Monday April 19 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending April 18, 2021, there were 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 4% very short, 15% short, 77% adequate, and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 5% very short, 28% short, 65% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 2%, equal to last year, and near 4% for the five-year average.

Winter wheat condition rated 5% very poor, 12% poor, 40% fair, 40% good, and 3% excellent.

Oats planted was 70%, ahead of 51% last year and 52% average. Emerged was 26%, ahead of 14% last year and 16% average.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

 Snow and abnormally low temperatures meant farmers were not planting row crops for most of the week ending April 18, 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week. Field activities for the week included applying anhydrous and dry fertilizer, spreading manure, tilling fields and planting.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 6% very short, 23% short, 67% adequate and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 10% very short, 32% short, 54% adequate and 4% surplus.
 
Although most Iowa farmers continued to wait for warmer temperatures, 4% of Iowa’s corn crop has been planted.

Nearly two-thirds of Iowa’s expected oat crop has been planted, 5 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the 5-year average. Statewide 12% of the oat crop has emerged, 2 days ahead of average.

There were scattered reports of soybeans planted.

Pasture condition rated 47% good to excellent. Some cattle have already been moved to pasture.



Despite Colder Weather, Corn, Soybean Planting Plows Ahead

Despite the return of more winterlike weather across parts of the country, U.S. farmers continued to plow ahead with corn and soybean planting last week, according to USDA NASS' weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

As of Sunday, April 18, farmers had planted an estimated 8% of intended corn acres. That was 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 6% and equal to the five-year average, according to NASS.  Two percent of corn had emerged as of Sunday, above the five-year average of 1% emerged for this time of year.

In its first national soybean planting report of the year, NASS estimated that 3% of the intended soybean crop had been planted by week's end, slightly above 2% for both last year and the five-year average.

Spring wheat planting was also running ahead of normal, at 19% complete as of Sunday, well ahead of 7% at the same time last year and 12% for the five-year average.

Development of winter wheat, on the other hand, was running behind normal. Winter wheat heading was estimated at 10% as of Sunday, behind 13% last year and 4 percentage points behind the five-year average of 14%.  For the third week in a row, winter wheat condition held steady at 53% good to excellent, which is below last year's 57% good-to-excellent rating at the same time.

Sorghum was 15% planted. Cotton planting was 11% complete. Rice was 33% planted, and 16% of the crop had emerged.  Oats were 50% planted as of April 18, and emergence was at 16%.

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CELEBRATE SOIL & WATER STEWARDSHIP WEEK APRIL 25 - May 2

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Stewardship Week is one of the largest national programs to promote natural resource conservation. Celebrated annually since 1955 between the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in May, the NACD Stewardship Week reminds us of our individual responsibilities to care for natural resources.

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is a member of the NACD and partners with them in celebrating Stewardship Week.  This year we celebrate from April 25 - May 2, focusing on the theme “Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities.”  The LENRD’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the citizens across all or parts of the district’s 15-counties, working together to protect our natural resources for future.

“Educating the public about the importance of our connection to our natural resources in our daily lives is an essential part of what conservation districts advocate for in their communities,” said NACD President Michael Crowder. “Trees and forests are critical to providing clean air and water, healthy soil, shade, abundant wildlife habitat, jobs and valuable products we use every day.”

The LENRD can assist you in learning more about trees and the species native to your area.  The LENRD can also provide insight on tree planting, care, and maintenance as well as information on how to protect trees from invasive species.

“Local conservation districts have a long-standing history of working with state and private forest owners in helping promote and safeguard our nation’s forested lands,” Crowder said.

Free, downloadable Stewardship Week resources celebrating the theme “Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities” are available on NACD’s website at https://www.nacdnet.org/store/.

For more information about Stewardship Week and conservation practices, contact the LENRD office in Norfolk at 402-371-7313 or www.lenrd.org.



UNMC, Nebraska Extension announce June statewide tractor safety course for teens

Teens 14 or 15 years of age who work on farms, or others who are interested in learning about safe farming practices, are encouraged to register for this summer’s tractor safety training course, sponsored by the University of Nebraska Extension and the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health.  

The course will be held in early June at five sites across Nebraska.

Students will complete the first day of the course online. After successfully completing the online course and testing, the required driving test will be offered in-person, with COVID-19 safety precautions, at five locations across Nebraska June 7-11.

Federal law prohibits children under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and do field work with certain mechanized equipment.

Susan Harris, University of Nebraska Extension educator, said a common cause of agricultural-related injuries and deaths in Nebraska is overturned tractors and all-terrain vehicles. The course is designed to train students how to avoid such incidents, as well as many other farm and ranch hazards.  

The online course will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program, including quizzes which students must pass to attend the driving portion of training. Once a student is registered, they will be sent a training manual, course paperwork and a link to the online course.  

The onsite driving training and exam will include a driving test, equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer. Instructors also will offer education about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, utility-task vehicles and other off-road vehicles.  

Due to COVID-19, the number of students on-site will be limited. Students and instructors are  required to wear a mask, which will be provided, at all times during instruction and driving, as well as maintain proper social distance. Equipment, steering wheels, control knobs and hitches will be disinfected before and after each student completes testing. Students who have had a fever or persistent cough within 10 days of testing will be required to reschedule their driving test. Additional driving tests may be added later in the summer to accommodate students who are unable to attend the scheduled training.  

Course istructors are members of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health - Aaron Yoder, PhD, Ellen Duysen and Risto Rautiainen, PhD - and Nebraska Extension educators  - Troy Ingram, Randy Saner and John Thomas.  

Cost of the hybrid course is $40 and includes educational materials, the online learning link and supplies. More information and registration can be found at kearney.unl.edu under “Educational Programs,” then click “Tractor Safety” or contact the appropriate contact below.  

Driving dates, Nebraska locations and site coordinator contact information is below.
June 7 – Akrs Equipment, 49110 US Hwy 20 in O’Neill; contact Debra Walnofer, 402.336.2760, dwalnofer2@unl.edu   
June 8 – Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail #8500 in Gering; contact Stacy Brown, 308.632.1480, sbrown7@unl.edu
June 9 - West Central Research & Extension Center, 402 West State Farm Rd., North Platte; contact Randy Saner or Vicki Neidhardt 308.532.2683, randy.saner@unl.edu
June 10 – Hall County Extension, 3180 W. Hwy 34, Grand Island; contact Crystal Beissenherz, 308.385.5088, crystal.beissenherz@unl.edu   
June 11 – Cass County Fairgrounds, 8420 144th St., Weeping Water; contact Sandy Prall, 402.267.2205, sprall2@unl.edu

Extension is a division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.



THICKENING ALFALFA WITH SPRING CEREALS
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension
 
Have you noticed any winter injury to your alfalfa fields or maybe you have some older stands that are thin?
 
Maximizing tonnage from every inch of rain your alfalfa hay fields receive this year may be necessary.  Unfortunately, alfalfa uses quite a bit of water for each ton of hay, especially as temperatures rise.  So, it is critical to get as much tonnage out of first cutting as possible, before summer heat sets in.  One way to boost first cutting hay yield from thin, or winter damaged alfalfa stands is to drill cereals like oats, spring triticale, or spring barley into those stands.  Depending on the thickness of the alfalfa stand, drill 30 to 60 pounds per acre directly into your existing stand as soon as possible.  Try to get the seed about one inch deep.  These cereals will use spring moisture very efficiently to add tonnage to your first cutting.
 
Where the alfalfa is thick, you may not get much, but in thin spots these cereals should fill in rapidly.  These spring cereals will have rapid growth in late May and early June, so cutting your hay a little later than usual will help you get the most yield benefit from this addition.
 
Getting the most out of each inch of moisture could be especially important this year.  Using cereals is one way to do it.



Budget Templates Updated for Sheep and Goat Enterprises
Glennis McClure, NE Extension Educator

Enterprise budget templates were recently updated for producers’ use to estimate sheep and goat revenue and expenses and consider projected breakeven scenarios. Using a west central Nebraska representative sheep flock with 250 ewes and a 70 head meat goat herd, the budgets are prepared for producers to use as guides when entering their own information using an Excel spreadsheet format.  

The Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers Association members and the Nebraska Meat Goat Producers provided production information for the sample budget templates. Three sheep budgets using similar size flocks reflect various practices of selling all lambs at weaning, selling part of the lamb crop at weaning, and finishing the rest or finishing all the lambs raised.  In both the goat and sheep budgets, the template allows for varying how the sheep or goats are sold, either on a live weight or carcass weight basis.

Production Figures and Practices
Producers raising sheep and goats often operate diversified farms or ranches with other crop and/or livestock enterprises, however some producers have off-farm jobs and raise their sheep or goats on small farms or ranches with sheep or goats as a key enterprise. Sheep can often be added to a cattle operation, one ewe per cow, without changing the stalking rate due to the differences in forage preferences as sheep prefer forbs while cattle prefer grasses.  Goats prefer browse plants and can be added at one goat per cow.  If you have a lot of browse, goats may be a better enterprise than sheep.  If you have more forbs, sheep might be the better choice.  Goats can be used to clean areas of brush and woody plants.  They will eat cedars when forced in the summer, or in the winter when nothing green is available.  In some cases, producers will add sheep and goats to their cattle operation.  When they add both species, they will need to adjust the stocking rate.

Both for sheep and goats, typical lambing time across much of Nebraska is in the spring.  Birthing rates run around 140% (1.4 lambs per ewe), while 150% birthing rate is typical of goats, as both ewes and does often have twins or multiple births. Death loss is figured for lambs at 4.8 to 8.7% pre-weaning and for baby goats (kids) 11% death loss before they are weaned.  If they are kept and fed, then post-weaning death rate of 3% was figured for the lambs and kids before being sold as finished animals.

Producers in Nebraska reported a mix of practices in either raising their own ewes as replacements or buying breeding ewes for breeding stock replacements. In the sample budgets, all replacement ewes and does are shown as purchased. The main difference in an enterprise budget designed for raising its own breeding stock is adding the feed cost in for the growth to reproductive age. A 6% death loss for the breeding ewes and a cull rate of 10.6%, require 40 replacement ewes to be purchased each year to maintain the herd at 250 ewes. In the case of the meat goat budget, a 7% death loss for the breeding does annually and a 7% cull rate for the year was used.

Feed, Hay, and Pasture
With any livestock enterprise, feed costs are a major expense and should be carefully estimated. Prices for the various feed items entered in the ‘Production Parameters’ worksheet of the budget templates carry over to the ‘Variable Expense’ worksheet and the feed expense section where quantity fed amounts per animal are entered.  It is important to value feed and hay raised as well as purchased feed and supplements that are used by the breeding stock, pre-weaned, and post-weaned lambs and kids being grown to finishing weight.

Both owned and rented pasture ground should also be valued.  A producer who owns pasture and hay ground should consider the value being fed and utilized by the sheep or goat enterprises.  If the hay or pasture weren’t used in the livestock operation, what would its production and/or rental value be if someone else paid to use it?  In other words, this is the opportunity cost that should be charged as an expense toward the livestock enterprise. Individual producers may enter an opportunity cost or cash rental rate for their land use for the sheep or goat enterprises in lieu of animal unit month (AUM) values in their budgets. It is important to not duplicate the pasture expense by entering a fair market value for the AUMs in the feed area of the budget and also enter a land rental expense in the fixed cost section.

Summary Budget
The ‘Summary Budget’ worksheet summarizes total revenue and expenses from the various budget worksheets. The summary budget provides a total net revenue calculation and a net return per ewe. In addition, breakeven price calculations for weaned lambs and finished lambs on a live weight and carcass weight basis are provided.  The total projected sheep or goat sales by weight are figured with estimated sale prices entered in the revenue worksheet.  Other worksheets in the template that feed totals to the ‘Summary Budget’ worksheet, include variable or direct expenses, fixed expenses and overhead.  A real estate and property tax expense worksheet and a non-farm revenue worksheet were added based on requests made by the producers providing input into this project.   



ICON Continues to Support Tax Reform Through LR-11CA & LB-133 the “Nebraska EPIC Consumption Tax Act”.

In this Nebraska Legislative session a Constitutional Amendment (CA), LR-11CA, was introduced by Senator Erdman. This is a resolution for the “Nebraska EPIC Consumption Tax Act”.  LR-11CA advanced out of committee and will go on to be passed with our help. When passed, most State taxes will be eliminated and a consumption tax will take their place.

ICON Directors present at their last meeting voted unanimously to support LR-11CA, Nebraska Constitutional Amendment, and LB-133, the “Nebraska EPIC Consumption Tax Act”. EPIC is an acronym for “Eliminating Property, Income, Corporate” taxes. Simply speaking, business related transactions and purchases are not taxed. Anything purchased, or services not business related, are to be taxed.

To review LB-133 visit: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills. Section 6 within LB-133 defines Ten Nebraska Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Here are two important rights:

Right # One: “The citizens of Nebraska are entitled to a fair and just tax system, one which favors neither the poor nor the rich, neither rural dwellers nor urban dwellers, neither business owners nor laborers, and that is no respecter of race, religion, creed or sex;”

Right # Eight:  “Those citizens and legal residents of the State of Nebraska living at or below the federal poverty rate shall be absolved of making any positive net contribution to the consumption tax revenue of this state;”

In other words, this “Nebraska EPIC Consumption Tax Act” aims to treat all Nebraskan’s fairly, regardless of their person, status or wealth and makes concessions for the poor.

The ICON Directors also voted to help fund the Consumption Tax drive by individual donations and getting the word and information out. Funds raised by “TRUE Nebraskans” 35% Tax Rebate fund drive in 2019 & 2020 (which was halted due to Covid), have been donated to this Consumption Tax drive. However, more funding is needed.

ICON President, Jim Dinklage, states “As a long time property tax payer in Nebraska and ICON President, I strongly urge you to go to www.EPICconsumptiontax.org for further information.



USDA Officials Will Visit Ord, Nebraska to Highlight Renewable Energy Infrastructure in Recognition of Earth Day

USDA Rural Development officials, alongside local, state, and federal partners, will visit Ord, Nebrasak at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2021, to celebrate renewable energy infrastructure improvements for Scratchtown Brewing Company, LLC in recognition of Earth Day.

USDA will emphasize how several partnerships, including a $14,529 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant from USDA allowed Scratchtown Brewing Company to install a 24 kilowatt rooftop solar array and save nearly $3,300 a year in electricity costs.

Scratchtown Brewing Company owner Caleb Pollard, USDA officials and other local officials  will highlight the environmental and business benefits of renewable energy and the resources available to help offset the costs of purchase and installation. The day will conclude with a presentation at the local Ord High School.

This event is free and open to the public.

 

K-State study finds reduction in milk production among anaplasmosis-infected cattle

Researchers at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine have published new data suggesting a negative effect on a dairy cow's milk production because of bovine anaplasmosis, a globally widespread livestock disease.

The article, "Assessment of within-herd seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale antibodies and association with decreased milk production in an Iowa dairy herd," co-authored by Andrew Curtis, a doctoral student in physiology, and Hans Coetzee, professor and head of the anatomy and physiology department, appears in the April issue of Applied Animal Science.

The researchers specifically found that 38% of the animals in the herd tested positive for bovine anaplasmosis, which is linked to significant production losses in cattle in the United States.

"Anaplasmosis has been a large part of my doctoral research," Curtis said. "I was fortunate to be able to revisit a dataset collected in Iowa from 2008-2011 while working on my dissertation. Although the original survey was completed a few years ago, the impact of anaplasmosis on dairy cattle and milk production has remained poorly defined in the literature. We recognized the opportunity to describe the relationship that appears to exist between anti-Anaplasma marginale antibodies and dairy production."

"This study demonstrates the need for careful monitoring for anaplasmosis infection across various geographic regions and especially in open herds not having rigorous diagnostic testing protocols," said David K. Beede, editor-in-chief of Applied Animal Science. "Poor biosecurity practices, such as failure to quarantine just-purchased animals or reusing hypodermic needles among animals for routine treatments, are risk factors."

Cows that tested positive for the Anaplasma marginale antibodies produced significantly less milk than cows that tested negative. The authors concluded that by managing risks connected with new additions to a herd and by eliminating circumstances that may support disease transmission, production and herd health at the facility could have been safeguarded.

"This is an important finding, as it demonstrates the need for further study of the effects of Anaplasma marginale in dairy settings," Coetzee said. "The survey results also indicate that freedom from bovine anaplasmosis cannot be assumed for an entire geographic region."

Caused by the hemobacterium Anaplasma marginale, the clinical signs of the disease, which can be fatal, may include anemia, icterus, fever, weight loss, abortion, lethargy and lack of appetite. Anaplasmosis can be spread through ticks, horseflies and blood-contaminated objects, as well as through the placenta from cow to calf during pregnancy.

Curtis is currently working with a set of calves to test for an implantable vaccine platform that has previously been used against bovine anaplasmosis.

"This is a similar platform to one that our research group used to deliver an anaplasmosis vaccine in the past," Curtis said. "As research continues, we hope to have success with the implantable vaccine platform and prove its ability to deliver a variety of antigens — including, perhaps, a future anaplasmosis vaccine — over an extended period of time."

The authors were supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.



Summer and Fall Cattle Markets
Josh Maples, Extension Economist, Mississippi State University

Weekly live cattle cash prices have remained relatively strong amid the market setting discussed in this newsletter last week. The continued rally in the cutout suggests strong beef demand in the near-term. Similarly, feeder cattle prices have been stronger in many regions over the past few weeks. However, there is more uncertainty in the summer and fall months for both live and feeder cattle prices.

Cattle futures prices declined over the past week and a half after rallying at the end of March and into early April. The June live cattle contract closed above $125 on April 7th but has since posted eight consecutive days of declines and closed below $119 in trading today. The summer and fall month contracts experienced larger declines than the winter and spring 2022 contracts. Feeder cattle futures have also been on a decline over the past few weeks. The May contract closed today about $10 lower than on April 7th. Similarly, the fall contracts are back into the low to mid $150s after spending a few days above $160.

The next cattle on feed report is set for release this Friday and is likely to contain some eye-popping year-over-year comparisons as the March 2021 data will be positioned against March 2020 data when covid disruptions were in full effect and placements were very low. While placements are nearly certain to be higher than a year ago, just how much higher is the big question. Very large placement totals in March 2021 could lead to larger than expected totals of market-ready live cattle this summer. The recent declines in summer month live futures may be reacting to this possibility.

Grain prices continue to be elevated and will likely remain a headwind to market rallies for feeder cattle. While still very early in the year, the recent prospective plantings report did not suggest significant declines in corn prices this year. Currently, one would have to look all the way to the September 2022 to find a corn futures contract trading below $5 per bushel.

Drought and pasture conditions are the biggest concern, especially for regions facing exceptional drought. Drought conditions are widespread in the western U.S. with Southwestern states facing large swaths of D4 “Exceptional drought.” Conditions are similar in much of Colorado, Utah and surrounding states. Drought conditions in the Northern Plains have worsened and are leading to difficult herd liquidation decisions for many producers. Whether the drought conditions expand or recede over the next few weeks will be important to forage conditions throughout the Great Plains region.

Despite the recent declines in futures prices, there remains cautious optimism in cattle markets this year. The expectation of tightening supplies and a strong beef demand profile provide some optimism for stronger markets this year. However, there are still many factors to watch closely.



IRFA, ICGA, and IFBF Submit Comments to EPA on E15 Labeling and Underground Storage Tank Compatibility

Today, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), and Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) jointly submitted regulatory comments to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan expressing the urgency of EPA’s proposed rulemaking for E15 Fuel Dispenser Labeling and Compatibility with Underground Storage Tanks. Together the Iowa agricultural organizations released the following statement:

“Iowa leads the nation in both corn and ethanol production and growing the market for E15 is crucial to our state’s economic, agricultural, energy and environmental future. Regulatory changes have the potential to accelerate the commercial expansion of E15, which is the most immediate, available, and affordable path to carbon reduction in the transportation sector. While the proposed rule is a good start, the bottom line is that it does not go far enough. We want to help elevate it by knocking down unnecessary regulatory barriers that would prevent E15 commercial growth and stifle carbon reduction as a result.  We thank EPA for its consideration of our recommendations, and we stand ready to work with the Agency and the Biden Administration on this and other climate solutions going forward.”

Among the key items addressed in the comments, ICGA, IFBF, and IRFA recommended that EPA’s E15 label requirement be modernized and modified in a manner that is simple, informational, and factual, while eliminating language and elements that are speculative, confusing, or threatening. Additionally, the groups called on EPA to revise its regulations to clarify that all existing underground storage tank equipment is “deemed compatible” with ethanol blends up to E15.



Growth Energy Calls on EPA to Fix E15 Labeling and Infrastructure

Today, Growth Energy submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling for a fix to outdated and confusing E15 labeling and to ensure retail stations’ existing tank systems can accommodate the storage of E15 and higher gasoline-ethanol blends. The association notes in its comments:  

“Growth Energy supports modification of the E15 label requirement to increase clarity and ensure it adequately advises consumers of appropriate uses of the fuel, while not unnecessarily dissuading the vast majority of consumers whose vehicles can refuel with E15.... In addition, Growth Energy strongly supports EPA’s proposal to modify the underground storage tank (UST) compatibility requirements applicable to E15 and other fuel blends.  

“There is ample support that a wide variety of fuel storage equipment, including USTs and related piping, may store E15 if it is suitable for use with E10.  Removing unnecessary impediments to retailers’ use of such existing equipment is imperative to providing E15 equal footing in the fuels marketplace.”

After submitting comments, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor made the following statement:

“As our nation faces the challenges of climate change, it’s imperative that EPA act immediately to support greater access to cleaner renewable fuel blends for all Americans. E15 and higher ethanol blended fuels will deliver immediate benefits for our environment and are a critical piece of our nation’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.  

“Clearing hurdles to the sale of E15 and growing markets of biofuels would also provide an economic lifeline for rural communities as they continue to rebuild in the wake of COVID-19. Between the economic and environmental benefits, fixing E15 labeling and infrastructure is a win-win for America.”

EPA announced its proposed rulemaking on January 19, 2021, allowing for three months of public comments on its proposal to either modify or remove the label and modify the United Storage Tanks (UST) regulations to grant certain allowances for compatibility demonstration for storage of ethanol blends.  



NCGA Submits Comments to EPA on E15 Fuel Dispenser Labeling and Underground Storage Tanks

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to update fuel pump labeling for E15 and improve the process for retailers to demonstrate compatibility of their equipment so they can offer higher ethanol blends.

“As producers of the primary feedstock for ethanol, corn growers support expanding availability of higher ethanol blends such as E15, an immediate, available, and affordable solution to lowering carbon emissions in transportation,” NCGA President John Linder wrote in the organization’s comments. “Finalizing this proposal will remove additional barriers to retailers offering E15 and provide an immediate fuel decarbonization opportunity.”

Updating EPA’s fuel pump label and supporting compliance demonstration for underground storage tanks (USTs) will benefit both consumers and retailers. NCGA’s comments urged EPA to adopt proposed updates to the E15 label and make further revisions to the label statement to keep it fact-based and avoid speculation and confusion.

“NCGA believes the E15 label must clearly and factually inform consumers which vehicles E15 is safe and approved for use in and identify the limited engines in which E15 is not approved for use. Because more than 95 percent of light duty vehicles on the road today are 2001 and newer and can use E15, the label should inform consumers that E15 is safe for use in their vehicles,” stated Linder. “EPA is not only proposing changes to E15 fuel labeling requirements but is also seeking input to revise and streamline methods for retailers demonstrating UST equipment compatibility.  As NCGA’s comments noted, equipment compatibility has not been an issue for retailers because an extensive amount of equipment is fully compatible with E15 and higher blends, but demonstrating compatibility has been an issue.  Through NCGA and state corn grower associations, farmers have invested their resources in support of biofuels infrastructure.

“We appreciate EPA’s proposals to expand options for UST owners and operators to meet compatibility requirements and the forward-looking proposal for new UST systems and replacement equipment and components to be compatible with up to 100 percent ethanol, cost-effectively future-proofing UST investments for changing fuel markets and new, low carbon fuel choices.

“We urge EPA to expand the allowances for already compatible equipment to do more to make compatibility demonstration less burdensome for retailers that want to offer consumers greater choice and value and meet the objective of allowing E15 use with existing compatible infrastructure. Listing these tanks and piping is a good first step, but EPA must ensure the greatest possible extent of equipment known to be compatible is included in the final rule,” the submitted comments went on the say.



ACE Supports EPA’s Proposed Changes to Update Unnecessary E15 Warning Labels and Fuel Equipment Compatibility Rules

In comments submitted today, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty utilized his fuel retailing expertise to share feedback on the proposed rule E15 Fuel Dispenser Labeling and Compatibility With Underground Storage Tanks that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in the final days of the Trump administration. Specifically, the rule co-proposes EPA either modify the E15 label or remove the label requirement entirely. Further, EPA proposes to modify the underground storage tank (UST) regulations which offer paths that would make it easier for station owners to demonstrate compatibility with E15 and possibly higher ethanol blends in the future.

EPA’s proposed changes to compatibility rules would make it easier for station owners and operators to store and sell E15 using existing equipment, and changes to E15 label requirements could reduce consumer confusion and resistance to trying E15. Finalizing this rule is an important step to treat E15 like other fuels. “The proposed rule removes unnecessarily harsh restrictions that were put in place as a response to misinformation-based fear created by carefully crafted and heavily promoted anti-ethanol myths, which have been “busted” by more than 10 years of E15 use with retailers reporting no damage claims, and no increase in releases from UST systems,” Lamberty wrote.

E15 Label Changes
EPA’s proposed adjustments to make the E15 label less alarming would be an improvement but ACE prefers EPA remove the outdated E15 label altogether, which also eliminates the need for the E15 survey which has already established E15 as a consistently blended fuel. However, EPA’s request seeking comment on other government entities requiring their own E15 labels is strongly opposed by ACE. “Allowing state and local government labels would be seen by those with considerable resources as permission to lobby for anti-ethanol labels at every government level,” the comments stated. “It would create confusion and doubt for motorists traveling between states and would do the opposite of what EPA hopes to accomplish.”

UST Compatibility
In ACE’s comments, Lamberty noted that EPA’s compatibility standards wouldn’t change, they’d simply allow station owner and operators simpler, logical methods to show their infrastructure is compatible. EPA’s changes provide recognition that tanks and piping with secondary containment and monitoring of the interstitial space are already compatible with E15, citing ACE’s Flex Check E15 compatibility tool, which could save fuel marketers billions of dollars compared to fictional estimated costs from ethanol opponents. And, while current UL listings for USTs storing and selling gasoline and ethanol blends already cover blends up to 100 percent ethanol, EPA’s proposed requirement for new UST systems and replacements to be compatible with ethanol blends up to 100 percent, provides an added visible assurance to station owners and operators of compatibility with higher ethanol blends, including E85.



Ethanol Emergency Response Webinars This Week

The Renewable Fuels Association is offering two four-hour-long webinars this week, led by a nationally accredited and professional instructor with an extensive background in emergency management, firefighting and hazardous materials response, and offered in partnership with TRANSCAER and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

The goal of these webinars is for attendees to gain a full ethanol and ethanol-blended fuel emergency response training experience that can be used immediately in the field. The training program will include the following elements: ethanol and ethanol-blended fuels, chemical and physical characteristics of ethanol and hydrocarbon fuels, transportation and transfer, storage and dispensing locations, fire-fighting foam principles, general health and safety considerations, and storage and pre-planning considerations.

The sessions will take place this week from 8 a.m. to noon CDT Wednesday, April 21, and noon to 4 p.m. CDT Thursday, April 22. Certificates of Participation will be awarded to all registered attendees once the webinar has been completed. Click here for more information and to register... https://www.transcaer.com/training/training-events/ethanol-emergency-response-webinars/10065.

TRANSCAER is a voluntary national outreach effort that focuses on assisting communities to prepare for and to respond to a possible hazardous materials transportation incident. The acronym stands for Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response.



Many Ranch Groups Send Letter to USTR & USDA Seeking Relief from USMCA

In anticipation of a soon-to-be-held summit between U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai and her counterparts within the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), 18 national, state, and regional cattle and ranch associations sent a letter today seeking immediate relief from that agreement.

The letter addressed to Ambassador Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack states that the USMCA, “more than any other multilateral free trade agreement,” has “severely weakened” the United States’ live cattle supply chain and the rural communities it supports.

Included in the letter are two charts, one showing that during the past seven years the United States imported from Mexico and Canada about two and one-half times the value of beef and cattle that it exports, importing over $4.4 billion worth of beef and cattle but only exporting less than $2 billion of the same commodities.

The second chart depicts quantity-based USMCA trade and shows the U.S. imported about three and one-half times the quantity of beef and cattle that it exported.

The ranch groups acknowledge that the USMCA is working well for multinational meatpackers, processors and importers who benefit greatly from sourcing more and more foreign cattle and unlabeled beef from Mexico and Canada. But they argue those benefits for the few are causing irreparable harm to America’s family farm and ranch cattle producers who “cannot be expected to prosper” unless relief from the USMCA is granted.

The letter also describes how multinational corporations exploited domestic cattle producers by importing tens of thousands of slaughter-ready cattle from Canada while simultaneously depriving U.S. cattle producers access to their own markets following the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ranch groups concluded by urging the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary Vilsack “to take decisive action to rebalance the untenable cattle and beef trade imbalance memorialized under the USMCA. At the very least, and as a first step, we urge you to take steps to assist America’s cattle farmers and ranchers by giving them the ability to compete in their own domestic market by differentiating their USA-produced beef from foreign beef and beef from foreign cattle.”



Enhanced Bayer Carbon Program Offers Growers New Opportunities in 2021 and Beyond

Building on the success of the Bayer Carbon Program launched last summer, the company announced today enhancements to the program, providing new opportunities for U.S. growers to participate for the 2021-22 program season.

Highlights include a significant geographic expansion, nearly doubling the number of states where growers are eligible to participate. For the first time, growers who have previously adopted some climate-smart farming practices also may be able to enroll those acres in the program.

The Bayer Carbon Program takes a farmer-centric approach by offering growers simplicity, certainty and flexibility. By paying U.S. farmers for implementing climate-smart farming methods such as strip- or no-till and cover crops, which help sequester carbon in the soil, farmers receive guaranteed payments and are rewarded for how they produce, not just what they produce.

“Farmers are at the center of the solution when it comes to helping sequester carbon and addressing climate change,” said Jackie Applegate, President of Crop Science, North America. “By enabling farmers to benefit in a simple and transparent way, Bayer is uniquely positioned to help growers capture value created by these sustainable farming practices.”

The streamlined approach has become a hallmark of Bayer’s program. It offers certainty and pays growers for the verified practices farmers adopt on each enrolled acre, without growers having to decipher the amount of carbon they generate.

“Through our Carbon Advisory Panel and meetings with growers, we’ve heard from farmers that they appreciate the simplicity of the program, which allows them to focus on what they do best – raise a crop,” said Leo Bastos, Head of Carbon Business Model. “We are excited to build on the success of the program’s first year and offer even more growers the chance to participate in the program. This is just the beginning. We’re continually exploring new ways and opportunities to help deliver added benefits to farmers.”

In addition to generating additional revenue, participating in initiatives like the Bayer Carbon Program and implementing climate-smart farming practices may provide farmers with important benefits such as the potential for improved soil health that can result in increased yields and profitability of farmers’ operations.

Enhancements for the 2021-2022 program season include eligibility for growers who have adopted strip- or no-till or cover crops on fields on or after January 1, 2012.

In addition to the nine states that were part of the program’s first year, new states where growers are now eligible to participate include: Wisconsin, South Dakota, Nebraska, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Maryland and Delaware.

For a complete list of eligible geographies, to learn more or enroll in the 2021 Bayer Carbon Program, please visit www.BayerCarbon.com.