Wednesday December 07 Ag News

 Nebraska Farm Bureau Elects New Leadership at 105th Annual Meeting and Convention

Katie Olson, a member of Holt County Farm Bureau, was elected as the First Vice President of Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) at their Annual Meeting in Kearney, Dec. 6. Olson has been a Farm Bureau member for nearly 20 years. She and her husband James grow corn and soybeans and raise cow/calf pairs near Atkinson.

The NEFB First Vice President will work closely with the NEFB President and Board of Directors while serving as the Chair of the organization’s Political Action Committee and State Legislative Policy Committee. Olson succeeds Sherry Vinton of Whitman, who resigned her role in Nebraska Farm Bureau to become the State Director of Agriculture under Governor-elect Jim Pillen’s administration. Vinton will be the first woman to lead the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

"We are extremely excited that Governor-elect Pillen has chosen Sherry Vinton to be Nebraska’s next Director of Agriculture. Sherry is a true friend and ally to Nebraska farm and ranch families. We know Sherry will work hard to represent farm and ranch interests in the Pillen administration as we work together to grow agriculture in our great state. We look forward to working with Sherry in her new role. We also want to thank current Director of Agriculture Steve Wellman for his service. We’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with Steve during his tenure and thank him for his commitment and support of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

Other elections include two members of the Farm Bureau Board of Directors being re-elected, South Central Region Director David Grimes of Minden, a member of Kearney/Franklin County Farm Bureau. and Youth At-Large Director Lance Atwater of Ayr, a member of\ Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau. Dawn Kucera of Madison, a Madison County Farm Bureau member, ran unopposed and was elected as the Ag Promotion At-Large Director. Bree DeNaeyer of Senca, a Cherry County Farm Bureau member, was elected as the North Central Region Director. Steve Stroup of Benkelman, a Dundy County Farm Bureau member was elected as the Southwest Region Director.

All terms on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board are for three years.



Webinar: 2022 Year-End Tax Planning
Dec 15, 2022 12:00 PM
With: Tina Barrett, Director, Nebraska Farm Business, Inc. and Larry Van Tassell
Presented by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska

Nebraska Farm Business, Inc., Director Tina Barrett will cover tax considerations that farmers and ranchers should be thinking about this year as we get closer to closing out another year. Topics covered will include crop insurance, deferral options for livestock sales, potential law changes on the horizon and more.

Register and get more information at https://cap.unl.edu.  



Three-State Beef Conference Returns in Early January

The Three-State Beef Conference is scheduled for Jan. 10-12, with locations in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Chris Clark said this year’s theme is “Measure to manage: exploring management strategies to cut costs, increase performance and capture value,” and will offer tips and reminders for producers.

“The topics are focused on helping cattlemen explore some management areas that they might not typically think of,” said Clark. “For example, the first topic on this year’s program is geared toward tips for backgrounding calves. With high feed prices, this topic becomes important and timely to help producers – especially the small cow-calf producers in the three-state area – capitalize on the opportunity to add value to their calf crop.”

Another topic on this year’s program is looking at the cow herd’s mineral and vitamin nutrition, according to Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

“We also have a session on water quality and helping producers understand when and what to test for,” she said. “We think these topics can be beneficial to local cattlemen since we’ve been faced with several consecutive years of drought conditions.”

Presentation titles, speakers and their affiliations are:
    Tips for adding value to your calves through backgrounding — Dan Loy, extension beef feedlot specialist, Iowa State University.
    Livestock water challenges during drought — Miranda Meehan, livestock environmental stewardship specialist, North Dakota State University.
    Meeting the mineral needs of your herd without breaking the bank — Mary Drewnoski, beef systems specialist, University of Nebraska.

Locations
January 10 — Northwest Technical School, 1515 S Munn Ave, Maryville, Missouri
January 11 — Warren Cultural Center, 154 Public Square, Greenfield, Iowa
                                     Register by calling 641-743-8412 or email tlraasch@iastate.edu
January 12 — Fair Center building, Otoe County fairgrounds, 135 Plum St, Syracuse, Nebraska
                                     Register by calling 402-335-3669 or email wayde.pickinpaugh@unl.edu

Registration will open each night at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. The registration fee is $25 per person and includes the evening meal and copy of the proceedings. Preregistrations are requested by Friday, Jan. 6, to help with meal planning and reducing costs. The conference brochure has agenda information and a registration form https://iowabeefcenter.org/events/Threestatebrochure2023.pdf.

For more information, contact Clark at caclark@iastate.edu or Erika Lundy-Woolfolk at ellundy@iastate.edu.



Iowa Farm Bureau members gather for 104th Annual Meeting celebrating member achievements, young farmer leaders and new opportunities in agriculture

Members of Iowa’s largest general farm organization gathered at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines this week to recognize the achievements of county Farm Bureaus, young farmer award winners and receive expert insight on topics and issues shaping agriculture.  For the first time in more than a decade, delegates elected a new vice president following the retirement of Joe Heinrich.  

Brian Feldpausch of Grundy County was elected vice president of the Iowa Farm Bureau, succeeding Joe Heinrich of Maquoketa, who didn’t seek re-election. Heinrich served as IFBF vice president for the past 11 years after serving as District 6 director and holding various Jackson County Farm Bureau leadership roles.  

Feldpausch served as IFBF District 5 director prior to being elected vice president and previously held numerous leadership positions with the Grundy County Farm Bureau.  He also served on IFBF’s internal study committee, legacy planning committee and county finance task force.  Brian is currently a member of the Grundy County Fair Board and serves as a BCLUW school board member.  The Iowa State University (ISU) alum has served on several boards and advisory committees, including the Iowa FFA Foundation board, ISU Ag Endowment trustee, Hawkeye Community College Ag Business Advisory Committee and various leadership roles with 4-H.  Brian and his wife, Jen, have three children, Abby, Nick and Will, and grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa and raise hogs and cattle.  

Farm Bureau members engaged in several educational breakout sessions during the two-day meeting, receiving valuable insight into building and growing a farm brand to capitalize on growing direct-to-consumer trends and desire to know more about how and where their food was made and the farm families who grow and raise it.  Members also received an update on the ongoing fertilizer crisis with insight into alternatives to combat the surging prices, cropping systems to improve soil health and continue conservation progress, ag market outlook and national policy developments shaping the new Farm Bill.  

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addressed members virtually during the closing session and shared her strong support of Iowa farm families and agriculture, proclaiming Dec. 5-9, ‘Iowa Farm Bureau Week.’  Governor Reynolds recognized Farm Bureau as a partner in carrying Iowa forward and thanked members for their effort leading to Iowa’s biofuels access bill passed during last year’s Iowa legislative session.  

The meeting concluded with a motivational keynote from former NFL star, Jason Brown, who walked away from eight-figure contract offers to commit to a life of service.  In 2009, Brown’s $30 million contract with the St. Louis Rams made him the league’s highest paid center.  However, Brown felt called to a life of purpose and community service, and in 2014, declined additional contract offers, and instead walked away from professional football to purchase a 1,000-acre farm.  The North Carolina native returned home to farm, and he continues to donate the food he grows on his farm to service organizations within the community.  Brown’s motivational message about living a life of service, centered with faith, family and farming, was met with thunderous applause from the 700 in attendance.

IFBF Elections
Sharyl Bruning of Monona County was elected to the IFBF board to represent District 4, left vacant when Greg Jochum didn’t seek re-election.  The district is made up of 11 counties in west central Iowa.  Bruning and her husband, Dave, have three adult children, Judy, Amy and Jeff, and six grandchildren.  The Brunings farm with their son, Jeff, and grow corn and soybeans and maintain a cow/calf herd.  Bruning currently serves as Monona County voting delegate, is active in Iowa Farm Bureau’s F.A.R.M. Team (Farmer Advocates Reaching Main Street), serves on the Siouxland Ag in the Classroom board and has been a 4-H leader for more than three decades.  She previously served five years as Monona County Farm Bureau president and the state resolutions committee.  

Joe Dierickx of Clinton County was re-elected IFBF District 6 director, comprised of 11 counties in eastern Iowa.  Dierickx was first elected director in 2019 and farms with his brother, Paul, growing corn and soybeans, as well as providing custom planting, harvesting and spraying services. Joe and his wife, Barbara, have three adult children.  

Tim Kaldenberg of Monroe County was also re-elected as director representing District 8 comprised of 10 counties in south central Iowa. Kaldenberg was first elected to the board in 2019.  Tim farms in Albia and raises a beef cow/calf herd and feeder cattle and grows corn, soybeans and hay.  Tim and his wife, Cindy, have two adult children.  

Nine delegates were elected to represent Iowa at the 2023 AFBF Annual Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, January 6-11.  They include: IFBF President Brent Johnson of Calhoun County; IFBF Vice President Brian Feldpausch of Grundy County; District 4 director Sharyl Bruning of Monona County; Darrick Hall of Jones County; Deanna Brennecke of Decatur County; Craig Recker of Dubuque County; Chris Prizler of Iowa; Brian Borcherding of Franklin County and Brent Lorimor of Fremont County.  

Brent Lorimor of Fremont County was elected to a three-year term on the IFBF internal study committee.  The internal study committee serves as a liaison between the county Farm Bureau voting delegates and the state board of directors.  

Distinguished Service to Ag Award
Joel DeJong and Dave Klocke have been named Iowa Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award recipients.

DeJong was nominated by the Woodbury County Farm Bureau for his commitment to helping farmers apply best nutrient and management practices on their family farms.

He recently retired from a 41-year career at Iowa State University Extension, serving most of that time as an agronomist in northwest Iowa. “There’s fewer people on the land than when I first started, but the relationships are still there,” says DeJong. “That’s been the most rewarding part—a lot of clients have become friends.”

DeJong is known among his peers as the “King of Calibration” due to his expertise in nutrient precision agriculture and manure application. He is also the board secretary of the Northwest Research Farm Association and serves on the Dordt University ag program advisory board.

Klocke was nominated by the Carroll County Farm Bureau for creating innovative solutions to help fellow farmers. He and his family grow corn and soybeans and raise pigs.

He and his wife, Karen, founded PigEasy, LLC, a line of products to improve the well-being of pigs and increase a farmer’s profit potential. They hold multiple patents for animal feeding devices and ventilation equipment to improve animal comfort and are the largest employer in Templeton.

“I feel blessed to be in the line of work I’m in,” says Klocke. “The technology that has come about and the challenge it opens up for us to tap into all the potential in production agriculture—it’s just a great time to be alive.”

Young Farmer Achievement Award
Tanner Brass of Franklin County, Clark Dolch of Adair County and Melissa Moretz of Worth County were honored as recipients of the 2022 Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) Young Farmer Leadership Award.

Created in honor of former IFBF President Bob Joslin, this award recognizes outstanding farming members under the age of 35 who contribute to their communities and demonstrate leadership within their county Farm Bureau. As part of the award, honorees each receive a $2,000 grant to give to a local nonprofit of their choice.

Brass sees how farmers are using technology to become more sustainable through his role as a precision farming manager for Case IH. He farms corn and soybeans with his dad and does custom work for area farmers. He awarded his grant to the Franklin County Fair’s Ag Learning Center with the goal to show the public the innovations and technology being used on today’s family farms.

In his dual roles as a farmer and ag loan officer, Dolch is well versed in the financial challenges facing young farmers and connects his clients with funding resources. He raises cattle and farms corn and soybeans with his family, including his wife, Molly, and two-year-old son. Dolch’s grant was given to Seeds of Hope Foundation which supports young farm families facing life-threatening illnesses.

Being an advocate for agriculture has always been a passion for Melissa Moretz, who farms in Worth County with her husband, Nathan, and two young children. They raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa in addition to feeding hogs and raising cattle. She also works full time as a lending relationship officer. Melissa awarded her $2,000 to Central Springs AgEd Boosters to support a new ag education program.

In addition to the grant, Brass, Dolch and Moretz will receive an expense paid trip to either the 2023 American Farm Bureau annual convention or Young Farmer and Rancher Conference, an expense paid trip to the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference, a Choice Hotels certificate valued at $500 and a $1,500 award from GROWMARK.



Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association Committed to Supporting Producers

Recognizing the growing interest in specialty crops and specialty crop production, the state’s fruit and vegetable association is taking on a new name and new look to better serve Iowans in those industries.

The newly branded Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association will carry on the same duties of the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association – with a new name and a broader focus.

“We recognize the changes taking place within the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry, and we are changing our name to better reflect what we do and who we serve as an association,” said Kendra Meyer, executive secretary for the association and program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach's Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program.

“We will continue the same educational outreach the association has been known for since its founding, but with renewed support for specialty crop growers and anyone involved with those industries,” Meyer continued.

Meyer expects the name change will lead to a growth in membership, netting more ideas and opportunities for Iowa’s specialty producers to network and learn.

“To best serve these needs, the association has refocused and rebranded," said Maury Wills, association president. "Production is 'key' and the Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association is dedicated to assisting growers in the production of abundant high-quality specialty crops. We encourage growers to contact the Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association to learn more."

The vision of the Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association is to provide educational opportunities and support the success of fruit, vegetable and specialty crop producers.

Roles of the association include:
    Providing support, information and education for growers on production/marketing.
    Helping members/growers move into sustainability via economic and best management practices.
    Promoting the Iowa specialty crop industry to consumers and policymakers.
    Advocating and being a voice for Iowa specialty crop producers.
    Promoting the support, health and well-being to the general community/economy by providing healthy, fresh and local crops and produce.

In addition to educational opportunities throughout the year, the association holds the annual Iowa Specialty Producers Conference at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The 2023 conference is Feb. 22-23.



Vote for Iowa Farm Bureau's next 'Grow Your Future' Award winner

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has announced five semi-finalists for their Grow Your Future Award, a competition for farmer entrepreneurs under the age of 35. Now, the public is being asked to narrow the contestant pool.

The three finalists with the most votes between Dec. 5 and Dec. 11 will compete for a $7,500 grand prize during a pitch-off at Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Conference on Jan. 28. Second and third place winners receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.

The entrepreneurs competing in the public voting include:
    Jordian Dougherty of Main at Hart in Marshall County who sells pasture-raised chickens, fall pumpkins, gourds, mums and fresh-cut flowers.
     
    Titan Immel of AgHub Genetics in Adair County who operates a seed conditioning facility which helps companies supply farming customers with the best quality grain and cover crop seeds to plant.
     
    Annie Palmer of H8R Acres LLC in Warren County who raises purebred Berkshire feeder pigs and Navajo Churro Sheep, which she plans to market to local restaurants.
     
    Tanner Sanness of Reconnected Farms in Allamakee County who every year grows between 5,000 to 8,000 pounds of organic gourmet mushrooms sold at grocery stores, farmers markets and to local restaurants.
     
    Matt Vermeersch of Mud Ridge Ranch in Pottawattamie County who raises and sells Scottish Highland cattle with future plans to direct-market beef and also raises goats that target-graze problem vegetation for public and private projects.
     
“Young agriculturalists are incredibly savvy in putting their unique thumbprint on Iowa agriculture,” says Amanda Van Steenwyk, Iowa Farm Bureau’s farm business development manager. “And as you watch the videos tied to the online voting, you’ll hear they also have big goals. I’m always impressed by not only the diversity of their businesses but the vision they have that will keep Iowa agriculture moving forward.”

To learn more or to vote, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/growyourfuture.



October Pork Exports Largest in 16 Months; Beef Exports Already Top $10 Billion

October exports of U.S. pork were the largest in more than a year and beef export volume also increased from a year ago, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. beef exports are on a record pace in 2022 and have already exceeded $10 billion.

Variety meat growth buoys October pork exports
Pork exports reached 238,198 metric tons (mt) in October, up 5% from a year ago and the largest since June 2021. Pork export value increased 13% to $697.3 million, the highest since May 2021. October export highlights included a new value record for Mexico ($203.1 million) and strong growth to South Korea, the ASEAN and the Dominican Republic. Exports were also higher year-over-year to China/Hong Kong.

For January through October, pork exports were 12% below last year at 2.18 million mt, valued at $6.26 billion (down 8%).

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom noted that the October pork results were bolstered by outstanding growth in variety meat exports, which set a new value record at $126.2 million. Export volume was the second largest on record at more than 55,000 mt.

“The recent rebound in pork variety meat exports is tremendous news for the U.S. industry on a few different fronts,” Halstrom said. “While exports to China have regained momentum, our ongoing efforts to diversify destinations for pork variety meats are definitely paying dividends. Larger shipments also reflect an improved labor situation at the plant level, which has helped increase the capture rate for variety meat items.”

Beef exports weather exchange rate storm to remain on record pace in 2022
October beef exports totaled 125,466 mt, up 8% from a year ago. Export value was $929.8 million, down 3% from the large total reported in October 2021. China/Hong Kong was the leading destination for U.S. beef in October, with export value topping $240 million. Export volume to Japan was steady with last year and shipments increased to South Korea, but export value to both markets was negatively impacted by slumping currencies. October beef exports achieved strong growth to the ASEAN, Middle East and Canada.

In the first 10 months of 2022, beef export value increased 18% from last year’s record pace to reach $10.05 billion – topping $10 billion in a single year for only the second time. January-October export volume was 1.25 million mt, up 4% from a year ago.

“The October results were remarkable considering the headwinds facing U.S. beef, especially in our large Asian markets,” Halstrom said. “Key currencies such as the Japanese yen and Korean won had sunk to their lowest levels in decades versus the U.S. dollar, which obviously affected importers’ buying power. COVID lockdowns in China were also a concerning factor, especially for buyers in the foodservice sector. But despite all that, U.S. beef still performed very well in Asia and achieved solid growth in North America and the Middle East. With some recent improvement in exchange rates, beef exports are well-positioned to surpass last year’s records.”

October exports of lamb muscle cuts trend higher
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts edged higher year-over-year in October to 202 mt, up 18%. Export value totaled $1.26 million, also up 18%. Through October, lamb muscle cut exports increased 67% to 1,878 mt, valued at $11.11 million (up 60%). This growth has been driven mainly by the Caribbean, but October exports were bolstered by larger shipments to Canada and Taiwan.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/2/2022

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending December 2, ethanol production shot up 5.8% to 1.077 million b/d, equivalent to 45.23 million gallons daily and a 51-week high. Production was 1.2% lower than the same week last year yet 1.8% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production increased 0.7% to 1.037 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.90 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose 1.4% to 23.3 million barrels, the largest weekly volume recorded since August. Stocks were 13.6% more than a year ago and 6.1% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 0.5% to 8.36 million b/d (128.13 bg annualized). Demand was 6.7% less than a year ago and 4.1% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol sank 4.8% to 848,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.00 bg annualized and a 36-week low. Net inputs were 1.6% lower than a year ago and 1.4% below the five-year average.

Imports of ethanol arriving into the West Coast were 10,000 b/d, or 2.94 million gallons for the week. This was the second consecutive week of imports. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of October 2022.)



NCGA Consider Corn Challenge Winner Gets Another Step Closer to Commercialization

ExoPolymer, Inc., a winner of the Consider Corn Challenge II, recently announced a new partnership with CP Kelco, which takes ExoPolymer’s technology one step closer to commercialization. The partnership with CP Kelco will help ExoPolymer scale up production of a polysaccharide-based biopolymer. ExoPolymer is creating a new profile of customizable, polysaccharide-based hydrocolloids that are domestically produced by microbial fermentation using corn sugar as a feedstock. These new hydrocolloids will meet the growing needs and performance gaps in the healthcare, personal care, food, pharmaceutical and energy industries.

“We are thrilled to see one of our previous Consider Corn Challenge Winners, Derek Wells and ExoPolymer, continue to reach key milestones in becoming closer to commercialization,” said NCGA Director of Market Development Sarah McKay. “This is our hope for all of our winners and is the goal of the contest. We want to help bring to light some of the great research that’s happening out there using corn as an industrial feedstock, which in turn increases corn demand.”

In addition to the assistance from the NCGA, ExoPolymer raised Seed funding from the Investment Group of Santa Barbara to help with early research for targeted markets. They also received funding from the USDA through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant.

If all 15 winners of the Consider Corn Challenge I, II & III reached full commercialization with products available in the marketplace, the potential for additional corn demand could be approximately 3.4 billion bushels.

NCGA will be announcing rules for a fourth Consider Corn Challenge in the coming months.



Fertilizer Prices Continue Mostly Lower

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first full week of December 2022 continue mostly lower. As was the case last week, six of the eight major fertilizers are lower while two are higher compared to a month earlier.  

Of the six fertilizers, they were all slightly lower compared to last month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.  DAP had an average price of $926/ton, MAP $960/ton, potash $831/ton, urea $795/ton, 10-34-0 $753/ton and anhydrous $1,416/ton.  Urea dropped below the $800/ton level for the first time since the fourth week of October 2021. The nitrogen fertilizer's price then was $751/ton.

The remaining two fertilizers were slightly more expensive looking back to last month. UAN28 had an average price of $583/ton while UAN32 was at $681/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.86/lb.N, anhydrous $0.86/lb.N, UAN28 $1.04/lb.N and UAN32 $1.07/lb.N.

Most fertilizers continue to be higher in price than one year earlier, although two are now slightly lower. 10-34-0 is now 1% lower while urea is 9% less expensive than one year ago. UAN28 is 1% higher, UAN32 is 3% more expensive, MAP is 5% higher, potash is 7% more expensive, anhydrous is 8% higher and DAP is 11% higher compared to last year.



Groups Urge Congress to Adopt E15 Year-Round Legislation

Over 250 groups and companies sent a letter to Congressional leaders today calling on support for S. 5145, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022. This bipartisan legislation clarifies E15 should be allowed for sale year-round by extending the 1-psi Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver to fuel blends containing gasoline and over 10 percent ethanol. ACE CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement on the coalition letter:  

“Ensuring uninterrupted availability of E15 in all parts of the country has been an urgent priority for our industry, and quick adoption of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act would clarify the statute ahead of the 2023 summer driving season so we have a national, permanent solution in place. ACE proudly stands with the hundreds of other groups in encouraging Congress to act immediately to make year-round E15 access a reality.”



Over 250 Organizations, Companies Call for Quick Senate Passage of Year-Round E15 Bill

A bill introduced in the Senate to allow nationwide year-round sales of the lower-cost E15 ethanol blend has received the support of more than 250 organizations and companies, including fuel retailers, petroleum refiners, farm groups, ethanol producers, and many others. In a letter to congressional leadership today, the entities collaborated to urge the speedy adoption of S. 5145, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022, before this session ends.

“Due to the current policy, it is extremely difficult for many fuel marketers and retailers that may desire to offer E15 to their customers in the summer months to source that product,” the letter states. “By ensuring uniformity across the nation’s fuel supply chain, federal legislation will provide more flexibility and result in more consistent outcomes than a state-by-state regulatory landscape. In the absence of such legislation, we could see gasoline marketplace uncertainty and political disputes over E15 continue to resurface every summer.”

“As demonstrated by today’s letter, an increasingly broad and diverse coalition of companies and organizations has rallied together to support the year-round availability of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We all agree that the marketplace desperately needs the certainty and stability that this legislation would provide. And by ensuring consumers nationwide have uninterrupted access to E15, this bill would help lower pump prices, enhance our nation’s energy security, and reduce emissions of both greenhouse gases and the pollutants that contribute to air pollution and smog.”

Last month, RFA and the American Petroleum Institute led a broad coalition of energy and agriculture organizations that called on Congress in a similar letter to quickly adopt legislation to permanently resolve inconsistent fuel volatility regulations. RFA estimates that nearly 97 percent of registered vehicles on the road today are legally approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use E15, and the vast majority also carry the manufacturer’s endorsement to use E15.

Recent analyses by RFA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration confirm that expanded use of E15 provided meaningful consumer savings at the pump last summer, as war in Ukraine pushed crude oil and gasoline prices to historic highs. Further, a recent CSP survey found that one out of every five fuel retailers plan to add the E15 blend at their locations in the coming year; over 2,800 fuel stations currently carry the blend.



Growth Energy: Equal Treatment of E15 Would Lower Fuel Costs While Creating Jobs

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement after a coalition letter signed by more than 250 companies and groups was delivered today to Congressional leaders urging them to support S. 5145, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022. The bill would apply the same fuel volatility limit to all conventional gasoline blends containing 10 percent ethanol or more, thereby making it possible for retailers nationwide to offer lower-cost, lower-carbon fuels like E15 to consumers all year round.
 
"The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act is common-sense legislation that would have an immediate impact on retailers' ability to offer drivers more lower-cost and lower-carbon choices at the fuel pump. Our own research found that a nationwide E15 standard--like the one S. 5145 would codify--would create 188,000 jobs, put $36.3 billion back into the pockets of American households, and generate $66.3 billion for the U.S. GDP. We're proud to join the hundreds of other signatories of this letter in urging Congress to quickly adopt this legislation that would benefit American families, American farms, and the American economy as a whole."  



United Soybean Board Elects Meagan Kaiser as New Chair

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) elected Meagan Kaiser from Missouri as 2023 Chair and nine additional farmer-leaders to serve on the Executive Committee during the USB December Meeting in St. Charles, Missouri.

“During my tenure at United Soybean Board, I’m proudest of our achievements in engagement for infrastructure investments,” said USB Chair Meagan Kaiser from Bowling Green, Missouri. “As we’ve seen production and transportation challenges brought on by drought this past growing season, farmers’ investments to the checkoff are more critical than ever in enhancing resilience on the farm, building preference for U.S. Soy and providing a reliable supply to our customers. I’m impressed with the strategic direction of our board, and I look forward to working as a collaborative leader alongside our farmer-leaders who represent more than 30 states.”

The newly elected USB Executive Committee includes:
    Meagan Kaiser, Chair — Missouri
    Steve Reinhard, Vice Chair — Ohio
    Ed Lammers, Secretary — Nebraska
    Philip Good, Treasurer — Mississippi
    Matt Gast — North Dakota
    April Hemmes — Iowa
    Gary Berg — Illinois
    Brent Gatton — Kentucky
    Belinda Burrier — Maryland
    Laurie Isley — Michigan

Also recognized at USB’s December Meeting is the new Tom Oswald Legacy Award to honor an individual, organization or group that has left an indelible mark on the soybean industry. The award honors the late Tom Oswald, who served on the Executive Committee and Chair of the Audit & Evaluation Committee, and he was a steadfast champion of the soy checkoff, serving for eight years. Nominations are open online and will close on Jan. 10, 2023. Farmer-leaders will announce the award recipient in March 2023 at Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida.

Tom Oswald served as a powerful advocate for soybean farmers. Tom always asked the question, “How do we make it better-er?” — meaning the extra steps, thoughts and efforts put forward to go beyond the expectation and provide the best possible outcome. Inspired by his impactful strides for progress within this industry, his persistent accountability in thinking strategically about how the checkoff can bring value back to the farm and his passion for sustainability earning him the nickname “No-Till Tom,” this award is ideally suited to honor his legacy.

“Tom would ask questions that made you think — questions that you had maybe thought about but just didn’t want to speak up,” said USB Past Chair Ralph Lott. “And Meagan, as our new Chair, shares a very similar outlook in challenging the status quo and bringing big ideas that accomplish real results for our soybean farmers. I have an immense fondness for this organization and appreciate your friendship and the support you gave me as your Chair.”

Kaiser brings significant experience and first-hand knowledge of USB’s strategic focus. She previously served as Strategic Plan Task Force Chair and oversaw a nearly 20-member committee that created the current strategic plan that prioritizes sustainable soy solutions for global and domestic customers while ensuring value and profitability for U.S. soybean farmers. Approved at the 2021 USB July Meeting with unanimous support, the Strategic Plan Task Force served a critical role in creating the plan, engaging farmer-leaders and value chain partners and ensuring it reflected the future state of the industry.

Kaiser previously served as Vice Chair, leading the Value Alignment Committee in addition to treasurer and various other appointments within the organization.

“Meagan’s commitment to USB bodes well for what’s ahead under her leadership to make 2023 a memorable year for the checkoff,” said USB CEO Polly Ruhland. "This past year, growth in renewable diesel, investments in climate smart agriculture, challenges across our infrastructure ecosystem and global conflicts tested the capability of U.S. agriculture. Our farmer-leaders are dedicated to moving strategically sound projects forward that generate a lasting ROI for our soybean growers.”



31st Annual National No-Tillage Conference Returns to St. Louis Jan. 10-13

For the 9th time in its 31-year history, the annual National No-Tillage Conference is returning to St. Louis. It's hosted by No-Till Farmer, one of several properties operated by Wisconsin-based agricultural publisher Lessiter Media.

The event will be held January 10-13 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Arch Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. The content covers myriad topics in no-till, including equipment, cover crops, intercropping, economic analyses, soil analysis, fertilizing methods and more.

Among the experts presenting are the highest-yielding farmers on the planet, including legendary no-tillers Russell Hedrick of North Carolina, David Hula of Virginia, Randy Dowdy of Georgia, Ray Archuleta of Missouri, and many more.

Highlights of the program include:
    14 General Sessions — covering an abundance of proven no-tilling ideas and strategies.
    45 Roundtables — informal, moderated peer-to-peer discussions on specific no-till topics.
    23 Classrooms — in-depth presentation-style sessions.
    Innovator of the Year Inductions — the 2022 recipients of the best-in-class program are recognized for their positive impact on no-till systems: Dan Forgey of South Dakota; Ray Archuleta of Missouri; Yetter Mfg. of Illinois; and Cedar Creek Farmers of Wisconsin.
    Workshop: "How to Trim Fertilizer Costs Without Reducing Yields" — Russell Hedrick and Lance Gunderson dive into new testing methods to determine crop nutrient needs, and what nutrient credits can be taken to reduce cost and increase ROI. Hedrick is the operator of JRH Grain Farms in the foothills of Hickory, N.C. Known as one of the most progressive young farmers in the country, he was the first farmer using regenerative practices to win the North Carolina Corn Yield Contest. Gunderson's reviews of more than 100,000 soil samples provide insight into how soil health results relate to management in regenerative systems.
    Workshop: "Raising Every No-Till Acre" — Two of the highest-yielding farmers on the planet explore the latest developments they see in land preparation, soil fertility, equipment, seed, and agronomics. David Hula has set new corn records at the 400-, 500- and 600-bushel mark. Randy Dowdy has set world records in soybean yields and also for achieving 500-bushel corn and 100-bushel soybeans in the same year.

Title sponsors include Advancing Eco Agriculture, Ag Leader Technology, Dawn Equipment, Exapta Solutions, GS3 Quality Seed, HELM, Laforge Systems, Martin Industries, Midwest Bio-tech, Montag Manufacturing, Precision Planting, Sound Agriculture, The Andersons PureGrade, Wearparts Tillage Tools, Yetter.

Learn more at https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/nntc.