Friday July 10 Ag News

This Week's Drought Summary - July 9
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

A trough of low pressure over the West kept much of the Northwest and Southwest unseasonably cool for early July, while high pressure, high humidity, and stalled or slow-moving fronts were the focus for scattered showers and thunderstorms across most of the Plains, middle and lower Mississippi and Tennessee River Valleys, the Southeast, and along eastern sections of the mid-Atlantic and New England. The greatest weekly totals (more than 2 inches) fell on the Dakotas, western parts of Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the lower Mississippi Valley, and along the eastern two-thirds of the Gulf and the southern Atlantic Coasts (including Florida). Light to moderate amounts (0.5-2 inches) were reported from western Washington eastward to western Minnesota, throughout most of the Plains and Southeast, and in eastern sections of the Northeast. Little or no precipitation fell on most of the Far West, Southwest, southern Texas, the Corn Belt, and western portions of the mid-Atlantic and New England. Temperatures averaged above normal east of the Rockies, especially in the Northern Great Plains, upper Midwest, and Great Lakes region that saw weekly departures of +4 to 10 degrees F. Temperatures averaged close to normal in the Southeast and lower Mississippi River Valley where frequent bouts of rain and clouds kept readings down. In Hawaii, windward shower activity increased later in the period, but was not enough to make any major improvements. Subnormal rainfall continued across Puerto Rico except in northwestern sections of the island, deteriorating conditions across eastern areas. In Alaska, light precipitation was measured at most stations, but a dry June around the Kenai Peninsula area warranted some D0 in southwestern Alaska.

Midwest
Much of the Midwest saw little or no rain this week, with significant totals limited to far western and southern sections, and a swath of moderate rain (1.5-3.5 inches, locally to 6 inches) from western Illinois southward into western Kentucky and Tennessee. Temperatures averaged above-normal also, with weekly departures of +4 to 10 degrees F in the upper Midwest and Great Lakes region. As a result, dryness and drought increased, with D0 expanding into parts of Ohio, southeastern lower Michigan, western UP of Michigan, central Illinois, western and eastern Iowa, and parts of western Missouri. D1 expanded or developed in central Illinois, western Iowa, northeastern and central Minnesota, and southwestern Missouri. D2 was introduced into northeastern Minnesota as many of the indices were at very dry levels (SPIs at 2-6 months equal to D3-D4 levels), 4-8 inch deficits at 90-days, and USGS stream flows in the lower tenth percentile. In contrast, D0 was removed in southwestern Illinois, southeastern Missouri, and western Kentucky in response to the moderate rainfall. Most Midwest states received surplus long-term moisture, but short-term dryness is affecting some areas. The Midwest states with the highest July 5 topsoil moisture rated short to very short included Indiana (45%), Ohio (70%), and Michigan (71%), but most other states saw a weekly increase in dryness. So far, corn and soybean conditions were rated mostly fair to good, although Ohio and Michigan reported 11 and 14% poor to very poor corn and 9 and 10% poor to very poor soybeans, according to NASS/USDA. 22% of Michigan pastures were rated poor or very poor.

High Plains
A second week with widespread and abundant rains across much of the Dakotas and Montana, along with field reports on the rains impacts, justified large-scale 1-category improvements in western North Dakota (D1 to D0), northwest South Dakota (D1 to D0), southeastern Montana (D1 to D0), southwestern South Dakota (D0 to none), and parts of Montana (D0 to none). Field crops have responded, with both Dakotas reporting mainly fair to good conditions for corn, soybeans, barley, oats, winter and spring wheat, along with pasture and range conditions. Montana’s wheat and barley were also doing well. Farther south, scattered showers brought some relief to hard-hit sections of southwestern Kansas (D3 and D2) and southeastern Colorado, the latter area where the D4 area was eliminated after 0.5-2.5” of rain. In eastern Colorado, Kit Carson County received heavy rain, necessitating a D0 bubble on the map. However, where the rains were not as plentiful or were missed, dryness and drought expanded. This included D0 and D1 expansion in south-central North Dakota, northeastern and southeastern South Dakota, northeastern, south-central, and southwestern Nebraska, and southeastern Kansas. In Wyoming, a reassessment of conditions from field reports and indices included some reduction of D0 and D1 in western sections where it has been wet the past 30-days, but the addition of 3 small D2 areas in central and southeastern sections. The former lone D2 area in Wyoming was removed as indices did not support it.

Looking Ahead
During the next 5 days (July 9-13), WPC’s QPF keeps much of the western half of the U.S. bone dry, with relatively light amounts (less than an inch) forecast for the eastern half of the Nation. Exceptions to this are moderate totals (1-2 inches) in the central Great Plains, upper Midwest, and along the Eastern Seaboard from Florida northward into Maine, with eastern sections of North Carolina and New England receiving the greatest amounts. Above-normal 5-day temperatures are expected in the Southwest and Northeast, with near to slight above-normal readings forecast for the remainder of the lower 48 States except for subnormal values across extreme northern Rockies and Plains.

The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook (July 14-18) favors above-normal precipitation across the northern tier of the U.S., from Washington to Michigan, in south Florida, and northern Alaska. Odds for subnormal precipitation are likely in the Southwest and southern halves of the Rockies and Plains, then eastward to the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic, and northward into New England. Above-normal temperatures are favored (more than 70%) from New Mexico northeastward into the Great Lakes region and Northeast, with the rest of the eastern half of the Nation and southwestern Alaska expecting above-normal readings. In contrast, below-normal temperatures are probable in the Northwest, Intermountain West, and northern half of Alaska.



Virtual Open House held for Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan

More than 80 people attended the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan – Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) virtual open house on Thursday, July 9, 2020. The meeting was hosted by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and facilitated by JEO Consulting Group, the organization developing the plan.

During the meeting, attendees learned more about the Plan-EA, including background information on the Battle Creek Watershed, historical flooding issues, and the review process for possible alternatives. Those who missed the open house are encouraged to visit the LENRD’s website to view the recording:  www.lenrd.org.  Written comments for the Plan-EA will be accepted through Thursday, July 23, 2020 to JEO’s Adam Rupe at arupe@jeo.com or 402-435-3080. Comments can also be submitted to the JEO Lincoln office at 2700 Fletcher Avenue, Lincoln, NE, 68504.

Located in Madison County, the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project’s purpose is to address flood prevention. The project will also look at the potential for incidental benefits if public recreation becomes a component. All proposed purposes and associated alternatives will be determined as the development of the Plan-EA progresses.

The Plan-EA is being prepared to fulfill National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) responsibilities pertaining to federal financial assistance received through the NRCS’s Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program and is scheduled to be finalized in 2021.



 John Deere dealer supports Northeast’s Nexus project

Green Line Equipment, a John Deere dealership with 10 locations in northeast and central Nebraska, has committed $50,000 to the capital campaign to modernize the agriculture education facilities at Northeast Community College in Norfolk.

“We understand the need for modern ag facilities at Northeast,” said Dennis Smydra, Green Line general sales manager, “and Green Line is proud to invest in the future of agriculture in this area.”

Smydra serves as a member of the Ag Advisory Committee at Northeast, providing input on programs and curriculum and helping keep ag education at Northeast relevant.

“We have partnered with the Northeast ag department for many years,” he said. “Green Line has helped Northeast train future farmers and ranchers on cutting edge technology, providing both equipment and staff. We have hired many Northeast students to fill skilled positions at several of our locations.”

Green Line, which is locally owned, is headquartered in Grand Island. The company recently joined with Stutheit Implement and Plains Equipment Group to form AKRS Equipment Solutions. The new dealer will have 27 locations in Nebraska and Kansas and be headquartered in Lincoln.

“The Agriculture & Water Center of Excellence at Northeast Community College will provide a 21st century training facility for future farmers and ranchers and agribusiness employees,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast Foundation. “These are the young people who will return to the small towns in our 20-county service area to work and raise their families. They will shop on Main Street, send their children to local schools, and keep the communities of northeast Nebraska vital and growing.”

The funding for the new agriculture facilities will come from the College’s commitment of $10 million, as well as external fundraising to fill the gap. With a total project cost of $22.3 million, the College has raised enough funds to begin construction; however, fundraising for the Nexus campaign will continue, as more is needed for equipment, technology and furnishings. Site work on the project began in April and construction on the first phase of construction is expected to be completed by Fall of 2021.

In August 2019, the Acklie Charitable Foundation (ACF) announced a $5 million lead gift to the Nexus project. ACF was founded by the late Duane Acklie and Phyllis Acklie, both Madison County natives and graduates of Norfolk Junior College, a predecessor institution of Northeast Community College.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Asks EPA to Reject New Round of Small-Refinery Exemption Requests

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) expressed deep concern about the attempt by some in the oil industry to yet again, circumvent the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) looks to review the large number of petitions for waivers for past years that have been received, NEFB is urging that they be denied, said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson in a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

“The granting of these petitions would not only go against congressional intent, judicial precedent, EPA rules, and procedures, but would also cause substantial economic harm to Nebraska farmers and ethanol producers,” he said.

The RFS was developed to help drive investment in cleaner domestic fuels and give American consumers more choices and lower prices at the pump. However, since its inception, the oil industry has worked tirelessly to find new and creative ways to get around the requirements set into law by the RFS.

“This latest attempt to skirt the recent Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals decision by working to petition the EPA to grant ‘gap year’ waivers don’t even follow EPA’s long-standing rules regarding hardship waivers. It also comes during one of the hardest economic times for both farmers as well as ethanol producers. The EPA must deny these petitions to help preserve the integrity of RFS and provide certainty to the renewable fuels marketplace,” Nelson said.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Denver ruled on Jan. 24 that the EPA improperly granted small-refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2017 and 2018. The agency has yet to announce changes to the program in response to the court's ruling.

“NEFB along with many who support the U.S. renewable fuels industry are asking to help preserve the RFS in the face of near constant attacks. We also take very seriously President Trump’s promises to expand America’s renewable energy portfolio and protect America’s ethanol industry. Please help make good on those promises and deny these new attempts to undercut our nation’s farmers and biofuels producers,” Nelson said.



Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for July

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in July 2020. The clinics are one-on-one meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.

The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.

COVID-19: For the time being the clinics are being conducted as conference calls or as Zoom meetings.  It is therefore possible to attend a clinic from any location in the state. In-person clinics are expected to resume in the near future, at which time locations will be announced.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Wednesday, July 15th
    Wednesday, July 22nd

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and Legal Aid of Nebraska.



NEBRASKA EXTENSION DEAN, DIRECTOR HIBBERD RECEIVES NEBRASKA AG YOUTH COUNCIL’S HIGHEST HONOR

Charles “Chuck” Hibberd, retired Dean and Director of Nebraska Extension, was selected by Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) members to receive the Council’s highest honor, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute’s (NAYI) Award of Merit. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) oversees NAYC and NAYI.

Since NAYI was held virtually this year, NAYC head counselors Felicia Knoerzer and Courtney Nelson surprised Hibberd earlier in the year with the award at his office on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. The Award of Merit presentation was video recorded for NAYI delegates to view this week along with nearly 100 additional videos and resources about the ag industry in Nebraska and careers in agriculture.

As Dean and Director of Nebraska Extension for the past seven plus years, Hibberd led efforts to provide outreach and information to students, ag producers and processors across the state. Nebraska Extension is housed within UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Hibberd, a Lexington native, retired June 30.

“Chuck’s collaborative efforts, innovative style and strong commitment to Nebraska Extension and agriculture will impact Nebraskans for years to come,” said NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm. “He is very deserving of this honor.”

Hibberd received his bachelor's degree from UNL in animal science and his master's and Ph.D. degrees in animal science and animal nutrition from Oklahoma State University. He joined the faculty at Oklahoma State after graduation and immediately became involved in Extension programs across Oklahoma and later with programs in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and Indiana before the start of his career with Nebraska Extension in 2012. “During Chuck’s tenure at the Nebraska Extension, he used wisdom and teamwork to face difficult challenges, including the organization’s response to the historic blizzards and flooding in Nebraska in 2019 and this year’s efforts to respond to COVID-19,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “We will miss working with him at the Nebraska Extension. We wish him well in his retirement.”

Also during NAYI week, the NAYC Alumni presented this year’s $1,000 scholarship award to Kelli Mashino, from Spencer, Nebraska, for her work and dedication to the NAYC and the Nebraska agriculture industry. Mashino is a senior at UNL majoring in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication. She is also Vice President of NAYC’s Social Media/Communications and Promotions Committee. The scholarship award is given annually to a NAYC member who shares passion for agriculture with peers and the youth of Nebraska. In a welcome video to NAYI delegates, Mashino thanked the group for the opportunity to serve on the Council and also gave thanks to the many sponsors who help make NAYI possible. “NAYI impacts people for the rest of their lives, and I’m thankful to be a part of this year’s event,” said Mashino.



Your voting guide for the 2020 Nebraska Soybean Board Elections

Ballots will be going out the week of July 13 in Districts 5 and 7. Please follow the ballot instructions carefully to ensure your vote is counted. If you have not received a ballot by July 17, please call 402-564-5827 and request one. Return ballots should be postmarked by July 31st. The Nebraska Soybean Board is funded and led by you, its farmers. If you want your voice heard and to see your input reflected in the work NSB does, it’s important that you vote in the election for the NSB board members in July. We strongly encourage all Nebraska soybean farmers in Districts 5 and 7 to vote and to get to know your board members once they take office.

Learn more about District 5 candidates below.
Larry Hudkins and his wife, Carol, who served as a Nebraska State Senator for 16 years, daughter, Kathy and son-inlaw, Henrik, operate the family farm near Malcolm. They raise soybeans, corn, alfalfa, rye and have a crossbred cow-calf and back grounding beef operation. Larry’s board, committee and leadership experience includes: Seward County Cooperative, Nebraska Cattlemen, National Cattlemen Beef Checkoff, LEAD, Nebraska Ag Relations Council, KRVN Rural Radio Board of Directors, Lancaster County Farm Bureau and State Board of Directors and the Malcolm Public School Board. Larry has also been a member of the Nebraska and American Soybean Associations for many years.

Comments by Larry: I have wanted to further serve the soybean industry ever since being asked to be part of a trade mission to China, sponsored by the NSB and AGP. We met with Chinese buyers, processors, farmers and government officials in formal and “boots on the ground” meetings. We discussed shipping and processing and toured hog, chicken, and fish farms. This was a real eye opener for me to see first hand the tremendous potential we have to export more soybeans positively impacting Nebraska soybean farmers. I have been interested in serving on the NSB but as a long time Lancaster County Commissioner, I had meetings every Tuesday and Thursday. I also had budget meetings, Board of Equalization, general assistance meetings, and Public Building Commission and District Energy meetings, both of which I chaired. I retired from the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners two years ago and feel I now have the time, energy and desire to serve the soybean industry. I would appreciate your vote for the NSB and the opportunity to continue serving the business we call agriculture.

Klark Knipe farms on a multi-generational farm. Klark currently farms with his father and we raise soybeans, corn and alfalfa. Along with the crops, the Knipes have a farrow to finish hog operation while also raising sheep. He has an educational background of a BA from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and a MS from Peru State College.

Comments by Klark: As a soybean farmer I can see the value of the NSB and the work they put into promoting Nebraska soybeans. There are many obstacles facing soybean growers currently such as profitability and sustainability. Finding more exports and demand for soybean products such as meal or oil can only help the grower in the future.

Brent Steinhoff and his family live on the farm where he was raised. He has been involved in agricultural production his whole life by raising crops and livestock. His operation began in 1997 and includes corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and a small number of 4-H pigs for his children. After college, Brent was the nursery manager for a local hog facility and also has numerous years of experience in soil conservation construction.

Comments by Brent: After participating in NSB See For Yourself, I saw how important the Nebraska Soybean Board is for the industry. I knew that I wanted to be more involved in the promotion of the soybean industry and gain more knowledge of how the industry works. I think an important issue facing soybean producers today is staying competitive in the ever-changing world market. As other countries become more advanced in their production and infrastructures, the U.S. will have to work hard to maintain their foreign relations.

Learn more about District 7 candidates below.
Matthew Favinger is a fourth generation farmer and lives in Minden with his wife, Shannon, and daughter, Haylee. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanized systems management, with an emphasis in managing agricultural systems. After graduating from college, Matthew came back to the farm working full time, but it wasn’t until 2015 that he started farming ground in his own name. He raises corn, soybeans, Piedmontese beef cattle, and one field of irrigated alfalfa that is currently transitioning to organic. All of Matthew’s pivot-irrigated ground and dryland is no-till, and he is also using cover crops following all of the soybean acres and some of the corn acres.

Comments by Matthew: Competition, both in the field and out of it, is the biggest challenge facing soybean producers. In the field, competition from herbicide resistant weeds is a current and continuing problem. Our effective modes of action are limited and if resistance develops to our currently used herbicides, we will have no other herbicide options to turn to. Out of the field, competition for limited markets has led to an over abundant supply of soybeans which needs to be addressed by finding new markets and expanding current markets, both internationally and domestically. I would like the opportunity to be on the Nebraska Soybean Board so I can help work towards addressing these issues and to serve the agricultural community.

Doug Saathoff and his wife own and operate West Fork Farms, Inc. in northeast Adams County, where they grow irrigated soybeans, corn, seed corn and sorghum. He graduated from UNL in 1996 with a degree in Diversified Agriculture before moving back to the family farm to work with his dad and brother. His farming practices include ridge-till and no-till, as well as conventional tillage on a limited basis. Doug has continued to keep high oleic soybeans in his rotation the last few years. He is also a member of the Nebraska LEAD program, class XXV.

Comments by Doug: It has been an honor and a pleasure serving the soybean farmers in District 7 the last three years, and I would appreciate the opportunity to keep doing so. It is vital, now more than ever, that we continue to find new markets and fund new uses for Nebraska soybeans. Since day one, the Nebraska Soybean Board has led the way in research, marketing, and communication/education, and I would like to see that this continues. Seeing that the Nebraska soybean farmer’s checkoff dollars are spent wisely and used efficiently has been a top priority of mine, and I will continue to do just that. About the Nebraska Soybean Board: The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.



USDA Announces More Than 1.2 Million Acres Accepted in Recent Signup for Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the acceptance of more than 1.2 million acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands during the recent signup period that began March 16 and ended May 15. The number of acres offered during this signup period was 1.9 million acres, over 3 times the number offered during the last signup period in 2016. In Nebraska 298,890 acres were accepted into the program.

Through CRP Grasslands, farmers and ranchers can protect grasslands, rangelands and pastures while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices, produce hay and do other management practices on the enrolled land. Timing of some activities may be restricted by the primary nesting season of birds.

“This large and unprecedented national enrollment is a reflection of the popularity and importance of CRP Grasslands,” said Nebraska FSA State Executive Director Nancy Johner. “The program emphasizes support for grazing operations and plant and animal biodiversity, while protecting land under the greatest threat of conversion or development.”

Participants will receive an annual rental payment. The duration of the CRP contract is 10 or 15 years. FSA ranked offers using a number of factors, including existence of expiring CRP land, threat of conversion or development, existing grassland and predominance of native species cover and cost.

The 2018 Farm Bill set aside not fewer than 2 million acres for CRP Grassland enrollment. On Oct. 1, 2020, grassland enrollment is expected to be 2.1 million acres. CRP is one of the largest conservation programs at USDA. CRP marks its 35-year anniversary in 2020 with 21.9 million acres currently enrolled.



ISU One-Hour Free Crop Marketing Strategies Webinar on July 16th

A free webinar titled Crop Marketing Strategies will be presented on Thursday, July 16, at 7 p.m. CST. The featured speaker will be Steve Johnson, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist. He will review the latest USDA adjustments to planted acreage, crop supply/demand & cash price projections. Steve will also highlight crop marketing strategies & tools and discuss the potential for weather challenges this summer and storage considerations this fall. The webinar will last one-hour followed by questions.

The webinar is free, but requires pre registration online at this site https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8492254387107325454



First Iowa Meat Processor Approved for Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that Story City Locker, LLC, is the first Iowa meat processing facility to be admitted into the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program. Under the CIS program, smaller, state-inspected facilities can remain under state inspection but are allowed to apply a federal-style mark of inspection and sell products across state lines.

Members of the Iowa Meat Processors Association approached the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in 2019 about implementing the CIS program to help small meat processing facilities, like Story City Locker, grow their businesses. The program also helps producers get their products stocked on regional grocery store shelves.

“Local meat lockers play an important role in their communities and the food supply chain,” said Secretary Naig. “We pursued the CIS program to help small Iowa businesses grow, and give consumers more access to Iowa-grown meat and poultry products.”

“This is a great program for Iowa's small meat processors and their communities. We are proud to be the first facility to go live,” said Ty Gustafson, owner of the Story City Locker. “Special thanks to the Meat and Poultry Bureau team for being willing to take this on to expand opportunities for small businesses. A great example of regulatory staff working with businesses to find a solution.”

The Department worked with the Iowa Meat Processors Association and USDA FSIS for almost a year to ensure the state met all the CIS program requirements. The Department made administrative rule changes, invested in new equipment and provided additional training for its Meat and Poultry Bureau inspectors to ensure Iowa producers had the opportunity to expand into new markets.

About the CIS Program
Secretary Naig signed the CIS agreement with USDA FSIS on May 20. To qualify for the CIS program, a meat processor must have fewer than 25 full-time employees and comply with all federal food safety, sanitation and facility regulations. There are 68 meat processing facilities in the state of Iowa that are eligible for the CIS program. To date, 14 meat processing facilities have applied for the CIS program and three have been selected, including Al’s Country Meat Locker and Ohrt’s Smokehouse. Individual livestock producers cannot apply but they can sell their products across state lines if the meat and poultry are processed at a CIS facility.

State of Iowa meat inspectors visit state-inspected facilities every day they process products that bear the mark of inspection. State meat inspectors examine the livestock, quality of the meat, facility sanitation and record-keeping so consumers can have confidence in the meat and poultry products they buy. CIS facilities will also receive periodic visits from USDA FSIS officials to ensure they are operating in compliance with federal guidelines. Eligible processors can apply for admission to the CIS program at iowaagriculture.gov.

For a complete listing of meat and poultry processors in the state of Iowa, visit iowaagriculture.gov/meat-poultry-inspections-bureau/meat-and-poultry-plants.



2020 Governor’s Charity Steer Show Comes to Iowa State University

For the first time in its 38 year history, the annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show (GCSS) will not be held at the Iowa State Fair. Due to the cancellation of this year’s fair, Iowa State University will host the event.

“We are very honored to host the 38th Annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Learning Center here at Iowa State University,” said Dr. Dan Thomson, chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. “This event is a great opportunity to showcase how the people of the Iowa cattle industry care about our neighbors in need of help by fundraising for a very worthy cause. We are so excited to help continue this tradition to support the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa.” Dr. Thomson will serve as this year’s Showmanship Judge.

The event, which raises money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, will be held on August 15, 2020. Organized by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council, the GCSS has raised over $3.8 million to help provide a home away from home for families of children who are being treated in nearby hospitals. Ronald McDonald Houses are located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City.

“The Iowa City Ronald McDonald House has had widespread support from University of Iowa celebrities over the years,” says Dr. Thomson. “In good fun and competitive spirit of the CyHawk rivalry, we’re looking forward to showing our friends to the East how it is done at Iowa State to benefit Iowa families in need.”

Twenty-five steers from across the state will compete for the championship designation, showmanship honors, and the People’s Choice award. The steers have been raised by Iowa youth involved in the cattle industry, and celebrities will accompany the young steer owners in the ring. Immediately following the competition, the steers will be sold at auction with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Last year’s auction raised more than $284,000.

The event will be invite-only, and participants will be encouraged to follow the university’s social distancing guidelines. The show and auction will be streamed live online, and fans can donate to the cause and vote for the People’s Choice award online.



STATEMENT FROM ICPB PRESIDENT ROGER ZYLSTRA ON THE CANCELLATION OF IOWA CORN CY-HAWK SERIES™ FALL MATCHUPS

The Iowa State Cyclones and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes will not be competing in the fall matchups of Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series™. The Big Ten confirmed yesterday they are limiting their fall sports to conference-only due to the fluidity of the pandemic. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board® and the Iowa Corn Growers Association® proudly partner with Learfield IMG College on behalf of both Iowa State University and the University of Iowa Athletic Departments for the title sponsorship of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series™. The Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series highlights the importance of Iowa corn on an elevated platform that a significant percentage of Iowans engage with every year.

 The following is a statement from Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Roger Zylstra.
“The decision to cancel the fall matchups of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series was disappointing to hear but understandable due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. The health and safety of all Iowans, the student-athletes and the fans are of the utmost importance.”

“The Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series is a great way to promote Iowa corn and the farmers who grow it because roughly sixty-five percent of Iowans tune-in and engage making it an outstanding platform to share the farmers' story and messages about corn. Corn is Iowa’s number one crop and farmers are proud of its many uses that benefit our entire state. It feeds our livestock, nourishes our families, and provides clean-burning fuel for vehicles. We are a proud sponsor of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, and we hope it can resume with winter sports.”



US & Kenya Launch Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
ASA Newsletter

United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer and Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development Betty Maina this week formally launched trade agreement negotiations between the United States and the Republic of Kenya.

Kenya is recognized as a leader across Africa and an important strategic partner of the U.S. with, “enormous potential for us to deepen our economic and commercial ties,” Lighthizer said this week in a joint statement with Maina. Maina noted the strong trade relations between the U.S. and Kenya, which have seen increased exports and imports over the years.

Not only does the Kenyan market provide opportunity for the U.S. soy industry, but also it would provide a positive start for establishing trade, enabling regulatory environments in sub-Saharan Africa. Kenya currently imports about 200,000 mt of soy annually, with the demand projected to continue growing. ASA and USSEC collaborated in April 2020 to submit comments to USTR regarding key objectives for the U.S.-Kenya trade agreement. Currently, the U.S. industry faces both tariff and non-tariff barriers, including biotechnology authorizations, regulatory framework and treatment for plant breeding innovation, and residue limits for crop protection products.

House Subcommittee Approves Strong Top-Line FY21 Appropriations Funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development (E&WD) approved its top-line funding numbers for the Corps of Engineers for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 earlier this week, with proposed funding for the Corps at $7.63 billion, a decrease of $21 million below FY20’s record-setting appropriated level, but $1.7 billion above the President’s FY21 budget request. The full Committee is expected to mark up the bill July 13. These are the first steps in the annual process of funding water and energy projects.

Notable highlights of the bill include:
-    Investigations –$151 million, equal to the FY 2020 enacted level and $48 million above the request.
-    Construction –$2.6 billion, $447 million above the request.
-    Operation and Maintenance – $3.84 billion, an increase of $48 million above the FY 2020 enacted level and $1.8 billion above the request.
-    Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund projects – receive $1.68 billion, an increase of $50 million above the FY 2020 enacted level and $665 million above the request. This meets the target set by authorizers for FY 2021 and represents 92% of estimated revenues compared to the FY 2021 target of 83%.
-    The bill provides for seven new study starts and seven new construction projects.

The Subcommittee did not yet release information on the number for Inland Waterways Trust Fund Construction, a top infrastructure priority for ASA.

In addition, the Corps of Engineers will receive an additional $17 billion in emergency funding to accelerate work on Corps projects. Of the additional $17 billion, the Construction account will receive $10 billion to accelerate projects across all Corps mission areas, at least $3 billion of which is for inland waterways projects. The bill provides $5 billion in O&M funding.

Maintaining and updating infrastructure is critical to U.S. soybean growers. Improvements to the nation’s inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure allow soybean farmers to transport their crop and remain competitive in the global market. ASA will continue monitoring soy grower priorities as the process moves forward in the House and Senate.

House Ag Appropriations Committee Approves FY 2021 Bill
The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved its Fiscal Year 2021 agriculture appropriations bill this week, including $23.98 billion in discretionary funding, along with investments in rural community infrastructure, domestic and international food programs, agriculture research and oversight of the commodity futures market. The bill next heads to the full Committee for markup. These are the first steps in the annual process of funding USDA and specific programs. ASA will continue monitoring soy grower priorities as the process moves forward in the House and Senate.

Notable highlights include:
-    $4.2 billion for rural development programs, and $1 billion for rural broadband.
-    $2 billion for international food aid and to promote U.S. agricultural exports overseas. This includes $1.775 billion for Food for Peace grants and $235 million for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program.
-    $1 billion to help farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners conserve and protect their land, including $167 million for infrastructure for watershed and flood prevention, along with watershed rehabilitation projects.
-    $1.07 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This funding will support programs to help control or eradicate plant and animal pests and diseases that can be crippling to U.S. producers. The funding level provides increases that will help address harmful pests and diseases.
-    $3.3 billion – $90 million above the fiscal year 2020 level – for agriculture research programs, including the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This funding will support research at all ARS facilities to help mitigate and stop devastating crop diseases, improve food safety and water quality, increase production and combat antimicrobial resistance. This funding also includes important research investments in U.S. land-grant colleges and universities, including a significant increase for the 1890 institutions. The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), a top ASA priority, will be funded at $435 million, a $10 million increase over FY 2020. AFRI is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s premier competitive research program.
-    $304 million for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).



Industrial-Use Exports Support U.S. Ethanol Amid COVID-19, Show Future Opportunities

Ethanol destined for industrial-use applications helped stabilize overall U.S. ethanol exports in April and May amid a bleak period for fuel demand globally.

The world’s fuel markets were dramatically disrupted in early 2020 as governments instituted movement restrictions and released social distancing guidelines to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Industrial end-use markets – including chemical, solvent and consumer products – were impacted to a lesser extent as the pandemic triggered substantial uptick for sanitizing and disinfecting products that also use ethanol as an ingredient.

As a result, industrial ethanol played a significant role in stabilizing the overall U.S. ethanol export mix. At the same time, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has been working with its global staff to determine the best opportunities to assist the world’s expanding needs for industrial ethanol alongside a robust fuel ethanol program.

“As we work to expand the global use of ethanol, we are creating awareness of how the environmental, human health and economic benefits of the product apply to uses outside of the fuel market,” said Lucas Szabo, USGC manager of global ethanol market development. “We are working to foster the development of end-use applications for industrial ethanol and support current uses like sanitizers.”

Industrial-use markets typically account for 25 percent of total U.S. ethanol exports, bought for uses like windshield wiper fluid in South Korea and the European Union or bioplastics in India. As fuel demand began to decline in March, industrial ethanol exports started to represent a larger proportion of the export mix and help support overall U.S. ethanol exports.

U.S. ethanol exports for industrial uses equated to approximately 50 percent of total exports in April and May, at roughly 44 million gallons (15.7 million bushels in corn equivalent) and 33 million gallons (11.7 million bushels in corn equivalent), respectively. The remaining half of exports continued to supply fuel markets. India, Nigeria and the Persian Gulf remained strong purchasers of U.S. ethanol for industrial use, while increases in exports to South Korea and Mexico were notable.

“The importance of industrial ethanol has been highlighted in recent months,” Szabo said. “These markets play a key role in supporting global environmental and human health initiatives in a variety of sectors beyond transportation fuel.”



Corn Growers, Ethanol Supporters Again Challenge EPA’s Flawed Testing and Modeling

Joining forces to challenge flawed science, a coalition including the Urban Air Initiative (UAI), 10 state corn grower organizations and the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) are pressuring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to correct its recent “Anti-Backsliding’ study. The coalition says the study is based on faulty modeling data that fails to recognize the role of ethanol in reducing pollution.

The study is required under the Clean Air Act and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to ensure the influx of renewable fuels into the nation’s gasoline pool is not adding to poor air quality. EPA claims there are in fact adverse emission impacts resulting from ethanol blends, contrary to numerous studies refuting that finding.

The basis of the agency’s work is a modeling system called the Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) that states must use to meet emission standards. The coalition argues that because the emissions generated by the MOVES model are unsound, the anti-backsliding study’s air quality conclusions are also unsound. “Bottom line, when you put garbage data into the model, garbage results come out,” said Steve Vander Griend, UAI Technical Director.

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin Corn Growers, along with ACE joined UAI to file comments against the study. While EPA has determined “no further controls” on ethanol blends are necessary, it leaves the door open for future restrictions at a time when the RFS is under review for a permanent re-set and states are preparing implementation plans for ozone and other air quality controls.

The comments point out that using the correct data from many outside research organizations completely flips the script and shows ethanol blends reduce everything from particulates to benzene to carbon monoxide. Not only are controls on ethanol unnecessary, according to the coalition, what needs to be controlled are gasoline aromatic hydrocarbons that contribute to increased benzene emissions as well as particulate emissions.

“We are encouraged to see our corn grower partners as well as the various ethanol industry trade groups united in the recognition that the MOVES model and the data that supports it is simply wrong,” said Dave VanderGriend, President of UAI. “UAI has been studying these issues since 2012 and until the science is corrected, the EPA will continue to limit ethanol’s ability to improve air quality,” he said.

“The RFS and increased ethanol use has improved air quality dramatically and EPA’s continued use of the deliberately manipulated ‘science’ of the MOVES model, which creates fictitious ethanol air quality issues, threatens to reverse the RFS air quality gains of the past 15 years,” said Ron Lamberty, ACE Senior Vice President. “ACE will continue to fight alongside our industry partners to welcome scientific examinations which actually test real-world fuels and their effect on vehicle emissions and the environment.”



NCBA and Dell Technologies Announce New, Outstanding Member Benefit

Members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association now have access to an exclusive new benefit to help upgrade and improve technology on their farms and ranches. This new user-friendly program will give members discounts of 5-10% on purchases of Dell products. What’s more, the new discounts for members are stackable with additional Dell promotions, which could allow NCBA members to save even more on their technology upgrades.

“NCBA members utilize technology to improve their operations every day. This new partnership will provide cattlemen and cattlewomen with important discounts that will benefit both the ranch bottom line and the herd, so I’m excited that we’re able to offer these new benefits to our members,” said Florida cattleman and NCBA President Marty Smith.

NCBA members can access these new member benefits through the member portal at www.NCBA.org. This new partnership will provide NCBA members with access to discounts on all Dell desktops, notebooks, servers, electronics and accessories, to include more than 175,000 products.

“We are thrilled to partner with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to offer our technology products and solutions to its members. NCBA members can now receive healthy discounts on Dell's vast range of technology products,” said Mobolaji Sokunbi, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Dell. “We strongly believe that NCBA and its diverse base of members will receive great value from this partnership and can in turn get more done in their daily lives by repurposing the savings they earn.”
The new member benefit is simple and easy to access. NCBA members can access the coupon by logging into the member portal at www.NCBA.org, click “Get Coupon,” enter their email address and a coupon will be immediately emailed to them.

Program benefits include:
    Exclusive Member Savings: Stackable 5%-10% coupon
    Access to a dedicated Small Business Tech Advisor
    Access to Dell Financial Services
    Access to NCBA’s Account Executive Steven Shipe

Dell and NCBA’s Information Technology team have also put together an “NCBA-Recommended Laptop,” which will provide the computing power that today’s farmers and ranchers need on their operation.

“Our team, working with Dell, has put together all the specifications of a laptop that is ranch-ready and configured with America’s cattle producer in mind,” said Smith. “Everything a producer needs for their operation is already thought out by the team, including a very strong warranty on a rugged laptop that can be tossed in the truck.” NCBA members can access this ranch-ready laptop through the member website.



Drop Tube Kit Available for AGCO RoGator AirMax Precision R1/R2

AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer of agricultural equipment, now offers a drop tube kit for the RoGator® AirMax® Precision R1/R2 application system to ensure accurate between-row application of in-season dry granular fertilizer and precise seeding of cover crops into standing row crops.

“The new drop tubes expand the versatility of the AirMax Precision R1/R2, already the most accurate pneumatic fertilizer system in the industry,” says David Fickel, tactical marketing manager for application equipment at AGCO. “Now operators can place granular fertilizer between the rows in-season to feed the crop. This allows operators to follow the 4R’s of nutrient stewardship: the right rate, the right source, the right place, and the right time.”

The tubes direct fertilizer granules below the crop canopy so nutrients don’t get caught in the crop whorls and are able to reach the ground, where they can move into the soil and be taken up by the plant. Air delivers the fertilizer to, and down, the drop tubes, distributing the granules slightly on contact with the soil for optimum distribution and more uniform crop uptake.

Convenient cover-crop seeding plus fertilizer at precise rates
The AirMax Precision system has always been well-suited for broadcast seeding oats, grasses and various cover crops. Now, with the addition of drop tubes, combined with the AirMax R2 independently metered twin bins, operators can seed cover crops between the rows of growing crop and top-dress late-season urea at the same time without blending. For example, it’s possible to apply urea at 150 pounds per acre and seed a low rate of 20 pounds per acre of cover crop in the same pass, thanks to the industry-exclusive UltraSpread™ low-speed, high-torque radial piston hydraulic motors of the AirMax.

The ability of the UltraSpread motors to control high, low and variable rates accurately comes from the control algorithms that are fed by sensors that provide almost 250% more feedback than previous or competitive systems. This advantage allows the AirMax Precision to adjust more frequently, providing greater overall rate control accuracy and enabling the low-rate conveyor speed needed for precise cover-crop seeding rates. Some customers have reported the ability to set and hold application rates even lower than 20 pounds/acre.

Easy to attach
Available to order through AGCO dealers this fall as an aftermarket kit from AGCO Parts, the drop tubes replace the standard nozzles and attach quickly to the AirMax boom with two clamps. The top and mid-sections of these 3-inch-diameter tubes are smooth, long-lasting grade 304 stainless steel to ensure between-row placement. Flexible tubing connects the two steel sections to allow the tubes to always point toward the ground, while an additional hose section at the bottom is gentle on plants. The kit includes tubes for all 28 outlets, which are spaced at 30 inches off-center across the 70-foot boom. Hydraulic tilt switches on the joystick raise and lower the boom tips as needed to adjust the drop tube position as terrain height changes.

Unprecedented application accuracy
Drop tubes are the latest offering from AGCO to provide unprecedented application accuracy, giving growers the greatest return on their investment in late-season crop nutrients. The AirMax Precision R1/R2 can apply from 20 to 850 pounds of material per acre at 10 mph, with less than 5% variation in rate across the entire width of the boom. TurnLogic™ turn compensation offers an added level of accuracy and precision placement on headlands and contours. Built for reliability and longer machine life, the AirMax Precision features a stainless steel box, boom and hardware, as well as Heresite® hydraulic cooler coating that resists rust and prevents corrosion in the harsh dry fertilizer environment.