Friday January 7 Ag News

NC Webinar: An introduction to the U.S. Animal Research Center
Thursday, January 13, 2022 - 7:30pm Central

U.S. Animal Research Center’s [USMARC] Livestock Operation Manager Chad Engle will provide a brief description of the Center.
-    A USDA Agricultural Research Service facility with the mission to develop scientific information and new technology to solve high-priority problems for the U.S. beef, sheep, and swine industries.
-    Working in collaboration with the University of Nebraska and land-grant universities in the U.S., the Center focuses on studies to increase production efficiency while maintaining a lean, high-quality, safe product.
-    The Center is similar to a large ranch and feedlot with 8000 cows and 6400 head feedyard and confronts similar challenges as most beef producers in Nebraska.
-    With the goal of sharing experiences and management practices with beef producers in Nebraska, USMARC is working with the Nebraska Cattlemen to produce and share seasonal videos ̶ covering practices and other useful tips of information on cattle management.

Register Now to attend this webinar: www.nebraskacattlemen.org.  

Our Presenter:
Chad Engle grew up in a diversified cattle and farming operation in Nebraska and his been involved with cattle for all of his life. After working his way through college at local salebarns, ranchers and even milking cows for a few months, Chad graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a degree in Ag Business. Following college Chad worked for Five Rivers Cattle Feeding at Grant County Feeders in Ulysses KS, working his way up from the penriding crew to managing the shipping and receiving department. In 2008 he began working at USMARC as the feedlot manager and in since 2011 has been the Livestock Operations Manager at USMARC. Chad lives in Fairmont and together with his wife and 2 children where he operates a feedyard and cow calf operation.

If you have any questions about Nebraska Cattlemen's Producer Education Programs please contact
Bonita Lederer... blederer@necattlemen.org or voice/text @ 402-450-0223.  



PVC January Membership Meeting

January is the Platte Valley Cattlemen membership month and is one of the most important meetings of the year.  Your membership is something that keeps the organization alive and going.  Platte Valley Cattlemen welcomes any new members who would like to join.

The January 17th meeting will be held at Wunderlich’s Catering in Columbus.  Social hour beginning at 6:00 P.M. and the meal at 7:00 P.M.  They thank sponsors for this month.  Lindsay Co-op is sponsoring our meal and Agri-City Insurance will be sponsoring the social hour.

Speakers for the night will be Ashley Kohls with Nebraska Cattlemen giving us a legislative update.  They will also have representatives of Navigator Ventures presenting about their upcoming Heartland Greenway Project.

They look forward to seeing you January 17th, 2022.



UNL, USDA Farm Service Agency to present webinar on farm program details, decisions

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability will present a webinar covering the latest USDA farm program details to assist agricultural producers and professionals in making effective decisions. It will be held at noon on Jan. 20.

The new year brings new farm program decisions and directions under the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC) programs through USDA Farm Service Agency. The webinar will provide an update on farm programs and other relevant programs and assistance for producers. It will highlight the details and decisions ahead for 2022 and discuss the path ahead for farm programs as initial ideas and plans begin to surface for the next farm bill due in 2023.

Cathy Anderson, production and compliance programs chief for the USDA Nebraska Farm Service Agency, and Brad Lubben, extension policy specialist in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics, will present and share information relevant for producers, ag professionals and ag stakeholders.

The webinar is presented as part of the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s weekly series. Registration is free at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.



NeCGA Vice President Testifies at EPA Public Hearing

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) this week testified during a public hearing held by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA). The hearing provided the opportunity for NeCGA’s Vice President, Chris Grams, to relay concerns regarding the proposed renewable volume obligations (RVO). NeCGA asked the EPA to reconsider the large reduction proposed for 2020 renewable fuel volumes and increase the amount of less carbon intensive fuel options.

“Cuts will encourage non-compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) both now and in the future,” stated Grams. “This decision rewards obligated parties at the expense of cleaner, renewable fuels.”

With the fear of the EPA falling short of its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, NeCGA pointed out how farmers in Nebraska are stepping up to the plate.

“At the farm level, our famers are sequestering carbon by using conservation practices and cover crops,” stated Grams.

Awaiting the EPA’s response, NeCGA was appreciative of the proposed 2022 renewable fuel volumes.

“Your proposed 2022 volumes could decrease the amount of petroleum-based fuels in the market, as intended by the Renewable Fuel Standard.”



Sydney May Recipient of Larry E. Sitzman Scholarship

Sydney May of Aurora was named the 2022 recipient of the Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship.

The daughter of Sara May and David and Janet May. Sydney is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska -Lincoln, studying Animal Science and following the pre-vet track. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Leadership has been a huge part of Sydney’s life starting with holding various officer positions as a member of the multiple 4-H clubs, the Hamilton County Jr. Leaders and Hamilton County 4-H Council. Along with 4-H she joined FFA her freshman year of high school and is still an active member. The fact that FFA members can continue to be a member to the age of 21, has given Sydney many more opportunities for leadership with younger members. She frequently returns to Aurora High School to teach workshops about swine and give presentations in the animal science classes about 3 times each semester. She also teaches livestock judging and is helping with building plans and ideas for a FFA barn in Aurora for the students to use to learn more hands-on material with livestock.

Since beginning college, Sydney has become involved with the UNL Block and Bridle chapter and the pre-vet club. Upon competition of her bachelor’s degree from UNL Sydney plans to apply for the 2+2 program through UNL and Iowa State University to complete vet school. She looks forward to staying active in the FFA alumni association and working closely with local FFA chapters to continue educating younger generations about ag.

In addition, she plans to be advocate for 4-H as a leader and board member. Her goal is to be able to use her role in agriculture to lead younger generations as they make their way into the industry.

Shana Beattie, NPPA President extended her congratulations stating that, “Sydney’s qualities of leadership and participation in the agriculture community emulates the scholarship’s name’s sake, Larry E. Sitzman who throughout his life shared his leadership and passion for agriculture”.



Iowa Cattlemen’s Association To Offer Free, Educational Programs

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will host three educational programs in early 2022. Cattle Producer Forums will be held in January and March, and are free to attend. Each program will include a meal, educational sessions, a tradeshow, and an industry update from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council.  

Producers can register to attend by calling 515-296-2266. Walk-ins are welcome. You do not need to be a member to attend.

Wednesday, January 26 | 5:00 p.m.
Carrollton Hotel & Event Center
1730 US Hwy 71 N
Carroll, IA 51401
Topics & Speakers:
Risk Management for Cattle Producers - Tim Christensen, ISU Farm Management Specialist
This session will primarily focus on educating producers on Livestock Risk Products and other insurance products available to producers.
Cattle Market Situation and Outlook - Troy Applehans, CattleFax
Troy Applehans, with CattleFax, will compare data, discuss trends and give potential insight as to what producers might expect in the cattle and grain markets this year.

Thursday, January 27 | 5:00 p.m.
Hillcrest Golf & Country Club
701 S Cedar Ave
Graettinger, IA 51342
Topics & Speakers:
Risk Management for Cattle Producers - Tim Christensen, ISU Farm Management Specialist
This session will primarily focus on educating producers on Livestock Risk Products and other insurance products available to producers.
Cattle Market Situation and Outlook - Troy Applehans, CattleFax
Troy Applehans, with CattleFax, will compare data, discuss trends and potential insight as to what they might expect in the cattle and grain markets this year.

Thursday, March 3 | 5:00 p.m.
West Union Event Center
10201 Harding Rd
West Union, IA 52175
Topics & Speaker:  
Pre-breeding preparation for your cow herd
Cattle Market Situation and Outlook - Lance Zimmerman, CattleFax



Farmers with Visitors Can Manage Risk with Free Online Course

Bringing visitors onto the farm can be a great way to educate others about farm life, and it’s a critical part of the agritourism and agritainment industries.

However, there are important risk management considerations for those involved with on-farm visitors. In order to help educate farmers about the risks and how to prepare, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a free, online training that covers the types of concerns these farmers might face.

The “Farmers with On-Site Visitors Course” takes six hours to complete and includes seven modules that can be completed individually or concurrently. The training is in partnership with North Central Extension Risk Management Education.

Presenters are experts from extension and Iowa Farm Bureau Financial Services. Topics include:
    Loss Control and Identifying Hazards in Agritainment.
    Beyond the Fine Print: Considering Legal Risks for Specialty Producers.
    Farm Emergency Preparedness Training.
    Protecting Animals and Humans from Biosecurity Risks.
    Food Safety Best Practices: Food, Farm and Consumer.
    Food Licensing for Value Added Products.
    Pesticide Safety.

“The purpose of the course is to give information and tools to mitigate the risks that arise when you open your farm to visitors,” said Kendra Meyer, program education specialist for the ISU Extension and Outreach, Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program.

The course provides landowners with a checklist of risk management considerations and discusses tools for lessening legal exposure. Participants are encouraged to seek legal counsel as they implement their strategies.

“Farmers opening up their property for visitors are doing a great public service,” said Kristine Tidgren, director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State, and holder of the Leonard Dolezal Professorship in Agricultural Law. “They must, however, make sure they are protecting themselves from unexpected liability.”

For more information, Kendra Meyer can be reached at 515-294-9483 or ksmeyer@iastate.edu.



November Beef Exports Set New Value Record; Pork Exports Remain Strong

U.S. beef export value reached another new high in November, topping $1 billion for the second time in 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). November pork exports were lower than a year ago, but year-to-date export value maintained a record pace at more than $7.5 billion.

November beef exports totaled 123,641 metric tons (mt), up 7% from a year ago and the fourth largest monthly volume in the post-BSE era. Export value was a record $1.05 billion, up 49% year-over-year and exceeding the previous high set in August 2021. For January through November, beef exports were on a record volume pace at 1.32 million mt, up 16% from a year ago. Beef export value, which had already set a new annual record through October, increased more than $2.5 billion from a year ago, soaring 39% to $9.59 billion. Beef exports to South Korea, China/Hong Kong and Central America have already set new annual records for both volume and value, while exports to Taiwan and the Dominican Republic reached new value records.

Pork exports totaled 237,547 mt in November, down 8% from a year ago, while value was 6% lower at $658.3 million. Through November, export volume fell slightly below the record pace of 2020 at 2.71 million mt. Export value was $7.5 billion, up 7% from a year ago and rapidly approaching the annual record ($7.71 billion) set in 2020. Pork exports to Mexico already set a new annual value record and are also on a record volume pace. Exports to Central America and the Philippines reached new annual highs for volume and value, while a new value record was set in Colombia.

Fueled by sharply higher muscle cut exports to the Caribbean and strong variety meat demand in Mexico, November exports of U.S. lamb totaled 1,420 mt (up 9% from a year ago) and were just over $2 million in value – up 37% and the highest since January 2020. Through November, lamb exports increased 8% to 12,440 mt, while value was 17% higher at $18 million.

"With one month of results still to be tabulated, it's very gratifying to see red meat exports setting new annual records and achieving remarkable growth over a wide range of markets," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "It is important, however, that we do not take this success for granted or allow it to detract from the challenges facing U.S. agriculture. Global demand for U.S. red meat has never been stronger, but labor and transportation obstacles and high input costs across the supply chain make it increasingly difficult to satisfy this demand. USMEF greatly appreciates the effort by lawmakers, maritime regulators and other officials to address the persistent congestion at U.S. ports, but this continues to be a costly and frustrating situation for U.S. exporters and their international customers."



Sorghum Crop Insurance Price Election Boosted to Reflect Current Pricing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency (RMA) has set the sorghum crop insurance price election for reinsurance year 2022 at 99.6 percent of the price of corn, compared to 96 percent for 2021. This price election means farmers will have the opportunity to insure grain sorghum at a price almost identical to that of corn.

“This price election gives sorghum producers their largest amount of price protection relative to corn in history under the federal crop insurance program,” National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said. “We are pleased that farmers will have the protection they need to meet the demand currently driving historically strong prices in the marketplace.”

The sorghum crop insurance price election formula is based on a 10-year rolling average of actual sorghum bids at elevators across the U.S. NSP worked closely with RMA after a 2008 Farm Bill directive to change this formula to be more reflective of sorghum pricing, and since implementation, the change has added $89 million in value to sorghum farmers through increased crop insurance coverage.



USDA NASS ARMS Survey Extended to Mid-January

Farmers are encouraged to respond to the USDA’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). Phase II of the work has been extended to January 14. The survey asks about production practices and data from corn producers. Your response helps ensure corn growers are represented in key research and analysis by USDA. This portion of the survey asks questions about fertilizer, pesticide, cropping practice and technology management.

It is important to respond to make sure you are represented in your state. Phase II is primarily conducted by phone and is the best way for USDA to get the information it needs to make sure your operation is counted. Corn producers in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Colorado, and Texas have been contacted to participate in the survey. For more information about this survey, visit www.nass.usda.gov/go/arms .



Judge Rules “Gruyere” is a Common Food Name and Not a Term Exclusive to Europe

A judicial ruling has determined that “gruyere” is a generic style of cheese that can come from anywhere. The decision reaffirms that all cheesemakers, not just those in France or Switzerland, can continue to create and market cheese under this common name.

In the judicial decision made public yesterday evening, the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and a coalition of other dairy stakeholders prevailed in their sustained fight to preserve the ability of all actors in the U.S. marketplace to use generic terms.

Senior Judge T. S. Ellis III of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia upheld the August 5, 2020, precedential decision of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

“Not only is this a landmark victory for American dairy farmers and cheese producers who offer gruyere, this win sets a vital precedent in the much larger, ongoing battle over food names in the United States,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director for CCFN. “The European Union has tried for years to monopolize common names such as gruyere, parmesan, bologna or chateau. This verdict validates that we’re on the right path in our fight on behalf of American food and wine producers to preserve their ability to use long-established generic names.”

According to the Court’s decision, the arguments of the French and Swiss associations were “insufficient and unconvincing” and CCFN presented “overwhelming evidence that cheese purchasers in the United States understand the term GRUYERE to be a generic term which refers to a type of cheese without restriction as to where that cheese is produced.”  

Meanwhile, Europe continues its aggressive and predatory efforts to confiscate names that entered the public domain decades ago. The latest attack was launched by the French and Swiss gruyere associations which had sought to register “Gruyere” as a certification mark in the United States, thereby enabling them to prevent use of the generic term by others in the U.S. marketplace. The USPTO determined last year that the application should be denied, in the process upholding the widespread generic use in the U.S. of the term “gruyere.”

“French and Swiss gruyere producers already have access to the U.S. market and the use of distinctive trademark logos,” noted Castaneda. “In fact, the Swiss association has already registered a logo certification mark with the USPTO for ‘Le Gruyère Switzerland AOC’ to help it uniquely brand Swiss gruyere. Despite this, both foreign associations appealed the USPTO’s ruling to the federal court last year.”

With support from USDEC and NMPF, their member companies, and non-member companies that contributed to supporting the opposition, CCFN dedicated extensive time and resources throughout the appeal process to demonstrate the extensive use of gruyere in the U.S. marketplace and persuasively argue that all cheesemakers and their customers should retain their rights to continue to produce and sell gruyere in the United States.

“This is a huge victory for common sense and for hard-working manufacturers and dairy farmers,” said Krysta Harden, USDEC president and CEO. “When a word is used by multiple companies in multiple stores and restaurants every day for years, as gruyere has been, that word is generic, and no one owns the exclusive right to use it. We are gratified that Judge Ellis saw this straightforward situation so clearly and upheld the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board’s finding that gruyere is an established generic term.”

“NMPF continues to firmly oppose any attempt to monopolize generic names like gruyere and to reject blatant European market-share grabs designed to limit competition,” said Jim Mulhern, NMPF president and CEO. “Today’s announcement is a landmark win for American dairy farmers and the commonly named cheeses they produce and sell around the world.”

CCFN, USDEC, and NMPF support valid geographical indications (GIs) – compound names associated with specialized foods from regions throughout the world – when used in good faith rather than to establish unfair trade barriers to the sale of common name foods and beverages.