Mark McHargue of Central City Elected to Lead Nebraska Farm Bureau
Mark McHargue of Central City has been elected to serve as President of the state’s largest farm and ranch organization. Delegates to the Dec. 8 Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention selected McHargue to succeed Steve Nelson of Axtell, who retired from the position after serving nine years as president.
“It is a great honor and I’m extremely excited to have this opportunity to work on behalf of our state’s farm and ranch families. Steve Nelson brought tremendous leadership to Nebraska Farm Bureau and I thank him for his service,” McHargue said. “My highest priority is to ensure we continue to carry out our organization’s mission and vision, a mission that centers around enriching the lives of Nebraska farm and ranch families through meaningful advocacy, education, and leadership development, and a vision of helping farm and ranch families achieve a great quality of life and prosperity.”
McHargue is a fourth-generation farmer producing pork, corn, popcorn, and soybeans in Merrick County. He has served in numerous capacities with Farm Bureau over the years. His involvement includes service on the Merrick County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, the State Legislative Policy Committee, and the State Board of Directors. Since 2011, McHargue served as the First Vice President of Nebraska Farm Bureau, chairing both the Nebraska Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC) and the State Legislative Policy Committee.
“It’s extremely important Nebraska Farm Bureau works to foster an environment that creates opportunities for our members and our communities to be successful. That starts with relationships. I’ll be placing a high priority on meeting with key stakeholders from across the state to reinforce the value of the work being done by our state’s farmers and ranchers, sharing our organization’s policy positions, and finding areas we can work together to advance and grow Nebraska,” said McHargue.
Among other priorities, McHargue pointed to a strong desire to find ways to increase direct engagement and communication with farmers and ranchers to hear their thoughts and ideas, in addition to continuing Farm Bureau’s focus on finding ways to help young farmers and ranchers and the next generation of farm and ranch leaders.
McHargue and his wife Judi have four adult children and six grandchildren with another grandchild on the way.
In addition to electing a new President, delegates also elected others to lead the organization.
Sherry Vinton, an Arthur County Farm Bureau member, was elected to replace McHargue as the organization’s First Vice President. Vinton and her husband Chris operate a cow-calf operation near Whitman.
Martey Stewart, a Dixon County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to represent the Northeast Region on the Board of Directors. Stewart will represent members from Antelope, Burt, Cedar, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Madison, Pierce, Stanton, Thurston, and Wayne Counties. Stewart and his wife Linda operate a cow-calf operation, near Dixon.
Casey Schumacher, a Dawes County Farm Bureau Member, was elected to represent the Northwest Region on the Board of Directors. Schumacher will represent members from Arthur, Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Keith, Kimball, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux Counties. Schumacher and his wife Tara operate a cow-calf, as well as stocker and fat cattle near Chadron.
Jason Perdue, a York County Farm Bureau member, was elected to fill the At-Large position on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Perdue works for a family-owned Agriculture Retail company and he and his wife Karah run the family’s contract poultry operation and raise corn and soybeans with Jason’s family near York.
Five Students Take State in Conservation Poster Contest
Bees, bats and hummingbirds were artfully crafted by young Nebraskans throughout the year turning blank paper into award-winning posters.
Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognize students from Kindergarten to 12th grade, who competed in the annual “Where would we BEE without pollinators?” Conservation Poster Contest. Students winning in the state competition receive a $25 gift card and include:
K-1: Carson Gerths, West Point, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
2-3: Colton Heimes, Hartington, Nebraska (Lewis & Clark NRD)
4-6: Connor Butler, Crawford, Nebraska (Upper Niobrara White NRD)
7-9: Emerson Ortmeier, West Point, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
10-12: Claire Steskal, Norfolk, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
Each NRD selects a winner from their district contest to compete in the state competition. The state winners will go on to compete in the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) poster contest. National winners are selected at the NACD annual conference in February.
Typically, NRDs notify area teachers about the contest and allow them to introduce it in the classroom. Individual students can participate outside of the classroom by submitting their artwork to their local Natural Resources District. The 2021 poster theme is “Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities.” For more information on the poster contest, visit the NARD website or contact Megan Grimes at mgrimes@nrdnet.org.
Nebraska Cattlemen Elects Leadership During 2020 Annual Convention
Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention may have looked a little different this year, but the core importance of convention is to elect new leadership and discuss Nebraska Cattlemen policy which was all done virtually for the year 2020. Depending on the given year and leadership terms, elections are held for opening positions.
On Friday December 4th during the annual business meeting it became official that William “Bill” Rhea III has taken the position as Nebraska Cattlemen President for the 2021 year. Bill is a 5th generation farmer near Arlington, NE where he raises corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and organic crops. He also owns and operates a trucking company. Bill is a prior Nebraska Cattlemen Feedlot Council chair and has served on the Nebraska Beef Council board and the U.S. Meat Export Federation executive council.
Brenda Masek has moved into the President Elect roll. Brenda owns and operates the Bestol-Masek Ranch near Purdum, NE where they run an 800 head commercial spring calving cow/calf operation. Brenda has served as president of her local NC affiliate, Nebraska Cattlemen Region 2 member services chair and has sat on the Nebraska Cattlemen Executive and Finance Committee prior to becoming an officer.
Nebraska Cattlemen’s newest officer is Steve Hanson who is joining Nebraska Cattlemen as the Vice President. Steve is the 4th generation on their family farm near Elsie, NE and ranch at Arthur where they feed out home raised calves with grain grown on their operation. He has served many industry positions in years past including Nebraska Beef Council chairman, Federation of State Beef Councils chairman, Beef Promotion Operating committee co-chair, serving on the Checkoff’s Freedom to Operate committee as well as the Global Growth committee and Evaluation committee. Steve currently serves on the United States Meat Export Federation executive committee representing the beef sector.
Also, congratulations to all the 2021 Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors:
Lewis Coulter – Region 1 Member Services Vice Chair
Kat Kennedy – Region 2 Member Services Vice Chair
Tyler Weborg – Region 3 Member Services Vice Chair
John Ecklund – Region 4 Member Services Vice Chair
Jared Jaixen – Region 5 Member Services Vice Chair
Chuck Graff – Region 6 Member Services Vice Chair
Ethan Bang – Region 7 Member Services Vice Chair
Mark Goes – Region 8 Member Services Vice Chair
Quentin Dailey – Region 9 Member Services Vice Chair
Frank Utter – Cow Calf Council Chair
Al Atkins – Cow Calf Council Vice Chair
Dan Egger – Farmer Stockman Council Chair
Marc Hanson – Farmer Stockman Council Vice Chair
Joel Weber – Feedlot Council Chair
Mike Briggs – Feedlot Council Vice Chair
Krista Dybdal – Seedstock Council Chair
John Kraye – Seedstock Council Vice Chair
Andrew Dorn – Allied Industries Council Chair
Scott Langemeier – Animal Health & Nutrition Committee Chair
Jared Walahoski – Animal Health & Nutrition Committee Vice Chair
Marie Farr – Brand and Property Rights Committee Chair
Brock Terrell – Brand and Property Rights Committee Vice Chair
Kelly Terrell – Education and Research Committee Chair
Marcus Urban – Education and Research Committee Vice Chair
Steve Sunderman – Marketing and Commerce Committee Chair
Joe Eisenmenger – Marketing and Commerce Committee Vice Chair
Jacob Mayer – Natural Resources and Environment Committee Chair
Eric Hansen – Natural Resources and Environment Committee Vice Chair
Richard Pierce – Taxation Committee Chair
Lavon Heidemann – Taxation Committee Vice Chair
Dawn Caldwell – Member Services Committee Chair
“I am looking forward to working with this highly talented board of directors for the next year as I serve my presidency. I am confident in this board and I am excited to see all the great things we get accomplished this year for the Beef Industry.”
Bill Rhea, Nebraska Cattlemen President
Nebraska Cattlemen Announces the 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees
On Friday December 4th during the Annual Business Meeting held via ZOOM Nebraska Cattlemen inducted a very deserving couple into the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award that honors the greatest leaders in our industry for their service. This year Past President Mike Drinnin inducted Alan & Sallie Atkins to the Nebraska Cattleman Hall of Fame.
Al & Sallie made a life together on the AL Ranch near Halsey, Nebraska. The AL Ranch consists of 15,000 acres, 700 commercial angus/crossbred cows and backgrounded up to 2,000 calves each year. The AL ranch strived to be an early adapter, implementing practices such as rotational grazing, land stewardship, synchronized breeding, optimized genetics, and Beef Quality Assurance. They have also participated for many years in the Certified Angus Beef and other premium branded and export programs. Both Al and Sallie have participated and held various roles in industry related organizations including Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska CattleWomen, Nebraska Beef Council, Sandhills Cattle Association, Nebraska State Fair and numerous others. Their combined efforts and advocacy for the beef industry make them an exceptional candidate for this award.
“I can’t think of a more deserving couple to be inducted into the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame. Al & Sallie have spent a lifetime serving our industry, being leaders and role model cattlemen and women in the state. Together they have served in every area of the industry from ranching and farming to the political side of issues. I would like to sincerely congratulate Al & Sallie on an award well deserved.”
– Past President, Mike Drinnin
Nebraska Farmers Union 2020 State Convention Hears From Keynote Remarks from NFU President Rob Larew
Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) members attending their 107th annual state convention in farm homes and offices across the state December 4th using the ZOOM platform heard a keynote presentation from National Farmers Union President Rob Larew.
President Larew reported that thanks to the virtual option he was able to speak to many more state conventions than normal, and the virtual tool could be a positive way to expand Farmers Union participation in events, educate folks, and work on issues on Capitol Hill. He said the 400 participants in the NFU Fall Fly-In were about 100 more than usually participants.
Larew focused on the need to diversify the existing meat processing system and aggressively look for ways to get more effective enforcement of anti-trust laws and Packers and Stockyards enforcement. He stressed the need to create new additional meat processing capacity providing livestock producers with the opportunity to better connect more directly with consumers and higher value markets. He said the need for more meat packing diversity and resilience became very apparent in the early stages of the pandemic when meat processing capacity was slowed or stopped. He said he was well aware of the passion NeFU members have for ag market and meat processing reforms and the need for more competition. He said
President Larew thanked Nebraska Farmers Union members for also focusing their efforts on improving the quality of life and economic opportunities on their neighbors in rural communities and towns. He said whether the issue was access to quality health care, rural broadband, renewable energy, farm immigration issues, rural economic development, or any other issues that impacted rural communities, Farmers Union members cared about the well-being of everyone in the rural neighborhood.
One of the areas Larew noted the incoming Biden Administration community matched up with NFU priorities was the role farmers and ranchers could play in mitigating climate change. Larew said NFU is knows they need to look for ways to increase farm income in the market place because federal direct income supports will decline.
Larew noted that three of the four key House and Senate Ag Committee leaders were going to be new. He said he knew House Ag Committee Chairman Representative David Scott of Georgia well and that as a former House Ag Committee staff. He said Representative Scott was knowledgeable on all of the issues involved in both farm and food policies. Larew said he also knew the new ranking House Ag Committee Minority member Representative Glenn Thompson from Pennsylvania, and he also had a good background of the issues by virtue of his Ag Committee membership. The new Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman will be Senator John Boozman from Arkansas who has a good amount of experience as a member of the Committee and has a very practical approach to issues. Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan will continue on as the Senate Minority Representative leader who NFU has worked closely with for many years. He also noted the upcoming two runoff elections in Georgia will decide which political party is in control of the Senate.
NeFU President Hansen praised NFU President Larew for the excellent job he has done to keep the National Farmers Union (NFU) offices functioning at a high level during the ongoing pandemic this past year. “If you did not know our staff was operating from home remotely, you would not realize it.” Hansen said.
PASTURE FERTILITY – Bray/Mehlich 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. For the Bray and Mehlich tests, values over 25 ppm do not need any phosphate applied for both dryland and irrigated pastures.
• 0-5 ppm apply 60 lb. P2O5/acre for irrigated or 40 lb. P2O5/acre for dryland
• 6-15 ppm apply 40 lb. P2O5/acre for irrigated or 20 lb. P2O5/acre for dryland
• 16-25 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.
Enrollment Open for Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage Programs for 2021 Production Season
Agricultural producers can now make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2021 crop year. The signup period is open through March 15, 2021, and producers are encouraged to begin working with their USDA county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office now to complete the process.
These key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety-net programs help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops. ARC/PLC payments for the 2019 production season were distributed in October, and payments for the 2020 production season will go out in fall 2021.
“Safety-net programs like ARC and PLC are designed to help producers mitigate some of the financial stressors associated with crop production. I encourage farmers to evaluate their program elections and enroll for the 2021 crop year,” said Nebraska FSA State Executive Director Nancy Johner.
Producers can learn more about the ARC and PLC options during a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Farm and Ranch Management Series webinar scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 17. Nebraska FSA Production and Compliance Programs Chief Cathy Anderson will present on ARC and PLC options for the 2021 production season, while Brad Lubben from the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics will discuss the economics of the programs and provide an Ag Policy Update. Those interested can register at go.unl.edu/ou4m.
ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guaranteed level. PLC provides income support payments on historical base acres when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its reference price.
Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.
2021 Elections and Enrollment
Producers can elect coverage and enroll in crop-by-crop ARC-County or PLC, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2021 crop year. Although election changes for 2021 are optional, enrollment (signed contract) is required for each year of the program. If a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm and makes an election change for 2021, it will be necessary to sign a new contract.
If an election is not submitted by the deadline of March 15, 2021, the election defaults to the current election for crops on the farm from the prior crop year.
All program participants are encouraged to review their previous program elections, Johner said.
For crop years 2022 and 2023, producers will have an opportunity to make new elections during those signups. Farm owners cannot enroll in either program unless they have a share interest in the farm.
Web-Based Decision Tools
In partnership with USDA, the University of Illinois and Texas A&M University offer web-based decision tools to assist producers in making informed, educated decisions using crop data specific to their respective farming operations. Tools include:
· Gardner-farmdoc Payment Calculator, the University of Illinois tool that offers farmers the ability to run payment estimate modeling for their farms and counties for ARC-County and PLC.
· ARC and PLC Decision Tool, the Texas A&M tool allows producers to analyze payment yield updates and expected payments for 2021. Producers who have used the tool in the past should see their username and much of their farm data already available in the system.
More Information
For more information on ARC and PLC, including the two online decision tools, visit the ARC and PLC webpage.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in the webinar should contact the Nebraska FSA State Office at (402) 437-5581 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339, or email bobbie.krizwickham@usda.gov by Wednesday, Dec. 16.
USDA Announces Appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of 28 members to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. All appointed members will serve three-year terms beginning February 2021 and ending February 2024, with the exception of one Importer Unit appointee who will serve a one-year term.
Newly appointed members are:
Caleb Plyler, Hope, Arkansas
Sallie Miller, Briggsdale, Colorado
Sarah K. Childs, Lake Placid, Florida
Tucker Shaw, Caldwell, Idaho
Philip L. Perry, Oskaloosa, Kansas
Trista Brown Priest, Satanta, Kansas
Andy Bishop, Cox’s Creek, Kentucky
Leon James, Hurdland, Missouri
Katie Sue Cooper, Willow Creek, Montana
Turk Stovall, Billings, Montana
Gina M. Hudson, Belvidere, Nebraska
Steve Wolfe, Kearney, Nebraska
Bill Baldwin, Mitchell, Nebraska
Raymond Erbele, Streeter, North Dakota
Cheryl DeVuyst, Morrison, Oklahoma
Jimmy Taylor, Cheyenne, Oklahoma
Daniel M. Kniffen, Spring Mills, Pennsylvania
Bill Slovek, Philip, South Dakota
April Bonds, Fort Worth, Texas
J. Ryan Moorhouse, Amarillo, Texas
Mark Brent Sustaire, Winnsboro, Texas
Michael White, Vernon, Texas
Steve Springer, Linden, Wisconsin
Melissa Daniels, Nicasio, California, Southwest Unit
Jeffrey Isenmann, Rochester, Michigan, Importer Unit
Kimberly A. D’Anella, Wenonah, New Jersey, Importer Unit
Rob Williams, Chevy Chase, Maryland, Importer Unit
Stephen Sothmann, Washington, D.C., Importer Unit (one-year term)
More information about the board and list of board members is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattlemen's Beef Board web page. More information can also be found on the board’s website, www.beefboard.org.
Farmers Union Announces New Climate Change Policy Advisory Panel
To strengthen its ongoing efforts to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis, National Farmers Union (NFU) today announced its new Climate Change Policy Advisory Panel (CCPAP). The panel’s 16 family farmer and rancher members will inform the organization’s climate-related legislative work, educational programming, outreach, and communications.
“There is a lot of work being done in the media, nonprofits, research institutions, the private sector, and across local, state, and national governments to help farmers implement climate-smart practices and build resilience to weather extremes,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “But ultimately, no one understands what’s necessary better than farmers and ranchers themselves. By establishing this panel and really listening to our members’ experiences and ideas, we can ensure that our actions are truly supporting them and providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to confront this crisis.”
With operations ranging significantly in size, type, and production method, the panel members reflect the diversity of American agriculture. Both organic and conventional operations are included, as are growers of specialty crops, row crops, and livestock. Additionally, several members produce renewable fuels and energy, while others are involved with their local farmer cooperatives.
The variety among the panel’s members will improve and broaden its recommendations, according to Larew. “Though all farmers are feeling the effects of climate change in one way or another, what that looks like really depends on the operation. Farmers in the Southwest, for instance, are facing droughts and wildfires, while those in the Midwest are dealing with wetter winters,” he said. “As a result, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to climate mitigation, which is why we need farmers of all stripes to inform our endeavors.”
The farmers selected to participate in the inaugural Climate Change Policy Advisory Panel are:
· Doug Mosel, California
· David Ramsey, Illinois
· Michael Morrow, Indiana
· Herb Bartel, Kansas
· Hannah Bernhardt, Minnesota
· Adam Pimley, Montana
· Richard Oswald, Missouri
· Dan Gillespie, Nebraska
· Ben Gotschall, Maine
· Lenci Sickler, North Dakota
· Mimi Casteel, Oregon
· Bill Miller, Ohio
· Clay Pope, Oklahoma
· Hana Fullmer, Colorado
· Kelcy Schuanuman, South Dakota
· Rachel Bouressa, Wisconsin
Among other things, the panel will review and provide feedback on agriculture-related climate legislation; assist NFU with its climate communications, advocacy, and outreach; and identify and share climate resources with other farmers and ranchers. Each member will serve a one-year term with the option to renew for subsequent terms.
ICASA Seeks Research to Prevent Liver Abscesses in Beef Cattle
The International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture (ICASA), one of the largest public-private partnerships focused on antibiotic stewardship in animal agriculture, is soliciting calls for research concepts to prevent liver abscesses in beef cattle.
Liver abscesses typically affect up to 32 percent of beef cattle, sometimes more, and occur in most U.S. feedlots. The condition is caused by bacteria crossing from an animal’s gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, where they accumulate in the liver. While affected animals show no signs of liver abscess externally, the syndrome can reduce feed efficiency, cause condemnation of potentially edible products, and result in increased trimming of meat at the processor, all which further impacts value. Although antibiotics are commonly used to prevent and control liver abscesses, the disease is still highly prevalent and costs producers approximately $30 million annually.
While liver abscess syndrome has been described for many years, animal scientists and veterinarians do not fully understand how liver abscesses form and why prevalence rates vary under different scenarios. Part of this challenge is that the syndrome is difficult to reproduce under controlled conditions. Accurate research models would help improve our understanding of the causes of liver abscesses and enable the investigation of new treatment strategies.
“Preventing liver abscesses in beef cattle can improve performance while also ensuring producer profitability,” said Dr. Sally Rockey, Executive Director at the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR). “This research is critical to developing alternatives to antibiotics and promoting stewardship.”
ICASA is soliciting research concepts on understanding the etiology and pathogenesis, and developing new models, for liver abscesses in beef cattle. Applicants should describe how their research enhances responsible antibiotic use, reduces the potential for resistance and/or provides actionable information that can be used by stakeholders.
Full application details are available on FFAR’s website. Applicants must submit their letter of intent by January 27, 2021. Matching funds are required for this program. Applications will be reviewed by ICASA participants and will be evaluated on a variety of factors including potential for supply chain implementation, potential for impact, likelihood for successful completion, originality, key personnel qualifications and strength of partnerships.
FFAR created ICASA in 2019 to facilitate research that promotes the judicious use of antibiotics, advances animal health and welfare and increases transparency in food production practices. ICASA improves antibiotic stewardship by building cross-sector partnerships among participants representing all stages of the US livestock supply chain.
USDA Announces Increase to Certain Incentive Payments for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is increasing incentive payments for practices installed on land enrolled in the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is upping the Practice Incentive Payment for installing practices, from 5 percent to 20 percent. Additionally, producers will receive a 10 percent incentive payment for water quality practices on land enrolled in CRP’s continuous signup. FSA administers CRP on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation.
“The Conservation Reserve Program provides agricultural producers and landowners with a tool to conserve natural resources on their land that is less suitable for farming,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “We offer a number of CRP initiatives, including continuous CRP, which greatly benefits natural resources like water. Increasing the incentive payment gives farmers even more reason to participate in continuous CRP, one of our nation’s largest conservation endeavors.”
Under continuous CRP, producers can enroll environmentally sensitive land devoted to certain conservation practices with signup available at any time. FSA automatically accepts offers provided the land and producer meet certain eligibility requirements and the enrollment levels do not exceed the number of acres FSA is allowed to enroll in CRP, which was set by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States. It was originally intended primarily to control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. The program has evolved over the years, providing many conservation and economic benefits. The program marks its 35-year anniversary this month. Program successes include:
Preventing more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, which is enough soil to fill 600 million dump trucks;
Reducing nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95% and 85%, respectively;
Sequestering an annual average of 49 million tons of greenhouse gases, equal to taking 9 million cars off the road;
Creating more than 3 million acres of restored wetlands while protecting more than 175,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, which is enough to go around the world seven times; and
Benefiting bees and other pollinators and increasing populations of ducks, pheasants, turkey, bobwhite quail, prairie chickens, grasshopper sparrows and many other birds.
The successes of CRP contribute to USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda and its goal of reducing the environmental footprint of U.S. agriculture by half by 2050. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the Department-wide initiative to align resources, programs, and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands.
For more information on CRP, visit fsa.usda.gov, or contact your local FSA county office.
AFBF Welcomes Nomination of Tom Vilsack for Agriculture Secretary
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall
“The American Farm Bureau Federation welcomes the news that Tom Vilsack will be nominated to be Secretary of Agriculture. His leadership as the 30th Secretary of Agriculture and as Governor of a state reliant on agriculture is evidence of his qualification to serve in this role.
“Tom Vilsack understands that the agriculture sector is far more complex than most people understand. He believes in a ‘big tent’ philosophy that supports all types of production and understands the importance of respecting farmers and ranchers as partners worthy of support in the race to achieve sustainability goals.
“Tom and I built a good relationship during his first term as Ag Secretary and we’ve built on that relationship in his current role with the U.S. Dairy Export Council. I look forward to sitting down with him again to continue our conversation on how to address the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture and rural communities. The pandemic revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of our food system, which Tom has had a front row seat to witness.
“Together, we must prepare to tackle a new farm bill and build on efforts to create a fair marketplace for U.S. agriculture to compete globally. It is essential we ensure climate policies respect farmers and remain market-based and voluntary. And, we must end the digital divide that puts rural America at a disadvantage.
“Tom Vilsack earned a reputation for rising above partisanship to serve farmers and ranchers and I’m confident he’ll continue to do so. The American Farm Bureau stands ready to support Tom and work closely with him knowing his success as Ag Secretary correlates directly with America’s farmers and ranchers, as well as our rural communities, having the support they need to flourish.”
NCBA Commends Selection Of Vilsack To Lead USDA
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today issued the following statement in support of Tom Vilsack's pending nomination as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
"Former USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack is adding another chapter to an already storied career in agriculture. He has the unique skill set to be able to hit the ground running on day one and cattle producers are thankful for this continuity," said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “Secretary Vilsack knows the issues facing America’s cattle producers and can utilize his extensive experience to showcase the positive impact we have on food security, nutrition, and our natural resources. We look forward to working with him for the betterment of beef farmers and ranchers."
NAWG Congratulates Tom Vilsack’s Nomination to Serve as Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture
Today, President-elect Joe Biden announced his intention to nominate former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to assume the role of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary under the Biden-Harris Administration. Vilsack is the current President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. NAWG President and Cass City, MI wheat farmer Dave Milligan made the following statement in response:
“NAWG congratulates former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for being nominated to serve under the Biden-Harris Administration as Secretary for the USDA.
“We look forward to working again with former Secretary Vilsack, and are ready to engage with any new staff at USDA.
“Former Secretary Vilsack’s understanding of policies important to wheat will be critical as the Department continues work to address the many economic challenges facing farmers across the country. Previously, his willingness to meet and listen to stakeholders as the USDA develops programs and regulations was key. Former Secretary Vilsack’s wealth of experience and his knowledge of agriculture are important attributes for this role.”
Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/4/2020
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending December 4, ethanol production expanded 1.7%, or 17,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 991,000 b/d—equivalent to 41.62 million gallons daily. Production remained 7.6% below the same week last year. The four-week average ethanol production rate rose for the ninth straight week, up 0.3% to 979,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.01 billion gallons (bg).
Ethanol stocks swelled by 4.0% to 22.1 million barrels, which was the largest volume since May and 1.2% above a year-ago. Inventories built across all regions.
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, dropped 4.7% to a 27-week low of 7.60 million b/d (116.51 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 14.4% less than a year ago.
Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol also fell 4.7% to 755,000 b/d, equivalent to 11.57 bg annualized. This was the lowest volume since May and 12.0% below the year-earlier level as a result of the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Imports of ethanol arriving into the West Coast were 21,000 b/d, or 6.17 million gallons for the week. Imports have been logged in fourteen of the past twenty weeks. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of October 2020.)
EPA, DOJ Oppose Refiner Request for Supreme Court Review of Tenth Circuit Decision on RFS Exemptions
In a filing submitted yesterday, the Department of Justice recommended against Supreme Court review of the Tenth Circuit Court’s ruling earlier this year that invalidated several small refinery exemptions issued by EPA under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The DOJ filing is in response to a petition submitted in September by HollyFrontier Corporation and CVR Energy, in which the oil refiners ask the Supreme Court to review the Tenth Circuit’s January decision.
The petitioners in the original Tenth Circuit Court challenge—the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and American Coalition for Ethanol—welcomed the government’s brief opposing Supreme Court review of the appeals court decision. RFA, NCGA, NFU and ACE plan to file their own brief with the Supreme Court today echoing the points raised by DOJ and adding others in opposing review of the Tenth Circuit’s decision.
In January, the Tenth Circuit invalidated three exemptions EPA had issued in 2016 and 2017 because it found that EPA had no authority to extend exemptions that had already lapsed in prior years and because EPA based the exemptions on economic hardships that were not caused by compliance with the RFS. The Tenth Circuit also found EPA’s actions to be arbitrary and capricious because the agency failed to reconcile how any small refinery could suffer a disproportionate economic hardship when EPA had steadfastly maintained that all refineries could recover their compliance expenses. The petition submitted by the refiners asked the Supreme Court to review only the Tenth Circuit’s finding that exemptions cannot be granted unless they are extensions of previously existing exemptions; they did not seek review of the other Tenth Circuit holdings.
In its brief yesterday, DOJ told the Court that this issue did not warrant the high court’s review and stated that the refiners’ petition asking for review “should be denied.” Citing the standards established by the Supreme Court, the government conceded that the Tenth Circuit’s decision did “not meet this Court’s ordinary criteria for granting certiorari.”
In response to the DOJ brief, RFA, NCGA, NFU and ACE offered the following statement:
“We agree with the well-reasoned position of the Justice Department and concur that no further review of the Tenth Circuit decision is warranted. The Tenth Circuit got it right when it concluded that the temporary small refinery exemptions Congress provided could not be extended if they had previously expired. But the more important and immediate point is that the petition from HollyFrontier and CVR falls far short of the standards the Supreme Court has established for its review of lower court decisions. As underscored by the DOJ brief, the Tenth Circuit decision does not conflict with any decision from the Supreme Court or another court of appeals, which is a common prerequisite for Supreme Court review. In addition, the DOJ correctly noted that further review is not warranted because the issue is already the subject of pending litigation in the D.C. Circuit, filed by our four groups and others. Finally, we agree with DOJ that further review would be inappropriate because even if the Supreme Court ruled in the refiners’ favor on this specific issue, it would not change the ultimate outcome of the underlying Tenth Circuit decision, since two of the three remaining holdings of that case were unmentioned in the refiners’ petition.”
Dairy Industry Applauds USTR Action to Address Canadian TRQ Violations
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) applaud today’s announcement that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will initiate official consultations with Canada to examine the administration of its dairy Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) obligations. The two organizations, with strong bipartisan backing from Congress, have long raised the alarm about the need to ensure the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is fully enforced, due to Canada’s history of undermining its trade commitments.
“USMCA is designed to improve trade with Canada, while modifying some of Canada’s trade-distorting dairy policies. We knew from day one that enforcement would be key to bringing the intended benefits home to America’s dairy industry. I applaud USTR for hearing our concerns and relying on our guidance to take this critical enforcement step to ensure that the agreement is executed in both letter and spirit,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of USDEC. “This is the critical first step, but more work may be needed to ensure Canada complies with its Class 7 related USMCA commitments as well.”
Even prior to its entry into force, USDEC and NMPF monitored Canada’s actions regarding its USMCA commitments and urged Congress and the administration to make this a priority as soon as USMCA entered into force. Canada has distorted its TRQ administration to limit imports from the U.S. Earlier this year, USDEC and NMPF highlighted for USTR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the inconsistencies between Canada’s dairy TRQ allocations and Canada’s USMCA obligations. In a detailed filing submitted to the administration, NMPF and USDEC provided the agencies with a specific legal review of the Canadian TRQ system and an explanation of the negative impacts resulting from them.
“America’s dairy farmers appreciate USTR’s commitment to the fair and transparent enforcement of USMCA. Enforcement has been one of the top priorities of our industry since the final agreement was announced, and we’ve worked diligently to ensure that it remains one of USTR’s top priorities, as well. Only when Canada is held fully accountable to its trade commitments will America’s dairy farmers be able to realize the full benefit of the provisions that the U.S. government worked so hard to secure,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “We look forward to working closely with the incoming administration as well since enforcement efforts are likely to require sustained focus going forward.”
The concerns raised by USDEC and NMPF have been echoed by a broad bipartisan coalition of members of Congress. In August, 104 Representatives sent a letter to USTR and USDA asking for Canada to be held accountable to its trade promises while a letter in the Senate was signed by 25 Senators. USDEC and NMPF commend the continued engagement of so many members of Congress on this important issue.
USDA-ARS Researchers Introduce Treatment to Prevent Parasites in Sheep
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service (ARS) today announced a groundbreaking treatment that prevents anemia, weight loss, poor wool and meat production, and even death in sheep.
ARS researchers partnered with Virginia Tech and the University of Massachusetts' Medical School to solve H. contortus parasite infection, which also happens to be the number one health problem in the U.S. sheep industry. The parasite infects the stomach of ruminant mammals, feeding and interfering with digestion, before ultimately affecting the animal's overall health and stability.
"The H. contortus parasite has developed resistance to virtually all known classes of anti-parasitic drugs," said ARS Researcher Dr. Joseph Urban, who lead the research team in testing and implementation of a para-probiotic treatment to kill the parasite that causes H.contortus.
The worm parasite mates within the animal and its fertilized eggs pass through the animal's waste into the soil. The larvae then develop to re-infect other unsuspecting animals, spreading the infection throughout a pasture and creating a cycle of infection that hinders animal growth, development and production.
"This is a major problem and the newly-developed treatment is derived from bacteria normally found in the soil that can produce a protein that binds to receptors in the intestine of the parasite," said Dr. Urban. "The treatment will then kill the parasites and reduce debilitating infection in adult sheep."
"When the treatment was given to infected sheep at Virginia Tech there was a rapid and dramatic reduction of parasite reproduction and survival, without any negative effect observed in the sheep." said Dr. Anne Zajac, professor of parasitology at Virginia Tech's Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
Para-probiotics are "inactive probiotics," or good bacteria that can still provide health benefits. Despite the growing interest in para-probiotic use, these types of treatments are not commercially available. The treatments are currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and will likely be commercially produced in large amounts once approved. This will help to protect an even larger population of animals across the country.
"Para-probiotics represent a new evolution and hope in dealing with a malignant and pervasive parasite," said Dr. Raffi Aroian, a professor in the Molecular Medicine program at the University of Massachusetts' Medical School. "The development of new therapeutics for this issue has been extremely difficult to come by and I look forward to watching this new advancement unfold in the global and domestic industry."
This project was supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
CLAAS LEXION 6000 Series Straw Walker Combine Receives 2021 AE50 Award
CLAAS of America recently received a 2021 AE50 Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) for the LEXION 6000 Series straw walker combine. The annual AE50 Awards program celebrates new products that feature the highest innovation, significant engineering advancement and impact on the market served.
“CLAAS is thrilled to be recognized by ASABE for the new and innovative LEXION straw walker combine,” said Eric Raby, CLAAS of America President and General Manager – Sales. “We are constantly striving to ensure a better harvest with equipment designed for maximum throughput, efficiency and reliability — the LEXION 6000 Series does just that and more.”
Entries for the AE50 awards are submitted from around the world and reviewed by a panel of international engineering experts to determine the top 50 products that represent the diversity of agricultural and biological engineering. Recipients of the awards have been honored for their ingenuity in product development — saving producers time, cost and labor while improving user safety.
The LEXION 6000 Series straw walker combine, introduced in June 2020, offers an engineered mix of efficiency, precision and convenience that excels in crops like wheat, canola and grass seed — all in a reliable and easily maintained package. It is designed to save time and make the job easier for farmers who want efficient separation without over-threshing grain or damaging straw.
Enhanced efficiency for more throughput
The new LEXION 6900 and 6800 provide up to 25 percent more throughput than the prior straw walker series. The APS SYNFLOW WALKER threshing and separation system has the straightest crop flow in the industry and is the only combine on the market with an accelerator drum for constant crop acceleration, efficient grain separation and gentle straw handling without having to make any sacrifices.
Heightened precision through advanced technology
The combine is equipped with more in-cab controls and on-the-fly adjustment capabilities, along with the highest-quality machine performance feedback for ensured success. At the peak of precision is the CEMOS AUTOMATIC combine automation system, which makes autonomous and automatic real-time, in-field adjustments with more precision and speed than a seasoned operator.
Optimal convenience for minimal downtime
With the industry's fastest transport speed at 25 mph (40 kph), the new LEXION combine not only gets operators through the field faster, but it also gets them to the next field faster. New in-cab conversion capabilities make it simpler and faster to switch between crops when needed — reducing crop conversion time by more than 50 percent.
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