Wednesday February 3 Ag News

 Center for Rural Affairs, local processors testify in support of meat processing bill

Mike Boell and Anna Zeleny take a lot of pride in the role the Oakland Meat Processing Plant plays in their community and the surrounding area.

When COVID-19 hit, facilities like theirs saw an influx of new customers as work at larger packing plants in the region slowed or halted. With those customers came new challenges.

On Tuesday, Boell, who owns the plant, and Zeleny joined Center for Rural Affairs Policy Director Johnathan Hladik in Lincoln to testify before the Nebraska Legislature’s Agriculture Committee in support of a bill that would provide much-needed support for producers, processors, and consumers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Legislative Bill (LB) 324, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt, District 32, makes it easier for consumers to buy meat directly from producers or processors. It also creates the Independent Processor Assistance Program, which provides a roadmap for increasing local processing capacity and expanding market access for small producers.

“The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our food supply,” Brandt said. “Outbreaks have impeded work at many regional packing plants and when these plants reduce line speed, backing up finished livestock on the farm, beef and pork producers turn to local processors to fill the void. This has created a bottleneck at every local meat locker in the state. They simply do not have the capacity or equipment to keep up with demand.”

Zeleny said the bill will not only help their business grow, but also meet the challenges they face, including an increase in consumers who are learning people don’t have to raise their own beef or even know a farmer to get access to a good product.

“We aren’t asking for this bill to pass so we can get our meat over to Walmart,” Zeleny said. “We are asking for this bill to be passed for our small farmers with one or 20 cattle at home in the backyard, or the farmer that butchers beef for his family.”
 
The bill also assists producers who, before the pandemic, typically scheduled locker dates four to six weeks in advance, but now are facing wait times between 20 and 24 months.

In his testimony, Hladik addressed the section of the bill that allows Nebraska-based livestock producers to make multiple shares of an animal or herd of animals available for consumer purchase in a safe and responsible manner, allowing the consumer to become part owner of the animal under state and federal law and the producer and consumer to do business under the custom exemption established in the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

“What we have now is a food supply emergency that is significantly hurting our direct-to-consumer industry, a lot of our producers, and a lot of our processors,” he said. “So, if you are going to be nimble and you're going to be quick and help address that, custom exempt, we believe is the pivot point. That is the best way we can let private enterprise solve that problem.”

Hladik said the legislation is consistent with state and federal law.

LB 324 is modeled after legislation enacted recently in Wyoming that excludes from regulation meat procured by consumers through animal-share arrangements under Wyoming’s state and federal meat inspection program. Under Nebraska’s bill, the producer must live in the state, register with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and document all animal share sales and report them annually to the department.

Boell understands there are questions about safety, but just as larger facilities go through inspection, he said, so does his.

“I feel like we put out a real good product,” he said. “We’ve never had a foodborne illness. I don’t see safety as an issue.”

Hladik said the growth in demand is a tremendous opportunity for processor and producer alike, and the creation of the Independent Processor Assistance Program also offers a solution by making assistance available for expansion, modification, or construction of buildings; efficient packaging, processing, and storage equipment; technology to improve logistics or enable e-commerce; and educational or workforce training programs.

“LB 324 is a chance for the processor to grow their business, creating jobs and activity on Main Street,” he said. “It enables the producer to grow a premium product for a new market, earning more than what the regional packing plants can offer. We simply cannot afford to miss this opportunity.”

The bill also has the support of the Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Pork Producers, Nebraska Farmers Union, Clear Creek Organics, McLean Beef, Nebraska Farm Bureau, and Nebraska Food Council, as well as 19 senators who signed on as co-sponsors.



New extension land link program connects land seekers with retiring landowners

A new Nebraska Extension program will work to connect new and beginning farmers and ranchers with retiring landowners who are interested in transitioning their land to a new owner.  

Nebraska Land Link is now accepting applications from interested land seekers and landowners, with the goal of providing land access using lease agreements, lease-to-own arrangements, buy-sell arrangements or other creative methods that are mutually beneficial for both parties.  

Access to land continues to be one of the most difficult challenges facing new farmers, according to Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator for farm and ranch succession who will manage the Nebraska Land Link program.

“The high cost of land, livestock and equipment makes it difficult for beginning farmers to purchase these capital assets,” Vyhnalek said. “And many landowners who are asset-rich and cash-poor need to earn income for retirement from their land, equipment and livestock, while transitioning away from the labor and management of their operation.”  

Vyhnalek also pointed out that, when a traditional multi-generational farm or ranch exists, it can be easier to develop a plan that transitions the assets and management of the operation from one generation to the next. However, when a farmer or rancher does not have a child who wishes to actively take over the operation, the path to retirement is less clear.  

After an interested land seeker or landowner applies to Nebraska Land Link, the application will be vetted by extension personnel, who will guide participants through the process of finding a match and provide educational support along the way. Landowners will have opportunities to interview and review applications submitted by land seekers, to screen for shared values, skills and interests.  

The program is administered by the extension Farm and Ranch Management team in the university’s Department of Agricultural Economics. Enrollment applications and information about the program can be found at farm.unl.edu/landlink. It is open to operations of any size and is free for Nebraskans. For people located outside of the state, a fee of $30 for land seekers and $50 for landowners will be applied.   

This material is based upon work supported by USDA-NIFA under Award Number 2020-70017-32735.



Finalists Named in Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet

Four finalists in the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet contest have been named after competing in preliminary rounds during the 2021 Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference held Jan. 29-30 in Kearney.

Lance Atwater of Ary, Sean Krebs of Clearwater, Erin Norman of Crawford, and Clay Patton of Lexington advanced to the final round of the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) YF&R Discussion Meet to be held at the next NEFB Annual Convention, Dec. 5-7, 2021.

Rather than debating, contestants work to develop a solution to a problem being discussed, building on each other’s contributions. Competitors in the annual contest must be prepared to speak on any number of agriculture-related topics; the selected question is announced a short time prior to the contest round. Finalists received the top scores of contestants after competing in two rounds of the discussion meet at the YF&R Conference.

Atwater is an Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau member who grows yellow corn, popcorn, soybeans, non-GMO white corn, and has a small cow/calf operation. He currently serves on the NEFB Board of Directors as the Youth At-Large representative. Atwater lives on the family farm with his wife, Krystal, and son Ryker.

Krebs is an Antelope County Farm Bureau member and a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in Agriculture Engineering. He grows popcorn, field corn, and soybeans on his family farm, as well as raising cow/calf pairs.

Norman is a Dawes County Farm Bureau member and serves on the YF&R Committee. She is a teacher at Chadron State College and is a registered dietician. Norman lives on the family ranch with her husband, Luke, and their five children, Ada, Ben, Claire, Axel, and Ethan.

Patton is a Dawson County Farm Bureau member. He is the Market Anchor for the Rural Radio Network at KRVN and his wife, Janell, is a vet tech in their community. They live on a small acreage where they raise hay and goats.

Grant Dahlgren of Bertrand and Chase Hoffschneider of Burwell were named alternates.

Finalists received a $50 prize and a chance to compete for $500 and an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet in Atlanta, Ga. in January 2022. Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible to compete in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. For more information, visit www.nefb.org/yfr.



Iowa Farm Bureau's 'Grow Your Future Award' winners announced during virtual Young Farmer Conference

James Holz and Bill Frederick of Greene County, the entrepreneurs behind Iowa Cover Crop, took home $7,500 as the first-place winners of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) second annual Grow Your Future Award, held Jan. 30, during the 2021 virtual Young Farmer Conference.

The Grow Your Future Award is designed to promote and highlight the innovations of young people in agriculture, ages 18-35, with businesses in niche markets, agritourism, ag services or specialty products; it provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their business and compete for cash prizes to expand their business.

Iowa Cover Crop offers farmers “conservation with convenience,” serving as a full-service cover crop business providing farmers consultation and the information needed to improve soil health and water quality on their farms.  Holz and Frederick have seen the environmental benefits of cover crops and help farmers choose the best cover crop options for their farm, sharing their experiences and conservation success stories along the way.      

“The Grow Your Future Award and IFBF’s Young Farmer program presented us a great opportunity to showcase our business and network with other young farmer entrepreneurs with the same passion for rural vitality,” Holz said.  “The experience and connections made were truly valuable, both personally and professionally, and I highly encourage other young farmers with a business vision to enter the competition next year.”

Delaware County Farm Bureau members Shae Pesek and Anna Hankins of Over the Mood Farm and Flowers took home a $5,000 second-place prize to grow their small business specializing in producing high quality flowers, meat, eggs and produce for their community.  In just its second year, Over the Moon Farm and Flowers continues to grow its customer list while sharing the story of agriculture with local consumers.  With the prize money from the contest, Pesek and Hankins aim to grow the business and the local economy, while proving an example for other young women farmers with an entrepreneurial spirit and vision.

Ray Schmidt, a Story County Farm Bureau member and owner of Farm Story Meats, earned $2,500 for third place.  Schmidt’s direct-to-consumer meat business focuses on the growing consumer demand for convenience and transparency.  Schmidt’s customers select customized boxed bundles of meats delivered right to their front door, along with stories about the farmers who raised the food.  Farm Story Meats provides consumers the transparency and information they desire regarding how and where their food was raised.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship play a huge role in agriculture, and these young farmer award winners reflect that through the diversity of their businesses,” says Amanda Van Steenwyk, IFBF farm business development manager. “Iowa Farm Bureau is proud to highlight those who seek alternative paths to growing our state’s agricultural heritage, and we hope these entrepreneurs can inspire others to try something new and capitalize on growing consumer trends.”

Last fall, young entrepreneurs submitted contest applications and a short video introducing themselves and their business, the impact of the business on the local community and future goals.  Ten finalists were selected from the applications and public voting during the IFBF Annual Meeting narrowed the field to six.  The top six entrepreneurs from the voting round competed in a virtual “pitch-off” during the IFBF Young Farmer Conference to showcase their innovative business vision.    

“Farmers have faced an in­credible amount of adversity this year with unforeseen challenges and hardship, but it hasn’t discouraged our will to find new ways to persevere,” said Craig Hill, IFBF president.  “This award elevates those young Iowa farmers who are innovating and seeking alternative paths in agriculture to provide for their families and offer their local communities something unique. All contestants should be extremely proud of their businesses and place within Iowa agriculture, and to show our pride in these young farmers, Iowa Farm Bureau has proudly provided the top three Grow Your Future award winners recognition and monetary awards to help elevate their brand and hard work.”

To learn more about the IFBF Young Farmer program and the Grow Your Future Award, go to www.iowafarmbureau.com/GrowYourFuture.   



Learn How Perennial Biomass and Prairie Can Be Used for Renewable Natural Gas

Iowa Learning Farms is hosting a free virtual field day discussing the utilization of perennial biomass and prairie for renewable natural gas generation using digesters on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 1 p.m. CST. Join for a live discussion with Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center director, and Dan Ciolkosz, Penn State Agricultural and Biological Engineering associate research professor.

Helmers is also a professor in agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agricultural engineering specialist at Iowa State University.

The virtual field day is presented in partnership with C-CHANGE – the Consortium for Cultivating Human And Naturally reGenerative Enterprises – Penn State University, Iowa Nutrient Research Center, and Conservation Learning Group (CLG).

C-CHANGE is advancing research, education and extension to support development of a new biobased value chain that is examining production of renewable natural gas through the anaerobic digestion of biomass combined with manure. The project is leveraging successful digestion of manure business models to encompass new agricultural feedstocks, more diverse products and increased value throughout the supply chain. This virtual field day will provide an introduction for growing perennial vegetation and prairie and how anaerobic digesters produce renewable natural gas.

“Perennials and prairie hold great potential to substantially reduce nitrate-N leaching,” noted Helmers on the additional benefits from increasing perennial vegetation and prairie on the landscape while providing fuel for renewable natural gas production.

"Join us to learn some of the basics of how a farm digester works,” said Ciolkosz. “This field day will help you envision what a biogas digester might look like on your farm.”

To participate in the live virtual field day at 1 p.m. CST on Feb. 4, click this URL: https://iastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpduihpj8iE9ZHcjpsenc2DWQILG41wg0D or visit www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/events and click “Join Live Virtual Field Day.”

Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing: +1-312-626-6799 or +1 646-876-9923. Meeting ID is: 914-1198-4892.

The field day will be recorded and archived on the ILF website so that it can be watched at any time.

Participants may be eligible for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live field day.



Urea Prices Increase 10% as Five Fertilizers' Prices Jump Significantly

Average retail prices for all eight major fertilizers were higher the fourth week of January 2021, with prices for five fertilizers up a significant amount, which DTN designates as 5% or more, according to retailers surveyed by DTN.

Urea led the way to the upside and was 10% higher compared to last month with an average price of $405 per ton, a gain of $38. It also marks the first time that urea has been above the $400/ton level in two years.  Also higher was MAP, which was 8% more expensive from last month. The phosphorus fertilizer had an average price of $580/ton, up $43.  

Two fertilizers were 6% higher than last month. UAN28 had an average price of $220/ton, up $18, while 10-34-0 was at $489/ton, up $25.  DAP was 5% higher compared to last month. The phosphorus fertilizer had an average price of $500/ton, $25 more than last month. This marks the first time DAP has been at or above the $500/ton level since the third week of April 2019, when the fertilizer's price was at $504/ton.

The remaining three fertilizers were also higher, but just not as much. Potash had an average price of $379/ton, up $13; anhydrous $489/ton, up $19; and UAN32 $258/ton, up $8.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.44/lb.N, a 2-cent gain from last month; anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, unchanged; UAN28 $0.39/lb.N, unchanged; and UAN32 $0.40/lb.N, up 1 cent.

With retail fertilizer prices moving higher over recent months, most fertilizers are now higher in price from a year ago, but there are a couple exceptions. Both potash and anhydrous are now 1% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 5% higher, urea is 13% more expensive, DAP is 21% higher and MAP is 33% more expensive compared to last year.

Only two fertilizers are still lower compared to last year. UAN32 is 6% lower, while UAN28 is 7% less expensive.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/29/2021

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 29, ethanol production increased 0.3%, or 3,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 936,000 b/d—equivalent to 39.31 million gallons daily. Production remained 13.4% below the same week last year. The four-week average ethanol production rate was unchanged at 938,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.38 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks expanded 3.0% to 24.3 million barrels, which was 3.6% above a year-ago and a 39-week high. A majority of the stocks build took place in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3), where inventories grew by 18.3%.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, drew down 0.8% to 7.77 million b/d (119.11 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 13.0% less than a year ago.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 0.9% to 778,000 b/d, equivalent to 11.93 bg annualized. This was 12.4% below the year-earlier level as a result of the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of November 2020.)



ACE Supports Legislation to Require EPA Adopt GREET Model

Today, U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) reintroduced the Adopt GREET Act, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its outdated lifecycle modeling for ethanol and biodiesel, specifically by adopting the latest Argonne National Lab’s Greenhouse Gas and Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Model. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement:

“Recent studies prove there is no silver bullet solution to decarbonize transportation fuels. Therefore, a portfolio of low carbon fuel strategies, including increasing the use of ethanol, will be required. Senator Thune’s and Senator Klobuchar’s legislation would help lay the groundwork by requiring EPA to apply the latest GREET model to more accurately account for corn ethanol’s carbon intensity when establishing regulations which could impact ethanol use in the future.

“The U.S. Department of Energy GREET model, which is widely-recognized as the gold standard tool for determining the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of transportation fuels, indicates that corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gases by 50 percent compared to gasoline. Unfortunately, EPA has disregarded this latest lifecycle science and continues to cling to a flawed and outdated model which shows corn ethanol is only 20 percent cleaner than gasoline.

“ACE board member Ron Alverson has worked with scientists in the Argonne National Lab to pursue improvements to the GREET model over the years, including updates to land use change assumptions and accounting for soil carbon sequestration and nitrogen fertilizer management. A 2018 white paper authored by Alverson was instrumental in shaping a recent report by Harvard and Tufts validating ethanol’s carbon intensity is 50 percent less than gasoline. As Alverson says, ‘the trend is ethanol’s friend,’ and ACE will continue to champion for the adoption of the best available science to help steer policy decisions made at the state and federal levels.”

The Adopt GREET Act was cosponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).



Regan Outlines Clear Focus on Environmental Health and Engagement With All Stakeholders During Confirmation Hearing

Earlier today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator nominee Michael Regan appeared before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. During the hearing, Regan fielded a wide variety of questions from the Senate panel, balancing the urgent need for regulation around climate change, clean water and air while creating pragmatic solutions that allow businesses to operate. Regan’s work as a former EPA employee and now as the head of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality gives him a unique background that came through as he answered a diverse round of questions from the committee.  

Regan spoke to his background in agriculture and the importance of hearing from all stakeholders when evaluating environmental issues to create effective regulation. Increased transparency around EPA decisions, following science, a renewed focus on environmental justice, and the need for more funding punctuated many of Regan’s answers. His commitment to these issues coupled with the pledge to create consistent processes for businesses the EPA oversees is encouraging. During the hearing, Regan noted that U.S. farms and farmers’ needs vary depending on the crops grown, the soil structure, regional weather and more. This acknowledgment highlights the need for pesticides as one of the crop protection tools farmers and ranchers can use with a variety of farming techniques like conservation tillage and use of cover crops to continue growing healthy food for communities across the country.

“Mr. Regan has made his intentions to engage with all stakeholders a priority,“ said Chris Novak, CLA’s president and CEO. “In January, my agriculture CEO colleagues and I met with Mr. Regan to discuss the priorities we had previously shared with the Biden campaign. His understanding of, and history of working with, agriculture is an asset as his role as Administrator will require him to work on pesticide issues that impact farmers, community health professionals, and consumers. We look forward to his confirmation and to having an open dialogue on regulatory issues.”

The EPA is the federal agency that has the primary responsibility to regulate pesticides. Similar to the process for approving medicines, EPA’s career scientists review hundreds of studies before any pesticide can be registered for use in the U.S. The extensive process is why only one in 10,000 chemistries will make it from the lab to the field—a process that can take, on average, more than 11 years.



 ACE Statement on EPW Committee Confirmation Hearing with EPA Chief Nominee Regan

The Senate Environmental and Public Works (EPW) Committee held its hearing today to consider the nomination of Michael Regan to serve as the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the statement below following Mr. Regan’s confirmation hearing.

“If confirmed as EPA Administrator, Mr. Regan inherits a long list of unfinished business with respect to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). We are grateful for Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and others for raising our priorities with Mr. Regan, and we appreciate his commitments to ‘fully follow the law,’ ‘apply the latest science,’ and provide greater ‘transparency’ about the decisions EPA makes regarding ethanol and the RFS.

“We also appreciate Mr. Regan acknowledging agriculture and biofuel will have a seat at the table in climate discussions. According to the latest science, corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 50 percent compared to gasoline. There’s obviously a lot of emphasis on the role electric vehicles will play in our future, but most experts agree net-zero emissions by mid-century is impossible without increased reliance on low carbon fuels such as ethanol.”



Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Partners with Chef’s Roll to Highlight the Beef Quality Assurance Program from Pasture to Plate

A series of videos developed and released through a new partnership between the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and Chef's Roll, Inc., reached more than 1.3 million viewers in its initial launch. The videos highlight the importance of the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program for the ranchers who raise the cattle, and the chefs who serve high-quality beef to their customers.

Chef's Roll is a global network of chefs and hospitality professionals that promotes its work through programs and original content like these videos. The five videos made in partnership with the Beef. It's What's For Dinner. brand feature the pasture-to-plate relationship between ranchers and chefs across the country.

Each video follows a chef as they visit a local cattle operation to learn about how BQA practices are used to sustainably and responsibly raise high-quality beef. The beef farmer or rancher then visits the chef’s kitchen to gain an understand of how beef is prepared and featured on the chef’s menu. The experience is rounded out with a shared beef meal.

The videos showcase five unique production and restaurant styles with the following rancher-chef relationships:  
    Arizona Ranch Manager Dean Fish discusses environmental stewardship and proper cattle handling techniques, and Executive Chef Ryan Clark of Casino Del Sol presents the Cowboy Ribeye.
    Oklahoma Feedyard Manager Tom Fanning shows how the fourth-generation cattle feedyard is dedicated to quality control, and Executive Chef Kathryn Mathis of BackdoorBBQ presents her contest-winning smoked pastrami sandwich.
    Georgia Cow-Calf Farmer Kristy Arnold talks about being a third-generation owner of her farm, and Executive Chef Mark Keiser of Oak Steakhouse cooks a succulent, braised boneless beef short rib.
    Idaho Rancher Kim Brackett explains that prioritizing animal welfare is the right and only way to ensure quality beef, and Executive Chef Shawn Smith of Coynes Restaurant shares his "Butler Steak Risotto" with flatiron steak.
    California Rancher Jamie Mickelson speaks about the importance of cattle quality of life, and Chef Bob Simontacchi of Gravenstein Grill makes his Pimento Cheeseburger with aged, white cheddar.

“These videos recognize and celebrate the commitment of our cattle farmers and ranchers to Beef Quality Assurance standards, and the food industry professionals who serve their high-quality beef,” said Sarah Reece, NCBA Senior Director of Influencer Engagement. “Whether a consumer is enjoying beef in a burger, as a steak, or with pasta, our hope is that by sharing what goes into how beef is raised, consumers continue to demand the amazing flavor of beef, and the nutrients it provides.”

Released late last year, the videos garnered 658,790 views to-date.

The videos can be viewed at this link:  https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/raising-beef/bqa-and-chefs.