Friday October 16 Ag News

Webinar to focus on current financial state of ag for Nebraska producers

A Nebraska Extension webinar on Thursday at noon will review the current financial positions of farms included in Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.’s annual farm averages.

The webinar will be led by Tina Barrett, director of Nebraska Farm Business, Inc., which provides financial analysis, business planning and tax services for over 400 farms and ranches across the state. It will include an overview of the average financial positions for operations this year, as well as review of financial ratios, cost of production and outlook for 2021.

The presentation is part of the Agricultural Economics Extension Farm and Ranch Management weekly webinar series.

Registration is free at farm.unl.edu/webinars.



Nebraska Corn is seeking seven college students for annual internship program

It’s only October, but it’s not too early for college students to begin thinking about summer internship experiences. The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) are seeking applicants to take part in seven internship experiences beginning in May 2021. The seven internships vary in location and scope, but are designed to provide students with an overview of Nebraska’s corn industry through real-world professional examples and experiences.

Five of the seven internships are summer-long experiences that are based outside of Nebraska. These five experiences are with cooperating partners of the Nebraska Corn Board. The remaining two positions are yearlong internships where students work in the NCB or NeCGA offices in Lincoln.

The Nebraska Corn Board is excited to announce its annual internship program for the 2020-2021 season. Through the last several years, the board has provided real-world experiences and opportunities for college interns. These students work directly with our partners with the U.S. Grains Council, the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the National Corn Growers Association.

Nebraska Corn internship opportunities for 2021-2022:

    Communications and Market Development Internship
    Host: Nebraska Corn Board
    Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
    Duration: May 2021 – May 2022

    Agronomy and Data Internship
    Host: National Corn Growers Association
    Location: St. Louis, Missouri
    Duration: Summer 2021

    Public Policy Internship
    Host: National Corn Growers Association
    Location: Washington, D.C.
    Duration: Summer 2021

    Promotion and International Relations Internship
    Host: U.S. Meat Export Federation
    Location: Denver, Colorado
    Duration: Summer 2021

    International Relations Internship
    Host: U.S. Grains Council
    Location: Washington, D.C.
    Duration: Summer 2021

    International Agricultural Relations Internship
    Host: U.S. Grains Council
    Location: Panama City, Panama
    Duration: Summer 2021

    Communications and Outreach Internship
    Host: Nebraska Corn Growers Association
    Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
    Duration: May 2021 – May 2022

“We’ve been fortunate over the last several years to have some of the brightest young minds in agriculture taking part of our internship programs,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of NCB and NeCGA. “Through our internship opportunities, we’re able to work toward our mission of the Nebraska Corn Board, which is the promote the value of corn by creating opportunities. By empowering the next generation of ag leaders, we can ensure our industry is well served now and in the future.”

Nebraska Corn internships are open to all college students, with a preference given to students enrolled in colleges or universities located in Nebraska. The application process can be found online at https://nebraskacorn.gov/internships/. The submission deadline is Friday, November 6, 2020.  



Washington Co Cattlemen Monthly Meeting
November 2 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm    
6pm Social
7pm Meal
Blair Marina, Blair, NE



Lessons Learned in COVID-19 Prevention Efforts among Ag Workers & Employees - AgriSafe Webinar

Agriculture work sites, shared worker housing, and shared worker transportation vehicles
present unique challenges for preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19. Consistent application of specific preparation, prevention, and management measures can help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Best practices in Covid-19 testing and contact training will be shared to help agricultural producers identify strategies for responding on their farm. The CDC Covid-19 prevention guidance for agriculture will also be shared to assist employers in adopting recommendations to protect workers.

Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to gain an
understanding of:
    current CDC/OSHA guidelines for COVID-19 prevention in the agriculture industry
    airborne transmission characteristics of SARS-Cov-2
    the principles of testing for infectious diseases
    the difference between the various tests currently available for SARS-COV-2
    COVID19 contact tracing protocols

Register for the AgriSafe Webinar here... https://learning.agrisafe.org/products/lessons-learned-in-covid-19-prevention-efforts-among-agriculture-workers-and-employers.  



Virtual Agricultural Lenders Seminar Set for Nov. 10

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Siouxland and Tri-State Agricultural Lenders Seminars have been combined into one virtual seminar set for Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lenders who serve agricultural clients -- especially those who work with dairy producers across the Upper Midwest -- are encouraged to attend, as the seminar will focus on market outlooks for livestock, grains and dairy, plus include a focus on exports and trade issues.

The agenda this year features well-known presenters who are leading the national discussion in their topic area, noted Fred Hall and Larry Tranel, dairy specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

"Understanding the current market trends and risks is a necessary part of farm management assistance," said Hall.

"Lenders and consultants working with dairy producers have the additional necessity of understanding a complex system of milk marketing, labor inputs and federal policy implications," added Tranel.

The list of nationally recognized presenters includes:

- Mike North -- president of Commodity Risk Management Group, Platteville; presenting on marketing opportunities from a global view.

- Wendong Zhang, assistant professor in economics and extension economist with Iowa State University; presenting on issues of trade with China.

- Mark Stephenson, director of Dairy Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin, Madison; presenting a dairy market update.

- Chad Hart, professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist at Iowa State University; presenting a land, livestock and crop market update.

"These seminars have proven valuable to lenders and financial advisers across the Upper Midwest as a local source for current information which they can use as they help producers manage risk," Hall said.

The registration fee has been reduced to $50 per person.

Register online at https://form.jotform.com/4Hregion1/2020-lenders-seminar. Or, if you prefer to register by mail, send a check, name and email address to the ISU Extension and Outreach Dubuque County office at 14858 West Ridge Lane, Dubuque, IA 52003. A confirmation email with the seminar link will be sent.

For more information, contact Larry Tranel at 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu. Fred Hall can be reached at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu.



PrairieMoon On Main in Prairieburg Wins Tenderloin Contest

Loren Lacy has spent nearly four decades comparing breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches from eateries across Iowa. So when he and his wife Amy bought a restaurant about a year and a half ago, they set out to make their sandwich better.

Their tenderloin became a top seller at PrairieMoon On Main in the small town of Prairieburg, about 30 miles northeast of Cedar Rapids. And now, it is award-winning with the coveted title of Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin. The 18th annual contest is presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and managed by its restaurant and foodservice committee.
 
"Iowans take their tenderloin really seriously, so when we found out we ranked in the top 40, I think I cried---we were so excited," Amy Lacy said. "And when the judges told us were in the top five, I shook. This is just crazy for us."
 
For Loren Lacy, a good tenderloin is not so much about the breading, but rather the flavor and tenderness of the pork. PrairieMoon has a local grocer cut loins into half-pound slices before twice running each piece through a tenderizer.
 
At the restaurant, tenderloins soak for 24 to 72 hours in buttermilk, an acidic liquid that further tenderizes the pork. The never-frozen meat is then dredged through an unseasoned, dry, fine cracker meal, and fried to order. Sandwiches are served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
 
Amy Lacy began experimenting with her tenderloin technique about six years prior to opening PrairieMoon, when she and her husband managed the Wapsipinicon Country Club in Anamosa, in Wapsipinicon State Park.
 
"At that point, I thought you had to press them out because everybody wanted a huge tenderloin that, you know, covered a pizza box," she said. But at PrairieMoon, loins aren't pounded or pressed, so "they stay nice and thick and juicy."
 
The week after being announced as a top five finalist, PrairieMoon's tenderloin orders nearly tripled, from 75 to 100 sandwiches to more than 300 sold. To keep up with the spike in traffic and demand, local residents are on call to assist PrairieMoon's single server during busy times.
 
The IPPA restaurant and foodservice committee is officially presenting the award today at the restaurant. PrairieMoon will received $500, a plaque, and a large banner to display. In addition, the first 1,500 tenderloins sold are discounted $1, courtesy of IPPA.
 
"We want to encourage folks to go try the winning sandwich and support locally owned restaurants, which have suffered a heavy blow from COVID-19 closures and occupancy restrictions," said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA marketing and programs director.
 
IPPA judges selected Birdies, Burgers & Brews, located at Hillcrest Golf & Country Club in Graettinger, as the runner-up in the 2020 contest; that establishment will receive $250 and a plaque from IPPA. Rounding out the top five finalists (in no order) are Bents Smokehouse & Pub, Westgate; The Blind Pig, Cedar Rapids; and Sasquatch Jacks Hideaway Barroom & Grill, Waverly. These restaurants will receive a Top Five plaque to display.
 
IPPA received 4,501 nominations for 390 different establishments during the spring nomination period. The restaurant and foodservice committee judged the top 40 restaurants in the summer, scoring each on the quality of the pork, taste, physical characteristics, and eating experience.
 
The tenderloin contest recognizes Iowa dining establishments that offer hand-breaded or battered pork tenderloins as a regular menu item. To win, nominated businesses must normally be open year-round; however, the IPPA committee took into account the effects of the pandemic and Gov. Kim Reynolds' orders regarding restaurant operations this year.
 
The winners are announced as part of #Porktober20, or October Pork Month, which celebrates the state's dedicated pig farmers, local restaurants and their hardworking teams, and a famous Midwest favorite---the pork tenderloin sandwich.



MEXICO ENACTS LAW REQUIRING FRONT-OF-PACKAGE LABELING ON PREPACKAED FOOD PRODUCTS

Earlier this month, Mexico modified its Foreign Trade Law Agreement to comply with its new Front-of-Package Labeling law that went into effect on Oct. 1. The modifications require shipments of prepackaged food products previously exempted from labeling to immediately comply with the new labeling law by removing exemptions for: imported goods that would not be sold to the public in the form in which they were imported; imported goods to be used directly by a company not subject to commercialization; products destined to remain in the border area or regions of Mexico; and products imported by those who carry out marketing activities and provide restaurant assistance. Prepackaged products within those categories—including foodservice products—must now comply with the new labeling standard.

The U.S. exports processed pork to Mexico, which will now need to comply with this law.  The National Pork Producers Council reports this could add incremental costs and potentially reduce Mexican consumption of U.S.-processed pork.



ClearFlame Engine Technologies Achieves Successful Test Results Using Decarbonized Fuels

ClearFlame Engine Technologies, a start-up dedicated to the development of clean engine technology for the heavy-duty truck, off-highway and industrial markets,  today announced that it has successfully matched the torque and power of a commercial diesel engine using ethanol in place of diesel fuel, delivering more than 500 horsepower and over 2,500 foot-pounds of torque while eliminating the need for additional aftertreatment such as selective catalytic reduction or diesel particulate filter systems.

ClearFlame achieved these results on a Cummins X15, a 500hp 15L heavy-duty engine using the company’s high-temperature stochiometric combustion process, which leverages higher temperatures to achieve true diesel-style combustion of any decarbonized fuel. Temperatures are achieved by optimizing existing engine thermodynamics and adding insulation on key engine components. The fuel injection system is also engineered to accommodate decarbonized fuels like ethanol.

“The results we’ve seen on the Cummins engine mark a critical milestone in the commercialization of ClearFlame’s technology,” said Dr. Julie Blumreiter, chief technology officer and co-founder of ClearFlame. “Achieving these key targets without the use of complex aftertreatment systems helps diesel engine manufacturers to preserve their core engine technology requirements, driving a cost-effective, rapid-to-market solution that addresses evolving emissions regulations.”

ClearFlame’s unique engine technology enables low-carbon and carbon-negative fuels to be easily integrated into existing diesel engine platforms, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution than diesel fuel. It provides the same performance, efficiency, and rugged practicality associated with diesel engines, while eliminating the need for costly aftertreatment solutions. By replacing 100 percent of the petroleum fuel used with decarbonized fuels such as ethanol, ClearFlame’s engine technology significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter and smog, helping to meet stringent emissions regulations while reducing overall engine cost.

“The results from ClearFlame’s first commercial platform tests are extremely promising and demonstrate a real world, sustainable solution for diesel engine manufacturers as decarbonization requirements continue to evolve in the off-highway, heavy-duty and industrial sectors,” said Dr. BJ Johnson, CEO and co-founder of ClearFlame. “We look forward to advancing our technology with additional engine OEM partners, so we can highlight our low-cost benefits across a range of engine platforms and applications.”



NGFA commends CFTC for approving final rule on speculative position limits 

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) commended the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for its Oct. 15 approval of a final rule on speculative position limits that preserves critically important hedging and risk-management strategies for the agricultural industry.

“NGFA congratulates Chairman Heath Tarbert, his fellow commissioners, and CFTC staff on approval of a final rule on speculative position limits,” said NGFA Senior Vice President and Treasurer Todd Kemp. “Our expectation is that the rule will preserve the critically important hedging and risk-management strategies on which our industry has relied for years, and will provide several additional important tools to assist our members as they work with U.S. agricultural producers to manage their market risk and optimize income. We deeply appreciate the willingness of CFTC to be open to NGFA-member companies concerns and input through the rulemaking process.”

The NGFA has been deeply involved in the speculative position limit rulemaking process for more than 10 years. The rule is one of the last unfinished regulatory pieces of business to implement under the 2008 Dodd-Frank Act. The approved rule has seen many significant changes over the decade-long process and is immeasurably improved for the grain, feed and processing industry from previous versions, NGFA said.

NGFA continues to carefully review the final rule, but based upon initial analysis believes it contains the following key elements:

•    Spot-month position limits for corn, wheat and soybean futures contracts will increase from 600 to 1,200 contracts.

•    Non-spot federal position limits for those commodities will increase dramatically. However, the CME Group will have authority to establish lower exchange position limits.

•    Exchanges like CME will have broad authority to manage the hedge-exemption process, with CFTC retaining review authority.

•    Bona fide hedging strategies important to the grain, feed and processing industry are maintained, and new bona fide hedges are enumerated for such strategies as hedges of unfilled anticipated requirements, anticipated merchandising, and unfixed price sales and purchases.

•    Enumerated bona fide hedges are self-effectuating for purposes of federal hedge exemptions; that is, they do not require approval by the CFTC.

•    Following exchange approval of a non-enumerated bona fide hedge, CFTC will have a 10-day review period, during which the market participant may take the hedge position.

•    In the expectedly rare instance when an exchange-approved non-enumerated hedge is disapproved by CFTC, the market participant will not be found in violation by CFTC of position limits, provided the market participant did not act in bad faith, and will have a commercially reasonable time to unwind the position.

•    The five-day rule, which previously has prohibited bona fide hedgers from exceeding position limits starting five days prior to contract expiration, was jettisoned.

Many elements of the rule, including expansion of strategies enumerated as bona fide hedges and new procedures for approvals of hedge exemptions, will take effect for grain and oilseed futures 60 days following publication in the Federal Register, or in January 2021.



Annual Convention Moves Online in 2021
 
The American Sheep Industry Association Executive Board met via Zoom last week and supported a recommendation to move to a virtual board meeting in January 2021.
 
The ASI Annual Convention was scheduled for Jan. 27-30 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, but state and local COVID-19 restrictions on social distancing made meeting room capacity an issue. Additionally, safety concerns would have meant some directors would not attend in person, therefore a much more expensive hybrid version of in-person and virtual would have been needed. ASI’s contract with the hotel has been rolled back to the next open convention dates in 2024.
 
While the ASI officers and staff will gather in Denver to present a two-day event during the last week in January, all other attendance at the convention will be virtual. Affiliated groups such as the American Lamb Board and the National Lamb Feeders Association have been advised that the traditional ASI convention will not be available to host their annual meetings.  
 
In addition, there will be no annual awards in 2021, as the executive board felt the virtual format would not allow for a proper celebration of those who have worked so hard to support the industry through one of the most difficult years in its history.
 
Contracts for future ASI Annual Conventions in San Diego, Calif. (2022) and Fort Worth, Texas (2023) are still in place at this time. Further information on the 2021 ASI Annual Convention will be released as it becomes available.



Asgrow® Soybeans Release Largest XtendFlex® Product Lineup in 2021

Asgrow® brand releases the industry’s largest XtendFlex® soybean product lineup following the European Commission authorization of XtendFlex technology. Asgrow leads the soybean market category with the largest number of soybean products available to U.S. farmers. This lineup not only includes the latest exclusive genetics available but also provides farmers a wide variety of proven products in all maturities for varying conditions across the nation.

Asgrow XtendFlex soybeans are Bayer’s newest soybean trait technology – now offering tolerance to glufosinate. The additional weed management choice provides growers flexibility, performance and profitability potential.

XtendFlex soybeans are the Asgrow brand’s second major product launch in soybeans since 2016. The Asgrow brand continues to help farmers become more efficient and increase ROI potential by providing leading technology with exclusive genetics and proven yield performance potential from an industry-leading breeding program.

The Asgrow brand has 47 products available for 2021 across all maturity groups ranging from RM 0 to 7.0 with multiple products in each relative maturity group. Top product brands according to region include:
    Central Plains (Nebraska, West Kansas, Colorado) - AG26XF1, AG30XF0, AG35XF1, AG36XF1, AG37XF1, AG41XF1, AG42XF1, AG45XF0, AG46XF0, AG48XF0
    Midwest (Iowa, Missouri, Kansas) - AG20XF1, AG21XF0, AG24XF1, AG25XF1, AG26XF1, AG35XF1, AG37XF1, AG36XF1, AG38XF1, AG40XF0
    North Dakota - AG07XF1, AG09XF0, AG10XF1, AG12XF1, AG15XF1
    Minnesota and Wisconsin - AG09XF0, AG10XF1, AG13XF0, AG15XF1, AG18XF1, AG20XF1, AG21XF0,
    Eastern Corn Belt - AG26XF1, AG27XF0, AG27XF1, AG30XF0, AG33XF1, AG35XF1, AG36XF1, AG38XF1, AG40XF0, AG48XF0
    Illinois - AG26XF1, AG27XF1, AG33XF1, AG35XF1, AG36XF0, AG36XF1, AG37XF1, AG38XF0, AG38XF1, AG40XF0
    Southeast - AG35XF1, AG38XF1, AG45XF0, AG47XF0, AG48XF0, AG54XF0, AG55XF0, AG57XF1, AG69XF0, AG72XF0

Clint Chaffer, Asgrow Brand Manager, said farmers now have an additional tool for use within the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System. "We're excited to bring Asgrow XtendFlex products to the market and offer another option in the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System,” said Chaffer. “Based on the great demand we've seen, we know our farmers are looking forward to the benefits of Asgrow XtendFlex soybeans next year and the addition of glufosinate tolerance. This technology, coupled with Asgrow brand’s exclusive genetics, will help the industry take a step forward.”

Farmers have eagerly anticipated access to Asgrow XtendFlex products, due to additional choice and consistent, trusted yield potential. Asgrow expects to supply over 10 million U.S. XtendFlex soy acres in 2021. To prepare for the 2021 launch, Asgrow products have been tested in expansive, nationwide field trials so farmers, dealers and licensees can learn and experience the latest technology.

Asgrow XtendFlex soybeans are built on the same high-yielding germplasm as Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans.



Scientific Analysis will determine who makes the cut in the Triple Crown Steak Challenge

Many of the top breeders have entered a unique competition that defines the most outstanding ribeye steaks from Wagyu cattle bred and raised in the US. It combines advanced technology with the art of cattle raising to offer a new way to determine quality.  

Five categories of excellence will be used to analyze each contestant's ribeye entry:
    The Japanese Carcass Camera. This year, new grading technology uses an app to turn a smartphone into a highly specialized carcass grading device. This digital technology reveals precisely how much marbling a piece of the famed beef derived from Japanese genetics may contain.
    Complete Fatty Acid Profile
    Total Lipid Extraction
    The Warner Bratzler Shear Force test for tenderness (the breed standard)
    A Professionally Trained Taste Panel

The scores compiled from all of the analysis will determine the Triple Crown winner and recipient of the $3,000 grand prize announced on November 17, 2020. Cash will also be awarded to the winner of each category.

"Raising the bar beyond taste and using precise, objective scientific valuations are most important in proving the merits of a producer's carcass, which, in turn, determines value," said Desi Cicale, founder of the Triple Crown Steak Challenge. "The new Japanese phone app will open the door for all breeders to photograph their carcasses and have them graded to gain insight into their beef. The data gleaned from one photograph is immensely useful to breeders, producers, and consumers." meatimaging.com

A unified grading system and a printout of the health benefits will provide consumers with verification of the various producer programs. The ultimate goal is to acknowledge the Champions of the Triple Crown Steak Challenge and educate consumers about Wagyu beef and its health benefits. The competition will also encourage consumers to buy Wagyu from the Steak Challenge entrants and connect them to local breeders in their area.

Triple Crown entrants have sent their frozen steaks to the Meat and Science Department at the University of Georgia to be tested by Dr. Dean Pringle, President of the American Meat Science Association. A video of the testing will be available to view by anyone who signs up at triplecrownsteakchallenge.com.

Signing up automatically enters visitors for a Wagyu Ribeye Steak Gift Box, drawing on November 17 at a live online auction of the winning steaks.

The event also encourages everyone to Judge the steaks online for a chance to win prizes and cash. During the event consumers will be provided with educational information to assist in choosing a winner. There is also a Junior category for youth 18 and under with cash awards. The interactive Triple Crown Steak Challenge offers something for everyone. The live online auction will help raise funds for the Southern Wagyu Alliance Youth program, dedicated to providing a valuable resource for future Wagyu ranchers in the US.