Thursday January 8 Ag News

 Will the Surge in Land Prices Continue?

What started out with better than expected sales prices at land auctions prior to fall harvest extended into very strong prices at some auctions during October and November, surprising many.

“Farmers National Company had auction sales in several states during this time where land sold near levels last seen in 2012. In specific instances, prices for good quality cropland in the heart of the Midwest are up hundreds to thousands of dollars per acre more than anticipated,” said Randy Dickhut, senior vice president of real estate operations at Farmers National Company.

What is propelling the land market and will this current surge in prices continue?

Agricultural land prices have been fairly stable in the past several years despite the gyrations of the ag economy. Producer incomes were taking hits, but the land market took it in stride except for the hardest hit areas or segments. The factors supporting the land market remained constant during this time, which included historically low interest rates, a lower supply of land for sale and adequate demand for good cropland about everywhere.   

The demand for land is the driver of the current land price surge.

“Values for good cropland are strong right now with more farmers stepping up to buy as well as a growing number of individual investors. Buying interest from farmers has increased as they anticipate a better income year in 2020 than once thought,” Dickhut said.

Higher commodity prices and the historic influx of government payments in 2020 have helped the financial condition of many farmers and therefore their interest in productive land.   

Demand for all types of land has also seen an increase. As a result of COVID-19, a growing number of individuals have become interested in land as an investment. An individual might be interested in a rural acreage so they can have a place outside an urban area or it might be cropland if they want a safe, long-term investment. Bottomline, buying interest for land in general is up.

“The overall supply of good cropland for sale is on the low side and is similar to the past few years. Despite the slower ag land market, the dollar amount of land that Farmers National Company is currently selling for its clients is near record levels at $300 million,” Dickhut said.

The New Year will bring a renewed examination of the underlying factors propelling land prices.  There will be no large influx of government cash for producers in 2021, but grain prices are significantly higher so that more of net farm income will come from the market. Interest rates continue to be historically low, which supports strong land prices.  

Looking ahead, the supply of ag land on the market will not change much as it remains mostly inheritors, estates and non-operating families who sell. Farm finances will be adequate for another year to avoid an increase in forced sales by lenders. Active demand for good cropland by farmers and investors will continue for now, Dickhut predicted.

In the land market, the same supporting factors that have been keeping ag land values stable the past few years are expected to carry on in 2021. The additional factor driving land prices at the end of 2020 is the stronger demand by both farmers and investors.  

“Calls from buyers and sellers come in daily at Farmers National Company. Interest in land and ag land in particular grew in 2020. Looking ahead, if nothing unexpected happens to challenge the current land market, land prices will continue to firm up in 2021,” Dickhut said.

Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas
Owning land has always been a priority for farmers and ranchers, but interest in this real asset by investors has grown the past year.  

“Prices for top quality cropland in the Eastern Plains sold through our auctions and listings have increased since the beginning of the year,” said Paul Schadegg, area sales manager for Farmers National Company. “Demand for good farmland has definitely increased.

”Despite the challenges faced by agriculture and producers in 2020, the land market remained stable throughout the year and strengthened for good cropland in the last quarter. Producers across the Southern Plains endured economic challenges with interruptions to livestock deliveries, weather issues, lower ethanol demand and a late season drought in some areas.  

“In East Texas, our sales of timberland are increasing as sellers and buyers get more active. Ranchland prices in the state are strong as demand grows for that type of investment. Good Delta cropland continues to strengthen. Western Kansas dryland farms are selling at prices not seen for almost a decade,” Schadegg said.

“We are fortunate at Farmers National to have the most complete tool box of auction and sales methods of anyone to sell land. This includes all variations of online auctions and written bid sales. Our agents use the best sales method available to bring about a successful sale for our clients,” Schadegg added.

Farmers National Company’s land sales volume was up 49 percent during October and November compared to last year despite there remaining a normal to lower supply of land for sale in the overall market. Looking ahead, Schadegg comments, “Investor interest and farmer demand will continue to drive the land market in 2021 and I expect we will see strong prices as we start the year.”

Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin
Owning farmland has always been a priority for farmers, but interest in this real asset by investors has grown in the past year.  

“Prices for top quality cropland sold at our auctions are up $1,000 per acre or more since before harvest,” said David Whitaker, area sales manager for Farmers National Company. “Demand for good farmland has definitely increased.”

Despite the challenges faced by agriculture and producers in 2020, the farmland market remained stable throughout the year and strengthened in the last quarter. Iowa agriculture especially endured economic challenges with interruptions to livestock deliveries, the derecho storm, lower ethanol demand and a late season drought across much of the state.  

“Government payments, crop insurance, low interest rates and rising grain prices sustained farmers’ interest in buying land especially in the fall time frame. Add in the growing number of investors who want to own farmland and you have a strong demand driven land market,” Whitaker said.

Public auctions are a common means of selling farmland in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. COVID- 19 restrictions changed how farms were sold during the year depending on the time and the rules.  

“We are fortunate at Farmers National to have the most complete tool box of auction and sales methods of anyone to sell land. This includes all variations of online auctions. Our agents and auctioneers were able to pivot on a dime when needed to bring about a successful sale for our clients no matter how we had to perform the sale,” Whitaker said.



 Farmers Pride supports Northeast Community College ag project

A farm cooperative that serves customers in a 30-county region of northeast Nebraska has pledged its support to the improvements in agriculture facilities currently underway at Northeast Community College in Norfolk.

Farmers Pride, headquartered in Battle Creek, has pledged $50,000 to the Nexus project at Northeast to build a new veterinary technology clinic and classroom building and other facilities on the Acklie Family College Farm.

“Many of our employees and customers have graduated from Northeast,” said Farmers Pride General Manager Dean Thernes. “Having young people trained in the technology and science needed to farm successfully is vital to the success of our co-op.”

Farmers Pride started more than 90 years ago as the Battle Creek creamery cooperative. Today, the company has 125 employees providing service to approximately 9,500 customers in five core areas: grain, feed, agronomy, energy, and transportation. In addition to Battle Creek, Farmers Pride has facilities in O’Neill, Ewing, Neligh/Oakdale, Plainview, Bloomfield, Osmond, Pierce, Laurel, Madison, Newman Grove, Snyder and Oakland.

“Farmers Pride continues to invest in people, facilities, equipment and technology at each of our company locations to ensure we are able to meet the changing needs of our patrons,” Thernes explained. “This commitment to ag education at Northeast is a continuation of that investment.”

“Farmers Pride has been an excellent partner of the Northeast ag department,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast Foundation. “They have been a field partner, working with staff and students on forage projects. In addition, Farmers Pride provides expertise to our students, offers internships to them, and hires many Northeast graduates.”

The new ag facilities currently under construction near the Chuck M. Pohlman Ag Complex, 2301 E. Benjamin Ave., will replace a 100-year-old repurposed dairy barn. Buildings include a veterinary technology clinic and classroom, a farm operations and large animal handling facility, commodity storage and a shelter for small livestock. The project also includes a new feedlot and lagoon. The vet tech building is located west of the Pohlman Complex, while the other structures are located north of the complex.

Construction on the project began in April 2020 and is expected to be completed by fall 2021. Progress can be viewed in real time at northeast.edu/webcams.

The funding for the agriculture facilities will come from the College’s commitment of $10 million, as well as external fundraising to fill the gap. With a total project cost of $22.3 million, the College has raised enough funds for construction; however, fundraising for the Nexus campaign continues, as more is needed for equipment, technology and furnishings.

In August 2019, the Acklie Charitable Foundation (ACF) announced a $5 million lead gift to the Nexus project. ACF was founded by the late Duane Acklie and Phyllis Acklie, both Madison County natives and graduates of Norfolk Junior College, a predecessor institution of Northeast Community College.

For more information on the Nexus Campaign, contact Kruse, at tracyk@northeast.edu, or call (402) 844-7056. Online donations may be made through agwaternexus.com.



Nebraska Welcomes Jeff Vander Wilt as Acting State Conservationist

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is pleased to announce Jeff Vander Wilt as the Acting Nebraska State Conservationist. Vander Wilt comes to Nebraska from South Dakota where he serves as the Assistant State Conservationist for Programs and has over 25 years of experience with NRCS.

Craig Derickson had served as the Nebraska State Conservationist for NRCS for the past 10 years. He retired on Dec. 31, 2020, after 35 years of federal service. Vander Wilt was asked to serve as the acting Nebraska State Conservationist for the next 120 days, or until the position is permanently filled.

Vander Wilt said, “I am excited about this opportunity to serve as Nebraska’s State Conservationist. Nebraska has a strong conservation partnership, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it for the next couple months.”

During his time in Nebraska Vander Wilt hopes to visit some of the 77 NRCS field offices located across Nebraska. He looks forward to having the opportunity to work with Nebraska’s conservation leaders and partners including the Natural Resources Districts (NRDs).

For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services it provides, visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



Northeast Farm and Equipment Show Changes Dates

The 34th annual Northeast Nebraska Farm and Equipment Show is scheduled for Feb. 17 and 18 at Northeast Community College's Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex, located at the intersection of highway 35 and Benjamin Avenue in Norfolk. The show is sponsored and presented by Farm Show Productions.

The event traditionally takes place in mid-January, but due to the current directed health measures in place, the event is moving to the later date.

More than 135 vendors representing several different firms will stand ready to demonstrate what lies ahead for agriculture through new equipment and technology. Free demonstrations and door prizes will highlight the show.

Concessions will be available both days hosted by Northeast Community College Ag students, with the proceeds benefiting their programs at the school.

Shuttle service to and from the parking lot will be available. Admission to the show is free.



NCGA to Rollout Several Major Sustainability Initiatives in 2021

Showcasing farmers growing commitment to sustainability will be a major goal for the National Corn Growers Association in 2021. Several major initiatives by NCGA, as well as collaborative efforts with partners, will bear fruit in the new year.

“NCGA made a pioneering leap into the sustainability arena with the launch of the Soil Health Partnership. Since then, we have not let up. We have been working to take the next big steps showcasing our dedication to continuous improvement,” said Andy Jobman, Chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team STAT and a farmer from Nebraska. “Last year’s release of our U.S. Corn Commitment Statement opened the door for a very active 2021, starting with our upcoming Corn Sustainability Report and Environmental Sustainability Goals.”

The report will quantify accomplishments to date on the environment and climate change and chart a course that will create a more environmentally and economically sustainable world for future generations.

NCGA is working with the University of Illinois on a trendline analysis that will provide crucial information on environmental sustainability goals, Jobman notes. It focuses on the current status of the corn industry in the sustainability space. It will offer an important perspective on where corn farmers, industry stakeholders, and consumers are positioned on sustainability. The analysis will potentially target an assessment of greenhouse gas, soil loss/soil health initiatives, land use and energy use.

Climate change will also be front and center in 2021. The profile and importance of addressing climate change continue to grow exponentially. NCGA’s mission is to assure the best available information and sources are used in decision making. A key priority will be positioning corn farmers as a significant solution to reducing greenhouse gas.

NCGA will also continue its efforts to be a key player in the development and assessment of Carbon Markets. The organization is working to making it easier for producers to participate in climate-smart practices, navigate carbon markets, and earn extra income through carbon sequestration.



PorkBridge Educational Series Begins Feb. 4

Since 2005, PorkBridge has provided relevant and timely information to grow-finish swine producers and other industry professionals across the U.S. and around the world. The 2021 program year series begins on Feb. 4 and continues every-other month for six total sessions.

The program is a source of relevant and accurate information for those who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities, according to Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist, Ken Stalder, who is the Iowa contact for PorkBridge.

PorkBridge provides an interactive teleconference with electronic materials and live presentations. About a week before each session, subscribers will receive a web link to download the session’s presentation and any additional information provided by the presenter. Participants call in for the audio portion of each session and follow along with their own copy of the presentation on their computer or other device.

“Producers and others in the industry can get the information they need without the hassle of traveling or giving up an entire day to attend a meeting,” Stalder said. “PorkBridge participants can take part at home, in an office or in the swine unit, wherever it works best for them. And all participants can listen later to the audio we record of each live session.”

Sessions generally are scheduled for the first Thursday of each designated month. Each session begins at 11:15 a.m. CST and lasts no more than an hour.

The price remains at $100 for the entire series, and as in the past, each subsequent registration from the same entity is half that amount. Each registration provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration, including audio recordings of the live session.

Program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses. Anyone with questions, regardless of location, should contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State for more information.

Hoyer can be reached by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu.

This example video featuring info from a 2017 PorkBridge session provides an opportunity to see the content and format of this delivery method. Speaker Dale Ricker presents “Sights, Sounds and Smells of a Normal Finisher Barn.”

The registration form and payment must be received by Jan. 20 to assure receipt of program materials in time for the first session on Feb. 4. The program brochure has details and the registration form. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 515-294-4683.

Session dates, speakers and their industry affiliations, and topics are as follows.
    Feb. 4 – Jen Sorenson, Iowa Select Farms; “How to Handle Activists on Farms.”
    April 1 – Monica McConkey, Minnesota Department of Ag; “Mental Health for Pig Barn Workers.”
    June 3 – Matt Ritter, Provimi US; “In-barn Impacts on Meat Quality.”
    Aug. 5 – Nat Stas, PIC; “Water Management to Maximize Performance.”
    Oct. 7 – Jeff Blythe, Pipestone; “Biosecurity for Grow-Finish Production.”
    Dec. 3 – Chris Rademacher, Iowa State University; “Interventions to Reduce Mortality: Postweaning.”

PorkBridge is provided through a cooperative effort  of 15 colleges and universities from the nation’s major swine producing states including Iowa State University.



CHS Reports $69.7 Million in First Quarter Fiscal 2021 Net Income

CHS Inc. the nation's leading agribusiness cooperative, today reported net income of $69.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 that ended Nov. 30, 2020. This compares to net income of $177.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

The results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 reflect:
    Revenues of $8.7 billion compared to revenues of $7.6 billion for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.
    Impacts in the CHS Energy segment that included:
        Exceptionally low crack spreads and other unfavorable market conditions in our refined fuels business, driven primarily by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in volume and price declines that significantly reduced earnings in our Energy segment compared to the same period of the prior year.
        Decreased propane demand that resulted from warmer and drier fall weather during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to the same period of the prior year.
    Impacts in the CHS Ag segment that included:
        Improved relations between the United States and foreign trading partners that drove increased volumes and margins for grain and oilseed.
        Favorable weather conditions during fall harvest compared to the prior year that drove increased volumes and margins across much of our Ag segment.

"Our employees' commitment throughout the first quarter allowed us to consistently deliver products and services to our owners and customers around the world," said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS Inc. "A good growing season led to a good harvest season, and we saw commodity price rallies from spring and summer carry into fall. Those good weather conditions led to the highest volume fall fertilizer season we've seen since 2013 despite volatility in the nitrogen and phosphate markets.

"Improved trade opportunities with China and improved trade activity in Europe and Africa helped drive first quarter improvement in our global grain business. Our animal nutrition volumes also saw growth in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021," Debertin said. "We saw year-over-year increases in premium diesel sales with rural America continuing to rely on us for their energy needs. However, our overall Energy segment experienced ongoing challenges on refined fuels margins as the pandemic continues to challenge the energy industry. Throughout the remainder of our fiscal year, we will remain focused on our key priorities including protecting the financial health of CHS, caring for those who depend on us and bringing efficiencies to how we run our businesses and deliver products."



Farm & Biofuel Coalition Rejects EPA’s Excuses for Failing to Comply with 2017 Court Order  

Today, a coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed its reply in support of its motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. The motion, originally filed on November 23, 2020, asks the court to enforce its 2017 decision requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address its improper waiver of 500 million gallons of biofuel demand in the 2016 renewable volume obligation (RVO).    

The coalition, which includes Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, National Biodiesel Board, American Coalition for Ethanol, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and National Sorghum Producers issued a statement following the filing:    

“EPA should not be allowed to hide behind claims that restoring 500 million improperly waived gallons is an administrative burden that would inconvenience oil industry interests. What’s at stake is the proper implementation of the RFS and the rural communities that rely on its success for their livelihood.  As we have made clear, EPA has had the ability and the authority to do the right thing and remedy these lost gallons immediately and on a definite schedule.  EPA’s delay and disregard for the court’s directive for more than three years is inexcusable.”   

In the July 2017 ruling of the case Americans for Clean Energy et al. v. EPA et al., the court invalidated the EPA’s improper waiver of 500 million gallons in the 2016 RVO and ordered EPA to revisit the rule. The court held that EPA’s interpretation of the “inadequate domestic supply” waiver provision “runs contrary to how the Renewable Fuel Program is supposed to work.” To date, EPA has failed to open any proceedings to reconsider the 2016 RVO and has not restored the 500 million lost RIN gallons.  

In the reply brief filed today, the coalition reasserts that EPA’s delays in remedying the improper waiver are unreasonable and confirms that the court has the authority to require EPA to issue a 500 million gallon “curative obligation” to make up lost gallons, and to do it now.   



November U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Global Sales Moderate; China Returns as a Sizeable Ethanol Market
Ann Lewis, Renewable Fuels Assoc. Senior Analyst
    
U.S. ethanol exports in November declined 10% to 113.6 million gallons (mg) but landed 6% above year-ago levels at this time. Shipments crossing the border to Canada were fractionally lower, down 0.3% to 35.5 mg, securing nearly a third of total U.S. ethanol exports. Brazil re-entered the market with 13.4 mg in sales, which is the country’s largest U.S. ethanol draw in seven months. Exports to India were slightly higher (up 0.5%) at 11.7 mg while sales to Colombia decreased 8% to 10.2 mg. China also re-entered the market with 8.6 mg in sales, which is the country’s largest U.S. ethanol draw since March 2018. Other larger markets included South Korea (6.8 mg, -54%), Peru (6.1 mg, +72%), and Nigeria (5.9 mg, +56%). Global year-to-date exports of U.S. ethanol totaled 1.223 billion gallons, or 8% less than this time a year ago.
 
The U.S. imported 19.4 mg of ethanol, down 14% from October, with essentially all gallons sourced from Brazil. Year-to-date imports total 151.9 mg.
 
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—declined 3% in November to 927,604 metric tons (mt). U.S. export sales moderated in Mexico (139,844 mt, -23%), Vietnam (128,036 mg, -2%), and South Korea (88,810, -31%) but perked up in Turkey with a four-month high of 119,231 mt (+151%). The remaining half of export sales landed in another thirty countries, including Indonesia (84,002 mt), Canada (37,287 mt), Ireland (37,246 mt), Colombia (36,649 mt), and China (31,685 mt). Total worldwide U.S. DDGS exports through November were 10.12 million mt, or 1% ahead of last year at this time.



Smithfield Prepares for Vaccine Distribution to Workers

Smithfield Foods, the world's largest pork processor, said on Wednesday it has medical capabilities at U.S. facilities and is actively preparing for COVID-19 vaccine distribution to employees.

Reuters reports that meatpacking workers were among the groups hit hardest by the new coronavirus last year, as U.S. slaughterhouses became hot spots for outbreaks in the spring, helping spread the virus around rural America.

More Americans were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Wednesday than at any time since the pandemic began, as the historic public vaccination effort lagged.

Smithfield, owned by China's WH Group, declined to provide details of its vaccination plans and said they vary from state to state. The company said all of its employees will be eligible to receive vaccines.

A day earlier, the governor of the U.S. state of Nebraska said undocumented immigrants who work in meat plants would likely not get vaccinated due to immigration status.

Smithfield and other meatpackers also came under fire last year as U.S. pork exports to China soared while U.S. processors warned of domestic meat shortages due to COVID-19 outbreaks at slaughterhouses.



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the American Lamb Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from lamb producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handler organizations interested in nominating members to the American Lamb Board. Applications are due by Feb. 6, 2021.

State, regional or national organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership must meet the following criteria:
-    The membership of the organization consists primarily of producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handlers who market or handle a substantial quantity of lamb or lamb products.
-    A primary purpose of the organization is for the production or marketing of lamb or lamb products.

Producer, seedstock producer, feeder or first handler organizations or associations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the board must complete the Application for Certification of Organization (LPS-82) available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) American Lamb Board webpage. After reviewing the application, USDA will notify the organization or association whether or not it has been certified. Organizations currently certified to nominate board members do not need to reapply. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

For more information about the certification process, contact Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at (202) 690-2611 or Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov.

The American Lamb Board is composed of six American lamb producer representatives, three feeder representatives, three first handlers and one seedstock producer.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight to 21 boards. The oversight ensures fiscal accountability and program integrity and is paid for by industry assessments.



Staying Put But Looking Forward: Q & A With USGC CEO Ryan LeGrand

After the challenges of 2020, looking forward to the new year is a welcome change - even if most in-person activities remain restricted in the United States and the markets in which the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) works. Here, we look to the future with Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand to get his thoughts on the organization's priorities during the coming months.

We’ve officially turned the calendar to 2021. Where do you see us going in this new year?
The reality is that most of our day-to-day operations will be about the same as they have been until COVID-19 vaccines are widely distributed. Our team members globally have been mostly teleworking since March, with a few exceptions in markets that restricted activities earlier, like China, and those that have had the virus under control enough to allow for at least periodic in-person activities or office work, mostly in Asia.

We are fortunate to be able to be flexible with how our team works together and puts on programming for stakeholders, and we’ve learned a lot about moving meetings, consultations and even trade teams into virtual environments. The reality is that we will continue with that for the time being, and travel will be on hold for some time.

We never actually stopped activity; in fact, some parts of what we do have only gotten busier from the day our staff packed up to work from home. But the format is different, and when we emerge from this, we will have many new ideas and options to carry into the future, too.

A new U.S. president will be inaugurated in a few weeks. How does that affect USGC’s market development work?
Our market development work won’t change with the change in administration; we have worked day in and out through all kinds of political scenarios for 60 years. That said, the Council will need to ensure that President-Elect Biden’s team hears and understands our priorities for the continued expansion of exports of barley, corn, sorghum and the value-added feed and fuel products we promote overseas. Our products face many tariff and non-tariff barriers to entry into foreign markets, and we will be working with the new administration in hopes of improving global market access for them.

What are some of the priorities you have for the incoming Biden Administration?
We know some trade challenges are staring us right in the face, for instance the Brazil tariff rate quota (TRQ) on ethanol and approvals of biotech events in Mexico. We also need to maintain trade with China, which has been a real market high point recently and has provided much-needed demand for corn and sorghum.

We will be expressing the importance of new trade agreements that provide access for our products. We would very much like to see agreements finalized with one or more nations in Southeast Asia, as well as India. The United Kingdom deal has potential for ethanol, and a trade agreement with Kenya could set the stage in Africa for improved market penetration on the continent.

What are you excited about in 2021, professionally and personally?
I’m excited to see how our virtual programming continues to evolve. We have learned so much and gotten such great support for the shifts we needed to make, both from our members and our customers. Again, right now, it’s out of necessity, but it’s also inventing new ways of doing business in addition to supporting in-person activity as soon as it can resume.

The thing I’m most excited about, though - personal and professional - is seeing the vaccines coming along and saving hundreds of thousands of lives. It will also mean we will get back to some version of normalcy, whatever that new version is.

I think we’ll see more change in the next two years than in the last 10 - big and small things, across political, economic and market factors. Behaviors are changing, small and large. We’ll probably look back and realize some things we thought could never change already have.

What do you want members and customers to know from you as we begin this new year?
We’re seeing that strong demand exists for our products, not only from typical customers but from ones that wouldn’t be in the top 10 every year. We have a chance to have an extremely solid year for exports when the last couple of years haven’t been as great. Most of all, I want our members to know we are going to continue to be there working on their behalf in these important foreign markets. Our work continues to provide information and connections with those who buy our members’ products every hour, every day.

And I most want our customers to know the U.S. feed, food and fuel export system is open for business and proud to be able to meet their grain needs despite the challenges we are all facing. We want to be there for our customers always, however we can be, though we are also looking forward to sitting down at the table with them for face-to-face interaction and dialogue very soon.