Monday May 3 Crop Progress + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending May 2, 2021, there were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 7% very short, 23% short, 68% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 11% very short, 26% short, 62% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 42%, behind 55% last year, but ahead of 36% for the five-year average. Emerged was 2%, behind 8% last year, and near 5% average.

Soybeans planted was 20%, behind 29% last year, but ahead of 12% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 6% very poor, 12% poor, 40% fair, 39% good, and 3% excellent.

Sorghum planted was 1%, behind 6% last year, and near 2% average.

Oats planted was 92%, ahead of 86% last year and 80% average. Emerged was 73%, well ahead of 53% last year and 50% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 6% very poor, 16% poor, 37% fair, 37% good, and 4% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION

 Planting of corn and soybean crops accelerated during the week ending May 2, 2021 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week due to limited precipitation. Other field activities such as applying anhydrous and dry fertilizer were sporadic, due to strong winds.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 17% very short, 38% short, 45% adequate and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 14% very short, 44% short, 42% adequate and 0% surplus. Dry conditions are a concern.

Iowa farmers were able to plant almost half of the State’s expected corn crop during the week ending May 2 for a total of 69% planted, 9 days ahead of the 5-year average. With the week’s warmer temperatures, there were scattered reports of corn emerged.

Iowa farmers planted over one-third of the expected soybean crop during the week ending May 2 for a total of 43% planted, 12 days ahead of normal.

Ninety-five percent of Iowa’s expected oat crop has been planted, 2 days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. Statewide 51% of the oat crop has emerged, 3 days ahead of average.

Pasture condition rated 41% good to excellent. Reports were received of slow growth due to lack of moisture. No livestock problems were reported.



Corn Planting Progress Jumps 29 Percentage Points

After trailing the five-year average pace the previous week, corn planting jumped back to well ahead of normal last week as farmers took advantage of the much warmer weather to return to fieldwork with a vengeance, according to USDA NASS' weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

Corn planting progress jumped a whopping 29 percentage points last week to reach 46% complete as of Sunday, May 2. That is slightly behind last year's pace at the same time of 48% but is 10 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 36%. It's also a significant turnaround from last Monday's report when corn planting was 3 percentage points behind average.  Meanwhile, corn emergence continued to run slightly behind normal, at 8% as of Sunday compared to the five-year average of 9%.

The warmer weather last week also allowed soybean planting to accelerate. NASS estimated that 24% of the crop was planted as of Sunday, up 16 percentage points from the previous week and 13 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 11%. In last week's report, soybean planting was 3 percentage points ahead of average.

Development of winter wheat, however, trails the normal pace. Winter wheat heading was estimated at 27% as of Sunday, 7 percentage points behind the five-year average of 34%.  Winter wheat condition fell again slightly to 48% good to excellent as of Sunday, down 1 percentage point from 49% the previous week and below last year's rating of 55%.

Spring wheat planting remains well ahead of normal last week, at 49% complete as of Sunday, 17 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 32%. Spring wheat emerged was estimated at 14%, also ahead of the five-year average of 10%.

Sorghum was 20% planted, up just 1 percentage point from the previous week. Cotton planting was 16% complete, equal to the five-year average. Rice was 64% planted, and 38% of the crop had emerged.  Oats were 72% planted as of Sunday, and emergence was at 47%.



NE Grain & Feed Association Elects to Dissolve

Industry advocacy evolves with global economy as the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NEGFA) culminates 125 years of service to Nebraska’s commercial grain and animal feed manufacturing businesses. Throughout the 125 years, the Association represented and served as a home for Nebraska’s lumber, livestock, and ethanol businesses before each industry evolved and formed its own association.

Over the past four years, the Association has been on a journey of re-establishing itself, reflecting on its accomplishments, and investigating how it could best evolve to meet the needs of a changing industry today and in the future.

Surveys, member visits, discussions with like groups, and many board brainstorming and evaluation discussions resulted in a decision. On March 10, 2021, the Board of Directors voted to dissolve the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association.

The Board of Directors supports dissolving the Association so that agribusiness resources can be better utilized where they are needed the most and to best allow member businesses to be involved in national and international conversations and educational opportunities within the regulatory and policy world.

“This was a very difficult decision,” said NEGFA Board of Directors President Scott Sterkel. “The Association has explored many options and exhausted our resources, always coming back to the same conclusion. With decreased member involvement and lack of funds, we do not have the ability to serve our membership in a capacity that benefits them.”

Members were asked to attend a virtual Special Member Meeting April 22, 2021, to hear from the Board the timeline, process, and highlights of strategic plans discussed for the Association that ended with the Board’s decision to dissolve. Members were able to provide feedback and concerns at this meeting. Staff and board members also took calls from stakeholders during the time between the Board’s vote and the Special Member Meeting.

The Board believes dissolution will help align members’ resources with interests to best serve the businesses in a world that continues to evolve.



Renewable Fuels Month spotlights benefits of homegrown fuel options

As temperatures begin to rise and schools dismiss for the school year, families may soon be hitting the road to enjoy summer vacations. The month of May typically kicks off the summer driving season, and it’s also a time to celebrate Nebraska’s biofuel industries through Renewable Fuels Month. Since 2006, the acting Nebraska governor has dedicated one month out of each year to recognize the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel.

Nationally, Nebraska ranks No. 2 in ethanol production with 25 ethanol plants across the state. The industry employs over 1,400 Nebraskans in rural areas of the state. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ethanol is currently blended in over 95% of the nation’s fuel supply. A healthy ethanol sector boosts Nebraska’s corn and livestock industries and adds to a thriving state economy.

“As a corn and cattle farmer, ethanol is vital to my farming operation,” said David Bruntz, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and farmer from Friend. “In Nebraska, 31% of our state’s corn is used in ethanol production. From the production of ethanol, we also get distillers grains, a protein-rich livestock feed for my cattle. For every bushel of corn used for ethanol, we’re able to get a cleaner-burning fuel and co-products for our value-added livestock industries.”

Each year, Nebraska’s ethanol industry produces nearly 2.1 billion gallons of ethanol, which are used locally, domestically and abroad. While ethanol supports the state’s agricultural industry and rural economies, it also benefits consumers in numerable ways.

“By using ethanol blends, consumers are really improving our environment and enhancing their engine performance all while saving money,” said Jan tenBensel, chairman of the Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) and farmer from Cambridge. “Ethanol is a fuel made from plants, which makes it renewable, unlike petroleum. It’s cleaner-burning and reduces the emissions of cancer-causing chemicals into the atmosphere from the tailpipe. Ethanol is also a natural octane booster, which supports overall engine performance. You would think a fuel like this would cost more, but it’s actually less expensive at the pumps.”

As environmental issues continue to spark national discussions, both ethanol and biodiesel are well-suited to combat global warming and promote cleaner air. Ethanol blends can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 43% compared to regular gasoline, and biodiesel can reduce lifecycle emissions by 86% compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel.

Like ethanol, the biodiesel industry works synergistically with Nebraska’s livestock sector. A healthy biodiesel industry provides nearly $58.5 million dollars a year in aggregate benefits to beef and pork producers due to decreased meal expenses and the use of inedible tallow and white grease as a biodiesel feedstock. An estimated 7.86 billion pounds of soybean oil went to biodiesel production in 2019-’20.

“Farmers are always looking for ways to maximize overall efficiency and productivity, and the same holds true for our biofuel industries” said Eugene Goering, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board and farmer from Columbus. “Science and technology continue to improve, so we’re able to produce even better fuels while reducing our overall environmental impact.”

Renewable Fuels Month kicked off with the Lincoln Marathon/Half Marathon on May 2. For the third year in a row, NCB and NEB joined forces to promote ethanol to runners and spectators from all over the United States. Later in the month, Gov. Pete Ricketts will sign an official proclamation declaring May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska. Additionally, several ethanol pump promotions will be held across the state. For times and locations, visit FueledByNebraska.com.

“We’re really excited about Renewable Fuels Month as we work to share the benefits of biofuels with our state and its people,” said Tony Leiding, president of Renewable Fuels Nebraska. “I encourage everyone to help us celebrate throughout the month and continue to use higher ethanol blends throughout the summer driving season.”

Throughout May, follow the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Ethanol Board, Renewable Fuels Nebraska and the Nebraska Soybean Board on social media to keep up to date with current promotions and social media contests.



NPPD urges: “Look up and around for power lines”

Spring is slowly creeping along, which means farmers and ranchers are gearing up for planting season. On the flip side, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) urges caution in the fields when it comes to power lines and large farm equipment.

“We encourage the farming community to look up and around for powerlines,” said Scott Walz, NPPD Distribution and Transmission Maintenance Manager. “A year ago, we had a rash of contacts between equipment, primarily boom sprayers and power lines, during planting season. The contacts caused numerous power outages and fortunately no loss of life. Nevertheless, contact by with any equipment with a power line has the potential to damage the electronics in the unit.”

Walz recommends that after moving large equipment into the field, operators should review where the power lines are in relationship to their equipment. “After determining where the overhead lines are and making any adjustments to the equipment, in the case of boom sprayer, you can start to unrack the unit,” Walz pointed out. When operators complete their work, they should double-check the lines before re-racking the equipment.

“We want to keep the lights on,” Walz added, “but most importantly, we want farmers and their crews to go home safe every day.”

Contact with a powerline or even being within a few feet of the line with a piece of equipment can result in a dangerous, potentially fatal, situation. The first thing to do after making contact, or if a line falls on the equipment, is to call 911 and remain inside the vehicle as the line may still be energized. Law enforcement can contact NPPD or one of the many rural public power districts who will safely remove the lines and stabilize the situation.

In the event an individual is forced to leave the vehicle, jump as far away as possible from the equipment, making sure no body part touches the equipment and the ground at the same time. It is crucial to land standing with both feet together. The individual should then shuffle their feet, making sure to never break contact with the ground or cause separation between the feet. Do not attempt to return to the equipment and always wait for emergency responders and the power utility to respond.

Spring Safety Tips:
• Each day review all farm activities and work practices that will take place around power lines and remind all workers to take precautions. Start each morning by planning the day’s work during a tailgate safety meeting.
• Know what jobs will happen near power lines and have a plan to keep the assigned workers safe.
• Know the location of power lines, and when setting up the farm equipment, be at least 20 feet away from them.
• Contact your local public power provider if you feel a safe distance cannot be achieved.
• Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting larger modern tractors with higher antennas.
• Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path. If power lines near your property have sagged over time, call your public power utility to repair them.
• Contact your local public power provider if you feel a safe distance cannot be achieved.
• Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting larger modern tractors with higher antennas.
• Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path. If power lines near your property have sagged over time, call your public power utility to repair them.

For more information, check out the spring  safety video on NPPD’s YouTube page. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pqwRQwb-LU.



CONTROLLING MUSK THISTLE
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension

Did you have musk thistles last year?  If so, I’m sure you’ll have them again this spring.  And even through you may have done some herbicide control last fall, there are always those that may have been missed.  

This warmer spring weather and recent moisture probably has you anxious to get into the field for planting.  Don’t forget, though, that this also a very good time to control musk thistles.  And I’ll also bet that you can get into your pastures to spray at least one or two days sooner than you can get into row crop fields to plant.

The current short rosette growth form in the spring is the ideal stage for controlling these plants.  That means spray herbicides soon, while your musk thistle plants still are in that rosette form, and very few plants will live to send up flowering stalks.

Several herbicides are effective and recommended for musk thistle control.  Some popular herbicides include Milestone, GrazonNext, and Gunslinger P+D.  These herbicides will help control other difficult weeds like common mullein as well.

Other herbicides that can control musk thistles in pastures this spring include Chaparral, Cimarron, and Curtail.  A tank mix of dicamba and 2,4-D also works very well.  No matter which weed killer you use, though, be sure to read and follow label instructions, and be especially sure to spray on time.

All these herbicides will work for you this spring if you spray soon, before musk thistles bolt and send up their flowering stalks.  After flowering, though, the shovel is about the only method remaining to control thistles this year.



NeFU Foundation Announces “Give to Lincoln” Contributions Will Support The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) Foundation announced their “Give to Lincoln” contributions this year will once again be used to directly support the operation of the “Nebraska Rural Response Hotline”.

All contributions are tax deductible and a portion of the contributions raised will be matched by “Give to Lincoln”. Last year, a record setting $2,729 in contributions were received, and “Give to Lincoln” added $210.28 to support the Hotline. NeFU Foundation serves as the fiscal agent for the Hotline.

NeFU along with Nebraska Grange, Nebraska Women Involved in Farm Economics, and members of the church community came together to form the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline in 1984 in response to the farm crisis of the 1980’s. The Nebraska Rural Response Council sponsors and oversees the Hotline. The Hotline is administered by the Farm and Ranch Project of Legal Aid of Nebraska at their Bancroft office. Legal Aid of Nebraska has staffed the Hotline since 1984, and augments Hotline services with their own programs.

The Hotline is a national leader in the services it provides to farm, ranch, and rural families in their time of need. The services include food, financial and bookkeeping assistance, legal counseling and services, and free $75 per hour mental health vouchers with an ag knowledgeable professional counselor. In 2020, the Hotline provided a record setting 3,346 mental health vouchers. When people call 800-464-0258, help is but a phone call away. In 2020, the Hotline received 4,550 calls.

“Give to Lincoln” Link:  https://www.givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/nebraska-farmers-union-foundation
NeFU Foundation link: https://www.nebraskafarmersunion.org

John Hansen, who serves as the Secretary for both the Farm Crisis Council and NeFU Foundation said, “Our Nebraska Rural Response Hotline is a true lifeline and blessing for rural families in crisis. Thanks to our partners we are able to help get rural families in crisis get the help they need. This is a truly unique, Nebraska nice effort. Contributions of all sizes are put to good use. Thanks for your consideration.”



Agricultural Land Management Quarterly Webinar Series

The Department of Agricultural Economics' Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinar series offers management advice and insight for Nebraska landowners, agricultural producers and others with an interest in agricultural land. The webinars will conclude with an “Ask the Experts” session where participants can get answers to their land or lease questions.

Presenters: Jim Jansen & Allan Vyhnalek

Upcoming Webinars: Spring 2021
May 17, Noon CT

Recent Trends in Nebraska Cash Rental Rates
Trends in cash rent for 2020 across Nebraska; financial implications for changes in land values and cash rents Proper communication and decision-making for agricultural land, improving communication between landlords, tenants and family members; ask the experts.

Register here:  https://agecon.unl.edu/landmanagement.  



Corn Farmers Launch Campaign to Open Minds, Share Sustainability Story in Washington

This Saturday, key public policy influencers in our nation’s capital met the corn farmers of America’s Heartland in their homes, at the airport, and even while listening to their favorite podcasts as the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) launched a campaign highlighting their incredible sustainability story. By reaching “Inside the Beltway,” this campaign, made possible by a collaboration with state associations and highlighting the authentic stories of corn farmers, is designed to open doors and build trust by highlighting the role farmers play in combatting today’s most pressing environmental issues.

“Even in 2021, corn farming remains, at its heart, a family operation rooted in the earth,” said John Linder, NCGA President and a farmer from Ohio. “In many cases, such as mine, this vocation goes back multiple generations. America’s family farmers take great pride in the past, but we are working to build a future with healthy soil, clean air and clean water. Whether you live in D.C. or Edison, work in Congress or a tractor cab, we care about the future of our families and want the best for them. Working together, corn farmers can break down the barriers that stand between us and our goals for tomorrow.”

This campaign, created by National Corn Growers Association and its state affiliates in collaboration, supports ongoing work in Washington to build relationships based on our many common shared values with authentic stories and backed up by facts.

"We have a great story - but it has to be told. Through this campaign, we put real faces on today's family farmers to showcase the environmental advances being made in the industry and share the excitement around innovation in ag," said Linder.



March Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.65 million tons (188 million bushels) in March 2021, compared with 4.93 million tons (164 million bushels) in February 2021 and 5.76 million tons (192 million bushels) in March 2020. Crude oil produced was 2.22 billion pounds up 15 percent from February 2021 and up 1 percent from March 2020. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.76 billion pounds during March 2021 increased 22 percent from February 2021 and increased 10 percent from March 2020.



March Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 473 million bushels in March 2021. Total corn consumption was up 25 percent from February 2021 and up 1 percent from March 2020. March 2021 usage included 91.1 percent for alcohol and 8.9 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.72 million bushels, up 35 percent from February 2021 but down 8 percent from March 2020. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 420 million bushels, was up 26 percent from February 2021 and up 2 percent from March 2020. Corn consumed in March 2021 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.5 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.80 million tons during March 2021, up 28 percent from February 2021 and up 9 percent from March 2020. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.11 million tons in March 2021, up 26 percent from February 2021 but down 12 percent from March 2020.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 266,308 tons during March 2021, up 22 percent from February 2021 but down 9 percent from March 2020. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 206,831 tons in March 2021, up 22 percent from February 2021 but down 6 percent from March 2020.



Q1 Flour Milling Products

All wheat ground for flour during the first quarter 2021 was 225 million bushels, down 3 percent from the fourth quarter 2020 grind of 231 million bushels and down 4 percent from the first quarter 2020 grind of 233 million bushels. First quarter 2021 total flour production was 104 million hundredweight, down 3 percent from the fourth quarter 2020 and down 4 percent from the first quarter 2020. Whole wheat flour production, at 4.83 million hundredweight during the first quarter 2021, accounted for 5 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the first quarter 2021 was 1.63 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the first quarter 2021 was 1.59 million hundredweight.

Flour Milling Products 2020 Summary
All wheat ground for flour in 2020 was 918 million bushels, up 1 percent from 2019. The total flour production was 426 million hundredweight, up 1 percent from 2019. Total whole wheat flour production in 2020 was 20.1 million hundredweight, down 10 percent from 2019.



Feeder Cattle Adjust to Limited Fed Cattle Opportunities and Higher Feeding Costs
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

Futures price for most the live cattle and feeder cattle contract have shown substantial weakness through much of April 2021. Optimism from late in the winter and early in the spring is being replaced by realism that it is going to take another 2-3 months to work through the large front-loaded fed animal inventories, that fed animal slaughter is at capacity, and that costs of gain are now substantially higher than the past several years. Futures prices now reflect more the conditions that the underlaying cash market has been showing since the beginning of the year. The cash market has been much less optimistic than the futures market – although the futures have changed over the prior month.

Fed cattle slaughter has been persistently high for much of the year and Saturday slaughter has been routinely over 60 thousand head. Combined fed steer and heifer slaughter has been just short of 525 thousand head per week. And it is likely that this is a reasonable maximum that the packing industry can process. Packer margins are strong but there is little incentive to pay more for fed cattle when plants are operating six days per week. There is little to no possibility to process more cattle regardless of the incentive to do so. There are a lot of historical relationships that are irrelevant when the packing industry is essentially at capacity. Market-ready inventories need to be reduced. This appears to be happening in that the last Cattle on Feed report communicated drops in both cattle on feed over 120 and 150 days. But supplies will likely be abundant into late summer.

The other market event complicating feeder cattle and calf market outlook is the substantial rally in feed prices. The corn futures market increased $2 per bushel between August of last year and mid-January. The July contract held steady at about $5.25 until the Prospective Planting report surprises. Since the end of March, the contract has increased an additional $1.50. This market is clearly rationing old crop among users of corn. The formula cost of gain for cattle this summer is well above $1 per pound. The feeding margin between OCT live, JUL corn, and MAY feeders is breakeven – the details depending on the basis. If live cattle have little upside and the corn market continues to ration old crop, then it is feeder cattle that have to adjust. While margin calls are uncomfortable, forward pricing in a rallying spring feeder cattle market again proves to be a smart perspective.



EPA Asks Court to Vacate Trump Administration’s Last-Minute Refinery Exemptions

The Renewable Fuels Association today welcomed news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit asking the court to vacate and remand three last-minute small refinery exemptions granted to Sinclair by the previous administration.
 
According to EPA’s April 30 filing, the agency under the previous administration failed to properly analyze the waiver petitions submitted by Sinclair. The filing says the Trump administration’s EPA “…granted exemption extensions that EPA now believes are ‘outside the scope of the EPA’s statutory authority.’”
 
Commenting on the news, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “We strongly support EPA’s request for vacatur and remand of these three midnight-hour exemptions that were handed out to Sinclair in the waning moments of the Trump administration. If allowed to stand, these improperly granted exemptions would have erased demand for another 260 million gallons of low-carbon renewable fuels, undermining the rural communities that depend on a strong RFS. We are greatly encouraged by EPA’s actions, which are consistent with President Biden’s commitment to stem the tide of unwarranted refinery exemptions and put the RFS back on track.”
 
BACKGROUND
With less than 24 hours remaining before the inauguration of President Joe Biden, EPA on January 19 announced that three small refinery exemptions had been issued to unidentified refineries, letting those facilities out of their Renewable Fuel Standard compliance obligations for 2018 and 2019.
 
As noted in EPA’s brief, RFA immediately filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of the exemptions in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, even though the identity of the refineries was unknown at the time. On January 21, the D.C. Circuit granted the administrative stay requested by RFA. Sinclair later confirmed that its Wyoming refineries were the recipients of all three exemptions, and the proceedings then moved to the Tenth Circuit.
 
In its April 30 filing, EPA said the previous administration “…did not analyze determinative legal questions regarding whether Sinclair’s refineries qualified to receive extensions of the small refinery exemption under controlling case law established by this Court in Renewable Fuels Association v. EPA…, and there is substantial uncertainty whether, if EPA performed such an analysis, it could grant the petitions submitted by Sinclair.”
 
Notably, EPA’s brief underscores that Sinclair has already retired the RINs necessary to demonstrate compliance with its 2018 and 2019 RFS obligations. Thus, vacating the three exemptions, as requested by EPA, would preserve stability in the marketplace “…by ensuring that the RINs that Sinclair already retired to demonstrate its small refineries’ compliance with their 2018 and 2019 compliance obligations remain retired.”



Growth Energy Welcomes EPA’s Moves to Vacate Last-Minute SREs

Today, Growth Energy welcomed news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a motion in the D.C. Circuit to vacate three last-minute SREs issued on January 19, 2021 and to remand to EPA for further consideration:

“EPA is addressing the previous administration’s mishandling of the SRE program, including the midnight-hour grants of three SREs to Sinclair. We are hopeful that EPA will continue to rein in the SRE program to achieve its limited purpose and ensure that the RFS advances the biofuels industry today and in the years to come,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.



NMPF Offers Dairy Industry Support to Ambassador Tai on Expanding Agricultural Markets

In a meeting today with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, and NMPF’s Chairman Randy Mooney offered to closely collaborate with Ambassador Tai and the entire Biden Administration on trade in order to strengthen the health of the U.S. dairy industry to allow for further expansion of the hundreds of thousands of dairy-reliant jobs across the country.  

“From farmers to farm workers, dairy manufacturers, milk haulers, and port workers – all these are just some of the Americans that are increasingly reliant on dairy exports for their prosperity,” Mulhern said. “Expanding access for Made-In-America dairy products and eliminating the non-tariff trade barriers that impede them is fundamental to supporting the U.S. dairy industry and the millions more who depend on a robust dairy supply chain.”  

In the meeting with Ambassador Tai, Mulhern emphasized the need for new market opportunities, noting in particular the importance of enforcement of existing trade agreements such as ensuring Canada meets its trade obligations; countering European Union attempts to misuse common food names through inappropriate geographical indication rules; engaging with Mexico to ensure a normal flow of trade; and concluding new market expanding trade agreements.

“We’re grateful to Ambassador Tai for taking the time to meet with us and discuss a few of the trade-related issues on the minds of America’s dairy farmers,” said Mulhern. “Our industry is an agricultural leader in improving sustainability, promoting high animal care standards, and providing high quality products. Together with the U.S. Dairy Export Council we’re eager to work closely with the Ambassador and her team to meet growing global dairy demand with sustainably produced American dairy products.”



Leaders for hire: Land O'Lakes, Inc. unveils American Connection Corps

Land O’Lakes, Inc. today announced the formation of a new program for leaders aimed at a boots-on-the-ground effort to boost local internet connectivity and the benefits it provides. The program, the American Connection Corps, will be led in conjunction with Lead for America (LFA) and funded through the support of Heartland Forward and 19 additional partner organizations. Applications open today for a two-year, full-time paid fellowship. Fifty Fellows will serve in local public-serving institutions in their hometowns and will be empowered to serve as community leaders focused specifically on connectivity.

“Millions of families are operating day-to-day with a lack of basic infrastructure -- adequate broadband access -- that has become a necessity in today’s world and, frankly, a fundamental right. Action cannot wait,” said Beth Ford, Land O’Lakes, Inc. president and chief executive officer. “Through our years-long work on broadband advocacy and conversations with our farmers, our customers and so many others, we’ve seen and heard firsthand how critical digital infrastructure is to the success of communities and businesses across America. From everyday life to prospering in a global economy, investing and focusing on this issue now will pay dividends.”

Through their proven Homecomers model, LFA will run the American Connection Corps as a separate track under their broad Fellows program. LFA will select, train and place leaders in two-year, full-time paid fellowships with local institutions (e.g. local governments, nonprofits, community foundations) to tackle tough challenges facing the community, strengthen their hometown's civic infrastructure and join a new generation of transformational community leaders.

"Our work has shown that we can change the narrative that success means leaving home for good, and instead that leaders can create meaningful impact in their hometowns," commented Benya Kraus, co-founder of LFA.

"We are excited to put true grassroots – person-to-person outreach -- in communities across the heartland to connect their residents to high-speed internet and ensure everyone can enjoy full access to essential online services,” said Angie Cooper, chief program officer for Heartland Forward, a leading partner on the American Connection Corps initiative.

Ford continued, “This program would not be happening without the support of organizations joining with us; I’m so grateful to these partners who also recognize that together, we can take bold steps now to help solve these challenges, to help create the future and to benefit us all in our ever-connected world.”

The American Connection Corps is launching with funding from 20 partner organizations, including: Heartland Forward, CoBank, Tractor Supply Company, Microsoft, Mayo Clinic, Ariel Investments, Scoular, CHS, Zoetis, Tillamook, Accenture, University of Minnesota, the American Farm Bureau Federation, Midwest Dairy, Purdue University, Partners for Education, CentraCare, Common Sense Media and University of Illinois Extension.

Individuals interested in applying for the program are encouraged to visit Lead for America’s website and select the American Connection Corps track. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2021. The inaugural class of Fellows will be announced in early June 2021.



 USDA Announces May 2021 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced loan interest rates for May 2021, which are effective May 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures, or meet cash flow needs.

Operating and Ownership Loans
FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for historically disadvantaged producers, including beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for May 2021 are as follows:
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 1.750%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 3.250%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 2.500%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.500%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 2.750%

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low. Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

    Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed): 1.125%
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:
        Three-year loan terms: 0.375%
        Five-year loan terms: 0. 875%
        Seven-year loan terms: 1.375%
        Ten-year loan terms: 1.625%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 1.750%
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 2.000%

Disaster Support
FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the year’s winter storms, drought, and other natural disasters that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster assistance options.

Pandemic Support
Through September 1, 2021, FSA’s Disaster Set-Aside provision is available to direct loan borrowers who have been impacted by the pandemic. This enables an upcoming annual installment to be set aside for the year and added to the final installment. For annual operating loans, the loan maturity date may be extended up to twelve months in order to set aside the installment. This provision is normally used in the wake of natural disasters, and a second Disaster Set-Aside may be available for direct loan borrowers who already have a DSA in place on a loan due to another designated natural disaster.

Producers can explore available options on all FSA loan options at fsa.usda.gov or by contacting your local USDA Service Center.



AGCO Power’s multi-million investment in engine manufacturing progresses

AGCO, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and solutions, initiated an investment program worth over 100 million euros in 2019 to strengthen the manufacturing capabilities of AGCO Power, an AGCO subsidiary in Linnavuori, Finland and AGCO’s global engine product portfolio.

A new and expanded assembly plant and a logistics center were constructed in record time at the Linnavuori plant, both of which help AGCO Power modernize and streamline their engine manufacturing process.

“Despite a tight schedule and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the investment project has progressed as planned. The investments at the Linnavuori plant enable a more efficient and streamlined production process. Upgrades such as the automated logistics center and state-of-the-art robotics support improved quality, cleanliness and work ergonomics. In addition, the investment paves way for the launch of production of a new engine family by the end of 2022,” says Mr. Juha Tervala, CEO of AGCO Power.

Part of the investment was a multi-million euro overhaul to the plant’s machining line. Once fully operational, the 100% automated machining line enables flexible manufacturing of components in-house, reducing costs and increasing control over the production process.

“The successful completion of the project makes AGCO Power’s position in the global powertrain market better than ever. The new engine product family that is being developed will serve AGCO brands (Valtra, Fendt and Massey Ferguson) more effectively and offer future solutions to customers in the off-road machinery market,” Mr. Tervala continues.

AGCO Power operates globally and manufactures engines at four plants: Linnavuori, Changzhou, China, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, and General Rodriguez, Argentina, with an overall capacity of over 100,000 engines per year. In 2022, AGCO Power turns 80 years old, and the company will mark the anniversary with the completion of the plant expansion and the launch of a new, state-of-the-art engine family.

More information about AGCO Power is available at www.agcopower.com.