Tuesday September 29 Ag News

 Weed Seed Movement by Combines
Keith Glewen, NE Extension Educator, Saunders County

While combining corn or soybeans have you ever had a field where the weed population got away from you? Or maybe you were doing some custom harvesting and the weed population was greater than your typical fields. Did you ever ask yourself the question, “ I wonder if some of that weed seed is still in my combine?” A recent two year study involving an actual cleanout of growers combines conducted by the University of Wisconsin provides some of the following information.... Here are some of the highlights:
-    97% of samples contained viable weed seed
-    Combine head samples contained ~49% of the total weeds emerged, followed by the feeder house ~30%, rock trap ~19%, and rotor ~2%
-    Most frequently observed weeds were grasses, pigweeds and common lambsquarters
-    When time is limited, we believe that prioritizing the front of the combine (head and feeder house) would provide the most benefit in reducing weed seed spread by combines

This and other relevant soybean production and marketing information will be shared at a virtual Nebraska Soybean Day & Machinery Expo on Thursday, December 17th. More information on how to connect to be shared in the coming weeks.



SOYBEAN RESIDUE FOR FORAGE
Brad Schick, NE Extension Beef Educator
 
Cows are often put on soybean residue in order to get them off pasture when other forage options are unavailable. Soybean residue or stubble may also be baled and used in rations. But what is the quality of grazed or baled soybean residue?
 
Soybeans themselves are very high in protein and fat. They are about 40% Crude Protein and about 20% fat which is why soybean residue can be perceived as great feed. In reality, the residue itself is much different. The empty pods and stems contain only 4 to 6% CP and the TDN is only 35 to 45%. The leaves are slightly higher in protein at 12%, but the protein is only 30% digestible and leaves break down quickly after plant maturity and harvest.
 
These feed values will not begin to support the nutritional requirements of even a dry cow even if there is some grain left in the field. Soybean residue can be grazed and work well to remove cattle from pasture as long as supplemental feed is available.
 
Baled residue can be worked into a ration once the quality of the soybean residue bales is determined. Bales can be used as a roughage source in rations if other sources are less available. Just like grazing, baled soybean residue won’t even come close to the quality of corn stalk bales.
 
To review: Soybean residue may not be the quality we often think. Residue alone will likely not meet even dry cow nutrient requirements so supplementation will be need.



 Fischer Introduces Legislation for the Safe Transport of Ag and Livestock Products

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and chairman of the subcommittee on Transportation and Safety, released the following statement today after introducing the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act:

“Ag and livestock haulers are essential to ensuring Nebraska food and fuel make it across the country. Their vital work has been further highlighted by their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud to introduce the HAULS Act, which builds on my previous work to ensure ag and livestock haulers can continue feeding our nation,” said Senator Fischer.

The HAULS Act would:
1.      Eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service (HOS) exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons
2.     Amend and clarify the definition of “agricultural commodities” based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations
3.     Authorize a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag and livestock haulers

“Nebraska plays an integral role in the U.S. beef production chain as a top state for commercial cattle slaughter, all cattle on feed, commercial red meat production, and livestock cash receipts. Unfortunately, current federal regulations fail to account for the intricacies involved with hauling live animals. The HAULS Act would help mitigate situations where a hauler is forced to choose between compliance with federal law or the health and welfare of the livestock on board. Nebraska Cattlemen sincerely thanks Senator Deb Fischer for her commitment to delivering needed regulatory flexibility for livestock haulers by helping facilitate longer hauls that are inherent to cattle production in our state,” said Ken Herz, president of Nebraska Cattlemen.

“Going back to her days in the Nebraska Legislature, Senator Fischer has been a long-time champion of a common-sense approach to transportation rules and regulations. The HAULS Act provides needed regulatory relief to our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and ag haulers. We appreciate the introduction of this important piece of legislation, and we stand ready to work with Senator Fischer to ensure it becomes law,” said Stephen D. Nelson, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.

"For years livestock haulers and producers were unduly burdened with Hours Of Service regulations that do not take into account the unique difficulties that these drivers face every day. The COVID-19 pandemic has only further illustrated how important it is to allow these drivers to quickly and safely reach their destinations, and in turn keep grocery store shelves stocked with beef. Thank you to Senator Fischer for her continued work and recognition of the needs of our producers and haulers,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Marty Smith.

“AFTC applauds Senator Fischer on her introduction of the HAULS Act of 2020. This language provides the ag community with continued flexibility during the busiest times of the year, while expanding uniformity and clarity for the transportation of our nation’s ag products,” said Jon Samson, Executive Director of the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference.

“Nebraska Grain and Feed Association thanks Senator Deb Fischer for her leadership and introduction of these three important incremental changes in the Senate Bill 4720, Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act of 2020. For Nebraska, the addition of feed ingredients, such as soybean meal and distillers grains, to the agricultural products definition benefits the transport of agricultural products providing more consistency and efficiency which benefits the consumer.  The Association supports these changes and believes these changes will help the seasonal transportation spikes of food, fiber and other agricultural supplies,” said Kristi Block, Executive Vice President of Nebraska Grain and Feed Association.



Cattle Producers Welcome Sen. Fischer's HAULS Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today applauded the introduction of legislation by Sen. Deb Fischer (R - Neb.), that would provide livestock haulers flexibility and critical relief from hours-of-service (HOS) rules.

The Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act, S. 4720, would add a 150 air-mile exemption to HOS regulations to the backend of hauls for those transporting livestock or agricultural commodities. This legislation also eliminates the seasonal harvest  requirements for the agriculture hours-of-service exemption, making the exemption available year round in all states.

"For years livestock haulers and producers were unduly burdened with hours-of-service regulations that do not take into account the unique difficulties that these drivers face every day," said NCBA President Marty Smith. "The COVID-19 pandemic has only further illustrated how important it is to allow these drivers to quickly and safely reach their destinations, and in turn keep grocery store shelves stocked with beef. Thank you to Senator Fischer for her continued work and recognition of the needs of our producers and haulers."



New House bill would allow small meat lockers to expand

Legislation to support local business and livestock producers was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today by U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE).

The Strengthening Local Processing Act seeks to address market disruptions created by the coronavirus pandemic. When the country’s largest processing facilities had to close, commodity producers flooded local meat lockers with their product. With already limited reservation space being taken up by large growers, longtime customers had to schedule orders up to one year in advance. The recent growth in consumer demand for local food ensures this backlog will continue.

This bill would allow small meat processors to expand their capacity to process animals and serve more rural livestock producers.

“New markets are new opportunities,” said Johnathan Hladik, policy director for the Center for Rural Affairs.” Small meat lockers are catalysts for economic activity. The Strengthening Local Processing Act will make it possible for these businesses to grow and expand.”

As part of the legislation, a grant program to help cover costs associated with meeting federal or state inspection guidelines and to assist processors in expanding their infrastructure would be established.

“Like many local processors, we have seen a significant growth in demand for our services,” said Mike Boell, owner of the Oakland (Nebraska) Meat Processing Plant. “Right now regulatory and financial barriers are making it difficult for businesses like ours to take full advantage of this opportunity. The Strengthening Local Processing Act is a step in the right direction and we think it deserves Congressional support.”

Additionally, the bill invests in the next generation of small meat processors by offering grants to train small-plant operators and employees.

“This legislation reflects the priorities of farmers and business owners from across the nation,”  Hladik said. “We are proud to have played a part in its development and applaud this bipartisan group of lawmakers for their willingness to act.”   



Changes Improve LRP...
NeFB Newsletter article

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) in June announced changes to the Livestock Risk Management Protection (LRP) insurance program. The changes became effective July 1. LRP, available for feeder cattle, fed cattle, swine, and lambs, is designed to insure against price declines. Producers can purchase a variety of coverage levels and insurance periods to match their operations and marketing timetables. When actual prices fall below the coverage price an indemnity for the difference is paid.

RMA’s goal with the changes is to make LRP more usable and affordable for producers. Under the changes, producers can pay premiums at the end of the endorsement period rather than on the purchase date. Also, coverage levels above 80 percent receive a 5-percentage point bump in subsidy levels. For example, for a coverage level of 95 percent, the subsidy increases from 20 percent to 25 percent. The subsidy remains at 35 percent for coverage levels less than 80 percent. More information on LRP can be found at RMA website: https://www.rma.usda.gov/Policy-and-Procedure/Insurance-Plans/Livestock-Insurance-Plans.

Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has shown LRP can be an effective risk management tool for both feeder and fed cattle. Jay Parson and Jim Jansen of the Dept. of Agricultural Economics analyzed the effectiveness of LRP cattle products between 2008 and 2017 for feeder and fed cattle. They found the indemnity ratio for four feeder cattle products was 1.33 over the 10-year period, meaning for each $1.00 in premium, $1.33 in indemnities were paid. However, indemnities were not paid in all years. The same analysis for coverage on steers and heifers of greater than 900 pounds resulted in an indemnity ratio was $1.08.

The RMA wants to make LRP more useful for producers. The UNL analysis shows LRP can be an effective risk management tool, but it doesn’t mean LRP is the right choice for every cattle producer. It does suggest, though, that livestock producers should investigate LRP as a possible risk management tool for their operations.



Cuming County 4-H Youth to Celebrate National 4-H Week: October 4-10

Every year, National 4-H Week sees millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni come together to celebrate the many positive youth development opportunities offered by 4-H. The theme for this year’s National 4-H Week, Opportunity4All, is a campaign that was created by National 4-H Council to rally support for Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program and identify solutions to eliminate the opportunity gap that affects 55 million kids across America.

With so many children struggling to reach their full potential, 4-H believes that young people, in partnership with adults, can play a key role in creating a more promising and equitable future for youth, families and communities across the country. In 4-H, we believe every child should have an equal opportunity to succeed. We believe every child should have the skills they need to make a difference in the world.  

“We believe youth perspectives are so important and a solution to eliminating the opportunity gap, because young people come with new ideas and new ways of seeing the world,” explains Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO of National 4-H Council. By encouraging diverse voices and innovative actions, 4-H believes that solutions can be found to address the educational, economic and health issues that have created the opportunity gap.

“4-H is such a valuable experience for youth of all ages. Not only can 4-H give youth a voice to express who they are, it also helps to empower skills that they will use for a lifetime. 4-H is an organization that helps youth engage in leadership opportunities and grow into young professionals. There are so many opportunities for youth to take part in and grow their skills and I think that is what makes 4-H such an awesome organization. Our Cuming County 4-H clubs are always helping out in the community and bettering themselves to make the world a better place. We live in a wonderful community with cherished donors to help make our Cuming County 4-H Program great. The support given by our community has been amazing,” said Melissa Nordboe, 4-H Extension Assistant.

In Cuming County, more than 360 4-H youth and 75 volunteers from the community are involved in 4‑ H. Cuming County has a lot of offerings when it comes to 4-H. The summer months are filled with workshops that are available to youth to build their skills in multiple areas. There are also numerous day camps for youth ages 5-7 and 8-11. During the school year, Extension Staff are busy providing enriching programs in local schools in the areas of Healthy Living, Agriculture, College & Career Readiness, and so much more!

One of the most anticipated events of National 4-H Week every year is the 4-H STEM Challenge, formerly known as National Youth Science Day. The theme of this year’s event, which is expected to see hundreds of thousands of youth across the nation taking part throughout October, is Mars Base Camp. Developed by Google and Virginia Cooperative Extension, Mars Base Camp is a collection of activities that teaches kids ages 8-14 STEM skills, including mechanical engineering, physics, computer science and agriculture.



Nebraska State Fair, Aksarben Foundation Commit to Future of Stock Show

The Nebraska State Fair has proudly managed and grown the Aksarben Stock Show since 2018 and has every intention of continuing to do so for many years to come. State Fair Executive Director, Bill Ogg and Nebraska State Fair Board Chairwoman, Beth Smith met with the Aksarben Foundation staff two weeks ago to discuss plans around future shows and to confirm a continued partnership with Aksarben as the show’s presenting sponsor.

Sandra Reding, Aksarben Foundation President, stated, “We strongly support the Nebraska State Fair continuing to produce and manage the Aksarben Stock Show. Under the Nebraska State Fair, the Aksarben Stock Show has expanded its reach, grown the number of entries and participants and has continued to be a sought-after show for many in and around the state. The Aksarben Stock Show is a proud part of the Aksarben legacy, and we’re honored to continue our involvement with the show as the presenting sponsor.”

The partnership between the Nebraska State Fair and the Aksarben Foundation has remained positive as each is committed to supporting and growing the 92-year old livestock show. Though initially owned and managed by the Aksarben Foundation, the Aksarben Stock Show was transitioned away from the Foundation’s management beginning in 2018. The Aksarben Stock Show was moved to Grand Island in 2017 by the Aksarben Foundation, due in part to the impeccable grounds and location of Fonner Park, a move celebrated by show exhibitors and attendees.

State Fair Chairwoman Smith commented, “Unquestionably, when an employee attempts to seize control and ownership of an employer’s assets without authorization or approval to do so, immediate termination is justified.” The Nebraska State Fair hadn’t foreseen this issue arising but is working to engage stakeholders from multiple areas to insure the Aksarben Stock Show continues and remains successful long into the future. “We are still regrouping from a very successful and exciting 2020 Aksarben Stock Show last weekend. Plans are already underway for the 2021 show, which now includes seeking a new Show Director, but we have every confidence in finding the right candidate and moving forward with another amazing show next year.”



Grand Island to Host Livestock show “the Nebraskan” in January

On September 14, 2020, the National Western Stock Show Board of Directors announced that the 115th National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, typically held in January, was postponed until 2022 due to the rules relating to the Pandemic in Colorado.

To provide an opportunity for cattle producers who typically exhibit at the National Western, the Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority (GILCA), Mayor Roger Steele, and The Nebraskan Livestock Show group have announced plans to develop a one year only alternative livestock show to be held in January 2021 on the Fonner Park Campus in Grand Island. The Nebraskan Livestock Show will be presented beginning on January 9, 2021 with the genuine intent to match the schedule of the anticipated NWSS dates to accommodate the plans already in place within the beef cattle industry.   

“Our National Western Stock Show leadership is supportive of Grand Island stepping in and creating a new event to provide an outlet for cattle producers across the country who may have been planning to come to our show in January,” said Paul Andrews, President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show.  “When asked if they could assist in some way, we saw this as a chance to support those cattle producers in need of exhibiting. We will provide livestock panels and consulting services to help Grand Island show staff streamline their show schedule to best replicate what ranchers and cattle exhibitors would have experienced this January in Denver. We are grateful Grand Island is providing this one year only opportunity for the cattle industry during National Western Stock Show absence in 2021.” added Andrews.

Bill Ogg, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Fair and lead contact for this effort, says, “Covid-19 has been brutal for all of us in the United States and the livestock industry has not gone untouched.   The National Western Stock Show has an incredibly rich tradition that has not escaped the wrath of the pandemic and these unprecedented times. With our experience with numerous junior national shows who already hold their events in Grand Island, we know the Fonner Park Campus is an excellent site that meets the exhibitors and vendors’ requirements that would normally be at the National Western. The site allows exhibitors the opportunity to exhibit, promote, market and sell their various breeds of livestock.  We are pleased to be able to offer this alternative site in 2021 to those who typically attend the National Western.”  



Positive Margins Return to Ethanol...
NeFB Newsletter

No sector of Nebraska agriculture was hit harder by COVID-19 than the ethanol sector. People working from home and stay-at-home orders meant less travel, less gasoline sales, and less ethanol sales. Scott Irwin, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois, reports gasoline use this year dropped 48 percent compared to last year between March 13 and April 3. Ethanol use also dropped 48 percent, the only difference being the bottom in ethanol use came two weeks after the bottom in gasoline use.

The slowdown in the ethanol use negatively affected ethanol plants’ operating margins. According to numbers recently compiled based on weekly estimated ethanol net profits for a representative Iowa plant, plants were already operating in the red entering 2020 and COVID-19 only made it worse. Margins plummeted in March, at one point falling to a loss of $.20 per gallon. Many plants could not absorb the losses and were idled. However, for those plants able to withstand the demand shock and remain open positive margins returned beginning in May.

Irwin attributes the return of positive margins to relative price movements for inputs and outputs of ethanol production. Ethanol prices recovered faster than corn prices, the primary input in ethanol production, and corn oil prices, a byproduct of ethanol production, also improved. The combination of rising output prices and lower input costs helped ethanol plants regain positive margins. The return of positive margins helped offset some of the losses which occurred, roughly $371 million by Irwin’s estimate. Some ethanol plants remain shut down. In Nebraska, two plants remain idled. These plant shutdowns continue to cost the industry. When considering the costs of shuttered plants, and the offsetting profits since May, Irwin estimates the losses from the COVID-19 industry ranged from -$37 million to -$116 million.



USDA Announces National Pork Board Appointments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of five members to the National Pork Board. All five appointees will serve three-year terms beginning June 2020 and ending June 2023.

The appointed members are:
    Scott Phillips, Drexel, Missouri
    Heather Hill, Greenfield, Indiana
    Deb Ballance, Fremont, North Carolina
    Al Wulfekuhle, Quasqueton, Iowa
    Todd Erickson, Northwood, North Dakota

The National Pork Board is composed of 15 pork producers nominated by the National Pork Producers Delegate Body, which is made up of 143 producer and importer members.

The program was created and is administered under the authority of the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985. It became effective September 5, 1986, when the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order was implemented. Assessments began November 1, 1986.

More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Pork Board webpage and on the National Pork Board website, pork.org.



Cattle on Feed Breakdown
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Mgt Sp., South Dakota State University

Ahead of major reports, we like to suggest our students study pre-release or trade estimates to get an idea of what to expect. Then, they can observe any change in prices as the markets react to new information from the reports. Before last week's Cattle on Feed report, I studied the trade estimates to see they were rational, that is, did they make sense? The average of estimates for cattle on feed on September 1 was 103.4. When the report came out, the number was 11.4 million head, suggesting a slight disconnect. However, the estimates are usually a percent of the prior year's figures. NASS rounds their stated percentage changes to whole numbers too, so one needs to use more detail to assess any disparity.
 
Thus, the 103.4 estimate was implying that this year's figure would be 103.4 percent of the 2019 level of 10,982 (1,000 head). The range of estimates was 102.2 to 103.9, which when translated back to levels meant 11,224 to 11,410 (1,000 head). Now, it seems unlikely anyone would provide such an odd or precise forecast amount. The odds are that somebody forecast 11,200 and it was rounded to 102.2 (or something like that). We observe the rounded outcomes of the prior year's level, not the raw forecasted level. Regardless, this is the convention that is followed. The on feed estimate suggested a level above last year and consistent with moving through the COVID-19 disruptions from spring 2020. It made sense.
 
Were the estimates internally consistent? In other words, did the consensus placements and marketings align with the on feed estimate? The placements were estimated at 105.9 percent of last year's placements. The range was 100.8 to 110.0, which is commonly wide as placements are relatively hard to forecast. Analysts can observe feeder cattle sales, but those do not have to all be bought by feedlots. Applying the average level to last year's 1,884 (1,000 head) implied 1,995 this year. The marketings were estimated at 96.6, with a range of 95.7 to 97.5. Marketings tend to track with observed slaughter levels so the range is commonly narrow. Applying the average level to last year's 1,953 (1,000 head) implied 1,887 this year. Start with the August 1 level on feed of 11,284, add the placements and subtract the marketings to reach 11,392. Then pause for a second and take off [my guess at the un-estimated] other disappearance of 50 (1,000 head) to obtain 11,342. That is pretty consistent with the estimated on feed level of 11,355.
 
The actual placements, at 2,057, are 109.2 percent of last August, higher than the average estimate and within the range of estimates. The actual marketings, at 1,892, are 96.9 percent of last August, also higher than the average estimate and within the range of estimates. The actual other disappearance was 55 and the actual on feed total was 11,394 or 103.8 percent of last September 1. No big surprises, but the placements were fairly close to the high end of the estimates. The placements were sharply higher for the 800-899 lbs weight class. These factors would likely be seen as pressuring feeder cattle futures prices.



NCBA Announces Dynamic Line Up of Speakers for Virtual Stockmanship & Stewardship Event

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is announcing an exciting slate of speakers and topics for their renowned Stockmanship and Stewardship program. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing industry meetings to shift how they meet and learn, the Stockmanshp and Stewardship program will be going virtual this fall. This shift to an online platform allows for a high-quality experience of one of NCBA’s educational events for all attendees, even if they are attending from the comfort of their home or office.

On November 11-12 virtual attendees will have the chance to engage in a number of sessions that address current and future issues for the cattle industry. Both days will allow virtual attendees to still have the chance to participate in the valuable low-stress cattle handling demonstrations the Stockmanship and Stewardship program has become known for.  

Day one of the event will have an interesting lineup of educational program tracks including sessions that take an in-depth look at Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) topics. Jason Nickell, DVM, PhD, DACVPM, Merck Animal Health will present on Individual Management Technologies and Diagnostics. A robust business track will be offered that will cover everything from risk management and cattle marketing to how consumers have shifted their buying habits during the pandemic and beyond. With just one week past the 2020 Presidential Election, NCBA’s policy team will provide an informative election reaction. In this session, the policy team will discuss what issues the U.S. cattle and beef industry will be tackling in Washington, D.C. Finally, day one of the event will conclude with a keynote presentation from Frank Mitloehner, PhD, University of California – Davis on recent industry happenings on the topic of Sustainability.

On November 12 attendees will have a chance to engage with another set of valuable sessions. The sessions will cover everything from the value of training producers and their employees on cattle welfare to panel discussions on genetic value and current traceability efforts. The event will close with a keynote from the experts at CattleFax sharing important information on the economic state of the industry, and what it might look like in the days ahead.  

Attendees will have the ability to interact with all speakers and clinicians on both days to get their questions answered and discuss how to apply what they have learned on their own operations.

Registration for this one-of-a-kind virtual event opens on October 1 and is free of charge thanks to continued support from Merck Animal Health and the Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program.  

“Our sponsorship of the Stockmanship & Stewardship program aligns with our goal to provide customers with valuable information on proper animal care and handling,” says Kevin Mobley, executive director, Cattle Sales and Marketing for Merck Animal Health. “While we are not able to connect live at this time, this virtual event will include helpful tips and advice that supports better herd health.”

The first 200 registrants will receive a complimentary event packet and gift courtesy of Merck Animal Health. Additionally, all participants will be eligible for a discount coupon to attend an in-person Stockmanship and Stewardship Regional Event in 2021 to be held in Ontario, Ore., Elko, Nev., Durango, Colo., Danville, Ind., and Bowling Green, Ky. For more information and to register visit, www.StockmanshipandStewardship.org.   



Judge Dismisses Antitrust Lawsuit Alleging Conspiracy to Affect Cattle Prices

A federal judge in Minnesota on Monday dismissed an antitrust class-action lawsuit alleging the nation's largest meatpackers conspired to fix cattle prices.

In 2019, a number of lawsuits were brought by cattle interest groups and traders against Tyson Foods Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., JBS S.A., JBS USA Food Company, Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland Inc., Cargill Inc., Cargill Meat Solutions Corp., Marfrig Global Foods S.A., and National Beef Packing Company LLC, alleging the companies conspired to bring down the price of fed cattle in 2015. By the end of 2015, the price fell from $170 per hundredweight (cwt) to $120 per cwt.

All of the cases were later consolidated into one antitrust case in the U.S. District Court of the District of Minnesota.

"Because plaintiffs have not pleaded their direct evidence with sufficient detail and because they have not pleaded parallel conduct sufficient to support an inference of a price-fixing conspiracy, the court will grant defendants' motions to dismiss," Judge John R. Tunheim said in the order handed down on Monday.

Plaintiffs alleged the companies engaged in fed-cattle price fixing; unjustly enriched their businesses; manipulated the prices of fed cattle and, as a result, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange live-cattle futures and options; and committed a number of violations of the Commodity Exchange Act, among other allegations.

The Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, or R-CALF USA, filed a lawsuit on behalf of four cattle-feeding ranchers in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming. Several other lawsuits were filed by traders.

Plaintiffs had alleged that, starting on at least Jan. 1, 2015, and continuing to the present, the companies worked together to suppress cattle prices by shifting how purchases were made.

The court granted the plaintiffs 90 days to file an amended complaint.



NFU Welcomes Introduction of Next Generation Fuels Act

Higher octane fuels like mid- and high-level ethanol blends are mutually beneficial for drivers, farmers, and the environment. Recognizing this, Representative Cheri Bustos today introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act, which would increase gasoline octane to a minimum standard of 98 Research Octane Number (RON) through low-carbon, renewable fuels.

Given their environmental and economic advantages, National Farmers Union (NFU) has long supported higher-level blends of ethanol, as the organization’s president Rob Larew noted in a statement. As such, he welcomed the bill’s introduction and applauded Rep. Bustos’s leadership.

“There are so many reasons to widely adopt low-carbon, high octane ethanol blends. First of all, they significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency, which reduces emissions of the greenhouse gasses that drive climate change. Additionally, by replacing harmful gasoline aromatics, they can improve air quality and respiratory health. If that weren’t enough, they also create new markets for family farmers, support rural economic growth, and offer a cost-effective fuel for American drivers.

“Considering all these benefits, National Farmers Union welcomes any legislation that would facilitate more extensive use of mid- and high-level ethanol blends – and the Next Generation Fuels Act would do just that. We appreciate Representative Bustos’s recognition of ethanol’s potential and the legwork she continues to do to fully realize that potential.”



Farmers to Families Food Box Program Surpasses 100 Million Boxes Delivered

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that more than 100 million food boxes have been distributed in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Earlier this month, the Department announced it had entered into contracts with 50 entities for the third round of food box deliveries, which include contracts to purchase up to $1 billion authorized by President Donald J. Trump.

“It is incredible to think that in a little more than five months, this food box program has gone from an idea to a reality that has provided more than 100 million boxes of nutritious foods to people in need and along the way has helped to keep farmers and ranchers in business and allowed Americans working in our nation’s food supply chain to get back to work,” said Secretary Perdue. “I have been meeting with food banks and recipients across the country and it’s been heartening to hear all the positive feedback on how the program has saved businesses and fed Americans in need. We are now into the third round of deliveries and we’re working harder than ever to continue to build on the success of the program.”

“With 100 million Farmers to Families Food Boxes delivered, we have utilized critical funding authorized by President Trump to continue connecting our great American farmers to millions of food insecure families. I am proud of this Administration’s mission to keep our most vulnerable families fed and support American family farms in the process,” said Advisor to the President, Ivanka Trump