Friday May 14 Ag News

 NeCGA Relays Phosphorus Price & Supply Concerns

Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) president, Andy Jobman, took part in a virtual meeting with The Mosaic Company this week where he relayed concerns on both price and the supply of phosphorus. Members may remember that The Mosaic Company filed, and won, a countervailing duty (CVD) case against imported phosphorus. The countervailing duties have made it financially impractical to import product from Morocco and Russia, thus limiting supply.

NeCGA and the Nebraska Corn Board submitted comments throughout the CVD process, relaying concerns about a lack of supply and an increase in phosphorus prices that greatly affect Nebraska’s corn farmers.



Nebraska’s smart feeder to kickstart precision livestock management  

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Extension Centers and Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory have kickstarted a project that takes a new approach at real-time precision livestock management in extensive rangeland ecosystems.  

Utilizing a solar powered Smart Feeder, researchers have the ability to precisely monitor and control individual livestock feed diets and intake online.  

“We create custom diets on an individual animal basis based on the animal’s needs, and we can adjust the diet on each cow,” said Travis Mulliniks, assistant professor in the animal science department. “That’s precision livestock nutritional management.”

“We are looking at how we can utilize these technologies from a production standpoint and how they work for producers. We’re asking what’s the benefit and what’s the best for the producer in terms of profitability and sustainability.”

The portable Smart Feeder system is used to continuously measure, control and adjust daily feed intake and feed time for individual animals. Inside the SmartFeeder are four individual bins, allowing a broader choice in supplements that the herd may require nutritionally, in the form of cake, powders and pellets. Data is captured on when each animal eats, what they eat, and how much they consume. Producers can access this data and adjust feeding times and access if necessary.   

Animals access the smart feeder using an electronic identification – or EID – tag. Each tag is unique to an individual animal, and the Smart Feeder dispenses the prescribed amount of feed for that animal.  

“I’ve got a lot more control over their nutritional diet than I had before,” Mulliniks said. “I can be very cost effective with what I feed to get a certain targeted end product. It also allows us the abilities to gather other performance or animal behavior data.”  

Optimizing resources on a large scale, especially in an extensive environment like the Nebraska Sandhills, can be challenging. Individual animal management plays a role in optimizing resources, according to Mulliniks.  

The Smart Feeder will allow Mulliniks and his team to curb variation intakes due to behaviors of aggressive and less aggressive eaters. This will allow for a uniform diet and daily gain for livestock, real-time feed data decision making as well as reduced feed and labor costs.  

“Part of the issue we have is, whether it is feedlot or pasture, it’s hard to get our hands on animals daily,” said Mulliniks.  

“It’s hard for us to answer a lot of key questions because of the extensive environment, the extensive unknowns such as their diet. Embracing this technology will help answer some on those questions that have been unknown forever.”



Rural cooperatives webinar series set

Those interested in learning about cooperatives in small towns are invited to “Cooperatives: Building a Base for the Future Webinar Series.” This free, online event is hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.

Except for the first session, this series will be held twice a month on Thursdays, from noon to 12:30 p.m. Following each event, a recording will be posted online.

    May 26: A Cooperative Grocery Store Interview with Hay Springs
    June 3: Cooperative Basics in Spanish with Greg McKee & Lucia Schulz
    June 17: Promotion of Cooperative Events on Native Lands
    July 8: What are Worker Cooperatives?
    July 22: Interview with the Beatrice Investment Group, an investment cooperative
    Aug. 5: TBD
    Aug. 19: TBD
    Sept. 2: TBD
    Sept. 16: TBD

“In our rural communities, people can use cooperatives in many types of business models,” said Justin Carter, project associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “Tune in to these short sessions for basic information and in-depth interviews with those running their own cooperative.”

For more information, visit cfra.org/events, or contact Carter at justinc@cfra.org or 402.237.5082.

This project is funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant.



IDALS and DNR Partner for Online Discussion of Drought Conditions

The Iowa DNR and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, along with other state and federal partners, will host a free online webinar May 26 to discuss drought conditions in Iowa.

"April was a very dry month for most of Iowa, and that means there's a growing concern for potential drought as we move into this summer," said Tim Hall, DNR's coordinator of hydrology resources. "In this webinar, our panel discussion will cover a number of conditions as well as outlooks for the coming months."

The webinar, hosted on Zoom from 10 to 11 a.m., will update stakeholders on current and projected drought conditions in Iowa. Panelists will include state and federal experts who will provide information on precipitation, streamflow, groundwater, and spring and summer outlooks.

Information on joining the webinar is available at https://www.iowadnr.gov/WaterSummaryUpdate.



USDA Seeks Feedback from Growers about 2021 Crops, Stocks, Livestock Inventories and Values

During the next several weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey. The agency will contact nearly 3,900 producers across Iowa to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2021.

“Two of the most important surveys NASS conducts are the June Agricultural Survey and June Area Survey, due to the widespread and significant impact of their results,” explained Greg Thessen, director of the NASS Upper Midwest Regional Field Office. “When growers respond to these surveys, they provide essential information that helps determine the expected acreage and supply of major commodities in the United States for the 2021 crop year. Results of this survey are used by farmers and ranchers to develop marketing strategies, as well as by USDA, businesses, exporters, researchers, economists, policymakers, and others who use the survey information in making a wide range of decisions that benefit producers.”

For the June Agricultural Survey, NASS encourages producers to respond online or by mail. Those producers who do not respond by the deadline will be contacted for a telephone interview. For the June Area Survey, trained interviewers will contact operators of select segments of land within the state and producers will be asked to provide information on planted and harvested acreage and grain stocks. Additionally, the survey collects data on livestock inventory, land values, and value of sales. To protect the health of producers, partners, and employees, we are unable to complete these surveys with operators in person.

NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents. The information provided will be used for statistical purposes only. In accordance with federal law, responses from producers will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed in identifiable form. “I recognize this is a busy time for farmers and landowners but I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the USDA NASS survey,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “The data you provide is critical to accurately estimating U.S. production and this information influences both commodity prices and trade.”

NASS will analyze the survey information and publish the results in a series of USDA reports, including the annual Acreage and quarterly Grain Stocks reports, both to be released June 30, 2021. Survey data also contribute to NASS’s monthly and annual Crop Production reports, the annual Small Grains Summary, the annual Farms and Land in Farms and Land Values reports, various livestock reports, including Cattle, Sheep and Goats, and Hogs and Pigs, and USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/. For more information call the NASS Upper Midwest Regional Field Office at (800) 772-0825.



Iowa Swine Day Returns June 24 as In-person Event

The 2021 Iowa Swine Day is back as an in-person event and organizers said they are excited to be able to offer a great program of well-known speakers focused on important issues of the U.S. pork industry.

The 10th annual event will be held June 24 in the Scheman Building in the Iowa State Center on the Iowa State University campus. Similar to past events, the morning plenary session presentations will focus on current and future industry updates and perspectives.

Plenary speakers will set the learning stage: Bob Treadway of Treadway & Associates will talk about building resilience in the coming decade; Dr Brad Freking of New Fashion Pork will share lessons learned from COVID-19 and building resilience in the pork production supply chain; Dr. Hyatt Frobose of JYGA Technologies, Inc. will present info on Proposition 12 and related perceptions in response to legislation; and Dr. Jason Ross, director of Iowa Pork Industry Center and ISU animal science professor, will talk about discovery and innovation as foundations for industry advancement.

The afternoon is organized into four concurrent sessions with a total of 12 topics: components of sustainable production, foreign animal disease preparation, practical barn level operation and new research at ISU. Attendees may choose any of the sessions and topics.

The barbeque lunch is provided by TechMix, AB Vista and Lynch Livestock, and will be held outside just south of the building. Student attendees are invited to the students-only luncheon and presentation sponsored by Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Cost is $65, and students may attend at no charge with the registration deadline of midnight, June 17. No phone registrations are accepted.

There are some changes for 2021. Please be aware of these before registering.
    Facility space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, and registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis until June 17.
    Preregistration is required, and no on-site registrations will be accepted.
    COVID-19 protocols as required by state, county, city and University policies in effect at the time of the conference, will be followed.

The full program, registration forms and information and directions to the venue are available on the Iowa Swine Day conference website https://www.aep.iastate.edu/iowaswineday/.

Iowa Swine Day is hosted by IPIC in collaboration with the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Iowa Pork Producers Association.



New Premium Pork Line Available at Target

Tyson’s Chairman’s Reserve premium pork product line can now be found in 49 Super Target locations in seven states.

The four new premium pork products include a tomahawk chop (individually packaged), tenderloin medallions, ribeye chops (two per package), and New York chops (two per package). Product labels include proper nomenclature and the 145 F cooking temperature recommendation, along with a QR code directing consumers to recipe ideas.

This is the first time a tomahawk chop will be offered on such a large scale by a major retailer. The smaller package sizes align with market research findings shared by the National Pork Board (NPB) that consumers are looking for unique items and inspiration at the grocery store. NPB shared these insights with Tyson Foods last year.

Products can be found in these Midwest locations:

Nebraska
    Omaha – 4 locations
    Papillion
    Lincoln

Iowa
    Davenport
    Mason City
    Ankeny
    Cedar Rapids – two locations
    Urbandale
    Waterloo
    West Des Moines

Kansas
    Olathe
    Overland Park
    Shawnee

Minnesota
    Shoreview                         
    Apple Valley – two locations                    
    Plymouth                          
    Rochester – two locations                      
    Chaska                            
    Minnetonka                        
    Lino Lakes                        
    Rogers                            
    Lakeville                         
    Champlin                          
    Blaine                            
    Savage                            
    West St. Paul                      
    Roseville                         
    Monticello                        
    St. Louis Park                     
    Osseo                             
    Fridley                           
    Saint Paul                        
    Richfield                         
    Minneapolis                       
    Burnsville                        
    Woodbury                          
    Otsego                            

Missouri
    Lee’s Summit
    Kansas City – two locations

North Dakota
    Grand Forks

Wisconsin
    Eau Claire
    Fitchburg

Target will promote these new premium pork products via digital ads directing consumers to an online product page where they can use the “Find in Store” feature, as well as influencer marketing. NPB will support the launch later this summer.



Agricultural credit conditions in the Tenth District continued to strengthen in the first quarter of 2021
Cortney Cowley and Ty Kreitman, Economists at the Kansas City Federal Reserve

Agricultural credit conditions in the Tenth District continued to strengthen in the first quarter of 2021. After a sharp rebound at the end of 2020, conditions in the broad agricultural economy continued to improve alongside additional increases in crop prices. Stronger profit potential for farm borrowers supported a second consecutive quarter of significant increases in farm income, loan repayment rates and farmland values.

Overall, farm borrowers in the District were in a better financial position than at the beginning of 2020, but the pace of improvement was notably slower for livestock producers and for producers in areas affected by severe drought. Cattle prices remained below pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter, and the scope and severity of drought was a major concern in western states. However, government programs continued to provide support amid these challenges and the prolonged buildup of financial pressure in recent years appears to have eased considerably.

Credit Conditions
Repayment rates for farm loans in the first quarter improved significantly throughout the region. The rate of loan repayment increased rapidly for the second consecutive quarter in nearly all states. Following multiple years of weakness, 40% of all respondents reported an increase in repayment rates, the highest since 2012.

Loan demand, on average, was soft throughout the District, but varied across states. Bankers indicated demand decreased at a modest pace in Nebraska and Kansas and increased at a modest rate across all other states. Compared with the previous quarter, more respondents reported that loan demand had declined from a year ago in Nebraska and Kansas, but fewer lenders in Oklahoma and Missouri reported lower loan demand.

Farm income also strengthened, but at a slower pace in areas most concentrated in cattle production and exposed to intensifying drought. About two-thirds of all banks throughout the region reported that farm income was higher than a year ago, the largest share since 2011. The share reporting an increase was 80% or more in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, but about 40% and 20%, respectively, in the Mountain States and Oklahoma.

Alongside strength in farm income and credit conditions, borrower spending also rose at a rapid pace. Similar to farm income, the share of respondents reporting higher capital and household spending reached the highest level since 2012. The first quarter survey marked the first time in eight years that both measures of spending increased in the same quarter, and the trend was expected to continue in the coming months.

Financial conditions for farm borrowers improved at a majority of banks across the region, but less so for livestock producers and producers affected by drought. Nearly 75% of banks reported modest or significant improvement in conditions for crop producers relative to a year ago, but only half indicated that conditions for livestock producers had improved. Improvement was notably slower in Oklahoma and the Mountain States, where corn and soybeans account for a smaller share of farm revenues and where drought has been more severe and widespread.

Better financial conditions also led to far less credit stress across the District. Instances of restructuring to meet liquidity needs and carryover debt declined substantially from recent years. The reprieve from mounting strain on borrowers generally was consistent across all states, but the shift was slightly less pronounced in Oklahoma and the Mountain States.

Similarly, lenders also denied a much smaller share of farm loans than previous years. In fact, less than 2% of loan requests were denied because of cash flow shortages at responding banks. The low level of denials on farm loan applications was consistent across all states in the region and was a stark contrast to the prior five years.

Providing additional support for farm finances, interest rates on farm loans fell further to historically low levels. After reaching near-term highs in the first quarter of 2019, interest rates on all types of farm loans have fallen 1.5 percentage points since then. For farm borrowers, reduced interest rates have lessened borrowing costs and likely have provided some support for asset values. However, for agricultural banks, low interest rates have put downward pressure on earnings.

With support from a stronger farm economy and historically low interest rates, farm real estate values increased throughout the District. All types of farmland rose 8% in value in the first quarter. For cropland, this was the largest annual increase for the first quarter since 2013, while ranchland values rose at the fastest pace since 2015.

Farm real estate markets were especially strong in states less impacted by drought. Values for nonirrigated cropland rose at least 8% in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska (Table). In contrast, cropland values remained unchanged in the Mountain States, where more than 70% of the land area was in severe to exceptional drought in the first quarter.



POET in Talks to Acquire Flint Hills' Ethanol Assets

POET, the largest biofuels producer in the United States, is in discussions with Flint Hills Resources to acquire the entirety of Flint Hills' ethanol assets, both companies told Reuters on Thursday.

The deal would increase POET's potential production capacity for ethanol by more than a third to 3 billion gallons per year, said Jessica Sexe, a spokeswoman for POET.

That could help the company tap into potential growth in the biofuels market as the Biden administration considers boosting biofuels as part of a broader strategy to decarbonize the nation's economy to fight climate change.

Both Sexe and Jake Reint, spokesman for Flint Hills, declined to put a price on the deal.

Flint Hills, a refining, biofuels and petrochemical company, is based in Wichita, Kansas, and is currently the fifth-largest ethanol producer in the United States. Its biofuels division includes six ethanol plants with a combined capacity of about 800 million gallons per year, 1.5 million tons of distillers grains and about 200 million pounds of corn oil, Reint said.

Both companies are privately held. The discussions come after a hard year for the ethanol industry because of the coronavirus pandemic, which sank demand for fuel. Ethanol's top market is for use in blending with gasoline, something required under U.S. law.



Carving The Path for Others – Women in Livestock Marketing
 
For decades, the livestock and livestock marketing industries have been influenced by male figures. To many, cow-boys and cattle-men are individuals who spent hours on horseback, driving cattle across the country and pouring blood and sweat into establishing the American West.
 
 While they certainly left an impact on the foundation and modernization of our current-day operations, women have also trailblazed paths, opening doors for all to feel a sense of belonging in the livestock sectors.  
 
Women holding large roles in the livestock marketing industry isn’t a recent phenomenon. In fact, Helen Marie Varner, office manager and matriarch of Mid America Stockyards, Inc. in Bristow, OK, is still actively invested in the livestock marketing industry after nearly 60 years.  
 
Helen Marie started working in an auction setting after her parents purchased their first market in Okmulgee, OK. After selling that location, they bought a small, horse auction in Bristow, creating the foundation for what would eventually turn into Mid America Stockyards, Inc. In 1985, Helen’s brother sold his portion of the barn to her and her husband, and after her husband’s passing in 2017, she remained the sole decision maker for the family business.  
 
“I guess you could say I’m the monarch of the family and still holding on,” Helen Marie said.
 
In her role as office manager, Helen Marie works regularly with buyers and sellers, answers customers’ questions when they call and takes accurate records for their market. Through all her years of experience, though, Helen Marie has learned how to establish long-term relationships with her customers, noting that some buyers and sellers run four generations deep.  
 
“When you’re a woman or a lady in my position, you need to try to think like a man and always act professional,” Helen Marie says. “Either they’ll listen, or you’ll listen, but I always try to make the customer be right.”
 
Her three sons and their wives, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have all helped with the day-to-day operations of the family business at some point. Although Mid America Stockyards recently switched ownership, Helen believes the men and women who came before them allowed her to play a role in shaping their auction business.  
 
“It’s been a great life,” Helen Marie said. “I love it. I’ve been so fortunate to have those in my life, especially my husband and dad, who encouraged me to be a strong front figure in this business. They pushed me to do what has made me the person I am today.”
 
Robin Varelman, owner of Livestock Exchange, LLC in Brush, Colorado, also grew up with a passion for the livestock auction industry. For nearly 20 years, Robin worked various jobs at auction markets in different locations. In 2014, she knew it was time to take the next step in her career, and she purchased Livestock Exchange. Robin credits her success to her willingness to work, regardless of the task at hand.   
 
“There isn’t a single job I can’t do at my auction, except auctioneer,” Robin said. “I’ll put on my boots and walk through the cattle or help you sort. Whatever you want. That’s my job.”
 
A typical day for Robin starts around 4:30 a.m. on her own cattle operation in eastern Colorado. She arrives at her auction between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., except on Sundays. After making coffee and meeting for a morning debriefing with her employees, she focuses specifically on business entities, knowing her local producers will call with a variety of questions in the afternoon.  
 
While she has an established relationship with her customers now, Robin says her background and knowledge in marketing livestock was often overlooked as a female. However, through hard work and determination she proved her goals were producer focused, earning their respect, and ultimately, their business.  
 
“They have built trust in me,” Robin said. “I think that’s the most important thing in a relationship, whether it be a friend or someone in a livestock transaction. They know I have their best interest in mind.”
 
While relationships are critical to her business, Robin’s knowledge in livestock production from her own operation gives her an advantage when helping customers maximize value of their livestock. Robin says her goal and job is to ensure her customers are aware of the reasons their livestock may bring a certain price and how to capitalize on sale day.  
 
“I watch the markets regularly,” Robin said. “While that’s a factor of our industry I can’t control, I can control how you and your livestock are treated when you come to my facilities.”
 
When thinking about advice for other women looking to get involved in livestock marketing, Robin says that when you do right, then right will follow.
 
“Don't let hurdles stand in your way – you are meant to learn from them,” Robin said. “If it’s your driven path, do what the good Lord has intended for you.”
 
Although Stephanie Barnett was raised in agriculture, she was convinced her driven path would not lead her to marrying a farmer. Now, she’s the office secretary at Kentucky-Tennesse Livestock Market in Guthrie, Kentucky, a livestock auction operated by her husband, also a farmer, and his family.  
 
Stephanie started working at the auction in 2007, learning the business inside and out. At the time, she was engaged to her husband, Tom, working another job at a local co-op and attending college. In 2012, the main office secretary retired, and she transitioned into the position, eventually where she would take a lead management role in overseeing facility maintenance, accounting, payrolls, reports, employee tasks and many other day-to-day operations.  
 
“While Tom and my father-in-law, Mark, are farming full-time or taking calls from producers, I try to keep everything at the market running as smooth as possible,” Stephanie said. “My job is very broad.”
 
Growing up, Stephanie remembers going to the stockyard and selling cattle with her grandfather, as well as leaving for the fields in the mornings with her dad and uncles. Traditionally, her mother stayed at home to “keep it together”, but Stephanie says that more women in the industry are being noticed on the frontlines as they leave their homes and take on larger responsibilities.
 
“I think for years women flew under the radar,” Stephanie said. “They led silently but were never given true leadership roles. I think now, as women take more roles in agriculture, we’re seeing the ways they are strengthening our industry. Not with the attitude that ‘I can do this better than a man can do it’, but because they’ve always been leading while supporting their families.”
 
Stephanie says the respect she receives from her husband and father-in-law, when it comes to making business decisions for Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market, is critical to their success. When discussing issues, advertising ideas, or special sales, they seek and value her input.
 
“I always joke and say that behind every good man there is an even better woman,” Stephanie said.  
 
Whether male or female, providing opportunities for future generations to continue traditions in livestock or market settings is a commonality shared by all. As a new mother, Stephanie has already been thinking about ways for her 8-week-old daughter to become a leader in the livestock marketing and agriculture industries.
 
“At my age, I’m thinking about how we preserve this lifestyle for the next generation,” Stephanie said. “And I hope that we, as women, can inspire other females to look at those agriculture jobs and auction careers.”
 
While Stephanie may help to lay the groundwork for her daughter’s future, she also understands the strong sense of self-worth needed to step into those roles.  
 
“As long as you know your industry, and you know your role, I think you will do exceptionally well,” Stephanie said. “Don’t be afraid to lead.”  



NAWG Welcomes U.S. Senate's Confirmation of Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh

The National Association of Wheat Growers welcomes the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh yesterday as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“NAWG welcomes the Senate’s quick action and strong bipartisan vote in support of Dr. Bronaugh’s nomination,” said NAWG CEO, Chandler Goule. “We are glad to see the leadership team at USDA taking shape, so we can work collaboratively on farm policy that works for wheat growers and benefits rural America.”

Dr. Bronaugh most recently served as the 16th Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Additionally, she previously served as the Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) during Secretary Vilsack’s first appointment at USDA. Dr. Bronaugh has also been a leader in numerous other ag-related programs and initiatives.

“Congratulations, Dr. Bronaugh, on this historic appointment. We are excited to see the work you do for farmers and we look forward to working with you as Deputy Secretary of the USDA,” said Goule.



Confirmation of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh as Deputy Agriculture Secretary
NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern

“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives congratulate Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on her confirmation as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and stand ready to work with her as she tackles the many pressing issues facing agriculture and rural communities today. Her depth of experience with all types of farms, and all types of communities, make her an ideal occupant of this important position, and her deep understanding of food and farm policy will benefit the entire nation.
 
“We look forward to joining with her in efforts that will improve and aid agriculture and all who benefit from its products. We are excited to discuss many of our own industry-leading efforts with her, such as the dairy industry’s Net Zero Initiative and sustainability goals, and work toward solutions that will only enhance dairy and U.S. agriculture’s global leadership in the years to come.”



NFU Welcomes Dr. Bronaugh's Confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

In a voice vote, the U.S. Senate last night confirmed Dr. Jewel Bronaugh to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, making her the first Black woman to hold the position.

Dr. Bronaugh brings upwards of two decades worth of experience in food and agriculture, serving most recently as the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services since 2018. During her career, she has worked on a number of issues, including food access, rural mental health, local and regional food systems, and conservation.

Given her extensive familiarity with farm programs, extension, education, and research, National Farmers Union (NFU) welcomed Dr. Bronaugh’s nomination in January, a sentiment echoed by the organization’s president Rob Larew upon her confirmation:

“Family farmers, rural communities, and consumers deserve a food system that is fair, sustainable, and equitable. Getting there won’t be easy, but we feel confident that Dr. Jewel Bronaugh has what it takes to meet the moment. With her many years of experience working directly with farmers, her expertise in a variety of relevant areas, and her unique perspective as the first Black woman in this role, Dr. Bronaugh will be able to move the department and the industry in the right direction. As she does so, we look forward to supporting and advising her work.”



AFBF Congratulates Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on Her Confirmation

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Senate confirmation of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

“AFBF congratulates Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on her confirmation as USDA Deputy Secretary. Not only is the confirmation historic, the bipartisan vote is an acknowledgement from both parties that she is focused on the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers.

Dr. Bronaugh’s wide range of experience as Virginia’s Agriculture Commissioner, as state director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency and her work addressing mental health issues in rural communities will make her a valuable addition to Secretary Tom Vilsack’s team as they tackle the challenges facing rural America. We look forward to working with USDA leadership to create new opportunities for farmers and ranchers as they feed the nation and the world.”



NASDA congratulates Deputy Secretary Bronaugh on confirmation and stands ready to continue working together

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture congratulates Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on her confirmation to serve the U.S. Department of Agriculture as deputy secretary.
 
“Deputy Secretary Bronaugh brings unique experience to USDA from her time serving as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn said. “Deputy Secretary Bronaugh deeply understands how agricultural and food policies work at the farm and community level, and her expertise will benefit American agriculture and all who rely on our food systems.”
 
NASDA President Dr. Ryan Quarles also congratulated Bronaugh saying, “I know Deputy Secretary Bronaugh will work hard on behalf of the American people, and I look forward to continuing to work with her as we advocate for farm families across the nation.”
 
NASDA has been a strong supporter of Bronaugh’s nomination since President Biden’s announcement. NASDA spoke out publicly to support her nomination and led the construction of an industry-wide letter to encourage her confirmation.
 
While serving as a NASDA member, Bronaugh pioneered the development of mental health services for farmers in her state and across the U.S., establishing the Farmer Stress Task Force in 2019 and serving as NASDA’s Rural Development & Financial Security Committee chair over the past year.
 
In addition, Bronaugh has championed Virginia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has worked in lockstep with state agriculture departments across the country to ensure America has a strong recovery from the pandemic.
 
NASDA thanks President Biden and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack for selecting Commissioner Bronaugh for this honorable position and for recognizing state department of agriculture leaders as important and informed voices on agriculture policy and regulation.