Friday, June 11, 2021

Thursday June 10 Ag News

 Soybean Gall Midge Emergence at Several Sites in Nebraska
Nebraska Extension

On June 8th and 9th, several sites in east-central and northeast Nebraska recorded emergence of soybean gall midge adults. At this point, growers with a history of issues with soybean gall midge in Nebraska should consider making field edge applications on soybean adjacent to fields that had injury from soybean gall midge the previous year. Soybean fields should be at the V2 stage or greater when considering an application. Clientele should continue to follow adult emergence at all locations through soybeangallmidge.org.

Soybean Gall Midge: Should I Spray Checklist
❏    Soybean gall midge adults have emerged in my area
❏    My soybean field is at the V2 stage or greater
❏    I observed soybean gall midge injury in the adjacent field last year

So far this season, adults captured in Northeast Nebraska...
  - Stanton County - 1
  -  Wayne County - 10
  - Cedar County - 5 at 2 sites
 
So far this season, adults captured in East Central Nebrasa....
  - Butler County - 22
  - Sunders County - 9 at 2 sites
  - Landcaster County - 18 at 3 sites

For soybean growers near the site with activity and that have had issues with soybean gall midge, they can consider making an application if their soybean fields have reached the V2 stage. Based on two years of data, soybean plants prior to the V2 stage generally lack the presence of cracks or fissures at the base of the stem. Plants without fissures are not considered to be susceptible to soybean gall midge infestation. If growers have fields at VC or V1, we recommend waiting until V2 to make an application if they are in a high-risk area and have adult activity occurring. With only a few years of observations of adult emergence, you should check the soybeangallmidge.org website to determine if emergence is still occurring when your soybean reach the V2 stage.

In 2019, pyrethroid insecticides applied at different timings relative to adult emergence showed a significant yield response in Nebraska when applied up to 10 days after the first emergence was detected. This was not the case in 2020, with most foliar insecticides having a limited ability to mitigate yield losses from soybean gall midge. Insecticide results have been variable over the past two years, efficacy is not guaranteed. Since soybean gall midge is a field edge infesting pest, growers may only need to treat the first 60 to 120 feet of a field edge that is directly adjacent to a field that was injured the previous year.



Seed companies apply to VCP for AltEn site


A coalition of six seed companies has applied to the Nebraska Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) to address environmental contamination at the AltEn facility located near Mead, Nebraska. The VCP is a results-based approach to environmental cleanup that allows NDEE to review and oversee remediation efforts.

The seed companies — collectively known as the AltEn Facility Response Group — include AgReliant Genetics, LLC; Bayer U.S., LLC; Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.; Corteva Agriscience, LLC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC; and WinField Solutions, LLC.

Under the VCP application, the AltEn Facility Response Group is committing to continuing interim remedial measures at the site. The group will also develop a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) subject to public notice and comment, as well as NDEE review and approval. The RAP could then be the basis for long-term remedial measures at the site.

“The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is pleased with the group’s willingness to participate in the VCP. This program creates opportunities for third parties to efficiently clean up sites,” said NDEE Director Jim Macy. “By stepping up to address AltEn’s contamination issues, the group will help provide a significant measure of protection to the citizens of Mead and surrounding areas.”

“This is a positive step towards implementing the long-term response actions needed at this facility,” said Ed Chu, Acting Regional Administrator for Environmental Protection Agency Region 7. “We look forward to continuing to provide support and assistance to NDEE to ensure the contamination is properly and fully addressed.”

After reviewing the VCP application, NDEE will approve or deny the application. If approved, the AltEn Facility Response Group will begin developing a proposed RAP that conforms to state and federal environmental requirements.

Any updates will be published on the NDEE website at dee.ne.gov/Press.nsf/pages/AltEn.



NDA SELECTS STUDENTS TO ATTEND 50th ANNUAL YOUTH AGRICULTURAL EVENT


What started years ago, as a way of connecting high school students with agriculture, is still going strong today. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), the longest running program of its kind in the nation. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) coordinates NAYI with the help of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council. Today, NDA is announcing the high school juniors and seniors selected to attend NAYI’s golden anniversary celebration this summer.

“NAYI is a great opportunity for Nebraska juniors and seniors to learn about the agricultural industry and the many careers available in ag,” said NDA Communications Director and NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm. “With 50 years of history, we have parents who attended NAYI years ago, sharing NAYI experiences with their own high school juniors and seniors, who are looking forward to attending this year. NAYI’s theme this year is ‘Timeless Traditions,’ which will give us a chance to highlight NAYI through the years.”

NAYI is a week-long event featuring speakers, workshops, agricultural education, networking with peers and industry leaders, professional development opportunities and leadership experience. This year, NAYI will be held July 12-16, at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus. NAYI is made possible through numerous donations from agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations.

NAYI and additional youth learning opportunities throughout the year are organized by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC). The 21 college students who serve on NAYC are chosen by NDA to share their passion and knowledge about agriculture with young people across Nebraska. During NAYI, NAYC members provide valuable insight and advice about agriculture, college coursework and career building.

NAYI Atendees
First Name    Last Name    City
Megan    Amos    Stapleton
Jozlyn     Anderson    Plainview
Cassidy    Arp    Kennard

Jillian    Bailey    Beaver Crossing
Mattison    Beattie    Sumner
Walker     Behnken    Omaha
Evan     Blank    Wilcox
Alexis    Bodlak    Thurston
Roz    Bolek     Alliance
Lilyann    Brestel    Fremont
Arianne    Brokaw    Lyons

Blake     Bruns    North Platte
Allison    Carpenter    Scottsbluff
Autumn    Cary    Syracuse
Colton    Choat    Plainview
Kelsey     Choplin    Gibbon
Bradie    Crouse    Blair
Morayah    Cupp    Champion
Natasha    Dahlberg    Humphrey
Carley    Damme    Blair
Brevin    Damrow    Beatrice
Wyatt    Deemer    Tekamah
Zach    Dickau    Bassett
Russell    Dietz    Kearney
Evan     Eidem    Papillion
Makenna    Eisenzimmer    Big Springs
Alyssa    Erthum    Ainsworth
Grace    Fahleson    Lincoln
Victoria    Ference    Ord
Xavier     Fiala    Ulysses
Lydia    Fitzke     Glenvil
Alex    Flessner    Ord
Ben    Flynn    Ainsworth
Andi    Fonck    Lincoln
Mackenzie    Fortenberry    Blair

Daniel    Frey    Palmyra
Blake    Frink    Hastings
Jenna    Fuehrer    York
Cami    Fulton    Litchfield
Blake    Furstenau    Stanton

Josie     Ganser    Ainsworth
Sarah    Glaser    La vista
Wendy    Godejohn    Shelby
Rachel    Groth    Beemer

Jace    Grunden    Maxwell
Dawson    Gulizia    Gretna
Ellie    Guthard    Sumner
Logan    Hafer    Long Pine
Gracin    Hahn    De Witt
 Reese    Hansen    Herman
Kaitlyn    Hanson    Mead

Emma    Harms    Sterling
Ashlynn    Hartman    Pawnee City
Ross     Hebda     Silver Creek
Kaitlyn     Heinke    Scribner
Bailey    Helzer    Oakland

Michelle    Henkel    Campbell
Emma    Hilbers    Hooper

Andrea    Hipke    Spencer
Alexis    Jansen    Gretna
Sadie     Jarecke    Stuart
Rebekka    Jay    Hooper

Chase    Johnson    Wilcox
Lexington    Jones    Blair

Maci    Kalsbeck    Kearney
Madeline    Kamler    Shickley
Ben    Kamrath    Hastings
Chloe    Kander    Stanton
Anna     Karnopp    Oakland

Brock    Karr    Bladen
Jennifer    Katz    Springfield
Natalie    Keller    Seward
Kaliska    Kelley    Ashland
Jaclyn    Kempf    Carroll

Emily    Kerbs    Hickman
Jenna    Knake    Avoca
Alivia     Knoerzer    Elwood
Cooper    Koch    York
Collin    Konecky    Ithaca
Reid    Korth    Wayne

Megan    Kotas    Western
Madison    Kreifels    Syracuse
Ethan    Kreikemeier    West Point

Garrett    Kriete    Hooper
Kathryn    Kuhlman    Creighton

Jayde    Kuhn    Osceola
Dalton    Kunkee    Lexington
Lauren    Labenz    Minden
Jessie    Lamp    Ashland
Callie    Landauer    Blair

Ashley    Lecher    Bridgeport
Taylor    Lewis    Shelton
Emily    Longe    Wakefield
Kendra    Loseke    Blair

Nicholas     Loxterkamp    Beatrice
Emily     Luedert    Pender

Chloe    Marshall    Burwell
Emily    Martindale    Brewster
Kaci    Mashino    Spencer
Zach     McGee    Fremont
Mikaela    McManigal    Wayne

Jayce     Meyring     Alliance
Faith    Miller    Mullen
Landyn    Mlady    Atkinson
Jenna    Muntz    Louisville
Mia    Nelsen    Wayne

Brooklynn    Nelson    Davenport
Kyle    Nickels    Murray
Grant     Nickels    Murray
Wesley    Nickels    Murray
Evan    Niemeier    Elwood
Erin     Oldemeyer     Firth
Luke    Olson    Atkinson
Tom    Ortner    Ainsworth
Diego    Paniagua    Omaha
Katelyn     Pehrson     Laurel

Jaylea     Pope    Ravenna
Grace    Popken    Fremont

Kendall    Prior    Imperial
Jacob     Purdy    Fremont

Chance    Rahmig    Gering
Eden    Raymond    Ainsworth
Audrey    Reiter    Sumner
Caitlin    Rempe    Glenvil
Emily    Rempel    Beatrice
Josie    Richards    Oakland

Eli    Riedel    Kearney
Lindsey     Rippen    Culbertson
Haley     Robb    Doniphan
Ashlyn    Robinson    North Platte
Ryan    Robinson    Wilcox
Reagan    Ross    Callaway
Dakota    Salmon    Plattsmouth
Emily     Samuelson    Palmer
Wade    Sanders    Alliance
Shelly    Saner    Ainsworth
Elizabeth    Schaffert    McCook
Wyatt    Scheets     Fairbury
Treaven    Scheideler    Scotia
Levi    Schiller    Scribner

Tylan    Schlueter    Ainsworth
Lacey    Schmidt    Deshler
Reagan    Scholting    Wisner

Abby     Scholz    Loomis
Alaina    Schwedhelm    Kennard
Jennifer     Sedlacek    Nehawka
Kaleb    Senff    Minden
Braelyn    Shrewsbury     Alliance
Brianna     Simmons    Shelton
Sam     Skavdahl    Harrison
Preston     Skeen     Kearney
Grady    Smith    Atkinson
Emma    Snoberger    Aurora
Madeline    Sonnenfeld    Minden
Owen    Stallbaumer    Oconto
Payton    Stanczyk    Fullerton
Jessica    Stander    Ashland
Ainsley    Strawder    Dickens
Noah    Summers    Gibbon
Aspen     Teeter     Culbertson
Janice    Tejeda-Morales    Ashland
Isela     Tercero    Broken Bow
Caileigh    Tripe    Edgar
Madison    Tunender    Atkinson
Casey    Underwood    Exeter
Holden    von Seggern    Hooper

Allison    Walbrecht     Lincoln
Christian    Weber    Friend
Ellie    Welke    Long Pine
Fallon    Wells    Central City
Sydney    Wellsandt    Unadilla
Seth     Wert    Hordville
Leanne    Westphal    Wayne
Hunter    Wiese    Fremont

Lindsay    Wilkens    Gibbon
Elizabeth    Wilkins    Ainsworth
Hannah     Williams    Morse Bluff
Lacy    Williams    Columbus

Emily    Willis    Shelby
Sheridan    Wilson    Lemoyne
Kaylee    Windhusen    Herman
Evelyn     Wooldrik    West Point

Kailey     Ziegler     Waco

To learn more about NAYC or NAYI 2021 - visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/. Follow NAYI activities on Facebook by searching and liking the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. On Twitter, follow @THE_NAYC or #NAYI21.



NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT


Based on June 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2021 winter wheat crop is forecast at 39.8 million bushels, up 17% from last year's crop, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield is forecast at 51 bushels per acre, up 10 bushels from last year.  Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 780,000 acres, down 50,000 acres from last year. This would be 87% of the planted acres, compared with last year's 92% harvested.

Winter Wheat Production Up 2 Percent from May Forecast

Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.31 billion bushels, up 2 percent from the May 1 forecast and up 12 percent from 2020. As of June 1, the United States yield is forecast at 53.2 bushels per acre, up 1.1 bushels from last month and up 2.3 bushels from last year's average yield of 50.9 bushels per acre.

Hard Red Winter production, at 771 million bushels, is up 6 percent from last month. Soft Red Winter, at 335 million bushels, is up 1 percent from the May forecast. White Winter, at 202 million bushels, is down 8 percent from last month. Of the White Winter production, 15.4 million bushels are Hard White and 187 million bushels are Soft White.



Nichols Selected as NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist


Jeff Nichols has been selected as the State Rangeland Management Specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Nebraska. He will begin the position June 21, 2021.

As an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the NRCS provides opportunities for agricultural producers and landowners to voluntarily implement conservation practices that benefit their land needs. Nebraska has 22 million acres of range and pastureland that are utilized to support its cattle industry. An industry that accounted for $6.5 billion in sales last year. Therefore, rangeland management is a critical focus of Nebraska’s resource conservation efforts.

The State Rangeland Management Specialist is the primary leadership position for all NRCS rangeland programs. This includes a variety of duties such as training employees, developing/distributing technical information, maintaining relationships with stakeholders/partner organizations, and providing an advisory capacity to various committees and groups.

Nichols brings to this position 34 years of experience with an agronomy and range management background. He will be leading the NRCS in providing technical assistance on issues that occur on grazing lands such as invasive species, drought, wildfires, hail, and pest loss. Emphasis will be placed upon promoting grazing management strategies that are profitable for producers, while maintaining or improving the overall health of the grazing lands resource.

He plans to place an immediate focus on efforts to slow the Eastern Red Cedar encroachment affecting much of the state’s rangelands. This is an area of specialty he has had success dealing with previously through brush management in combination with prescribed burning.

In 2010, he was presented the NRCS National Rangeland Conservationist of the Year award, recognizing his significant contributions in assisting customers and providing leadership in the range management discipline. Focusing on the human resource, he plans to update employees and range stakeholders so they can carry out the NRCS mission of “helping people help the land” and promote long-term rangeland sustainability.

“I’m looking forward to working with the public and employees to be able to provide consistent services, information, and assistance in our grazing programs and partnerships with landowners and other organizations,” Nichols said.

For more information about rangeland conservation and other programs and services available from NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



NEBRASKA TO HOST MIDWEST AG ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING


The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is pleased to host the Midwest Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s (MASDA) annual meeting in Lincoln, June 21-23. MASDA represents the Departments of Agriculture from 13 Midwestern states. At this meeting, staff from MASDA states and various federal, state and industry stakeholders will discuss critical agricultural issues and share ideas.

“MASDA brings together state ag leaders to represent and grow agriculture in the Midwest,” said NDA Director and MASDA President Steve Wellman. “While each state in the Midwest has unique agriculture products and needs, we also have common goals, and this group addresses those by giving a unified voice to agriculture through policy, partnerships and public engagement.”

NDA Director Steve Wellman was selected to serve as the 2021-2022 MASDA president during the Association’s annual meeting held virtually in September. As president, Wellman works with other state agricultural leaders in the Midwest to promote, support and advance ag producers, agribusinesses and the industry as a whole. In addition to Nebraska, MASDA includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

“Hosting MASDA takes Nebraska agriculture beyond the state level and puts us in the Midwest spotlight,” said Wellman. “It’s an honor and a pleasure to serve as president of an organization that gives Midwest farmers and ranchers a voice on key issues facing agriculture.”

MASDA is part of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), a nonpartisan, nonprofit association that represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors in the United States.



Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here tour visits the World Pork Expo with Secretary Naig and Iowa Pork Producers Association


Today’s Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here tour stop is celebrating the return of World Pork Expo. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig joined the Iowa Pork Producers Association to showcase the important role Iowa pork producers play in our state’s economy and the global food chain. Iowa pork producers are also an important partner in the state’s ongoing conservation efforts.  

Today, Iowa Pork Producers Association announced a $25,000 donation to support the implementation of edge-of-field practices across the state. The association has contributed $100,000 over the past four years to support water quality projects including saturated buffers, bioreactors and wetlands.

“Public-private partnerships are critical to advancing the conservation work underway across the state,” said Secretary Naig. “We appreciate the continued investment and support of Iowa pork farmers to scale-up the adoption of conservation practices that protect our natural resources like soil and water.”

“These edge-of-field practices are some of the more expensive water quality projects for farmers to install, but they are also some of the most effective in controlling loss of nitrogen and phosphorus,” said Dennis Liljedahl, Essex pig farmer and IPPA president. “We are pleased to continue this ongoing effort in partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Leaving a better environment for the next generation of Iowans is important to us.”

The Iowa Pork Producers Association is one of over 350 partners collaborating with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to provide financial assistance, leverage state funding and supply technical resources to support farmers at the local level.

To learn more about the soil heath and water quality work underway, visit CleanWaterIowa.org.



Governor’s Charity Steer Show returns to Iowa State Fairgrounds


The Governor’s Charity Steer Show will return to the Iowa State Fairgrounds this fall.  

The event, which raises funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, will be held on Saturday, August 14 at 4:30 p.m. CST in the Livestock Pavilion on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds plans to participate in this year’s show, which has been a top priority among Iowa’s governors for the past 39 years.

“Last year’s show, held at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, garnered a lot of support. While forced to adapt to coronavirus related restrictions, we were still able to raise $250,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said. “The 39th annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show will return to the Iowa State Fair, where we hope to exceed last year’s fundraising efforts. I look forward to competing in this year’s show, and bringing the Overall Grand Champion award back to the Governor's Mansion.”

“For decades, the Governor’s Charity Steer Show has represented the best of Iowa,” Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg said. “Our world-class cattle feeders, expert youth agriculture programming, and boundless generosity.”

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council are proud to co-host this event. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association membership coordinator and Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair Tanner Lawton says the Iowa State Fair is more than the butter cow, food-on-a-stick, and grandstand entertainment.

“When I think of the Iowa State Fair, I think of the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show,” Lawton says. “The Ronald McDonald House has impacted my life far beyond the fundraising that takes place in the show ring on the first Saturday of the Iowa State Fair. Having utilized the Ronald McDonald House when my son was in the hospital makes this event even more of a focus for me. I want to give back to the charity that helped my family when we were in a time of need.”

Since 1983, the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show has raised over $4.1 million dollars for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. On August 14, 24 steers will compete for Overall Grand Champion, Showmanship, People’s Choice, and a new award, referred to as Community Hero. The Community Hero award promotes fundraising efforts by encouraging steer owners to collect donations for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Immediately following the competition, steers will be sold in the Penningroth Media Center. All proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Show organizers hope to exceed last year’s fundraising efforts, which totaled $250,000.

The 39th annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. CST in the Livestock Pavilion, on the Iowa State Fairgrounds and broadcasted online through Walton Webcasting. Visit iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com for more information regarding the show.



FFAR Grant Improves Sustainable Corn Production


The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) awarded a $2,044,214 grant to Iowa State University to evaluate how maize breeding, field management and environment affect sustainable corn production. Iowa State University and Bayer Crop Science provided matching funds for a $4,089,857 total investment. The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Purdue University and Donald Danforth Plant Science Center are also supporting this project.

Maize breeding programs have increased corn yields over the years by altering plant characteristics (traits). Yet, our knowledge on which traits have been changed is limited and their impact on sustainability is relatively unknown. These traits are important aspects of crop models, which predict yields and sustainability trajectories. The lack of this information about characteristics compromises our ability to accurately predict how this vital crop will fare in the face of climate change.

“To sustain a growing global population, we need current, accurate information about crop performance,” said FFAR Executive Director Dr. Sally Rockey. “Evaluating the relationship between productivity and sustainability in our corn programs will enhance farmer profitability and resiliency while enhancing human health and well-being.”

Led by Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis, Iowa State University researchers are examining corn hybrid characteristics at an unprecedented scale to analyze yield trends in the US Corn Belt, which includes most of the Midwest.

Over the course of three years, researchers are collecting data from 40 locations per year, covering a range of environments and production situations across the Corn Belt. Using advanced analytics including simulation modeling and machine learning, researchers are evaluating plant, root, grain and resource use efficiency traits. This analysis will help researchers determine the impact of plant breeding on sustainability and rank the importance of different plant traits with respect to production and sustainability. Additionally, this research can help predict future yield trends and environmental outcomes under a range of scenarios including changes in weather, management and genetics.

Researchers will provide plant breeders with science-based information to select traits that improve productivity and long-term profitability. This research supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals that aim to increase productivity with less environmental impact.

“This project aims to fill major knowledge gaps such as impacts of plant breeding on sustainability and will increase our ability to predict future yields and environmental impacts. It is the first whole-plant system (from roots to grain) era study at that scale,” said Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis.

“As communities continue to fight poverty, hunger and malnutrition, there has never been a more important time for innovation in agriculture. At Bayer, we are pleased contribute to uncovering new insights on the interactions between maize genetics and the environment. Utilizing the collective knowledge of many experts in maize breeding, this project will lead to greater understanding of sustainability and yield trends for climate change adaptation,” said Mike Graham, Head of Breeding, Bayer Crop Science.



South Dakota Pork Plant, Labor Union Reach 4-Year Agreement


(AP) --- The union that had threatened a strike at a Smithfield pork processing plant in South Dakota says it has reached a tentative agreement with the company on a four-year contract.

The Sioux Falls chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers had negotiated with Virginia-based Smithfield Foods for two days after union members rejected a previous contract proposal and authorized a strike. Union leaders said its members will vote on the proposed contract next week.

The agreement appeared to assuage the possibility of a strike at the plant, which produces nearly 5% of the nation's pork every day.

UFCW said in a statement late Wednesday that the company dropped plans to take away a 15-minute break and "the parties have reached an agreement on wages."

The union had pressed for Smithfield to boost pay from a proposed base wage of $18 an hour, as well as keep a break during the second half of worker shifts. Smithfield has said its initial proposal would have still ensured two 15-minute breaks for employees who work eight-hour shifts and that the company's offer was "in full alignment" with agreements that the UFCW accepted at other locations.

But workers were emboldened after a virus outbreak at the plant last year killed four workers and infected nearly 1,300. They also argued Smithfield should match the wages offered at a JBS pork processing plant 70 miles (113 kilometers) away in Worthington, Minnesota.



USDA Expands Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program for Meat Processors to 9 States with Addition of South Dakota


The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the State of South Dakota have finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) agreement, which provides an opportunity for selected state-inspected meat and poultry processors to ship their products across state lines. Under the CIS agreement, the State of South Dakota may inspect meat in selected establishments for shipment throughout the United States.

The CIS program was launched in 2012 under Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack after being authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. Currently, 9 states participate in the program to promote the expansion of business opportunities for state-inspected meat and poultry establishments. Under CIS, selected state-inspected establishments that comply with federal inspection requirements are permitted to ship their product in interstate commerce.

“If we’re going to strengthen our nation’s food system and prevent supply chain bottlenecks before they occur, then we must continue to provide smaller meat processing establishments the opportunity to build their local and regional marketplaces,” said Sandra Eskin, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety. “The Cooperative Interstate Shipment program is a little-known but powerful tool designed to diversify the marketplace for meat and poultry processors, while ensuring the safety of the meat and poultry products they produce. We want to work with other states to encourage participation in this important program.”

The CIS program is limited to establishments located in the 27 states that have established a Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) program. To be eligible to participate in the CIS program, state MPI programs must meet a number of criteria to demonstrate that the inspection that it provides to state-inspected plants will be the “same as” the inspection that FSIS provides to official federal establishments. For instance, a state must demonstrate that it has the necessary legal authority to administer and enforce requirements that are the same as the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) and applicable regulations. In addition, the state must collect regulatory samples at the same frequency and use the same analytical methods at laboratories that meet the same level of accreditation as the FSIS laboratories. The assigned state inspectors may remain as the establishment’s onsite inspectors, provided they have the same training and inspect the plant under the “same as” regulatory standards as their federal counterparts in FSIS-inspected establishments. FSIS provides ongoing oversight of the CIS program to ensure that participating states maintain and operate their “same as” programs in a manner that complies with all applicable federal statutes and regulations and follows FSIS directives and notices. FSIS reimburses the states for 60% of their costs associated with providing this interstate eligible inspection service.

By law, CIS establishments must employ fewer than 25 employees. The state recommends establishments for selection by FSIS for participation in the CIS program. FSIS verifies the state-inspected establishments comply with all the requirements under the federal statutes, including meeting the federal regulatory requirements for sanitation performance standards and developing written Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans, and finalizes the establishments participating in the CIS program. The FSIS ongoing oversight includes verification that each CIS establishment continues to meet these and all other applicable federal requirements, such as submission, approval and use of FSIS approved labels under the same conditions as FSIS inspected establishments.

The CIS program was created by the 2008 Farm Bill. In addition to South Dakota, FSIS has signed agreements with Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont, and Wisconsin. For more information about CIS, visit www.fsis.usda.gov/cis.



New Poll Finds Growing Bipartisan Support for RFS and Ethanol


A recent poll found that voter support for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has hit its highest levels in at least five years. Meanwhile, the tracking poll shows support for the use of biofuels like low-carbon ethanol has remained consistently high, with a bipartisan majority of voters expressing a favorable opinion.  The benchmark poll was conducted at the end of May by Morning Consult, a Washington polling and news site, on behalf of the Renewable Fuel Association.

The poll found that 64 percent of respondents support the Renewable Fuel Standard, with 29 percent expressing “strong support.” This is the highest level of “strong support” for the RFS recorded since RFA began the tracking poll in 2016. It also marks the second-highest level of total support for the RFS, trailing only the two most recent polls (May 2020 and February 2021) that both found 66 percent support for the program.

“Even in times of political division and polarization, the need for cleaner, greener American-made fuels is a uniting issue,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “A bipartisan majority of voters support the RFS specifically and ethanol generally, and it is apparent that they want their elected officials to protect the integrity and longevity of the RFS program. Renewable fuels clearly are an area where we can find common ground and bridge broad divides.”

Among registered voters, 72 percent of Democrats, 63 percent of Republicans and 57 percent of Independents hold a favorable opinion of ethanol. Similarly, the poll found that 76 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans supported the RFS, along with 57 percent of Independents.

The poll saw an uptick in respondents who reported a very favorable opinion of ethanol since last year, suggesting that more voters view themselves as champions and advocates for renewable fuels. Of those polled, 23 percent reported a very favorable opinion, compared to 13 percent in May 2020.

The desire for energy security is a key driver of support for biofuels. Among voters who have a favorable opinion of ethanol, being made in America was the attribute that contributed most to their favorable opinion of the fuel, of the options tested. Ethanol’s lower carbon footprint and affordability were the second and third most important attributes, respectively, according to the poll.

The poll was conducted from May 27 to 31, 2021, among a sample of 1,988 registered voters.



RFA Welcomes E10 in UK, Recommends Tighter Blend Range


The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked the United Kingdom’s Department of Transport for its draft regulations requiring the introduction of E10 ethanol blends beginning in September. However, in comments submitted to the agency, RFA recommended they adjust the minimum ethanol content for the E10 blend. Currently, the draft regulation allows fuel providers to comply with the E10 standard by supplying gasoline containing as little as 5.5% ethanol, which as RFA notes, “contains only 0.5% more ethanol than the current E5 grade.”

“Allowing petrol with as a little as 5.5% ethanol to be characterized as E10 could cause consumer confusion and undermine the Department of Transport’s GHG reduction goals,” wrote RFA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Kelly Davis. “While we understand the U.K. government’s desire to provide ‘maximum flexibility’ to fuel suppliers, we believe a higher minimum ethanol content is necessary to ensure the U.K. fully reaps the benefits of a transition to higher ethanol content.”

Davis noted that too low a minimum content would allow refiners and blenders to meet the new regulation while “increasing their use of toxic aromatics and other hydrocarbons to achieve the 95 RON octane minimum.”



Major U.S. Ag Groups Call on Bipartisan Working Group and Congressional Leadership to Deliver Infrastructure Package that Focuses on American Agriculture and Supply Chains


Leading U.S. agriculture groups today called on the bipartisan working group and Congressional leadership to come together on a bipartisan infrastructure package that they call vital to American farmers and their continued domestic and international market access. The letter comes as negotiations among a bipartisan group of Senators accelerate and Congressional leaders weigh the path forward for infrastructure investments. The letter, which was organized by Farmers for Free Trade, includes support from every step of the U.S. supply chain: from farm groups, to truckers, to waterways, to ports and more.

“American agriculture depends on access to new foreign and domestic markets, and that access depends on reliable infrastructure in the middle of the country and along the coastlines,” the groups write in the letter. “Investing in American agriculture and infrastructure will protect and create jobs. In 2019, 22.2 million full and part-time jobs in America were dependent on the agricultural and food sectors.”

“We ask all members of the 117th Congress to recognize the importance of infrastructure to the health of the nation’s food and agricultural economy and work together to support investments that will allow our workers to remain competitive in a global marketplace.”

The letter focuses on the economic importance of agricultural trade, the importance of infrastructure for ag supply chains and exports, how infrastructure spending will support ag and rural jobs, current deficiencies in ag infrastructure, the benefits of investing in rural broadband and the importance of passing an infrastructure package in our efforts to compete globally.

“The United States cannot afford to delay infrastructure improvements,” the letter states. “Our competitors, including China and Brazil, are making significant investments in infrastructure to improve their competitive position.”

The letter was sent to Senator Rob Portman, Senator Mitt Romney, Senator Todd Young, Senator Thom Tillis, Senator Mike Rounds, Senator Susan Collins, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Senator Bill Cassidy, Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Senator Joe Manchin, Senator John Hickenlooper, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Angus King, Senator Jon Tester, Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Maggie Hassan, Senator Mark Warner and Senator Mark Kelly. It was also sent to Congressional leaders and the Co-Chairs of the House Problem Solvers Caucus.



NCBA Takes Action to Increase Producer Profitability Through USDA-Verified Labels


Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) to eliminate the use of “Product of the USA” (POTUSA) and other broad U.S. origin labeling claims for beef products that are potentially misleading to consumers.

NCBA believes that current “Product of the USA” labels are a disservice to American consumers and cattle producers alike. The claim implies that a beef product is entirely of U.S. origin. However, in reality, imported beef products are eligible to be labeled “Product of the USA” as long as the product has been minimally processed or repackaged in a USDA-inspected facility. It is not subject to source verification, is not tied to any kind of food safety standard, and is applied by packers and retailers in a manner that does not deliver value back to the cattle producer.

“The Product of the USA label does not meet the expectations of today’s consumers and disincentivizes the use of voluntary, source-verified claims that allow cattle and beef producers to more effectively distinguish their product in the marketplace,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn. “There is a growing desire among consumers to know more about the origin of the food they purchase, and it is critical that producers are empowered with opportunities to market their high-quality beef in a way that allows them to differentiate the source of their product from competitors and potentially increase profitability.”

For many years, NCBA has supported voluntary efforts which provide producers the opportunity to capture more value through origin labels and corresponding marketing initiatives that are voluntary and source-verified. In lieu of the “Product of the USA” label, NCBA is advocating for a more appropriate generic label, such as “Processed in the USA." Further, NCBA hopes to work with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to proactively educate cattle producers, processors, and retailers about the various opportunities that exist to develop voluntary, verifiable origin marketing claims that deliver tangible benefits to cattle producers without violating rules of trade.

The voluntary labels that NCBA supports represent investments made by producers to continually improve their product and meet consumer demand. Marketing through source-verification will provide a more accurate and truthful description of the product, which will reduce the potential for consumer confusion while increasing the ability for cattle producers to capture additional premiums for their product.

Background:
In 2019, NCBA established the Transparency in Labeling Working Group to investigate producer concerns about the “Product of the USA” label. After several months of investigation, research, and discussion, the producer-led working group recommended new policy for NCBA to address these concerns. NCBA producer members approved the policy in 2020, strengthening NCBA’s support for the use of voluntary source of origin claims, and USDA verification of any source of origin claim or label. Moving forward, NCBA’s policy team will work with USDA to ensure origin claims and source labels can only be used if they are from voluntary and verified programs.



NCBA and PLC Ready to Defend Progress on Clean Water Act


Today, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) issued the following statement in response to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan's announcement that the agency intends to revise the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR).

"Livestock producers, who manage both their private lands and safeguard public lands, have a deep-seated commitment to protecting and improving our waterways — which is why it is so deeply frustrating when EPA opts for government overreach instead of effective, proven public-private partnerships. The NWPR was an immense step forward in rectifying the egregious overreach of the 2015 rule," said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover.

"Any changes to the NWPR that limit or restrict agricultural exclusions, or regulate waterbodies on farm and ranchland, will hinder ranchers' ability to continue making vital investments in their land that restore waterways, conserve riparian areas, and protect wildlife habitat. We will engage fully with EPA as they move forward to ensure that their revisions respect private property rights and do not squeeze out Western communities and producers who are entrenched, by necessity, in responsible water stewardship."

NCBA and PLC have long fought for workable solutions for cattle producers under the Clean Water Act. Both organizations were instrumental in the repeal of the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and are currently engaged in litigation to defend the NWPR. The NWPR empowered states to manage waterbodies, solidified important agricultural exemptions, and eliminated federal control over isolated waterbodies that do not contribute to downstream water quality.

EPA has outlined the following priorities for their intent to revise the WOTUS definition:
    Protecting water resources and communities consistent with the Clean Water Act.
    The latest science on the effects of climate change on our waters.
    Practical implementation for state and Tribal partners.
    Reflecting the experience of and input received from landowners, the agricultural community that fuels and feeds the world, states, Tribes, local governments, community organizations, environmental groups, and disadvantaged communities with environmental justice concerns.



Conab Slashes Corn Forecast


Brazilian crop agency Conab slashed its forecast for the country's total corn crop in the 2020-2021 growing season as a drought in many agricultural areas hit productivity.

The agency raised slightly its estimate for soybean production in the 2020-2021 season.

Brazilian farmers will produce 96.4 million metric tons of corn in the 2020-2021 season, down from 102.6 million tons harvested in the 2019-2020 season. In May, Conab forecast a total corn crop of 106.4 million tons.

The dry weather around Brazil is also having an impact on other crops, including coffee and sugar cane, and pushing consumer prices higher. Brazil produces three corn crops a year, and the scant precipitation pushed some farmers to delay planting of the first crop or to switch to soybeans, while the continuing lack of rain has slammed productivity for the second crop, Conab said.

Productivity for the second corn crop dropped 14% in 2020-2021 from 2019-2020, Conab said. If the agency's forecast is correct, it would be Brazil's smallest total corn crop since the 2017-2018 season.

The dry weather had less of an impact on the soybean crop, which was planted last year, and the harvest has finished. Conab raised its estimate for production in 2020-2021 to a record 135.9 million metric tons, from its May forecast of 135.4 million tons. In the 2019-2020 season, Brazil produced 124.8 million tons of soybeans, according to Conab.




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