Friday December 11 Ag News

Nebraska Cattlemen Adopts Policy During 2020 Annual Convention

On Thursday, December 3rd Nebraska Cattlemen held their annual convention committee meetings virtually. Policy committee meetings are held twice a year to develop and adopt policy which guides leadership and staff on legislative and regulatory issues brought forth on the State and National level. This year, numerous actions were taken on policies across the six committees, including adopting interim policy and writing new policy.

The Animal Health and Nutrition committee adopted interim policy that supports efforts to aid all producers in developing a secure beef supply plan for their business. The committee also approved a new policy that would allow for veterinary clients a 60-day grace period on their veterinary client patient relationship in the event of retirement, revocation of a license or death of a veterinarian.

In the Brand and Property Rights committee, interim policy was adopted based on comprehensive work completed by the Brand Subcommittee late last year. The adopted policy states that NC supports maintaining the Nebraska Brand Committee and the continued use of cattle brands, as well as other identifiers in the proof of ownership for title transfer.

The NC Marketing and Commerce committee affirmed interim policy regarding competitive fed cattle markets, Livestock Mandatory Reporting, and market competitiveness. Additionally, the committee discussed and adopted new policy that charges NC leaders and staff to aggressively pursue legislation and/or programs to expand access to quality high speed internet for members in under-served parts of the state.

In the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, members discussed and adopted new policy calling for NC to support future legislation and policies that coordinate stakeholders to create, protect, maintain, and manage water resources infrastructure in the state of Nebraska. Additionally, this newly adopted policy supports adequate funding for water resources infrastructure projects that improve drainage and flood control.

Each year Nebraska Cattlemen Leadership and staff rely on the help of all members to renew and develop policy to better ensure their future in the industry. Member engagement on policy is key to guiding the organization through the coming year.



Extension webinar to cover updates to farm programs and ag policy outlook

Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Farm Service Agency will present a webinar covering farm program updates and ag policy outlook for the coming year on Thursday at noon.

As the calendar turns to 2021, agricultural producers and professionals are preparing for a new administration in Washington, new leadership on congressional agricultural committees and new directions for farm policy and farm program decisions. The webinar will update farm program information and highlight new decisions for producers in 2021. It will also focus on several key policy issues in light of the changing policy landscape and their implications for agriculture.

The signup period for Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2021 crop year is open through March 15, and producers are encouraged to begin working with their USDA county FSA office.

The webinar will be presented by Cathy Anderson, production and compliance programs chief with Nebraska FSA, and Brad Lubben, associate professor and extension policy specialist with the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics.

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

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



I-29 Moo University Virtual Workshop to Focus on Dairy Sustainability

Dairy producers and the industry are invited to the I-29 MOO University Virtual Winter Workshop in partnership with Midwest Dairy and state trade associations, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This workshop will focus on the Net Zero Initiative and what the impact will be for dairy producers. Attendees will gain knowledge through a hands-on virtual experience of how sustainability practices are being implemented on dairy farms and within dairy processing plants.

The agenda includes:
    10 a.m. CST – Keynote: “Why Net Zero? Why Should Producers Care? Why Consumers Care about it? What it means to Producers and Industry”; Jim Wallace, senior vice president – Environmental Research at Dairy Management Inc. and invited speaker: Krysta Harden, executive vice president of Global Environmental Strategy at Dairy Management Inc. and chief operating officer at the U.S. Dairy Export Council.
    10:45 a.m. – Three Virtual Sustainability Sessions – Interact with these presenters and learn how sustainability practices have been implemented on farm and in the industry.

Cover Crops: Cinnamon Ridge Farms - Donahue, Iowa. This fifth generation farm was awarded the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management for Dairy Farms. They work to assure their customers that the milk and beef produced meets very high standards for sustainability and animal care. They milk Jersey cows using robots, and raise beef cattle, pigs and chickens. They also produce corn, soybeans and winter wheat, while incorporating cover crops. Milk produced on the farm is processed into cheese on the farm.Moo University.

Dairy Production Technology: Rosy-Lane Holsteins – Watertown, Wisconsin.  U.S. Dairy Sustainability 2020 Award Winner. Healthy cows and a healthy planet go hand-in-hand at Wisconsin’s Rosy-Lane Holsteins dairy. The emphasis on cow health started with incorporating cattle genetic technologies, breeding cows that live longer and are less susceptible to disease and illness. Genetics has helped the farm produce 1.7 pounds of milk for every 1 pound of feed for the milking herd. The average U.S. dairy attains 1.5. Their higher average equates to 70 more semi-tankers of milk/year using the same inputs.

Dairy Processing Technology: Leprino Foods, Greely, Colorado, is also a U.S. Dairy Sustainability 2020 Award Winner. This dairy plant exemplifies environmental sustainability with a replicable process that ensures no precious resource isn’t maximized. Built on an abandoned sugar-processing factory’s site, it relies on a combined heat and power system with electricity from two natural gas turbines — meeting about 75% of the plant’s power needs. The plant also employed technology that uses water from milk during the cheesemaking process to clean the facility, reducing the need for fresh water. Further, that recycled water goes through treatment that results in feedstock for the plant’s anaerobic digester — which in turn creates renewable biogas. This and more adds up to $4.5 million in estimated annual energy cost savings from onsite natural gas turbines after a five-year payback.

This portion of the program will conclude at 12:20, followed by a Virtual Lunch starting at 12:30 p.m. The Midwest Dairy and State Dairy Association will provide updates within their individual state breakout rooms (MN, SD, IA, NE, ND), concluding by 1:30 p.m.

There is no registration fee, but pre-registration is required by Jan. 11. To register or view the full agenda, visit https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/i-29-moo-university-virtual-winter-workshop or visit the I-29 Moo University website.  A registration link can also be requested from Kim Clark at kimclark@unl.edu, Tracey Erickson at Tracey.Erickson@sdstate.edu or Jennifer Bentley at jbentley@iastate.edu.



Commercial Manure Applicator Training Scheduled for Jan. 7, 2021

Commercial manure applicators can attend annual training to meet commercial manure applicator certification requirements on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021.  Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct Commercial Manure Applicator training from 9 a.m. to noon at 71 locations in Iowa and one in Minnesota. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. There is no fee for the workshop. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, pre-registration is required. No walk-ins allowed. Applicators must register by Dec. 28 with the ISU Extension and Outreach county office where they plan to attend. A complete list of workshop locations can be found at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/immag/commercial-manure-applicators.

Commercial manure applicators needing to recertify and those wanting to certify for the first time should attend. All currently certified commercial manure applicator licenses will expire on March 1, 2021. Those wanting to renew must complete training requirements and submit forms and fees to the DNR prior to March 1, to avoid paying late fees. The law requires all commercial manure applicators to attend three hours of training annually to meet certification requirements. Businesses that primarily truck or haul manure of any type or from any source are also required to meet certification requirements.commercial manure application.

Those unable to attend the program on Jan. 7 need to schedule time with their ISU Extension and Outreach county office to watch the training Blu-rays. Due to scheduling conflicts, many extension offices will no longer accept walk-in appointments to watch these Blu-rays but do offer scheduled dates and times to provide this training.

If you can’t attend training during one of the scheduled reshow dates at your county extension office, you will be charged a $10 fee to view the training at your convenience. If attending the workshops or watching the three-hour Blu-rays is not convenient, commercial applicators may contact their local DNR field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam. Another option for commercial manure applicators is to take their training online at DNR MAC eLearning site at https://elearning-dnr.iowa.gov/. The applicator will need to sign-in and get an A&A account.

In addition to the commercial manure applicator training offered on Jan. 7, ISU Extension and Outreach will also offer six dry/solid manure workshops for commercial manure applicators in February 2021. Information regarding these workshops and locations is also contained in the link to the brochure listed above.

Program requirements are the same as the regular commercial training program, but this training program is geared more toward dry/solid manure issues.

For more information about the commercial manure applicator certification program, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.



Confinement Site Manure Applicator Workshops Scheduled for 2021

Confinement site manure applicators and anyone interested in learning about manure issues should plan to attend a two-hour workshop offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in January or February 2021. These workshops are offered in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, registration is required. No walk-ins allowed. There is no fee to attend the workshops, but applicators will need to pay certification fees to complete certification requirements.

“Iowa law requires confinement site manure applicators to attend two hours of continuing education each year of their three-year certification period or take and pass an exam once every three years,” said Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State University and coordinator of the manure applicator certification program.manure application equipment.

A total of 64 counties will participate in the confinement site manure applicator workshops. In addition, a series of six dry/solid manure applicator certification meetings will be held in February.  These meetings are tailored toward dry/solid manure for either Commercial or Confinement Site manure applicators. ISU Extension and Outreach county offices have a complete list of workshop dates and locations, or view a list online.

The workshops serve as initial certification for those applicators who are not currently certified, recertification for those renewing licenses and continuing education for those applicators in their second or third year of their license.

Due to uniform certification deadlines, applicators are encouraged to attend workshops prior to March 1 to avoid being assessed a late fee of $12.50 for those who are re-certifying. Those unable to attend one of the workshops need to schedule time with their ISU Extension and Outreach county office to watch the training video. Due to scheduling conflicts, extension offices will no longer accept walk-in appointments to watch these videos but do offer scheduled dates and times to provide this training. If you can’t attend training during one of the scheduled reshow dates at your county extension office, you will be charged a $10 fee to view the training at your convenience.

If attending the workshops or watching the two-hour training video is not convenient, confinement site manure applicators may contact their local DNR field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam to meet certification requirements.

Applicators also have another option, online certification, through which an applicator can take their training online at DNR MAC eLearning site at https://elearning-dnr.iowa.gov/. The applicator will need to sign-in and get an A&A account.

Contact your ISU Extension county office for more information about the Manure Applicator Certification Program or visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/immag/confinement-site-applicators.  



Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops Offered by Extension

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will offer manure applicator certification workshops for dry/solid manure operators on six different dates and locations in February. These workshops meet manure applicator certification requirements for both confinement site manure applicators and commercial manure applicators who primarily apply dry or solid manure.

“The information in this workshop will benefit not only those needing certification, but anyone using dry or solid sources of manure as a nutrient resource,” said Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State University and coordinator of the manure applicator certification program.

Sessions
    Feb. 15, ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County, Washington. Call 319-653-4811.
    Feb. 16, Wright County, Dows Community Center, Dows. Call 515-532-3453.
    Feb. 17, ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County, Orange City. Call 712-737-4230.
    Feb. 18, ISU Extension and Outreach Buena Vista County, AEA Office, Storm Lake. Call 712-732-5056.
    Feb. 19, Hamilton County, Kamrar Lions Community Building, Kamrar. Call 515-832-9597.
    Feb. 22, Adair County, 4H/FFA Center, Greenfield. Call 641-743-8412.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, pre-registration is required. No walk-ins are allowed. Register for one of the workshops by calling the number listed with the selected site. All workshops begin at 1 p.m.

The workshops are free to attend and open to all. Applicators will be required to submit certification forms and fees to the Iowa DNR to meet manure applicator certification requirements.



IFBF launches public voting to narrow 'Grow Your Future' Award finalists

While Iowa’s family farms are rooted in the tradition of growing grain and raising livestock, many of today’s young farmers are also looking for innovative ways to step into agriculture or build upon their current operation with new products or experiences. To support and promote these young entrepreneurs, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has launched its second annual Grow Your Future Award with 10 selected semi-finalists competing for cash prizes to expand their ag businesses.

From Dec. 8-17, the public can learn more about and help narrow these 10 finalists to six remaining competitors by voting for their favorite business at https://iowafarmbureau.wishpondpages.com/iowa-farm-bureau-s-grow-your-future-award-top-10/:
    Josie Cable provides horse training, boarding services and confidence-building for youth through riding lessons with her business, Josie’s Riding Experience LLC, in Pottawattamie County.
    Brennen Triplett, owner of O’Brien County Ag Supply, offers animal feed, corn and seed beans, fertilizers, chemicals and agronomy assistance to farming customers.
    Amanda Severson manages Grand View Beef, a 100-year-old farm in Wright County raising 100% grass-fed beef with a focus on low-stress animal handling.
    Tanner Sanness raises gourmet mushrooms, organic vegetables and pasture-raised animals on Reconnected Farms located in Allamakee County.
    Shamane Pesek of Delaware County raises fresh flowers grown in Iowa soils and sells direct to consumers through Over the Moon Farm and Flowers.
    Jacob Van Manen of Van Manen Sweet Corn and Fresh Produce in Jasper County specializes in sweet corn but also has expanded his business to sell melons and tomatoes.
    James Holz and Bill Frederick of Greene County run Iowa Cover Crop, a full-service cover crop business offering everything from consultation to seed application.
    Danielle Youngblut owns and operates Gravel Road Sunflowers, a “u-pick” farm located in Story County, which allows visitors to hand select single flowers or their own bouquet.
    Ray Schmidt of Story County uses his business, Farm Story Meats, to bring high-quality meat sourced from Iowa farms direct to consumers while also sharing each farm’s unique story.
    Julie Wanders manages Mahaska County’s Wanders Farms LLC which offers corn-finished Black Angus beef, hogs and meat “bundles” direct to consumers.  

“Innovation and entrepreneurship are at the heart of Iowa’s farm country, and these young farmers reflect that through the diversity of their businesses,” says Amanda Van Steenwyk, IFBF farm business development manager. “Iowa Farm Bureau is proud to highlight those who seek alternative paths to growing our state’s agricultural heritage, and we hope these entrepreneurs can inspire others to dip their toes in something new.”

After voting has closed, the top six finalists will later participate in a virtual “pitch-off” for a panel of judges. The winners will be announced during the virtual IFBF Young Farmer Conference on Jan. 30. The top prize winner will receive a $7,500 cash prize; 2nd place will receive $5,000; and 3rd place will receive $2,500.



NPPC Supports Tai Nomination as U.S. Trade Representative

President-Elect Joe Biden on Thursday nominated Katherine Tai to be the U.S. Trade Representative. Since 2017, she has been the chief trade counsel for the House Ways and Means Committee and previously served in the Office of the United States Trade Representative as chief counsel for China Trade Enforcement. The following statement may be attributed to National Pork Producers Council President Howard “AV” Roth, a hog farmer from Wauzeka, Wisconsin.

“We congratulate Katherine Tai on her nomination. Her deep trade experience in Congress and the executive branch will serve her well as our next U.S. Trade Representative. Opening new and expanding existing markets for U.S. pork exports–through regional or bilateral trade agreements and initiatives–are vital to the continued success of the U.S. pork industry. As the largest pork-exporting nation, United States trade policy has tremendous ramifications for each of our hog farmers. We look forward to working with her on numerous trade-related issues, including the United States rejoining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a U.S.-UK free trade agreement that removes tariffs and all non-science-based barriers, and expanding access in heavily protected markets such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, India, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Ecuador, the EU and Jamaica.”



USDEC, NMPF and CCFN Praise Nomination of Katherine Tai to be U.S. Trade Representative

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) praised President-elect Biden’s selection of Katherine Tai for nomination as the next United States Trade Representative.   

“With the growing importance of agricultural exports to the financial well-being of America’s dairy farmers, the U.S. Dairy Export Council is excited to welcome President-elect Biden’s nomination of Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative,” said Krysta Harden, Chief Operating Officer of USDEC. “As a central member of the President-elect’s economic team, Ms. Tai will be able to ensure that agricultural exports remain strong and continue to grow, including through strong enforcement of trade agreements.”

“On behalf of America’s dairy producers, the National Milk Producers Federation welcomes the naming of Katherine Tai for the position of U.S. Trade Representative,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF. “With over 15 percent of U.S. milk production being exported each year, new trade agreements and enforcement of current trade agreements are critical for the livelihood of America’s dairy farmers. We hope to see swift action by Congress to confirm Ms. Tai to this critical position and look forward to working closely with her on agriculture and trade policies that benefit America’s dairy farmers.”

“The Consortium for Common Food Names congratulates Ms. Tai on her nomination for the role as the chief trade ambassador for the United States,” said Jaime Castaneda, Executive Director of CCFN. “We are looking forward to working alongside Ms. Tai and the USTR team to ensure the rights of U.S. food producers, retailers and consumers to market and purchase commonly-named products are not further restricted by predatory EU trade practices.”

NMPF, USDEC and CCFN have enjoyed a long history of working with Ms. Tai throughout the course of numerous negotiations including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and U.S.- Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We have been impressed by her strategic insight, dedication and ardent efforts to work on behalf of improved trade policies for U.S. farmers, workers and businesses across the country.



 Soy Growers Appreciate Biden Will Bring Back Vilsack

As the American Soybean Association (ASA) brings on a new slate of soy growers today to oversee the organization in 2021, it applauds news of Tom Vilsack’s nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

ASA’s farmer-leaders would like to welcome back the former two-term Iowa governor who served as Secretary of Agriculture for eight years during the Obama Administration.

“We are thrilled to hear that such a qualified candidate with a solid track record supporting policy and regulatory decisions important to soybean growers is on deck to lead USDA in 2021,” incoming ASA President Kevin Scott said. “Vilsack, who is from a large soybean-producing state, brings significant experience, having led USDA effectively in the past, and will hit the ground running upon his return.”

Scott also pointed to Vilsack’s agriculture knowledge and emphasized his history of advocating for biodiesel and biotechnology, among other soybean farmer concerns.

“In his years as USDA secretary under the Obama Administration, Vilsack was a staunch supporter for renewable fuel initiatives, biotechnology advances, fair trade agreements and preserving the farm safety net,” Scott said. “U.S. soy growers would welcome his support and the opportunity to work with him again.”

ASA, along with other agriculture groups, urges the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Vilsack’s nomination when officially submitted in January and is appreciative of its long history working with USDA.



RFA: Ethanol Industry Needs Support, as COVID-19 Losses Near $4 Billion

With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, state and local governments are taking additional actions to limit travel and promote social distancing. In turn, consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline is rapidly falling again, threatening to derail an already tenuous economic recovery in the ethanol industry. Through November, U.S. ethanol producers had already lost $3.8 billion since the start of the pandemic, according to a new analysis released today by the Renewable Fuels Association. In response to reduced travel and lower fuel demand, ethanol producers slashed production by 2 billion gallons between March and November, and cuts are expected to continue for months to come.

In the first week of December, consumption of both gasoline and ethanol fell to their lowest points since May, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.

“As Congress debates another COVID-19 relief package, we implore policymakers to consider the devastating economic impact the pandemic has had on renewable fuel producers,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Our new analysis provides an in-depth look at how rural communities have suffered. The decrease in ethanol production has idled or permanently closed plants across the heartland and caused job losses in rural communities where good employment is often hard to find. As an industry deemed critical and essential to America, we call on Congress to act swiftly to provide some targeted relief to our nation’s renewable fuels industry.”

Cooper pointed out that U.S. ethanol plants are also playing a crucial role in combatting the pandemic by producing high-purity alcohol for hand sanitizer and other disinfectants, as well as capturing the CO2 needed to make the dry ice required for distributing COVID-19 vaccines. “But ethanol plants can’t help in the fight against COVID if they can’t keep their doors open,” Cooper warned.

According to RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman, who authored the white paper, the 2-billion-gallon cut in ethanol production meant a significant 700-million-bushel decline in the use of corn for ethanol. He stressed that while this report looks at a one time period, the effects of the pandemic will continue for a long time to come.

“Gasoline and ethanol consumption are still substantially below pre-pandemic levels, and it is likely that this will persist for a number of months,” Richman wrote. “Moreover, the winter is typically a time when ethanol prices are weak, and the decline in demand has already started to intensify pressure on industry margins. As a result, the economic impact on the ethanol industry and, in turn, the agriculture sector is likely to deepen in the coming months.”