NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY 2021
A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
On National Agriculture Day, we recognize the unique and irreplaceable value that farmers, ranchers, foresters, farmworkers, and other agricultural stewards have contributed to our Nation's past and present. America's agriculture sector safeguards our Nation's lands through sustainable management; ensures the health and safety of animals, plants, and people; provides a safe and abundant food supply; and facilitates opportunities for prosperity and economic development in rural America.
Over the last year, workers and other leaders across the agriculture sector have stepped up to ensure a stable food supply in the face of incredible challenges prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmworkers, who have always been vital to our food system, continued to grow, harvest, and package food, often at great personal risk. Local farmers helped to meet their communities' needs by selling food directly to consumers. Small meat processors increased their capacity as demand for their services skyrocketed. Restaurants found creative ways to bring food to members of their communities. Grocers and grocery workers also navigated new models, such as curbside pickup and online sales.
These collective efforts helped get food to the millions of adults and children in America experiencing nutrition insecurity. Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; school meals; and others focused on eliminating nutrition insecurity play an integral role in making sure that every family has enough food on the table.
As we overcome the pandemic and build back better, we will advance an agriculture sector that works for everyone. When I took office, I made a commitment alongside Vice President Kamala Harris to put racial equity at the forefront of our Administration's priorities. For generations, Black, Indigenous, and other farmers of color have contributed to sustaining this Nation. They fed their communities, gave the country new food products, and nourished communities with rich food traditions. Yet for generations they have faced the harmful effects of systemic racism. On this National Agriculture Day, I remain determined to address racial inequity and create an equitable space for all to participate in the great American enterprise of agriculture.
I also made a commitment to tackle the climate crisis. Farmers, ranchers, and foresters play a critical role in combating climate change. From sequestering carbon in the soil to producing renewable energy on farms, we will continue to innovate and create new revenue streams for farmers and ranchers while building a resilient agriculture sector.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 23, 2021, as National Agriculture Day. I call upon all Americans to join me in recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to and appreciation for our country's farmers, ranchers, foresters, farmworkers, and those who work in the agriculture sector across the Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
Senator Fischer Recognizes National Ag Week
Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement commemorating National Ag Week:
"During National Ag Week, we celebrate the farmers and ranchers in Nebraska and across our country who are dedicating their lives to feeding and fueling the world. Agriculture is central to our state’s economy and way of life. I am honored to work on behalf of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers every day.”
Senator Fischer has introduced and cosponsored several pieces of legislation in the 117th Congress on behalf of Nebraska agriculture, including:
Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2021
HAULS Act
Reform National Security Tariff Process
Adopt Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Act
Senator Fischer successfully fought to include $13 billion for ag producers in the COVID relief and annual government funding package passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2020.
ISU Extension and Outreach to Celebrate National Ag Day
As Iowans celebrate National Ag Day March 23, they can be assured that Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is doing what it can to serve and support the state’s agricultural industry.
The past year brought new and unprecedented challenges, and Agriculture and Natural Resources extension specialists responded through creativity and innovation to make sure farmers had the information they needed.
Field days and educational events were held online, new programs were planned to address the derecho and COVID-19, and Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) partnered with Human Sciences extension to increase mental health outreach.
It was a year of teamwork and dedication, building on this year’s National Ag Day theme of Food Brings Everyone to the Table.National Ag Day graphic.
“Our mission in ANR Extension is to constantly work with agriculture to feed our nation and our world through sustainable, environmentally friendly and safe means that promotes food security,” said Jay Harmon, associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director for agriculture and natural resources with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “In this COVID-impacted world, we pivoted to continue serving our stakeholders, educating them on the latest developments and research findings, and continue to find new ways to meet those needs.”
Harmon said that agriculture is everyone’s bread and butter and ISU Extension and Outreach is committed to those in this industry. Here is a look at the highlights from ANR extension in 2020:
ANR websites received 11,215,694 webpage views from 7,621,442 unique visitors. Specialists provided information to 438,040 followers on social media and via 43,000 podcast episode downloads.
Specialists made 959 digital presentations and online courses, reaching 55,790 live participants and an additional 70,581 participants viewed virtual program archives.
239 Master Gardener volunteers worked with 430 individuals on local Growing Together projects. 81,328 pounds of produce (245,000 servings) were donated with a reach of 69,386 individuals at 103 donation sites.
The Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program provided technical assistance to Iowa small businesses, helping their clients receive more than $9.8 million in loan funding, while retaining or creating at least 158 jobs.
203 swine building managers attended a workshop series and 182 planned to implement a maintenance checklist or improve existing checklists as a result of the program.
86 farmland leasing programs were held reaching 1,444 individuals that influence 1.1 million acres of rented land in the state, representing $242 million in economic value impacted by the program.
The Beef Team hosted a four-part webinar series to improve overall reproductive success. More than 520 participants from 28 Iowa counties, 12 states and 2 countries joined live or viewed session archives.
National Ag Day is supported by the Agriculture Council of America and a team of leaders dedicated to increasing public awareness of agriculture’s role in society. To learn more about the day and how you can get involved, visit the National Ag Day website https://www.agday.org/.
North central Nebraska agronomist to be featured on Women in Ag webcast
“Open for Business: A Nebraska Women in Agripreneurship Series” will feature Brittany Bolte, an agronomist and business owner in Bassett, during its next live webcast on April 13 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.
Bolte works with growers and producers on water/irrigation management, crop consulting and providing agronomic service and support to a handful of agriculture products, such as row crop and forage seed. In January 2013, she founded Yield Plus Agronomics with a focus on water management and precision ag support. Since then, she has grown her business to include crop consulting and planning, soil sampling and seed service and sales.
Bolte said that her biggest joy is working with growers and producers to help their operations, family and their region be successful, in whatever way they define success for themselves.
The webcast is free to attend but registration is required on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program website, wia.unl.edu.
Fischer, Colleagues Urge USDA to Update Biodiesel Emissions Study
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined her colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to request that he instruct the department to complete the full lifecycle assessment of soybean oil-based biodiesel, including direct and significant indirect emissions, before the end of the year.
“As the Department of Agriculture (USDA) works to ensure the inclusion of agriculture-based biofuels as part of the effort to decarbonize our fuel supply, it’s critical that lifecycle carbon assessments of biofuels be based on current and sound science,” the senators wrote. “Fuels like biodiesel offer a sustainable, readily available source of emissions reductions, but full acknowledgement of such contributions require accurate data and modeling.
“We were encouraged by your response to a question for the record in your confirmation hearing, in which you committed to ‘request a review of the current literature and an evaluation of the benefit of a new study focused on biomass-based diesel.’ We write in support of such a review and request that you instruct USDA complete a full lifecycle assessment of soybean oil-based biodiesel, including direct and significant indirect emissions, before the end of the year,” they continued.
Joining Senator Fischer in cosigning the letter were Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Grassley (R-Iowa), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Josh Hawley (R-Miss.), and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.).
Senator Fischer has been a leader in efforts to support ethanol producers. She urged USDA to protect biofuel producers hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic and applauded the EPA’s announcement last month in support of the Tenth Circuit’s opinion in Renewable Fuels Association et al. v. EPA. Senator Fischer and her colleagues had written to the EPA’s then-administrator Andrew Wheeler warning that the issuance of additional exemptions would represent a “devastating blow” to biofuel producers and urged the agency to adhere to the 10th circuit ruling.
Senator Fischer has also cosponsored the Adopt Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Act last week. The bill would require EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel.
Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for April
Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in April 2021. The clinics are one-on-one meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.
The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.
Clinic Dates
Wednesday, April 7
Wednesday, April 14
Wednesday, April 21
Wednesday, April 28
COVID-19: For the time being, the clinics are being conducted as conference calls or as Zoom meetings. It is therefore possible to attend a clinic from any location in the state. In-person clinics are expected to resume in the near future, at which time locations will be announced.
To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258. Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and Legal Aid of Nebraska.
NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS
All layers in Nebraska during February 2021 totaled 8.31 million, down from 8.84 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during February totaled 189 million eggs, down from 204 million in 2020. February egg production per 100 layers was 2,272 eggs, compared to 2,305 eggs in 2020.
IOWA: Iowa egg production during February 2021 was 1.13 billion eggs, down 11% from last month and down 16% from a year ago, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of all layers on hand during February 2021 was 48.5 million, down 1% from last month and down 15% from the same month last year. Eggs per 100 layers for February were 2,326, down 10% from last month and down 1% from last February.
February Egg Production Down 4 Percent
United States egg production totaled 8.60 billion during February 2021, down 4 percent from last year. Production included 7.44 billion table eggs, and 1.16 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.08 billion were broiler-type and 76.9 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during February 2021 totaled 394 million, down 1 percent from last year. February egg production per 100 layers was 2,183 eggs, down 3 percent from February 2020.
Total layers in the United States on March 1, 2021 totaled 394 million, down slightly from last year. The 394 million layers consisted of 327 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 63.4 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.30 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on March 1, 2021, averaged 77.8 eggs per 100 layers, up slightly from March 1, 2020.
Grass Tetany: Now is the Time to Prepare
Adele Harty – SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist
This winter and looking towards spring, forecasts predict warmer than average temperatures across the state. With warmer temperatures and recent precipitation, ranchers need to be proactive in mitigating grass tetany risk. Cool-season grasses are beginning to green up, posing a potential risk for cows with young calves. As the temperatures continue to rise, cool-season grasses, such as crested wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass and bromes, will grow rapidly, increasing that risk. Having a solid understanding of the risk factors and how to mitigate risk are key.
What is Grass Tetany?
Grass tetany is a metabolic disorder associated with grazing lush, rapidly growing pastures, resulting in low concentrations of blood magnesium (Mg), which results in nerve impulse failure in animals. With adequate moisture and warm temperatures, grasses grow rapidly. Grass tetany isn’t normally seen until May, however, taking steps early to prevent it will be more effective in the long run. It is never too early to plan and ensure proper management practices are in place.
Understanding factors that influence the progression of grass tetany will help manage risk. These factors include:
Low Mg coupled with high potassium (K) content of rapidly growing forages
High crude protein content of forages
Bad weather, storms, stress, etc., that cause cattle to be “off feed” for 24–48 hours
Lactation decreases Mg and calcium (Ca) levels as they are transferred to the calf through milk
Various combinations of the above factors resulting in low blood Mg or Ca
Older, lactating cows with calves younger than two months-of-age have the greatest susceptibility to tetany. Mature cows are less able to mobilize Mg from their bones to maintain blood Mg levels, making them more susceptible, along with cows within two months post-calving due to increased milk production, which requires additional Ca and Mg. Steers, heifers, dry cows, cows with calves older than four months-of-age and bulls are less susceptible.
Management Considerations
Prevention is key to minimizing risks associated with lactating cows grazing lush pastures. If possible, delay turn-out until plants are four to six inches tall. This will reduce the occurrence of tetany and give pastures more rest and recovery. Unfortunately, the reality is that many pastures are needed when green-up begins and the risk for tetany is highest.
If delayed turn-out is not an option, other management tools should be utilized. First, provide a high-magnesium (Mg) supplement containing 8–12% Mg at three to four ounces daily intake. For a cooked molasses product with a recommended intake of approximately one pound, the guaranteed analysis for Mg should be approximately 4%. Read the label to ensure adequate Mg levels and know the recommended intake. Magnesium supplements need to be offered two to three weeks prior to turn-out, or before tetany is likely to occur to allow time for reserves to build in the cow’s system. Palatability and adequate intake can be challenging, resulting in some animals consuming an inadequate amount of mineral on a daily basis. Ensure all animals have access to the supplement prior to and while grazing tetany-prone pastures to help decrease occurrences.
Another option is to provide hay while cattle are grazing lush pastures; however, cattle are not likely to eat hay unless forced to. Dry forages can provide additional Mg and Ca at critical times. If the water source is contained (i.e., water tanks), soluble Mg salts can be added. Some examples of solubles are magnesium acetate, magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts). The most common form of Mg found in feed supplements, magnesium oxide, is not soluble in water and therefore cannot be used for this purpose.
A long-term approach is to incorporate more legumes into pasture mixes. Legumes have higher Mg and Ca than do immature grasses, resulting in a better balance across the pasture. As the pastures green-up, cattle will have access to both types of forage, helping alleviate risk.
Symptoms and Treatment
Death can occur very rapidly, therefore symptoms may not be observed. Symptoms progress over four to eight hours as follows: grazing away from the herd, irritability, muscle twitching in the flank, wide-eyed and staring, muscular incoordination, staggering, collapse, thrashing, head thrown back, coma, and finally death. Affected animals should be handled calmly because stress can cause sudden death.
Treatment options are available, but effectiveness depends on the clinical stage when it is administered. If treatment is started one or two hours after clinical signs develop, the results are usually a quick recovery. Treatment is not effective if delayed until the coma stage. Grass tetany can be treated with an intravenous dextrose-based commercial preparation of magnesium and calcium purchased from a local veterinarian.
Remember, cattle are more susceptible to grass tetany in the spring, with weather events increasing risk. Determine and implement prevention practices, monitor cattle for symptoms, and treat as soon as possible according to a protocol developed with your veterinarian.
Meet the Lesser-Known Faces of the Cattle Industry: Young Women Herding Family, School, Careers and Cattle
Western heritage has painted the picture of a rugged cowboy on the ranch. However, according to the most recent Agriculture Census, more than 230,000 farms or ranches across America have a woman at the helm.
As National Women’s History Month and National Ag Day converge on March 23, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is sharing just a few of the stories of the thousands of women across the country who produce delicious high-quality beef.
The following are three profiles are of women who illustrate this growing group of cattle ranchers, and the daily demands they meet at the ranch, in their homes, and at their professions.
Terryn Drieling, Nebraska
Terryn Drieling, 36, and her husband, live and work on a large ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Drieling spends her days caring for the land, cattle and their three young children, and still finds time to manage a family business and various social media profiles.
“Ranching and raising beef cattle is more than our livelihood: It’s our passion. It’s what lights our fire and gets us out of bed in the morning. It’s our calling,” she said.
The ranch is always a busy place as the family works through weather and temperature swings and the demand of caring for cattle. May marks the beginning of calving season, and family is even busier as they help cows give birth and tend to the calves’ needs throughout summer.
In addition to the family’s dedication to animal care, Drieling and her family, like beef farmers and ranchers across the country, are committed to preserving the land they live on and keeping their operation environmentally sustainable. They move the cows and their calves every 3-5 days through their growing season grazing rotation. The grazing rotation – or grazing plan – is mapped out at the start of every year and helps ensure they are not over-using the land, but rather are helping to improve the soil health. The plan considers what has taken place in past years, grass quality and availability and herd events like calving season.
“While it is a plan and nothing is set in stone, having this grazing plan year-in and year-out helps us make the best decisions we can for the land and livestock in our care,” said Terryn. “No matter what Mother Nature throws at us, we’re better prepared.”
Kinzie, Karly, and Avery Burtrum, Oklahoma
Three sisters support their family’s multi-generational cattle ranch while balancing school, work, and household. Kinzie, 20; Karly, 20; and Avery Burtrum, 17, are instrumental in caring for Black and Red Angus Cattle at Burtrum Cattle LLC Ranch in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
When not attending class or working at Farm Data Services, Inc. – the family’s agriculture accounting firm – the Burtrum sisters take on the daily chores of feeding and caring for cattle and helping with calving and everything in between.
“Ranching never stops,” said Kinzie. “The cows don’t know it is Christmas, Easter, or an anniversary of some sort. Whether there is a foot of snow on the ground or it is over 110 degrees, these animals we care for still need to be fed and taken care of, and there is nothing else we would rather be doing.”
Caring for others and juggling numerous responsibilities comes naturally to the three siblings. Their mother also balanced a career, home responsibilities, and ranch work, until her recent passing, which only inspired the young women to take on more responsibility.
“I learned how to buy groceries and pick proteins for the home,” said Avery. “Also, because my dad is busy at the ranch and office, I have had to learn to cook some meals, as well. This has taught me how to do meal prep and diversify my skills. Because of the pandemic, we switched to online grocery ordering. I utilize various resources including the Beef. It’s. What’s For Dinner. website to find healthy recipes.”
Dr. Brandi Karisch, Mississippi
Brandi Karisch, Ph.D., 37, finds the balance between lectures and livestock as a State Beef Cattle Extension Specialist for Mississippi State University, co-owner of MBK Cattle, wife, and mom to two young boys.
She and her husband started MBK Cattle in 2012. Today, they spend mornings, evenings, and weekends in the fields with their young children raising registered Simmental and SimAngus cattle.
“We choose to raise cattle because we love it, and we cannot imagine a life without cattle in it,” Karisch said. “Our goal is to give these cattle the best possible life we can while they are entrusted in our care. For our family, cows are something we eat, sleep, and breathe.”
When not raising kids and cattle on the farm, Karisch is never far from agriculture. She works full time providing research and training for beef cattle producers in Mississippi, and across the southeast, equipping them with the latest research and techniques needed to optimize cattle care and produce beef in a sustainable way, hopefully ensuring they can pass their farm to the next generation.
Whether it’s her job at the University or at the ranch, the animal care is a top priority. “We take care of our cattle similar to how we take care of our kids,” Karisch said. “One thing that I was always taught as a child, and they we are teaching our kids is that the cattle come first. If it’s hot, or cold, or wet it doesn’t matter because the cattle are taken care of because it is our responsibility to provide for them.”
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These women remain steadfast advocates for the agriculture industry. Yet, advancing cattle ranching is their true passion.
“Knowing that taking care of the land and livestock, and bringing delicious, nutritious beef to tables across this country and abroad is so much bigger than ourselves,” Drieling said. “And that’s not something we take lightly.”
“Training the next generation, particularly the next generation of young women in the cattle industry is something that is very important to me,” Karisch said. “I look at it as a way to give back to the industry that helped to mold me. I find it so fulfilling when I see that spark of confidence start to develop in a student, and see them step out of their comfort zone and become a leader.”
“Growing up, I always knew strong women were the backbone to cattle ranching because that’s what I saw day after day,” said Karly Burtrum. “Now that I’m older and have more responsibilities – whether that’s at the ranch, at school, or at home – I have a whole new level of appreciation for all of the women who came before me. I want to continue the legacy of balancing cattle ranching and our lives outside of it, with as much strength, grace, and heart as they did.”
Secretary Naig Announces 2021 Ag Leaders Awards
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today the recipients of the 2021 Secretary’s Iowa Ag Leader Awards, which are given to people and organizations that make exceptional contributions to the state’s agriculture community. This year’s honorees include the Iowa Food Bank Association and the Iowa State University Meats Laboratory for their extraordinary efforts to help livestock producers overcome supply chain disruptions and feed hungry Iowans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ISU Meats Lab, the Iowa Food Bank Association and its six regional food banks, played vital roles in the state’s food security initiatives, including Pass the Pork, Beef Up Iowa and Turkey to Table. These programs were developed by the Governor’s Feeding Iowans Task Force in 2020, in part, to help livestock producers market their protein when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced meat processing capacity at the state’s large processing facilities. The programs strengthened the local food chain by connecting Iowa pork, beef and turkey producers with the Iowa Food Bank Association who served the donated meals to Iowans in need.
“Our partners at the ISU Meats Lab and Iowa Food Bank Association embody the spirit of the Secretary’s Iowa Ag Leader Award. When times got tough, these groups found creative solutions to help livestock producers and food insecure Iowans who were going through a very difficult time,” said Secretary Naig. “I am pleased to be able to acknowledge and thank them for their hard work and contributions to the Feeding Iowans food security programs.”
Iowa State University Meats Laboratory – Secretary’s Iowa Ag Leader Award for Leadership in Collaboration
The Iowa State University Meats Lab received the Secretary’s Iowa Ag Leader Award for Leadership in Collaboration. When the COVID-19 pandemic limited the state’s meat processing capacity, the ISU Meats Lab re-opened its doors and started processing Iowa-grown pork and beef from local producers. These actions provided needed relief for producers who were struggling to market their livestock and gave the ISU Meats Science students invaluable hands-on experience and training.
“Iowa State University serves Iowans. We provide world-class teaching and training in animal and meat science,” said Dr. Dan Thomson, chair of the Iowa State University Department of Animal Science. “While many times our teaching focus is on science with practice, this project allowed us to teach our students meat science while serving humanity. It connected us with the beef and pork industries on a daily basis and it connected us to the food pantries that work so hard to help those in need. We have the facilities, the people and we care. It was a highlight of our year.”
Iowa Food Bank Association – Secretary’s Iowa Ag Leader Award for Leadership in Community
The Iowa Food Bank Association and its regional partners — Food Bank of Siouxland, Food Bank for the Heartland, Food Bank of Iowa, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, HACAP Food Reservoir and River Bend Foodbank — received the Secretary’s Iowa Ag Leader Award for Leadership in Community. During a period of unprecedented food insecurity, the Iowa Food Bank Association worked alongside the Governor’s Feeding Iowan’s Task Force, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, ISU Meats Laboratory and producer-led agriculture groups to deliver pork, beef, turkey, dairy and eggs to its regional food banks.
“On behalf of the Feeding America food banks serving Iowans, our deepest appreciation goes to all who have made the Pass the Pork, Beef Up Iowa and Turkey to Table programs a reality,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. “These innovative initiatives are making an impact to ensure essential protein is available to thousands of Iowans in need of food assistance. The pandemic resulted in double-digit increases in the number of Iowans in need of food. The Pass the Pork, Beef Up Iowa and Turkey to Table programs exemplify the strong spirit, caring hearts and hard work of Iowans helping to nourish one another during a time of crisis due to the pandemic.”
To date, the ISU Meats Lab has processed 201,201 pounds of ground beef and pork for the Governor’s Feeding Iowans programs, which provides 804,804 servings of Iowa-grown protein for the Iowa Food Bank Association.
USDA Cold Storage February 2021 Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers February 28, 2021 were up 3 percent from the previous month but down 12 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 3 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 7 percent from the previous month but down 24 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 22 percent from last month but down 49 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on February 28, 2021 were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 14 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 6 percent from the previous month and down 17 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 6 percent from last month but down 6 percent from February 29, 2020.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on February 28, 2021 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 5 percent from February 29, 2020. Butter stocks were up 6 percent from last month and up 17 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks February 28, 2021 were down 8 percent from last month and down 14 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 8 percent from last month but up 4 percent from a year ago.
USDA Cattle on Feed Report for March
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept of Agricultural Economics, Colorado State University
The USDA NASS Cattle on Feed report for January was released last Friday. My assessment of the report is that it is neutral. Placements, marketings, and on-feed numbers were all well within pre-report estimate ranges and were close to pre-report averages. However, from a price perspective the market appears to be focused on optimism. Futures are substantially above where cash is trading and deferred feeders are strong ignoring the changes to the feeding costs.
Cattle on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 head or more head are estimated to total 12.000 million head on March 1, 2021. The inventory was 1.6% above March 1, 2020. This is only very slightly more cattle than were anticipated prior to the report and well within the range of estimates by analysts. Inventories were up in six of the twelve states detailed in the report, lower in five states and the group of “other states”, and even with the prior year in Texas. Further, cattle on feed over 90 days and over 120 days have continued their seasonal climb that usually peaks in March. The comparison to last year won’t be too relevant through summer but will be interesting to see if the seasonal declines begin next month. These two inventories are both large compared to last year. I concur with several assessments of the fed cattle market that supplies are front loaded.
Marketings of fed cattle during February totaled 1.732 million head, 2.4% below the same month in the prior year. These not too surprising given the market delaying weather events. Expectations were for a decrease of 2.6% above the prior year. Placements in feedlots during February totaled 1.684 million head, 1.9% below the same month of the prior year. Pre-report expectations were for placements to be 1.7% above the prior year. Again, the actual report estimates align closely to what was expected prior to the report. But marketings were a little light and placements a little heavy.
My discussions with producers are often heavy with denigration of the futures market, its bad impact on the cash market, and that price discovery done in the futures market is rarely a good thing. It would be important to point out how that is not the current situation. Through much of this year the deferred live cattle and feeder cattle were pricing an optimism that is not present in the cash market. Price levels of futures contracts require continued aggressive marketings, heavy weekly slaughter volumes – bumping maximum capacities, and a cleaning up of the long-fed heavy animals. The levels require a best-case scenario. And strong packer margins will help the market realize the strong prices anticipated for the summer and fall.
NMPF Urges More Balanced Dairy Purchases in USDA Listening Session
National Milk Producers Federation Senior Vice President for Policy Strategy and International Trade Jaime Castaneda today urged federal officials to effectively allocate dairy products as a source of high-quality, cost-effective nutrition in any successor to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program at a USDA listening session.
“Dairy foods, including milk, cheese, yogurt and butter, and many other dairy products are staples of our diet. No single food contains as much nutritional bang for the buck as milk,” said Castaneda during the session, hosted by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. “Additional USDA purchases of milk and milk products, to then be donated to food banks and other charitable feeding organizations, would deliver a wide range of healthy nutrients to people at a relatively low federal cost. The cost-benefit equation for providing milk’s nutrition to the nutrient-insecure is enormous.”
USDA is soliciting feedback on how it should overhaul or restructure the Food Box program, implemented last year as part of the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic. The comments will focus on the value of government purchases to the dairy sector and how the future product mix acquired and donated should minimize farm-level price distortions.
Castaneda said an ideal program would better balance its nutritional offerings to both serve families and minimize price disruptions in the agricultural community.
“That disparity caused tremendous market volatility and unusual pricing challenges throughout the country, including extreme price differentials between neighboring farms,” Castaneda said. “We are eager to work with USDA to improve upon the product balance, particularly between cheese and butter, and ensure the department’s efforts better meet the needs of all producers as well as the families that benefit from these dairy products.”
Comments on the potential USDA plan are open until the end of the month.
NMPF, USDEC Highlight America’s Dairy Trade Priorities for Top Trade Official
The prosperity of America’s nearly 32,000 dairy farmers and the jobs of three million Americans tied to the U.S. dairy sector relies on expanded trade opportunities and robust trade-rights enforcement, executives from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) wrote today in a letter welcoming the new U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai.
Tai, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last week, is tasked with enforcing U.S. trade rules and negotiating terms and conditions for America’s exports to foreign markets.
USDEC and NMPF outlined priorities in the letter for continued growth of export opportunities and market access to increase the volume and value of exports. Additionally, the organizations called upon USTR to enforce USMCA; restore export growth to China; counter EU efforts to impede competition; tackle nontariff barriers that limit U.S. dairy exports; and successfully conclude negotiations with new trading partners, including the U.K., Kenya and Japan.
“Our industry faces mounting barriers to exports, which is why we want to ensure Ambassador Tai’s full awareness of our challenges globally,” said Krysta Harden, USDEC President and CEO. “Her prior experience at USTR combined with her Congressional pedigree provides a strong platform to ensure U.S. trade policy will benefit America’s agricultural community and ensure continued opportunity for future generations of U.S. dairy farmers and the millions of jobs our industry supports.”.
“U.S. dairy exports are a success story, growing steadily over the last decade and now surpassing $6.5 billion annually,” said Jim Mulhern, NMPF President and CEO. “Our focus on the future starts with upholding current agreements while forging new ones. Opportunities for new market access are abundant. We congratulate Ms. Tai and are ready to work alongside her to realize America’s full dairy export potential.”
U.S. Must Enforce Trade Agreements with Mexico
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on a letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai regarding the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship.
“AFBF is extremely concerned with the rapidly deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and our neighbors to the south. We built strong trade ties with Mexico through NAFTA and improved upon them with USMCA, but recent moves by Mexico to limit American imports and to undercut prices in the U.S. puts America’s farmers and ranchers at a competitive disadvantage.
“We urge Secretary Vilsack and Ambassador Tai to engage with Mexico and enforce the agreements between our two countries to ensure farmers have a level playing field and continue to lead the world in producing safe, affordable food.”
CP Rail to Acquire Kansas City Southern
Canadian Pacific Railway Limited has agreed to buy Kansas City Southern in a bid to create a rail route linking Canada, the United States and Mexico. The two companies announced in a joint press release that CP Rail has entered into a merger agreement to acquire Kansas City Southern for approximately $25 billion.
Under the deal, shares of Kansas City Southern will be valued at $275 per share, representing a 23 per cent premium over Friday closing prices, reports The Canadian Press. KCS shareholders will receive 0.489 of a CP share and $90 in cash for each KCS common share held.
The merger, which has to be approved by the Surface Transportation Board, will create what the companies describe as the first rail network connecting the three North American countries.
They say the combined company will operate more than 32,100 kilometres of rail and generate total revenues of approximately $8.7 billion based on 2020 revenues.
Titan Machinery Reports Higher Revenues, Earnings
Titan Machinery Inc. reported financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended January 31, 2021.
David Meyer, Titan Machinery's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We completed fiscal 2021 with a strong finish in fourth quarter, driven by our equipment business which grew 35% for the quarter. From a segment perspective, our Agriculture segment was the standout performer for the quarter and fiscal year, generating very strong top and bottom line performance.
"We are also pleased with the operating improvement in our Construction segment this fiscal year, which generated positive pre-tax income in fourth quarter and full year. While the pandemic and adverse weather conditions have created additional obstacles across our international store footprint, we experienced growth in our International segment parts and service business during the fourth quarter and full year, which has been a focus for us. Looking ahead to fiscal 2022, Titan Machinery is in a great position - we are benefiting from renewed strength in the commodities cycle, we've stayed close to our customers with exceptional service, and we've carefully managed our cost structure and balance sheet to ensure that we drive profitability and remain nimble to react to future opportunities."
Syngenta introduces new corn seed treatment for unmatched Pythium protection
Syngenta announced today that its newest corn seed treatment, Vayantis® fungicide, has received registration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A completely new mode of action that represents one of the most intrinsically active compounds ever developed to protect corn from Pythium, Vayantis will be available in select areas for the 2021 growing season, with a full rollout for 2022 planting. Vayantis contains the active ingredient picarbutrazox, a completely new systemic fungicide seed treatment developed to protect seedlings from key blight and damping-off diseases, such as Pythium and Phytophthora, in many different crops with the first registrations occurring in corn and soybeans.
“Pythium is the No. 1 seedling disease threat for corn, causing more damage than Fusarium and Rhizoctonia seedling diseases combined,” said Dale Ireland, Ph.D., technical product lead for Syngenta Seedcare. “With Vayantis we are thrilled to give growers another tool to help them combat Pythium and protect their crops. By providing this unmatched disease protection, Vayantis helps increase potential yield by an average of 2 bushels per acre (bu/A) on the broad acre and 4 to 6 bu/A in moderate to high pressure situations, compared to other seed treatments.”
Pythium poses a great risk for U.S. corn growers. More than 50 known Pythium species commonly infest U.S. soil, resulting in damping off — the leading cause of yield loss in corn — as well as reduced plant stands, lower plant populations and reduced yield potential. Additionally, growing trends, such as planting earlier into cool wet soil and reduced and no-till situations as well as increased use of cover crops, increase the risk of Pythium presence and infection.
Protecting crops from Pythium is critical because once a seedling’s early growth and development are lost, they may never be regained, driving scientists and growers to increasingly call for more Pythium protection options.
“Low stands or poor development of crop plants is, unfortunately, a common occurrence for fields that were planted in many regions of Ohio with heavy soil or poorly drained soil,” said Anne Dorrance, Ph.D., Soybean Extension Plant Pathologist at The Ohio State University. “For management, improving soil drainage and having at least two active ingredients in the seed treatment mixture targeting water molds are necessary for the challenging areas in Ohio that have a history of replanting.”2
Additional Pythium activity options are also needed due to increasing resistance to current technologies. Documented cases of resistance and insensitivity of Pythium to the active ingredient ethaboxam indicate that current seed treatments are not adequate to fully protect against the threat. In lab testing, Vayantis demonstrated activity on all major Pythium species, including many isolates that show no sensitivity to ethaboxam. Containing more power per gram of active ingredient, Vayantis provides an overlapping mode of action, which enables a step-change for early-season Pythium protection.
“Recognizing the large threat Pythium poses to yield and growers’ bottom line, it is essential to protect plants from early infections,” said Shawn Potter, head of marketing for Syngenta Seedcare. “Vayantis provides substantially better protection against all known Pythium species in the U.S. and shows no signs of insensitivity, allowing more yield potential to be realized. We are proud to add it to our industry-leading seed treatment fungicide packages, service and reputation, and look forward to expanding the most robust seed treatment pipeline in the industry.”
With a lower use rate and much broader activity than other seed treatments, Vayantis enables more space on the seed and flexibility to add additional seed amendments without sacrificing best-in-class protection. Pythium is unpredictable since environmental conditions drive which species are troublesome in a given field any year, but growers can rest assured that there is no other Pythium active ingredient providing more protection than Vayantis.
The introduction of Vayantis represents one more tool to help growers combat disease with less inputs and offset variable environmental conditions associated with the existential threat of climate change. For over 40 years, Syngenta Seedcare has been on the forefront of seed treatment research and innovation, making deliberate, positive advancements in seed treatment technology for our customers. Through its Good Growth Plan, Syngenta continues to honor its commitments to secure the future of agriculture and our planet’s ecosystems.
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