Friday September 4 Ag News

Trump Administration Invests $776,960 in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Rural Nebraska

The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $776,960 to save and create energy in rural Nebraska.

“The investments announced today will help many rural businesses and agricultural producers to save on energy costs which will allow them to reinvest into their farm or business, helping the rural economy,” said Nebraska State Director Karl Elmshaeuser for USDA Rural Development. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Nebraska in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Among Nebraska’s recipients are:
Cuming:
JEFFREY TIMMERMAN-West Point-$18,969-Energy efficiency improvement: purchase and installation of a new, more efficient grain dryer. Realizing $6,373.36 per year in savings, save 151,294 kWh of electricity per year (50.91%), enough electricity to power 13 homes.

Pierce:
DEAN KOEHLER-Pierce-$36,818-Energy efficiency improvement:  purchase and install a more efficient mixed-flow grain dryer.  Realizing $13,028 per year in savings, save 627,128 kWh of electricity per year (83%), enough electricity to power 57 homes.

Platte:
B SON FARM, LLC-St. Edward-$31,744-Energy efficiency improvement:  purchase and installation of a new, more efficient grain dryer. Realizing $2,618 per year in savings, save 59,292 kWh of electricity per year (70.09%), enough electricity to power five homes.

TIMOTHY FOLTZ-Humphrey-$15,025-Energy efficiency improvement:  purchase and installation of a new, more efficient grain dryer. Realizing $7,855 per year in savings, save 244,763 kWh of electricity per year (41.78%), enough electricity to power 22 homes.

DARYL HERCHENBACH-Lindsay-$19,337-Energy efficiency improvement:  purchase and installation of a new, more efficient grain dryer. Realizing $9,760.25 per year in
savings, save 232,607 kWh of electricity per year (74.25%), enough electricity to power 21 homes.

MATTHEW JARECKI-Lindsay-$20,000-Energy efficiency improvement:  purchase and installation of an electric motor.  Realizing $11,747 per year in savings, save 298,835 kWh of electricity per year (35%), enough electricity to power 27 homes.

Saunders:
REBELLION FABRICATION LLC-Wahoo-$37,755-Energy efficiency improvements:
purchase and installation of LED high bay fixtures, LED flat panels, exterior wall packs with LED lights, HVAC units, tube bender, and saw.  Realizing $9,100 per year in savings, save 108,778 kWh of electricity per year (58%), enough electricity to power 10 homes.

Thurston:
AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO.-Pender-$15,041-Energy efficiency improvement:  purchase and installation of LED lighting. Realizing $39,273 per year in savings, save 405,832 kWh of electricity per year (71.4%), enough electricity to power 37 homes.

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



Sunderland Foundation supports Northeast’s Nexus project

A foundation known for supporting construction projects in a 23-state area has contributed $450,000 to build new agricultural facilities at Northeast Community College.

The Sunderland Foundation was established in 1945 by Lester T. Sunderland, who served as president of the Ash Grove Cement Company for 33 years. The foundation’s focus on funding brick and mortar projects reflects the heritage of the cement company. The foundation funds construction and renovation projects in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, which comprise the commercial markets and communities traditionally served by Ash Grove.

“Since its inception, the foundation has focused on supporting projects in higher education, health care, youth-serving organizations, and civic and cultural areas of interest,” said President and Chief Operating Officer Randy Vance. “By supporting these types of construction and special interest projects, the Sunderland Foundation fosters a stronger, safer and more vibrant future for the communities we serve.”

Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast Foundation, is appreciative of current and past support from the Sunderland Foundation and explains that the Nexus project is an excellent way to invest in rural communities and support an industry that is key to economic growth throughout the region.

“The Sunderland Foundation has been a good partner with Northeast in the past,” Kruse said, “supporting the campaign for the J. Paul and Eleanor McIntosh College of Nursing and the original Chuck M. Pohlman Ag Complex in Norfolk, and the College Center in South Sioux City. We are pleased they understand the importance of agriculture and are supporting ag education at this level.”

“The students who will attend classes and labs in these new buildings will be the future residents of our small communities,” Kruse said. “They will be the future farmers, ranchers and agribusiness employees who will ensure that agriculture remains strong for generations.”

The initial phase of construction in 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 Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex, 2301 E. Benjamin Ave. Site work began in April and construction should be completed by Fall 2021. Groundbreaking ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10.

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.

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.



 Agronomy and Horticulture seminar series begins Sept. 11

The fall Agronomy and Horticulture seminar series beings Sept. 11 with “Physiological and molecular perspective on seed development under higher temperatures” presented by Nebraska’s Puneet Paul and “Organic Carbon Materials for Nutrient Retention in Nebraska Soils” by Nebraska’s Jennifer Cooper.

Paul, postdoctoral research associate of agronomy and horticulture will present on climate change, especially the rising temperatures and how it threatens crop productivity.

Cooper, postdoctoral research associate of agronomy and horticulture, will talk about proposed mechanisms for retention of nutrients on organic carbon surfaces with the aid of iron using advanced nanoscopy techniques.

All seminars will be presented via Zoom beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Dates and topics for the series are as follows:
    Sept. 18: ”Genetic and Environmental Regulation of Meiotic Recombination,”
    Gregory Copenhaver, professor and associate chair, Department of Biology,
    University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill.

    Sept. 25: “Who's Learning From Who? Integrating Farmer Perspectives into
    Research and the Classroom,” Randa Jabbour, associate professor, Department
    of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY.

    Oct. 2: “A Machine Learning-Based Framework to Prioritize Genes with
    Phenotypic Impact,” James Schnable, associate professor, Charles O. Gardner
    Professor of Maize Quantitative Genetics, Department of Agronomy and
    Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

    Oct. 9: “Sites and Sounds of microRNA160 in soybean roots and nodules
    revealed by quantitative imaging,” Senthil Subramanian, associate
    professor, Graduate Coordinator, South Dakota State University.

    Oct. 16: “Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges and
    Opportunities,” Kusum Naithani, assistant professor, Landscape Ecology,
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

    Oct. 23: “Using Economic Experiments to Study Human Behavior under Farmland
    Conservation Programs,” Simanti Banerjee, associate professor, Agricultural
    Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

    Oct 30: “A paradigm shift in the mode of action of glufosinate,” Hudson
    Takano, Herbicide Mode of Action Scientist, Corteva Agriscience, Indiana.

    Nov. 6: “Controlled Environment and Urban Agriculture: Horticulture for the
    21st Century,” Ellen Paparozzi, Plantologist and Professor of Horticulture,
    Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

    Nov. 13: “(Some of) The Economics of Agricultural Innovation,” Julian
    Alston, Distinguished Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource
    Economics and Director of the Robert Mondavi Institute Center for Wine
    Economics, University of California, Davis.

    Nov. 20: “Soil and Nutrient Management in Nebraska Panhandle,” Bijesh
    Maharjan, assistant professor and Extension Specialist, Agronomy and
    Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

    Dec 4: “Genetic gain, genetic diversity, and genomic selection, can plant
    breeders have it all?,” Jessica Rutowski, assistant professor of Small
    Grains Breeding, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

    Dec 11: "Recent advances in understanding synthetic auxin herbicide
    resistance in weeds," Todd Gaines, associate professor of Molecular Weed
    Science, Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University.

 

Husker Harvest Days: Nebraska Extension exhibits to cultivate new opportunities for producers

Husker Harvest Days along with Nebraska Extension invites Nebraskans to participate in the Farm Progress Virtual Experience Sept. 15-17, where usual best of show exhibitors will merge into a powerhouse virtual experience.  

“Creating a virtual farm show that has value to farmers and out exhibitors is important to all of us,” said Matt Jungmann, National Events Director for Farm Progress. “An important focus for the virtual event is that the field demonstration are captured on the show sites. Where the machine would have run if the show had gone on.”

“Knowledge that Helps Cultivate Opportunities,” is the theme of Nebraska Extension’s program this year and will highlight topics in the areas of:  
    Reproduction and nutrition strategies in cattle, presented by UNL Beef Systems  
    Soil health management practices, presented by the Cover Crop/Soil Health Team  
    Water management decisions, presented by the Irrigation and Water Utilization Team  
    Utilizing agriculture technologies on farms to improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability, presented by the Precision Agriculture Team
    Pest management and pesticide application practices, presented by the Pest Management Team
    Farm financials education and analysis for successful operations, presented by the Department of Agricultural Economics  
     Environmental impacts, presented by Community Environment  
    Mental health for agricultural producers, presented by Rural Wellness
    Developing agricultural leadership, presented by the Nebraska LEAD Program
    Youth programs in college and career success, presented by the Career & College Readiness Team
    Choosing University of Nebraska agriculture education programs, presented by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture

“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,” Ronald Seymour, Nebraska Extension Educator.

To learn more about topics being presented by Nebraska Extension at Husker Harvest Days this year, visit extension.unl.edu.   



USDA and Nebraska Sign Shared Stewardship Agreement to Improve Forests and Grasslands

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue joined Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts today to sign a Shared Stewardship Agreement between USDA’s Forest Service and the State of Nebraska. The Shared Stewardship Agreement establishes a framework for federal and state agencies to promote active forest management, improve collaboration, and respond to ecological challenges and natural resource concerns in Nebraska.

“This agreement strengthens the already strong partnership between the Forest Service and the State of Nebraska,” said Secretary Perdue. “Through Shared Stewardship, Nebraska and the Forest Service will work together to identify landscape-scale priorities and build capacity to improve forest conditions.”

“The Trump Administration has empowered states by shifting decision-making from Washington, D.C. back to statehouses across America,” said Governor Ricketts. “Thanks to Secretary Perdue and the USDA for putting Nebraska’s priorities first in conservation and for partnering with us to wisely steward our forests.”

Under the agreement, the State of Nebraska and USDA will work together on forest and grassland restoration across all land ownerships, with a focus on protecting at-risk communities and watersheds from wildfire. The agreement identifies shared principles and priorities to include joint planning, pooling resources and continued investment in existing partnerships and programs that support collaborative work.



Smith Participates in Western Nebraska Ag Tour with Governor Ricketts and Amb. Gregg Doud

Governor Pete Ricketts, Ambassador Gregg Doud, Chief Agriculture Negotiator, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) participated in a tour of agriculture locations in Western Nebraska today, highlighting the importance of agriculture and trade to Nebraska.

The locations visited and events attended were: a roundtable discussion with the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, a facility tour of New Alliance Bean Co., Western Sugar, and a Dry Bean Harvest Demo.

“I join Governor Ricketts in welcoming Ambassador Doud back to Nebraska. Agriculture is the number one trade constituency in the United States because of men and women across the country like the producers we met with today. Ambassador Doud has been hard at work alongside President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer, and I appreciate him taking the opportunity to discuss firsthand his work opening markets for Nebraska products around the world.”

Ambassador Doud also recently joined as a special guest for Smith’s 2020 Virtual Agriculture Summit where they discussed trade policy and the future of American agriculture.



Naig Honors Century and Heritage Farm Families in Southwest Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Hill honored families from Cass, Guthrie, Harrison, Pottawattamie and Ringgold counties with Century and Heritage Farm awards today. To achieve Century or Heritage Farm status, each family must maintain ownership of the land for 100 years or 150 years, respectively.

“The Century and Heritage Farm Program recognizes the strength and resiliency of Iowa farm families, and the sacrifices each generation has made to retain the ownership of the land for 100 or 150 years,” said Secretary Naig. “These families all deserve to be recognized and celebrated for reaching this milestone and being a part of Iowa’s rich agricultural legacy.”

“Agriculture and our farm families have long been critical to the vitality of rural communities across the state and the backbone of Iowa’s economy,” said Craig Hill, Iowa Farm Bureau President. “It’s a tremendous honor to co-sponsor the Century and Heritage Farm programs recognizing the multi-generational farm families that have persevered countless challenges over 100 or 150 years and kept their farms in the family.”

The Century Farm families recognized today include:
    Chester & Joyce Lammert Trust and Marilyn (Lammert) Cody from Harrison County
    Mark & Bonnie Sieh from Pottawattamie County

The Heritage Farm families recognized today include:
    Dale and Vickie Retallic from Cass County
    Dean and Mary Ann Heckman from Guthrie County
    Alan & Lois Ibbotson from Ringgold County

There were 238 families who received the Century Farm award, recognizing 100 years of ownership, and 103 families who received the Heritage Farm award, recognizing 150 years of ownership, this year. Families who received the award in 2020 could choose to participate in a small regional event or the 2021 Iowa State Fair.



Performance Livestock Analytics, now part of Zoetis, Hosts U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to Demonstrate the Importance of Digital and Data Analytics for Livestock Producers

Performance Livestock Analytics, a part of Zoetis, Thursday welcomed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig for a site visit in Ames, Iowa. Leaders from Performance Livestock Analytics and Zoetis participated in an outdoor event to discuss and demonstrate the value of digital innovation and data analytics to improve the health of animals and sustainability of livestock operations. The visit was part of a tour hosted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship.

Dane Kuper, co-founder of Performance Livestock Analytics and global Performance Beef strategy and platform lead at Zoetis, and Dustin Balsley, co-founder of Performance Livestock Analytics and global Performance Beef product lead at Zoetis, demonstrated how Performance Beef combines cloud-based technology with automated on-farm data collection to provide powerful analytics that help cattle producers make better decisions across financials, nutrition and animal health. The new animal health component of the software was showcased, providing a view of how the digital tool helps producers easily track and monitor health data by group or individual animal to make better data-driven decisions related to the diagnosis and treatment.

Scott McGregor, a fourth-generation cattle producer from Nashua, Iowa, also participated in the event and shared his perspective on the importance of innovative technologies to improve livestock operations’ efficiency. “Performance Beef does the work for us. It’s adaptable and easy to use, automating data entry. Over the three years I’ve been using Performance Beef, it has helped me make better nutrition and inventory decisions. I am instantly tracking how the cattle are doing,” said McGregor.

“We’ve changed how livestock producers manage their business,” said Kuper. “The real-time data at their fingertips allows them to be more proactive, efficient and accurate.”

A growing segment of livestock producers are adopting Performance Beef and relying on their smart phones or tablets every day to make decisions. Technology like this requires enhanced rural broadband access to deliver real-time data without delay. “For connected devices, a stronger rural broadband connection means quicker response and a seamless experience for the user,” said Kuper.

“At Zoetis, we’re committed to providing technology and data analytics tools to help livestock producers and veterinarians solve animal health and welfare, productivity, and sustainability challenges,” said Tim Bettington, executive vice president and president of U.S. Operations for Zoetis. “To meet these challenges, we appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s commitment to enhancing rural broadband capabilities, strengthening livestock disease prevention measures, and advancing trade opportunities.”


 
 New IPIC Program Specialist Ready to Build on Relationships and Research Experience

As the newest staff member of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, Stacie Matchan said becoming extension program specialist earlier this summer was both a great fit and exciting next step.

“For almost seven years prior to starting this position, I was research manager for the applied swine nutrition program with Dr. John Patience,” she said. “I have a pretty extensive background in research, planning and administration at Iowa State which set me up to be successful in this position.”

With Patience’s upcoming retirement, Matchan said she was looking for a new opportunity that would build on her existing relationships in the swine industry, allow her to continue working with research and maintain a direct connection to her alma mater. She received a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2012.

In this role, she will be responsible for coordinating conferences and webinars, handling center finances, and helping develop a new research program. She views her experience, including working for Annette O’Connor at Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine in ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, as valuable preparation.

“It was important to me to find a position that would be stimulating and challenging, and also enjoyable,” she said. “When I read this job description, it felt like I found the perfect natural fit.”

Matchan has been involved with the Iowa Swine Day program throughout her time with Dr Patience, with registration and related conference-day activities. Now, however, coordination of the event largely will be her responsibility.

“Getting to think of ideas on how to make this an even better and more desirable conference, is something that excites me,” she said. “I don’t yet know what those ideas will be, and surely COVID-19 will have something to say about them, but the idea that I have input on something already so successful excites me.”

If you don’t already know her, be prepared to meet Matchan soon.

“We already have an amazing team doing outstanding things, and I only hope that I can make it a fraction better,” she said. “It is my hope that through our outreach via conferences, research, and education material, we are able to assist producers with real time issues.”

IPIC director Jason Ross said Matchan’s years of experience in project management and applied research are a great benefit in helping deliver on the research and outreach objectives of the center.

“She did a tremendous job taking over the responsibilities of Iowa Swine Day this summer in what turned out to be a pretty unique year given that we had to deliver the program virtually,” he said. “Stacie also has a strong familiarity with many of the university’s financial processes and that knowledge helps our group to function efficiently and effectively.”

Matchan can be contacted by email at sgould@iastate.edu and by phone at 402-812-1103.



USDA Needs Lamb Sales Reports
 
This past spring, the American Sheep Industry Association asked wool producers to report their sales in an effort to help the U.S. Department of Agriculture develop an accurate picture of the market situation. And now, ASI is asking lamb producers to follow suit.
 
The loss of the Mountain States Rosen plant in Greeley, Colo., is affecting the lamb industry on several levels – one of which is the loss of negotiated, formula and comprehensive slaughter lamb prices reported due to confidentiality guidelines imposed by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. This has reduced the amount of market information and decreased market transparency available to sheep and lamb producers.
 
In an effort to provide producers with market information to facilitate open, transparent price discovery, ASI is asking producers, feeders and others involved in direct feeder lamb sales to report those sales to Chris Dias at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service at 970-353-9750.
 
Specifically, the association is looking for information on the following:
 • Direct feeder lamb sales for the mountain area and western United States (Colo., Wyo., Mont., Neb., S.D., N.D., Utah, Nev., Idaho, Wash., Ore., Ariz. and Calif.).
 
“Just like it was with the wool, this price information is invaluable to the American sheep industry,” said ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick. “I can’t stress enough how important it is that we come together as an industry to provide as much information as possible to the Agricultural Marketing Service. In the long term, we will all benefit from contributing to these price reports.”



July Beef and Pork Exports Rebound, but Still Below Year-Ago

July exports of U.S. beef rebounded from recent lows but remained below 2019 levels, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. pork exports, which are on a record pace in 2020, were also down from a year ago in July but increased compared to June. July lamb exports increased year-over-year and were the largest of 2020.

"With production returning to near-normal levels, we definitely saw an improvement in beef exports, though the recovery was not quite as strong as expected," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "China's pork demand has moderated and we are also entering a time when year-over-year gains are not nearly as dramatic, as exports to China began gaining momentum in mid-2019. But pork exports to Mexico showed encouraging signs of recovery in July and we also saw promising growth in several emerging markets, including Vietnam and the Philippines.

"It is also important to remember that the monthly export data is in the rear-view mirror and that weekly export sales data, along with observations from our USMEF-China team, suggest that China's demand for both U.S. pork and beef will be strong through the balance of the year, including purchases for Chinese New Year. When combined with the rebound in other main markets, growth in emerging markets and the return of the U.S. supply advantage, USMEF remains optimistic about a strong finish for U.S. red meat exports in 2020, despite many challenges related to COVID-19."

July beef exports totaled 107,298 metric tons (mt), up 36% from June but still 9% below last year. Export value was $647.8 million, the highest since March but down 10% from a year ago. July exports to China increased sharply year-over-year and shipments trended higher to Taiwan, Canada and Hong Kong. July exports were lower than a year ago to Japan and South Korea and declined significantly to Mexico. For January through July, beef exports were also 9% below last year's pace in volume (698,907 mt) and 10% lower in value ($4.28 billion).

July pork exports totaled 222,035 mt, down 5% from a year ago, while export value fell 12% to $548.3 million. Exports increased year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, Canada, the Philippines, Vietnam and the Caribbean. Exports to Mexico remained below last year but were the largest since March, while shipments to Japan were also down from a year ago but the largest since April. For January through July, pork exports remained 20% ahead of last year's record pace in volume (1.78 million mt) and 22% higher in value ($4.6 billion).

With Mexico as the main driver, July exports of U.S. lamb exports posted the largest monthly totals of the year in both volume (3,547 mt, up 115% from a year ago) and value ($3.5 million, up 46%). July exports also trended higher to Bermuda and Canada. Through July, lamb exports were 20% higher than a year ago at 11,299 mt, but export value ($13.9 million) still trailed last year by 11%.



FOURTH ROUND OF U.S., U.K. TRADE TALKS SCHEDULED NEXT WEEK

The fourth round of trade talks between the U.S. and the U.K will be held next week, starting Sept. 8, UK Trade Department Minister Greg Hands said Thursday. “In terms of the U.S., clearly we keep channels of communication open—we talk with all parts of the U.S. political system. We make sure that senators, members of Congress and governors, from both parties and throughout the United States, buy into a future U.K.-U.S. free trade agreement,” he told Parliament.

In October 2018, the Trump administration first announced its intention to negotiate a trade agreement with the U.K. NPPC is supportive of negotiations, provided the agreement eliminates tariff and non-tariff trade barriers on pork, and that the U.K. acknowledges meat industry standards as equivalent. Ambassador Lighthizer continues to warn that the two nations are unlikely to reach a deal before the November elections.


 
NPPC FILES MOTION TO JOIN LAWSUIT SUPPORTING EPA RULE EXEMPTING FARMS FROM AIR EMISSIONS REPORTING

On Tuesday, the National Pork Producers Council, along with the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and American Farm Bureau Federation, filed a motion to side with EPA against a lawsuit filed by Earthjustice. Earthjustice filed the suit against EPA on behalf of a broad coalition of animal rights and environmental groups, including the Humane Society of the United States and Waterkeeper Alliance, to force producers to submit onerous emissions reports to state and local regulators under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

In December 2008, EPA issued a rule exempting all farms from having to report releases of hazardous substances emitted to the air from animal waste at farms under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), but requiring the reports to be made under EPCRA.  Both NPPC and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association challenged that rule in court.

Nearly a decade later, the D.C. Circuit, ruling on behalf of the animal rights’ groups, invalidated the 2008 rule in a 2017 decision, which prompted a diverse and bipartisan majority of Congress to pass The FARM ACT, which made clear that farms did not have to report emissions under CERCLA.  Following passage of the FARM Act, EPA issued regulations in 2018 exempting farms from reporting under EPCRA.

Tuesday’s legal action comes as the industry still awaits EPA’s publication of long-overdue emission estimating methodologies, required under consent decrees signed in 2006 to help producers comply with air emission reporting and permitting requirements.



Peterson Statement on Brazilian Government's Tariff Rate Quota on U.S. Ethanol

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson released the following statement regarding the situation with United States ethanol imports to Brazil:

"American corn and ethanol producers are struggling to access domestic markets because of the coronavirus and the Environmental Protection Agency's reckless implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard," said Peterson. "Brazil's move to increase tariffs on American ethanol is more bad news for our producers. The Trump Administration should continue working with Brazilian officials to restore the duty-free access that was in place from 2012 to 2017."

“Tariff wars have consequences, and our biofuels producers are seeing that first hand," added Peterson.

The Brazilian government’s tariff rate quota that placed a 20% tariff on America ethanol imports exceeding 198 million gallons expired on Sunday, August 31st, and Brazilian officials are yet to announce plans for the future of the U.S.-Brazil trade relationship. Without further action by the government of Brazil, all U.S. ethanol exports to the country are facing a 20% tariff.

From 2012 to 2017, the Brazilian government had a zero-duty exemption for U.S. ethanol imports to the country. Brazil is a major purchaser of American-made ethanol, importing 332 million gallons of U.S. Ethanol worth $493 million in 2019.

Congressman Collin Peterson is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus and Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. On August 20th, 2020, Congressman Peterson and 19 Members of Congress sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer encouraging him to pressure Brazilian leaders to restore the zero-tariff ethanol trade that once existed between the U.S. and Brazil.



July ethanol export data underscore need for immediate action on trade barriers

Government data published yesterday showed U.S. ethanol exports slumping to just 74 million gallons in July, down 38 percent compared to the same month last year and the lowest total for July in six years. The escalation of trade barriers and the impacts of COVID-19 have caused year-to-date ethanol exports to slide 9 percent compared to the same period last year and 22 percent compared to the same period in 2018.

After regularly serving as top export markets in recent years, virtually no U.S. ethanol was shipped to Brazil, China, or Colombia in July due to the existence of unjustified trade barriers in those countries. Combined export volumes to those three countries hit a peak of 129 million gallons in March 2018, but dropped to a trickle of just 34,000 gallons in July 2020. The dearth of exports to those markets emphasizes the need for the U.S. government to take decisive action to remove barriers and ensure a level playing field for global ethanol trade, according to the Renewable Fuels Association.

“As the July export numbers show, the spread of protectionist trade barriers around the globe is having a very real impact on demand for U.S. ethanol,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “And the situation is going from bad to worse, as just this week Brazil eliminated its tariff-free quota for U.S. ethanol and will now charge a 20% tariff on all U.S. ethanol imports. These tariff and non-tariff barriers must be addressed and countered with measures that ensure a fair and level playing field for ethanol trade. The persistent ethanol trade disputes involving key markets like Brazil, China, and Colombia are taking a serious toll on U.S. ethanol producers who are already contending with the economic fallout from COVID-19. More needs to be done to restore open and healthy ethanol trading relationships with our customers around the globe.”



Thompson Appointed Executive Director of the 2,4-D Research Task Force
 
The Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D Research Data (www.24d.org) welcomes Lindsay Thompson as the new executive director. Mrs. Thompson brings extensive experience in government and public relations, and association management in agricultural and science-based organizations.
 
“The Task Force is delighted that Lindsay Thompson will bring her expertise in working with stakeholders to bring science-based evidence into regulatory and legislative consultations and decisions,” Task Force member Everett Mealman said. “Lindsay’s ability to apply science-based arguments has already helped in successfully defeating legislation seeking to ban classes of federally approved and beneficial pesticides.”
 
“I am passionate about agriculture,” said Mrs. Thompson, “and believe that the future of agriculture is dependent upon technology and crop protection. I am excited to bring my experience to the 2,4-D Research Task Force to ensure that science-based evidence continues to support the safety and effectiveness of this important crop production tool.”
 
Lindsay’s time acting as executive director for organizations like the Delaware-Maryland Agribusiness Association, the Maryland Grain Producers Association and Utilization Board, and Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts has shown her ability to build relationships with not-for-profit organizations, commodity groups and state and federal regulatory agencies.
 
Lindsay is recognized by agribusinesses and grower associations across the U.S.A. as a credible spokesperson at public meetings, conferences as well as through traditional and social media. She resides on her family’s grain farm in Maryland with her husband Jared and two children.
About the Task Force

The Task Force is a cooperative research and testing venture whose members develop and submit toxicology and environmental studies to support the safety review and continued registration of 2,4-D, one of the most widely used herbicides applied to control weeds that compete with agricultural crops, feed, forests and turf.  The current members of the Task Force are Corteva, AGRO-GOR and Nufarm Americas.