun and Stabenow , as well as Senators Graham and Whitehouse, for their bipartisan work to facilitate greater farmer participation in environmental markets,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “Dairy farmers are environmental stewards who value proactive approaches to sustainability, and this legislation will provide a welcome boost to their efforts. We look forward to working with Senators Braun, Stabenow, Graham, and Whitehouse to advance this bill in Congress.”
Mulhern noted that carbon markets will play an important role in the dairy sector’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, an industrywide effort that will require public-policy support. “Net zero is good for dairy farmers, good for consumers and good for the planet,” Mulhern said. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act is part of how Congress can be leaders in this effort, and we are excited to see lawmakers sharing our goal of a climate-friendly future.”
Farmers Union Backs Carbon Credit Verifier Certification Bill
A bipartisan bill introduced today by Sens. Mike Braun (R-IN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) would help provide certainty for farmers as they look to participate in carbon markets in their efforts to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The bill, known as the Growing Climate Solutions Act, would create a certification program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for technical service providers to work with farmers as they implement practices to sequester carbon and sell the credits. The bill also calls for an advisory committee at USDA composed of farmers, government officials, and representatives from private markets to provide guidance on how Congress and USDA can reduce barriers to entry for carbon markets and resolve challenges faced by farmers.
National Farmers Union (NFU) members, numbering 200,000 family farmers and ranchers and rural residents, have long been concerned with the current and future consequences of climate change on agricultural livelihoods and global food security. At the organization’s 118th annual convention, Farmers Union delegates passed a special order of business that encourages USDA and other federal agencies “to explore opportunities for family farmers and ranchers to realize financial benefit from the ecosystems services generated through improved management practices including voluntary marketplace initiatives and voluntary federal support programs.”
In keeping with that special order of business, NFU President Rob Larew issued the following statement endorsing the bill:
“American family farmers and ranchers are ready to help fight climate change, but meaningful and sustainable changes are not inexpensive or easy to implement. Carbon credit exchanges can provide them with a market-based system to finance those improvements.
“It is very encouraging to see legislators work across the aisle to provide certainty to those looking to participate in carbon credit marketplaces. In doing so, the Growing Climate Solutions Act is an important step toward strong and comprehensive climate policy that both provides farmers of all sizes with the resources they need to mitigate and adapt to climate change as well as recognizes the vital public good that comes from those efforts.”
USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program Reaches 5 Million Boxes Distributed
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farmers to Families Food Box Program has distributed more than five million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Farmers to Families Food Box Program was designed to put American farmers and distributors of all sizes back to work while supporting over-burdened food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need, and the program is doing just that,” said Secretary Perdue. “It’s encouraging to see the passion with which farmers, distributors and non-profits have gone above and beyond to make this program work in support of the American people. Although a momentous milestone, this is only the beginning for the program, and with continued support we expect up to 40 million boxes will be delivered throughout the country by June 30th.”
“Since our launch of the Farmers to Families Food Box, 5 million boxes have been successfully delivered to Americans most in need all across the country. Through this innovative program small and regional distributors are bringing back their workforce to procure food directly from our American farmers and ranchers. Fresh food is getting to those in need, even in the hardest to reach places, through partnerships with food banks, non-profits and faith-based communities,” said Advisor to the President, Ivanka Trump.
NFU Calls for National Effort to Address Racism
The killing of Minnesota resident George Floyd has spurred widespread outrage and pushed the United States towards a reckoning with its long and painful legacy of racism.
The agricultural industry is not exempt from critique; though 14 percent of U.S. farmland was black-owned a hundred years ago, decades of systemic discrimination and the abuse of legal loopholes has left black farmers with just .52 percent of the nation's arable land. This has robbed black communities of billions of dollars of wealth, a fact that many experts say has contributed to the modern racial wealth gap.
National Farmers Union (NFU), which has historically supported social justice movements including women's suffrage and the civil rights movements, redoubled its efforts to support racial equity and justice in light of George Floyd's death. ""If we stand idly by while our friends and neighbors suffer - as too many of us have done for too long - we are complicit in their suffering," said NFU President Rob Larew in a statement. "To overcome the terrible legacy of racism in this country, we all must reflect on our own privileges and prejudices, rethink our institutions, and demand structural change."
American Farm Bureau Statement Addressing Racism
President Zippy Duvall
“Our hearts go out to the family of George Floyd and others who have suffered as a result of racial injustice. We strongly oppose racial discrimination and believe just treatment by law enforcement is essential to maintain public trust and to uphold our Constitution. We also believe we have a responsibility across our society to honestly examine, identify and address racism.
“That includes looking within our own organizations. At AFBF, we are doing just that. We are forming a cross-functional working group to determine how we, as staff of the American Farm Bureau, can be a positive influence against racism.
“Part of the strength of our communities and nation is our ability to pull together in times of crisis. We must do so now.”
World Food Price Index Hits 17-Month Low
World food prices fell for a fourth consecutive month in May, hit by the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic which has stymied demand, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) food priceindex, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals,oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 162.5 points last month, down 1.9% on April.
According to Reuters, it was the lowest monthly reading since December 2018. The dairy index dropped 7.3%, led by sharp falls in both butter and cheese, partly because of lower import demand.
The cereal price index slipped 1% as coarse grain prices continued their decline, with U.S. maize prices some 16% down on the year, and wheat export prices falling, amid expectations of ample global supplies. International rice prices edged higher.
Vegetable oil prices fell 2.8% to a 10-month low, while the meat index slipped 0.8%. Poultry and pig meat quotations continued to fall, reflecting high export availabilities and despite an increase in import demand in East Asia.
Bucking the general downward trend, the sugar price index jumped 7.4% in April largely because of lower-than-expected harvests in some major producers, notably India and Thailand.
FAO also posted its first forecast for the 2020 cereal season, foreseeing global output of 2.780 billion tonnes -- a 2.6% increase on 2019's record harvest.
What’s Next for the Land Market?
The agricultural land market came into 2020 with a glimmer of optimism until COVID-19 slammed into people’s lives. Catastrophic disruptions in the world’s economy have reached into U.S. agriculture to play havoc with marketing chains. As a result, the land market hit the pause button as buyers and sellers slowed activity. Opposing factors will be pushing and pulling land values in the coming months to decide what’s next for the land market.
Before COVID-19, U.S. agriculture was gaining some momentum coming off a difficult year in many sectors. Trade deals were coming into place and commodity prices had a hint of getting better.
“The market for good cropland was stable to slightly stronger in many areas as interest rates remained low and demand was fairly strong for the low supply of land for sale. Recreational land had good demand as the general economy and the overall wealth of individuals was strong,” said Randy Dickhut, senior vice president of real estate operations for Farmers National Company.
After COVID-19 struck, disruptions impacted most aspects of agriculture. Dairy producers saw an immediate drop in fluid milk consumption when schools closed. Livestock producers who sold directly to restaurants or farmer’s markets saw their prime marketing channel dry up overnight. The shutdown of meat processing facilities severely impacted consumers and that impact stretched all the way back to the farm. Corn producers saw the bottom drop out of ethanol usage at the institution of stay-at-home rules.
Farmers National Company land auctions continued during March and April albeit with social distancing procedures in place. What were to be public auctions became stay-in-your-pickup in the parking lot live auctions, bid sales or online auctions. Sale outcomes varied by region and property. The land market became more cautious in the areas with dairy, livestock and ethanol as these industries endured mounting bad news. In other areas, land sale prices were stable as demand for good quality land was more than adequate for the amount that did come up for sale.
“Real estate sales activity at Farmers National Company was strong during the first seven months of its fiscal year despite an industry wide slowdown. Sales volume was up 6 percent to 8 percent compared to each of the past three years. Sellers and buyers continue to actively call Farmers National Company agents as real estate business for the company continues during this uncertain period,” said Dickhut.
What is coming next for the land market?
Various factors that can impact land values are pulling in opposite directions. Positive influences include the continued low supply of good land for sale and historically low interest rates. For many, investing in ag land will be a safe haven for the current times, a long-term hedge or the means to invest in the sustainability of the food supply. The average land buyer who has resources may invest in recreational land for a place in the country. Farmers will remain buyers of land if they have the financial standing to do so.
Challenges that could put pressure on land values include the overriding potential for depressed farm incomes and the further decline of working capital for producers. Will lower farm incomes overcome the low interest environment to put pressure on farmland values? Will farm finances be helped enough by the additional infusion of federal cash payments to producers to maintain financial stability? Will there be more land come onto the market due to financial pressures that could tip the supply and demand equation?
“It is too soon to accurately answer what’s next for the land market except that agricultural land will continue to be bought and sold. Land passing to the next generation is a constant that remains in play no matter what. Decisions made by inheritors of land, producers, lenders, legislators and investors will come together over the coming months to provide the answer to what’s next for land values,” said Dickhut.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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