Monday March 21 Ag News

 Ricketts Proclaims “Agriculture Week” in Nebraska

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation to designate March 20-26, 2022 as “Agriculture Week” in Nebraska.  The Governor issued the proclamation at the State Capitol, where he was joined by leaders from Nebraska’s agriculture community.

“Nebraska agriculture powers our state’s growth and helps to feed the world,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “Each March, we set aside a week to thank our ag producers for their dedication to grow Nebraska.  Our strength as a state is rooted in the work ethic, resourcefulness, and generosity of our farm and ranch families.”

At this morning’s press conference, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue talked about the numerous ways Nebraska’s growth in agriculture benefits the state’s communities.  Andy Jobman, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, noted the state’s record corn production in 2021.  He also emphasized the work of Nebraska’s farmers to steward land and water and to support American energy independence through their contributions to the state’s ethanol industry.  Ken Herz, past president of the Nebraska Cattlemen, highlighted the beef cattle community’s commitment to care for their animals and provide high-quality beef for consumers.

In addition to proclaiming Agriculture Week, Gov. Ricketts designated March as “Social Work Month” in Nebraska.  He thanked social workers across the state for their service and for helping Nebraska rank #7 nationally in child well-being according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  Stephanie Beasley, Director of Children and Family Services (CFS) for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), also recognized State teammates and private partners in the field of social work for their dedication to serving Nebraskans.

This Tuesday and Friday, Gov. Ricketts is touring ag operations across Nebraska to celebrate Agriculture Week.  Stops include:

Tuesday
Tour of Beauty View Farms, WAHOO
Tour Wahoo Meat Locker, WAHOO
Tour of Seitec Genetics, FREMONT

Friday
Tour of AGP Grain Facility, HASTINGS
Tour of McClean Beef, YORK



Thank a Farmer for Food, Fiber, Fuel, and Our Future
John Berge, State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency
Robert Lawson, State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
Collin Olsen, Regional Office Director for USDA’s Risk Management Agency

March 22 is National Ag Day, a time for us to thank farmers and ranchers for feeding, sheltering and powering our nation. We also want to celebrate and recognize the pivotal role of producers in mitigating climate change through voluntary conservation efforts.

Climate change is happening, evidenced by persistent drought, frequent tornadoes and storms, and larger and more powerful wildfires. Our agricultural communities are on the frontlines. Now is the time for us to act, and Nebraska producers are doing their part.

We’re focused on providing producers tools to help mitigate climate change. As part of this, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken proactive steps to improve programs.

We bolstered the Conservation Reserve Program, providing an incentive for climate-smart practices and investing in partnerships to better quantify the benefits of this program.

With our Environmental Quality Incentives Program, we launched a new cover crop initiative as well as new conservation incentive contract option, all with a goal to make available additional funds to help producers conserve natural resources.

And finally, we’re enhancing Federal crop insurance to support conservation. In 2021 and 2022, we provided producers with a premium benefit for acres planted to cover crops.

You might be wondering, why so much emphasis on cover crops? Cover crops help soil sequester more carbon, a key tool for mitigating climate change; they prevent runoff, leading to cleaner water; and they boost production through improved soil health.

But cover crops are just one tool. Producers in Nebraska are also using others such no-till, prescribed grazing, planting windbreaks, and many others to help mitigate climate change.  

Our staff work one-on-one with producers to conserve natural resources, grow and improve their operations, and manage risk. This year’s National Ag Day theme is “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.” We know from firsthand experience – farmers are doing this. During National Ag Week, we encourage you to thank a farmer or rancher for food, fiber, and fuel – and our future.



Block and Bridle Club to recognize national beef leader, Craig Uden

Craig Uden, a native of Bruning, Nebraska and a longtime supporter of the University of Nebraska and the Block and Bridle Club, will be recognized as the 2022 Block and Bride Honoree. Each year the Block and Bridle Club selects an honoree that has contributed to Nebraska agriculture through leadership, service, youth projects, community activities and involvement with the university.

Uden graduated from UNL in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. During his time at UNL Uden was active in Block Bridle, the Meats and Livestock Judging Teams and was a member of Alpha Gama Rho Fraternity. Craig is currently a part owner of Darr Feedlot where he was hired to manage the 1,500 head feedlot out of college. Darr Feedlot has grown to its current capacity of 44,000 head, is recognized for its innovations in cattle care and is a “must stop” when traveling through Nebraska for tour groups. Craig and his wife Terri also own a cow-calf and heifer development operation which he has leveraged to help many new producers enter the cow calf business.  

Craig is a dedicated supporter of the university and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, serving on several advisory committees for both institutions. He currently serves as part of the advisory committee for the newly formed Nebraska Integrated Beef Systems hub. His insight to current issues affecting producers, both small and large, was his focus when he served on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Operating and Policy Committee before becoming the president to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in 2017. He is committed to local producers having served with the Dawson County Cattlemen, the Dawson County Ag Society, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Board, and the Nebraska Beef Industry Council.  

Uden’s passion lies in helping young people gain experience and get started in the industry that has been so good to him. He has volunteered his time as a 4-H project leader, hosts internships and feeds cattle for the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Retail Value Steer Challenge. Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President says this concerning Craigs dedication to youth “Craig has always remained a strong advocate for youth in our state and demonstrated this advocacy by hosting tours, contributing to research and supporting judging teams.”

Craig has received multiple awards for his service. In 2021, Craig was inducted into the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame and was named Friend of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation in 2014. Craig received the Alpha Gamma Rho Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture in 2017, and Outstanding Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni in 2012. He and Terri were recognized by the Lexington area Chamber of Commerce as the Farm Family of the Year in 2019

Craig will be recognized as the 2022 Block and Bridle Honoree at the annual Block and Bridle Honors Banquet and Alumni and Friends Reunion on Saturday, April 9.



2022 PASTURE RENTAL RATES
Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Pasture and Range Specialist
 
What does it cost to rent pasture this year?  Preliminary results from the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey were just released.
 
According to this year’s survey, the average monthly rent being paid to graze a cow-calf pair this grazing season has increased about 6% compared to last year.  This is an overall state average with the range increase being 3 to 10% depending on the reporting district within the state. This increase does follow the overall trend of increasing land values as well as cropland rental rates across the state
 
The North reporting district, which is primarily the Sandhills, has the highest average cow-calf pair monthly rate at just over $67 per month. The Northeast and Central districts are not far behind at $66 and $61.50 per month.  The West district, the Panhandle, had the lowest rates at just over $43 per month.  Everywhere else in Nebraska, it’s around the $51 to $58 per month rate.
 
Pasture rent can vary for many reasons.  Involvement of the landlord in fence, water, and management responsibilities have a big impact.  Similarly, quality of the grassland, location of the pasture, and cow size can potentially affect rates.  Tradition, individual relationships, and local demand all also may influence individual pasture rental rates.
 
Whether you are looking for pasture or have pasture to rent; it is always important to have a written lease agreement. These agreements can have a number of different stipulations or clauses, but they all should define the number of cattle and length of time (or stocking rate) and how an event such as a drought will be handled.



February Milk Production in the United States down 1.0 Percent

Milk production in the United States during February totaled 17.5 billion pounds, down 1.0 percent from February 2021. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,869 pounds for February,
1 pound above February 2021. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.37 million head, 96,000 head less than February 2021, but 3,000 head more than January 2022.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during February 2022 totaled 8.52 million, up from 8.30 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during February totaled 193 million eggs, up from 188 million in 2021. February egg production per 100 layers was 2,262 eggs, compared to 2,270 eggs in 2021.

Iowa egg production during February 2022 was 1.07 billion eggs, down 11 percent from last month and down 5 percent from last year, 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 February 2022 was 46.3 million, down 2 percent from last month and down 5 percent from the same month last year. Eggs per 100 layers for February were 2,310, down 10 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last February.

US February Egg Production Up Slightly
United States egg production totaled 8.58 billion during February 2022, up slightly from last year. Production included 7.39 billion table eggs, and 1.19 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.11 billion were broiler-type and 82.3 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during February 2022 totaled 390 million, down 1 percent from last year. February egg production per 100 layers was 2,202 eggs, up 2 percent from February 2021.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on March 1, 2022 totaled 390 million, down 1 percent from last year. The 390 million layers consisted of 323 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 63.6 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.69 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on March 1, 2022, averaged 78.5 eggs per 100 layers, up 2 percent from March 1, 2021.



IDALS, APHIS Confirm Case of HPAI in Non-Commercial Backyard Flock in Warren County, Iowa
 
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Warren County, Iowa. The virus was found in a non-commercial backyard flock.

Flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual deaths to state/federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available at iowaagriculture.gov/biosecurity. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases should also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture at (515) 281-5305.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses.



Upcoming  Hearing on the Issues Between the Beef Packing Industry, the Cattlemen Ranchers, and the Rising Food Prices

House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott of Georgia released the following statement acknowledging his hosting a Full Committee hearing to determine whether anti-competitive behavior by the largest meatpacking companies caused increased beef prices, and unfair difficulties to Ranchers and Farmers, to the detriment of U.S. food consumers.

“It is well known that among the four companies that dominate this market, there have been a number of allegations and investigations. It is critical that we find out if industry concentration and anti-competitive behavior is playing a role in inflating prices for consumers and preventing ranchers from receiving a fair price,” said Chairman David Scott.

“We want to find out if there are anti-competitive practices in the beef supply chain. As food prices rise, four companies in particular are enjoying record profits. It is time for the Agriculture Committee to address this very important issue. The hearing will take place on April 27, 2022,” Chairman David Scott continued.



2022 World of Corn Is Ready to Explore

U.S. corn farmers raised the bar in 2021, setting a new record-high national average yield. To highlight the many achievements of corn farmers and explore the data, the National Corn Growers Association delves into the facts about corn production, using a historical comparison in its newest edition of the World of Corn. This statistical look at the corn industry, both domestic and worldwide, features a wide array of information on corn production and usage.

“With weathered hands, a spark in their eye and steel in their spines, corn farmers grow a world of possibilities from the soil. Bone-deep knowledge and unwavering resolve to improve every season grew into a new record-high national average yield at 177 bushels per acre this year,” said NCGA President Chris Edgington and Chief Executive Officer Jon Doggett note in the introduction. “Yet, everything farmers build rests on the legacy bestowed upon them. We build a brighter future for the next generation, using technology and tools unimaginable only a few years ago. Every day we create the World of Corn as a team – no matter how far apart we are. Explore the 2022 World of Corn with us through these pages.”

World of Corn is a respected collection of the most important statistics about corn production, exports and consumption, providing key information in an understandable format comparing numbers and trends across the years.

To explore the World of Corn, click here https://ncga.com/world-of-corn#/.



RFA: New House Bill is a ‘Smart Solution’ for Lowering Fuel Costs

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) for introducing a bipartisan bill that would help ease record-high gas prices by allowing broader use of low-cost ethanol. Specifically, the bill would remove barriers to the year-round sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15), a lower-cost, cleaner-burning alternative to regular gasoline. The House bill mirrors bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate earlier this month by Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

“The fastest way to put a lid on record-high gas prices is to empower greater use of low-cost renewable fuels, and that’s exactly what this bill would do,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This commonsense legislation would bring immediate economic relief to American families who are experiencing unprecedented pain at the pump, while simultaneously reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and tailpipe pollutants linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Not only would the bill eliminate dependence on Russian oil imports, but it would also ensure that those imports are replaced by more affordable renewable fuels produced right here in America’s heartland. We applaud Reps. Craig, Feenstra, Bustos, and Hinson for offering this smart solution.”

In addition to supporting legislation in both the House and Senate, RFA is encouraging the Biden administration to use its emergency waiver authority to allow E15 sales this summer. Last week, RFA sent President Biden a letter signed by more than 1,000 farmers, ethanol plant workers, and other biofuel supporters, in which they noted, “E15 is selling for 10-25 cents per gallon less than standard gasoline, meaning year-round use of the fuel would save the average American household at least $125-200 on its annual gasoline bill.” Marketers and convenience stores are also calling for action, with the three top organizations representing fuel retailers recently telling EPA Administrator Michael Regain that “allowing the year-round sale of E15 in all parts of the country would help enhance supply and lower prices for all American fuel consumers.”



 Growth Energy Applauds U.S House Action to Expand E15 in Response to Rising Gas Prices

Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor applauded members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) for introducing the Home Front Energy Independence Act (H.R. 7175). In response to rising gas prices and the global energy crisis due to the war in Ukraine, this legislation would make the sale of E15 year-round permanent, create a tax credit for higher biofuel blends, streamline E15 labeling, provide funding for E15 infrastructure, extend the biodiesel tax credit for three more years, and ban imports of Russian petroleum products.

“We have an opportunity to lower prices at the pump today for American drivers by increasing access to E15 fuel,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “As gas prices across the country hit historic highs, higher blends like E15 have been selling for, in some instances, more than 50 cents cheaper per gallon. The Home Front Energy Independence Act would increase access to these cost savings across the country and all year long.

“The war in Ukraine has also thrown America’s reliance on foreign oil, and the market uncertainty it creates, into the spotlight. The Home Front Energy Independence Act would boost U.S. energy security by increasing the supply of lower-cost, homegrown biofuels available to drivers.”

Since the Renewable Fuel Standard was enacted in 2005, America’s crude oil imports have dropped almost 50 percent. Homegrown, plant-based ethanol displaces the gasoline produced from more than 700 million barrels of oil every year.

H.R. 7175 is the House companion bill to S. 3787, introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)



ACE Thanks House Members for Bill that Recognizes Role Biofuels Can Play in Addressing Record High Gas Prices

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) thanks U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) for introducing the Home Front Energy Independence Act in response to record high gas prices and other urgent challenges. This legislation follows the Senate companion bill recently introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA). ACE CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement of support for this legislation:

“The only hurdles standing between saving consumers considerable money at the pump and replacing foreign oil with homegrown E15 are political or artificial in nature, and the Biden administration and Congress have the ability to help us overcome those hurdles. We’re appreciative the White House acknowledged that lifting the summertime restriction on the sale of E15 is within the ‘menu of options’ the administration is considering to bring down skyrocketing gas prices, and this bipartisan legislation is a timely and potent prescription to the simultaneous pocketbook, energy security, and climate challenges facing our nation.”



Seasonal Factors
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

In recent weeks, a sharp increase in fed cattle prices early in 2022 has softened, prompting some to ask about the short-run direction for prices. Boxed beef price, a proxy for wholesale prices, has fallen since peaking early in the year. In addition, the cost of corn has sharply and steadily increased in the past few months. These combine to affect the expected profitability of finishing cattle negatively. This has resulted in pulling some cattle forward (or quickening the market pace by feedlots). Evidence supporting this includes a slight reduction in cattle on feed for over 120 days. Marketing sooner means more beef in the short run with downward pressure on prices, but the prospect of higher prices later in the year.

Slaughter weights, so far, seem to contrast with the effect, as they remain high, suggesting cattle are not being pulled forward. However, higher fed cattle prices occurred with higher corn prices at the start of the year. Therefore, weights will likely be under pressure going forward. In addition, the heifer mix on feed on January 1 was up from a year earlier. That is showing up in the form of higher heifer slaughter levels. Typically, the heifer slaughter weights are lower than steer slaughter weights, so the mix also affects the aggregate production amount. The disparity is perhaps showing up a little in the divergence of price changes in the nearby and deferred futures prices since the beginning of the year. April futures have fallen sharply recently, but the December futures have been relatively steady.

Seasonally, this is the time of year when packers tend to try to have a larger share of cattle forward contracted for delivery. As a result, April through June tends to have larger shares contracted than other months. As of March 14, 2022, feedlots had contracted 235,000 cattle for delivery in April and 139,000 head for June. A year ago at this time of year, there had been 271,000 head contracted for April and 170,000 for June. Thus, the contracting pace is running behind last year’s levels. In other words, packers do not have as many cattle lined up even though short-run supplies of cattle on feed are similar to a year ago. (Last April’s total looks like it was corrected or adjusted at some point as it is different in this year’s report).

Higher corn prices have had a few related effects on cattle prices. Corn prices are steeply inverted, meaning that nearby prices are much higher than deferred and new-crop prices. However, the overall levels are higher regardless of when corn would be bought. Such rallies often lead to inquiries about managing price risk. However, this increase has also driven the implied volatility higher, especially for old crop corn. Thus, buying a call option on corn has become very expensive. The corn volatility has also carried over, directly, into higher volatility in feeder cattle in recent weeks. The increase in volatility makes managing feeder risk more expensive for buyers and sellers.



USDA Expands Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program for Meat Processors in Montana

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the State of Montana 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 Montana may inspect meat products produced 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. With the addition of Montana, 10 states now 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.

“This announcement is part of USDA’s commitment to build more and better markets, a more resilient supply chain and better food system, and to increase competition in agricultural markets across America,” said Sandra Eskin, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety.

“USDA is working with states to ensure they have the tools and resources necessary to expand existing capacity and thrive for many decades to come. The Cooperative Interstate Shipment program provides an excellent opportunity for small meat and poultry processors to build their local and regional marketplaces, while ensuring the safety of the meat and poultry products they produce,” she said.

The CIS program is limited to states that have established a Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) program for products to be shipped solely within the state. 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 as federal inspectors 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.

In addition to Montana, FSIS has signed agreements with Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin. For more information about CIS, visit www.fsis.usda.gov/cis.



Smithfield Foods Contributes $2 Million to Ukraine Crisis Relief Efforts

Smithfield Foods, Inc. today announced cash and in-kind donations totaling $2 million to crisis relief efforts aiding the citizens of Ukraine and those seeking refuge in surrounding areas. In response to escalating violence in Ukraine, Smithfield will expand ongoing refugee relocation and aid assistance underway through its operations in Central Europe with $250,000 donations to each of the following nonprofit disaster-relief organizations:

    Global Red Cross Network, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who are providing immediate relief, long-term recovery and critical humanitarian services in Ukraine and surrounding countries including temporary shelter, counseling, health services and supplies.
    Mercy Chefs, the company’s disaster-relief partner in the United States, which is currently warehousing and distributing shelf-stable food, water, fresh fruit, baby formula and other basic supplies into Ukraine and to refugees on the Ukrainian border.
    Save the Children, a global organization delivering humanitarian assistance to children and their families in Ukraine and the region, including food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance.
    World Central Kitchen (WCK), a global humanitarian, climate and community crises-relief nonprofit serving refugees in southern Poland, Romania, Moldova and Hungary and partnering with restaurants inside Ukraine to provide hot meals to anyone in need.

"Like the rest of the world, we are humbled and moved by the resilience of the Ukrainian people," said Shane Smith, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. “Over the last few weeks, our team members in Central Europe have mobilized to provide desperately needed resources and other aid to the citizens of Ukraine on the ground. We are deeply proud of the decisive action our Smithfield Family has taken near the border and are committed to supporting and amplifying their good work.”

Smithfield’s global footprint is comprised of operations in seven countries around the world, including the United States, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the U.K. and Mexico. Since the outset of violence in late February, Smithfield Europe – including Smithfield Polska (Animex and Agri Plus), Smithfield Romania, Smithfield UK and Mecom in Slovakia and Hungary– have provided dedicated support for Ukrainian team members and refugees in the region by securing transport, accommodations, employment and other types of care. Additionally, Smithfield Europe has engaged in regular donations of shelf-stable and other protein to food banks and temporary shelters across the region. Combined, these ongoing aid efforts will amount to approximately $1 million in in-kind contributions.

“In the midst of the largest refugee crisis in Europe since WWII, we’re doing everything we can to help, starting with our Ukrainian team members,” said Luis Cerdan, executive vice president of European operations for Smithfield Foods. “As the majority of refugees have fled to countries bordering Ukraine where our businesses are located, we feel a heightened responsibility at Smithfield Europe to provide holistic support during this tragic time.”