Wednesday May 26 Ag News

 Ricketts Signs Legislation to Expand Broadband Internet Access in Nebraska

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts signed Legislative Bill (LB) 388 into law during a ceremony at the State Capitol.  The bill provides $20 million in matching grants annually to expand access to high-speed broadband across Nebraska.  LB 388 was introduced by Senator Curt Friesen of Henderson at the request of Gov. Ricketts and prioritized by Speaker Mike Hilgers of Lincoln.  It passed final reading with a 49-0 vote.

“In our digital world, high-speed broadband internet is basic infrastructure we need to grow our entire state,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “LB 388 expands quality broadband internet so that more Nebraskans can work from home, participate in remote education, access telehealth services, engage in e-commerce, and enjoy online entertainment.  Thank you to the Legislature for helping to grow Nebraska by investing in our broadband infrastructure.”

LB 388 will bring fast, reliable broadband connectivity to an expected 30,000 households.  Broadband networks funded by LB 388 will be built to upload and download speeds of 100 Mbps, which is much faster than the current minimum standard of 25/3 Mbps set by the Federal Communications Commission.

Last year, the State directed $29.5 million of federal coronavirus assistance into the Rural Broadband Remote Access Grant Program to help bring better broadband to Nebraskans as many services moved to virtual platforms during the pandemic.  



Nebraska Ethanol Board June 9 Board Meeting to be held in Lincoln

The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet in Lincoln at 12 p.m. Wednesday, June 9. The meeting will be at Hyatt Place (600 Q Street). The agenda highlights include:
    Budget Report & Budget Planning Fiscal Year 2021-22
    Economic Impact Study
    Fuel Retailer Update
    Nebraska Corn Board Update
    Renewable Fuels Nebraska Update
    E30 Demonstration Update
    Marketing Programs
    NEB-hosted Conferences & Events
    State and Federal Legislation
    Ethanol Plant Reports

This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.  



SPRING SPURGE CONTROL
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

Yellow-green patches in a pasture might look pretty for the uninitiated, but the tell-tale bloom of leafy spurge not a spring sight many of us want to see.

While there are many plants livestock producers may consider pasture weeds, one that is held in particular dislike is leafy spurge.  Besides being on the Nebraska noxious weed list and requiring control, this hardy perennial spreads aggressively through seeds and root buds.  With an extensive root system that can reach depths up to 15 ft., once established spurge is hard to control.

While biological and cultural control methods may provide some reduction in growth and seed production, those wanting complete control might consider an herbicide treatment as the best option.

Multiple chemicals have action on spurge, however for spring treatments, control at bud or true flower stage is recommended.  Early application at the bud stage is limited to 2,4-D ester or Gunslinger/Grazon P+D.  A later flower stage application opens up or options to Curtail/Cody/Stinger, Streamline, a mix of Sharpen + Plateau or a mix of Overdrive + Tordon.

Unfortunately, a single treatment will not control spurge, so continued monitoring and retreatment is necessary. An effective strategy is pairing spring applications that prevent seed production with a fall treatment to control new growth.

Leafy Spurge can easily take over a pasture, but with vigilance and regular treatment, control can be achieved.

 

Extension offering free suicide prevention training

An upcoming online training will teach participants how to recognize and respond to potential signs of crisis and suicidal behavior.

Life can be stressful in the best of times. For Nebraskans, the last few years have been particularly challenging. The recent disasters and the pandemic have changed how we work, juggle family and finances, manage our health and the health of our loved ones. These challenges can contribute to being overwhelmed and increase one’s anxiety.

In response to addressing life’s uncertainty, Nebraska Extension will offer an online “Question. Persuade. Refer.” training. QPR is a suicide prevention program that teaches participants three steps to help save a life from suicide.

An individual who is trained in first aid, CPR or the Heimlich maneuver can help save lives. And people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to get help.

This 90-minute training will be held online, via Zoom, on June 17 at 2 p.m. CDT. There is no cost to attend the training, but registration is required at https://go.unl.edu/qpr21. The class is limited to 30 participants.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2019-77028-30436.




 NORTHERN PLAINS FARM LABOR

In the Northern Plains Region (Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota) there were 35,000 workers hired directly by farm operators on farms and ranches during the week of April 11-17, 2021, down 17% from the April 2020 reference week, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Workers numbered 27,000 during the week of January 10-16, 2021, down 23% from the January 2020 reference week.

Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $16.53 per hour during the April 2021 reference week, up 4% from the April 2020 reference week. Field workers received an average of $16.55 per hour, up $0.66. Livestock workers earned $15.40 per hour, up $0.81 from a year earlier. The field and livestock worker combined wage rate, at $15.95, was up $0.75 from the April 2020 reference week. Hired laborers worked an average of 43.0 hours during the April 2021 reference week, compared with 41.5 hours worked during the April 2020 reference week.

Farm operators in the Northern Plains Region paid their hired workers an average wage of $16.59 per hour during the January 2021 reference week, up 1% from the January 2020 reference week. Field workers received an average of $16.94 per hour, up $0.11. Livestock workers earned $15.14 per hour, up $0.51 from a year earlier. The field and livestock worker combined wage rate, at $15.85, was up $0.30 from the January 2020 reference week. Hired laborers worked an average of 42.0 hours during the January 2021 reference week, compared with 40.9 hours worked during the January 2020 reference week.



IOWA FARM LABOR REPORT

There were 20,000 workers hired directly by farms in the Cornbelt II Region (Iowa and Missouri) during the reference week of January 10-16, 2021, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Farm Labor report. Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage rate of $16.79 per hour, up 81 cents from January 2020. The number of hours worked averaged 38.4 for hired workers during the reference week, compared with 37.2 hours in January 2020.

During the reference week of April 11-17, 2021, there were 25,000 workers hired directly by farms in the Cornbelt II Region (Iowa and Missouri). Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage rate of $16.69 per hour during the April 2021 reference week, up 90 cents from April 2020. The number of hours worked averaged 39.9 for hired workers during the reference week, up from 37.9 hours in April 2020.



April Hired Workers Down 11 Percent; Wage Rate Increased 6 Percent from Previous Year

There were 613,000 workers hired directly by farm operators on the Nation's farms and ranches during the week of April 11-17, 2021, down 11 percent from the April 2020 reference week. Workers hired directly by farm operators numbered 506,000 during the week of January 10-16, 2021, down 11 percent from the January 2020 reference week.

Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $15.97 per hour during the April 2021 reference week, up 6 percent from the April 2020 reference week. Field workers received an average of $15.19 per hour, up 7 percent. Livestock workers earned $14.81 per hour, up 5 percent. The field and livestock worker combined wage rate, at $15.06 per hour, was up 6 percent from the 2020 reference week. Hired laborers worked an average of 40.9 hours during the April 2021 reference week, up 1 percent from the hours worked during the April 2020 reference week.

Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $16.21 per hour during the January 2021 reference week, up 6 percent from the January 2020 reference week. Field workers received an average of $15.23 per hour, up 7 percent, while livestock workers earned $14.87 per hour, up 5 percent from a year earlier. The field and livestock worker combined wage rate, at $15.08 per hour, was up 6 percent from the January 2020 reference week. Hired laborers worked an average of 40.2 hours during the January 2021 reference week, unchanged from the hours worked during the January 2020 reference week.



U.S. Agricultural Exports in Fiscal Year 2021 Forecast Up $7.0 Billion to Record $164.0 Billion; Imports at $141.8 Billion

U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year (FY) 2021 are projected at $164.0 billion, up $7.0 billion from the February forecast, led by increases in corn, soybeans, and livestock, poultry, and dairy products. Corn exports are forecast $3.2 billion higher to $17.2 billion due to record volume and higher unit values, driven by strong demand and reduced competition. Soybean exports are projected up $1.5 billion to $28.9 billion as volumes are forecast at record levels and demand from China remains strong. Overall livestock, poultry, and dairy exports are projected to increase to $34.2 billion, $1.6 billion higher than the February projection, due to increases in the dairy, pork, and beef forecasts. Dairy exports are forecast at $7.0 billion, up $500 million due to higher volumes and unit values, particularly for skimmed milk powder and whey and whey products. The forecast for pork exports is up $400 million, on higher unit values and recovering demand in several markets. Beef and veal, beef and pork variety meat, and poultry and product exports are projected up $200 million each. Cotton exports are forecast up $200 million on higher volumes. The forecast for horticultural exports is reduced by $400 million to $34.1 billion due to lower tree nut unit values. 2 Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade, AES-116, May 26, 2021 USDA, Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service

Exports for China are raised $3.5 billion from the February forecast to a record $35.0 billion due to record shipments of soybeans, corn, tree nuts, beef, wheat, and poultry products. China is forecast to remain the largest market for U.S. agricultural exports in FY 2021, followed by Canada and Mexico.
U.S. agricultural imports in FY 2021 are projected at $141.8 billion, up $4.3 billion from the February forecast. This increase is primarily driven by expected rising imports of livestock, horticultural, and sugar and tropical products.

The forecasts in this report are based on information available at the time of the May 12 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) release. Further, the adoption of the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s internationally recognized definition of “agricultural products” will take effect in the August release.



USDA Forecasts Record Farm Exports in FY 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s quarterly agricultural trade forecast, released today, projects fiscal year 2021 U.S. farm exports at $164 billion – the highest total on record. This represents an increase of $28 billion, or 21 percent, from last fiscal year’s total, and a $7-billion increase from USDA’s previous FY 2021 forecast published in February. The annual export record of $152.3 billion was set in FY 2014.

“U.S. agricultural trade has proven extraordinarily resilient in the face of a global pandemic and economic contraction. This strength is reflected in today’s USDA export forecast,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “As we conclude World Trade Month, it’s clear that trade remains a critical engine powering the agricultural economy and the U.S. economy as a whole. Today’s estimate shows that our agricultural trading partners are responding to a return to certainty and reliability from the United States. Yesterday’s action regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement also made it clear that our trading partners must play by the rules. Ensuring that all U.S. producers and exporters have access to global markets is a key to building back better and ensuring the continued strength and resiliency of rural America.”

Key drivers of the surge in exports include a record outlook for China, record export volumes and values for a number of key products, sharply higher commodity prices, and reduced foreign competition.

China is poised to be back on top as the United States’ number one customer, with U.S. exports forecast at $35 billion, eclipsing the previous record of $29.6 billion set in FY 2014. This growth is led by Chinese demand for soybeans and corn. Other top markets, in order, are Canada, Mexico, Japan, the European Union, and South Korea, with demand remaining strong across the board.

USDA projects that total exports of bulk commodities and meat will reach record levels for both volume and value in FY 2021. On the bulk commodity side, this is true for both corn and soybeans exports, with sorghum export value also at a record. On the meat side, beef and pork export values and volumes are projected at an all-time high, as is broiler meat volume.



Gillibrand, Shaheen Lead Bipartisan Letter To Secure Additional Payments For Dairy Farmers

U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Dairy, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led a bipartisan letter urging the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide additional relief to dairy farmers. In the letter, the senators highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on costs facing dairy farmers, as well as the impact of a milk pricing change that resulted in $725 million in lost income for dairy farmers and disproportionately impacted small and mid-size dairy operations. They called on the USDA to provide more direct payments and assistance through USDA programs such as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), or through other new or existing programs, to help reduce the strain on dairy farmers.  

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted dairy supply chains and has caused disruptive price volatility,” the senators wrote. “Feed, labor, farm equipment, and energy costs have all increased as the result of the pandemic and contributed to lower profits for dairy farmers. In addition, dairy farmers have experienced challenges receiving a fair price for their milk as a result of the change to the … milk price formula ... that has caused dairy farmers collectively to lose out on $725 million dollars in income since the change was implemented in May 2019.”

They continued: “We appreciate USDA’s work to implement the relief for farmers provided by Congress, as well as the agency’s commitment to support dairy farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic across a variety of programs; however … the agency should continue issuing payments to dairy farmers under CFAP, or through any further assistance programs that USDA conceives, including the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, for the first six months of 2021 and make these payments retroactive to January 1st. Continuing these payments would help alleviate the loss of dairy farms we are seeing in the Northeast and around the country and give dairy farmers additional relief as they continue to face the fallout of this pandemic.”

In April of 2020, USDA announced the conception of CFAP, with funds provided by Congress, to assist farmers and consumers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in CFAP were direct payments to dairy farmers to offset pandemic-related economic losses for farmers. This assistance was critical to farmers, especially as many were forced to dump their milk after losing buyers and income. These payments were put on pause in January of 2021 when the Administration announced it was doing a 60 day regulatory review. However, when the review was concluded, no further payments to dairy farmers were announced.

Even before the pandemic dairy farmers across the nation were facing the challenges of volatile milk prices that have been dropping for decades, as well as increased competition from non-dairy “milk” products. This has led to a substantial loss of licensed dairy herds, with the United States losing almost 40,000 dairy herds since 2003.

Prior to the 2018 Farm Bill, Class I milk was calculated using the “higher of” Class III or Class IV price plus the applicable Class I differential. This was changed in the most recent Farm Bill to an averaging method of Class III and Class IV plus $0.74. This change, compounded by government intervention in cheese markets as a result of the pandemic, has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in lost income for dairy farmers from May 2019 through April 2021. This has led to increased calls from industry for USDA to hold Emergency Federal Milk Marketing Order National Hearings to resolve this issue with the Class I mover.

At the beginning of the 117th Congress, Gillibrand was named as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Local Food Systems, and Food Safety and Security. In this capacity, Gillibrand is committed to find ways to guarantee dairy farmers receive a fair price for their milk moving forward, and to recoup losses caused by the new Class I pricing formula. New York is home to one of the most diverse agricultural industries in the country and is largely composed of small and medium-sized family operations. Milk is New York’s number one agricultural product.

Co-signers onto the bipartisan letter include U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Susan Collins (R-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Richard Blumenthal (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).



Weekly Ethanol Production for 5/21/2021

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 21, ethanol production slowed by 21,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 2.0%, to 1.011 million b/d, equivalent to 42.46 million gallons daily. Production was 39.6% above the same week last year, which was affected by the pandemic, but it was 4.4% below the same week in 2019. However, the four-week average ethanol production volume scaled up 1.7% to 994,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.24 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks thinned by 2.3% to 19.0 million barrels, their lowest point since 2016. Stocks were 18.1% below the year-ago level and 16.1% under the same week in 2019. Inventories declined across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, expanded 2.8% to a 62-week high of 9.48 million b/d (145.31 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 30.7% above a year ago and 0.9% above the same week in 2019.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol eased 1.8% to 906,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.89 bg annualized. This was 27.2% above a year ago but 4.4% below the same week in 2019.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the twenty-third consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of March 2021.)



UAN28, UAN32 Prices Increase 4% as Fertilizer Price Rally Slows

Retail fertilizer prices continue to inch higher with the overall pace of gains slowing from its spring surge, according to locations tracked by DTN for the third week of May 2021. None of the eight fertilizers' prices were significantly higher from last month, which DTN designates as 5% or more. The largest price increase, 4%, was seen in UAN28 and UAN32.

DAP had an average price of $642/ton, up $15; MAP $708/ton, up $5; potash $440/ton, up $8; and urea $521/ton, up $11. 10-34-0 had an average price of $620/ton, up $8; anhydrous $716/ton, up $9; UAN28 $361/ton, up $13; and UAN32 $407/ton, up $16.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.57/lb.N, anhydrous $0.44/lb.N, UAN28 $0.65/lb.N and UAN32 $0.64/lb.N.

With retail fertilizer prices moving higher over recent months, all fertilizers are now higher in price from a year ago. Potash is now 20% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 32% higher, urea is 35% more expensive, UAN32 45% higher, anhydrous is 46% more expensive, UAN28 is 53% higher, DAP is 57% more expensive and MAP 63% is higher compared to last year.



Bayer Further Commits to Crop Protection Innovation with Planned Introduction of Diflufenican

New seed innovation has long dominated the row crop landscape, but it’s not the only part of production Bayer Crop Science has its eyes on.  Bayer has a history of leading innovations in crop protection and that commitment is still very real in today’s climate.

One such innovation is Diflufenican, a new herbicide for North America. Diflufenican, which will be introduced under the brand name ConvintroTM mid-decade, aims to tackle two of the most prolific weeds facing farmers today – waterhemp and Palmer Amaranth. Pending EPA-approval, Convintro products will be available to soybean growers for burndown and pre-emergence applications. The herbicide will also serve as a new weed control tool for corn growers.

“Diflufenican has been used for years in Europe, managing broadleaf weeds in crops such as lentils and winter cereals,” adds Robert Schrick, broadacre crop protection business lead for Bayer. “The addition of a product with Diflufenican as the active ingredient for soybean and corn use is not only a first for North America, but a completely new site of action for Palmer Amaranth and waterhemp control in soybeans and corn, providing farmers another tool to add to their weed management plans.”

Providing a new site of action will help soybean farmers manage yield-robbing weeds, but Schrick notes a balanced approach to management is still the right approach. “When it comes to weed management, a best practice is still to use multiple sites of action,” says Schrick. “Management plans that cover multiple years and crops will help farmers avoid issues like resistance.”

Bayer’s focus on farmer-centric solutions spans its broad product portfolio, at a time when new tools in crop protection couldn’t be more important. Bayer recognizes that farmers are facing increasing challenges managing pests and is working with them to provide solutions that set them up for success in the future.

Bayer’s crop protection product research encompasses new and old chemistries, giving a different look at some of those some age-old problems.“Effective options in integrated weed management are a necessity,” adds Frank

Rittemann, Bayer product manager for corn, soy and cotton herbicides. “We are taking a look at chemistries that control some of farmers’ most challenging pests and we’re relying on science to bring those options to the market, including previously untapped sites of action.”

Bayer research also continues to explore opportunities to challenge the status quo and work toward new innovations for its customers. “While there may be no proverbial silver bullets, our crop protection focus will provide continuous advances, adding additional tools where farmers need it most,” said Rittemann.



U.S. Dairy Applauds Congressional Dairy Champion Letter Urging USDA to Make Low-fat, Flavored Milk School Flexibilities Permanent

A bipartisan group of more than 50 members of the U.S. House of Representatives today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging USDA to address the underconsumption of dairy foods among American school-aged children, specifically by making permanent a current flexibility that allows schools to offer low-fat flavored milk—a nutrient dense option for improving the quality of children’s diets.

The letter cites the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report, which found that 79 percent of 9–13-year-olds, who rely on the school meal programs to meet their nutritional needs, are not meeting the recommended intake of dairy foods. “Both the 2015 and 2020 editions of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) amplified this concern, stating that, beginning at a young age, average dairy consumption falls short of recommended amounts,” the letter states.

While current USDA flexibilities allow schools to offer low-fat flavored milk through the 2021-2022 school year, USDA has before it a proposed rule that would make these flexibilities permanent. Importantly, this action would remain consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today issued the following statements applauding the lawmakers’ proposed solution to addressing underconsumption of dairy among school-aged children:

“Milk benefits children in many ways – but it can’t benefit them at all if they don’t drink it, and ensuring that they do so requires a wide range of options,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. “Milk’s unique nutritional package is of great benefit to the nation’s schoolchildren, and this message to Secretary Vilsack strongly supports the critical goal of boosting consumption of essential nutrients of public health concern, including calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. The 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report found that 79 percent of 9-13-year-olds, who rely on school meals to meet their nutritional needs, are not meeting the recommended intake of dairy foods. Milk provides the foundation of a lifetime of better health, and we thank the signers of this letter, led by Reps. Courtney and Thompson, for recognizing and advancing its benefits.”

“Milk, including low-fat flavored milk, is an important way for children to access the nutrient profile of dairy, providing thirteen essential nutrients and unique health benefits,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association. “IDFA appreciates the leadership of the more than 50 champions for dairy in the House of Representatives for encouraging USDA to prioritize dairy in federal nutrition programs, specifically through the inclusion of low-fat flavored milk in school meal programs. Right now, USDA has before it a proposed rule that would return to flexibilities allowing flavored, low-fat milk to be served in child nutrition programs, and IDFA strongly encourages the USDA to adopt school milk flexibility in the rule as a long-term solution. By doing so, the USDA would help ensure more kids meet the recommended intake for dairy set forth in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.”



AMERICAN WOOL ASSURANCE PROGRAM LAUNCHES WEBSITE

The American Wool Assurance website launched last week at AmericanWoolAssurance.org, allowing American sheep producers to take a crucial step in certifying their wool through this voluntary, American industry-driven certification process.
 
The American Sheep Industry Association worked with Colorado State University the past two years to develop the voluntary program and standards that will allow manufacturers to purchase American wool with confidence that the animals producing that wool have been raised with a high level of care. Industry input from producers, shearers, buyers, extension, animal welfare experts and processors was critical in development of program standards.
 
“This is something that consumers and brands are asking for increasingly, and so it has become important to retailers, processors and wool buyers in recent years,” said ASI Deputy Director Rita Samuelson, who oversees wool marketing for the association. “We announced the standards for the voluntary American Wool Assurance program earlier this year and we know that many in the textile trade are anxious to buy wools with the assurance of best animal care practices. Launching the website and the accompanying education courses are important steps in the process. Most importantly, this process allows American wool producers to share their stories of using premium animal welfare practices, as well as their rich wool heritage.”
 
Sheep producers interested in earning certification should go to AmericanWoolAssurance.org and sign up as soon as possible. After filling out the initial sign-up form – which is for those involved in wool production only – users are then able to access the educational courses that are required to complete Level I (Educated) of the voluntary program. Producers must also complete ASI’s Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance course to complete the first level. Those who have previously completed the SSQA course will not have to complete it again.
 
The SSQA course – which is in the process of being updated – provides a foundation for care and handling of sheep. The AWA course narrows the focus to wool sheep handling and production. It will guide producers through three learning courses: an overview of AWA, year-round standards and shearing standards. The courses are user-friendly and can be accessed on any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. The AWA course should take about an hour for most producers to complete.

Following Level I accreditation, growers can become certified in Level II (Process Verified), which involves an evaluation by a second party such as a veterinarian or extension agent. Level III (Certified) requires an independent audit. To prepare for these next levels, growers are encouraged to develop an operating plan and hold records relating to each of the AWA standards. Additionally, training for veterinarians, extension personnel and auditors to assist with Level II and III certification is currently being developed and will occur late this year and into next.
 
Following accreditation, growers can share their unique code with wool buyers, enabling buyers to verify the status of their certification. Additionally, as traceability becomes increasingly important, wool growers can choose if they would simply like to share the status of their certification, or if they would like to share more information, such as ranch name and general location.
 
“Accreditation in AWA certifies what growers are already doing, prioritizing the proper care of their sheep and provides another marketing tool for them,” Samuelson said. “ASI suggests consulting with your wool warehouse or buyer for more information before making production and marketing decisions, as prices for certified wool will vary based on a number of factors. However, the feedback from wool buyers and processors is that international wools in an assurance program sell with a premium.”



Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Inductees to be Honored at 2021 Cattle Industry Convention

Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame inductees and award winners will be honored on Aug. 9, 2021, during the 12th annual banquet, held in conjunction with the nation’s largest cattle industry gathering. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet will precede the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, to be held in Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 10-12.

The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame was established in 2009 to honor the exceptional visionary men and women who have made lasting contributions to the cattle-feeding industry. Inductees for 2021 are Johnny Trotter, president and CEO of Bar-G Feedyard in Hereford, Texas, and Steve Gabel, founder of Magnum Feedyard in Wiggins, Colo.

Dr. Gary C. Smith, visiting professor in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University, will receive the Industry Leadership Award. George Eckert with Green Plains Cattle Company in Garden City, Kan., and Gaspar Martinez with Harris Feeding Company in Coalinga, Calif., will receive the Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award.

“I’m excited we can gather in person to recognize this year’s honorees who have devoted their careers to preserving our mission and improving production practices in the industry,” said Cliff Becker, senior vice president, Farm Journal and Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame board member. “We can’t wait to honor these men who have made extraordinary contributions to the cattle feeding industry.”

Attendees of the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet will find it convenient to stay in Nashville for the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, which starts the next day. That event will feature important industry meetings, motivational speakers, valuable education, music and entertainment, a massive trade show, producer recognition, a Cowboy’s Night at the Opry and much more.

Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet tickets are $200 per person in addition to convention registration. All proceeds from banquet ticket sales and corporate sponsorships benefit future Hall of Fame initiatives. As an added incentive, Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet attendees will receive a $50 discount on their Cattle Industry Convention registration, courtesy of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Information on the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, including tickets to the 2021 Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet, can be found at http://convention.ncba.org. Ticket sales and convention registration open June 1, 2021. For more information on the Hall of Fame visit www.cattlefeeders.org.



 Louisiana Ag Workers File Landmark Lawsuit Against Herbicide Manufacturers

Two former Louisiana agricultural workers suffering from Parkinson's disease have filed historic lawsuits against the manufacturers of the herbicide paraquat. The plaintiffs, including a former LSU AgCenter extension agent, worked in the state's ag industry, and were exposed to the toxic chemical for years.

In 2020, a peer-reviewed study by three LSU researchers found a clear correlation between Parkinson's disease and the use of paraquat in rural areas of Louisiana.

The lawsuits, filed May 25th by the New Orleans firms of Herman, Herman & Katz, LLC and the Sangisetty Law Firm and the Los Angeles firm of Arias, Sanguinetti, Wang, Torrijos, allege that Chevron USA, Inc. and Syngeta AG failed to warn of the risk of contracting Parkinson's disease from chronic, low-dose exposure to its herbicide. Punitive damages are also sought for alleged deceptive and unlawful marketing practices.  

The Paraquat Link to Parkinson's
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain that primarily affects the body's motor system. There is currently no cure or treatment to stop or reverse its progression.

Paraquat was introduced into the U.S. in the 1960s and marketed as a safe and effective method of controlling vegetation. It has regained popularity as vegetation has become resistant to other herbicides.

Agricultural workers may be exposed by inhalation through the nose or mouth or absorption through the skin. It may take years for the effects of exposure to show up.

In 2019, legislation was proposed to ban paraquat in the U.S., but the bill died in Congress.

Will Nationwide Cases Be Consolidated?
The recently filed lawsuits may soon be consolidated as multidistrict litigation (MDL) with other paraquat cases nationwide. A judicial panel will meet in Washington May 27 to hear arguments about whether the cases should be transferred to a single judge for pre-trial proceedings.

Stephen J. Herman, co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the MDL following the BP Oil Spill, sees the consolidation of paraquat cases as a leveling tool for victims of the herbicide. "An MDL allows--indeed requires--the best lawyers from around the country to pool their knowledge, experience and financial resources, so that the farmer in Ruston can go toe-to-toe with a company like Chevron," Herman said. "With our track record in these cases and decades-long relationships with the nations' leading firms, Herman, Herman & Katz is uniquely positioned to fight for our ag workers."