Wednesday September 9 Ag News

 Nebraska Beef Council September zoom meeting

The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors will have a zoom meeting at the NBC office in Kearney, NE, located at 1319 Central Ave. on Monday September 21st, 2020 beginning at 12:00 p.m. CDT. The NBC Board of Directors will review a draft of the FY 2020-2021 Marketing Plan. For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org.  



NATIONAL FARM SAFETY & HEALTH WEEK PROGRAMS HIGHLIGHTED

Did you know the theme for National Farm Safety and Health Week 2020 is “Every Farmer Counts”?
Did you know the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week since Franklin D. Roosevelt started the proclamation in 1944?

National Farm Safety & Health Week is September 20-26, 2020. Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons for those in the ag industry. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Haskell Ag Lab is partnering with Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Public Power, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the Progressive Agriculture Foundation to provide farm safety programs virtually during this week. These programs are free and open to the public. The schedule and information:

Monday, September 21 – Learn about ATV Safety all day (video link here): https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/kearney/atv-aware-0/.

Tuesday, September 22 – Noon - Learn about General Harvest and Farm Safety in a live Zoom by Ellen Duysen with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Please register at: https://go.unl.edu/harvestfarmsafety2020

Wednesday, September 23 – This is officially Youth Safety Day. Progressive Agriculture Foundation will provide a program with 10-12 safety topics for youth. The same program will be offered twice, from 9-11 AM and again from Noon-2 PM.
Registration Link for 9-11 AM CT event: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtf-itqD4tH9fdhn7MStN8S-S6kPvmEhQY
Registration Link for Noon-2 pm CT event: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvduyhrDIvEtfrogS7R1K1D7FornnpNZNp

Thursday, September 24 – Noon - Learn how Sleep Deprivation can impact harvest and farm safety in a presentation by Susan Harris, Nebraska Extension Educator. This will be a live Zoom. The Zoom link is: https://go.unl.edu/sleepdeprivationandsafety Passcode: 383451

Friday, September 25 – An Electrical Safety video by Nebraska Public Power District will be available.
Please join in any or all of these harvest and farm safety programs to learn or as a good reminder.

Zoom is free and easy to use. Not familiar with Zoom? This Zoom tutorial gives you tips on how to use Zoom for conferences and meetings. https://go.unl.edu/zoomtutorial

For more information, contact Mary Jarvi at mary.jarvi@unl.edu or call 402-584-2261 for more information. To register for any of these programs or for more information visit https://go.unl.edu/farmsafetyweekprograms2020 or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HALenrec/ for any updates.



NE Extension & CFRA Host Beekeeping Webinar

Are you curious about honey bees? Do you want to know what it takes to get into beekeeping? Learn about the role and importance of bees in food production, and how they help shape our natural landscapes and support other wildlife during a webinar hosted by Nebraska Extension and the Center for Rural Affairs.  Learn about healthy pollinator communities, the beekeeping industry, and beekeeping as a farm business.

After this class, you will have a better understanding of:
• What it takes to become a beekeeper, including time and labor;
• The role of beekeepers in farming systems;
• How to get started in beekeeping, including costs and resources;
• How to manage bees as a business; and
• Assets available for additional beekeeping training.

Beekeeping offers:
• Flexible hobby and/or business opportunities,
• Community and family engagement,
• Physical and intellectual activity,
• Connections to nature, and
• Further understanding of natural systems.

The webinar will be held on Thursday evening, September 24th, from 6pm to 8pm.  Webinar link will be provided once you register.  To register contact Kristin at kristinb@cfra.org, or register with the Butler County Extension office at 402-367-7410 or email melissa.bartels@unl.edu.  



Ethanol Coalition Welcomes Reports of ‘Gap-Year’ Waiver Petition Denials, Denounces Refiners’ Supreme Court Petition

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), National Farmers Union (NFU) and American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) today welcomed news reports that President Trump has directed the Environmental Protection Agency to reject dozens of so-called “gap year” small refinery exemption petitions intended to circumvent the Tenth Circuit Court’s decision in RFA et al. v. EPA.
 
Meanwhile, the groups denounced CVR Refining and HollyFrontier Corporation’s last-minute request, filed late on September 4, for the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Tenth Circuit Court’s ruling. The decision in question overturned three improperly granted small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
 
RFA, NCGA, NFU and ACE were the four petitioners in the successful Tenth Circuit Court case, in which a panel of judges unanimously found EPA abused its authority by granting small refinery exemptions to CVR Refining and HollyFrontier that were not extensions of previously existing exemptions. In the wake of the decision, small refineries flooded EPA with 67 petitions for retroactive waivers—some dating back as far as 2011—in an attempt to establish a chain of continuously “extended” exemptions.

The four organizations offered the following statement in response to these developments:
 
“We are encouraged by reports that President Trump has called upon EPA to reject these absurd gap-year waiver petitions out of hand. If the reports are accurate, it is our hope that EPA swiftly acts upon the President’s directive and closes the door once and for all on the refiners’ brazen attempt to rewrite history.

“At the same time, we are disappointed, but not surprised, by the refiners’ eleventh-hour petition to the Supreme Court to review the Tenth Circuit decision. In April, these same refiners asked the Tenth Circuit to re-hear the case, and the court swiftly and unanimously denied that request, and the Supreme Court should do the same. The decision does not warrant any further review or consideration. It is well-reasoned and based on a plain reading of the Clean Air Act, which clearly intended small refinery exemptions to be temporary and used only as a ‘bridge to compliance’ for certain eligible small refineries. Additionally, there are no conflicting decisions in other federal courts of appeal.
 
“It is also telling that EPA—the defendant in the original litigation—did not request a re-hearing in the Tenth Circuit, nor did it join the refiners’ Supreme Court appeal on any aspect of the decision. Now, more than ever, our nation’s farmers and ethanol producers are counting on the RFS to provide market stability and certainty during an incredibly difficult and tumultuous time.”



Ethanol industry award winners to be recognized during next week’s virtual FEW

The International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) will recognize and celebrate the recipients of its marquee annual awards during the event’s virtual general session next week.

The award winners, announced by Ethanol Producer Magazine last month, are Doug Tiffany (Award of Excellence recipient) and Doug Durante (High-Octane Award recipient). Each will give an acceptance speech during the FEW’s opening session Wednesday, September 16. The 2020 FEW is taking place September 15-17 in conjunction with the American Coalition for Ethanol’s Annual Conference. Both events are happening in a 100% virtual environment. Producer registration has been robust with nearly 400 biofuels producers signed up to participate.

Tiffany is the 18th recipient of the Award of Excellence, which recognizes professionals who have made meaningful contributions to the ethanol industry through research or technical advisory. The production economist has dedicated significant portions of his academic life to techno-economic analyses related to ethanol production. As a research fellow within the University of Minnesota’s Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, Tiffany has worked on an array of ethanol-related projects ranging from biomass power, cogeneration and coproduct innovation to feedstocks, grain shipping patterns and new products. “I’ve been fortunate to have so many wonderful, talented people to collaborate with,” he said, adding that ethanol has been an enjoyable recurring focus of his work. “I’ve been lucky to have worked in so many different areas—biofuels, wind and more—but ethanol plants have been especially fascinating to me because of the technologies they apply and the evolving value-added products they offer.”

Durante said he was genuinely surprised and honored to be named the 17th recipient of the High-Octane Award, which celebrates passionate ethanol champions, educators and advocates. Durante is the founder and executive director of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition. In addition to producing the Ethanol Across America campaign, The Ethanol Fact Book, The Ethanol Minute radio program and more, he has been involved in almost every federal ethanol policy development over the past 40 years, from the trailblazing work of the National Alcohol Fuels Commission in the early ’80s, to the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Renewable Fuel Standards of both 2005 and 2007. “It’s surreal, looking back,” Durante said. “It’s hard to believe how long it’s been, and how far we’ve come.” He added, “There are so many people I’d like to thank.”

Tom Bryan, president of BBI International, the event organizer, congratulated both award recipients and thanked all those who participated in this year’s selection process. “The Award of Excellence and the High-Octane Award are among the most prestigious accolades in ethanol,” he said. “Not only are our award winners nominated by their peers, but ultimately chosen by them. It’s a prestigious group that I’m excited to say Doug Durante and Doug Tiffany are now a part of.”



The market demands more demand
CAB Feeding Quality Forum

Even without a worldwide pandemic, economic shutdowns and disruptions in food processing, Dan Basse would have covered demand drivers at the 15th annual Feeding Quality Forum.

The president of Chicago-based AgResource Company had charts to back up his point: "Going back maybe to the Civil War, it’s those demand drivers that give opportunity to the market." Basse kicked off the on-line forum hosted by the Certified Angus Beef ® brand last month.

Grain markets typically lead market direction. Supply is no problem, with a 2.7% increase in global grain yields in the last decade compared to the previous.

"There’s been $87 billion spent looking for technology for farmers to help produce more—more beef, more pork, more grain," Basse said. "I would really like to get agriculture behind a platform that we think about not only spending on ways to help us farmers produce more, but help consumers consume more, because as the end of the day, that will be the key to terms of our profitability."

This year, however, those demand drivers are even more lackluster than anyone could have predicted at the start of 2020.

More than 3 million small businesses have shut down since COVID-19 came to the U.S. and that could reach 6 to 8 million by the end of the year.

"It’s the heart of the U.S. agricultural and economic outlook," he said. Last year was the first time more Americans—51% of them—spent most of their food dollar outside the home, "so it’s a big change to have that [food service] industry crippled as it is," he said.

Restaurants are operating at about 40% of normal, and it could be a year or more before they’re back to 100%, Basse said, noting the development of a vaccine or a strong therapeutic seems to be the key.

"The food service industry has been very important to the U.S. cattle industry. We’re still believing that it will struggle until we get to next spring," he said. "I wish I could be more bullish in the cattle market."

Trade is not in the domestic beef industry’s favor either, as the U.S. has been importing more food than it’s been exporting the last four months. Beef industry exports are down 15.2%.

"To really get health in the agricultural economy, we need to start the export market kicking off a little more robustly. We need to see high-value goods leaving this country to other nations," Basse said. "Principally beef, meats and some of the DDGs and ethanol products we now produce."

He suggested Live Cattle futures are overvalued, and cattlemen should consider hedging at $112 to $114 during the last quarter of 2020, and at $116 to $118 into the first part of 2021.

"There is some risk in feed prices based on the late-season dryness, Chinese demand and things of that nature, but also based on the broad commodity markets, which are starting to turn around here just a little bit," Basse said. Following the Midwest derecho storm, AgResource predicted yields to slip from record highs, down to around 179 bushels/acre, which is still nearly "on trend."

Yet, he expects the lows to come later this fall.

"Don’t get bullish and chase this market as a feed user today. Step back and allow the market to come to you in October and November," he advised.

Economic wild cards include political outcomes and continued stimulus measures.

"Never before did I think we’d see a U.S. debt level for government at $26.8 trillion and still growing," Basse said. "These debt levels are something that I believe will be a drag on the U.S. in the world economy for many, many years to come."

Growth across the globe has slowed, too, but India and China are still expected to become the No. 1 and 2 largest economies, overtaking the U.S. by 2025 or 2026.

Government support plays a big role in overall farm income, accounting for 40% to 45% of net farm revenue this year.

"That is something I never thought I would see in my career," said the 41-year veteran.

Net farm income is down 47% from 2012, and has been flat for a number of years.

Basse looks each morning for signs of everything from new export demand to product innovations. "We need to see a new demand driver for you to get this all changed around," he said.

Feeding Quality Forum sponsors include Diamond V, Feed-Lot Magazine, Micronutrients, Zoetis and AngusLink. For more information or to watch full presentations, visit www.FeedingQualityForum.com.



Smithfield Foods to Become Carbon Negative by 2030

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has become the first major protein company to commit to becoming carbon negative in all company-owned operations in the United States by 2030. A leader in sustainability for more than two decades, the company will go beyond carbon neutrality to effectively remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. It will achieve this goal without purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions.

"As the world grapples with environmental challenges impacting our planet, consumers are looking to companies to take deliberate, bold action to address issues such as climate change," said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer, Smithfield Foods. "The world is at an inflection point. To feed a growing world population, with finite resources available to grow and produce the food we need, we must limit our environmental impact. At Smithfield, we are utilizing our expansive reach to lead efforts to eliminate our carbon footprint in our company-owned operations and remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere."

This announcement builds on Smithfield's ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% by 2025 across its entire supply chain, which it announced in 2016. Like today's goal, this previous commitment was the first from a major protein company, establishing a far-reaching GHG reduction goal across its entire supply chain.

The following year, the company launched Smithfield Renewables, a platform to unite its carbon reduction and renewable energy efforts. To become carbon negative in its U.S. company-owned operations, Smithfield will tap the resources and expertise of a wide range of partners to accelerate projects within its Smithfield Renewables program, while continuing to drive progress toward its '25 by 25' goal across its scope 1-3 emissions.

Smithfield and its partners are implementing RNG projects across the majority of company-owned finishing spaces in North Carolina, Utah, Virginia and Missouri, as well as other states.



Trump, Biden Outline Agricultural Priorities

A new look into the priorities for rural America of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden is revealed in responses to a questionnaire distributed by the American Farm Bureau Federation. AFBF asked the Republican and Democratic candidates to respond with their stances on several topics directly affecting America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities, including trade, labor, regulatory reform and sustainability.

“The views of Farm Bureau members are as diverse as the food that is grown in this country, but we share the same goal of choosing leadership that will help America thrive,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We are at a crucial time for agriculture as we navigate the challenges of a global pandemic, trade wars and depressed markets. It is important for our members to understand where the presidential candidates stand on issues important to rural America.”

President Trump’s responses focus largely on his first-term accomplishments. He pledges a science-based approach to regulation going forward. He commits to addressing the “rural/urban divide” and emphasizes support for voluntary conservation programs.

Former Vice President Biden’s responses focus heavily on environmental sustainability and improving prosperity in rural communities. He, too, pledges to rely on experts and scientists when it comes to policies and regulation. He commits to “rebuilding the middle class” and working with farmers to achieve net-zero emissions.

The questionnaire includes 12 questions. In addition to the topics listed above, it covers food system resiliency post-pandemic, rural life and health, biotechnology, clean water, the Endangered Species Act, energy, taxes and farm policy programs.

The answers are presented as they were received, unedited, to give members an unfiltered look at each candidate’s platform. AFBF has invited candidates from both parties to respond to election questionnaires for more than 40 years. The survey is available now on FB.org/election2020.



300 Diverse Advocacy Groups Endorse the Farm System Reform Act and Urge Quick Passage in Congress

Today about 300 local, state and national advocacy organizations sent a letter to Congress urging passage of the Farm System Reform Act (S.3221/HR.6718), introduced by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA). As COVID-19 exposes the exploitation and injustice in the food system, the letter recognizes that “this visionary legislation meets the scale of action necessary to transform our farming and food system in a timeline that reflects the urgency of its problems.” The letter was facilitated by the national advocacy organization Food & Water Action, and signed by groups including Family Farm Action, Waterkeeper Alliance, Johns Hopkins Center For A Livable Future and ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Among other things, the Farm System Reform Act would halt the establishment of new factory farm operations (otherwise known as concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs) and prohibit the expansion of existing ones. It would also provide a $100 billion voluntary buyout program for contract farmers who wish to transition away from the factory farm system.

“The factory farm agricultural model, which dominates our country’s food system, fuels toxic air and water contamination, drives dangerous and unfair working conditions, wreaks havoc on independent farmers and rural communities, and threatens food safety,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch, the organizer of the letter. “The Farm System Reform Act is the bold approach we need to bring dangerous factory farming under control now, and begin the necessary transformation to a safe and equitable future for food consumers and workers alike.”

“Our independent family farmers and ranchers are continuing to be squeezed by large, multinational corporations that, because of their buying power and size, run roughshod over the marketplace. We need to fix the broken system – that means protecting family farmers and ranchers and holding corporate integrators responsible for the harm they are causing,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Large factory farms are harmful to rural communities, public health, and the environment and we must immediately begin to transition to a more sustainable and humane system.”

"The Farm System Reform Act will ensure that huge corporations no longer have a stranglehold on our food supply,” said Representative Ro Khanna. “It's important for our farmers, the economy, the environment, and animal welfare. I'm proud to see the growing coalition of groups organizing to support the bill."

As the letter points out,  “...The U.S. food system is dominated by factory farms that confine tens of thousands of animals in cramped, unsanitary conditions; these conditions place the safety of our food at risk, pollute our air and water, harm the welfare of animals and workers, extract wealth from rural communities, increase the risk of antibiotic resistant bacteria and increase corporate control of our food.”

This legislation will revitalize independent family farm agriculture and rural communities by:
    Placing a moratorium on new and expanding large factory farms
    Phasing out existing large factory farms by 2040
    Holding corporate integrators responsible for harm caused by factory farms
    Providing a $100 billion voluntary buyout program for contract farmers who want to transition away from factory farms
    Strengthening the Packers & Stockyards Act to protect family farmers and ranchers
    Restoring mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for meat, and including dairy products
    Prohibiting USDA from labeling foreign imported meat products as “Product of USA”

"The Farm System Reform Act will rein in multinational agribusiness control over livestock production,” said Jake Davis, Senior Policy Advisor for Family Farm Action. “The factory farm model is designed to bolster these corporations' bottom line while extracting wealth from family farmers and rural communities, and that has to stop. We are proud to join such a broad coalition of supporters calling for change in our broken food system."   

“Nearly 10 billion animals are raised on U.S. factory farms every year, crowded together in intensive, cruel confinement and unable to carry out even the most basic natural behaviors. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the cruelty of industrial animal agriculture, fueling an urgent need to build a more humane and resilient food system that values animals, people, and our planet,” said Daisy Freund, vice president of Farm Animal Welfare for the ASPCA. “The Farm System Reform Act offers a roadmap for moving away from destructive, confinement-based animal agriculture toward higher-welfare farming practices and sustainable crop production. We are grateful to Senator Booker and Representative Khanna for their leadership on this legislation, and we are proud to support this bold vision for a more compassionate food system, free of factory farming.”

“The provisions of this bill, including the $100 billion voluntary buyout program for contract farmers who want to transition away from industrial animal agriculture, would protect watersheds around the country,” said Waterkeeper Alliance Executive Director Marc Yaggi. “That’s one of the reasons more than 50 Waterkeeper groups in the U.S. endorsed this bill. It will provide real — and necessary — improvements to waterways that have been impacted by pathogens, excess nutrients, and harmful algal blooms for far too long."   

The sign-on letter calls for passage of the Farm System Reform Act and a ban on factory farms in order to benefit independent farms, rural communities, food safety, our air and water, and the welfare of animals. It is signed by over 250 organizations including those mentioned above and  Family Farm Defenders, Food Chain Workers Alliance, HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance, Contract Poultry Growers Association of the Virginias, Friends of Family Farmers, Pennsylvania Farmers Union, Indiana Farmers Union, and Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN).



 National Black Farmers' Association President John Boyd Calls for Boycott of John Deere

John Deere, the world's leading manufacturer of farm equipment, takes pride in its corporate values of "integrity, quality, commitment, innovation." But the nearly 200-year-old American industrial giant apparently cares little for equality and inclusiveness.

Year after year the National Black Farmers' Association (NBFA) has invited the Deere company to display its equipment at the NBFA's annual conference. Repeatedly John Deere executives have curtly declined the invitation.

"John Deere has shown throughout its history that it has little respect for black farmers. The company seems to view our invitations as a nuisance," said NBFA president John Boyd. "I have reached out to Mr. John May, President of John Deere, numerous times to discuss the issues raised by the NBFA. Mr. May's response is 'I decline your invitation,'" which is unacceptable.

With 116,000 members in 42 states, the NBFA represents a substantial customer base for John Deere. Many farmers would relish the opportunity to see firsthand the new and emerging farm technology that is developed to enhance their performance and productivity. But the company continues to participate at predominantly white farm shows and events while snubbing the black farmers' events. Deere has never displayed any of its equipment--not even a lawn mower. John Deere denies black farmers the respect and dignity they deserve, reflecting the level of disdain that is still widely prevalent in agricultural industries.

Since the racial unrest spurred by the merciless killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on Memorial Day and the shooting of Jason Blake in Wisconsin last month, many sectors of American society have recently taken actions to address the shameful racial disparities in treatment and opportunities that plague people of color. Needed change seems to be rising, especially in this year of the nation's racial reckoning, when protests have roiled cities and towns. But not at John Deere.

The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) members deserve the very same treatment as the Farm Bureau, whose members enjoy discounts on John Deere purchases. "Service call inquiries to John Deere equipment from black farmers is much slower than their white counterparts," said Boyd. "We buy tractors and John Deere parts as well. We deserve to be treated with dignity and respect not as a nuisance."

"We announce a boycott of John Deere. We are asking all NBFA members to stop buying John Deere tractors, implements, mowers and parts," Boyd said. "We are now open to new relationships with companies who value the work of NBFA members."



New Holland Launches Connected Solutions for Farm Progress Virtual Experience

New Holland knows beef. In the 1950s, the brand promoted its “Eat More Beef,” message throughout North America and has been dedicated to supporting beef producers by providing industry-leading hay and forage solutions ever since.

“North American beef producers are among the most efficient and productive in the world. New Holland matches the effectiveness of the cattlemen and women with robust equipment solutions,” said Brett Davis, Vice President for New Holland Agriculture North America. “New Holland equipment provides the best hay and forage equipment for the best-tasting beef products.”

New Holland affirms its commitment to the North American beef industry through longstanding partnerships with United States National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association in Canada. Both organizations provide cattle producers with the most up-to-date resources to maximize production and advocate on the industry and members’ behalf to federal governments. New Holland supports these efforts and offers retail incentives to members of each organization, so they may improve their operation’s efficiency and improve hay and feed quality.

“NCBA and its members truly appreciate the partnership we have with New Holland. Advocating for the beef industry in the United States and abroad is an enormous task and we couldn’t do it effectively without great long-term partners like New Holland,” said NCBA President Marty Smith, a Florida cattle producer. “Cattle producers across the United States rely on us to protect their operations and ensure the sustainability of their operations for the next generation; New Holland understands the importance of NCBA’s mission, and we appreciate all that they do for cattle producers.”

CCA invests in the next generation of cattle producers and industry leaders by providing professional and personal growth opportunities. New Holland’s sponsorship is earmarked for CCA’s two youth programs: The Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Mentorship Program and the Young Cattlemen’s Council.

“We are proud to have New Holland as a strong supporter of the next generation of leaders for our industry through the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Mentorship Program and the Young Cattlemen’s Council,” said Bob Lowe, President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. “We look forward to seeing the results of this continued partnership in equipping our up and coming young leaders with the skills they need further the Canadian beef industry.”

Similarly, Matt Hagan, who owns and operates a 1,100-head angus cattle ranch in Virginia, as well as a 60-acre CBD hemp farm with his wife Rachel, brings the unique perspective of the operator to New Holland’s efforts to support the North American beef industry.

“I’m a first-generation farmer, so having the support of my New Holland dealer has helped me grow my cattle operation more than I imagined,” said Matt Hagan. “As we’re diversifying the farm, it’s also given me an opportunity to share what I’ve learned with my fans and customers.”

The Hagan Cattle Company is committed to providing the highest-quality beef to its customers across the United States. To keep their farm and ranch running smoothly, the Hagans rely on New Holland tractors and haytools. Thanks to Matt’s success in his career as a funny car driver, he has amassed over 30,000 followers on Instagram, where he regularly updates his fan base with activity on the ranch and advocates for the beef industry.

Hagan is a member of the Don Schumacher Race Team and will display the New Holland logo on his car through the 2021 season.