Tuesday June 22 Ag News

 Senator Blood on AltEn @ Mead

Due to the ongoing situation with the AltEn ethanol processing plant near the town of Mead, Nebraska, Senator Carol Blood from District 3 has presented the Directors from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, Nebraska Department of Environmental Resources and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture with a letter today requesting information and transparency for Nebraska citizens in reference to the AltEn Crisis.

"I feel compelled to provide as much information as possible to all parties concerned and to prevent this from happening in the future. I believe we can be better prepared moving forward and prevent potential environmental catastrophes if we are able to receive answers to our long list of questions about the process, policy and people involved with everything from the onsite inspections and regulatory actions to the financial responsibility for the known exposures and ultimate clean up of the site," shared Senator Carol Blood.

The AltEn plant located in the village of Mead generated ethanol from corn coated with Neonicotinoid pesticides like clothianidin and imidacloprid for many years. The results of this process have proven disastrous for area residents and nearby properties. These chemicals are banned in Europe as a direct result of the documented impacts on pollinators and ecosystems. Even after receiving warnings, the company solicited more treated seed for processing without a solid plan for disposal of the waste. This resulted in a subsequent pile-up of their byproduct as the concentration level continued to increase. Questions remain as to why warnings were ignored, who should have enforced current policy and why there are not greater concerns to clean up the environment when it is clear this is an urgent issue affecting the health of residents and the surrounding ecosystem.

"We can't wait until the next legislative session or a potential interim study to try and gather answers. The list of concerns is much too long and needs to be addressed in a holistic fashion so concerned Nebraskans can push up their sleeves and advocate for a long-term solution to this environmental crisis," explained Blood. "This is not a time to sit on the sidelines and let the clock run out until everyone moves on to the next environmental issue. We have got to put this puzzle together for the greater good of Mead, our state and Nebraska's taxpayers. We aren't getting answers and that is unacceptable."



Center for Rural Affairs pleased with USDA’s investment in small meat processors

The Center for Rural Affairs applauds the launch of a new grant program aimed at building capacity and increasing economic opportunity for small and mid-sized meat and poultry processors.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will provide $55.2 million in competitive grant funding through the new Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program. The program is funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

“Demand for local foods has grown steadily over the past 16 months, and producers have risen to meet the challenge,” said Johnathan Hladik, policy director for the Center for Rural Affairs. “Our processors are our partners, and they have done all they can to keep up. This program will help them make the efficiency and capacity improvements needed to keep this important piece of our rural economy growing.”

Under the MPIRG program, small and mid sized meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities can cover the costs for necessary improvements to achieve a Federal Grant of Inspection or to operate under a state’s Cooperative Interstate Shipment program.

Activities eligible for funding include modernizing or expanding an existing facility; new construction of buildings at an existing facility; modernizing processing, packaging, and labeling equipment; meeting occupational and food safety standards; and any costs associated with becoming a federally inspected facility.

However, some restrictions may make it difficult for otherwise eligible businesses to fully utilize the program, Hladik said.

“Unfortunately this program is entirely unavailable to businesses that are already USDA inspected, which leaves out many processors that are otherwise prime candidates for expansion,” he said. “For those interested in becoming inspected, costs associated with purchasing land and building a new facility are also ineligible, which will limit processors that are unable to expand at their current location.”

Grant applications will be accepted electronically through grants.gov until Aug. 2. Commercial businesses, cooperatives, and tribal enterprises are eligible to apply. The USDA encourages applications aimed at increasing access to slaughter or processing facilities for smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, and veteran producers.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is offering webinars for applicants to help walk them through the Request for Application. Additionally, grants management specialists are available to answer questions during regular business hours. For more information about grant eligibility and program requirements, visit the ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mpirg, or email mpirg@usda.gov.



Motor Fuels Tax Rate Set for July 1 Through Dec. 31

The Nebraska motor fuels tax rate for July 1 through December 31, 2021, will be 27.7 cents per gallon, down from 28.7 cents per gallon. The components of the future and current rates include wholesale, variable, and fixed rates.

The wholesale tax rate is set depending on the wholesale price of fuel. The variable tax rate is set to meet legislative appropriations. The fixed rate is set by statute.



Cotton to retire after 25 years with Nebraska Extension

Following a 37-year career working for land-grant universities and the national Cooperative Extension system, including 25 years with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Dan Cotton will retire June 30.

Cotton currently serves as the director of integrated technologies for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and coordinator of extended education for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  

Cotton works to provide leadership and vision for advanced teaching and learning technologies in support of Nebraska Extension, including major strategic planning, and upgrading the organization via systems development, technology and software. Cotton also coordinates the Master of Applied Science degree program, and helps coordinate the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (IDEA) for CASNR.  

Before taking his first job at Nebraska, Cotton spent seven years at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences as computer coordinator for Cooperative Extension and five years with the University of Missouri Extension in microcomputer support and training services.

Cotton joined UNL in 1996, serving as director of IANR’s Communications and Information Technology unit, known today as IANR Media. The unit was known for having created the DEAL (Distributed Environments for Active Learning) Laboratory, creating internet environments in support of active learning. CIT was responsible for building countless IANR websites, provided technical support, wrote software and posted publications to the web, worked in news writing, produced magazines and produced radio and television shows, such as Backyard Farmer and Market Journal.

His work with UNL faculty, Extension professionals, students and Nebraskans left a big impression.  

“We are tied to the land, we are tied to the people, and we honor that relationship,” Cotton said. “I know I’ve worked for one of the strongest land grant institutions and one of the best Extension programs in the country.”  

Later, Cotton worked as Executive Director of the National eXtension Initiative, a national internet-based educational network of the Cooperative Extension System. Cotton also established the eXtension Foundation and served as its first executive director.  

“You don’t get anywhere in life without the help of others. I’ve been blessed in that I’ve worked with a lot of wonderful people, many of them from Nebraska. There’s too many people to name.”

According to Cotton, the availability of personal computing and the internet has completely revolutionized not only Extension, but all of society in the way we work and engage learners.

“The most rewarding part of my career has been taking advantage of technology to deliver agricultural education and research programs to enable learning, engagement, relationships and extension in new ways,” said Cotton.

Reflecting on the past 25 years as a Husker, Cotton plans to enjoy his retirement by spending time with his wife, three children, four grandchildren and enjoying the arts.  

A virtual retirement celebration for Cotton will be held June 29th at 3 p.m.



Valuation Protest Deadline June 30

The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division, reminds property owners that valuation protests must be filed on or before June 30, 2021.

If there was an increase or decrease from the 2020 assessed valuation of a real property parcel to the 2021 assessed value, the county assessor was required to send a notice of valuation change to the property owner on or before June 1, 2021. If a change of valuation notice was not received, and there was a change in value from 2020 to 2021, contact the local county assessor for more information.

If a property owner disagrees with the assessed value, whether or not a notice of valuation change has been received, a protest may be filed with the county board of equalization. The valuation protest may be filed in person or by mail with the county clerk in the county where the property is located. Requirements for filing a protest are on the Notice of Valuation Change.

If the protest filing deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the filing deadline is the next business day. If a protest is sent to the county board of equalization through the U.S. mail, the protest is considered filed on the date of the postmark. If a protest is sent through the U.S. mail using either registered or certified mail, the date of registration or certification will be considered the postmark date.

For more information regarding filing a protest, please contact the county clerk where the property is located.

County contact information is available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/county-assessors-and-parcel-search.

For further information, see the Real Property Valuation Protest Information Guide and Property Valuation Protest Forms 422 or 422A.



Court Ruling Undermines U.S. Pork Industry Competition

A federal district court ruling striking down pork harvest facility line speeds allowed under the USDA’s New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) will lead to increased U.S. pork industry market concentration. The ruling, set to go into effect on June 29, will undermine what is currently a healthy level of industry competition as described in a paper recently prepared by two industry economists. To preserve industry competition, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is calling for a longer stay of the court order or waivers that allow the six impacted plants to continue operating at NSIS line speeds until a long-term solution acceptable to all industry stakeholders can be established.

Competition, which has fostered innovation, job growth and industry expansion, has made the United States a global leader in pork production.  In their paper, found here, economists Dr. Steve Meyer of Partners for Production Agriculture and Dr. Barry Goodwin of North Carolina State University provide an overview of the current competitive dynamics of the U.S. pork industry.

Meyer describes the impact of the court ruling on pork industry competition as follows:

“The district court ruling reduces competition because the impacted plants will process fewer hogs, leaving more pigs available to other packers. Some of these hogs were purchased through negotiated trades, but others were procured through contract arrangements that may be altered or canceled in the face of lower capacity. Producers whose contracts are affected will likely have to accept lower values for their animals. Prices received by all producers may be reduced due to decreased competition. Impacted producers may also incur additional freight costs to move hogs to distant plants with available capacity. The situation will get significantly worse in the fourth quarter when the hog supply reaches its seasonal high.”

The court ruling will result in a 2.5 percent loss in pork packing plant capacity nationwide, and more than $80 million in reduced income for small U.S. hog farmers this year, according to an analysis by Iowa State University Economist Dr. Dermot Hayes. The NSIS, initiated during the Clinton administration and evaluated at five pilot plants over 20 years, was approved for industry-wide adoption in 2019. NSIS modernized an inspection system that had remained unchanged for more than 50 years. At a time when the United States needs more pork harvest capacity, the court order will reduce plant capacity at six plants running at NSIS line speeds by as much as 25 percent. The five original NSIS plants have been safely operating for more than 20 years.

“Time is running out for the U.S. pork industry,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson. “We ask the administration to seek a longer stay or waivers to preserve U.S. pork industry competition – which is always good for workers and consumers – and prevent harm to small hog farmers while we work constructively with all stakeholders toward a longer-term solution.”



Four Tips to Help Pigs Deal with Heat Stress in Summer

Heat stress can be a major cause of economic loss for swine producers during the summer months. Between the heat and humidity, diminished feed consumption, reduced gain, and of course death, producers struggle with keeping their pigs healthy and productive when temperatures are on the rise.

Brookside Agra Vice President – Animal Health & Nutrition Sales Tim Nelson says producers should follow four fundamental tips for maintaining swine health in the summer. Nelson has more than 30 years of industry experience, including 20 years in animal nutrition sales, research and product development and 14 years in swine production management.

Here are the Tips:
    Get on Your Hands and Knees - Many producers will walk through a barn and think it feels like it’s comfortable, but that’s at their height, not at the level of the pigs. Bend over or get on your hands and knees in the barn and feel what the pigs are actually experiencing. You will likely feel a difference in temperatures. Talk to a ventilation expert on how you can improve air movement to keep all levels of the barn cooler.

    Keep the Water Flowing – Make sure the waterers are all working properly. Nipples tend to plug, which can reduce the flow of water. Medications, hard water and food debris from the pigs’ mouths can often cause clogs. Get in the habit of flushing the water lines and checking flow rates. Here are the recommended minimum flow rates –
    Weaned pigs up to 25 lbs. – 1-1.5 cups per minute (too much flow or pressure may scare off newly weaned piglets)
    Pigs 25-50 lbs. – 2-2.2 cups per minute
    Pigs 50-140 lbs. – 3-3.2 cups per minute
    Pigs 140 lbs.- mkt – 4-4.2 cups per minute
    Sows and Boars – 2-3 quarts per minute

    Draw Pigs to Drink - To help encourage swine to drink, add Brookside Agra’s natural Brook-Lytes to their drinking water. The non-medicated, pH-buffered electrolyte draws pigs to drink with its highly palatable formula and unique aromatic flavor. The pH buffering ability of Brook-Lytes maintains a healthy digestive system by lowering the pH of the gut to encourage efficient digestion and reduce negative bacteria in the pig's system. Plus, it only costs cents a day to use. Brook-Lytes can also be mixed with medicines in water to help mask the bitterness of the medicine taste. Brook-Lytes has no use restrictions or withdrawal symptoms associated with stoppage. For more information about Brook-Lytes, visit brookside-agra.com/products/animal-health/brook-lytes/.

    A Moist Pig is a Happy Pig - Using misters, foggers and sprinklers are great ways to keep pigs cooler, if used properly. Depending on the pig and pen size, run misters for 5-10 minutes, then turn them off for 20-30 minutes to allow the evaporation process to cool the pigs. Always remember to check feeders to ensure that dripping water from wet pigs and the moisture isn’t plugging the feeders.

For more information on Brook-Lytes and Brookside Agra’s other natural animal health products, contact Tim Nelson, Vice President - Animal Health & Nutrition Sales at 402-560-7381 or tim.nelson@brookside-agra.com.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during May 2021 totaled 7.84 million, down from 8.43 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during May totaled 195 million eggs, up from 166 million in 2020. May egg production per 100 layers was 2,483 eggs, compared to 1,970 eggs in 2020.

Iowa egg production during May 2021 was 1.28 billion eggs, up 3% from last month and up 8% from a year ago, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of all layers on hand during May 2021 was 48.9 million, up 1% from last month but down 2% from the same month last year. Eggs per 100 layers for May were 2,609, up 3% from last month and up 10% from last May.

May Egg Production Up 3 Percent
United States egg production totaled 9.38 billion during May 2021, up 3 percent from last year. Production included 8.07 billion table eggs, and 1.31 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.23 billion were broiler-type and 79.9 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during May 2021 totaled 385 million, down slightly from last year. May egg production per 100 layers was 2,435 eggs, up 3 percent from May 2020.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on June 1, 2021 totaled 383 million, down 1 percent from last year. The 383 million layers consisted of 316 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 63.9 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.20 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on June 1, 2021, averaged 78.5 eggs per 100 layers, up 4 percent from June 1, 2020.



USDA Cold Storage May 2021 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on May 31, 2021 were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 3 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 8 percent from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 1 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 3 percent from last month but down 40 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on May 31, 2021 were up 3 percent from the previous month but down 12 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 15 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 9 percent from last month but down 6 percent from May 31, 2020.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on May 31, 2021 were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 1 percent from May 31, 2020. Butter stocks were up 4 percent from last month and up 7 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on May 31, 2021 were down 1 percent from last month and down 23 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 8 percent from last month but up 1 percent from a year ago.



Farm Bureau Urges Senate to Address Volatility in Cattle Markets

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the scheduled U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on price volatility in cattle markets.

“American Farm Bureau appreciates the Senate Agriculture Committee’s efforts to get to the bottom of the deeply concerning price disparities facing America’s ranchers. Grocery store meat prices continue to rise while payments to ranchers remain rock bottom.

“It’s time for Congress and the administration to get serious about determining what’s driving the imbalance. We urge lawmakers to reauthorize Livestock Mandatory Reporting, create a beef contract library, and publicize the results of the Department of Justice investigation into livestock markets to ensure farmers are paid fairly as they work to put food on the table for families across the country.”

Watch the “Examining Markets, Transparency, and Prices from Cattle Producer to Consumer” hearing Wednesday, June 23, at 1:30 p.m. CDT here.... https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/hearings/examining-markets-transparency-and-prices-from-cattle-producer-to-consumer.



Concentration and Globalization Are the Core Problems Causing Crisis in Cattle Markets Says R-CALF USA

In comments submitted yesterday to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), R-CALF USA identified concentration of the beef packing sector and globalization of input supply chains as the core structural problems causing today’s crisis in the U.S. cattle industry. In April, the USDA called for public comments to help the Administration transform America’s food system by increasing durability and resilience within U.S. food supply chains.

The group’s comments assert these core structural problems result from misguided public policies that pandered to corporate agribusiness self-interests to allow the forces of competition to be purged from both the cattle and beef supply chains. This occurred, according to R-CALF USA, because policy makers used “biased economic modeling that predicted largeness of scale would create marketplace efficiencies, which in turn would increase consumer welfare by affording consumers more and lower-cost food.”

But charts contained in the comments show consumers have not received either more, or lower-cost food. Instead, they show ever-rising consumer beef prices, falling cattle prices paid to America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, and a chronic inability for the United States cattle industry to produce enough beef to satisfy domestic beef consumption.

The comments state that four multinational beef packers control 85% of the fed cattle market and 80% of the boxed beef market, and that they have now consolidated their control “over both the supply side (live cattle input side) and demand side (beef and beef product output side) of the packing industry.”

The comments also explain that the globalization of input supply chains – both cattle and beef supply chains – has caused significant harm to the domestic cattle industry. The comments state this is because resultant trade policies encourage lower-cost, undifferentiated imports of both cattle and beef, which are direct substitutes for domestic-produced cattle and beef. As such, the group states, they are a major cause of both the domestic cattle industry’s underproduction and contraction.

To address this, R-CALF USA’s first recommendation for reversing the harmful effects of globalization is to require all beef sold in America to be labeled with a country-of-origin label so consumers can begin making purchasing choices between foreign beef and domestic beef.

R-CALF USA’s comments lead the reader on a trail that explains how the concentrated beef packers successfully purged competitive market forces from nearly every transaction point and industry segment along the supply chains for both the supply-side and demand-side of the packing industry. They then do the same for globalization, by identifying the precise areas where the purged competitive market forces must now be reinserted by either the Administration and/or Congress.

Along those trails, the comments make no less than 28 recommendations on how to strengthen the domestic cattle and beef supply chains, to make them more resilient, and to positively transform America’s food system.

In its final recommendation, R-CALF USA urges the Administration to reverse the decision to introduce the live foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus into the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) now under construction in the heart of the beef belt – in Manhattan, Kans.



Skor Highlights Biofuels’ Ability to Drive Economic Growth at Senate Subcommittee Hearing

Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor participated in the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy hearing titled “Renewable Energy – Growth and Opportunities for our Rural Economies”. In the hearing, Skor spoke on biofuels’ ability to drive economic growth using data from a new Growth Energy study, achieve our nation’s carbon reduction goals, and provide critical jobs in rural America.

“Biofuels like ethanol are critical to meeting carbon reduction goals today and well into the future. In fact, studies show there is no path to net-zero emissions by 2050 without biofuels,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “The economic benefits of increased biofuel use are clear...Growing the share of renewable biofuels in America’s fuel supply is crucial to achieving net-zero emissions and promoting high paying, clean energy jobs in rural America.”

The new Growth Energy study conducted by ABF Economics shows that nationwide adoption of E15, a high-performance 15 percent biofuel blend, could offer significant economic benefits to consumers and workers alike. Authored by John M. Urbanchuk, managing partner of ABF Economics, the economic impact report indicates that nationwide access to E15 could add billions to the U.S. economy, generate greater household income, and save consumers money. Specifically, the data show that a nationwide transition to E15 would:
    Add $17.8 billion to the U.S. GDP,
    Support an additional 182,600 jobs,
    Generate $10.5 billion in new household income, and
    Save consumers $12.2 billion in fuel costs.

“Nationwide use of E15 will expand ethanol production and require a substantial increase in new production capacity relative to current E10 use,” the study notes. “This expansion also will stimulate demand for agricultural feedstocks that will directly benefit farm income. The economic benefits from nationwide E15 use are significant increases in GDP, jobs supported in all sectors of the economy, household income and tax revenue.”

These economic benefits would coincide with well-established environmental advantages offered by E15. A previous study released by Growth Energy demonstrated that a nationwide transition from E10 to E15 would lower greenhouse gas emissions by 17.62 million tons annually – the equivalent of removing approximately 3.85 million vehicles from the road.

E15 is already popular at nearly 2,500 stations across 30 states, and drivers have chosen the biofuel blend to fuel more than 21 billion miles. E15 is approved for cars 2001 and newer – more than 95 percent of cars on the road.



NBB Members Highlight Policy Priorities in Letter to Congressional Leaders

Today, the National Biodiesel Board delivered to Congressional leaders a letter signed by more than 50 companies outlining the industry's policy priorities. The priorities include maintaining tax incentives for low carbon biofuels, supporting infrastructure to deliver more clean fuels to consumers, and optimizing the Renewable Fuel Standard to maximize environmental benefits. NBB delivered the letter as 71 industry representatives prepare to engage (through teleconferences) in 86 meetings with Senators, Representatives, and staff in the annual NBB Advocacy Day Fly-in, Wednesday June 23.

"As Congress develops legislation to address the nation's infrastructure, climate and economic priorities, we ask that you support continued growth of the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers are meeting America's need for better, cleaner transportation fuels right now. We are also generating economic, environmental and health benefits for many states and communities," the letter states.

The letter highlights the $17 billion annual economic impact of the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry, which employs more than 65,000 Americans. It also highlights the carbon benefits the industry delivers. In 2020, the United States used 3 billion gallons of renewable diesel and biodiesel, which achieves an average 74% reduction in carbon emissions compared to petroleum diesel. The industry also touted a recent study demonstrating the substantial reductions in health care costs and outcomes that communities can achieve by switching to biodiesel. The Health Benefits Study from Trinity Consultants is available on the NBB.org website.

"The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is poised for substantial growth and can deliver carbon reductions, healthcare savings and jobs. Biodiesel and renewable diesel have cut more than 140 million tons of carbon emissions since 2010, through the RFS program and other policies. As our members meet with Senators and Representatives this week, we'll be highlighting these benefits and asking them to support the continued growth of our industry and ask that they include them in any legislation addressing climate change, economic stimulus, or infrastructure," adds Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President for Federal Affairs.

The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry supports 65,000 U.S. jobs and more than $17 billion in economic activity each year. Every 100 million gallons of production supports 3,200 jobs and $780 million in economic opportunity. Biodiesel production supports approximately 13 percent of the value of each U.S. bushel of soybeans.



Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for County Committee Members

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) began accepting nominations for county committee members on June 15. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2021 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 2, 2021.

“We need enthusiastic, diverse leaders to serve other agricultural producers locally on FSA County Committees,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Just as our nation’s agriculture industry is diverse from coast to coast, so are the viewpoints and experiences that you can represent on your local committee. Now’s your time to step up and truly make an impact on how federal programs are administered at the local level to reach all producers fairly and equitably.”

Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in a USDA program, and reside in the LAA that is up for election this year, may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits. Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates. USDA encourages minority producers, women and beginning farmers or ranchers to nominate, vote, and hold office.

Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agricultural community serving on FSA county committees. The committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Producers serving on FSA county committees play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the agency. Committee members are vital to how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues.

LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. This may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.



Farmers Union Opposes Longer Mail Delivery Times

A proposal to permanently slow down First-Class Mail delivery would be “catastrophic” for family farmers, National Farmers Union (NFU) indicated in comments submitted today to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

Because rural areas often lack both services like banks, pharmacies, polling places, and supply stores as well as access to broadband internet and private delivery services, residents disproportionately depend on USPS to receive medication, vote, communicate with friends and family, cash checks, and conduct business. This includes farmers, who “rely on quick and affordable delivery” to receive essential supplies like “seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and . . . live animals like chicks and bees.” Given its importance, NFU has consistently urged legislators to “support the United States Postal Service and ensure prompt delivery and affordable rates in all parts of the country, including rural areas.”

Currently, First-Class mail is supposed to be delivered within a one- to three-day time frame; however, in an effort to cut costs, USPS has proposed extending that range to five days, which could put “rural. . .businesses and livelihoods at risk.” The delay would be particularly detrimental for packages containing time-sensitive materials such as live animals, perishable foods, ballots, and prescription medications.

For that reason, NFU “is opposed to the proposed service standard changes.” Instead, the organization urged USPS to focus on “improving the delays of service in the past year, not making those delays permanent.”



2022 Commodity Classic Schedule Announced

Plans for the 2022 Commodity Classic are well underway as America’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational experience returns to New Orleans March 10-12, 2022.

The preliminary schedule for the 2022 Commodity Classic can be found online at https://commodityclassic.com/2022-schedule. The schedule highlights tentative dates and times for the dozens of educational sessions, presentations, and special events.

“We’re excited for Commodity Classic to be back and in-person again in New Orleans,” said Gary Porter, a Missouri farmer and co-chair of the 2022 Commodity Classic. “New Orleans has historically been one of our most popular locations, so we anticipate a record number of attendees who will be eager to experience our host city, learn the latest farming technology, and gain strategies to improve their operation.”

The location’s popularity is evident with a nearly sold-out tradeshow of agricultural exhibitors who plan to showcase innovative products and services in front of thousands of America’s top farmers. The last time Commodity Classic was held in New Orleans, in 2016, was the largest show ever attended by farmers, media, and other agribusiness professionals. New Orleans also offers an abundance of opportunities for dining, guided tours, and various local attractions.

Registration and housing for the 2022 Commodity Classic will open in mid-November 2021. Attendees can sign up now to receive email updates at CommodityClassic.com. Watch social media for additional details.

Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. It is presented annually by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.



Vytelle Releases Public Feed Efficiency Database

 Vytelle, with their network partners, announce the release of the Top 150 Proven Bulls. These high accuracy bulls have risen to the top of more than 81,000 animals of 25 different breeds and more than 262,000 residual feed intake (RFI) EPDs.

“There are two high-stake producer decisions that drive genetic progress in the global cattle industry: mating selection and reproduction method. By publicly sharing this list of feed efficient bulls, we’re able to assist cattle producers in identifying elite animals that drive a more accurate mating selection,” said Kerryann Kocher, Chief Executive Officer for Vytelle. “Producers can accelerate genetic progress to meet the global demand for high-quality and nutritious protein by utilizing the most modern hormone-free, in vitro fertilization to multiply offspring from their elite-performing animals.

The 2021 Top 150 Bulls list was compiled using data collected by Vytelle SENSE systems and Vytelle INSIGHT analytics services, formerly known as GrowSafe Systems. All tested animals include at least three generations of pedigrees and all animals must have at least a 0.6 accuracy rating on their RFI EPD to be eligible for the list. Each phenotyped animal strengthens the database providing producers insight to make profit-bearing decisions regarding selection for feed efficiency and performance. With the permission of each network member, Vytelle shares this information publicly to collectively advance feed efficiency improvements across the industry.

“Feed is 70 percent of a beef producer’s total production costs,” said Lisa Rumsfeld, Vice President of International Commercial Operation for Vytelle. “Whether breeders are looking to impact their direct feed cost, achieve marketing premiums or underpin methane emissions reduction claims with evidence-based metrics this database offers selection possibilities across breeds globally.”

Phenotypic data is captured through the use of Vytelle SENSE systems. The Feed Intake Nodes measure feed disappearance every second an animal is feeding, each time an animal feeds, to a 10-gram resolution. The In-Pen Weighing Position measures individual animal partial body weight and growth. It weighs every second an animal is standing at the water trough, which can equate up to 450 weights a day.