Tuesday December 1 Ag News

 December 2020 Beefwatch Webinar Series Registration Now Open

The BeefWatch Webinar series is designed to highlight management strategies in grazing, nutrition, reproduction, and economics to increase cow/calf and stocker production efficiency and profitability. Each session will feature industry experts and plenty of opportunity to interact to get your questions answered. More information about the BeefWatch Webinar Series can be found on our webpage: https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch-webinar-series. 

Each webinar will begin at 8:00 PM Central Time. Dates are December 1, 8, and 15.

The focus for this month’s webinar series is “Gearing up for a Successful Breeding Season” with the following speakers and topics:

December 1, Bull Management During Winter
    ■   Dr. Kacie McCarthy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    ■   Does winter management of our breeding bulls matter? Kacie will discuss nutritional management of bulls in the winter and those subsequent impacts on fertility and preparing for the next breeding season.  

December 8, Pricing Replacement Heifers
    ■   Randy Saner, West Central Research and Extension Center
    ■   Do you know what a respectable value is to pay for beef replacement heifers? Randy will help walk you through the decision making process for determining if you grow or purchase females, the associated costs, and understanding your operation goals to make the best decisions for heifer development.

December 15, Bull Selection
    ■   Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    ■   How do you decide on your next bull? Matt will help you understand EPDs to use when evaluating different bulls and prepare you for the bull sale season.  

There is no cost to participate in this webinar series.  Register and get more info at beef.unl.edu.  

CONTACT:
Dr. Kacie McCarthy, Beef Cow-Calf Specialist, 402-472-6074, kacie.mccarthy@unl.edu
Dr. Mary Drewnoski, Beef Systems Specialist, 402-472-6289, mary.drewnoski@unl.edu



The VIRTUAL Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo - Dec. 17, 2020

The 2020 VIRTUAL Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 17 will assist soybean producers in planning for next year’s growing season. Presenters include University researchers and specialists and Nebraska Soybean Checkoff representatives. The expo includes speakers and updates from the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff and association information.

Check out our great line up of speakers and topics below.

 Edward Usset, Grain Marketing Economist, Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota
How to Get $4 Corn and $10 Soybeans!
How to Write a Pre-Harvest Marketing Plan
Post-Harvest Marketing Tips

Justin McMechan, Assistant Professor, Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist
Soybean Gall Midge: Dealing with a New Trouble Maker in the Midwest
Soybean gall midge dealt a heavy blow to some soybean farmers in east-central Nebraska while others are unaware of its existence. This presentation will highlight the pests current distribution and injury to soybean in Nebraska as well as updates on field research projects.  

Rodrigo Werle, Assistant Professor & Extension Weed Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Considerations for Early-Season and Mid-Season Weed Control in Soybeans

Nick Arneson, Weed Science Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Considerations for late-season weed control in soybeans

Patricio Grassini, UNL Associate Professor and Cropping Systems Specialist
Learning from Your Fields to Improve Nebraska’s Soybean Yield and Quality

The program begins at 9:00 am.  The link to view the program will be posted online closer to the date so check back at the Eastern Nebraska extension web site at enrec.unl.edu for information.   



Nebraska Corn Board Seeks Candidates for Vacancies

Notice is hereby given that the terms for three members of the Nebraska Corn Development, Utilization and Marketing Board, also known as the Nebraska Corn Board, will expire June 30, 2021, and Nebraska’s corn checkoff program is seeking candidates to petition for those districts. The open positions represent Districts 6, 7 and 8.

    District 6 – Includes the counties of Hayes, Frontier, Gosper, Phelps, Kearney, Hitchcock, Red Willow, Furnas and Harlan (Note: Ted Schrock, the current District 6 director, has indicated he will pursue re-appointment.)
    District 7 – Includes the counties of Boyd, Holt, Antelope, Garfield, Wheeler, Boone, Platte, Valley, Greeley and Nance. (Note: David Merrell, the current District 7 director, has indicated he will not pursue re-appointment.)
    District 8 – Includes the counties of Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, Sheridan, Scotts Bluff, Banner, Kimball, Morrill, Cheyenne, Garden, Deuel, Cherry, Keya Paha, Brown, Rock, Grant, Hooker, Thomas, Blaine, Loup, Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Custer, Keith, Lincoln, Perkins, Chase, and Dundy. (Note: Andy Groskopf, the current District 8 director, has indicated that he will pursue re-election.)

“Through my years serving on the Nebraska Corn Board, I was able to take an active role in shaping demand opportunities and adding value to our state’s corn industry,” said David Merrell, current District 7 director and farmer from St. Edward. “By the end of my term, I will have represented District 7 for 15 years. I enjoyed my time on the board and encourage farmers from these open districts who are passionate about the future of the corn industry to consider submitting petitions.”

Appointments to the board for these three district directors are made by the Governor of Nebraska. Any candidate seeking appointment may place his or her name on the candidacy list by filing a petition with the Nebraska Corn Board. Qualified candidates include those individuals who are citizens of Nebraska, are at least 21 years old, have been actively engaged in growing corn in Nebraska for a period of five years and derive a substantial portion of their income from growing corn. Board members who currently represent these districts are also eligible to re-petition.

Petitions may be obtained by writing the Nebraska Corn Board (P.O. Box 95107, Lincoln, NE 68509-5107), by calling 800-632-6761 or emailing nikki.bentzinger@nebraska.gov. A candidacy petition must carry the signatures of at least 50 corn producers from that district. All petitions must be received by the Nebraska Corn Board no later than 5:00 p.m. central time on Friday, May 21, 2021.  Faxed copies do not qualify.



2020-21 NE Extension Farmers & Ranchers College Schedule

    December 10, 2020 - Farmers & Ranchers College Weather & Economics Unplugged w/ Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of AAEC, VA TECH & Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
    This program will be available online from 9:15 am - 12:00pm. REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME and download the "zoom" app to your device.
     In collaboration with the Nebraska Soybean Board
NOTE: Due to current directed health measures, Dec. 10th will be online only!
To participate online, go to the website: go.unl.edu/farmersrancherscollege.  

    January 28, 2021 - Partners in Progress Beef Seminar: Cow/Calf College. Registration at 9:00am, Program from 9:30 am - 3:00pm at the Clay County Fairgrounds near Clay Center, NE.




Emerging Technology for Agriculture Webinar Series
Controller Panels running the Swine Barns
Presented by Benny Mote, UNL assistant professor, Animal Science.
Date: Dec. 17, 2020 Time: 10:00 am–11:00 am
Zoom Webinar: Contact Andy Little for the passcode...  alittle6@unl.edu.  



REDUCING FED HAY LOSSES
– Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator
 
Making, transporting, and feeding hay is a large investment in time, equipment, and money. How can you reduce loss of hay during feeding to make that investment go further?
 
There are many ways to feed hay, with each method impacting waste differently. If hay is fed unrestricted, cattle can waste 45 percent of the hay they are provided. Limit feeding hay so only what is required is fed, will significantly reduce waste right away. Studies show that cattle fed daily versus feed every four days, needed 25% less hay. That’s a huge amount, but labor and equipment cost slightly increased.
 
A common and usually labor efficient method of feeding is to feed hay directly onto the ground by unrolling bales, distributing ground hay or loose hay, and bale pod grazing. With any of these methods, there should only be enough feed distributed or available for one day.
 
Bale pod grazing might be another consideration. Bales are spread out across a field or pasture and temporary fence is used to confine animal access to one bale. When it’s time for more hay, the producer moves a fence instead of moving a bale.
 
Limiting access by physical barriers is another way to decrease hay loss. Bale rings, racks, fences, feed bunks, bale pod grazing, or another form of limited access can all decrease waste. These methods work by reducing trampling and animal ability to lay down on the hay. The most effective physical barriers have solid side bottoms. This prevents the hay being pulled out onto the ground. While these methods are effective, they require the purchase of additional equipment which for large herds or changing feeding location can add significant time and money.
 
No matter the improved method, reducing fed hay loss will improve the return on the hay investment.



Nebraska State Conservationist Announces Retirement

Craig Derickson, Nebraska state conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, is announcing his retirement. Derickson has served as the Nebraska State Conservationist since 2010. His retirement will be effective Dec. 31, 2020, after over 35 years of federal service.

Derickson said, “It’s been a very rewarding career. I have enjoyed working to help farmers and ranchers make their operations more sustainable while keeping family farms profitable.”

Derickson began his career as a soil scientist. Prior to joining the NRCS in 1985, he worked seven years with the University of Nebraska on soil and water conservation research projects in Lincoln and western Nebraska.

With a background in agricultural research and soil science, Derickson started his career as a field soil scientist in Crawford, Neb., to develop soil maps and classification reports for Sioux and Banner counties.

Through his career, Derickson held several positions with NRCS in Nebraska, including: District Conservationist, State Resource Conservationist, Assistant State Conservationist, and Regional Technology Coordinator.

In 2002, Derickson began working at the NRCS national office in Washington DC, assisting with rulemaking and policy development for conservation programs introduced in the 2002 Farm Bill. After several years in the Programs Division in Washington DC, Derickson was selected to serve as the State Conservationist in Pennsylvania in 2006. Following his work in Pennsylvania assisting many conservation partners with projects to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, Derickson returned to Washington, DC, as the NRCS Deputy Chief for Programs. In 2010, he accepted the position of State Conservationist in Nebraska and returned to Lincoln.

Derickson said, “I’ve had a wonderful career with NRCS and have been able to enjoy the rewarding work of conserving our natural resources for more than 40 years. I have had the pleasure of helping people with their conservation needs and working with remarkable conservation partners, like the Nebraska Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), as well as other state and federal organizations.”

In February 2020, Derickson was recognized as the Outstanding State Conservationist of the Year by the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA) and other national conservation partners.

“As the leading federal agency that provides technical assistance to farmers and ranchers, we’ve grown tremendously over the span of my career,” he said. “When I began working in the field, we had limited tools to help farmers and ranchers assess the condition of their resources, and we mainly focused on soil erosion. The importance of water quality and how agriculture impacts water quality was just beginning to be investigated. Now, we have the advantage of technology and models to help our employees assist land managers with the planning, design, and installation of crucial conservation practices, including practices to improve water quality and the health of our soils.”

In retirement, Derickson plans to continue his love for the great outdoors and appreciation of natural resources. He and his wife Kate have family in Lincoln and the Washington, DC, area, and they plan to spend more time enjoying their family, friends, and their faith activities.



Kamterter receives Syngenta 2020 FarMore® Vision Award

Kamterter Products, L.L.C. has won the 2020 FarMore® Vision Award for its dedication in providing essential support to the seed treatment industry.

The award is presented to companies that display excellence in their dedication to growers and their contributions to the seed treatment industry. Kamterter, an independently owned product development and seed enhancement service company based in Nebraska, brings a new generation of seed priming, seed lot refinement and seed coating technologies and services to the industry.

"Kamterter is honored to receive Syngenta's FarMore Vision Award for 2020," said Chris Petersen, president and director of research, Kamterter Products, L.L.C. "As a seed enhancement and coating service provider, Kamterter has a primary mission of helping those involved in the fruit and vegetable industry get the most value from their seeds."

The company works with leading seed dealers and breeder producers throughout the fruit and vegetable industry. Flower, agronomic, turf and reclamation seed enhancement services are also available. One of the cornerstones of Kamterter's offerings is its onion seed, treated with Syngenta's FarMore FI500 Onion seed treatment.

"Kamterter is a strong supporter of FarMore Technology and a role model for Syngenta's vision for grower support," said Shawn Potter, head of marketing for Syngenta Seedcare. "Partnerships with companies like Kamterter help us deliver on our promise to bring innovative technology to the field."

The value of companies such as Kamterter cannot be overestimated, Potter adds. Together, Kamterter and Syngenta are able to provide the high quality seed treatment and customer service that are foundational for grower success.

"Seed treatment decisions are a critical piece in creating value for the fruit and vegetable grower," Petersen said. "Syngenta's FarMore seed treatment packages have proven essential in creating value for the grower and this is reflected in the rapid growth of Kamterter's FarMore treatment program. We appreciate Syngenta as a crop protection treatment partner and look forward to continuing to work with them to serve crop protection needs in the fruit and vegetable industry."



USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 481 million bushels in October 2020. Total corn consumption was up 7 percent from September 2020 but down 1 percent from October 2019. October 2020 usage included 92.0 percent for alcohol and 8.0 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.30 million bushels, down 15 percent from September 2020 but up 3 percent from October 2019. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 433 million bushels, was up 8 percent from September 2020 but down 1 percent from October 2019. Corn consumed in October 2020 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 89.6 percent and 10.4 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.80 million tons during October 2020, up 4 percent from September 2020 but down 4 percent from October 2019. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.01 million tons in October 2020, up 5 percent from September 2020 but down 22 percent from October 2019.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 293,793 tons during October 2020, up 3 percent from September 2020 but down slightly from October 2019. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 244,618 tons in October 2020, down 3 percent from September 2020 but up 5 percent from October 2019.

Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.90 million tons (197 million bushels) in October 2020, compared with 5.13 million tons (171 million bushels) in September 2020 and 5.62 million tons (187 million bushels) in October 2019. Crude oil produced was 2.28 billion pounds up 16 percent from September 2020 and up 6 percent from October 2019. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.59 billion pounds during October 2020 increased 6 percent from September 2020 and increased 1 percent from October 2019.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 215,878 tons in October 2020, compared with 208,338 tons in September 2020 and 188,299 tons in October 2019. Canola crude oil produced was 179 million pounds, up 3 percent from September 2020 and up 14 percent from October 2019. Canola once refined oil production, at 154 million pounds during October 2020, was down 6 percent from September 2020 but up 26 percent from October 2019.

Cottonseed once refined oil production, at 42.5 million pounds during October 2020, was up 13 percent from September 2020 but down less than 1 percent from October 2019.

Edible tallow production was 62.8 million pounds during October 2020, down 30 percent from September 2020 and down 15 percent from October 2019. Inedible tallow production was 254 million pounds during October 2020, down 23 percent from September 2020 and down 14 percent from October 2019. Technical tallow production was 96.2 million pounds during October 2020, down 28 percent from September 2020 and down 6 percent from October 2019. Choice white grease production, at 96.6 million pounds during October 2020, decreased 9 percent from September 2020 and decreased 15 percent from October 2019.



October DMC Margins Above Trigger; Declines Expected in 2021
NMPF

The monthly margin for October under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program increased by $1.93 per cwt from September’s margin, to $11.13 per cwt, meaning no payments to farmers for milk produced that month. Still, forecast margin declines made a compelling case for signup for the program in 2021, due by Dec. 11.

Both the milk-price and the feed-cost components of the margin formula increased in October; the milk price increase during the month, $2.30 per cwt, far outpaced the $0.57 per cwt higher feed cost. For the second month in a row, both the corn and soybean meal prices were higher by appreciable amounts in October.

As the DMC 2021 deadline approaches, futures markets continue to indicate that margins will drop below $9.50 per cwt early next year and remain well below that level through at least next summer. As this year proved, making the decision to sign up for the program based on the market outlook near the end of the enrollment period can be very misleading, and that signing up should be the default decision in any case. But for next year, the outlook further reinforces that indication, erasing any residual uncertainty about participating next year at $9.50 per cwt for the first five million pounds of production history.

CWT Assisted Member November Sales Top 16 million Pounds of Product
In a month shortened by the Thanksgiving holiday, Cooperatives Working Together assisted member cooperatives in securing sales contracts to send 6.0 million pounds of American-type cheese, 3.1 million pounds of butter, 789,255 pounds of anhydrous milkfat, 6.0 million pounds of whole milk powder, and 643,750 pounds of cream cheese to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Central and South America, and Oceania. The products will be shipped during the months of November 2020 through May 2021.

Member cooperatives’ sales activities through November bring the year-to-date CWT-assisted export sales contracts to 32.5 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 12.5 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat), 48.7 million pounds of whole milk powder, 2.8 million pounds of anhydrous milkfat, and 6.6 million pounds of cream cheese. The milk equivalent of these sales is 1.1 billion pounds on a milkfat basis.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for December 2020

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation today announced interest rates for December 2020, which are effective December 1-December 31, 2020.

The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for December is 0.125%, same as in November. The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during December is 1.125%, same as in November.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for December are as follows:
    0.250% with three-year loan terms, up from 0.125 in November;
    0.375% with five-year loan terms, up from 0.250 in November;
    0.625% with seven-year loan terms, up from 0.500 in November;
    0.875% with 10-year loan terms, up from 0.750 in November; and
    1.000% with 12-year loan terms, up from 0.875 in November.

The loan programs administered by the Farm Service Agency help stabilize the incomes of America’s farmers and ranchers.  Visit https://www.farmers.gov for more information on loan eligibility, the application process or to find your local service center.



RFA Review: Automakers Approve E15 in Nearly All 2021 Vehicles, but FFV Offerings Continue to Slide

An annual analysis of vehicle owner's manuals and warranty statements by the Renewable Fuels Association reveals that while nearly all new 2021 automobiles are explicitly approved by the manufacturer to use E15 gasoline, far fewer models are being offered as flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of operating on fuel blends containing up to 85% ethanol.

Only two automakers—Ford and General Motors—are offering FFVs in model year 2021. Just 11 models will be available as FFVs in 2021, with five of those models available only to fleet purchasers. That’s down from more than 80 different models from eight manufacturers being available to consumers as recently as model year 2015. RFA continues to strongly advocate for the production of more FFVs and fairness in how alternative fuel vehicles are incentivized under fuel economy and greenhouse gas regulations.

“RFA’s review of model year 2021 vehicles revealed the continuation of a disturbing trend toward fewer FFV offerings,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Consumer demand for E85 and other flex fuels is at an all-time high, meaning drivers are looking for more—not fewer—FFV options on dealership lots across the nation. Unfortunately, however, EPA’s latest vehicle emissions regulations essentially eliminate the automaker incentive to build FFVs, while at the same time heaping incentives on automakers who build electric vehicles. But despite this unlevel regulatory playing field, flex fuel availability and demand continue to grow as more drivers recognize the environmental and economic benefits of cleaner, greener renewable fuels.”

While automakers continue to step away from FFVs, the good news for drivers is that manufacturers responsible for nearly 95 percent of U.S. light-duty vehicle sales unequivocally approve the use of E15 in their model year 2021 automobiles. For the 10th consecutive year, all new General Motors vehicles are clearly approved to use E15, while Ford has explicitly endorsed E15 in nine straight model years. Among major automakers, only Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Volvo—representing less than 6 percent of U.S. sales collectively—do not include E15 as an approved fuel in their owner's manuals or other documentation.

“While EPA has legally approved the use of E15 in all light-duty vehicles since model year 2001, we’re pleased to see that almost all major automakers are also explicitly approving the use of this lower-cost fuel blend in their vehicles,” said Cooper. “E15 has been in the marketplace for almost eight years now and has been the fuel of choice for nearly 20 billion miles traveled by American drivers. As more and more stations across the country offer E15, we expect the fuel will soon replace E10 as the new ‘regular.’”

Cooper noted that BMW and Mini vehicles go a step further, as the manufacturer continues to approve the use of E25 blends in all models.

At present, there are more than 5,000 gas stations selling E85 and other flex fuels, and more than 2,000 selling E15.



Growth Energy Submits Notice of Intent to Sue EPA Over Failure to Issue 2021 Biofuel Blending Targets   

Today, Growth Energy submitted a notice of intent to sue letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its failure to fulfill its statutory obligation to issue the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) by November 30th, 2020, an annual deadline set by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The notice gives EPA 60 days to issue the 2021 RVO before risking a lawsuit in federal court.

Every year, EPA is required to set the RVO so that biofuel and fossil fuel companies understand their total renewable fuel blending obligations for the following year. Failure to set the RVO undermines the RFS and could lead to uncertainty in the market and lower than necessary biofuel blending levels.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued a statement following the submission to EPA: “Biofuel producers faced a difficult year in 2020, with fuel demand plummeting to 30-year lows at a historic rate. At its lowest, over half the country’s biofuel plants were forced to slow down or idle, and many have still been unable to come back online. As we head into a new year and our industry continues to try and recover the from the effects of COVID-19, EPA’s failure to meet their statutory obligation to issue RVOs piles on the uncertainty in the fuel marketplace. The Agency needs to take action on behalf of rural America and follow through with its RFS obligation.”



Dec. 11 Deadline Approaching for USDA Program for Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) by Dec. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers facing market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

“With over 300 eligible commodities, from livestock and row crops to specialty crops and aquaculture, most farmers and ranchers are potentially eligible for CFAP 2,” said Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agency administrator. “FSA offers several options for farmers and ranchers to apply. Don’t wait to check out our online resources and connect with our employees who are ready to answer your questions and help you get started on your application.”

Producers have several options for applying for the CFAP 2 program by the Dec. 11 deadline. Producers can find eligible commodities, payment rates, calculations and options to apply on farmers.gov/cfap.

Customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office. The call center can also provide service to non-English speaking customers. Customers will select 1 for English and 2 to speak with a Spanish speaking employee. For other languages, customers select 1 and indicate their language to the call center staff.

Additionally, farmers.gov offers a number of resources for producers interested in applying for CFAP 2, including:
    Eligible Commodities Finder
    Videos, including “How to Apply for CFAP 2”
    Blogs, including “Myth Debunked: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2”

A correction to the CFAP 2 rule is pending. In case a producer is affected by this correction, FSA will provide additional time to apply or edit their application.

CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of CFAP, now referred to as CFAP 1. Participating in CFAP 1 is not a prerequisite for participating in CFAP 2. Additionally, producers who applied for CFAP 1 will not be automatically enrolled in CFAP 2 and must complete a new application to be eligible for assistance.

Both CFAP 1 and CFAP 2 are self-certification programs, which means the applicant certifies the information submitted is correct. As part of the internal controls portion of CFAP 1, FSA is conducting spot checks of applications, asking producers to provide supporting documentation to verify the information on them. Producers are being selected using a statistically sound methodology. These CFAP 1 applicants will be contacted by FSA staff and asked to provide supporting documentation to verify the information certified by the producer on their CFAP 1 application.



Justice for Black Farmers Act an "Important Step" Towards Racial Equity, Farmers Union Says

Though there is a long, rich history of Black farmers in the United States, systemic racism has undermined their success and wrested the majority of their land away. In order to correct racial inequities in agricultural policies and institutions, Senators Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, and Kirsten Gillibrand yesterday introduced the Justice for Black Farmers Act, the most comprehensive piece of food and agricultural justice legislation proposed in modern American history.

National Farmers Union (NFU), which promotes “efforts to remedy historical inequities in access to farm programs and other systemic barriers” that hold back socially disadvantaged farmers, endorsed the bill when it was first announced on November 19. In a statement, NFU President Rob Larew reiterated the organization’s support and emphasized the bill’s importance.

“It isn’t a coincidence that there are about 95 percent fewer Black farmers than there were just a century ago. Due to structural racism within the USDA and other government agencies, Black farmers have historically not received the same level of financial and technical support that their white peers have received, putting them at a significant disadvantage. Ultimately, decades of discrimination and the abuse of property law loopholes has dispossessed Black farmers of millions of acres of land and pushed hundreds of thousands to leave the industry altogether, with staggering costs to individual families and Black communities.

“Though there have been some efforts to redress the injustices inflicted on Black farmers, none have gone nearly far enough. Introduced by Senators Booker, Warren, and Gillibrand, the Justice for Black Farmers Act expands on and deepens those efforts, making it the most consequential racial equity legislation the agricultural sector has seen to date. By ending discriminatory practices, protecting Black-owned land, restoring lost land, and supporting the next generation of Black farmers, this bill is a big and important step towards giving farmers of all races a fair shot at success. Furthermore, it includes provisions that would strengthen antitrust enforcement in the food industry and restore competition to agricultural markets, which would benefit all farmers, regardless of race.

“National Farmers Union is so encouraged to see such significant progress being made in addressing agriculture’s long history of racism, and we are proud to endorse this pivotal piece of legislation. We strongly urge Congress to take up the Justice for Black Farmers Act and guarantee Black farmers the fair treatment they have so long deserved.”