Monday November 9 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending November 8, 2020, there were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 26% very short, 45% short, 29% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 27% very short, 40% short, 33% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn harvested was 93%, well ahead of 70% last year, and ahead of 78% for the five-year average.

Winter wheat condition rated 4% very poor, 17% poor, 36% fair, 40% good, and 3% excellent. Winter wheat emerged was 94%, behind 99% last year, and near 97% average.

Sorghum harvested was 95%, well ahead of 68% last year, and ahead of 80% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 18% very poor, 20% poor, 27% fair, 34% good, and 1% excellent.



Iowa Crop Progress & Condition

Warmer than normal temperatures and no precipitation allowed Iowa farmers 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 8, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork activities again included harvesting corn and soybeans, baling corn stalks, applying fertilizer and manure, and tillage.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 16% very short, 36% short, 48% adequate and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 23% very short, 36% short, 41% adequate and 0% surplus.

Only 6% of Iowa’s corn for grain crop remains to be harvested, almost 4 weeks ahead of last year and over 2 weeks ahead of the 5-year average. Statewide, the moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained at 15%. Farmers in northwest, north central and west central Iowa have less than 5% of their corn for grain remaining to be harvested while farmers in south central Iowa still have over 15% to be harvested.

Only 2% of Iowa’s soybean crop remains to be harvested, almost 3 weeks ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of average. Farmers in most of the State have only scattered fields left to harvest.

Livestock producers continue to allow cattle to graze on corn stalks.



USDA: 9% of Corn, 8% of Soybeans Left to Harvest

Less than 10% of both corn and soybeans are left to harvest, according to the USDA NASS weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.  

Corn harvest moved ahead 9 percentage points last week to reach 91% complete as of Sunday, Nov. 8, 11 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 80%.  Meanwhile, soybean harvest moved ahead 5 percentage points to reach 92% complete as of Sunday, 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 90%.

Winter wheat planting also inched ahead last week, gaining another 4 percentage points to reach 93% as of Sunday. That is 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 91%. An estimated 79% of winter wheat had emerged, 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 78%.  The condition of the winter wheat crop was estimated at 45% good to excellent, up 2 percentage points from 43% the previous week but still below 54% at the same time a year ago.

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Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Soybean Board launch Soybean Management Virtual Field Days

The 2020 Soybean Management Field Days moved online for the first time ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Growers can view Soybean Management Field Days presentations or listen to the podcasts presented by Nebraska Extension specialists and educators at enrec.unl.edu/2020soydays.

For over 20 years, Soybean Management Field Days have helped soybean growers maximize productivity and profitability through smart decisions and efficient use of resources. The field days have helped growers stay competitive in the global marketplace and increase profits with a focus on meeting the world’s growing food and energy needs right here in Nebraska.

Active research continued at the Soybean Management Field Days locations throughout the 2020 growing season. The virtual presentations provide an outlet for sharing information and updates from the sites with growers. An added benefit is that growers can view or listen to the presentations whenever and wherever it is convenient for them.

“Our annual Soybean Management Field Days may have been impacted by the global pandemic, but we still brought our producers the trusted and reliable research-based information to their devices,” said Scott Ritzman, executive director of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “The video presentations bring insightful and useful information that producers are accustomed to hearing from Nebraska Extension every August. We look forward to having in-person Soybean Management Field Days in 2021.”

Research was conducted at the following farms:
    Jerome Fritz Farm at Hildreth, NE
    Kevin Dinslage Farm at Elgin, NE
    Bart and Geoff Ruth Farm at Shelby, NE
    Mike Fuchs Farm at Arlington, NE

“Growers can obtain ideas and insight about the challenges they face in producing a quality crop at a profitable price in today’s global economy,” said Keith Glewen, Nebraska Extension educator.  “Nebraska Extension specialists and educators share information that growers can view or listen to via short modules online at a time that is convenient to them.”

There is also the opportunity to enter a prize drawing by completing short surveys after viewing the presentations. Participant input from surveys is always important in planning future programs. Farmers can complete surveys for a chance to win the grand prize - a Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler and $200 worth of local Nebraska pork. There will also be a drawing for Carhart jackets and High Oleic soy grease. Winners will be announced during the virtual Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo online on December 17 (enrec.unl.edu/nebraskasoyexpo).

The field days are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board in partnership with Nebraska Extension in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and are funded through soybean checkoff dollars. The efforts of the checkoff are directed by the United Soybean Board promoting progress powered by U.S. farmers.

Contact the Nebraska Soybean Board at (402) 441-3240 or Nebraska Extension at 1-800-529-8030 for more information.



PVC November Meeting Cancelled
Brandon Groteluschen, Platte Valley Cattlemen President
 
Thank you for your continued support of Platte County Cattlemen. Without that support, we would not be where we are today.  That being said, however, we believe it is in the best interest of all to cancel our November Cattlemen meeting due to the increases of Covid 19 numbers.  It is our wish that you and your families remain healthy and well.



SOIL TEST RESULTS: BRAY AND MEHLICH PHOSPORUS
– Megan Taylor, NE Extension Educator, Platte County

So you pulled some soil cores and now you have the results in your hand, now what?

On your soil test results you will want to check out pH, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur. Today we will focus on phosphorus recommendations, specifically looking at Bray-1 and Mehlich-3 test results.

Phosphorus has three tests that can be completed to test soil P levels: Bray-1, Olson, and Mehlich-3 are the most widely used. These are measured in parts per million (ppm) and recommendations are dependent on dryland and irrigated fields. Values will differ between Bray-1/Mehlich-3 and Olson test results, so carefully look at your soil test before making fertilizer purchases.  If your soil tests range from 25 or greater for Bray-1/Mehlich-3, you do not need to add any phosphorus for irrigated and dryland.
    0-5 apply 60 lbs. P2O5/acre for irrigated or 40 lbs. P2O5/acre dryland.
    6-15 apply 40 lbs. P2O5/acre for irrigated or 30 lbs. P2O5/acre for dryland.
    16-25 apply 30 lbs. P2O5/acre for irrigated or 20 lbs. P2O5/acre for dryland.

These values can be found online on the CropWatch website under the alfalfa section and include the values for the Olson test as well. Also depending on your fertilization schedule, you can plan to apply phosphorus in two year increments for dryland fields; take the single year recommendations and double to calculate the two year needs.

Remember if you are still wanting to pull soil cores sample at 8 inches or historic depth. Collect samples by grid, soil type, or representative area (40 acres or less). Then pull 10 to 15 random soil cores and combine in a plastic bucket to represent one soil sample. Take about a pint of soil and submit to an accredited lab.



Do You Know the Difference Between 9% and 7% Crude Protein Hay?
Hannah Greenwell – Extension Educator, BRK

When feeding harvested forages to the cow herd, you need to know what you have in order to know what to feed. This is vital when faced with some of the challenges we have seen in the past couple years such as flood, excessively cold and harsh winters, and drought. Over-feeding spends money unnecessarily and can deteriorate your bottom line. Underfeeding results in thin cows, which can lead to calving issues and disappointing conception rates.

What is the difference between hay that tests 9% crude protein (CP) on a dry matter (DM) basis versus hay that tests 7%? The easy answer is 2%, but what is the difference between these two hays when it comes to meeting cow requirements? A 1,300 lb, spring-calving cow in the second trimester (fall/early winter) requires 1.6 lb of CP as a portion of her dry matter intake. If all the factors were in your favor putting up hay this year and it tests at 9% CP, divide 1.6 lb of required CP by .09 (percent CP in your hay) requiring the cow to consume 17.8 lb DM of that hay to meet her protein demand.

If hay did not test as well, with the 7% CP hay, the calculation comes out to the cow consuming 22.9 lb DM to meet her protein demand. 

That 5-lb difference on an individual animal level is not overwhelming, but when multiplied by the Nebraska average herd size of 94, that is a daily difference of 470 lb of DM (522 lb as-fed) for the herd. Extrapolate further to a producer with 300 cows. That producer would have to feed 1,500 lb DM (1,666 lb as-fed) more of the 7% CP hay each day. Just that 2% CP difference equals more than an entire bale each day. Or, examining it on a protein provided basis, you shorted that herd by 30 lb of protein, which is the equivalent of 19 cow’s daily protein requirements.  

If the hay is the next step lower quality, say 5% CP (DM basis), the question becomes can that 1,300 lb cow physically consume enough hay to meet her requirements?  Calculations come out to 32 lb DM intake, or 36 lbs as-fed. 

36 lb of as-fed intake is the equivalent of 2.77% of BW on a 1,300 lb cow just to meet the CP requirement. Given the likely digestibility associated with 5% CP hay, she cannot physically consume enough dry hay to meet her daily nutrient requirements. Therefore, a supplementation strategy should be established before using that lower quality hay.

Based on USDA reports, Nebraska grass hay price for Fair Quality (5-9% CP) large rounds is $82/ton. The 2% CP difference for the 300-cow herd amounts to a $68.31 difference each day, or $2,050 a month. It only takes an $18 forage sample to tell you what you have, so you know what to feed. Truly, the answer to whether you know the difference between 7% CP hay and 9% CP hay is, “yes, I got my forages tested”.



More than 200 Small Meat and Poultry Processors Awarded CARES Act Funds to Grow their Businesses

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that more than 200 local meat and poultry processors have been awarded Meat Processing and Expansion grants through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. These small businesses can use the funds to purchase or upgrade equipment, develop a direct-to-consumer sales strategy, or participate in food safety certification training. These grants are possible thanks to $4 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding allocated by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

“The demand at local meat processors skyrocketed after COVID-19 caused disruptions in the food supply chain. These businesses extended their hours and added shifts to help local farmers but many of them are still running at capacity,” said Secretary Naig. “The CARES Act funds will help these processors expand their operations to serve more producers in their communities, and give them opportunities to explore new markets for their products.”
Business Improvement Grants

One hundred and nine meat and poultry processors will receive grants to purchase or upgrade their equipment. These improvements must allow the facility to increase its processing capacity to accommodate the increased demands brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, these upgrades may help a custom-exempt processing plant prepare to become an official plant, or help an official plant make the upgrades necessary to qualify for the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program.
Direct Marketing Grant

Eighty-five Iowa livestock producers will receive direct marketing grants to produce marketing materials, develop services, or purchase equipment to help transition to a direct-to-consumer sales strategy. This may include developing an online sales platform or an alternative sales channel. The recipients of this grant must direct-market less than 200 livestock or 2,000 poultry per year.
Tuition Grant

Owners and/or employees of ten state-inspected and licensed meat and poultry establishments have been awarded tuition grants to participate in continuing education programs. The money must be used to enroll in an accredited meat sciences program and may be used for food safety training, like Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification.

A complete list of the Meat Processing and Expansion grant awardees is available at iowaagriculture.gov/grants.



2020 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Underway

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has mailed ballots for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country. To be counted, ballots must be returned to the local FSA county office or postmarked by December 7.

“FSA has over 7,000 county committee members nationwide who serve their communities by providing input on our programs at the local level,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “We value their knowledge and judgment as decisions are made about the services we provide, including disaster and safety-net programs.”

Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office, and at least one seat is up for election each year. Newly elected committee members will take office January 1, 2021. County committee members help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, and emergency programs and eligibility.

Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation(s) but may not have applied or received FSA program benefits. Also, producers who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, may be eligible to vote.

Producers can find out if their local administrative area is up for election and if they are eligible to vote by contacting their local FSA county office. Eligible voters who did not receive a ballot in the mail can request one from their local FSA county office. Visit fsa.usda.gov/elections for more information.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers in the office, by phone and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.



New Study Highlights the Value of Corn in the Pet Food Industry

There are many benefits to including corn in your pet’s diet, but have you ever wondered about the benefits that your cat or dog brings to the corn industry? Fortunately, there is a new, comprehensive study available aimed at unpacking the $30 billion U.S. retail pet food industry, thanks to the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), the Pet Food Institute and the North American Renderers Association.

The study found that corn and corn gluten meal are the top two most used plant-based ingredients in pet food products. Corn is the dominant plant-based carbohydrate at 1,283,674 tons, and corn gluten meal is the dominant plant-based protein ingredient at 476,649 tons used on an annual basis. Thanks to Fido and Fluffy, the corn industry moved 1,958,061 tons of product, valued at a total of $438 million.

“Farmers and farm-product processors sell $6.9 billion worth of products to pet food manufacturers every year that are used as ingredients. Sales made by farmers and processors of farm products to pet food manufacturers stimulates further upstream economic activity, leading to the purchase of $5.3 billion of materials and services from farm suppliers providing necessary inputs such as seed, fertilizer, fuel, labor, machinery and repairs to produce high-quality products that are used as pet food ingredients,” cites the report.

Founded in 2009 by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), IFEEDER supports critical education and research initiatives that assure consumers a safe, healthy and sustainable food supply. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) partners with IFEEDER and the AFIA on research projects as well as feed and food industry efforts, such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ petition on Corn Gluten Meal and the current partnership on the U.S. Roundtable on Sustainable Beef Feed Task Force.

“This first-of-its-kind research shows that there are nearly 550 diverse ingredients used in U.S. pets’ diets to provide complete and balanced nutrition at price points that fit shoppers’ budgets,” said Robert Cooper, IFEEDER’s executive director. “Collaborations on research like the pet food study allow us to leverage our resources and share information that helps allied organizations, like the National Corn Growers Association, amplify its outreach with decision-makers and consumer influencers, so they are more informed about how important commodities, such as corn, are in producing safe and nutritious food for both humans and their four-legged companions.”



Coalition Asks Lawmakers to Intervene in GPS-related FCC Ruling

The American Farm Bureau Federation and dozens of other organizations representing a broad range of industries is calling on lawmakers to help protect the satellite communications and GPS services that tens of millions of Americans rely on.

This spring, the Federal Communications Commission granted a petition filed by Ligado to provide 5G services. Ligado’s planned use of its spectrum is so near bands used by GPS, it could diminish the reception capability of GPS devices. This is a major problem for farmers and ranchers, who rely on precision agriculture technology and GPS so their farms and ranches can be more efficient, economical and environmentally responsible.

It would also put at risk GPS services used by the military and other national defense agencies, aviation safety agencies, mapping applications and many others.

“The proposed Ligado network would disrupt the reliability of satellite communications services and the many critical applications that rely upon GPS, which has direct implications for safety-of-life in commercial aviation operations, precision farming and irrigation management that have revolutionized the agriculture economy, autonomous ground and air vehicles that will bring a new generation of transportation, precise and actionable weather data that can predict hurricanes and other life-threatening natural events, and many other applications,” the groups said in a letter to Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair and ranking member, respectively, of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

The groups are asking the lawmakers to work with the FCC to set aside the flawed Ligado order in favor of a process that is responsive to the concerns of the incredibly broad cross-section of L-band operators and users.

The 60-plus organizations that signed the letter represent the aviation, aerospace, agriculture, GPS, ground transportation, mapping, marine, metrological, public safety, satellite communications and surveying industries and professions.



Land Use, Land Value & Tenure Update
USDA Economic Research Service

As part of its research program on the economics of land resources, ERS compiles data and conducts statistical analysis on a variety of topics concerning agricultural land use, land values, and land ownership and tenure. The Major Land Uses project, maintained by ERS since 1945, is the most comprehensive accounting of all major uses of public and private land in the United States. ERS also conducts foundational analyses on various aspects of U.S. farmland ownership, including landlords, tenants, rental markets, acquisition patterns, and transfer plans—using data from the ERS/National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2014 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) survey, the Census of Agriculture, and other sources. Recent research on the drivers of farmland values utilizes several data sources, including the NASS June Area Survey. Various stakeholders—including policymakers, academics, and the broader rural community—rely on ERS researchers to conduct peer-reviewed national and regional studies concerning the farmland economy.

Agricultural production is a major use of land, accounting for roughly 52 percent of the U.S. land base.  Land use and land-use changes have important economic and environmental implications for commodity production and trade, open space, soil and water conservation, air quality and atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, and other areas of policy relevance.

With a value of $2.55 trillion in 2019, the value of farm real estate (land and structures) accounted for over 80 percent of the total value of U.S. farm sector total assets.  Because real estate comprises such a significant portion of the balance sheet of U.S. farms, farmland and real estate values are critical barometers of the farm sector's financial performance. Changes in farmland values also affect the financial well-being of agricultural producers because farm real estate is the largest single component in a typical farmer's investment portfolio and it serves as the principal source of collateral for farm loans.

Broadly speaking, farmland ownership patterns identify the extent to which farmland is owned by farm operators and non-operators (landowners who do not themselves actively participate in a farm operation) who own land for investment or other purposes. About 40 percent of U.S. farmland has been rented over the last 25 years. Non-operator landlords owned 31 percent of land in farms in 2014, making up 80 percent of land operated by tenant farmers.

See the summary report here, along with links to more data:  https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/land-use-land-value-tenure/.  



EPA, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Enter into First-Time MOU to Advance Engagement with Agriculture Community
 
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a first-time Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy (Innovation Center), furthering the Trump Administration’s focus on engaging with agriculture communities to support better environmental outcomes.

“The EPA is proud of the work it’s done to rebuild relationships with the agricultural community during the Trump Administration, and this MOU will help boost cooperation and environmental outcomes for the U.S. dairy industry,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.  

“The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy is founded on collaboration, and we appreciate EPA’s recognition of U.S. dairy’s leadership toward building an environmentally sustainable and economically viable future for our industry,” said Innovation Center President Barbara O’Brien. “We welcome the voluntary opportunities highlighted in the MOU, and look forward to EPA participation as a member of the Dairy Sustainability Alliance®.”

The MOU between EPA and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy signals a commitment to collaborate and coordinate in areas of mutual interest related to environmental stewardship in the dairy industry. Highlights in the MOU include:
    Outreach and education tied to dairy community access to technical, financial and educational support related to adoption of environmentally beneficial practices and technologies across farms of all sizes, regions and designs.
    Contribution of EPA expert input and feedback on Innovation Center initiatives to help advance environmental stewardship.
    EPA membership in the Innovation Center’s Dairy Sustainability Alliance.



NFU Ready to Work with Biden Administration to Strengthen Rural Communities and the Food System

After several days of ballot counting and much anticipation, the Associated Press announced that former Vice President Joe Biden had won the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement in response to the news:
“The last four years haven’t been too kind to family farmers and ranchers. Overproduction, rampant corporate consolidation, trade disputes, and climate change have kept commodity prices stubbornly low, causing farm debt to balloon and farm bankruptcies to proliferate.
 
“On the campaign trail, President-elect Joe Biden has indicated that he intends to address many of the concerns we have expressed over the last several years. He has promised to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement as well as provide farmers and ranchers the tools they need to implement climate-smart practices, both of which are top priorities for Farmers Union members. Additionally, Biden has outlined his commitment to revitalize rural economies, enforce antitrust regulation, strengthen the Affordable Care Act, alleviate racial inequities in agriculture, expand rural broadband, and promote homegrown biofuels. These are all reforms that we as an organization have advocated for many years, and it is encouraging to see them incorporated so prominently into the president-elect’s platform.
 
“The vision that President-elect Biden has for America overlaps, in many respects, with National Farmers Union’s vision. We stand ready to work with his administration to ensure that its policies and programs adequately represent the interests of family farmers and rural communities.”



AFBF Statement on President-Elect Joe Biden’s Victory
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“The American Farm Bureau Federation congratulates President-elect Biden on his election, as well as the representatives and senators elected to serve in the 117th Congress.

“President-elect Biden will be presented with opportunities to improve the lives of rural Americans and this nation’s farmers and ranchers, who are facing challenges never experienced in this country’s history. A global pandemic, trade disputes and severe weather have converged to take a mighty toll on agriculture and beyond, impacting families and communities across the United States.

“Unprecedented challenges require courageous leadership and the willingness of all elected leaders to work across the aisle for the good of the nation. Agriculture provides a strong model for that, with a long tradition of aligning behind smart policy, not party lines. We urge all those chosen by the people to use the election to turn the page on partisanship and commit to working together. Show farmers, ranchers and families across America that we will rise to meet the challenges before us together as one nation.

“For agriculture, the priorities include expanding trade and market access so farmers can focus on competing in a fair marketplace. Rural broadband has expanded in recent years, but the time has come to complete the grid and end the crippling disadvantage faced by farms, families and communities without broadband access. The ability of farmers to feed America is directly tied to their ability to attract and hire employees, so we must find a fair solution to the farm labor shortage. We must strengthen the farm bill and build on advancements made toward regulatory reform to remove the barriers to prosperity while protecting resources with which we’re entrusted. We urge President-elect Biden to identify these as priorities.

“In addition, with increasing focus on climate-smart farming, we look forward to building on the great strides agriculture has made in reducing per-unit emissions and caring for the land, water and air -- all while feeding a growing population. Our journey of continuous improvement requires collaboration with the Administration and Congress to expand research that unleashes innovation, build on conservation partnerships, and help producers navigate the field of developing ecosystem markets, ensuring they remain voluntary and market based.

“President-elect Biden’s term and a new Congress begin a new chapter in America’s story. Agriculture has been part of that story since the very first chapter, and we stand ready to work with our elected leaders to ensure farmers and ranchers regain their footing so they can help make America stronger and more prosperous.”



NMPF Congratulates President-Elect Biden and Incoming Congress

The National Milk Producers Federation congratulated President-elect Joe Biden and members of the upcoming 117th Congress for their election victories, pledging to work for bipartisan solutions to the many challenges faced in agriculture and in the nation.

“Congratulations to President-elect Biden and the incoming members of the 117th Congress, who will have a lot of work to do in this country, from legislating to building common ground,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “Dairy is ready to do its part and work with the administration and Congress to face difficult problems successfully, in the bipartisan spirit we have always practiced and believed in.”

NMPF has long been committed to working with both major political parties for sound, consensus-based public policy.



RFA Congratulates President-Elect Biden

The Renewable Fuels Association today congratulated President-Elect Joe Biden on his victory, as projected by the Associated Press and others. The following is a statement from RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper:

“We look forward to working with the Biden administration in the years ahead to ensure a strong and growing market for low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol. During the campaign, Joe Biden repeatedly stressed his support for ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard, which for 15 years has helped lower fuel costs for drivers, reduce dependence on foreign oil, boost the rural economy, and slash harmful emissions. President-Elect Biden understands that renewable fuels can play an instrumental role in our nation’s effort to decarbonize transportation fuels, and he also knows just how important a strong ethanol industry is to our nation’s farmers, rural communities, and consumers. We are committed to collaborating with the Biden administration on the many opportunities that lie ahead for renewable fuels.”



Growth Energy Statement on Biden-Harris Victory

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement on the 2020 election results:

“Growth Energy extends its congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their victory.

“President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris campaigned and won on a promise to promote ethanol and other biofuels, and we look forward to working with the new administration to restore strength to the rural economy and protect the climate.

“Leading up to this election, we worked tirelessly to ensure that all candidates understood ethanol’s critical role in decarbonizing the transportation sector as well as rebuilding America’s agricultural supply chain.

“Biofuels are the most affordable and effective solution available now, and the new administration must harness those environmental and economic benefits by strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard, accelerating innovations in climate-friendly farming, and promoting low-carbon transportation strategies at home and abroad.”