Tuesday February 23 Ag News

 LEAD set to resume this fall, Fellowship Applications Available for Group 40

The Nebraska Leadership Education Action Development Program (LEAD), a two-year development program for leaders in the state’s agricultural sector, will resume programming in 2021, following a year-long pause as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Nebraska LEAD is accepting applications for its 40th cohort until June 15. In addition, the program’s 39th cohort will resume its monthly seminars and other scheduled activities this fall.

“We are anxiously anticipating the resumption of LEAD programming this coming fall. We have spent our pause year reassessing the entire program,” said Ed Woeppel, Chairman of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, which sponsors the program. “We are confident that the Nebraska LEAD Program is positioned to continue to be a leader in agricultural leadership development. We look forward to continuing the experiences for LEAD 39 after a one-year pause as well as to welcome in a new group in LEAD 40.”

Applications for Group 40 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness.  

“Up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential will be selected from five geographic districts across our state," said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director.

Applications are due no later than June 15 and may be requested via e-mail by contacting the Nebraska LEAD Program office at leadprogram@unl.edu. Those interested in the program may also request an application by writing to Nebraska LEAD Program, 104 ACB, Lincoln, Neb., 68583-0940 or by calling (402) 472-6810. Information about the selection process is available at www.lead.unl.edu.  

LEAD fellows attend monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April each year. Fellows also have the opportunity to participate in a 10-day national study/travel seminar, as well as a two-week International study/travel seminar.

Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy and finance, leadership through communication, Nebraska’s political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, information technology, advances in health care, and the resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle, Hejny said.

The Nebraska LEAD Program prepares the spokespersons, problem-solvers, and decision-makers for Nebraska and its agricultural industry. The program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry, and individuals throughout the state.



ENERGY/PROTEIN BALANCE
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator
 
Protein and energy are two critical components to providing our animals with a balanced ration.  Unfortunately we often focus on one side of the paring or forget that digestion is a complicated process between both sets of nutrients.  When this happens rations become unbalanced.
 
Swings in the energy content of a forage are often less noticeable than the impact relatively small shifts in protein can make.  It can be easy to get lazy and “judge the feed by its protein” and lose track of the energy side of a ration, just assuming that it’s covered.  This can result in slow body condition declines, but can really come back to haunt us when animal energy demands peak, like during cold temperatures or at peak lactation.
 
Beyond giving energy and protein equal consideration when feeding, understanding the relationship between the two during digestion is critical.  Ruminants require protein for two main reasons, for the animal itself and for the microorganisms in the rumen responsible for breaking down hard-to-digest plant parts.  If animals aren’t gaining like we want or it’s a cold day, it might be tempting to supplement a low protein forage diet with some cracked corn.  We’ve recognized the need for more energy and are meeting it right?
 
Sort of.  The animals could use more energy, but by providing it in the form of starch without additional protein in a diet with less than 9% Crude Protein, we goofed.  Because the animal can’t break down starch efficiently, they need the rumen microbes to do it for them.   Each diet is different, but in this circumstance, the microbes can’t do their job effectively without more protein.  Most of that additional energy is going unused.
 
Providing animals with the right balance of protein and energy in a diet is crucial for a healthy herd, but doing so takes some time and know-how.  Don’t forget to look at both parts of the diet and how they interact.  And as always your local beef extension educator is happy to help if you have questions.



AFAN Announces the 2021 Nebraska Pork Expo

Anyone considering expanding or diversifying their operations are invited to the Nebraska Pork Expo set for July 21 in York, Neb.  The program will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holthus Convention Center. Admission is free and lunch will be provided. Registration is requested by July 7, 2021.

The day will begin with a tradeshow and breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Attendees will hear sessions on marketing and risk management, sustainability and renewable energy, ASF and traceability along with much more throughout the day. Panel discussions will be held over niche and contract pork production. A social hour will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. to round out the day.

The event is sponsored by the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association.

“The pork industry in Nebraska continues to grow and there are many great options for farmers looking to diversify with pork production. Diversifying an operation with livestock can increase cash flow and provide valuable nutrients that can offset commercial fertilizer costs,” said Kris Bousquet, AFAN director of livestock development. “We have designed this conference to provide farmers with the information and insight they need to consider adding swine production to their operations for future growth.”

Reservations can be made by visiting www.becomeafan.org.  



NDA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR NEBRASKA AG YOUTH INSTITUTE

It’s application time for one of the biggest youth agriculture outreach events in the
state—the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). This year, NAYI is celebrating 50 years of bringing together high school juniors and seniors to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with agriculture leaders and discover the many careers available in agriculture. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) helps sponsor and coordinate NAYI every year.

NAYI will be held July 12-16, 2021, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus and will follow any COVID-19 recommendations in place at the time. Applications for NAYI are available at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted online. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending have until April 15, 2021, to apply.

“NAYI is 50 years strong this year and still the longest running agricultural youth program of its kind in the nation,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “NAYI offers networking, career development and leadership activities in creative and fun ways to engage high school students interested in the ag industry. Be sure to encourage the high school juniors and seniors you know to apply to NAYI before the April 15th deadline.”

This year’s NAYI 50th anniversary theme is “Timeless Traditions” and will feature motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues and career options, a farm management game, awards presentations and creative opportunities to interact with other participants.

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 21
college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth and career choices for the future.

NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture. Applications are available online at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted by
April 15, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.



Northeast Nebraska farmer to be featured on Women in Ag webcast

“Open for Business: A Nebraska Women in Agripreneurship Series” will feature Hannah Borg, a sixth-generation farmer in northeast Nebraska, during its next live webcast on March 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Produced by Nebraska Women in Agriculture, the monthly webcast series highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of women in agribusiness from across the state, offering creative insights and the stories behind what it takes to build a business.

The conversations focus on surviving business shocks such as disasters, regulatory changes and shifting family dynamics. Featured business leaders are interviewed by Brittany Fulton, extension assistant with the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program.

Borg’s family farm, near Allen, Neb., raises crops, cattle and chickens. Her main role is operating the pullet barns that they raise for Costco. When she isn't farming, you can find her behind a camera or in a history book.

Borg graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s in Agricultural Communications. She has interned for FarmHer and the Rural Radio Network as a farm broadcaster, is active at her church and is a board member at the Wakefield Heritage Organization.

The webcast is free to attend but registration is required on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program website, wia.unl.edu.



2020 Annual Milk Production up 2.2 Percent from 2019

The annual production of milk for the United States during 2020 was 223 billion pounds, 2.2 percent above 2019. Revisions to 2019 production increased the annual total 59 million pounds. Revised 2020 production was up 165 million pounds from last month's publication. Annual total milk production has increased 13.7 percent from 2011.  Production per cow in the United States averaged 23,777 pounds for 2020, 382 pounds above 2019. The average annual rate of milk production per cow has increased 11.5 percent from 2011.  The average number of milk cows on farms in the United States during 2020 was 9.39 million head, up 0.5 percent from 2019. The average number of milk cows was revised up 6,000 head for 2020. The average annual number of milk cows has increased 2.1 percent from 2011.

2020 Annual Milk Prod. by State
                       (billion pounds - % of '19)
Nebraska ........:          1.46           +3.6%    
Iowa ...............:         5.374         +1.6%    

January Milk Production up 1.8 Percent
Milk production in the 24 major States during January totaled 18.3 billion pounds, up 1.8 percent from January 2020. December revised production, at 18.0 billion pounds, was up 2.6 percent from December 2019.  The December revision represented a decrease of 74 million pounds or 0.4 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.  Production per cow in the 24 major States averaged 2,049 pounds for January, 15 pounds above January 2020. The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major States was 8.93 million head, 92,000 head more than January 2020, and 6,000 head more than December 2020.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during January 2021 totaled 468 million pounds, up 3% from the previous January according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during January, at 222,000 head, was 2,000 more than last month and 7,000 more than January 2020. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,110 pounds, up 5 pounds from last January.



USDA Cold Storage January 2021 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on January 31, 2021 were up 3 percent from the previous month but down 12 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 3 percent from the previous month but up 6 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 11 percent from the previous month but down 26 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 2 percent from last month but down 56 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on January 31, 2021 were up 3 percent from the previous month but down 11 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 5 percent from the previous month and down 15 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 37 percent from last month and up 2 percent from January 31, 2020.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on January 31, 2021 were up slightly from the previous month and up 3 percent from January 31, 2020.  Butter stocks were up 20 percent from last month and up 33 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on January 31, 2021 were down 11 percent from last month and down 18 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 8 percent from last month but up 5 percent from a year ago.



I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course Planned

Industry professionals and beef producers who are finishing and marketing dairy beef are invited to virtually attend the I-29 Dairy Beef Short Course. The webinar, offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is set for March 23.

It features a morning session from 10 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Participants may choose to attend one or both sessions.

The morning session focuses on factors affecting dairy beef performance. Tara Felix, extension beef specialist at Pennsylvania State University, will present information on the role of nutrition and implants in dairy beef health and animal performance. Following her is Phil Durst, field-based educator with Michigan State University with over 30 years of experience working with farmers. He will share how dairy beef employees influence animal health and performance.

The afternoon focuses on the future of dairy beef production from a consumer lens and an economic standpoint. Bill Halfman, extension agricultural agent with the University of Wisconsin – Madison, will provide an understanding of economic factors that influence the return on investment to the operation. Rounding out the day is Lisa Scebbi, director of marketing at JJBS USA. She will focus on how future consumer trends may optimize market opportunities for dairy beef.

Registration for the event is $25, payable through the online registration form, and must be done before March 22. The webinar session links will be sent following registration. At the conclusion of the webinar, participants will receive an electronic copy of the proceedings along with access to two recordings of the two sessions.

See more information on the I-29 Moo University website. Direct inquiries may be made to Fred Hall, ISU Extension and Outreach dairy specialist, at fredhall@iastate.edu or Beth Doran, ISU extension and outreach beef specialist, at doranb@iastate.edu, or phone 712-737-4230 to visit with either of them.

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.



Farmers Union Ready to Work with Secretary Vilsack to Strengthen Farm System

In a 92-7 vote, the U.S. Senate today confirmed Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for President Joe Biden’s pick. Vilsack previously held the position for eight years under President Barack Obama.

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew released the following statement in response to the news:

“No one is more qualified to lead the USDA than Tom Vilsack. After serving as Secretary of Agriculture for eight years, he knows the agency inside and out, giving him the insight he needs to get to work right away on behalf of family farmers, rural communities, and hungry Americans.

“That’s a good thing, because there is no shortage of things to get done; most immediately, he must prioritize pandemic recovery. That means ensuring that all Americans have access to food, providing farmers of all types and sizes with the relief they need to stay in business, helping rural hospitals treat critically ill patients and distribute vaccines, and protecting workers across the food chain from covid-19.

“But the pandemic is hardly the only problem beleaguering agriculture; the industry is also grappling with a rapidly changing climate, unchecked corporate power, persistent oversupply, institutional racism, an aging population, and insufficient local processing infrastructure. During his second stint as Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack can’t let any of these issues fall by the wayside. We look forward to working with him towards lasting, meaningful reforms that will secure a bright and prosperous future for family farmers and their communities.”



 Fischer Statement on Confirmation of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Thomas Vilsack, President Biden’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Agriculture:

“Agriculture is the economic engine of Nebraska, and I look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack on key issues for our ag producers. This includes facilitating market access for our products, addressing the lack of price discovery in the cattle market, and supporting our biofuels industry.”



NeFB Statement Regarding Tom Vilsack Confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture
Mark McHargue, President, NE Farm Bureau

“Nebraska Farm Bureau congratulates Tom Vilsack on his confirmation as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. As Secretary Vilsack knows, there are many challenges, yet also many opportunities for American agriculture. We look forward to working with him to tackle those issues in a way that leads to prosperity for our members, particularly in the areas of expanding markets for agricultural commodities, extending high-end broadband to every corner of America, and ensuring environment and climate initiatives work for farm and ranch families.”



Naig Applauds Vilsack’s Confirmation as U.S. Ag Secretary

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement today in response to Secretary Tom Vilsack’s confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

“Having an Iowan at the helm of USDA is positive for our state’s agriculture community. Secretary Vilsack will be able to hit the ground running given his previous experience as agriculture secretary, and being a former Governor, he understands the partnership between states and the federal government. I look forward to working alongside Secretary Vilsack to continue to grow demand for renewable fuels, prevent foreign animal diseases, advance water quality and soil health, promote international trade and support investments in rural America.”



IRFA Congratulates USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack

Today the U.S. Senate voted to confirm former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack to be the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for the second time. Secretary Vilsack formerly served eight years under President Obama.

In response to today’s confirmation vote Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“We congratulate Secretary Tom Vilsack and look forward to working with him once again in this role. Whether serving as USDA Secretary, Iowa’s Governor, or a private citizen, Secretary Vilsack has never forgotten the value biofuels bring to American agriculture and the air we breathe. We are confident that during his tenure at USDA he will continue to be a strong champion for ethanol and biodiesel, working hand in hand with his colleagues in the administration to ensure biofuels are given every opportunity to help reduce this country’s carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.”



NCGA Congratulates Tom Vilsack on Senate Confirmation to Lead USDA

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today congratulated Tom Vilsack on his Senate confirmation to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). NCGA President John Linder made the following statement.

“NCGA congratulates Secretary Vilsack on his confirmation. Corn growers appreciated his comments in support of biofuels, along with the positive role he sees agriculture playing in addressing climate change, during his confirmation hearing. Secretary Vilsack has consistently shown a willingness to listen to corn growers, to understand the issues they face on their farms, and we’ve welcomed his outreach to agriculture. Corn growers are looking forward to working together to build long-term demand for our product, mitigate the impact of climate change, seek new markets around the globe, and continue to feed and fuel the world.”



Congratulations from Soy & Welcome Back, Secretary Vilsack!

The American Soybean Association (ASA) congratulates Tom Vilsack as he returns as head of the United States Department of Agriculture. Secretary Vilsack gained choice experience in the same role as part of President Obama’s administration and was known as a staunch supporter for renewable fuel initiatives, biotechnology advances, fair trade agreements and preserving the farm safety net.

Kevin Scott, ASA president and soybean grower from Valley Springs, South Dakota, said, “We appreciate that Secretary Vilsack always supported farmers and understood that they are a driving force for the rural economy. We are confident that he will continue to support producers and appreciate his ongoing commitment to seeking farmer input.”

Secretary Vilsack is from a large soybean-producing state and has vast agriculture knowledge, including that gained during his terms as Iowa governor and more recently, running a large agricultural organization. He has a history of advocating for biodiesel and biotechnology, with conservation being another priority. Vilsack has expressed his beliefs that climate can provide market opportunities for farmers and must be designed to ensure that the principal beneficiaries are farmers.

ASA looks forward to working with him on these priorities and other issues important to soy and agriculture.



Wheat Organizations Welcome Tom Vilsack Back to USDA

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) are pleased with the bipartisan U.S. Senate vote today approving the appointment of former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to that important post again under the Biden-Harris Administration.

“We welcome Secretary Vilsack’s return to USDA in a year that is projected to see record U.S. agricultural exports,” said USW President Vince Peterson, who currently serves on the USDA Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade. “We look forward to working with him again to continue building on the successful export market development partnership between U.S. wheat farmers and USDA.”

“NAWG applauds the Senate for its timely consideration and strong bipartisan support for confirming Secretary Vilsack to lead the USDA once again,” said NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. “Like many farmers across the country, wheat growers are facing economic challenges, and we are pleased to see the Senate and President work to fill these leadership positions at the USDA with qualified candidates, so we can continue to work on policy that benefits rural America. Secretary Vilsack is uniquely qualified to head up the USDA, having served there previously, and has an exceptional understanding of agricultural and rural issues. We look forward to working with him and continuing to build our relationship with the USDA.”



Farm Bureau Congratulates Tom Vilsack on Confirmation

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the confirmation of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture.

“AFBF congratulates Tom Vilsack on his confirmation as the next Secretary of Agriculture. His strong track record of leadership and previous experience at USDA will serve rural America well.

“Secretary Vilsack and I have spoken several times in recent weeks about opportunities and challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers, and I look forward to close collaboration. We have a lot of work to do as we overcome obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We must commit to resuming CARES Act programs and continue to build on advances made in trade. We must move forward on the successes made in climate-smart practices while seeking partnerships to ensure new environmental policies remain market-based and voluntary. We also recognize the importance of strengthening the farm bill and bringing broadband to every community in America.

“We stand ready to work with Secretary Vilsack and USDA on issues that benefit this nation’s farmers and ranchers – his success means rural America’s success.”



NMPF Statement on the Confirmation of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture
National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern

“All of U.S. agriculture has an effective advocate in Tom Vilsack, and the nation will be well-served by his return to public service leading the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We in the dairy community who have had the opportunity to work with him have seen first-hand his deep passion for rural America and his commitment to advancing agriculture and the communities it serves, from farmers and food-sector workers to the consumers and businesses that depend on USDA to meet their needs every day, in every way. That’s especially important in light of today’s pressing challenges, which include a farm economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic; climate change, sustainability and the environment; nutrition and food insecurity; international trade policies that limit U.S. exports; labor shortages that are worsening with time; and the legacies of societal injustice that need to be addressed.

“Tom Vilsack’s experience and leadership will be crucial to meeting these challenges, and more. We congratulate him on his confirmation and pledge to do our best to contribute to his successful service.”



NCBA Delivers State of the Industry Address During Virtual Winter Reboot

Today, during the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) virtual Winter Reboot conference, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane discussed the state of the industry and priority issues in Washington, D.C. that could affect cattlemen and women.

Woodall and Lane discussed the availability of USDA programs to assist farmers and ranchers from the damage done by the frigid temperatures that were seen across the country last week, the impact COVID-19 has had on cattle markets, and the work NCBA has done to provide opportunities for increased profitability while ensuring a steady food supply chain.

They also shared the many wins that the NCBA policy team has had including, working to ensure the beef industry is eligible for pandemic relief programs including USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), two programs that farmers and ranchers across the country utilized during the market disruptions caused by COVID-19.

They went on to discuss the outlook for the Biden administration and the 117th Congress. When talking about the priorities of the Biden administration, Lane shared that NCBA has a robust relationship with senior level leadership across various agencies and that those individuals are willing to listen to NCBA’s perspective.

“They really want to start these conversations at the ground level. They are making it clear that we have a seat at the table,” he said. “We can find some common ground and help them see the benefit of some of the things that have been propagated over the past couple years.”

When referencing the work that NCBA is doing to ensure the beef industry’s success Woodall said, “What we’re doing is what we do best and that is being the most effective advocate for cattlemen and women in Washington, D.C.”

The Virtual Winter Reboot, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, is a two-day event that gives members the opportunity to hear an update on the work NCBA has been doing in D.C., participate in educational sessions with industry leaders, and interact virtually with other members.



Dairy-Based Sports Drink Launches with Industry Support

A Chicago-based start-up has launched GoodSport, a sports drink that is 97 percent dairy and aims to compete nationally against leading brands.

This first-of-its-kind natural sports drink made from the goodness of milk and backed by science will be available this month at Amazon.com and www.goodsport.com. Broader retail distribution is planned for later this year. The product launched with support from the dairy checkoff and other industry groups.

GoodSport Nutrition Founder & CEO Michelle McBride conceived the concept after being frustrated with the sports drink category options.

"I didn't want my son drinking sports drinks filled with artificial ingredients that were being offered to him at his baseball games," she said. "I gave him chocolate milk as a healthier alternative after his workouts and it provided the inspiration to look at milk as a source of hydration during physical activity."

Milk is a natural source of the essential electrolytes and carbohydrates needed to provide effective hydration. In fact, scientific studies have shown milk hydrates better than traditional sports drinks and water.

However, milk's consistency and protein content, which slowly digests, were barriers for athletes before and during exercise. GoodSport's patent-pending formula and process cracked the code to provide naturally powerful hydration in a clear and thirst-quenching beverage. It delivers three times the electrolytes and 33 percent less sugar than traditional sports drinks, McBride said. All ingredients are from natural sources and the beverage provides a good source of calcium and an excellent source of B vitamins. It is lactose free and shelf stable.

To bring her idea to life, McBride engaged recognized experts in sports nutrition and from across the dairy industry. Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff, assisted McBride with category insights and provided contacts to accelerate speed to market. State and regional checkoff teams also offered support. Dr. Greg Miller of National Dairy Council serves on the company's scientific advisory council and McBride also participated in the Dairy Farmers of America Co-Lab Accelerator for startups. The 90-day program offers training, growth opportunities and mentorship.



FARM Program Publishes 2020 Year in Review

The National Dairy FARM Program (FARM) has published its 2020 Year in Review. Serving as the annual summary of the achievements and program developments of the FARM Program, the Year in Review showcases successes and challenges during a year of change and uncertainty.

“As the industry shifted with the pandemic, we adapted the program to fit farmer’s and program participant’s needs,” says Emily Yeiser Stepp, vice president for the FARM Program at the National Milk Producers Federation, which administers FARM. “We were still able to provide value, develop helpful resources and provide assurances of on-farm social responsibility for the dairy supply chain despite the rollercoaster of 2020.”

The Year in Review details the resources and tools developed across all program areas to help farmers become more fully engaged with the program. It also shows how aspects of FARM were brought into a virtual environment. Events like the annual Evaluator Conference, monthly Evaluator Engagement Hours and the program’s Quick Convos series gave FARM staff the ability to connect with stakeholders online as 2020 presented unrivaled challenges.  

The Review also summarizes changes made to the FARM Program Areas in 2020. FARM Animal Care Version 4 went into effect on January 1 with updates supporting closer farmer-veterinarian relationships, requiring continuing education for all employees and adding a new standard for pain management when disbudding animals. FARM also launched Version 2 of the Environmental Stewardship program which includes updated crop emissions factors, a breakdown of greenhouse gas emissions by gas type, a metric on the use of nutrient management plans, and the ability to capture the benefits of solid-liquid separation, and solar and wind energy. Additionally, Version 1 of the Workforce Development evaluation became available and focuses on human resources and safety best practices. It provides assurances to the supply chain and helps farmers identify what will be most useful to implement within their operation and track improvement over time.

Download the 2020 Year in Review here.... https://nationaldairyfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FARM_YearInReview_2020_FINAL_021821_Web_pages.pdf.  



Beef Is, and Always Will Be Sustainable

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) President Jerry Bohn, today released the following op-ed for publication:

There is an ongoing conversation in consumer spaces about beef’s contribution to climate change. In many circles, beef is being painted as a villain that can be minimized and/or eliminated to help solve global climate issues. On the ground, as cattle producers, we know this isn’t accurate. In fact, we know it’s an outrageous lie that’s being used to sell consumers a fake meat product they don’t want or need and one that won’t do anything to solve climate problems. The reality is that we know cattle can be a part of the solution. We know that pasture and rangeland, through proper management, can actually reduce the amount of carbon and more than offset the short-lived methane emissions of our cattle.

Climate and environmental stewardship matter to farmers and ranchers, we feel the impacts of our stewardship decisions every day and we are the first, and most affected portion of the population, when it rains too much or too little. We are the first to be impacted when the weather is too hot or too cold and we’ve seen time and again the consequences of a changing environment. Because of this, most of the farmers and ranchers I speak with are committed to protecting the resources we manage and doing our part to make improvements. However, to make real change, Americans and decisionmakers around the world must recognize that cattle farmers and ranchers are part of the solution. Every food has an impact so simply swapping out beef for alternative proteins or lab-manipulated fake meat will never be an effective solution.
 
The reality is that consumers in the United States and elsewhere are going to continue to consume meat and there is no nation better at raising cattle and beef in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner than we do right here at home. U.S. cattle producers don’t clear forests for pastures, we don’t plow up land that shouldn’t be farmed and we ensure that our animals are cared for through every phase of their life. On our feedlot in Kansas, we make certain that animals have fresh feed and clean water every day. We take pride in management practices that both care for our cattle and produce the best quality beef possible. By ensuring the beef we produce meets consumer demand we’re also helping to reduce food waste when our products reach the consumer.
 
On our farms and ranches, cattlemen and women are controlling invasive weeds and maintaining the pastures that feed our animals. Our farms and ranches provide open spaces that create habitat for wild animals that would otherwise be pushed out by housing developments and urbanization. We do these things because it makes our operations better but also because it is the right, sustainable thing to do. Our families depend on our lands year-after-year, generation-after-generation.
 
If consumers choose alternative proteins rather than beef, they should know the facts about those products and not just the sensationalized marketing that some activists are using to sell a product that has historically been ignored by consumers. In the past, consumers have largely rejected these products as a highly processed, expensive and inferior alternative to real beef. There are people who have invested in fake meat companies seeking to profit from legitimate consumer concerns about climate change and the environment.
 
The science disputes the claims of alternative protein companies. The fact is, even the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that U.S. beef production has a minimal footprint when it comes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Beef production is responsible for only 2 percent of U.S. GHG emissions. Even when the production of animal feed, fuel and electricity necessary for beef production is factored into the equation, it is still responsible for just 3.7 percent of GHG in the United States, according to EPA. In contrast, emissions from electricity generation account for 28 percent of U.S. emissions and transportation accounts for 29 percent of U.S. emissions.
 
It's likely that you’ve heard individuals like Bill Gates claim that U.S. livestock’s contribution to climate change is immense. However, these claims are flat out wrong. Some activists and others like Gates often cited old claims made in the United Nation’s debunked report titled Livestock’s Long Shadow. They also use global numbers about U.S. cattle production to back their marketing claims and sell their products.
 
It’s critical that Americans understand that global GHG emissions are skewed higher because they include emissions from nations whose cattle and beef management systems are far less efficient than the those in the United States. Global numbers also include countries like India, which have large bovine populations but where harvest is very low or non-existent because of cultural or religious practices. In global terms, U.S. beef cattle production counts for just .5 percent of global GHG emissions, so even if every American stopped eating beef in favor of fake meat substitutes, there would be virtually no discernable impact on our changing climate.
 
The U.S. beef production system is among the most productive and efficient in the world and it continues to improve over time. Between 1975 and 2017, beef cattle emissions declined 30 percent. Today, the U.S. produces 18 percent of the world’s beef with just 6 percent of the world’s cattle numbers. This is possible through commitments to animal welfare, better animal nutrition and advancements in genetics. Those statistics are often overlooked or ignored by individuals like Bill Gates, the writers at OZY and others who are working to advance an agenda that drives people away from eating meat using scare tactics and unsound science to advance their cause and line their pockets with grocery money from well-meaning, concerned consumers who have been sold something they don’t want and never needed in the first place.



A WORLD WITHOUT THE BEEF CHECKOFF
Hugh Sanburg, 2021 Chair, Cattlemen’s Beef Board and Colorado Cow-Calf Producer

With the holidays now far behind us, few people are giving thought to the cozy evening they likely spent watching “It’s a Wonderful Life." For those unfamiliar with the 1946 classic film, the main character’s guardian angel reveals what the world would be like without him.

Fast-forward to 2021 and the current chatter surrounding the Beef Checkoff. Certain interest groups have launched a full-court press to – in their own words – call for “an up or down vote on the termination” of the 35-year-old program.

But what would the cattle industry look like without the Beef Checkoff, whose entire mission is beef promotion, research and education? During this lingering pandemic, how much worse might things be without Checkoff-funded efforts driving consumer demand for beef? Could average, family-run operations purchase advertising as effective as “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.”? Could they sponsor sustainability or nutrition research to inform consumers about the positive attributes of beef? Could they operate in foreign markets to sell more American beef overseas?

And it’s not just national programming that would vanish with the dissolution of the Checkoff. In 2020, 44 states received Checkoff revenue for local-level beef programming. Of those 44, only 15 currently have their own state Checkoff assessment to keep their work afloat. Stated plainly, if the national Checkoff went away, most state beef councils would have very limited resources for funding their own local beef initiatives.

In the field of physics, there’s a saying: “Nature abhors a vacuum”. Those who argue against the Beef Checkoff have not suggested an alternative to address the void its termination would create. In the 1970s and 1980s, it took producers about ten years and two failed referendum votes to create the Beef Checkoff. Even if a replacement program could be crafted and adopted within a similar timeframe (which is uncertain given the external forces working to weaken or end the animal protein markets), what would happen in the intervening decade without funding for strategic and coordinated promotion, research and education about beef? There’s little doubt that other proteins would step in to fill the void. If the Checkoff were not out there promoting beef, who would?

It’s important to remember that the producer-run Beef Checkoff does not and cannot control the markets. What it can do is support producers in a lot of positive ways – and it does. For example, Checkoff contractors’ efforts have helped increase beef’s protein market share by 4 percentage points since March 2020 (Source: IRI data analytics and market research). The Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s 2020 Annual Report has just been released and articulates the many creative ways producers’ Checkoff dollars have been hard at work. You can read the report in its entirety at BeefBoard.org, then decide for yourself whether life would truly be better without the Beef Checkoff.