Thursday April 22 Ag News

 Farm Progress Announces a Much-Anticipated Return to Live Events

Farm Progress will return to live events with the two can’t-miss farm shows of the year; Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL, August 31 – September 2, 2021 and Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, NE, September 14-16, 2021.

A survey conducted by Readex Research revealed growing confidence and positivity among prior attendees, indicating 84% of past show attendees will attend in-person or plan to attend if scheduling allows.

The industry has not convened since early 2020, therefore groundbreaking product introductions and technological advances have yet to be seen in-person in over 18 months. The first opportunity for the ag market to experience these new products live will be at the Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days events.

Eric Kahle of exhibiting company Unverferth noted, “The past year has placed unprecedented challenges on the agricultural and trade show industries. The Unverferth team is excited to be getting back to an in-person Farm Progress Show this year in Decatur, IL and also at Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, NE. We are expecting both this year’s Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days to be great events, and Unverferth is eager to be there!”

The entire Farm Progress team is working to ensure that the agriculture community can reconnect in meaningful and safe ways when returning in-person to these highly-anticipated annual events. The All Secure Guidelines, a transparent and vetted industry-wide collection of health and safety policies, will provide direction during the upcoming shows, ensuring the health and safety of all attendees and exhibitors.

Chase Brown, a Central Illinois Farmer captures the energy and anticipation around these upcoming events during a recent conversation with Farm Progress staff, “It’s exciting to get out to see and touch the newest equipment, but also to interact with not only exhibitors but fellow farmers."



Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest

The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest provides an opportunity for youth to become spokespersons and future leaders in the beef industry. If public speaking or industry advocacy is your thing, you should compete.

Wednesday, June 9, 2021
1:00 pm CDT
Fremont City Auditorium
925 North Broad St, Fremont

The Competition – Both division of contestants will compete in two different areas.
Media Interview – Contestants will participate in a mock media interview. The interviewer will have pre-determined questions to ask each contestant with the option to ask follow-up questions to extrapolate additional knowledge or clarify a point. A panel of judges will observe the interaction for: knowledge, articulation, poise and the contestant’s ability to “tell the Beef Production Story” and present the industry in a positive light. Scoring will be done by the judges only. The contestants should be well-versed in all areas of beef production and the beef industry relating to consumers. Special attention should be paid to all current industry issues.

Issue Response – Each contestant will be provided with a current beef industry topic. Contestants will be given time to write article and submit via email by the deadline. The article will be judged for accuracy, message, and ability to send the correct message for the industry.
    Senior division to write 200-250 words.
    Collegiate division to write between 500-550 words.

Beef Advocacy Training – Contestants will participate in a beef advocacy training workshop on June 9.
    Resources to increase your beef industry knowledge
    Catch up on current events
    Develop your beef story
    Help you engage with consumers
    Develop a network to stay connected

More details here: https://nebraskacattlemen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ne-beef-ambassador-2021-rules-reg.pdf.  

For more information or to register for the contest, email ncw@necattlemen.org or call 402-450-0223.
Registration deadline: Friday, June 4, 2021



CLAAS Receives 2021 Business Excellence Award

CLAAS was recently recognized by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce with the 2021 Business Excellence Award in Leadership. The award comes as part of an annual tradition recognizing area organizations in each of four categories: Leadership, Innovation, Philanthropy and Sustained Excellence. The Omaha Chamber of Commerce noted CLAAS’ commitment to training and education as one of the primary reasons for its recognition.

“CLAAS is serious about solutions to the workforce shortage. Not only are they volunteer advisors with schools and educators, but they also serve volunteer roles on three professional coalitions all focusing on workforce issues,” said the Greater Omaha Chamber.

CLAAS has partnered with Dream It Do It and P4K to offer programs to disadvantaged kids, teaching them real life work skills. The company also signed up for Legacy student interns – offering great jobs for bright students from disadvantaged areas in Omaha. But CLAAS’ commitment to local youth doesn’t end there – they also built a first-class training center for apprentices to learn and practice their skills. In both programs, CLAAS pays 100% of the tuition and books, as well as the apprentices while they’re in school, labs and on-the-job training.

“As a long-term business resident of Nebraska, we couldn’t be more thrilled to accept this award from the Greater Omaha Chamber,” says Deb Franklin, Vice President of Human Resources for CLAAS North America. “We share the Chamber's mission of cultivating leadership and collaboration in our community and creating new opportunities for our region's workforce. We are grateful to be able to make an impact in our community through our commitment to creating new jobs and developing talent.”

More than 70 companies were nominated for this year’s awards, with just 25 businesses identified as award recipients. Winners of the award are recognized as trailblazers who go above and beyond every day, as stated by Greater Omaha Chamber.



Fischer Applauds Agriculture Committee Markup of Legislation Helping Farmers Enter Carbon Credit Markets

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the committee advanced the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA).  This legislation, of which Senator Fischer is an original cosponsor, would create a certification program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help farmers and ranchers voluntarily enter carbon credit markets.

“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are good stewards of our land and effective conservationists. This legislation will help them build on the work they are already doing by ensuring they can voluntarily enter into carbon credit markets. I am pleased to see that the Agriculture Committee has advanced this legislation which will further enable ag producers to be part of the climate solution.”

The GCSA, led by led by Agriculture Committee Chairman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.), creates a certification process at USDA to help solve technical entry barriers to farmer and rancher participation in carbon credit markets.

USDA would certify third party liaisons to help producers monetize sustainable practices. These liaisons would help producers voluntarily enter carbon credit markets and provide information on practices that capture carbon, reduce emissions, improve soil health, and make operations more sustainable.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during March 2021 totaled 8.32 million, down from 8.49 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during March totaled 211 million eggs, down from 212 million in 2020. March egg production per 100 layers was 2,532 eggs, compared to 2,499 eggs in 2020.

Iowa egg production during March 2021 was 1.25 billion eggs, up 11% from last month but down 10% 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 March 2021 was 48.4 million, down slightly from last month and down 13% from the same month last year. Eggs per 100 layers for March were 2,585, up 11% from last month and up 4% from last March.

March Egg Production Down Slightly
United States egg production totaled 9.54 billion during March 2021, down slightly from last year. Production included 8.25 billion table eggs, and 1.29 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.21 billion were broiler-type and 82.8 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during March 2021 totaled 393 million, down 1 percent from last year. March egg production per 100 layers was 2,427 eggs, up 1 percent from March 2020.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on April 1, 2021 totaled 392 million, down 1 percent from last year. The 392 million layers consisted of 326 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 63.6 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.09 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on April 1, 2021, averaged 78.8 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from April 1, 2020.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 11 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during March 2021 totaled 62.3 million, up 11 percent from March 2020. Eggs in incubators totaled 55.7 million on April 1, 2021, down 3 percent from a year ago.  Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 327 thousand during March 2021, up 2 percent from March 2020.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Down 2 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during March 2021 totaled 842 million, down 2 percent from March 2020. Eggs in incubators totaled 717 million on April 1, 2021, up 4 percent from a year ago.  Leading breeders placed 8.23 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during March 2021, down 4 percent from March 2020.



Record High Red Meat and Beef Production in March

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 5.05 billion pounds in March, up 1 percent from the 5.00 billion pounds produced in March 2020.

Beef production, at 2.48 billion pounds, was 3 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 3.01 million head, up 3 percent from March 2020. The average live weight was up 4 pounds from the previous year, at 1,372 pounds.

Veal production totaled 4.9 million pounds, 15 percent below March a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 31,600 head, down 27 percent from March 2020. The average live weight was up 34 pounds from last year, at 266 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.55 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 11.7 million head, down 2 percent from March 2020. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 291 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.9 million pounds, was up 13 percent from March 2020. Sheep slaughter totaled 213,700 head, 14 percent above last year. The average live weight was 130 pounds, down 1 pound from March a year ago.

By State (million lbs  -  % March '20)
Nebraska .......:     692.9             98       
Iowa ..............:     787.4             98       
Kansas ...........:     547.1            104       

January to March 2021 commercial red meat production was 14.2 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2020. Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 18 percent, pork was down 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 1 percent.



USDA Cold Storage March 2021 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on March 31, 2021 were down 6 percent from the previous month and down 17 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 6 percent from the previous month and down 4 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 7 percent from the previous month and down 27 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 6 percent from last month and down 55 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on March 31, 2021 were up slightly from the previous month but down 17 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 20 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 9 percent from last month but down 10 percent from March 31, 2020.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on March 31, 2021 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from March 31, 2020. Butter stocks were up slightly from last month and up 15 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on March 31, 2021 were down 10 percent from last month and down 17 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 10 percent from last month but up 1 percent from a year ago.



Renewable Fuels Inclusion in U.S. Climate Plan is Good; Larger Role Warranted

President Biden’s plan for re-entering the Paris climate agreement includes low-carbon renewable fuels as a strategy for helping to achieve a 50-52% economy-wide reduction in net greenhouse gas pollution by 2030. The following is a statement from Renewable Fuels President and CEO Geoff Cooper:

“We are pleased to see the inclusion of renewable fuels in President Biden’s plan for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and we agree that efforts to deploy larger volumes of ‘very low carbon’ renewable fuels should be a key component of our nation’s commitment to reduce emissions from the transportation sector under the Paris Agreement. However, renewable fuels can do far more than decarbonize aviation and other off-road markets. Just since 2008, nearly 1 billion metric tons of GHG emissions have been prevented from entering the atmosphere due to the increased use of renewable fuels to meet Renewable Fuel Standard obligations. In addition, recent research by scientists affiliated with Harvard, Tufts, and MIT shows that today’s average corn ethanol is reducing GHG emissions by almost 50% compared to gasoline. And with the adoption of carbon capture and sequestration, carbon-efficient feedstock production practices, and other new technologies, corn ethanol can be a ‘net-zero,’ carbon-neutral fuel by the end of the decade.

“As recognized by President Biden, achieving a 50% GHG reduction economy-wide by 2030 will take a portfolio approach that capitalizes on a broad and diverse array of low-carbon technologies, and that should include ethanol and other biofuels. We look forward to receiving more details and information regarding the role renewable fuels are expected to play in the Biden administration’s nationally determined contribution that will be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.”



Growth Energy Statement on President Biden's New Climate Emissions Target

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in reaction to President Biden's new emissions reduction target under the Paris climate agreement:

"Growth Energy applauds President Biden for setting an ambitious new decarbonization target for the United States as part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement. We look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure low-carbon biofuels, like ethanol, are an integral part of efforts to address climate change, reduce transportation sector emissions, improve air quality, and create jobs in rural America.

"Plant-based biofuels, like ethanol, have long been a key part of the nation’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Since 2007, ethanol has been responsible for cumulative carbon dioxide savings of 600 million metric tons in the U.S., or the equivalent of removing 130 million cars from the road, roughly half of our nation’s fleet. In addition, the biofuels industry employs more than 360,000 hard-working Americans across the country and especially in rural America. As the U.S. takes steps to address the growing climate crisis, meet our international climate goals, improve public health outcomes, and grow the clean energy economy, biofuels are an essential part of the solution."



ACE Statement on Renewable Fuels’ Role in the U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution Under the Paris Agreement

Today, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a 50-52 percent emissions reduction target from 2005 levels by 2030 as the U.S.’s new Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement with reference to low carbon renewable fuels as part of the strategy to tackle climate change and meet the country’s commitment under the pact. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement:

“Renewable fuels like ethanol are a significant part of the solution to climate change and should be part of U.S. commitments to contribute to global emissions reductions under the Paris Agreement. The mention of renewable fuels is welcome in President Biden’s plan to reduce GHGs. Today’s corn ethanol is next generation or advanced biofuel based on its ability to reduce GHGs by 50 percent compared to gasoline. In fact, ethanol is the only transportation energy source that can reach net-negative carbon intensity through carbon capture and sequestration and continued advancements within ethanol facilities and on-farm practices in how biofuel crops are grown. Other countries have initiated national ethanol policies as part of their countries’ global initiatives to decarbonize transportation fuels, and U.S. biofuel producers are ready to play a larger role in meeting these targets here and around the world.”



 Sulfoxaflor Update
ASA Newsletter

On April 22, ASA and several other grower groups filed an amicus curiae brief in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals opposing vacatur of the registration for the insecticide sulfoxaflor. In July 2019, EPA re-registered sulfoxaflor for use in soybeans for controlling aphids and suppressing stink bugs and, in addition, for controlling various pests in other crops. This re-registration follows a 2013 registration of the chemistry that was vacated by the Ninth Circuit Court in 2015 following a lawsuit by environmental groups contending that EPA did not sufficiently establish that sulfoxaflor would not harm pollinators.

Following the 2019 re-registration, the same groups that brough the lawsuit against the former sulfoxaflor registration filed a new lawsuit against the second registration, claiming that EPA failed to fulfill its Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) obligations in the new registration. However, as part of its briefing in the case, EPA acknowledged an error in its ESA analysis and motioned for the Court to permit the Agency to remand the registration without vacatur to address the error – a request the Court has denied to date. The grower amicus highlights numerous economic and environmental harms that would arise if the Court were to vacate the new registration, including removing the only tool some crops have available to combat certain pests, as well as removing an important rotational chemistry other crops need to mitigate insect resistance pressures.

Sulfoxaflor is a Group 4C, narrow-spectrum insecticide that primarily targets sap-feeding insects. One of the significant benefits of sulfoxaflor is its effectiveness against a narrow spectrum of insect pests, leaving pollinators, biocontrol insects, and other non-target species unaffected. It has been especially valuable for cotton, sorghum, and citrus crops, all or which received emergency use authorizations over the past several years for controlling lygus bugs, aphids, and psyllids.

Joining American Soybean Association in the brief are American Farm Bureau Federation; American Sugarbeet Growers Association; Florida Citrus Mutual; Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance; National Corn Growers Association; National Cotton Council; National Potato Council; and the National Sorghum Producers.

 

ASA Urges Administration, Congress to Keep GPS Working
American Soybean Assoc.

On the anniversary of the Federal Communications Commission’s Ligado Order, ASA and other ag, transportation and technology industries are urging the Biden administration and members of Congress to step in to protect GPS reliability.

The order, which went into effect one year ago today, allows Ligado Networks to establish a wireless network that will threaten the reception capability of hundreds of millions of GPS devices and growers’ abilities to use GPS technology in their operations. Because growers heavily rely upon navigation systems and precision technology, the prospect of GPS units not working is critical to every single soybean farmer.

ASA supports a dependable and free public GPS signal and opposes the use of bandwidth by any company that would compromise the effectiveness of GPS technology for farmers. The letters sent today build on ASA’s previous advocacy, urging the administration and Congress to work with the FCC to ultimately set aside the Ligado Order and also to highlight some of the most high-profile actions taken in opposition to the order over the past year.

Last October, ASA and others encouraged the Senate Transportation Committee to work with the FCC to set aside its decision, emphasizing how its interference could harm industries that rely on the many different L-band satellite services and threaten the safety of most Americans.

Also that month, ASA Director Jim Kukowski (MN) and other ag industry leaders joined House Agriculture Committee members to discuss the order threatening to derail precision agriculture, which Kukowski noted is leading one of the greatest technological advances on the farm in decades.

ASA joins leading ag organizations, along with groups in the equipment manufacturer, airline and weather industries, in opposing the order and urging a reversal of the FCC’s Ligado decision.



Innovative Soy-Biobased Dust Suppressant Helps Clear Air and Deters Respiratory Issues

A new soy-based dust suppressant is now available for roads, construction sites, farms and more, offering a sustainable choice for rural, urban and business communities to improve air quality for people, pets, livestock and crops. A newly released video shows how this innovation can help reduce dust on rural gravel roads near farms nationwide.

BioBlend Renewable Resources’ EPIC EL dust suppressant is the latest industrial use product to enter the market after having received research funding from the United Soybean Board and North Dakota Soybean Council. With soy checkoff support, a North Dakota State University (NDSU) research engineer created the base chemistry that BioBlend is commercializing. BioBlend Renewable Resources will begin marketing EPIC EL nationwide in April 2021 after finalizing a license agreement with the NDSU Research Foundation. EPIC EL is made from soybean oil as well as glycerin, a coproduct of biodiesel production.

“The soybean checkoff is driving demand for U.S. soy through innovative and sustainable industrial use products,” said Dan Farney, United Soybean Board Chair and soybean farmer from Morton, Illinois. “A long-lasting soy-biobased dust suppressant is a natural choice for farmers, county engineers and government agencies, as well as businesses in rural and urban areas, to improve air quality, traffic safety and sustainability.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the American Lung Association has recognized the importance of dust control due to its negative implications on the respiratory system.

“Short and long-term exposure to air pollutants, such as dust, is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. For instance, short-term exposure to air pollutants can negatively impact lung function and exacerbate preexisting conditions like asthma and heart disease,” said Bailey Arnold, senior manager of clean air initiatives with the American Lung Association. “Long-term exposure to air pollutants is also associated with chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, increased morbidity and mortality rates for lung cancer and heart disease, and heightened susceptibility and mortality to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.”

Because EPIC EL is an odorless water-soluble product, it also offers environmental benefits compared to the salt-based mixtures commonly used to control dust that trigger concerns about soil leaching and equipment corrosion. Use of soybean oil qualifies BioBlend’s EPIC EL for federal procurement under the USDA BioPreferred Program.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, 35% of the nation’s roads, more than 1.3 million miles, are unpaved. Dust created by vehicles traveling on these roads equates to about one ton of lost gravel per vehicle per year. Maintenance is a major budget item. In North Dakota, about 66% of local roadway budgets are spent on the state’s 60,000 miles of gravel roads. A single piece of equipment used to blade these roads costs more than $250,000.

Not only does less dust equate to better economic value in gravel preservation, but it also means safer roadways and potentially fewer car accidents because of better visibility.

“When we look at vehicles going down the road, and we see dust going up, that dust is about a ton of material per vehicle per year per mile that we lose,” said Dale Heglund, North Dakota State University’s Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI), and North Dakota Local Technical Assistance Program (NDLTAP) director. “It goes onto the crops. It goes into the homes. It goes off the roadway, and we have to replenish it. When you use products like EPIC EL dust suppressant that hold that surface together, we're not only improving the safety of the roadway, but we're improving the gravel preservation. We're keeping it in place. The investment that we made stays there longer.”

Visit unitedsoybean.org, ndsoybean.org or soybiobased.org to learn more.



NMPF Supports Labeling Integrity Through DAIRY PRIDE Act

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) commended Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT) and Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and James Risch (R-ID) today for reintroducing the DAIRY PRIDE Act, a bill that would bring clear, accurate labeling information for consumers and end harmful mislabeling of dairy foods by peddlers of plant-based products. The legislation requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce its own existing standards of identity on imitation dairy products after decades of inaction.

The DAIRY PRIDE Act directs FDA to follow its own rules and establish an agency approach for enforcement of existing dairy standards of identity.

“NMPF thanks Representatives Welch and Simpson and Senators Baldwin and Risch for reintroducing the bipartisan DAIRY PRIDE Act in both the House and Senate, yet one more example of their ongoing leadership working to ensure FDA does its job,” said Jim Mulhern, NMPF president and CEO. “FDA is responsible for the integrity and safety of our nation’s food, medicine, and medical devices, and it’s crucial that it enforce its own standards and requirements. Without enforcement, we are left open to the potential for questionable products, deceptive practices, and, in cases such as mislabeled plant-based products that masquerade as having nutritional benefits similar to dairy’s, negative effects to our health.”

Standards of identity legally define what constitutes a specific food or food product, requiring the food product to carry certain qualities. When enforced, these legal standards protect consumers by helping to ensure the integrity of their food. Standards also create a common understanding of what a food product is, helping consumers make informed choices.

FDA’s lack of enforcement of dairy standards of identity has led to consumer misunderstanding of the nutrients – or lack thereof – in imitation dairy products. An IPSOS survey conducted in 2018, for example, found that 73% of consumers surveyed believe that almond-based beverages have as much or more protein per serving than milk. In reality, milk has up to eight times as much protein. A follow-up survey found that roughly 50 percent of consumers mistakenly believe that the main ingredient in a plant-based beverage is the plant itself. Such drinks are actually mostly flavored water.

Medical groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics are voicing concerns over the harm this confusion is having on public health as misinformed consumers unintentionally choose less nutritious products for themselves and their families.

Congress has also shown a growing concern for FDA’s failure to enforce. In early 2020, the House held a hearing on the agency’s lack of enforcement. Then late last year Congress included in the report accompanying the FDA funding bill for FY 2021 a statement of concern and directive to FDA regarding enforcing dairy standards of identity.

“The reintroduction of the DAIRY PRIDE Act helps NMPF and consumers continue to move forward toward solving this critical public health and fairness issue,” Mulhern said.



April 2021 Dairy Market Report Now Available

Domestic dairy-product use is increasing with signs that the country is making another run at moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic, with growing ranks of the vaccinated, gradual recovery of food service and staged resumption of in-person schooling raising milk-price forecasts for later this year. But these positive developments are in a race with new virus variants and premature relaxation of behavioral measures to protect against transmission. Internationally, U.S. dairy exports surged in February, while dairy imports have dropped to multi-year lows as a percentage of domestic milk solids production.

Still, milk prices remain well below a year ago, and payments under the Dairy Margin Coverage Program remain significant. Rising demand isn’t keeping pace with milk production, and stocks of major dairy products are rising, making higher prices more the product of hope for brighter days than of market fundamentals, making effective risk management crucial.

VIEW FULL REPORT: https://www.nmpf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dairy-Market-Report-April-2021.pdf.  



Conservation Advances Must Do No Harm

The American Farm Bureau Federation calls on the administration to act responsibly in conservation efforts. Specifically, President Biden’s goal to conserve at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030, commonly referred to as “30x30,” is raising questions. Three key requests are outlined in a letter to President Biden: that the administration provide clarity on the initiative; that the effort recognizes voluntary conservation efforts already underway; and that the administration seeks input from farmers and ranchers.

“This ‘30x30’ goal has received a great deal of attention in farming and ranching communities across the country,” wrote AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “America’s agriculturalists are asking whether their good work will be recognized by the administration. They have voluntarily enrolled more than 140 million acres of private land into federal and non-federal conservation programs – a land mass larger than the size of New York and California combined. Any discussion about conservation must begin with the recognition that farmers and ranchers are leaders in this space and have been for decades.”

More than 800 million acres of land are also being conserved under state and federal ownership. Multiple-use federal lands, as well as actively managed and working lands, should be recognized for their conservation and open space benefits.

The letter continues, “The concerns of farmers and ranchers are escalating regarding the intent of the 30x30 goal, the definition of conservation, and the metrics for defining success, among other things. We urge you to move swiftly to provide clarity about your intentions for the initiative, and when you do so, it will be important for you to invite public comment because farmers and ranchers are leaders in conservation and deserve to have their voices heard.”



Agriculture Resilience Act a Thoughtful, Nuanced Approach to Climate Action

On Earth Day, Representative Chellie Pingree and Senator Martin Heinrich introduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), which sets a number of environmental targets for the agriculture sector to reach by 2040, including net zero greenhouse gas emissions. In order to reach those goals, the legislation would bolster climate research and outreach, increase investments in on-farm energy production, reduce food waste, and support farming practices that build soil health and sequester carbon.

Climate change continues to be a top concern for National Farmers Union (NFU) members, who last month urged legislators “to take immediate and concrete steps aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the resilience of the land and its people, facilitating ecosystems services market development, and holistically addressing climate change.” Because the ARA would make progress on many of those points, the organization endorsed the bill when it was first released last year and maintains support upon its reintroduction, as NFU President Rob Larew stated today:

“The urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated. We have a very small window to rein in this threat and ensure a bright future for our planet and everything that calls it home.

“While the window is still open, we must take every possible opportunity to adapt to our changing climate and limit its impact. One key piece of the puzzle is the agriculture sector, which can not only work to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions, but it can also offset other sectors’ emissions by sequestering carbon in the soil – a fact that the Agriculture Resilience Act recognizes and seeks to put into action. This thoughtful and nuanced bill would strategically further climate initiatives across USDA programs in an effort to provide farmers with the tools, resources, and assistance they need to implement climate-smart practices. We thank Representative Pingree and Senator Heinrich for their leadership on this issue and look forward to continued collaboration on the development and implementation of solutions.”




NCGA Supports Reintroduction of Senate Climate Policy Legislation

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauds the bipartisan reintroduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, sponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.). The bill passed out of the Senate Ag Committee this morning. The bipartisan legislation addresses the potential for agriculture to serve as a critical climate solution by making it easier for producers to participate in climate-smart practices, navigate carbon markets and earn extra income through carbon sequestration.

“NCGA thanks the Senators for their leadership and recognition of agriculture’s role as a solution to solving climate change,” said NCGA President John Linder. “Corn farmers continue to be leaders in this space and are always adopting practices that improve the quality of the soil, water, and air around our farms. We look forward to working together on this legislation and others that support voluntary, market and incentive-based policies.”

The Growing Climate Solutions Act would ensure agricultural producers and forest owners of all sizes looking to enter the carbon market for the first time have access to reliable information, qualified technical service providers and third-party verifiers. In addition, the bill establishes a robust USDA advisory council composed of farmers, scientists and other climate stakeholders.

Sens. Stabenow and Braun were joined by 34 co-sponsors of the bill. NCGA is one of 60 agricultural and environmental organizations in support of the bill.



Growth Energy Supports U.S. Senate's Growing Climate Solutions Act

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in support of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which was passed out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry today. The Growing Climate Solutions Act would break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets.

“Today, on Earth Day, we applaud Senators Stabenow, Braun, Graham, and Whitehouse and the broad and bipartisan list of co-sponsors for their leadership on the Growing Climate Solutions Act. Our ag communities are already eager to play a large role in reducing emissions nationwide and soil carbon sequestration expands this participation in our nation’s climate change strategy. The Growing Climate Solutions Act rightly rewards farmers for climate-smart practices and provides important guidelines for success.”



BeSure! This Growing Season

Spring has sprung and the growing season is upon us! This Earth Day, the National Corn Growers Association is celebrating the third annual national campaign to promote pollinator health best management practices through BeSure!.

“Making sure farmers have access to the best and most up-to-date information is why NCGA has been a part of the BeSure! campaign from the beginning,” said NCGA Director of Biotechnology and Crop Inputs Nicole Hasheider. “With planting season underway across the country, it’s a great time for farmers to again consider how they can help protect important pollinators around their fields.”

The benefits of neonicotinoid seed treatments in protecting corn seeds from early-season pests are well documented. But farmers and applicators can protect both their crop and pollinators and other wildlife by following a few simple guidelines.

For Growers:
    Follow directions on the label for appropriate storage, use and disposal practices.
    When planting treated seed, use advanced seed flow lubricants that minimize dust.
    Additionally, when planting treated seed, eliminate flowering plants and weeds in and around the field prior to planting. For foliar applications, ensure that sprays are directed away from any flowering plants, follow established buffer zones, and calibrate equipment to minimize spray drift.
    Before making an application, be aware of any honeybees and hives near the field and communicate with neighboring beekeepers prior to treatment.
    Remove and properly dispose of all treated seed. Keep all treated seed out of commodity grain channels.

For Applicators:
    Comply with all regulations when using registered pesticide products and ensure proper employee training prior to application.
    Apply best management practices when using treated seed, soil drenches or foliar sprays to minimize dust or spray drift. Establish written protocols using best practices to ensure high-quality seed treatment, foliar or field application.
    Adopt stewardship documentation for the full life cycle of seed treatment products.
    Properly discard any unused product, rinse water or seed treatment by following the label disposal instructions to minimize any potential environmental impact.
    Ensure that all required and pertinent neonicotinoid treatment information, consistent with the product label, is conveyed to customers.

To learn more about best management practices to protect both crops and pollinators while handling neonicotinoid products, visit BeSure!, powered by the Growing Matters coalition and in conjunction with the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC), the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association, CropLife America and the Agricultural Retailers Association.



'Always Earth Day for U.S. Soy' as Farmers Lead Sustainability & Conservation Efforts

With climate in focus and public interest in environmental footprints taking a front seat, leaders worldwide are driving discussions on innovative ways to reduce emissions, save resources, and put the planet first—and many are asking, “How can agriculture be part of the solution?”

This Earth Day, we recognize how U.S. soy growers are leading when it comes to climate change solutions. Throughout the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) 100-year history, soybean farmers have taken steps to improve soil health, reduce runoff, improve water quality, and improve habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. Good stewardship, new technology, and innovative best practices allow U.S. soybean farmers to grow more food on less land using fewer resources.

“Every day is Earth Day in the agriculture industry,” said ASA President Kevin Scott, a soybean grower from South Dakota. “This planet is not only our home, but also a farmer’s office. U.S. soy growers are committed to doing more with less to contribute to the sustainability of our environment, society and economy. We continue to look toward innovative technology, partnerships, and policy to pave the way as leaders in sustainability. With the right support, like the reintroduced bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act, our growers can further cut their emissions and benefit from climate-smart practices that store more carbon in soil and trees. Farmers naturally have a strong sense of stewardship.”

The future of climate health depends on agriculture’s help, and U.S. soy farmers are taking the lead in innovative solutions by:

Fueling the Biodiesel Industry. Soybeans are a key ingredient in biodiesel, a clean-burning alternative fuel that’s reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and reducing hydrocarbon emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, biodiesel reduces lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 86% compared to petroleum diesel fuel and creates 5.4 units of energy for every energy unit required to produce the fuel. Also, since soy meal can be used for animal protein while the oil can be used for alternative fuel, less of the bean is wasted and no additional land is needed for biodiesel production.

Using Precisely Enough Resources. U.S. soy growers are using precision agriculture and other new technologies like GPS, mapping and crop or soil sensors to conserve water and protect our soil and crop nutrients. This approach leverages information technology to ensure crops and soil receive exactly what they need for optimal health and productivity.

Cutting Emissions with Soy-based Products. Hundreds of soy-based products—asphalt, turf, cosmetics, seat cushions, car tires, even flip flops and sneakers—reduce reliance on petroleum-based products, curbing dependence on foreign oil and reducing GHG emissions.

Relying on Sound Science. Innovative biotechnology solutions decrease inputs needed to control weeds, insects, and other pests.

By 2025, U.S. soybean farmers are on track to:
• Reduce land use impact by 10%
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10%
• Reduce soil erosion by 25%
• Increase energy use efficiency by 10%

While soybean farmers have long been dedicated to implementing conservation practices, they continue to hone their practices, experiment with emerging technology, and set new goals. And, ASA rewards their best practices through grants, scholarships and knowledge-sharing networks that foster collaboration and recognize valuable on-farm practices.

ASA’s annual Conservation Legacy Awards recognize farm management practices of U.S. soybean farmers who are both environmentally friendly and profitable. The CLAs shine a light on the most progressive farmers, those who have truly embraced innovative conservation practices on their farms—like this year’s winners who are using wind and solar energy to power their operation, transitioning to strip-till and incorporating cover crops, leading by example in soil and water health, and continuing a long family legacy in conservation measures to improve sustainability on the farm.

As part of an ongoing partnership with the Walton Family Foundation, ASA awards farmers grant money to cost-share implementation of new conservation improvements to their farms.

This past year, the grant supported northeast Arkansas farmers Brad Doyle and Joyce Berger Doyle in their efforts to find cover crop solutions for Arkansas hardpan soils. It also helped the Hammer Kavazanjian family farm install a unique edge-of-field phosphorus removal from tile water system to improve water quality and benefit Wisconsin lakes and streams. And, it allowed the Winsor family farm to add drip tape irrigation to boost water use efficiency while delivering nutrients in the root zone to improve plant growth, water quality and cut fertility costs.

As consumer demand for sustainability grows both domestically and abroad, the U.S. soy industry continues making strides. ASA, along with the United Soybean Export Council (USSEC), is a founding partner of the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), which verifies and documents sustainable production on a national scale throughout the U.S. and demonstrates soy’s commitment to sustainability, thus increasing appeal of global customers of U.S. soy—America's #1 ag export.

Conservation and sustainability remain top priorities as U.S. soybean farmers lead the way to preserving the Earth’s resources for the future of farming and generations to come. Find out more in the Sustainability and Conservation section of soygrowers.com.