Thursday December 10 Ag News

NeFB on Tom Vilsack Appointment to Secretary of Agriculture
Mark McHargue, President

“We would like to congratulate Tom Vilsack for again taking up the leadership of the United States Department of Agriculture. As agriculture’s highest-ranking ambassador within the federal government, the Secretary of Agriculture is a vital position whose decisions affect the everyday lives of farm and ranch families across our great nation. While there are many tough policy issues facing agriculture, we have always appreciated how Secretary Vilsack approached issues with both honesty and integrity. Nebraska Farm Bureau had a strong working relationship with him and his team for eight years, and we hope to continue that relationship in the years ahead.”



Rural America needs to be supported by new USDA leadership

Today, Thursday, Dec. 10, former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack was nominated to be the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kayla Bergman, policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs, says the new administration needs to take strong stances in support of rural America.

“For almost 50 years, the Center for Rural Affairs has been a leading force in standing up for the family farmer and rancher, small business owner, and rural communities,” she said. “We look forward to working with Gov. Vilsack; President-Elect Joe Biden; and the new USDA leadership as they work for and with rural Americans.”

Bergman says increased support is needed for rural communities that are struggling economically, and USDA can make an impact through its wide diversity of programs, specifically:
    Strong financial and administrative support for the Conservation Stewardship Program, USDA’s leading working lands conservation program.
    Supporting rural entrepreneurship and rural microenterprises, and enacting policies that level the playing field for beginning, small, and mid-sized farmers.
    Working with rural Americans to incentivize and support implementation of climate-smart agriculture and expansion of renewable energy.
    Engaging with small meat processors, and working to address significant processing bottlenecks that are preventing many small livestock producers from being able to sell their meat.

“We believe the Center for Rural Affairs and the new administration have the same goal in mind: establish genuine opportunity for all in rural communities, leading to a bright and vibrant future,” Bergman said.

All Cabinet appointees, including Secretary of Agriculture, must be confirmed by the Senate. Vilsack served in the position under President Obama.



ICGA Congratulates Vilsack on Being Nominated to Serve as USDA Secretary

Former Iowa Governor and Iowa native Tom Vilsack has been selected as the nominee to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture under President-elect Biden.

The following is a statement from the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Carl Jardon:
“ICGA congratulates Tom Vilsack on his nomination to serve as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Being an Iowa native, Vilsack understands the significance of rural America and the importance of corn and biofuels. We had great success when Vilsack served as Secretary for eight years under the Obama Administration, and we welcome the opportunity to work with him again in this key role.”



NCGA Statement: Nomination of Tom Vilsack to lead U.S. Department of Agriculture

National Corn Growers Association President John Linder today welcomed the nomination of former Iowa Governor and former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to again serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Linder made the following statement.
 
“The National Corn Growers Association congratulates Secretary Vilsack on his nomination to lead USDA. In his eight years leading the Department during the Obama administration corn farmers appreciated his willingness to listen to the input from growers across the country and his steadfast commitment to agriculture, renewable fuels, our environment and USDA’s food and nutrition programs. He’s been an outspoken advocate for rural America and we look forward to working together again, along with President-elect Biden, to build long-term demand for our product, mitigate the impact of climate change, seek new markets around the globe, and continue to feed and fuel the world.”



NPPC Supports Vilsack Nomination to Head USDA

President-Elect Joe Biden today nominated Tom Vilsack to be the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an agency he led for eight years under the Obama administration. The following statement may be attributed to National Pork Producers Council President Howard “AV” Roth, a hog farmer from Wauzeka, Wisconsin.

“We congratulate Tom Vilsack on his nomination. As both the former governor of Iowa, the top pork-producing state in the country, and the former USDA secretary, he understands how critical a vibrant American farm sector is to the rural and overall U.S. economy, and the importance of keeping consumers supplied with an affordable source of nutritious protein. We look forward to working with him on issues of importance to U.S. pork producers, including expanding exports, strengthening biosecurity at our borders to ensure African swine fever and other foreign animal diseases remain outside the country, and ensuring USDA oversight of gene-edited livestock.”

Vilsack’s nomination will be considered by the U.S. Senate when the chamber convenes in January.



Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack Tapped to Return as USDA Secretary Under Biden Administration

Today President-Elect Joe Biden’s transition team announced former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, a job he held for all eight years of the Obama Administration. In response to this announcement, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“It’ll be great to have an Iowan at the helm of USDA that understands the challenges facing the family farmers who dominate American agriculture. Secretary Vilsack knows first-hand the importance of robust biofuels markets at home and abroad to the economic vitality of the farm economy. He has stood up for the RFS and expanded exports. And Secretary Vilsack has created innovative solutions like the Biofuels Infrastructure Program that really began the growth of E15 availability. We look forward to Sec. Vilsack continuing to push creative solutions, whether it be for growing higher-blend markets, ensuring farmers are rewarded for their ability to sequester carbon in the soil, or in expanding export opportunities.”



NMPF Statement on Nomination of Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary

In response to President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination of Tom Vilsack as Agriculture secretary, National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern offered the following statement:

“Tom Vilsack has dedicated his life to service. While we will miss him as a colleague and friend, all of us in the dairy community who have had the opportunity to work with him over the past four years know his deep passion and commitment to rural America and his understanding of its interdependence with our urban and suburban communities. The challenges that lie ahead are many – from a battered farm economy to climate change, the environment and sustainability, to nutrition and the importance of addressing the nation’s growing food insecurity, as well as the need for better trade policy and expanded markets abroad, and much more. No one is better suited to tackle these challenges than Tom Vilsack.

“We applaud President-elect Biden’s decision, and we look forward to Secretary Vilsack’s next chapter of leadership in American agriculture.”



ACE Congratulates Tom Vilsack for Nomination to Lead USDA

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden nominated Tom Vilsack today to return to his previous position as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, which he held for eight years under President Barack Obama:

“We congratulate Tom Vilsack on his nomination to once again lead USDA and know that he will hit the ground running. Secretary Vilsack was the most effective advocate the biofuels industry had in the Obama administration and we are excited about working with him again, particularly with helping get the RFS back on track, continued infrastructure support for higher ethanol blends, and making sure farmers and biofuel producers are part of the solution to future policies designed to tackle climate change.”



RFA Thanks President-Elect Biden, Congratulates Vilsack on USDA Nomination

Today, President-elect Joe Biden nominated Tom Vilsack to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The following is a statement from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

“Tom Vilsack is an excellent choice to serve in this role. During his last term as secretary, he has shown clearly and continually that he can work effectively with the broad spectrum of interests who have a stake in the wide body of issues under USDA’s portfolio, including renewable fuels. We are especially happy to have someone in the Biden administration who intimately understands the crucial role renewable fuels and agriculture can play in confronting climate change. We thank the president-elect and look forward to working once again with the new secretary once he takes office.”



Growth Energy Congratulates Vilsack on Nomination to Lead USDA

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden nominated former United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to once again lead the department:

“We congratulate Mr. Vilsack and are pleased that the Biden transition team has chosen such a steadfast champion of rural America to lead USDA.

“After years of public and private service to the agriculture community, Vilsack is intimately familiar with the benefits biofuels present for reaching a net-zero carbon future and the economic vitality the industry provides to rural America. He has been a tireless champion of the biofuels industry over his career and his advocacy has been crucial, including most recently during the Iowa caucuses, where we were proud to have had him join Growth Energy on tours with the president-elect and other candidates at our member plants.

“We are looking forward to working with the incoming administration and Mr. Vilsack to build on the success of biofuels as a solution to our climate goals, providing American drivers access to a cleaner fuel option, and supporting rural economies.”



NACD CONGRATULATES SEC. VILSACK ON USDA NOMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT

Today, National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) President Tim Palmer and President-elect Michael Crowder offered their congratulations to Secretary Tom Vilsack after President-elect Joe Biden announced that he will nominate Vilsack to serve as Secretary of Agriculture in the Biden Administration.

“On behalf of America’s 3,000 conservation districts and the more than 17,000 district officials who serve on their governing boards, we congratulate Secretary Vilsack on this nomination,” Palmer and Crowder said.

Secretary Vilsack formerly served as Agriculture Secretary from January 2009 to January 2017 under the Obama Administration, heading the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Secretary Vilsack has a proven track record of championing conservation at USDA and working with conservation districts in every part of the country,” Palmer and Crowder said. “NACD looks forward to again working with him and his staff in the incoming administration to further voluntary, locally-led conservation.”

Secretary Vilsack’s confirmation hearing has not yet been publicly scheduled.



Meat Institute Issues Statement on Biden Selection of Tom Vilsack to be Secretary of Ag

Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the North American Meat Institute, today issued the following statement on President-Elect Joe Biden’s selection of former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to resume the role of Secretary of Agriculture in the new Biden Administration:

"Secretary Vilsack brings experience and leadership to the Department of Agriculture at a critical time when the meat and poultry industry works to put food on American’s tables and to keep the farm economy working in a pandemic. We look forward to working closely with Secretary Vilsack in his new role to ensure our industry remains a valuable partner to livestock producers, an efficient supplier to consumers and competitive in the international marketplace.”



Meat Institute Applauds Biden’s Choice for U.S. Trade Representative, Katherine Tai

The Meat Institute supports President-elect Joe Biden’s decision to nominate Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

Tai, who would become the first Asian American to hold the role of USTR, speaks fluent mandarin and has past experience as a China enforcement head with the USTR. Her expertise could be crucial to resolving trade disputes with China and ensuring the country upholds its commitments in the Phase One Agreement. Tai also impressed lawmakers with her handling of negotiations in Congress for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

“Tai has distinguished herself as a skilled negotiator and the Meat Institute stands ready to work with her on trade priorities impacting the U.S. meat and poultry industry,” Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said.

Tai’s career at USTR began in 2007 as an associate general counsel. In 2014, she was named chief counsel for China trade enforcement, overseeing disputes between Washington and Beijing at the World Trade Organization. She left that role in 2014 to join House Ways and Means staff and in 2017 was named chief trade lawyer for Chair Richard Neal (D-MA).

Tai will be instrumental in deciding whether to lift hundreds of billions of dollars worth of tariffs on China and allies in the European Union. She’ll also decide whether to continue trade talks with the U.K. and Kenya, which were started by President Trump’s USTR, Robert Lighthizer.

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Cattle Markets, E-connectivity, Economic Development, and Tax Reform Headline Nebraska Farm Bureau Delegate Session

Farmers and ranchers from across the state met virtually Dec. 8 to set policy for the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) as part of the organization’s 2020 Annual Meeting and Convention. NEFB is Nebraska’s largest general farm and ranch organization, representing farmers and ranchers who produce virtually every agricultural commodity in the state.

“Our delegates engaged in robust discussions on numerous topics that impact the prosperity of our farm and ranch families,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president. “The majority of which this year related back to agricultural markets, market development, rural economic development, and tax policy.”

Voting delegates supported numerous resolutions related to issues in cattle markets. Among them were resolutions calling for further development of risk management tools, exploration of ways to increase negotiated cash sales in fed cattle markets, reforms to mandatory price reporting to improve market transparency, while also reaffirming policy encouraging the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Justice Department to vigilantly enforce provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Delegates also supported expanded marketing opportunities for livestock producers, backing resolutions favoring the use of state economic development funds to increase livestock and poultry processing in the state, while urging reforms to provide greater regulatory flexibility for small and medium sized meat processors.

“Our delegates also adopted resolutions supporting economic development programs and incentives to expand entrepreneurs, microbusinesses, and agriculture related enterprises to help reverse population losses in rural areas,” said McHargue. “Ensuring e-connectivity and expanding broadband into underserved areas is critical to any form of rural economic development regardless if you’re a farmer, rancher, or main street business owner. That’s why our delegates supported utilization of our public power infrastructure to expand e-connectivity.”

The issues of property taxes and tax reform was also part of the delegate debate, with specific action taken to reaffirm policies calling on local officials to hold the line on local spending and support for spending restraints and revenue caps to aid local officials in making budget and spending decisions.

“Property taxes will always be a concern for our members because, like so many other issues in agriculture, they directly impact our profitability. We’re very interested and look forward to engaging in the broader state discussions centered around modernizing our state’s tax structure to reflect our modern economy,” said McHargue.

Farm Bureau delegates also discussed renewable fuel issues, sharing support for having E-15 be the standard ethanol blend for the state. Delegates also adopted a resolution in favor of U.S. agriculture taking a proactive and influential role in climate change conversations.

“Our delegates covered a wide array of issues. Their work is critical to shaping the future of agriculture as our member-adopted policy provides guidance to our Board of Directors as we develop the organization’s policy priorities for the year,” said McHargue.



Miller named Distinguished Professor of Animal Science

One of the greatest teaching and research awards are the local and international connections Professor Phillip Miller makes with students and faculty.

Miller is a swine nutrition professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, specializing in nutritional constraints of growth, pregnancy and lactation in pigs. Recently, he has collaborated with fellow UNL researchers examining the effects of nutrition on the microbiota and gut health in nursery pigs. Despite his interest in cattle, Miller decided to explore swine after the position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln opened. Miller visited and now calls Nebraska home after falling in love with the position.

Miller’s commitment to research and teaching relate directly to Nebraska’s prime position in the swine industry. His research focusing on fundamental nutritional components in swine easily transfers to teaching students basic concepts of nutrition. Miller’s students collaborate with the swine industry, providing opportunity for research integration between producers and various commodity groups.

“Swine production is really important in Nebraska and ultimately, we have a very strong commitment to that,” Miller said.

Throughout his University of Nebraska-Lincoln career, Miller found the most fulfilling part of his job to be the relationships he has with students, faculty members, staff, and others. Positive student interactions are his number one priority. Additionally, Miller’s local and global collegial connections provide valuable research and teaching resources.

Throughout the United States, Miller has expanded his collegial network through various positions in the American Society of Animal Science and through involvement in a multi-research regional committee. These opportunities allowed Miller to present at an international level, creating additional networking connections.

Miller’s commitment to influencing students and renowned global research have merited him the Kermit Wagner Distinguished Professor of Animal Science. The award, established by the University of Nebraska Foundation in memory of Kermit Wagner, is given by the University to reward distinguished faculty.  

Miller is humbled to receive this award, as it means the colleagues he works with recognize him for accomplishments he did not recognize in himself. For Miller, the greatest thing about working in the animal science department is the collegial support.  

“That’s one of the greatest things about working in animal science -- the compilation of the faculty in our department. It’s a great department to work in and [this award] just reiterated that for me,” Miller reflects.

Over the course of his career, Miller has had great opportunities to be involved in national-level, cutting-edge research, to connect with graduate and undergraduate students, and see the phenomenal accomplishments they garner after leaving the program.

“To sum it up, I think it’s the people connection that has the biggest impact on how I’ve influenced the graduate and undergraduate students, staff and faculty and how I’ve interacted with them. I’d say that was the biggest component of this,” Miller said.



ASA Board Elects 2021 Governing Committee

The American Soybean Association (ASA) Board of Directors elected the leaders who will guide the organization through the changing policy landscape on Capitol Hill in the coming year during its annual meeting held virtually this week.

Kevin Scott (SD) will serve as 2021 ASA president. Scott previously served as vice president, secretary and an at-large member of the ASA Governing Committee. He has been on the ASA board since 2012. Scott and his wife Jannell farm with a brother, nephew and son in southeast South Dakota on a fourth-generation operation that began in 1886.

Immediate past president Bill Gordon (MN) moves to the role of ASA chairman. Former chairman Davie Stephens (KY) rotates off the nine-member governing committee but remains on the ASA board.

The ASA board also elected Brad Doyle (AR) to serve as vice president, a position that places him in line to serve as the association’s president in 2022.

Doyle previously served as ASA secretary and at-large member of the ASA Governing Committee. He’s been on the ASA Board of Directors since 2017. Doyle operates Berger Farms/Eagle seed with his wife Joyce, a second-generation soybean breeder.

In addition, the board voted to elect Daryl Cates (IL) as secretary; Stan Born (IL) as treasurer; and Josh Gackle (ND); Caleb Ragland (KY), George Goblish (MN) and Dennis Fujan (NE) as at-large members of the governing committee.

With the retirement of ASA Director John Heisdorffer (IA), new member Jeff Jorgenson (IA) begins his nine-year term on the ASA board.

Members of the ASA board expressed during the meeting their ongoing gratitude to those who have served the soybean industry with such great dedication and those who continue to serve through governing committee and board appointments.



78 farmer-leaders of USB convened virtually to elect new leadership for 2021

United Soybean Board farmer-leaders elected Dan Farney from Morton, Illinois, as 2021 USB Chair and 10 other farmer-leaders to serve on the Executive Committee of USB at the annual meeting on December 9-10. In addition, 19 directors were sworn in for new terms by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“What an honor to have been selected by my fellow farmers to lead the soy checkoff next year,” said USB Chair Dan Farney. “I’m so proud of our accomplishments but look forward to going a step further to increase the value and preference for U.S. soy.”

USB leadership, with oversight from USDA, guides the activity of the national soy checkoff in accordance with the strategy outlined by the 78-member board.

“As the stewards of the soy checkoff, we are committed to research and market development on behalf of all soybean farmers that strengthens the resilience of U.S. soybean production. This ranges from developing new customers abroad to building demand domestically through animal agriculture, human consumption, biodiesel and industrial uses for over 1,000 products on the market,” Farney said.

USB continues to focus on three priority areas for investment: meal, oil and sustainability. During the board meeting and strategy sessions, USB directors considered market impacts and challenges in 2020 as well as opportunities that will affect soybean value into 2021.

“Soybean farmers are the definition of resilient,” said USB CEO Polly Ruhland. “You can’t knock them down, and you certainly can’t count them out. The checkoff is a reflection of that spirit. Your dedicated farmer-leaders not only push the checkoff forward, but they also rightly expect more from each successive project in which they invest.”

Key successes for 2020 that were discussed included checkoff-funded research, planning, analysis and design to inform the dredging of the lower Mississippi River and opening new export channels for U.S. soybeans. Demand was driven domestically as well, with large companies such as Skechers and Goodyear committing to using more U.S. soybean oil than ever in their products. And companies creating new products in infrastructure, including soy-based asphalt and a soy oil-based concrete enhancer, took key steps forward to reach widespread adoption and use on roadways and bridges.

The newly elected USB Executive Committee includes:
    Ralph Lott II, Vice Chair — New York
    David Iverson, Secretary — South Dakota
    Meagan Kaiser, Treasurer — Missouri
    Mark Seib — Indiana
    Rochelle Krusemark — Minnesota
    Tom Oswald — Iowa
    Belinda Burrier — Maryland
    Steve Reinhard — Ohio
    Ed Lammers — Nebraska
    Jim Carroll III, Past Chair (Ex Officio) — Arkansas

In addition, three farmer-directors were elected to serve on the Strategic Management Committee:
    Philip Good — Mississippi
    Andy Fabin — Pennsylvania
    Doug Winter — Illinois

“It’s been a difficult year in many ways, but soybean farmers have never strayed from their goal of providing a high-quality product to customers,” said USB Past Chair Jim Carroll III from Arkansas. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the work of our checkoff this past year in adapting during the pandemic to reach end users and maximize profit opportunities in new and innovative ways.”



Learn How to Integrate Perennial Groundcover into Row Crops

Iowa Learning Farms will hold a webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at noon on integrating perennial groundcover into row crop systems.

Perennial groundcover systems couple a high-yielding annual row crop with a perennial grass groundcover, such as bluegrass or fescue. In this low tillage system, the groundcover reduces soil erosion, builds soil carbon and soil health, increases water infiltration, and reduces nutrient export — making the overall system more resilient in a cost-effective manner.

Cynthia Bartel, research scientist at the Iowa State University Biomass Cropping Systems Lab, will focus on the impact and applicability of perennial groundcover systems, on the status of research on PGC systems, and on the socioeconomic impact and policy strategies to move this system forward during the webinar.perennial groundcover.

“Growing food and feed crops with perennial groundcovers can regenerate ecosystem services, conserve natural resources, and improve crop productivity, which have been exceedingly challenging to collectively achieve in conventional agriculture,” said Bartel. “The perennial groundcover approach recognizes existing market forces, infrastructure investments, and the federal farm bill support structure, accounting for the groundswell of support for this system’s development. This system has real potential — but it’s not ready for widespread application yet. Every partner in this work is critical for improving reliability and resiliency, and farmers and farmer-feedback are at the core of that work.”

Bartel specializes in the intersection of science and policy — she began working on perennial row-crop systems while earning her doctorate in crop production and physiology, previously serving as an agriculture, nutrition and trade senior policy adviser for seven years for a farm-state United States senator in Washington, D.C.

Webinar Access Instructions
To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon on Dec. 16, click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172. Or, join from a dial-in phone line: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923; Meeting ID: 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been approved for those who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the unit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.



New Report Assesses Impact of COVID-19 on Consumer Behaviors

The number of consumers who say they intend to eat beef at least weekly increased from 67 percent to 72 percent compared to 2019, and consumer positive perceptions of beef reached 70 percent for the first time, according to a new report released by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, that examines the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on consumer attitudes, behaviors and perceptions.

“The impact of the pandemic has been transformative in every corner of our economy,” said Buck Wehrbein, 2020 NCBA Federation Division Chair.  “The good news is that consumers are choosing beef more often as they adapt to cooking more at home.”  

The report outlines what consumer behaviors have changed, what behaviors may be permanent and how the beef industry has and continues to respond. With support from the 44 state beef councils and the Beef Checkoff program, current market and consumer research provides insight into the past year and helps inform programming and response in order to keep beef as the top protein choice for consumers.

“NCBA’s checkoff-funded market research program allows us to evaluate and understand the consumer landscape, especially as its dynamics continue to shift,” NCBA Senior Director of Market Research Shawn Darcy said. “As a result, this helps all checkoff programs be more efficient, whether through promotion, education or information distribution.”

With unemployment rates climbing higher during the pandemic than they have in decades, 65 percent of consumers remain very concerned about the impact of COVID-19, especially with its effects onto the economy. Despite not knowing how this pandemic will continue to shape the consumer landscape, the “State of the Consumer” report provides valuable information to help the beef industry better understand the quickly changing environment.  Key take-aways include:

    Online ordering for both groceries and meal ordering is likely here to stay. It is expected online ordering and delivery will grow at a more rapid pace than originally projected due to COVID-19. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., managed by NCBA, will continue to complete first-of-its-kind exploratory e-commerce marketing campaigns to help the supply chain accelerate the sales of fresh beef in this rapidly changing environment.

    Consumers are cooking more meals at home now than prior to COVID-19. This means they are searching for information to help them cook meals at home. Though expected to continue for the short term, a long-term shift is difficult to assess. NCBA will continue to utilize a variety of techniques by pushing out cooking information and recipe inspiration through digital, social media and traditional media platforms and leveraging impactful, high-profile influencers or thought leaders to teach consumers how to cook.

    Consumers are spending more time at home and online than prior to COVID-19. Along with that comes the rise of more TV and moving-streaming platforms and the decline of in-person movie theater watching experience, which could signal a long-term shift in consumers using more media “inside of the home” compared to “out-of-home.” NCBA will continue to utilize a variety of marketing platforms to continuously reach the consumer through paid, earned and owned digital, social and traditional media platforms.

    Currently, consumers are more focused on spending their money on essential needs, such as groceries, household supplies and personal care and cleaning products. This will likely adjust back at some point; it is just a matter of when. NCBA, as a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, will continue to look for opportunities to remind consumers that beef is the classic comfort food that they want as the centerpiece of their dinner, especially as we move into the holiday season.

    Positive consumer perceptions of beef and beef production increased during the pandemic and will likely remain higher for the next several months. Consumers may return to expressing concerns about food production when focus evolves from current concerns. NCBA will continue programs that educate consumers about beef and beef production.

Beef demand has remained strong to-date. Consumers increased weekly beef eatings and were willing to pay more for the product. With strong domestic consumer demand-building programs Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., and other demand building programs, NCBA will keep focused on keeping this strong demand going through innovated checkoff-funded programs.



CHANGE FOR CHANGE'S SAKE?
Greg Hanes, CEO, Cattlemen’s Beef Board

You don’t have to look too hard to find history’s repeating patterns and, as in the past, the call for change is in the air. Even within the beef industry, there’s a movement urging producers to throw off traditional institutions, like the Beef Checkoff, simply because it’s “too old” or they weren’t alive when it was established. It’s easy to get swept up by the itch for something different, change for change’s sake. But, it’s important to do your homework, because there are many reasons producers of all ages still value the Beef Checkoff.

Approved by an overwhelming 79 percent of producers during the referendum vote when it was implemented, Checkoff support remains high. According to Luce Research’s 2020 Producer Attitude Survey, 77 percent of the 1,200 beef and dairy producers surveyed nationwide say the Checkoff contributes positively to consumer demand for beef; 73 percent approve of the Checkoff overall.
Of the Checkoff’s dollar-per-head assessment, up to half is retained by Qualified State Beef Councils for beef-related programs in their own states. The other 50-cents is used nationally for marketing, consumer advertising, education, product development, and research designed to increase demand for beef, both domestically and through Checkoff programs abroad. This local/national partnership is a unique and key aspect of the program.

Interestingly, the dollar assessment hasn’t increased a penny over the decades—amazing when you consider that the 1985 dollar only has about 41-cents of purchasing power in 2020 (Consumer Price Index, Bureau of Labor Statistics). Despite this inflation loss, and the fact that the industry produces more beef from fewer cattle, the Checkoff delivers real value through a strategic blend of tradition, experience, and innovation.

Over three and a half decades, the Beef Checkoff has developed extensive knowledge from relationships with industry experts who know what works and provide guidance. From this foundation, the Checkoff embraces new ideas and methods, always finding ways to be the most effective. Checkoff contractors pivot nimbly amid global challenges like COVID-19; researchers propel the industry on issues like sustainability; and adoption of time- and money-saving technologies give producers an efficient and productive bang for their buck.

Change in life is a certainty. Nothing stays static, not even the 35-year-old Beef Checkoff. The programs and strategies of today are already much different than when it began. As we continue to grow demand for our product in an extremely competitive world, we want your thoughts and ideas. Get involved! Together, we can keep the Checkoff evolving to make beef the protein of choice for consumers domestically and around the world, a benefit to all producers.

To learn more about Checkoff programs, projects, and resources, visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.  



California Ethanol + Power Finalizes Exclusive Purchase & Marketing Agreement With CHS for Imperial County Project

California Ethanol + Power announced today an exclusive 15-year contract was awarded to CHS Inc. to market and sell the 68 million gallons of Essential EthanolTM to be produced annually by the Sugar Valley Energy campus located in California’s Imperial Valley.

“The progression from our letter of intent to contract completion is a critical and important milestone for the Sugar Valley Energy project. A long-term relationship with CHS reinforces the value of sugarcane ethanol’s role in our state and country’s fuel needs,” said Dave Rubenstein, president and CEO of California Ethanol + Power, owner and developer for the alternative fuel and energy campus.

Sugar Valley Energy will be a 160-acre multi-plant campus consisting of sugarcane-to-ethanol, sugarcane to low-carbon power plus biomethane and wastewater treatment facilities. Once production reaches full capacity, Sugar Valley Energy is designed to produce 68 million gallons of ultra-low carbon, fuel-grade sugarcane ethanol each year. This Essential EthanolTM will be mixed with gasoline for cleaner burning fuel.

Construction financing for Sugar Valley Energy is expected to be in place in the new year, with groundbreaking getting underway soon. Ethanol production is set to begin in 2023.

“As an energy provider for rural America, CHS continues to identify new technologies and new partners to help enhance reliable energy supply for our farmer-owners from diverse sources, while minimizing environmental impact,” said Brian Schouvieller, senior vice president, CHS Global Grain & Processing. “We look forward to collaborating with California Ethanol + Power and Imperial Valley sugarcane growers on this initiative.”

CHS, the nation’s leading agribusiness cooperative owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives, produces 260 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol and markets 900 million gallons of ethanol each year, making CHS one of the nation’s largest suppliers of ethanol-enhanced gasoline and retailers of E85 ethanol.

Sugar Valley Energy will provide a long-term economically sustainable market for about 48,000 acres of sugarcane crop, which is highly suited for growth in the Imperial Valley climate. Sugarcane has a water demand similar to alfalfa, one of the region’s dominant crops. To grow the sugarcane needed, Sugar Valley Energy will seek long-term agreements with dozens of area farmers, providing a reliable and sustainable crop and income base for participating growers.

California currently imports more than 1.2 billion gallons of ethanol each year, and Sugar Valley Energy’s production will help the state be more ethanol independent. The overall campus represents a significant economic boost for Imperial County and the region, with an investment of more than $1 Billion into its development and construction supporting approximately 15,100 jobs.  



USDA Issues Final Rule to Define Undue or Unreasonable Preferences or Advantages under the Packers and Stockyards Act

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today issued a final rule to ensure fair trade and competitive marketing of livestock and poultry.

The rule clarifies the types of conduct prohibited by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act and sets forth several criteria the Secretary of Agriculture will consider when determining whether conduct by packers, swine contractors or live poultry dealers represents an undue or unreasonable preference or advantage.

“The establishment of these criteria is representative of USDA’s commitment to equity in the livestock, meat and poultry industries,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach. “These criteria further clarify USDA’s enforcement mechanisms under the P&S Act that ultimately work to benefit everyone in the supply chain. We appreciate the significant public comments submitted to USDA that helped inform the development of this final rule.”

The four criteria include whether the preference or advantage:
    cannot be justified on the basis of a cost savings related to dealing with different producers, sellers, or growers;
    cannot be justified on the basis of meeting a competitor’s prices;
    cannot be justified on the basis of meeting other terms offered by a competitor; and
    cannot be justified as a reasonable business decision.

The final rule provides the Secretary will consider these criteria and allows for additional criteria to be considered in determining if an undue or unreasonable preference or advantage has occurred and enforcement action should be taken.

The rule will be published in the Federal Register and is effective as of January 11, 2021.



North American Meat Institute Issues Statement on USDA’s Final Rule for Meat and Poultry Markets
 
The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today issued the following statement regarding the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service final rule regarding meat and poultry markets:

“The rule recognizes the importance of marketing agreements and other, similar tools used by producers and packers and provides some guidance and clarity regarding the criteria the Secretary will consider when reviewing the use of those tools. This rule also, however, introduces some uncertainty into the use of those tools by allowing consideration of other, undefined, factors,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We will move forward and continue to work to ensure livestock producers have a variety of tools available to market their animals and to ensure meat and poultry markets remain competitive.”



Rule Fails to Protect Farmers from Discriminatory Practices, According to Farmers Union

Due to unchecked corporate consolidation in the livestock industry, family farmers and ranchers have been subject to unfair and anticompetitive practices. But a new rule finalized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) falls short of providing meaningful protections from such practices.

The rule, which amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, outlines criteria for determining if a company has shown “undue or unreasonable preferences or advantages” for one farmer over another; however, as National Farmers Union (NFU) pointed out in comments submitted earlier this year, the rule not only fails to defend farmers ­– it also shields corporations from legal challenges to discriminatory actions. These concerns were reiterated by NFU President Rob Larew in a statement issued today:

“In their relationship with meat packers and processors, family farmers have almost no bargaining power. Unlike individual farmers, these corporations have immense economic resources and political clout, which means they call the shots ­– and when they behave unfairly, as they often do, they usually face no repercussions.

“Farmers have been practically begging legislators to balance the scales and protect them from predatory practices ­– but for some reason, their pleas have been all but ignored. Rather than offer farmers the very basic safeguards they’ve been asking for, USDA’s rule will inexplicably offer even more power to meatpackers, further tipping the scales in their favor.

"The government’s favoritism toward corporations at the expense of family farmers and ranchers has gone on long enough. The incoming administration must reverse this harmful rule and replace it with one that actually protects farmers from unfair, deceptive and discriminatory practices.”



R-CALF USA Statement on Final Undue Preference Rule

R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s issuance of a final rule implementing the Packers and Stockyards Act’s prohibition against meatpacker buying conduct that constitutes an undue and unreasonable preferences or advantages.

“It is disappointing that during this time when the disparity in market power between highly concentrated meatpackers and widely dispersed producers is so obvious, the USDA has ignored this by ensuring the Packers and Stockyards Act protections meant to benefit producers are actually implemented in a way to favor the packers.   

“The USDA’s final rule undermines the purpose of the Packers and Stockyards Act by providing packers with a list of “safe harbors” to employ anytime they face a producer’s allegation that they have violated the undue and unreasonable preference section of the Act.

“As a result, when producers are in need of seeking protections against a packers’ granting of undue or unreasonable preferences, the producers’ burden will shift from proving a packer violated the Act to now having to prove the packer does not qualify for any of the various safe harbors the USDA has created to protect packers from effective enforcement.

“We will immediately ask the Administration to voluntarily rescind the final rule as well as ask Congress to intervene to ensure the undue preferences provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act are not permanently rendered ineffectual.”



Growth Energy Announces Vander Griend Return to Board of Directors

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest ethanol trade association, announced the return of Dave Vander Griend to the association’s Board of Directors during its December 2020 board meeting in a move to further unify the industry and develop winning strategies on clean fuels, air quality, and climate goals.

Vander Griend, a co-founder of Growth Energy, is the CEO of ICM, a current Growth Energy member that provides innovative technologies, solutions, and services to sustain agriculture and to advance renewable energy, including ethanol. Vander Griend is also the President of Urban Air Initiative (UAI), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving air quality and protecting public health by reducing vehicle emissions through increased use of ethanol fuel blends. Vander Griend grew up on a farm in Iowa and learned early on how farming affects both rural communities and the global economy. After working in the ethanol industry since the 1970s, he and his brother Dennis founded ICM in 1995 with the goal of advancing renewable energy using efficient, streamlined methods that sustain agriculture and reduce waste.

“I’ve been working in the ethanol industry for over four decades, including building North America’s first ethanol plant. Through the years, I have witnessed firsthand the successes and failures we have faced in advancing our agriculture and energy priorities and the part we play in this nation’s economy,” said Vander Griend. “Since its creation, Growth Energy’s leadership has been rooted in advancing thoughtful strategy and delivering effective results for America’s farmers, biofuel producers, and supporters. As the industry works to help give biofuels a seat at the table in climate discussions, I’m eager to join our industry’s leaders on Growth’s Board of Directors and look forward to helping lead this industry into 2021 and beyond.”

Chairman of the Growth Energy Board of Directors and Vice President at Front Range Energy Dan Sanders also welcomed Dave and his unique perspective. “We’re glad to have Dave on board to unite and grow our industry further and to be able to work together to advance biofuels as a solution to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. He’s been an innovator from the start, and we need that kind of unique and outside-the-box thinking as we head into 2021. We look forward to strengthening our collective ability to advocate for the industry and deliver high impact legislative, regulatory, and commercial results for our membership.”

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor welcomed Vander Griend to the board and highlighted his depth of knowledge of the ethanol industry. “Dave Vander Griend’s addition to our board marks a new step for Growth Energy and our members as priorities like reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality move into the national spotlight. Dave brings years and years of experience and passion for the ethanol industry and environmental sustainability, and a unique viewpoint on how to harness both to advance our industry and Growth Energy’s strategic priorities. I’m looking forward to Dave’s participation in moving this industry forward,” said Skor.

Vander Griend joins board members from across the country. The Growth Energy Board of Directors represents the most diverse set of leaders in the biofuels industry and includes producers large and small, advocacy experts, agricultural leaders, and a NASCAR team owner.



National Farm Machinery Show Pushes Dates Back

National Farm Machinery Show is held annually at the Kentucky Exposition Center and is the largest indoor farm show in the country, featuring 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.

Organizers say with a possible vaccine on the horizon and safety measures improving daily, the 56th show and 53rd Championship Tractor Pull has been moved to March 31-April 3.

Attendees must pre-register for the show and select a day to attend in-advance.

The trade show will be conducted in a hybrid model to allow for both in-person and virtual attendance.



New Class of Pioneer® Brand Seed Products Builds on Agronomic Achievements

The consistent success of Pioneer® brand seed products and Corteva Agriscience’s commitment to innovation shine brightly through the 93 new Pioneer brand corn and soybean products being introduced to the U.S. market in 2021. These products have proven potential after completing multiple years of testing, including pre-commercial IMPACT™ (Intensively Managed Product Advancement Characterization and Testing) trials.

“The importance of excellent agronomic traits can never be overstated. That is increasingly apparent in years like this, where weather extremes are commonplace,” said Judd O’Connor, President, U.S. Commercial Business, Corteva Agriscience. “Pioneer brand seeds are thoroughly tested by our team of experts to ensure farmers can have great confidence that their products will perform in a variety of conditions.”

This new class of products is built to deliver consistency and top-end yield. The strenuous testing Corteva puts new hybrids and varieties through aims to provide farmers with unmatched yield potential, excellent agronomic traits and top-notch disease and insect resistance in every Pioneer product.

Arming the Corn Revolution
With 43 new corn products from 26 new genetic platforms, the 2021 class of Pioneer brand hybrids are ready to join the ranks of the high-performing products in Pioneer’s product portfolio. Expanding on the success of earlier classes, the 2021 class features many top-performing options, with maturities ranging from 75 to 117 CRM.

Spanning the past three years, the 2020 class, dubbed the “Corn Revolution,” has provided a noticeable benefit to farmers, averaging an 8.8 bu/A average yield advantage over competitors in on-farm and IMPACT™ trials.1 The 2021 class will build upon that success with a wide selection of products to meet the needs of farmers, including such key products as:
    12 new Pioneer brand Qrome® products, which deliver an optimized balance of yield, agronomics and corn rootworm protection.
    4 new Pioneer brand Optimum® AQUAmax® products, with key native traits that improve root systems and silk emergence while excelling in both limited and optimal water environments.
    3 new Pioneer brand Optimum® Leptra® insect protection hybrids that provide superior protection against above-ground pests, protect grain quality and help maximize yield.
    3 yellow food-grade and 2 white food-grade products, one waxy product and 5 new conventional products, expanding its leading portfolio of end-use products and demonstrating its commitment to innovation and choices in specialty corn markets.

“Pioneer brand Qrome products continue to play a critical part in the Corn Revolution and are making significant gains in the marketplace,” said Geoff Graham, Vice President of Plant Breeding, Corteva Agriscience. “By adding these new Qrome products, we are building upon the success we saw this year — a 7.7 bu/A yield advantage over competitive SmartStax® technology.2 The entire class demonstrates our commitment to the success of every farmer in every location, so they can select the hybrids that best fit their operations.”

The Power of Pioneer® brand in Every New Soybean Advancement
Fifty new soybean products with unmatched genetic potential and agronomic traits are part of the 2021 Pioneer class of products.

This new 2021 class of soybean products expands upon the success of the 2020 class, which averaged 2.1 bu/A advantage over two years vs. the competition.3 Leading the charge for the new class include several Pioneer® brand Enlist E3® soybean and Pioneer brand A-Series soybean varieties. This robust class covers relative maturities from 00.9 to 5.4, including:
    24 new Enlist E3 soybean varieties, which have shown strong yield performance versus competitive varieties with the Enlist E3 soybean trait.
    26 new Pioneer brand A-Series soybean varieties, the highest-yielding varieties ever introduced by Pioneer.
        5 new Pioneer brand Plenish® high oleic soybeans, a healthier soybean oil that has become the industry standard among processors and end users.
        14 Pioneer brand soybeans with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® technology.
        5 Pioneer brand soybeans with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® technology with LibertyLink® gene stack, the first products with this stack in the Pioneer portfolio.
        2 new conventional soybean varieties, which provide more choices to farmers in specialty soybean markets.

“This new class of soybean varieties really sets us apart from the competition and builds on one of the most robust lineups available to farmers,” said Jeff Thompson, Global Soybean Research Lead, Corteva Agriscience. “Our commitment to agronomic advancements with our soybean traits is second-to-none and is on full display with this class. By offering more varieties with high yield potential, which are bred with defensive and agronomic traits, we are taking our game to the next level and showing farmers that we mean business when it comes to protecting their yield.”

Forty-eight new soybean varieties have native resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Already a leader in developing varieties with the Peking source of SCN resistance — an effective alternative to the PI 88788 source of SCN resistance — Pioneer advanced five new varieties with the Peking trait, from RM 1.3 to 3.6.

Thirty-four new varieties have genes to protect against Phytophthora — the most common soybean disease. Pioneer is expanding that lineup by introducing stacked 1K/3A varieties, which contain multiple Phytophthora resistant genes and will provide farmers with even greater protection from this disease than currently available.
 
The Pioneer soybean lineup also advanced 10 varieties that have tolerance to sulfonylurea herbicides, which work on a broad range of grasses and broadleaf weeds.