Nebraska Farm Bureau Outlines Agricultural Trade Priorities for Biden Administration, Releases New Trade Report
The Nebraska Farm Bureau has identified priority actions for the Biden administration to help expand markets for Nebraska agricultural commodities in 2021. Due to growth in international trade, the value of Nebraska’s agricultural exports now consistently accounts for 30 percent of the state’s total agricultural receipts.
“Most of the world population and customers for the agricultural commodities and products we produce in Nebraska reside outside U.S. borders. Growing markets is vital to the health and profitability of our family businesses,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president. “It’s critical the new administration understand the connection. It’s the reason we’ve identified actions President-Elect Biden can take to support our farm and ranch families.”
Topping the list are actions specific to China. Nebraska Farm Bureau is calling on the administration to fully enforce the U.S. China Phase One Trade Agreement that obligates China to purchase up to $36.5 billion in U.S. agriculture products in 2020 and $80 billion in total over the next two years. At the end of October, China had exported or contracted for the sale of nearly 71 percent of the 2020 goal.
“We must hold China accountable for meeting the Phase One deal, but President-Elect Biden must also focus on working with like-minded countries in a multilateral approach to dealing with China to normalize long-term trade relations. Those negotiations should push for the complete elimination of all tariffs on U.S. agriculture products going into China, as well as require China to comply with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and the elimination of intellectual property theft in all U.S. sectors,” said McHargue. “Only then should the administration consider removing the tariffs President Trump enacted on Chinese goods.”
Other Farm Bureau priorities for the administration include Congressional reauthorization of Trade Promotion Authority for the President, providing the administration flexibility to negotiate trade agreements. Securing trade deals with the United Kingdom and the European Union that utilize science-based trade rules, also made the list. Farm Bureau is also encouraging the administration to continue the Trump administration’s negotiations with Kenya, as a starting point for further trade deals with African countries.
“We’re also encouraging President-Elect Biden to actively work for the U.S. to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). While Nebraska farmers and ranchers have captured a large portion of the benefits of CPTPP participation in the way of lower tariffs on U.S. beef and pork through President Trump’s trade deal with Japan, the recent Regional Comprehensive Economic partnership (RCEP) trade agreement between many of the CPTPP nations and China has allowed China to further expand its influence with countries in the Asia-Pacific region to the potential detriment of future U.S. trade relations in the region,” said McHargue.
Farm Bureau is also calling for actions related to the WTO, the entity tasked with governing global trade rules between nations. Farm Bureau is urging the Biden administration to help re-establish the WTO appellate body charged with hearing appeals to WTO rulings, as well as reiterating the importance of the WTO enforcing existing trade rules.
“U.S. agriculture wins under a global, rules-based trading system because our farmers and ranchers have the capability to beat all global competitors when it comes to producing agricultural commodities and agricultural products,” said McHargue. “Our members benefit when the WTO functions correctly.”
In addition to identifying trade priorities, the Nebraska Farm Bureau issued its 2019 Nebraska Agriculture and International Trade report. The report estimates the dollars and cents value of agricultural trade to Nebraska, projecting estimates for the value of agricultural trade for each Nebraska county, as well as per-farm estimates. The report, issued annually since 2017, acts as a barometer demonstrating the importance of trade to farmers, ranchers, and Nebraska’s economy. The estimates are calculated using USDA’s final trade numbers released in October of the following year.
The 2019 report denotes the value of Nebraska agricultural exports at $6.3 billion in 2019, the lowest dollar value of Nebraska agricultural exports since 2010. Nebraska continued to be the sixth-largest agriculture exporting state in 2019, with Nebraska topping the nation in exports of beef, while being the second largest exporter of hides and skins, the third largest exporter of corn, feed, and processed grain products, and the fifth largest exporter of soybeans, soybean meal, and vegetable oil.
The report tabbed the per-unit value of agricultural trade for soybeans at $6.78 cents per bushel, $0.84 per bushel for corn, and $2.58 per bushel for wheat. The report projected the per-unit value of trade at $209.47 per head for beef and $71.53 per head for pork.
According to the report, 77 Nebraska counties experienced a decline in the value of agricultural exports in 2019 in comparison to the prior year, with only four counties, Cheyenne, Gage, Jefferson, and Otoe, experiencing a gain.
Platte County reclaimed the top spot in terms of value of agricultural exports in 2019, surpassing Custer County, the top export county in 2018. Platte County experienced an estimated $172 million in value from agriculture trade in 2019.
Phelps County again scored as the most reliant on trade on a per-farm basis, with an export value per-farm of $292,000.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Trade Agenda 2021 policy priorities guide and the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 2019 Nebraska Agriculture and International Trade report are available online at www.nefb.org.
PASTURE FERTILITY: Olsen Phosphorus
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator
After we receive soil tests back from the lab, the next step is developing a plan for pasture fertility. The main nutrients to consider are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sometimes sulfur. Today, let’s take a look at phosphorus.
Phosphorus plays a critical role in many plant processes, including root development, N-fixing ability in legumes, plant strength, and a central role in the photosynthetic process. Research in Nebraska and other states has shown that the combined effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization often produces higher yields than application of either nutrient alone, especially when phosphorus is low.
In addition to soil test results, phosphorus application will depend on whether or not the pasture is irrigated and how many legumes are present. If legumes make up 25% or more of the pasture’s production, phosphate should be applied at 50% more than for grass alone.
Soil phosphorus can be tested in three ways, Bray, Mehlich, and Olsen. All three tests give results in parts per million (ppm), but values for the Bray or Mehlich test will differ from those of the Olsen. It is important to know what test you are using before making a fertilization plan. Last week we went over the Bray/Mehlich test. This week we will look at the Olsen. For the Olsen tests, values over 17 ppm do not need any phosphate applied for either dryland or irrigated pastures.
• 0-3 ppm apply 60 lb. P2O5/acre for irrigated or 40 lb. P2O5/acre for dryland
• 4-10 ppm apply 40 lb. P2O5/acre for irrigated or 20 lb. P2O5/acre for dryland
• 11-17 ppm apply 20 lb. P2O5/acre for irrigated or 10 lb. P2O5/acre for dryland
Phosphorus is fairly immobile, so fertilizing can be done yearly or every other year, as long as applications match recommendations for the length of time desired. The NebGuide G1977: Fertilizing Grass Pastures and Hayland is a great resource if you want more information, and as always, for additional help or information, contact your local extension office.
Green Plains Enters into Agreement to Sell Hereford Plant
Omaha-based Green Plains Inc. today announced that its subsidiary, Green Plains Hereford LLC, has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Hereford Ethanol Partners, L.P. to sell its 100 million gallon ethanol plant located in Hereford, Texas for $39 million, plus working capital, and an earnout provision of up to $75 million related to certain value enhancement opportunities, including future earnings from Low Carbon Fuel Standard credits.
“The sale of the Hereford ethanol facility allows us to reallocate capital to support the accelerated buildout of our Ultra-High Protein technology and continue our total transformation to an ag-tech focused company,” said Todd Becker, president and chief executive officer. “We determined that this location was not optimal for our growing focus on sustainable proteins and novel ingredients and were pleased to find a partner interested in pursuing several identified carbon capture opportunities. In addition, this location can be further optimized to lower carbon intensity scores which will benefit our shareholders in the future, if and when realized.”
In consideration for the assets, Green Plains Hereford LLC has entered into an earnout agreement with Hereford Ethanol Partners, L.P., to accelerate the consummation of known carbon sequestration opportunities. Green Plains will receive a share of any future earnings related to carbon capture and sequestration and other considerations, estimated to be $7.5 million annually for a period of 10 years as determined by the earnout agreement. The sharing agreement will begin with the first full quarter following completion of upgrades to the biorefinery which are expected to take approximately 24 months from close.
Green Plains Hereford LLC has also entered into an asset purchase agreement with Green Plains Partners LP and its affiliates (“Partnership”) to acquire the storage and transportation assets and the assignment of railcar leases associated with the Hereford ethanol plant for $10.0 million, which will be utilized to pay down the Partnership’s debt. The minimum volume commitment associated with the throughput services agreement will be amended to 232.45 million gallons per quarter.
Not including the value related to the earnout provision, which will be recognized when received, Green Plains will record a pre-tax, non-cash charge of approximately $23 million related to the transaction. Both transactions are anticipated to close within the next 30 days. The purchase agreements are subject to customary closing conditions and contain ordinary and customary representations, warranties and indemnification obligations.
USDA to Conduct Survey about Hired On-Farm Labor
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will continue its biannual Agricultural Labor Survey. The survey will collect information about hired labor from more than 2,500 Northern Plains farmers and ranchers.
“Labor data are critical to farming operations and important information about the characteristics and activities of hired workers helps administer farm labor programs,” said Nicholas Streff Director of the NASS Northern Plains Region Field Office. “The data that farm operators provide through NASS’s Agricultural Labor Survey help leaders, associations, and farmers themselves make decisions based on accurate information.”
USDA and the U.S. Department of Labor uses the results of this survey to estimate the demand for, and availability of seasonal agricultural workers, establish minimum wage rates for agricultural workers, administer farm labor recruitment and placement service programs, and assist legislators in determining labor policies.
In the survey, NASS asks participants to answer a variety of questions about hired farm labor on their operations, including total number of hired farm workers, hours worked, and wages paid for the weeks of July 12-18 and October 11-17. For their convenience and safety, survey participants have the option to respond by mail or online at agcounts.usda.gov. Survey response is protected by federal law (Title 5 Subtitle A, Public Law 107-347), which keeps respondent identity and answers confidential.
“By asking about two separate reference periods each time we collect data during the year, we are able to publish quarterly data and capture seasonal variation,” said Streff. “This approach reduces the number of times we ask farm operations to respond to surveys while ensuring that accurate and timely data are available for anyone conducting research or analyses.”
Sweetwater Hemp's Ice and Water Hemp Extraction Facility to Open in Early 2021
With more than 150 continuous years of farming under its belt, the Cruise Family of Pleasanton, Nebraska operates several successful agricultural businesses. This includes an acre-sized greenhouse providing produce to more than 300 Wal-Mart locations, and a farming operation with a 3000-acre output of corn and soybeans every season. Sweetwater Hemp Company is the family's latest addition to its growing stable of businesses.
Sweetwater Hemp was born in 2017 after the Cruise family started researching and planning with Craft Hemp consultants. Following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, the company became licensed to cultivate, extract, process, and handle hemp. Soon, in early 2021, Sweetwater Hemp will launch the world's largest ice and water extraction facility using the latest technology — and no solvents.
High-Quality Hemp Products with the Latest Technology
Many CBD oil companies rely on outdated equipment and processes to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant, including butane, ethanol, and CO2. These processes can degrade or destroy delicate terpenes during decarboxylation, which leads to lower-quality products. What's more, improperly made products — using liquid solvents like butane — can contain lingering chemicals.
Sweetwater Hemp Company is different. Using only ice, water, and the latest in hemp extraction technology, it's able to produce only the highest quality of CBD oil products. There's minimal to no loss of terpenes during extraction, resulting in purer full-spectrum oils. With this advanced technology, Sweetwater's facility can even isolate and extract other important cannabinoids and terpenes, enabling it to create products that provide optimal therapeutic value for customers.
The entire extraction process takes approximately 12 hours. Sweetwater Hemp Company uses only water and ice to extract, convert, and decarboxylate beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Using this process and all its advanced equipment, the company is able to produce 99% pharmaceutical-grade, 100% solvent-free CBD oil in various CBD/terpene profiles.
Launching in 2021
Sweetwater Hemp Company has been hard at work producing the purest and most potent full-spectrum CBD oil. With plans to continue developing and expanding its products through 2021, Sweetwater will be opening the new hemp processing plant early next year. The processing facility follows Good Manufacturing practice, including maintaining clean room conditions to avoid any contaminants from getting into the final products. It also packages all products using natural and sustainable options.
In addition to opening the world's largest solvent-free ice and water hemp extraction facility, Sweetwater Hemp Company provides services for hemp farmers in need of assistance. The Sweetwater Ag Services division provides an array of services to advocate for and support these farmers to grow and succeed within the hemp industry.
Farmers can partner with Sweetwater Hemp for agronomic support, such as advice on how to avoid loss and increase profitability. They can take advantage of Sweetwater's consultation services to get the most out of their business. They can also purchase the highest-quality certified hemp seeds on the market.
Sweetwater Hemp Company will begin taking pre-orders in late March for its early 2021 launch. Reach out via their website for more information.
Sweetwater Hemp Company is dedicated to encouraging growth and success not only in their own agricultural community but also in farming at large. The hemp industry, they believe, isn't just good for the state of Nebraska: it's an economic win for the entire nation's farmers.
Iowa Land Values Show Stability in Turbulent Year
Favorable interest rates, a strong demand for land and substantial government payments helped stabilize Iowa’s farmland market in a year in which Iowa’s farmers faced the destructive onslaught of a derecho, significant uncertainties in U.S. agricultural trade and a pandemic that significantly altered market demand.
“The land market faced downward pressure initially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which lowered food demand and resulted in declines in livestock and ethanol prices,” said Wendong Zhang, assistant professor in economics and extension economist at Iowa State University.
This year’s Iowa Land Value Survey found that the average statewide value of an acre of farmland is $7,559, an increase of 1.7%, or $127, since 2019. The $7,559 per acre estimate, and 1.7% increase in value, represents a statewide average of low, medium and high-quality farmland.
Statewide, Iowa’s high-quality farmland saw a decline in value of 0.1%. However, Zhang said that it’s important to note that number is more indicative of a flat market, rather than a decline, and that several factors have led to a recent rebound in the market.
“The rebound in recent months is due to strong government payments, interest rate cuts, limited land supply and recent commodity price rallies,” said Zhang, who is responsible for leading the annual survey.
In mid-November, both U.S. corn and soybean prices reached their highest point so far this year. Despite some decline since then, both prices are still higher than at the beginning of the year, especially soybeans.
“The export surges related to the phase one deal and China’s efforts to rebuild its hog herd ramped up demand for feed grains,” Zhang said.
“There is definitely concerns and downside risks about the price rallies because post-harvest prices are typically lower,” he said. However, he stressed that China is still at least 10-15% short of its regular hog inventory, so farmers should continue seeing increased feed grain demand.
Additionally, Germany, a key competitor for U.S. pork exports, is now battling with African swine fever, the same disease that decimated China’s hog industry, which could increase U.S. pork exports in the future.
Zhang also said that farm payments in 2020 helped prop up the farmland market “in a big way.”
According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, farm payments will increase 107% in 2020, mostly due to supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance for COVID-19 relief. They also project net farm income will increase 43.1% in 2020.
Some of the increase in overall value this year is also due to increased demand for low-quality land in certain parts of the state. The overall average increase in farmland value was very modest, but low-quality land in the Northeast, West Central, South Central and Southeast districts saw increases of 8% or more.
“Strong demand for pasture and timber grounds, which are even more appealing now with social-distancing requirements, contributed to the rise in low-quality land value,” Zhang said.
However, he noted that when compared to high-quality land, it doesn’t take a substantial change in the dollar value of low-quality land to constitute a large percent increase in values.
Land values by county
Seventy-eight of Iowa’s 99 counties showed an increase in land values. For the eighth year, Scott and Decatur counties reported the highest and lowest values, respectively. Despite having the highest overall value, average land values in Scott County decreased $178 per acre to $10,659.
Decatur County, however, saw average values increase $264 per acre to $3,849.
Wayne County reported the largest percentage increase, 7.7%, while Lyon County saw the largest dollar increase, $577 per acre. The largest dollar decrease was reported in Des Moines County, $241 per acre, and the highest percentage decrease, 3.4%, was reported in Henry County.
Other counties - (dollars per acre, Nov '20 vs. Nov '19)
Woodbury County - 7014 - 6873
Manona County - 6795 - 6640
Harrison County - 7376 - 7321
Ida County - 8534 - 8372
Crawford County - 8250 - 7979
Pottawattamie County - 7907 - 7947
Land values by district
The Northwest crop reporting district reported the highest land values, $9,536 per acre, and the South Central district reported the lowest, $4,658 per acre.
In general, land values across crop reporting districts increased — only the Southwest district reported a decline in land values (-0.9%). The largest percentage increases were in the West Central and South Central districts, 3.9% and 3.8%, respectively; however, both the Northeast and Northwest districts reported increases of 2% or higher.
Land values by quality
Statewide, low-quality land now averages $5,078 per acre, an increase of 6.7% or $319 per acre. Medium-quality land now averages $7,119 per acre, an increase of 2.6% or $181 per acre.
High-quality land now averages $9,068 per acre, a decrease of 0.1% or $10 per acre.
Only low-quality land in the North Central district showed a decline in average prices this year (-0.5%). Low-quality land in the Northeast, West Central, South Central and Southeast districts, however, all saw increases of 8% or more.
The West Central and South Central districts reported the largest gains in medium-quality land values, 5.0% and 4.4%, respectively. While no districts reported a loss in medium-quality land, the Southwest district only reported a nominal gain of $2 per acre.
High-quality land in five of Iowa’s nine crop districts saw increases of less than 2%, while East Central and Southwest districts reported a decline of more than 2%.
Factors influencing the land market
Favorable interest rates, limited land supply, and recent commodity price rallies were the most frequently mentioned positive factors influencing the land market in this year’s survey. Other positive factors respondents noted included COVID-related payments, government payments and strong demand for land, especially by farmers.
The most frequently mentioned negative factors affecting were lower commodity prices, uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic and weather. Other negative factors included political uncertainty related to the 2020 election, poor yields, and general economic uncertainty.
Land values were determined by the 2020 Iowa State University Land Value Survey, conducted in November by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Results from the survey are consistent with results by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Realtors Land Institute and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Iowa State Land Value Survey was initiated in 1941, the first in the nation, and is sponsored annually by Iowa State. The survey is conducted every November and the results are released mid-December. Only the state average and the district averages are based directly on the Iowa State survey data. County estimates are derived using a procedure that combines the Iowa State survey results with data from the U.S. Census of Agriculture.
The Iowa State Land Value Survey is based on reports by agricultural professionals knowledgeable of land market conditions, such as appraisers, farm managers, agricultural lenders, and actual land sales, and is intended to provide information on general land value trends, geographical land price relationships, and factors influencing the Iowa land market.
The 2020 survey is based on 707 usable responses from 484 agricultural professionals. Sixty-seven percent of the 484 respondents answered the survey online.
Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Hosts Celebrity Chef Jet Tila for “Virtual Roast and Toast 2.0”
On December 3, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. hosted a virtual “Roast and Toast” food influencer holiday event teaching a select group of food influencers how to cook the perfect Prime Rib Roast. The event brought together the group of 18 for an exclusive evening with internationally known, co-host of Iron Chef America, and reoccurring judge on the Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen, Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and Guy’s Grocery Games, Chef Jet Tila.
The “Virtual Roast and Toast” is the latest effort from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, to educate food influencers and reach and inspire a wider audience of consumers to enjoy a delicious beef meal. During the event, the influencers had the chance to engage with Chef Tila and ask questions. They will use the information they learned in social posts encouraging their audiences to cook a Prime Rib Roast.
“While we weren’t able to host an in-person event this year, it was great to gather virtually and share what the holiday season isn’t complete without – a Prime Rib Roast,” said Sarah Reece Senior Director, Influencer Engagement at NCBA, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff. “Despite being apart, these top-tier influencers were excited to learn from Chef Tila and this showed in their social media posts. In total, their posts generated a potential reach of more than 1 million consumers!”
“Virtual Roast and Toast 2.0” is the second iteration of last year’s in-person event, which brought together food influencers and four cattle producers for an evening of beefy, holiday inspiration. This offered a unique opportunity for influencers to meet the people who are passionate about raising beef, and learn new ways to enjoy beef during the holiday season.
For more about the latest Beef Checkoff efforts, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.
Chairman Roberts Receives NCBA's Capitol Hill Top Hand Award
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) today recognized U.S. Senator and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) with the Capitol Hill Top Hand Award in honor of his long career fighting for cattle producers and rural communities in our nation's capital.
"Chairman Roberts is a pillar of the cattle industry and there is no one more deserving of this award. Throughout a career spanning decades, he has always been committed to helping cattle producers in every way he can," said NCBA President Marty Smith. "It is my honor to give Chairman Roberts the first Top Hand award and I personally thank him for all that he has done for every U.S. cattle producer."
The Capitol Hill Top Hand Award, in its inaugural year, is given to one elected official annually, who goes above and beyond the call of duty to represent cattle producers nationwide.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Finds Endangered Species Act Listing for Monarch Butterfly Warranted but Precluded
After a thorough assessment of the monarch butterfly’s status, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has found that adding the monarch butterfly to the list of threatened and endangered species is warranted but precluded by work on higher-priority listing actions. With this decision, the monarch becomes a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and its status will be reviewed each year until it is no longer a candidate.
“We conducted an intensive, thorough review using a rigorous, transparent science-based process and found that the monarch meets listing criteria under the Endangered Species Act. However, before we can propose listing, we must focus resources on our higher-priority listing actions,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Aurelia Skipwith. “While this work goes on, we are committed to our ongoing efforts with partners to conserve the monarch and its habitat at the local, regional and national levels. Our conservation goal is to improve monarch populations, and we encourage everyone to join the effort.”
“The Monarch Joint Venture is committed to continuing its conservation efforts for monarchs. Each of our partners, and many other stakeholders, come to the monarch conservation table with different approaches, audiences, strengths and opportunities to make a difference. There is a role for everyone in monarch conservation,” stated Wendy Caldwell, Executive Director, Monarch Joint Venture.
Over the past 20 years, scientists have noted declines in North American monarchs overwintering in Mexico and California, where these butterflies cluster. Numbers in the larger eastern population are measured by the size of the area they occupy. At a density of roughly 8.5 million monarchs per acre, it is estimated that the eastern population fell from about 384 million in 1996 to a low of 14 million in 2013. The population in 2019 was about 60 million. The western population, located in California, saw a more precipitous decline, from about 1.2 million in 1997 to fewer than 30,000 in 2019.
In 2014, the Service received a petition to list the species and published a substantial 90-day finding in December 2014. In 2016, the agency began an in-depth status assessment, looking at the global population as well as focusing on monarchs in North America, where 90% of the world’s population occurs.
“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has been working side-by-side with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on voluntary monarch butterfly conservation since 2014. We’ve made great strides, including raising awareness and restoring key habitat, but we still have a long way to go for a sustainable, long-term impact. Moving forward, we’ll continue to be a close partner in our collaborative efforts to restore this iconic species,” stated Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
The Service used the best scientific information to evaluate threats to the monarch, including habitat loss, climate change and exposure to pesticides, and used a model to create millions of simulations of future conditions to estimate the risk of extinction. The agency launched a monarch conservation database and gathered vast quantities of data on existing and future conservation efforts that benefit the monarch across the continent. The resulting assessment was then peer reviewed.
After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the Service found that listing the monarch butterfly as an endangered or threatened species is warranted but precluded by higher priority actions to amend the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Therefore, the Service is adding the monarch butterfly to the candidate list and assigning it a listing priority number of eight. This priority number indicates the magnitude of threats is moderate and those threats are imminent.
The ESA provides for a warranted-but-precluded finding when the Service does not have enough resources to complete the listing process because the agency must first focus on higher-priority listing rules. Warranted-but-precluded findings require subsequent review each year until the agency undertakes a proposal or makes a not-warranted finding. The Service prioritizes work on imperiled species through its National Listing Workplan. Currently, listing actions for 161 species on the workplan (64%) are a higher priority than the monarch. These species include plants, insects, freshwater mussels, fish, birds and mammals. Obligations to meet court orders and settlements due to litigation can affect when the agency works on some species.
Robust conservation efforts are ongoing across the continent, including partnerships with states, tribes, Canada and Mexico, local communities and conservation organizations, to address threats to the monarch and to bolster milkweed abundance and other habitat needs.
“The Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group is focused on conserving monarchs and other pollinators through habitat conservation on energy and transportation lands throughout the United States,” said Iris Caldwell, program manager of the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Energy Resources Center. The center administers a historic 2020 agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Illinois-Chicago that encourages transportation and energy partners to participate in monarch conservation by conserving habitat on potentially millions of acres of rights-of-way and associated lands. “The Service’s decision underscores the important work we have ahead of us, particularly over the next couple of years. We will continue to encourage energy and transportation partners to join the agreement as we all come together to save the monarch,” continued Caldwell.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “America’s farmers welcome the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to continue monitoring the health of the monarch butterfly population. Preserving natural surroundings for America’s wildlife has long been a priority for America’s farmers and ranchers. More than 140 million privately-owned farm and ranch acres are enrolled in voluntary conservation programs, providing habitats for countless animals and insects, including the monarch. Farm Bureaus across the country have been involved with state and regional planning efforts for the monarch – joining forces with the energy and utility sectors, those who manage natural areas, and our urban hubs across the country - to meet ambitious goals for the species. The warranted but precluded decision will give all stakeholders time to continue conservation and research efforts.”
Adult monarch butterflies, easily recognized by their orange and black markings, feed on nectar from flowers. Monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed, the sole source of food for monarch caterpillars. Two long-distance migratory monarch populations occur in North America; the largest is east of the continental divide and overwinters in the mountains of central Mexico. Monarchs west of the continental divide overwinter primarily along coastal California. Monarchs also inhabit about 90 other countries, islands or island groups around the world, but these monarchs are believed to have originated from the North American population.
Monarchs are known for their phenomenal spring and fall migrations, traveling across the continent to and from wintering sites. In eastern North America, monarchs travel north in the spring, from Mexico to Canada, over two to three successive generations, breeding along the way. Western monarchs continue to occupy and breed in warmer climates throughout the summer. The final generation in the fall makes the return trip to wintering sites in Mexico and coastal California. Unlike previous generations, which complete their life cycle in four weeks, these “super generation” monarchs live for six to eight months and may travel thousands of miles to return to wintering grounds. These monarchs then begin the multi-generational migration the following spring. Because monarchs travel long distances, it is critical to maintain reliable sources of nectar plants for them to feed on and ample milkweed on which to lay their eggs.
Because monarchs are solely dependent on milkweed during the caterpillar stage, efforts to boost the number of milkweed stems across the country are the basis for many monarch conservation plans.
More information about the Service’s finding on the monarch and tips on how to help conserve monarch butterflies are available here: https://www.fws.gov/savethemonarch.
ASA Supports Monitoring Health of Monarch Butterfly Populations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) today announced its finding that adding the monarch butterfly to the list of threatened and endangered species is "warranted but precluded.” With this decision, the monarch butterfly will remain a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and will have its status reviewed each year until it is no longer a candidate.
The American Soybean Association (ASA) supports the decision to further monitor the health of the monarch butterfly population and supports voluntary as well as incentive-based policies to ensure these pollinators are protected. Soy growers across the country understand the importance of pollinators and are committed to implementing voluntary sustainability and conservation practices on their operations.
As a member of the Monarch Collaborative, ASA supports policies and grassroots efforts to reestablish milkweed and other habits along field edges, in buffers around waterways and in other strategic locations. In a recent internal survey, ASA Directors reported adopting practices on their farms to protect the habitats of monarchs and other pollinators, including conservation efforts to plant habitat and reduced mowing in areas where milkweed and flowering plants thrive.
ASA supports growers taking proactive, voluntary steps to protect pollinators, along with prioritizing research, programs and grower education efforts that aid in the improved health of pollinators and their habitats.
Midwest Dairy’s Kruger Recognized For Contributions to Dairy Promotion
The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) has honored Mike Kruger as the 2020 recipient of the Richard E. Lyng Award for his contributions and distinguished service to dairy promotion.
Kruger, former CEO of Midwest Dairy – which represents 5,800 farmers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma – was honored at a recent meeting of the NDB.
The award is named for former U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Richard E. Lyng, who played a critical role in implementing policies that led to the establishment of NDB more than 35 years ago. The Lyng Award honors leaders who have made a significant contribution to dairy promotion that benefits the entire community.
“This award distinguishes those leaders in dairy who have shown a dedicated commitment to dairy farmers and dairy promotion,” said Brad Scott, California dairy farmer and NDB chair. “Through his 35-year commitment representing thousands of dairy farmers across the Midwest, Mike has a proven track record of leading local dairy promotion efforts and providing a strong voice to help guide national checkoff strategies and programs.”
Kruger played a critical role in changing the dairy industry landscape across the Midwest, exemplifying transformative leadership by unifying dairy promotion organizations at the regional level and streamlining communications between Midwest Dairy and other state, regional and national dairy promotion organizations.
In 1993, Kruger brought together dairy checkoff organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota to form the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of the Upper Midwest. In 2000, he led the consolidation of that organization with the then Midland Dairy Association, which included Iowa, Missouri and eastern Kansas. Later, additional regions were added from Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma, along with Illinois and Nebraska. Through the formation of what has become Midwest Dairy, Kruger championed innovation and increased resource efficiencies under a unified approach to follow and promote milk in its various markets.
Kruger also helped form the Minnesota Dairy Leaders Roundtable, which led to the “Milk and Main Street” campaign that highlighted dairy’s economic contribution in Minnesota and a precursor to the “Path Forward” campaign, which sought to enhance the region’s dairy economic development plans and showcased the value of a strong, vibrant dairy industry. He also partnered with numerous academic and philanthropic organizations to benefit dairy farmers. This includes relationships that resulted in the first dairy economist position at the University of Minnesota and outreach with Share Our Strength and Hunger Free Minnesota, among other efforts.
“Mike represents the best of our leadership,” Scott said. “His contributions on behalf of Midwest, and the nation’s, dairy farmers benefits farmers today and in the future.”
As part of the Richard E. Lyng Award, the NDB will contribute $2,500 in Kruger’s name to the Midwest Dairy Association scholarship fund for full-time undergraduate students in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences at the University of Minnesota. This scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students, with a preference for Minnesota students pursuing studies in dairy product economics and marketing, dairy food nutrition science and dairy processing.
For information about the dairy checkoff, visit www.usdairy.com.
Sorghum Checkoff Swore In Board Directors, Elected Officers
During the Sorghum Checkoff’s annual meeting—held virtually to adhere with COVID-19 guidelines proposed by the Center for Disease Control—five board directors were reappointed or sworn in on the checkoff’s board.
After being appointed by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, these directors will serve three-year terms starting December 2020 and commencing December 2023.
"We welcome new and returning directors to the checkoff with open arms," said Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director Florentino Lopez. "The Sorghum Checkoff board directors work to increase shared value, enhance opportunity for producer profitability and advance demand for sorghum producers."
Those being reappointed to the Sorghum Checkoff’s board are Klint Stewart from Columbus, Nebraska, as an at-large member; James Haase from Eads, Colorado, as an at-large member; Shayne Suppes from Scott City, Kansas, as the Kansas member; and Charles Ray Huddleston from Celina, Texas, as the Texas member.
Newly appointed board member Ethan Miller from Columbia, Missouri, will serve as an at-large member on the checkoff’s board.
New leadership was elected during the meeting, as well. Kent Martin from Alva, Oklahoma, will serve as chairman; Charles Ray Huddleston from Celina, Texas, will serve as vice chairman; Boyd Funk of Garden City, Kansas, will continue his tenure as treasurer; and Adam Schindler from Reliance, South Dakota will continue serving as the board’s secretary. Craig Poore from Alton, Kansas, will transition to the role of past chairman for the remainder of his term on the board.
“I would like to express what an honor it is to serve the Sorghum Checkoff.” Newly elected chairman Kent Martin said. “I will take my responsibility as chairman seriously, and work to advance our industry—day in and day out.”
Verity Ulibarri from Melrose, New Mexico, completed her term as a Sorghum Checkoff Board Director. While not serving the Sorghum Checkoff directly, she was elected to serve on the U.S. Grains Council’s board as an at-large member. Using her experiences from the checkoff, Ulibarri will continue leveraging opportunities in the sorghum industry.
“We are deeply appreciative of our board directors—newly appointed, reappointed and retiring,” Sorghum Checkoff CEO Tim Lust said. “The hard work and dedication of these individuals generate opportunity for sorghum farmers and the industry holistically.”
Innovative insect control traits deliver strong performance against key corn pests in 2020
Even in an unpredictable year, the innovative Agrisure® traits portfolio delivered strong in-field performance across the Midwest. The portfolio offers numerous proven solutions for growers striving to protect their corn's genetic yield potential from common pests.
"This year has thrown a lot of challenges at growers. Many witnessed heavy insect pressure from above-ground pests like corn earworm and western bean cutworm, as well as higher populations of below-ground insects like corn rootworm," said Andy Heggenstaller, head of agronomy for Syngenta Seeds. "When left unchecked, these pests pose a threat to yield potential, which is why in-seed technology like Agrisure insect control traits can be so beneficial."
The Agrisure traits portfolio is anchored by the Agrisure Duracade® and Agrisure Viptera® traits for comprehensive above- and below-ground insect control. Syngenta Seeds agronomists spent the 2020 growing season closely tracking performance across the Midwest and found that trait stacks containing the Agrisure Duracade trait excelled in geographies where corn rootworm was a primary concern, while trait stacks containing the Agrisure Viptera trait performed well in areas impacted by above-ground insects like corn earworm and western bean cutworm.
"That's what makes the innovative Agrisure traits portfolio different from other options in the market: We offer choice, with multiple products to fit the needs of any farming operation," said Tim O'Brien, Ph.D., Agrisure traits manager for Syngenta Seeds. "Year after year, we're helping growers overcome high insect pressure with market-leading control."
The Agrisure Duracade trait provides a new trait rotational option that delivers a healthier corn crop and combines elite genetics for higher yield potential. Agrisure Duracade trait stacks feature novel, alternate modes of action to help preserve trait durability and delay insect adaptation for long-term field health, yielding up to 4.1 bushels per acre (bu/A) more than non-Agrisure Duracade hybrids in Syngenta Seeds trials.
The Agrisure Viptera trait controls more above-ground pests than any other trait in the corn industry and is the only trait available that effectively controls western bean cutworm. Hybrids with the Agrisure Viptera trait provide better, more complete control of corn earworm for a 7.3 bu/A advantage, as seen in Syngenta trials.
"Only the Agrisure traits portfolio can offer industry-leading above- and below-ground control by combining the Agrisure Viptera trait with the Agrisure Duracade trait via the Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge® trait stack," said O'Brien. "This trait stack controls 16 above- and below-ground insects—more than any competitive trait stack—and is the most advanced trait stack on the market to protect the yield potential of corn hybrids while providing the convenience and simplicity of an integrated E-Z Refuge seed blend."
For growers seeking hybrids that combine the latest insect control traits and water optimization technology, Agrisure trait stacks are available in combination with Agrisure Artesian® technology, as indicated by the letter "A" on the end of the trait stack name. Artesian™ traits combine with elite genetics, allowing plants to manage gaps in rainfall through the season and yield exceptionally well in good conditions, delivering nearly 12% higher yields compared to other hybrids in severe and extreme drought in Syngenta trials.
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