Tuesday June 29 Ag News

 CHECKLIST AVAILABLE FOR AG PRODUCERS, LANDOWNERS CONSIDERING CARBON CONTRACTS

The new Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has developed several resources for producers considering selling carbon credits. A publication released this week offers a checklist of questions that farmers, ranchers and landowners — along with their attorneys — should ask before signing a carbon contract and entering a market that has many unknowns.

Interest in carbon markets has grown in recent years as industry and government have sought to address environmental and sustainability goals. They are voluntary, incentive-based markets. In agriculture, producers are typically the sellers and are paid for using management practices that sequester carbon, creating carbon credits. These could include tillage practices, fertilizer practices and land retirement, among others. Aggregators representing collective groups of firms then purchase these credits to offset their own carbon emissions.

Carbon contracts between producers and aggregators are still very new and have little to no standardization, according to Dave Aiken, professor and agricultural law specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics.

“It’s like the Wild West out there, and every company is going to have a different contract,” he said. “These can be quite complicated, so it’s going to be a little bit of a challenge to figure it out on your own.”

The new checklist, authored by Aiken, offers 11 questions covering topics such as payment considerations, contract length, carbon sequestration practices and more. It defines the standard carbon credit trading unit as one metric ton of carbon sequestered in soil, which Aiken estimates to be valued around $5 per ton. He noted that some estimates predict an increase to as much as $170 per ton in the next several years — a figure he describes as a “slim possibility” — which is indicative of the uncertainties and interest surrounding carbon markets right now.

“Some carbon credit aggregators may be willing to pay a substantial bonus to get producers to sign up with their program, creating the mirage of an ag carbon credit bonanza,” Aiken said.

The checklist highlights the importance of involving a lawyer before signing a contract because of the likely long-term period of the agreement, the potentially complicated fine print about getting out of the contract, and the specific rights that the aggregator will have on the land. Other unknown factors that should be considered include the verification process for carbon sequestration and the ability of tenants to sell carbon credits.

While there seems to be a lack of clarity and uniformity surrounding carbon markets, a group of senators in April reintroduced the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which seeks to break down barriers to participation and create standards for carbon markets in U.S. agriculture. Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer is among the bipartisan group of lawmakers co-sponsoring the legislation.

Aiken noted that the bill would have the U.S. Department of Agriculture do a few important things to create transparency for this emerging market.

“One is to set the standards for determining how to tell how much carbon has been stored each year,” he said. “The other thing would be to maintain a list of all the groups that are buying these carbon contracts, so if a farmer wants to find out about them, they can go look through the different groups that are on there, what they’re offering, and maybe find one that can work for them.”

Aiken said that creating this checklist, along with other resources on carbon markets, is important because of heightened visibility for the issue in the ag industry and the need for producers and landowners to carefully consider what they are agreeing to.

“If somebody offers you a carbon contract, read through it, and if there is anything at all that you don’t understand or that you’re not clear about, you’re going to have to take it to a lawyer,” he said. “The lawyer will be able to help you work though all of that so you know what your options are and what could happen with the contract, if things go good or bad.”

For the checklist and more ag carbon resources from the Center for Agricultural Profitability, visit https://cap.unl.edu/carbon.



CONTROLLING BLUEGRASS IN IRRIGATED ALFALFA
– Todd Whitney, NE Extension
 
Bluegrass can be a common weed in irrigated alfalfa lowering forage quality and shortening stand longevity.  Fortunately, there are several ways to control these pesky plants such as maintaining thick alfalfa stands; properly managing irrigation; and using herbicides (as a last resort).
 
High-density alfalfa stands can be effective toward competing with bluegrass for sunlight,
moisture and nutrients.  However, it is important to time irrigation so the upper several inches of fields are dry at harvest. Then, delay irrigation until significant alfalfa regrowth is initiated. Unlike alfalfa that has a deep root system, bluegrass is shallow rooted and will not compete well with the alfalfa if the topsoil is dry.  Conversely, early irrigation, following harvest, may allow bluegrass to out compete the alfalfa for available surface moisture; since bluegrass basal leaves help it grow more rapidly after alfalfa is cut.  Once alfalfa gets some regrowth, it will compete well with the bluegrass.
 
If thick stands and water management are adequate, then herbicides like Select Max®; Arrow-Post®; Prowl H2O-Post®; Chateau® or Roundup WeatherMax® might be cost effective to weaken or kill bluegrass.  Apply any one of these immediately after harvest.  RoundUp® herbicides can be used on alfalfa with Round-up Ready® genetics. Select Max® may work the best herbicide for non-Roundup Ready alfalfa varieties and is safe for all alfalfa fields.
 
Bluegrass is a problem in many irrigated alfalfa fields, but it does not need to be.  You can control it.



Nebraska Soybean Board to meet

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) will hold its next meeting on June 30 – July 1, 2021 at the Younes Conference Center located at 416 Talmadge Street, Kearney, Nebraska.

Among conducting regular board business, the Board will review FY22 proposals and other new opportunities. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion. The complete agenda for the meeting is available for inspection on the Nebraska Soybean Board website at  www.nebraskasoybeans.org.



Explore Beekeeping workshops scheduled

Three free beekeeping events are set for Nebraskans focused on getting a start in the industry. These workshops in Scottsbluff, West Point, and Grand Island are hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.

“Explore Beekeeping” will be presented in both English and Spanish.
    Scottsbluff: Friday, July 9, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. MT, Centennial Park - Gazebo, 400 E. 20th St.
    West Point: Thursday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. CT, Neligh Park, Log Cabin/330 Center Building.
    Grand Island: Thursday, July 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. CT, Ashley Park - Picnic Shelter, 220 W. Capital Ave.

“If you’re curious about beekeeping, join this training to learn about bee biology, how the hive functions as a system, costs to start beekeeping, and how to begin,” said Kirstin Bailey, senior project associate for the Center for Rural Affairs.

Registration is required one day in advance; contact Bailey by emailing kirstinb@cfra.org or calling or texting 402.870.2390. For more information on these and other events, visit cfra.org/events.



 Smith Hosts Ways and Means Meeting Opposing Stepped-up Basis Repeal

Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Ranking Republican on the Select Revenue Subcommittee, and Republican Leader of the Ways and Means Committee, Kevin Brady (R-TX), hosted a meeting today titled “Democrats’ Supercharged Death Tax Targets Family-Owned Businesses and Farms, Costing 1 Million Jobs.” The meeting provided committee members an opportunity to hear from agriculture producers and small businesses about the real negative impact the Biden Administration’s proposal to repeal stepped-up basis would have on the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers.

Don Batie, a Third District farmer from Dawson County, spoke to the toll repealing stepped-up basis would have on passing his farm, which has been in his family since an initial Homestead Act claim was made in the 1870s, to the next generation. To see Batie’s testimony, click here.

"Stepped-up basis ensures family-owned farms, ranches, and small businesses carry on to the next generation, creating jobs and economic opportunity everywhere, particularly in rural America,” said Smith. “I appreciate Don taking time today to share his story with our committee, illustrating the importance of this part of the tax code to families across our state who have farmed and ranched for generations.”

“The preservation of stepped-up basis is of vital importance to Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. Dawson County Farm Bureau member Don Batie did an exceptional job of sharing his family’s story to the House Ways and Means Committee today,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau President. “As Don clearly explained, without stepped-up basis his family would have been exposed to a substantial tax burden that would have likely led to the selling of pieces of the farm that has been in his family for 148 years. The death of a family member does not give the federal government the right to take a substantial portion of what farm and ranch families have spent, in many cases, several lifetimes building. While some have continued to claim the loss of this tax provision only affects the super-rich, Mr. Batie’s story highlights the actual truth…farmers, ranchers, and rural communities would be devastated by this administration’s scheme to take what doesn’t belong to them.”



Iowa Farmers are Encouraged to Update the Hay and Straw Directory

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship offers a free directory to connect farmers who sell hay or straw with local producers who are interested in purchasing it. Organizations associated with promoting and marketing hay and straw can also access the free, online tool. The Department encourages users to update their listing every year.

Anyone can view the hay and straw directory, but only Iowa sellers are included on the list. Interested farmers can sign up here https://www.idalsdata.org/IowaData/hayAndStraw.cfm.



NPPC Urges Administration to Appeal Damaging Court Ruling Before Aug. 31 Deadline
 
A federal district court ruling striking down faster harvest facility inspection speeds allowed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) goes into effect tomorrow, June 30, 2021. The Biden administration has until the end of August to file an appeal. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) urges the administration to appeal this damaging ruling – which will quickly lead to increased pork industry concentration and packer market power – and seeks waivers for the impacted plants until a longer-term solution, acceptable to all industry stakeholders, is realized.

The ruling eliminates 2.5 percent of pork packing plant capacity nationwide and will result in $80 million in reduced income for small U.S. hog farmers this year alone, according to an analysis by Iowa State University Economist Dr. Dermot Hayes. Last week, more than 70 lawmakers sent letters asking Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Acting Solicitor General Prelogar to appeal the court decision.

“While we are disappointed the Biden administration has not appealed the court ruling, there is still time for the government to act by appealing the decision and providing waivers that allow the six impacted plants to continue operating at NSIS line speeds until a new rule can be developed,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “NPPC continues to urge the administration to appeal before the ruling inflicts irreversible damage to small hog farmers and seismic changes to our entire sector.”

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. Ironically, at a time when the United States is seeking to increase much-needed pork harvest capacity, the court order will reduce plant capacity at six plants running at NSIS line speeds by as much as 25 percent and prevent other plants from increasing harvest capacity. The five original plants, which had been running at NSIS inspection line speeds over the life of the program, have been safely operating for more than 20 years.



NGFA publishes new firefighting manual for grain facilities

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) published a new guide for operators of grain handling facilities and firefighters to develop grain handling facility firefighting procedures.

Contents of the NGFA Firefighting Manual: A Guide for Operators of Grain Handling Facilities and Fire Department Officials are primarily intended to address planning for and fighting fires in grain elevators. However, the information has significant applications for feed mills, processing plants, flour mills and other facilities that store and handle bulk agricultural commodities. Chemical fires, which have applications for fertilizer and chemical plants, also are addressed in the guide.

“Each grain handling facility is unique in its layout, design, construction, operations, equipment, and personnel, and requires a tailored firefighting plan,” said NGFA Director, Safety, Education and Training Jim Seibert. “The firefighting plan should be a mutual effort between the facility’s management and the fire officials of the district in which it is located. It would benefit both facility management and fire officials to read and be familiar with the contents of this entire manual, since the information conveyed in each chapter affects both parties.”

NGFA announced the publication of its new firefighting manual to members during NGFA’s 125th annual convention on June 2-4. The publication of the firefighting manual, which had not been updated since 1987, is part of the Association’s 125th anniversary celebration of “Transforming America’s Harvest.” Throughout the year, NGFA is focused on projects that contribute to creating a culture of safety in every facility and farm where grain is handled to potentially save lives that are tragically lost in grain-related incidents every year. Read more about NGFA’s 125th anniversary initiatives here.

This new firefighting manual complements a robust suite of safety training materials available at ngfa.org/safety.



New USDA Resources to Promote Reduction of Food Loss and Waste

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced new resources to inform consumers on how to reduce food waste during the July Fourth holiday and beyond.

According to USDA research, the average family of four wastes nearly $1,500 worth of food each year. And the food that goes in the trash winds up in a landfill where it creates methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

In a one-minute video, USDA’s Food Loss and Waste Liaison Dr. Jean Buzby demonstrates different ways to prevent food waste. The video messages and visuals are also available as a soundbites & b-roll package to allow customized storytelling about preventing food waste. In addition, an infographic is available in two formats, Easy Steps to Prevent Food Waste (PDF, 97.8 KB) and Easy Steps to Prevent Food Waste (PNG, 76.0 KB) presenting streamlined steps to reducing food waste at home.

On July Fourth and all summer long, USDA encourages consumers to use four simple steps to reduce food waste at home.
    Plan ahead – Before you go to the grocery store or order online, make a list so you don’t buy more than you need.
    Serve smart – portion control is good for your waistline, and good for reducing plate waste.
    Love your leftovers – Pack leftovers in small portions in shallow containers, mark the contents and date, and refrigerate or freeze immediately.
    Compost, don’t trash – Food in landfills produces harmful methane. You can recycle your food scraps in a home compost bin or at a local compost center.

Learn more about food loss and waste prevention at www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste.



USDA Seeks Nominees to Serve on the USDA Grain Inspection Advisory Committee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the USDA Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. The committee meets no less than once annually to advise AMS on the programs and services it delivers under the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA). Meetings are held virtually or in a hybrid style with participants having a choice whether to attend in person or virtually. Recommendations by the committee help AMS better meet the needs of its customers who operate in a dynamic and changing marketplace. The nomination period will be open for 45 days from the publishing date of the notice in the Federal Register.

All nominations need to be sent to Kendra.c.kline@usda.gov. The nomination application is available on the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee webpage on the AMS website.

The notice and instructions on how to submit an application were published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2021.

For more information, contact Federal Grain Inspection Service Chief of Staff  Kendra Kline at Kendra.C.Kline@usda.gov.  



CHS demonstrates commitment to innovation with investment in Grand Farm

CHS Inc., the nation's leading agribusiness cooperative, has announced its commitment to agricultural innovation through financial support for and participation in Grand Farm Research and Education Initiative, Horace, N.D. The 130-acre Grand Farm Innovation Site, located 10 miles south of Fargo, N.D., features demonstration fields and research plots that will eventually surround an innovation center and collaboration spaces for agricultural startups and entrepreneurs.

CHS involvement with Grand Farm began in early 2020, in conjunction with becoming a founding partner in Plug and Play Fargo, which accelerates ag tech startups and helps attract them to the region. Other Plug and Play founding partners include Bremer Bank, Microsoft Corp. and The OCP Group.

Partnering with Emerging Prairie, an organization that works to energize communities in North Dakota, Grand Farm will provide spaces and opportunities for agricultural technology companies and researchers to test ideas and find solutions for existing or emerging farm and ag industry challenges.

"Collaboration is at the center of what Grand Farm is about, bringing together startup entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 companies including CHS, university researchers and farmers," says David Black, CHS enterprise strategy and chief information officer. "Working together will help accelerate technological innovation on the farm, the cooperative system and throughout agriculture.

"CHS brings an on-farm perspective to the innovation process, which we hope will result in technologies that improve farming, from agronomy and farm management solutions to supply-chain and marketing advances," he adds. "This is one example of the connections we are creating to empower agriculture."

Grand Farm partners with industry experts from CHS, North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota and the USDA Agricultural Research Service to identify research projects. CHS is also operating crop production test plots at the innovation site.

Events are scheduled at Grand Farm Innovation Site through the summer, including grower roundtables, field days, innovation days, farm tours and day-long conferences on topics including the carbon market and autonomous equipment operations. For more information, visit www.grandfarm.com/events/.



Case IH Updates Puma Series Tractor Lineup to Boost Productivity, Power

Case IH is launching enhancements to its Puma® series tractor lineup to provide operators with greater efficiency, convenience and operational flexibility. These updates include longer service intervals and new styling features for greater productivity and a more comfortable in-cab experience. Case IH announced updates to Puma models 185 to 240 in October 2020 — and now Puma models 150 and 165 incorporate these productivity-enhancing updates.

“Producers need innovations that help them get more done in less time — and this Model Year 2021 Puma series tractor lineup will help them do just that,” said J.E. Cadle, mid-range tractor marketing manager. “Puma series tractors have always been recognized as multipurpose machines built to provide a wide range of efficient solutions. Now, with longer service intervals and improved styling based on customer feedback, the new Puma models will provide operators with even greater productivity.”
      
Longer service intervals, less fuel
Case IH Hi-eSCR2 emissions technology offers producers greater productivity with reduced fuel, improving engine responsiveness and durability while lowering emissions. All Model Year 2021 Puma series tractor models deliver longer service intervals for maximum uptime: 750 hours for engine oil and 1,500 hours for transmission fluid.

“Our new Hi-eSCR2 emissions technology is a game-changer in terms of productivity,” Cadle said. “With less time spent on maintenance and better fuel economy, these efficiencies can truly help operators save time and money.”

Styling features designed with operators in mind
Feedback based on extensive customer input has led to new styling features that include an updated hood and enhanced LED work lighting, providing a uniformly lit work area. In turn, these improvements help producers gain in-field precision while remaining comfortable in the cab.

“Customer-oriented updates to Puma series tractors are all about creating an improved operating experience,” Cadle said. “From better lighting that helps operators stay efficient in all field conditions to a redesigned hood that maximizes visibility, these improvements will provide operators with the tools they need to get the job done comfortably.”