Friday August 28 Ag News

 NDEE’s Return to Compliance Process

To make compliance easy, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has created this document, “A Guide to NDEE’s Return to Compliance Process.”

This document outlines recent updates NDEE has made to its Return to Compliance (RTC) process, which includes a new form of correspondence: the Letter of Non-Compliance (LNC). In addition to explaining the new LNC, this document also highlights our Compliance Assistance program and answers questions such as:
-    Why change to the Letter of Non-Compliance?
-    How can I be proactive when it comes to environmental regulations?
-    How does the streamlined Return to Compliance process work?

Because violations can be found during inspections and surveys, NDEE has also created a guidance document titled “Inspection Tips for Regulated Facilities” http://deq.ne.gov/publica.nsf/pages/20-013 to help facilities prepare for inspections.

With this change, NDEE hopes to bring consistency, fairness, and transparency to the inspection and Return to Compliance processes.

If you have any questions or comments about the Return to Compliance process or the attached documents, you may reach out to one of our inspectors or call NDEE’s front desk at (402) 471-2186.  There's also more information here.... http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb/Inspec.  



LENRD board votes to begin new irrigated acre sign-up on October 1st

At their August meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted to establish a sign-up period to receive applications for Standard Variances, for new irrigated acres, between October 1st, 2020 and October 31st, 2020.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “Geographic portions of the district that are eligible to be considered for standard variances are areas that fall within the top three categories of the classification map.  A map of the eligible locations will be available at the LENRD office in Norfolk by Friday, September 4th.”

Excluded from consideration for this sign-up period will be any parcel of land located in any Quantity Management Subarea or Phase 3 Area located within the LENRD.  Applications will be available online and at the office beginning October 1st.

After discussing the drought conditions across the district, the board authorized an additional two acre-inches per acre for any irrigation well subject to an Annual Groundwater Allocation in the LENRD Quantity Management Subarea.

In other action, the board instructed staff to provide a letter of support as part of a grant application to the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) for the establishment of a UNL Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) demonstration site within the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA), and to devote up to $1,000 in financial assistance to the effort, contingent on approval of the grant request.  The demonstration sites recruit local producers who select from a menu of management decisions intended to help maximize input use efficiency.

Earlier this summer, the LENRD received Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the Maple Creek Watershed Plan which will evaluate potential flood prevention, watershed protection, and agricultural water management projects.  The board voted to sign a contract with FYRA Engineering, LLC to complete the Maple Creek WFPO Plan and Environmental Assessment.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “This plan aims to reduce overall flood risk potential and support the largely agricultural economy in the Maple Creek Watershed.  With the help of the WFPO funding, this project will surpass previous planning efforts by focusing on the entire area, where previous studies have been smaller in scope.”  He added, “We are looking forward to working with FYRA to further define the need for potential flood reduction projects to protect the watershed.”  Four communities are located within the Maple Creek Watershed:  Leigh, Clarkson, Howells, and Nickerson.

The board also voted to work with a landowner in Stanton County to obtain a well permit for an illegal well.  If all required documentation is provided, staff will issue the permit, but the cease and desist order shall remain in place for 5 years, expiring on July 25, 2025.  The 5-year limitation is consistent with the LENRD’s past enforcement of rule violations.

In other business, the board voted to approve the updates to the average cost dockets for the Agroforestry and Conservation Cost-share Programs as recommended by the staff.  They also voted to hold their fiscal year Budget Hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10th at the LENRD office in Norfolk.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, September 24th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.



EXTENSION WEBINAR ON CATTLE OWNERSHIP RETENTION IS THURSDAY

An upcoming Nebraska Extension webinar will discuss the factors going into cow-calf producer decisions on whether to retain cattle to feedlots or keep cattle for backgrounding.

“Ownership Retention Decisions: Is the Market Willing to Pay?” will be presented on Thursday at noon by Elliott Dennis, assistant professor of livestock marketing and risk management, and Jay Parsons, professor and extension farm and ranch management specialist, both in the Department of Agricultural Economics. The presentation is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The webinar is part of an ongoing weekly series produced by the extension Farm and Ranch Management Team in the Department of Agricultural Economics. It will be held live on Zoom for approximately one hour, including time for questions from participants.

Registration is free and can be completed at farm.unl.edu/webinars.



Nebraska Ethanol Board September 10th board meeting to be held in Grand Island
 
The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet in Grand Island at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. The meeting will be in the community meeting room at Bosselman Enterprises Headquarters (1607 S. Locust St.). The agenda highlights include:
    Budget Report
    Fuel Retailer Update
    E30 Demonstration Update
    Renewable Fuels Nebraska Update
    Lowering Ethanol's Carbon Intensity
    Marketing Programs
    State and Federal Legislation
    Ethanol Plant Reports
 
This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature.



 Fundraisers planned for Nexus groundbreaking at Northeast Community College

Two fundraising activities are planned in conjunction with groundbreaking ceremonies for new agriculture facilities at Northeast Community College.

Ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, near the Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex, 2301 E. Benjamin Ave. in Norfolk. A live event is planned, along with virtual ceremonies and livestreaming. Those attending will be encouraged to text a donation of any amount to the Nexus campaign.

The text-to-give option will be available for a limited time, beginning Sept. 3. To take part, text the word “ag” to (402) 383-FARM (3276). Donations will also be accepted by voice phone at (402) 844-7653.

“Every gift is needed and sincerely appreciated,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast Foundation. “All gifts of $500 or more will be recognized on the formal donor wall, but we also want those who contribute a smaller amount to be remembered by the generations of students who will learn in these buildings.”

To provide recognition for gifts of $50 or more, a farmscape wall has been designed and will be located in one of the new buildings. Small, medium and large animal silhouettes to fill the farmscape will be on sale for donations of $50, $100 or $250 respectively. Donors will be able to choose a chicken, pig, cow or horse for their donation, and each silhouette will be engraved with the donor’s name, up to 20 characters.

Animal silhouettes may also be ordered online at agwaternexus.com or by texting “animal” to (402) 383-FARM (3276). For information on multiple purchases or family groupings, call (402) 844-7240. Space on the farmscape is limited, so those wishing to be recognized in this way are urged to order their animals as soon as possible.

“Agriculture is the lifeblood of our area and these two-ways to give allow everyone the chance to support the next generation of farmers and ranchers and of agribusiness employees,” Kruse said. “Students in these programs tend to stay in this area helping keep our rural communities vital and growing.”

The initial phase of construction on the Nexus project 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 Pohlman Agriculture Complex. Construction should be completed by fall 2021.

Funding for the $22.3 million improvement to the agriculture facilities will come from the College’s commitment of $10 million, as well as external fundraising to fill the gap. 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.



Husker Harvest Days Goes Virtual, Nebraska Extension Providing Multiple Presentations
Ron Seymour - NE Extension Educator

Nebraskans are quite creative in developing successful endeavors, particularly in times of need. With a struggling farm economy and the unknowns of the spread of viral infections, there is special emphasis on cultivating new opportunities to improve the lives of Nebraskans. Personnel with Nebraska Extension are uniquely positioned to help provide knowledge to people to cultivate these new opportunities.

Husker Harvest Days (HHD) has traditionally provided a venue for Nebraska Extension to connect with Nebraskans to discuss new developments in agriculture. Even though the face-to-face program has been cancelled, the Farm Progress Virtual Experience will provide an opportunity to learn about these developments in a number of topic areas that may be accessed at www.huskerharvestdays.com. Nebraska Extension will be participating in this program with the theme: Knowledge that Helps Cultivate Opportunities and will be accessible at the Extension website.

Nebraska Extension has created several presentation teams that will highlight topics in beef production, cover crops relative to soil health, pest management, water use issues, precision agriculture, and agriculture economic issues. In addition to these topics, lifestyle topics such as home landscapes, leadership development, rural and mental health issues, youth programs in college and career readiness and choosing University of Nebraska agriculture education programs will be presented.

Agriculture Related Presentations
Several Nebraska Extension teams will be providing knowledge to help farmers increase the efficiency of farm production.
    Increasing the performance of beef cattle is essential for the farmers and ranchers of Nebraska, “The Beef State”. The Beef Systems Team will feature a discussion of reproduction and nutrition strategies. Presentations will include considerations for synchronization protocols, how to be flexible in formulating lower cost rations, and alternative systems and feed sources such as small grain silage and crop residues.
    Cover crops also provide an important source of feed for livestock. In addition to providing this resource, there are a number of benefits to the use of cover crops to increase soil health; i.e. erosion reduction, weed suppression, and improved grazing. The Cover Crop/Soil Health Team will feature the use of a tabletop rainfall simulator to compare and contrast soils where best soil health management practices such as the use of cover crops, manure applications, and no-till have been used to those that have not used the practices.
    The use of cover crops is also important in reducing nitrate contamination of ground water thus, maintaining the availability of high-quality water, the driver of agricultural production. The Irrigation and Water Utilization Team will provide further discussion on how producers can make water management decisions that utilize conservation practices to reduce nitrate contamination and to protect the quality of our valuable water resources.
    Exploration of water management and other production techniques can best be accomplished through review of research results. On-farm research is a great way to generate valuable and relevant information to guide future management decisions specific for each farm operation. Members of the Precision Agriculture Team will share how to utilize agriculture technologies on farms to support more data driven decisions which will likely improve farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
    Technology on sprayers is one area where there has been considerable change. The Pest Management Team will help program participants sort through the options to increase their understanding of why coverage matters in making a good pesticide application. From technologies like pulse of width modulation, selecting the appropriate nozzles, to picking the best adjuvants, Extension experts can help make sense of it all -- and ensure farmers get the most effective and economical pest control.
    As being discussed by many of the HHD Extension teams, the best use of essential information to make essential decisions is important for all farm operations. The Agricultural Economics Team will help wrap together many of the production team’s topics by highlighting their new website, farm.unl.edu as a hub to equip decision-makers with information for successful operations. Information will also be provided to assist farmers and ranchers with financial education and analysis through the Nebraska Strong Financial Services program and the Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options workshops.

Quality of Life Related Presentations
While knowledge of production efficiency is one of the keys for successful farms, maintenance of the quality of life and planning for the future of agriculture are also important.
    The environment in which one lives can have a significant impact on quality of life. Trees are important components of the landscape around homes and farms that improve the living environment. The Community Environment Team will provide information about the benefits trees provide for the environment, wildlife, and the people that enjoy them. They will also provide tips on tree selection, planting, and maintenance.
    A good living environment can help maintain a person’s outlook on life. There are additional tools that can be used to help improve this outlook. Farmers, ranchers, and everyone in the agricultural community, including their families need to be equipped with mental health resources and tools to improve wellness and reduce stress. The Rural Family Stress and Wellness Team brings together individuals from a variety of disciplines with complementary knowledge sets to help rural communities in time of need. Information on how to recognize the symptoms of stress, resources on suicide awareness and prevention, and five steps to support your well-being will be highlighted.
    Good community leaders are essential to help Nebraskans navigate life, particularly in difficult times. The Nebraska LEAD Program has been developing agricultural leaders for over 38 years. The program director of the Nebraska LEAD Program will provide information that highlights the importance of developing strong leadership skills.
    Learning life skills is also important for younger students. Equipping Nebraska youth with the skills needed to succeed after high school and empowering them to make decisions about their future is the primary focus of the 4-H College and Career Success Team. The team will share decision making information for youth, in grades 4 through 12, and their parents, with the greatest reach being with high school youth. Program participants will learn how to be better prepared to make higher education and career decisions which increases their ability to positively contribute to their community.
    To complement this information about developing the future of young Nebraskans, the College Recruitment Team, comprised of representatives from the UNL College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CASNR) and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA), will provide information about attending education programs on the Lincoln and Curtis campuses, respectively.

Even though COVID-19 has changed how we do things this year, we have made adjustments that will allow continued education by presenting high quality information in a virtual environment. It is the hope of the Nebraska Extension, CASNR, and NCTA Husker Harvest Days teams that the information being provided will help participants increase their knowledge to help cultivate opportunities and to develop strong solutions to the diverse issues that are facing rural Nebraskans. We invite Nebraskans to participate in the Farm Progress Virtual Experience at www.huskerharvestdays.com where the typical HHD exhibitors including Nebraska Extension will be found. A direct link to Nebraska Extension topics will be available at extension.unl.edu.



Webinar - Cover Crops in Corn Systems: Opportunities for Dual Use
Mary Drewnoski - NE Extension Beef Systems Specialist

Can planting cover crops in corn systems provide the dual benefits of improving soil health and be an economical source of forage? This webinar will cover lessons learned on incorporating cover crops after corn silage, high moisture corn, and dry corn harvest in Nebraska. The session will consist of short presentations with ample time for questions and discussion.

The webinar will be held via Zoom on September 15th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (central time). This webinar is free but registration is required to participate.

Register for the Cover Crops in Corn Systems Webinar - https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6x1XX6KMrLsYSKV.  

Webinar Presentations
    Soil impacts of planting oats after corn silage and high moisture corn - Lindsey Anderson, Master student in Agronomy and Horticulture at UNL and pathways intern with NRCS.
    Grazing potential and economics of planting oats after corn silage and high moisture corn - Kallie Calus, Master student in Animal Science at UNL
    Impacts of cover crop management on soil health - Sabrina Ruis, Research Assistant Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture with UNL
    Winter hardy cover crops for spring grazing and silage - Mary Drewnoski, Beef Systems Specialist with UNL

If you have questions about this event, contact Mary Drewnoski (mdrewnoski2@unl.edu, 402-472-6289).

This webinar and the research discussed was made possible due to funding from Nebraska Environmental Trust, SARE, and USDA-NIFA-AFRI.



USDA Providing Funds to Protect and Restore Agricultural Working Lands, Grasslands and Wetlands across Nebraska

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). This program, created under the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, provides funding for the purchase of conservation easements to help productive farm and ranch lands remain in agriculture and to restore and protect critical wetlands and grasslands.

Nebraska State Conservationist, Craig Derickson said, “Conservation easements are a great tool to ensure natural resources are conserved and protected for all Nebraskans. We encourage Indian tribes, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and private landowners to contact their local NRCS office to find out how to apply.”

The main goal of ACEP is to prevent productive agriculture land from being converted to non-agricultural uses and to restore and protect wetlands and wildlife habitat. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible.

Applications can be submitted at any time, but to be considered for fiscal year 2021 funding opportunities, applications in Nebraska must be received by October 1, 2020. Applications are currently being accepted for both agricultural land and wetland reserve easements.

NRCS provides technical and financial assistance directly to private and tribal landowners to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through the purchase of conservation easements.  Eligible landowners can choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Tribal landowners also have the option of enrolling in 30-year contracts.

All wetland reserve easement applications will be rated according to the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife.  Eligible applicants will be compensated with a payment rate comparable to the local land use value.

NRCS also provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing agricultural land easements that protect ag land use and conservation values of eligible land. For working farms, the program helps farmers keep their land in agriculture. Agricultural land easements also protect high quality grasslands under threat of conversion to cropping, urban development, and other non-grazing uses.

Applicants will need to provide accurate records of ownership and ensure they have established fiscal year 2021 ownership eligibility with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). Application information is available at your local USDA Service Center and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.

“NRCS staff will work with all interested applicants to help them through the application process and provide one-on-one assistance to create the conservation easement option that works best for their farming or ranching operation,” Derickson said.

For more information about the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services it provides, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



Hot Beef Sundae Virtual Cooking Contest Results

In light of the cancellation of this year’s Iowa State Fair, Iowa’s beef producers wanted to bring a fair food favorite into beef lovers’ homes and encourage creativity in the kitchen. The Iowa Beef Industry Council teamed up with the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters to host a Hot Beef Sundae Virtual Cooking Contest for all ages. Entries were accepted online between July 21 and August 4, 2020.

In order for recipes to be considered, they needed to be prepared using 100% real beef. Any cut of beef or combination of ingredients could be included. A list of recipe ingredients, directions and a high-resolution photo of each dish accompanied each entry.

More than 30 creative and drool-worthy entries were gathered from across the state. “We thought hosting this virtual cooking contest would encourage participants to get creative in the kitchen and add their own spin to this fair food staple,” said Kylie Peterson, IBIC Director of Marketing and Communications. “The exciting thing about cooking with beef is there are more than 50 cuts to choose from that all pair perfectly with a variety of spices and flavors, leaving endless opportunities for originality.”

Selection of the first, second and third place winners in each age category and the most creative Hot Beef Sundae were conducted by an anonymous panel of judges. Judging was based on appearance and creativity.

HOT BEEF SUNDAE YOUTH DIVISION WINNERS:
    First Place – Sloppy Joe Sundae by Aaliyah Corcoran
    Second Place – IOWAlicious Hot Beef Sundae by Harris Thorp
    Third Place – You Can Even Eat the Bowl Hot Beef Sundae by Lane Carlson

HOT BEEF SUNDAE ADULT DIVISION WINNERS:
    First Place – Beefy Banana Split by Julie Petersen
    Second Place – Mike’s Steakhouse Beef Sundae by Mike Moran
    Third Place – Loaded Hot Beef Sundae by Emily Olson

HOT BEEF SUNDAE CREATIVE DIVISION WINNER:
    Winner – Beefy Banana Split by Julie Petersen

First place in each age category received a $100 beef certificate and a free Hot Beef Sundae coupon from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters for the 2021 Iowa State Fair. Second place in each age category received a $75.00 beef certificate and a free Hot Beef Sundae coupon from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters for the 2021 Iowa State Fair. Third place in each age category received a $50.00 beef certificate and a free Hot Beef Sundae coupon from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters for the 2021 Iowa State Fair. The winner of the most creative category received a $100 beef certificate and a free Hot Beef Sundae coupon from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters for the 2021 Iowa State Fair.

Check out this year's award-winning Hot Beef Sundae recipes on our website, at www.iabeef.org.



TAIWAN TO LIFT RESTRICTIONS ON U.S. PORK

On Friday, Taiwanese President Tsai-Ing-wen said the territory would soon lift restrictions on U.S. pork and beef, paving the way for an eventual free trade agreement with America. Since 2007, Taiwan has denied market access to U.S. pork raised with ractopamine, despite an overwhelming body of scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety of the feed additive. Ractopamine is widely used as a feed ingredient in global beef and pork production. It is approved for use in production by nearly 30 nations and by the CODEX Alimentarius, the international standard-setting organization. Imports of pork raised with ractopamine are accepted by 75 countries. Although ractopamine use by hog farmers is not widespread, it is an option that is safe and acceptable.

The National Pork Producers Council appreciates that Taiwan is indicating it will soon lift all non-tariff barriers to U.S. pork and is grateful for the work of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the USDA to tear down barriers to U.S. pork exports all over the world. NPPC will continue to defend the right of U.S. hog farmers to use production processes and products that are safe. NPPC opposes government mandates that, with no scientific backing, dictate production practices and unnecessarily increase food prices and inhibit consumer choice.



Sasse Statement on Trade with Taiwan

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a long-time advocate for Nebraska trade and member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement after Taiwan’s President announced a proposal to open up Taiwan’s market to American beef and pork products.

“This is great news. Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are among the hardest workers in the world and they deserve to sell their products across the globe. More Nebraska beef and pork are about to be served at dinner tables all across Taiwan and they will keep coming back for more.”



Conservation Compliance Final Rule Falls Short

Farmers remain powerless in the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Final Rule made public today by the USDA. The American Farm Bureau Federation advocated for clear rules and safeguards to ensure fair treatment of farmers in conservation compliance, but the final rule does not remedy unfair enforcement by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “After decades without a finalized rule in this area, we finally have one, but unfortunately it falls short.

“Farmers and ranchers are some of the strongest advocates of conservation, as demonstrated by the 140 million acres they’ve voluntarily committed to federal conservation programs. That’s not what this is about. This is about unfair treatment, which we’ve clearly laid out for USDA in previous comments and many meetings, backed by court rulings.

“Farmers deserve a fair process and clarity, including an understanding of the exemptions authorized by Congress. They deserve to be protected from repeated, unjustified, costly decisions by NRCS. Although we appreciate recent actions by USDA to rectify historic wrongs, this was a missed opportunity to ensure fairness going forward.

“We will continue to examine this rule and our options to address its shortcomings.”



Deadline Approaching for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is Sept. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19.

“FSA offers several options for farmers and ranchers to apply for CFAP, including a call center where employees can answer your questions and help you get started on your application,” said Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agency administrator. “With only two weeks before the deadline, now is the time to check out the resources on our website and contact the call center or your local office for your last-minute questions.”

Over 160 commodities are eligible for CFAP, including certain non-specialty crops, livestock, dairy, wool, specialty crops, eggs, aquaculture, and nursery crops and cut flowers. All eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations can be found on farmers.gov/cfap.

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 have several options for applying to the CFAP program by the Sept. 11 deadline:
    Using an online portal, accessible at farmers.gov/cfap. This allows producers with secure USDA login credentials, known as eAuthentication, to certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications, and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center.  
    Completing the application form using our CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator found at farmers.gov/cfap. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, then signed, and submitted to their local USDA Service Center.
    Downloading the AD-3114 application form from farmers.gov/cfap and manually completing the form to submit to the local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically, or by hand delivery to an office drop box. In some limited cases, the office may be open for in-person business by appointment. Visit farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status to check the status of your local office.

USDA Service Centers can also work with producers to complete and securely transmit digitally signed applications through two commercially available tools: Box and OneSpan. Producers who are interested in digitally signing their applications should notify their local service centers when calling to discuss the CFAP application process. You can learn more about these solutions at farmers.gov/mydocs.

All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can be downloaded from farmers.gov/cfap/apply. For existing FSA customers, these documents are likely already on file.



Farmers to Families Food Box Program Reaches 75 Million Boxes Delivered

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 75 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, President Trump announced an additional up to $1 billion will be added to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program while the economy continues to reopen.

“The delivery of 75 Million food boxes has helped an incredible number of Americans in need,” said Secretary Perdue. “I couldn’t be prouder of the great job done by the food box program staff and the many farmers, distributors and non-profits that helped to get this program off the ground for the American people. Each of these milestones is marked by pride and has required hours of hard work and dedication from USDA employees, farmers, ranchers, distributors and the brave volunteers of countless non-profits going the last mile to reach Americans in need. We are well into the second round of deliveries and we’re working harder than ever to continue to build on the success of the program.”

“In May, under direction from the President, we launched the $3 billion Farmers to Families Food Box program to help feed American families and support our farmers. Just over three months later, the United States has responded in record amounts with over 75 million boxes having been delivered nationwide. This program will continue to fulfill its mission to support the most vulnerable, empower our workforce and uplift great American farmers,” said Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump.

Background:
Following the President’s announcement of additional funding up to $1 billion, USDA also announced today it intends to extend current contractors that desire to continue to deliver food boxes through September 18. These extensions will ensure adequate capacity for food box distribution as USDA plans to incorporate the additional funding. USDA continues to review proposals received for the upcoming third round, and will issue additional agreements in the near future, with subsequent contracts to deliver food boxes the remainder of September and through October 31.

In the ongoing second round of purchasing and distribution, which began July 1 and will conclude Aug. 31, 2020, USDA has purchased more than $1.113 billion of food through extended contracts of select vendors from the first round of the program as well as new contracts focused on Opportunity Zones in order to direct food to reach underserved areas, places where either no boxes have yet been delivered, or where boxes are being delivered but where there is additional need.

In the upcoming third round, which begins September 1, USDA plans to purchase combination boxes to ensure all recipient organizations have access to fresh produce, dairy products, fluid milk and meat products. Additional box types will be considered on an as needed basis. Entities that proposed under the previous solicitation, including current vendors, will have to reapply. Proposals will be expected to illustrate how coverage will be provided to areas identified as Opportunity Zones, detail subcontracting agreements, and address the “last mile” delivery of product into the hands of the food insecure population.

The first round of purchases occurred from May 15 through June 30, 2020 and saw more than 35.5 million boxes delivered in the first 45 days.



1890 Land-grant Universities Celebrate 130 Years of Cutting-edge Science, Education and Community Service

Sunday marks the 130th anniversary of the authorizing legislation establishing the 1890 Land-Grant Universities (LGUs). Almost 30 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act of 1862, the Second Morrill Act, creating our nation’s historically black land-grant colleges, was successfully shepherded through Congress by Senator Justin Smith Morrill and signed into law on Aug. 30, 1890. This thriving network of 19 universities has a legacy of educating first-generation and economically disadvantaged college students, and enhancing the resilience of limited-resourced farmers, families, individuals, and underserved communities.

“America’s 1890 Land-Grant Universities are home to some of the best and the brightest our nation has to offer,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “The thousands of scientists, researches, and educators at these institutions are undertaking user-inspired, cutting-edge science that is transforming lives across our nation and around the world. The students at these institutions are a critical part of the future of American agriculture and with them the future is bright.”

Background:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports a variety of initiatives and programs supporting 1890 institutions across the nation:
    The 1890 Scholarships Program provides scholarships to support recruiting, engaging, retaining, mentoring, and training of undergraduate students. In FY 2020, each of the 1890 LGUs received $752,632 from NIFA, totaling more than $14 million to enhance student opportunities.
    The 1890 Agricultural Extension Program assists diverse audiences, particularly those who have limited social and economic resources, to improve their access to positive opportunities through outreach education. The funds support small and medium-size family farms and new producers in owning and operating viable businesses, youth and others. In FY 2020, these NIFA grants in the amount of $54,720,000 supported all the 1890 LGU’s.
    The 1890 Facilities Grant Program provides for the acquisition and improvement of agricultural and food sciences facilities and equipment, including libraries, so that the 1890 LGUs may participate fully in developing human capital in the food, agricultural, and human sciences.
    The 1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program supports research, teaching, and extension by awarding grants that address key problems of national, regional, and multi-institutional importance in sustaining all components of agriculture and rural development. NIFA supported this program in FY 2020 with $21,853, 028.
    The Evans-Allen Research Program supports agricultural research activities at 1890 LGUs. In FY 2020, NIFA awarded $62,910,320.
    The 1890 National Scholars Program seeks to increase the number of minorities studying agriculture, food, natural sciences, and related disciplines by providing full tuition and employee benefits for up to 4 years to selected students. Selected students will then be eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent appointment with USDA upon successful completion of their degree.
    The Booker T. Washington Fellowship Program, managed by the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), aimed at connecting faculty and staff at 1890 institutions to resources and research available to them at USDA.
    The USDA-1890 Task Force also managed by OPPE – body composed of equal part USDA employees and 1890 institution officials – regularly meets and converses to seek mutually beneficial cooperation.
    The Centers for Excellence Program provides support for enhanced international training and development and to increase diversity in the science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics pipeline.

In 2015, on the 125th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act, USDA-NIFA established the 1890 Centers of Excellence Program. This program provides support for the three Centers of Excellence to increase profitability and rural prosperity in underserved farming communities. In fiscal year 2020, NIFA invested $4.8 million in three LGUs, each receiving a $1.6 million grant: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Tuskegee University, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

After 130 years of experience and diversity in agricultural research, education, and extension, 1890 LGUs are poised to develop leadership and human capital for our nation’s preeminence in the 21st century.

The universities that make up the 1890 Land-Grant University System are: Alabama A&M, Alcorn State University, Central State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Langston University, Lincoln University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Virginia State University and West Virginia State University.

Some recent examples of impactful 1890 LGU projects:
    After Jacksonville, Alabama was hit by an EF3 tornado that did extensive damage and uprooted scores of trees, Alabama Extension's Urban Green program provided educational resources on proper planting and tree selection, reaching 10,116 individuals across the state.
    University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Agricultural Research Station’s 4-H “Healthy Habits” healthy foods and exercise program instilled healthy habits in 900 local youths.
    Researchers at Tennessee State University developed molecular fingerprint and biosensor methods for detecting Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens that are showing promising results as efficient tools for food safety surveillance. The resulting rapid and accurate detection technology, for use by regulatory agencies, meat and poultry producers and processors helped identify potential food safety problems in facilities and products, reduce testing time from days to hours, and cut testing cost by 50 percent.
    To keep young people interested in critical STEM education, North Carolina A&T Cooperative Extension Program’s Computer Science (CS) Pathways connected 1,804 youths to exciting Computer Science-focused learning experiences.