Wednesday July 22 Ag News

WEBINAR ON AG ESTATE PLANNING DURING A PANDEMIC IS AUGUST 5

While 90% of farmers and ranchers say they expect COVID-19 to impact their businesses, over one half do not have a plan for what would happen to the business if they fall ill, according to two surveys by Farm Journal and Farm Market iD. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic further highlights the importance of preparing the next generation to manage the farm or ranch.

An upcoming webinar, presented jointly by Nebraska Extension and the Omaha law firm of Vandenack Weaver, will focus on estate planning for farmers and ranchers.

The live workshop, Ag Estate Planning During a Pandemic, will be held on Aug. 5, at noon (central). It will offer background on common mistakes made during the process, the importance of having a formal succession plan in place and essential considerations and tools for creating an agricultural estate plan.

The presentation will be led by Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator for farm and ranch succession in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Monte Schatz, attorney and managing member at Vandenack Weaver LLC.

Specific topics will include mistakes and assumptions that different parties can make in the planning process, how to effectively communicate with family and other stakeholders, the future of farm business and eligibility for Paycheck Protection Program loans for agricultural businesses.

The webinar is free and open to everyone. Registration is required at farm.unl.edu.



Kearney firm leads design team for Ag & Water Center at Northeast Community College

Wilkins Architecture Design & Planning led the team that designed the first phase of the Agriculture and Water Center of Excellence at Northeast Community College and has also made a financial contribution to the capital campaign for that project.

Kali Eklund, managing principal of the Kearney-based company, said Wilkins specializes in putting together the experts needed to make a successful project.

On the Northeast project, she said Wilkins partnered with firms such as Olsson Associates, Morrissey Engineering, Flad Architects and Settje Engineering and AgriServices in order to create a working veterinary clinic and farm that are intended for educational purposes.

“This was truly a community effort in northeast Nebraska. We engaged with vendors, specialists in animal handling and best practices, faculty and staff,” Eklund said. “We reached out to local experts to tap into what is needed for northeast Nebraska. We toured cutting edge facilities in Kansas and Iowa for ideas, but the local input made sure this facility will meet the requirements of northeast Nebraska. That’s one of the things I enjoyed most about this project, getting that local involvement to ensure the facilities are tailored to the area’s needs.”

Eklund said community colleges are a passion of hers.

“I enjoy how versatile they are, the way they are structured, and how they can react to community needs quickly.”

Eklund said the Ag & Water Center is the third project her firm has designed for Northeast Community College. Wilkins was also the architectural firm for Phase II of the Hawks Village project and the renovation and addition of “Union 73” (student center) currently underway on the Norfolk campus. Wilkins has also worked on projects at Central Community College and Mid-Plains Community College, as well as the Summerland School project in Antelope County and the Elkhorn Valley Bank and Trust and Madison County Bank projects in Norfolk.

“Kali and the rest of the Wilkins staff have been an integral part of the Ag and Water project,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast Foundation. “They helped put together a team of experts who worked closely with our faculty and staff to design facilities that will serve Northeast students and the region’s agriculture industry well into the future.”

“To have Wilkins also make a financial contribution to the Nexus campaign is a testament to their support of community colleges,” Kruse added. “We appreciate both their design expertise and their investment in our students and the future of agriculture in this region.”

The initial phase of construction includes a new veterinary technology clinic and classrooms, a new farm site with a large animal handling facility and other farm structures for livestock operations, a farm office and storage. The new facilities will be located near the Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex on E. Benjamin Ave. in Norfolk. Site work began in April and construction should be completed by the Fall of 2021.

The funding for the 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.



Four animal science students, faculty members receive ASAS accolades

Four Husker faculty members and recent graduates have been recognized by the Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science for outstanding contributions to research.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln honorees include:
    Travis Mulliniks – Young Scientist Award. Since 2017, Mulliniks has served as the beef extension specialist in range nutrition at the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte, as well as the faculty director of Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, where he oversees production needs of the 12,800-acre ranch. He is currently advising two master’s students and two doctoral students. His devotion to beef producers and strides in beef research is evident in his 54 abstracts, 50 peer-reviewed publications, 13 invited papers, and 19 extension and outreach publications. The Young Scientist Award recognizes a researcher under the age of 40 who has already produced outstanding research.

    Kacie McCarthy -- Wilson G. Pond Travel Scholarship Award. McCarthy joined the UNL animal science department in January 2020. She is an assistant professor of animal science, as well as a Nebraska Extension beef cow-calf specialist. The Wilson G. Pond Travel Scholarship Award is to aid in the professional development and success of young animal scientists in an international venue.

    Rebecca Swanson – Young Scholar Recognition Program, M.S. Swanson, who completed her master’s degree at UNL in May, was recognized for her research contributions including her keystone master’s project, which led to new information about the effect of heat stress on the wellbeing, metabolic efficiency, and performance of feedlot animals. She also has been involved with studies examining fetal programming effects of stress in sheep and high maternal androgen in cattle on postnatal growth and metabolism. Since graduating in May, Rebecca has started working toward her doctorate at Mississippi State University. The Young Scholar Recognition Program recognizes and features the research accomplishments of recent Ph.D. and master’s graduates or current Ph.D. and master’s students in the advanced stages of their program.

    Robert Ziegler – Young Scholar Recognition Program, M.S. Ziegler, who completed his master’s degree at UNL in May, was recognized for his research focused on the impact of cow size on cow/calf performance, post-weaning offspring performance, and overall production efficiency in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Since graduating, Ziegler has accepted a position with Feedlot Health Management Services as a technical assistant. The Young Scholar Recognition Program recognizes and features the research accomplishments of recent Ph.D. and master’s graduates or current Ph.D. and master’s students in the advanced stages of their program.

The awards were presented during the organization’s annual meeting and trade show, which this year was held virtually. The Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science is comprised of members from western portions of the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For more information on UNL’s animal science department, visit animalscience.unl.edu.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Tells Senators Property Tax Relief Key to Economic Recovery

Nebraska Farm Bureau is urging Nebraska state lawmakers to provide property tax relief as a key component of Nebraska’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. In a letter to senators, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson outlined how property tax relief would not only help Nebraska’s farm and ranch families struggling through some of the worst financial situations since the 1980’s farm crisis, but help put Nebraska on the right track to recover from the economic blow delivered to the state from the pandemic.

“Agriculture is the state’s largest industry and a major driver of the economy. One of every four Nebraska jobs come from agriculture and agriculture related businesses. It’s been proven time and again that when Nebraska agriculture does well, our state’s economy does well,” said Nelson. “Unfortunately, agriculture is struggling mightily. Many of our state’s farm and ranch families faced major financial challenges before COVID-19 hit, due to multiple years of depressed prices for commodities and ongoing market and trade disruptions. Last year’s flooding and blizzards worsened the situation and COVID-19 has only increased the severity.  By providing property tax relief, the Legislature would not only be helping alleviate pressure on the largest business expense for many of our state’s food producers, but would make a sound investment in helping get the state of Nebraska back on its feet.”

Economic analysis conducted by the Nebraska Farm Bureau projects Nebraska could experience upwards of $3.7 billion in COVID-19 related agricultural losses in 2020.

“We recognize senators have many priorities to consider, however, property tax relief must come first or at a minimum be included within a negotiated legislative package where state funds for property tax relief are equitable to dollars allocated for other measures aimed at generating economic stimulus for our state,” said Nelson. “Property tax relief would go a long way in restoring stability to Nebraska’s economy and ensuring the well-being of countless Nebraskans.”



North American Meat Institute Members Donate More Than 325,000 Hot Dogs to Feeding America Foodbanks for National Hot Dog Day

In recognition of National Hot Dog Day, members of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI or the Meat Institute) worked with Feeding America to donate more than 325,000 hot dogs to foodbanks across the nation for people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Meat Institute members have donated millions of dollars and meat and poultry products to Americans in need since the beginning of this crisis,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “For National Hot Dog Day, we wanted to work with Feeding America because the need is still so great. Our members are providing nutritious protein, but also a comforting and iconic American food for families.”

“Feeding America is grateful to the North American Meat Institute for their commitment to fighting hunger,” said Blake Thompson, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Feeding America. “During this challenging time, when food banks are seeing demand rise by as much as 70%, support from our partners is critical.  The meat industry donations will help many families who struggle to make ends meet.”

The Meat Institute would like to recognize the following members and partners for their generosity, supporting 25 food banks and many more community partners around the country, including:
Omaha Steaks to the Food Bank for the Heartland, Omaha, NE

Traditionally, National Hot Dog Day activities celebrate the cultural, social and nutritional value of America’s summer favorite, the hot dog. For more than 40 years, the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) has celebrated National Hot Dog Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, serving up hot dogs to lawmakers and their staff in one of the most anticipated events of the year.

This year the economic uncertainty due to COVID-19 has changed this annual celebration into an opportunity for the meat and poultry industry to help millions of Americans turning to food banks, many for the first time, to feed their families.



JBS USA to Invest $3.5 Million in Grand Island to Support Local Community as Part of Hometown Strong Initiative

Through its Hometown Strong initiative, JBS USA today announced plans to donate $3.5 million to help Grand Island respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and invest in the community’s future.

JBS USA is working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs in three key areas: food insecurity, community infrastructure and well-being, and COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts. All projects will be determined by the end of the year. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@jbssa.com.

“The JBS Grand Island beef production facility is one of the premier plants in the country, and we recognize both the opportunity and responsibility of being a large business and employer in our community,” said Zack Ireland, JBS Grand Island General Manager. “Our focus during the past few months has been to protect our team members, and we are grateful to now invest in the place we call home in a meaningful way that benefits our workforce and community now and in the future.”

“During the coronavirus pandemic, JBS USA has been a community partner and generously donated beef to local food banks and also provided leadership and innovation on worker safety and plant management,” said Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele. “The Hometown Strong initiative continues JBS USA’s commitment to our community and our future, and we look forward to a wonderful community partnership.” The JBS USA Grand Island beef production facility employs more than 3,600 people with an annual payroll of more than $160 million. The facility supports more than 675 local producers, paying them more than $2.2 billion per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, JBS USA Grand Island has invested nearly $70 million in capital improvements over the last five years and is currently in the midst of a $95 million state-of-the-art expansion project at the facility.

Hometown Strong is a national $50 million initiative that adds to commitments JBS USA has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic. Hometown Strong is one of the largest community investment programs of its kind in the country.



Nebraska Farmers Union Supports the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Decision on Net Metering

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) supports last Thursday’s decision of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to unanimously reject a New England Ratepayers Association (NERA) petition that declared all state solar net-metering policies illegal.

Matt Gregory, Nebraska Farmers Union’s Clean Energy Advocate, agreed with the ruling, saying “individual states, not FERC, should not have jurisdiction over net-metering policies. There should not be a one-size-fits-all approach to net-metering with the variation among states and utilities, particularly for Nebraska which is the only 100% public power state in the Union.”

The NERA petition submitted to FERC drew widespread opposition from solar and environmental groups as well as state regulators and lawmakers, who argued that it could undermine longstanding net metering regimes that are central to state-by-state energy and environmental goals. Net metering has provided an opportunity for the excess generation from small-scale solar to be placed back on the electric grid, serving nearby load while ensuring that clean electricity generated by these systems does not go to waste.

Nebraska Farmers Union worked for years to establish state net metering authority that was finally authorized by the Nebraska Legislature in 2009 with the passage of LB 436. NeFU strongly believes that net metering and solar energy development – whether it is utility-scale, community-driven or residential – are an important form of renewable energy-based economic development and that regulations and fees that hinder them should be removed, not added.

Net metering regulates the small wind or solar renewable energy projects developed by individual home owners, small business and farmers and ranchers that involve the connection protocol between them and their public power supplier.

NeFU President John Hansen, in NeFU’s letter to FERC, noted that “Removing authority from the states would also eliminate the ability of state legislators and regulators to work with local stakeholders to set policy that will support economic growth while producing a net benefit for ratepayers.”

Hansen concluded “For many states, this anti-net metering petition would have had a significant impact on net metered facilities, as it would set pricing for generation at avoided cost rather than the carefully tailored pricing set by state policymakers in collaboration with other stakeholders. This petition would have fundamentally altered net metering, threatening its efficacy in enabling consumers to reduce their energy bills through investments in small-scale renewable energy. We applaud FERC for their decision to deny this anti-net metering petition.”



USDA to Survey County Small Grains Acreage

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey producers in 32 states, including Nebraska, for its 2020 small grains County Agricultural Production Survey (CAPS).

The survey will collect information on total acres planted and harvested, and yield and production of small grains crops down to the county level. CAPS will provide the data needed to estimate acreage and production of selected crops such as barley, oats, and wheat in the United States.

“The data provided will help federal and state programs support the farmer,” said Nicholas Streff, Regional Director of the Northern Plains Regional Field Office. “I hope every producer understands the importance of these data and will take the time to respond if they receive this survey. Producers can lose out when there are no data to determine accurate rates for loans, disaster payments, crop insurance price elections and more. When enough producers do not respond to surveys, NASS is not able to publish data. Without data, agencies such as USDA’s Risk Management Agency or Farm Service Agency do not have information on which to base the programs that serve those same producers.”

You are encouraged to respond online at agcounts.usda.gov, or by mail. Alternatively, within the next few weeks NASS representatives will contact selected Nebraska growers to arrange telephone interviews to complete the survey.



In Virtual Hill Visits, RFA Hears from Lawmakers, Administration Officials

The Renewable Fuels Association’s summer Board of Directors meeting concluded Wednesday with more than a dozen virtual Capitol Hill visits. Board members had the chance to hear from senators, House members and administration officials. Discussions covered a broad range of topics, including the impact of COVID-19 on ethanol producers, trade challenges and opportunities around the world, E15 market expansion, and EPA implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“With the ethanol industry still attempting to recover from the double-whammy of COVID-19 and RFS small refinery exemptions, it is more important than ever for our member companies to speak directly to elected leaders in Congress and important administration officials,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “While COVID-19 has changed the way we interact with members of Congress and agency leaders, it remains crucially important that ethanol producers advocate for our industry and stay engaged in the political process. Wednesday’s virtual Day on the Hill gave our members an excellent opportunity to share their questions and concerns, but also their gratitude, with key leaders in our nation’s capital.”

Participants in the virtual meeting included Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Dick Durbin (D-IL); House Reps. Cindy Axne (D-IA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL). The event also included Gregg Doud, Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative; USDA Deputy Sec. Steve Censky; and Anne Idsal, principal deputy assistant administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

RFA’s Cooper noted it was the perfect time for such a meeting, as the Senate this week is considering a fourth round of aid to address the impacts on the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s economy. Recently, RFA released a new analysis that found the COVID-19 crisis has already led to more than $3.4 billion in lost revenues for the U.S. ethanol industry and total damages in 2020 and 2021 could reach nearly $9 billion. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency now has 58 retroactive renewable fuel volume waiver requests from the oil industry, spanning the years 2011-2018, on top of 28 listed so far for 2019-2020.



Consider All Farm Lease Options before Sept. 1 Deadline

Professional Farm Managers can play a key role in aligning farm owner and farm operator objectives heading into next years farm leasing season. As landowners and farmers look to the next growing season and balancing farm returns, risks and sustainable conservation practices, there are a number of farm lease types to consider that can align farm owners and operators in the short and long term. If a farm owner or operator want to make some changes to their existing lease, one of the parties must send notice to the other by September 1 according to Iowa Law.

A critical place to start is to decide whether the landowner and renter want to change the terms of their existing lease (rates, improvements, payment timing, etc.). If so, the present lease must be terminated by Sept. 1, according to Iowa law.

The Iowa Chapter of the ASFMRA has published a report discussing various farm lease types and their benefits from a landowner and farmer perspective. With tougher crop market conditions and an increasing push to implement sustainable practices on farms, landowners and farm operators have options that set them up for longer term success.

The report was prepared by Chad Hertz, executive vice president of operations at Hertz Farm Management in Nevada, Iowa. He is a third generation Accredited Farm Manager at Hertz and has worked with landowners, farmers and technology as a member of the Iowa Chapter for 26 years.

To request a copy of the report email iowaASFMRA@gmail.com or connect with an Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) by visiting www.asfmra.org/directory/find-experts2. 



USDA Provides Update on Investigation Following 2019 Tyson Beef Plant Closure and COVID-19 Pandemic

As part of its commitment to ensuring fair and competitive markets for the livestock, meat and poultry industries, today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a report on its ongoing boxed beef and fed cattle price spread investigation.

“The closure of the Tyson beef packing plant in Holcomb, Kansas, after a fire at the facility, and the COVID-19 pandemic clearly disrupted the markets and processing systems responsible for the production and sale of U.S. beef,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “The report examines these economic disruptions and the significant increase in the spread between boxed beef and fed cattle prices that resulted from them. While we’re pleased to provide this update, we assure producers that our work continues in order to determine if there are any violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act. If any unfair practices are detected, we will take quick enforcement action.”

Read the report here:  https://www.ams.usda.gov/reports/boxed-beef-and-fed-cattle-price-spread-investigation-report. 
 
Background:
The report, prepared by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service in coordination with the Office of the Chief Economist, summarizes market conditions, fed cattle prices, boxed beef values and the spread before and after the fire and plant closure at the Tyson Holcomb plant, and before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report also discusses several policy considerations in light of the desire by many market participants for improved price discovery, reinvigorated competition, and a more transparent relationship between the prices for live cattle and the resulting products. Considerations include potential updates to Livestock Mandatory Reporting to reduce instances of non-reporting and increase percentages of negotiated cash transactions, risk management outreach, education and product improvements for small and medium-sized producers, small to very small meat processor outreach and opportunities, and enhancements to the Packers and Stockyards Act investigative and enforcement tools.

While the report does not examine potential violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act, USDA staff have maintained a cooperative relationship with the staff of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division and have discussed allegations of anticompetitive practices in the meat packing industry. Should USDA find a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act, it is authorized to report the violation to DOJ for prosecution.



Fischer on USDA Beef Report: Plans to Introduce Legislation to Bring Transparency & Equity to Beef Supply Chain

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) concluded its investigation into market manipulation in the cattle industry following a fire at a Tyson Foods plant in Holcomb, Kansas, and the COVID-19 pandemic:

“I appreciate the USDA’s work on this investigation, and their analysis of what occurred after these two events underscores the immediate need for reforms to strengthen the cattle industry. The report confirms our serious misgivings about the many factors that are working to destabilize the marketplace. In light of these events and this report, I will be introducing legislation soon in the Senate aimed at providing equity and transparency for all market participants.”

Sasse Statement on USDA Report
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a staunch advocate for Nebraska farmers and ranchers, issued the following statement after the USDA released a report on boxed beef and fed cattle market disruption.  He says, “Market transparency and price discovery are important to Nebraska’s cattle, hog and sheep producers. It has been tough for these guys. The more tools USDA has to quickly and properly respond to market disruptions the more confidence producers can have in the markets. If USDA needs more from Congress, we need to have those discussions.”



NCBA Responds to USDA Report on Cattle Markets

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President, Government Affairs, Ethan Lane today released the following statement in response to the release of the results of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) investigation into cattle markets:

“We are pleased that USDA has produced a report into the market dynamics impacting cattle producers across the country. Since NCBA initially requested this investigation, this issue has remained a central topic of conversation for NCBA, our state affiliates, and cattle producers throughout the country. While we are collectively still awaiting the results of the Department of Justice’s ongoing investigation into these issues, the information in this report will be very helpful and timely to the cattle industry’s robust discussion of cattle markets and price discovery during our Summer Business Meeting in Denver next week.”



USDA Report on Beef Prices First Step Toward Fairer Markets

The USDA released a report on its investigation into disparities between prices paid to farmers and beef prices at grocery stores. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says:

“We appreciate the USDA’s thorough examination of the beef markets. There’s little doubt that something is wrong when consumers are paying higher prices for meat and at the same time America’s farmers and ranchers are being paid less.

“We are pleased the USDA responded to our call for an investigation, but it’s important to note the scrutiny of the markets is not concluded. USDA indicates their examination continues and investigations by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as the Department of Justice, are ongoing.

“We are reviewing the policy recommendations the USDA put forth in the report and look forward to working with them and Congress to ensure markets remain fair for everyone involved.”



USDA Cold Storage June 2020 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on June 30, 2020 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 12 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 6 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 25 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 8 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on June 30, 2020 were up 4 percent from the previous month but down 3 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down slightly from the previous month but up 2 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 13 percent from last month but down 12 percent from June 30, 2019.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on June 30, 2020 were down 3 percent from the previous month but up 3 percent from June 30, 2019. Butter stocks were down 4 percent from last month but up 11 percent from a year ago.

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



NCBA Kicks Off Campaign to Generate Dietary Guidelines Comments

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today launched a nationwide grassroots campaign to highlight the #BenefitsofBeef and is calling on cattle producers to submit public comments in support of federal dietary guidelines that recognize beef’s role in a healthy diet.

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) last week released its Scientific Report, laying the groundwork for five years of federal nutrition guidance. Americans now have until Aug. 13 to submit official comments as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) work to finalize the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs).

NCBA has engaged for the past two years to ensure the Dietary Guidelines are focused on nutrition and based on sound science. NCBA applauded the DGAC’s recommendations released last week, but anti-meat advocates are already working to downplay the important role meat plays in these guidelines.

“Study after study shows that beef plays an important role in a balanced, healthy diet across the lifespan,” said NCBA President Marty Smith. ““NCBA has made it a priority to protect the scientific credibility of Dietary Guidelines and promote accurate information about the nutritional advantages of beef as part of a balanced diet.”

No process is perfect and NCBA believes there is room for improvement when the final guidelines are released later this year.

“The science is on our side when it comes to the #BenefitsofBeef. We’re now in the home stretch of this process. NCBA is calling on cattle producers to submit public comments to ensure the strong science reinforcing beef as a food for health is adequately reflected in the final 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” Smith said.

NCBA will generate public comments by reaching out to cattle producers via e-mail blast, text messages, social media, and earned media between now and Aug. 13. Producers can also file comments by clicking here... https://actnow.io/OvcMh3P. 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/17/2020

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 17, ethanol production slowed by 2.5%, or 23,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 908,000 b/d—equivalent to 38.14 million gallons daily. Production remains tempered due to COVID-19 disruptions, coming in 12.6% below the same week in 2019. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked 0.3% higher to 913,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.00 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks thinned by 3.9% to 19.8 million barrels and 16.4% below year-ago volumes. Inventories tightened across all regions and are at their lowest level since the last week of 2016.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, drew down 1.1% to 8.550 million b/d (131.07 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 11.6% lower than a year ago.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 2.4% to 839,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.86 bg annualized and 10.9% below the year-earlier level.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the second consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of May 2020.)



Webinar: USDA Assistance for Small Scale Meat Processing

USDA offers many support options for small scale processing. USDA's Rural Development offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees to assist small and very small meat processors, and USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service provides inspection services that broaden the marketplace for processors who are looking for more retail and commercial outlets.

Join Under Secretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears and Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand to learn how these opportunities and programs work together to support small scale meat processing. It will be held July 28 beginning at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

Programs to be featured are Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee Program, B&I CARES Act Program, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loan and Grant Program (REAP), REAP Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants, Value-Added Producer Grants Program, Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, Intermediary Relending Program, Federal and State Inspection Programs.

Webinar topics to be discussed include funding for Small Scale Processing, How to Get a Federal Grant of Inspection, and State and Custom Exempt Inspection Programs.

To register, visit https://ems8.intellor.com/?do=register&t=1&p=830079.  



ACE writes Senate leaders requesting inclusion of direct relief for biofuel producers in phase four stimulus

Today, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings penned a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) praising bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in May that would reimburse biofuel producers for a share of feedstocks they purchased and processed into renewable fuel during the first quarter of the year, and making the case to include the plan for direct aid in the next coronavirus aid package.

Jennings wrote, “While Congress has enacted three-phases of stimulus to respond to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the renewable fuel sector has so far been left behind.”

The letter emphasized the direct hit ethanol producers have taken from the sudden and severe drop in fuel demand as a result of COVID-19 and that the Grassley-Klobuchar bill would establish the Renewable Fuel Feedstock Reimbursement Program to aid in the recovery. “Ethanol use declined by 50 percent because of the social distancing, stay-at-home, and shelter-in-place orders instituted across the country to fight COVID-19, a catastrophic and unprecedented demand shock for domestic biofuel producers. Ethanol usage remains well-below pre-COVID levels and is not expected to recover through 2021.”

The need to provide emergency relief to biofuel producers was underscored in the letter by referencing the House of Representatives inclusion of a direct compensation program like the Grassley-Klobuchar bill in its stimulus package announced May 15.

“With COVID-19 numbers on the rise and talk of future shutdowns intensifying, renewable fuel producers could see the economic damage more than double current levels. Action is needed now,” Jennings stated in the letter. “This relief is critical to helping the U.S. biofuel industry survive this unimaginable economic downturn and remain a key part of rural America’s future.”