Final Reminder to Sign Up for Balancing Species Protection and Soybean Production Workshop
Soybean growers, consultants, and ag professionals are reminded to email soon if you'd like to attend the Balancing Species Protection and Soybean Production workshop on Feb 9th and 10th in Lincoln, NE. Registration for the event will close this Tuesday, January 31st, 2023.
This workshop is an important opportunity to weigh in on the “picklist” that EPA is considering for runoff mitigation measures. Some of this pick list could conflict with current management tactics for soybean gall midge or other emerging pests. It should be noted, that this will not be Endangered Species Act specific, this is what EPA will be applying to labels just to meet FIFRA obligations as we’ve seen with atrazine and most recently in December with 4 registration review decisions….so it doesn’t matter if a farm is near endangered species habitat or not, if EPA is concerned about a pesticide running off the field the pick list with these practices will be added to the label and farmers will be required to implement a certain number of practices from the list depending on the chemical:
Picklist:
Vegetative filter strip (30 ft minimum width for solution runoff, 20 ft. minimum width for soil erosion of adsorbed pesticides))
Field terracing/ contour buffer strips
Contour farming
Cover cropping
No/reduce tillage
Grassed waterways
Riparian buffer zone/ riparian herbaceous zone
Vegetative/grassed ditch banks
Runoff retention pond/ water and sediment control basin/ sediment catchment basin/ constructed wetland
Strip cropping
Vegetative barriers
Mulching with natural materials
Alley cropping
In addition to the conservation practices, there will also be additional setbacks (ex: do not apply within 30 ft. from a stream, pond, waterbody, etc.) applied where EPA identifies risk. They have recently identified setbacks from “conservation areas” as a new type of setback they are considering for drift mitigation, so we will be interested in talking about what this means for operations in the workshop. Again these setbacks may not be Endangered Species Act specific but across the board, so if you’re farming next to CRP anywhere in the country, you would have to observe some setback distance.
The workplan update (US EPA - ESA Workplan Update - Nontarget Species Mitigation for Registration Review and Other FIFRA Actions) is one of the only opportunities we have to weigh in on this since it’s open for public comment, and what they decide here will be applied moving forward. They have specifically asked for feedback in various sections throughout the workplan, for example:
"EPA seeks feedback on the example label language in the table below. Additionally, EPA is requesting specific feedback for the following questions:
- Regarding the surface water protection statements, are there additional criteria for proposing mitigation that EPA should consider
- Are the descriptions of the pick list mitigation measures in Section 4 clear? If not, please suggest alternative language.
- Are there other measures that are effective in controlling dissolved runoff that should be included in the pick list? Please include supporting data with any suggestions."
We are really hoping to use the workshop to inform EPA about the challenges local stakeholders are experiencing/will experience in implementing these new requirements. And through these discussions, can we identify better approaches that work at least to resolve endangered species concerns? EPA identified regional approaches as an option they are considering and the efforts we take on here could be the first example of what that could look like…so I see a huge opportunity to inform the process if we can get more grower voices involved in the conversation.
Send an email to justin.mcmechan@unl.edu if you are interested in attending.
Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Appointment of Congressman Adrian Smith to Lead the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee
“On behalf of Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB), I want to congratulate Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3) for being selected to serve as the senior member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. Given the importance of trade to the financial futures of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families, the selection of Congressman Smith, a long-time proponent of growing international markets and a key agricultural ally in the House, is a win for agriculture and a win for Nebraska.”
“Congressman Smith not only understands the importance of trade but has taken an active role in advancing trade agreements which have benefited farmers, ranchers, and businesses across our great nation. He will work across the aisles to fix long-term issues with our trading relationship with China, find new markets for Nebraska agricultural products, work on a series of reforms needed within the World Trade Organization, and use our trade tools to address supply chain and inflation issues. There is no one better to push the Biden administration to act on trade than our long-time friend, Congressman Smith. We look forward to working with him to advance our trade initiatives.”
NCGA Announces Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest Winners for 2022
Amanda Johnson of Nebraska is the grand prize winner of NCGA’s 2022 Fields-of-Corn photo contest. The photo – “All the Fall Colors – was submitted under the Scenery and Landscapes category.
The most popular entry came from the Farm Family Lifestyle category, by Kari DeMoss of Iowa with the photo, “The Future of the Farm.”
Other popular categories included Corn, Growing Field Corn, Farming Challenges, Equipment and Conservation, and a new category, Farm Babies.
“There are a lot of very talented photographers who enter the contest, and each year we get a wide variety of photographs,” said NCGA Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove.
“After nine years, there should be some exciting changes for the tenth contest in 2023.”
In total, 26 prizes were awarded across the eight categories. Winners are determined through a combination of Facebook likes and consideration of a panel of judges. Images submitted to the contest are valuable assets for NCGA in publications, social media channels and the website.
USDA Announces 40 appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of 40 members to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Thirty-nine members will serve three-year terms and one member will serve a one-year term. The term of board members appointed to three-year terms start February 2023 and end February 2026.
Newly appointed members are:
Alabama – Bill Lipscomb, Prattville, Ala.
Arkansas – Donald Hubbell, Batesville, Ark.
Colorado – Jody Rogers, Yuma, Colo.
Florida – LuJean Waters, Bartow, Fla.
Georgia – Kristy Griffis Arnold, Screven, Ga.
Idaho – Patricia Dowton, Ellis, Idaho
Illinois – Paul Walker, Danvers, Ill.
Indiana – Edmund R. Hildenbrand, Huntingburg, Ind.
Iowa – Hayley Moss, Hull, Iowa, and Ross Havens, Atlantic, Iowa
Kansas – Amy Lyons Langvardt, Alta Vista, Kan., and Jack Geiger, Robinson, Kan.
Kentucky – Mitchel Logsdon, Munfordville, Ky.
Minnesota – Jeri L. Hanson, Comfrey, Minn.
Missouri – Patty Wood, La Monte, Mo., and Marsha Corbin, Dover, Mo.
Montana – Benjamin J. Peterson, Judith Gap, Mont.
Nebraska – Michael W. Crosley, Niobrara, Neb., and Jaslyn Livingston, Broadwater, Neb.
New York – John E. Kriese, Branchport, N.Y.
North Dakota – Mary Graner, Huff, N.D.
Ohio – Joe Foster, Gallipolis, Ohio
Oklahoma – Jason Hitch, Guymon, Okla., and Rodney E. Cowan, Watonga, Okla.
Oregon – Wendy Bingham, North Powder, Ore.
Pennsylvania – Diane M. Hoover, Lebanon, Pa.
South Dakota – Larry C. Stomprud, Mud Butte, S.D.
Tennessee – Celeste D. Blackburn, Jefferson City, Tenn.
Texas – Chloe Wilson, Sabinal, Texas, Seth A. Denbow, Weatherford, Texas, Claudia S. Wright, Richmond, Texas, Anne Ilse Anderson, Austin, Texas, and Debbie Gill, Chico, Texas
Virginia – James Edward Calhoun, Jr., Callands, Va.
Wisconsin – Terry Quam, Lodi, Wis.
Northwest Unit – Marty Stingley, Ellensburg, Wash.
Southwest Unit – Ted L. Kingsley, Colusa, Calif., and Cathy Jauch, Plymouth, Calif.
Importer Unit – Andrew Kopic, Jacksonville, Fla., and Doug McNicholl, Washington, DC (1-year term)
The board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 and is composed of 101 members representing 34 States and 5 units. Members must be beef producers or importers of beef and beef products nominated by certified producer organizations. More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattlemen's Beef Board webpage https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion/beef.
ICGA Hosts Informational Farm Bill Priorities Session
Today, members from across the state joined farmer leaders from Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), to discuss priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill. Panelists included Mark Recker, former ICGA President serving on the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Risk Management and Transportation Action Team, Stu Swanson, ICGA District 2 Director and chair of the Animal Ag and the Environment Committee and Mark Mueller, ICGA District 3 Director and At-Large Director on the U.S. Grains Council.
“ICGA policy is established at the grassroots level and farmer member engagement is valued in ongoing policy development,” said Iowa Corn VP of Policy, Mindy Larsen Poldberg who attended the call. “By hosting conversations like the call today, crop fairs across the state and other local actives, we answer questions and gain insight into what farmers want to know most, allowing us to have clearer communication on our efforts both here in Iowa and in Washington, DC as we advocate for solid ag policy."
Priorities Discussed:
Crop Insurance - Iowa corn farmers believe Congress should maintain premium offsets for harvest price coverage in crop insurance. Farm programs are written to provide a basic level of risk protection to help offset bad economic times and severe weather. At this time, we are advocating that congress should do no harm to crop insurance and avoid reductions or changes that will hurt its effectiveness.
Conservation Programs - Iowa corn farmers believe the priority for conservation needs to be simpler programs that help farmers address challenges on working lands and better incorporate the farmer perspective, especially around risk management, which would make them more fair, equitable and workable programs.
MAP & FMD Funding - Iowa corn farmers support continued efforts to improve demand and develop market opportunities both domestically and internationally, including increasing funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) by $200 million and Foreign Market Development (FMD) by $35 million. This program has not been increased in over 20 years and is one of the most effective trade programs in the country.
“A strong farm bill doesn't just support farmers, it supports a unified front on agriculture and its many products, including food,” said Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington, Iowa. "Food and nutrition programs make up the bulk of Farm Bill programs. We see the linkage of these programs and our on-farm programs as a benefit and hope consumers do too, as we all benefit daily from a predictable and affordable agricultural value chain. Many of the more consumer-facing programs, such as SNAP, are also ag-related as it’s for food products such as corn-fed meats, dairy, eggs, poultry, cereals and more. The connection is important for both rural and urban to work together for the implementation of the Farm Bill. "
The Farm Bill is revised every five years with the current bill being up for reconsideration during this calendar year.
Liljedahl Farms Honored with Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Liljedahl family during a ceremony at the Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines. Owned and operated by Dennis and Diane Liljedahl, along with their son, Drew, and daughter-in-law, Candice, Liljedahl Farms is a third-generation family farm located near Essex in Page County.
The farm was established by Dennis' parents Charles and Eileen Liljedahl in 1958, with Dennis returning to the farm in 1975 and Drew joining the operation in 2006. Dennis and Diane's daughter Abbey was raised on the farm but has since moved away with her husband Justin. Dennis and Diane have four grandchildren.
"Multi-generational farm families like the Liljedahls are at the heart of so many of our communities across Iowa. They have a family tradition of being good stewards of their land and excellent caretakers of their livestock," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. "The Liljedahls are also leaders in their community and within Iowa agriculture and I am pleased to present them with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award."
The Liljedahls raise corn, soybeans, seed soybeans and 2,500 – 3,000 wean-to-finish hogs annually.
The family has implemented numerous conservation practices, including the utilization of no-till planting and the seeding of 1,000 acres of cereal rye as a cover crop each year for the past four years. They have installed terraces, grassed waterways, grassed buffer strips and pollinator habitat on their land, and they participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program.
The Liljedahls have demonstrated a high level of care for their animals and take pride in ensuring consumers can have access to nutritious and delicious pork products. The operation has received the Pork Quality Assurance certification and Transport Quality Assurance certification, and it has implemented an active Secure Pork Supply Plan.
Dennis is the past president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and has served on the board since 2016. He is a delegate for the National Pork Forum, a member of Page County Pork Producers Association, a 1994 Master Pork Producer, and a former assistant swine superintendent for the Page County Fair. He serves as a member of the Essex Education Foundation, Essex School Board, and St. John's Lutheran Church, where he is also treasurer. Diane serves as chair for the St. John's Lutheran Church Council, chair of the committee to restore the Essex Opera House and is active with the Page County Endowment.
Drew is a member of the Page and Fremont County Corn and Soybean Growers Associations as well as the Page County Extension and Outreach Council. Candice is active with the Essex Community Club as well as the Study and Service Club. The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is made possible through a partnership with the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF), The Big Show on WHO Radio and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. This award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in caring for the environment, their livestock and being good neighbors. It is named in memory of Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.
Iowa AG Bird Leads Multistate, Bipartisan Effort to Hold Biden Administration Accountable on Governors’ Request for Year-Round E15
Today Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and six of her colleagues sent a letter to the Biden Administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and EPA Administrator Michael Regan demanding they promptly comply with Clean Air Act (CAA) deadlines as established by Congress. It has been over 270 days since Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and seven other governors notified the EPA of their decision to exercise their CAA authority to allow year-round E15 sales. By law, the EPA should have finalized that decision no later than 90 days after receiving notification.
“Iowa and other Midwest states have been more than patient with the EPA and White House OMB,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “The farm economy and consumers can literally not afford to lose the ability to sell E15 during this summer. IRFA members applaud Attorney General Bird for organizing seven states to demand the Biden Administration act on the Governors’ decision. The Clean Air Act is clear, and the Biden Administration is clearly tardy. Any further delay simply plays into the hands of oil refiners who are scared to face competition from lower-priced, lower-carbon E15.”
Attorneys General from South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois joined Bird in demanding the Biden Administration abide by the Clean Air Act provisions.
On November 3, 2021, Gov. Reynolds and a bipartisan coalition of eight states notified the EPA of their interest in utilizing authority granted to them under the CAA to request the regulations for E10 and E15 be equalized, thereby ensuring that lower-cost E15 is available to consumers in their states year-round. On April 28, 2022, Gov. Reynolds and seven other governors formally notified EPA of their determination to equalize the regulations and supplied the EPA the required air quality documentation. Under the CAA, EPA “shall” finalize such a request from a governor no later than 90 days after receiving the request.
On December 7, 2022, the draft EPA rule approving the governors’ request appeared on the OMB docket. OMB is the White House office that conducts interagency reviews of rules prior to their being officially released for public notice and comment. On December 22, 2022, IRFA and other state ethanol trade groups held a conference call with OMB to discuss the draft rule.
After no further OMB action was observed, on January 17, 2023, Gov. Reynolds sent a letter to the EPA and OMB urging them to move quickly in order to ensure the new regulations can be in place by the summer driving season. Since that letter was sent, IRFA has received unofficial reports that instead of moving the draft rule forward, OMB has sent it back to EPA for “revisions.” This is a highly unusual move and is viewed by many as a tactic used to “slow walk” regulations.
“The White House delay of the bipartisan governors’ request is not only unacceptable and contrary to law, it is confusing and frustrating given that President Biden himself took emergency action to ensure E15 was available during the summer of 2022,” stated Shaw. “Biden’s E15 announcement, made in Iowa, was probably the single biggest thing he did to address high gas prices last year, as E15 is routinely selling for 15 to 20 cents less than E10. Why the Biden OMB is slow-walking a permanent Midwest E15 fix that is clearly required under the CAA is mind boggling. Delaying action is thumbing your nose at the Clean Air Act, at Congress, at consumers, at bipartisan Midwest governors, and at farmers and ethanol producers. We hope President Biden will step in and get this moving immediately before formal legal action is necessary to bring the Administration into compliance with the law.”
LMA Applauds Bill to Allow Livestock Auction Investment in Small and Regional Packers
Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) applauds Congressmen Mark Alford (R-Mo.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) for introducing the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act. If enacted, the bill would remove an outdated regulatory barrier and allow livestock auction market owners to own or invest in small and regional meatpackers.
The Administration, Congress, and the livestock industry agree there is a need for increased packer competition and additional processing capacity. Currently, livestock auctions owners are not able to own, invest, or participate in the operation of a packing plant or meat marketing business due to dated Packers and Stockyards Act restriction. This prohibition falls under a 102-year-old law and predates the current, transparent method of selling livestock at an open auction to the highest bidder. The A-PLUS Act is essential in removing this unnecessary barrier to cattle industry investment in the packing sector. The bill would allow livestock auction owners to own or invest in cattle and hog packers smaller than the current ten largest packers.
“We greatly appreciate Congressmen Alford, Panetta, and Johnson introducing the A-PLUS Act,” said LMA President and owner of Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market Mark Barnett. “Livestock auction markets, like mine, are in the competition business. Allowing livestock auction owners to invest in small and regional packers will create competition against large packing entities that already exist. The A-PLUS Act could spur additional capacity and especially additional packers to increase competition and improve profitability for producers.”
If you have questions about the A-PLUS Act, please reach out to Chelsea Good, Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs & Legal at cgood@lmaweb.com or 816-305-9540.
FBN Partners with Boveta Nutrition to Launch Proprietary Feeding System for Beef Cattle to Reduce Feeding Costs in the Beef Industry
Farmers Business Network (FBN®), the global AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network today announced FBN Livestock has partnered with Boveta Nutrition™ to deliver a proprietary feeding system for beef cattle that improves feed efficiency and carcass yield while reducing methane gas emissions and wet waste.
“With our optimized feeding algorithms, producers get more planned beef production from less feed, meaning a reduction in costs and an increase in profit potential,” says Rod Jones, co-founder and chairman of Boveta Nutrition. “In addition, beef cattle that follow the Boveta diet see a reduction in methane gas production.”
Boveta Nutrition’s optimized feed formulation ensures nutrients are being delivered more precisely so cattle consume less feed yet maintain, or even increase, their gain or milk production.
Ben Row, farm manager at Talcott Land and Cattle outside of Lincoln, Nebraska, participated in an FBN-managed independent study of the Amino balancing program. “Our cost of gain is around $0.71 now. We were at about $1.20 before so that’s a big drop. Plus, the health of the cattle and their overall performance has gone up greatly,” says Row. “Everything is growing better because it’s the right nutrition to grow them the right way.”
“Amino acid balancing has been a standard nutritional practice in the swine and poultry industries to drive margin and animal growth but we haven't been able to solve the riddle with beef cattle until now,” says Dr. Monty Kerley, FBN’s Senior Ruminant Nutritionist. “After decades, we finally believe we’re able to deliver this solution to beef producers and its unique potential to decrease feed costs while maintaining optimal growth.”
The proprietary algorithm from Boveta is initially available to FBN cattle operators in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota, with plans to expand nationally and internationally. A team of experienced FBN nutritionists, led by Dr. Monty Kerley, will help bring the industry-leading system to the market.
"With feed costs on the rise, we know just how important it is to bring an innovation to this sector that truly benefits our livestock producers. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Boveta to help change the beef feed industry," says Luiz Beling, president of FBN Direct.
Boveta has conducted a series of research studies and found:
Backgrounding cattle on a forage diet showed a $0.20/lb. cost of gain advantage when on Boveta’s balanced diet supplement.
Cattle on Boveta’s amino acid balanced finishing diet consumed 15% less feed, maintained daily gain, delivering an average savings of $0.07 per pound gained.
A large commercial feedlot study produced a $30/head advantage for steers on the Boveta diet.
“Our studies clearly demonstrate the economic benefits of our system. It’s exciting because we’re delivering on our goal of enabling livestock operations to function more efficiently and profitably while minimizing feed waste and lowering the environmental footprint of meat and milk production,” says Greg Mills, president and CEO of Boveta Nutrition.
The Boveta optimized diet improves income over feed costs and reduces methane by 8-12%. In addition, roughage can be scaled back from beef feedlot diets to further decrease input costs and reduce methane up to 30% or more in a healthy and practical way.
The reduction in feed costs is significant for many ranchers who continue to face higher fertilizer and corn prices. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, prices for beef cattle feed were up 16% in May 2022 relative to May 2021.
First Few Farm Bill Hearing Dates Set
The United States Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry announced upcoming Farm Bill hearing dates. The first hearing scheduled for Feb. 1, will focus on issues under the trade and horticulture titles of the next five-year agricultural blueprint.
Scheduled to testify before the panel are the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Alexis Taylor, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs; Jenny Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; and U.S. Agency for International Development’s Sarah Charles, Assistant to the Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.
Dates:
Feb. 1: Trade and horticulture programs
Feb. 9: Commodity programs, crop insurance and farm credit programs
Feb. 16: Nutrition programs
March 1: Conservation and forestry programs
March 16: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testifies
The Farm Bill legislative package is updated every five years, and the last bill was approved in 2018. With the current law set to expire on Sept. 30, 2023, lawmakers are preparing to draft new measures affecting agriculture, rural and nutrition programs. For NPPC, the 2023 Farm will be an opportunity to renew and expand key Farm Bill programs that protect the pork industry.
To stay up to date and listen in, check out the hearing calendar here https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/hearings.
Ranking Member David Scott Welcomes New and Returning House Agriculture Committee Members
Below is a statement from Ranking Member David Scott on the Democratic Members approved today to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture for the 118th Congress.
“I am honored to welcome this talented team of agricultural advocates to the Committee. These Members represent a variety of districts, covering the diversity of our industry and our country. As we continue important conversations and making critical decisions surrounding the farm bill, their input will be invaluable. I anticipate the diligence of these Members, combined with the valuable perspectives they bring on behalf of their constituents, will help the Committee deliver on its commitment to provide positive outcomes for food and agriculture in America.”
Democratic Members of the House Agriculture Committee for the 118th Congress:
• Rep. David Scott (GA-13), Ranking Member
• Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21)
• Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02)
• Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12)
• Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07)
• Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05)
• Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11)
• Rep. Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL)
• Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03)
• Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07)
• Rep. Yadira Caraveo (CO-08)
• Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06)
• Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03)
• Rep. Don Davis (NC-01)
• Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02)
• Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13)
• Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35)
• Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30)
• Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01)
• Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17)
• Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)
• --
• --
• --
NOTE: Three additional Democratic Members will receive assignment to the House Agriculture Committee at a date to be determined.
ASI Elects New Leadership at Annual Convention
As he works through the transition process to step away from a daily role on his family’s fifth-generation ranch outside Casper, Wyo., Brad Boner stepped into a new role during the American Sheep Industry Association’s Annual Convention in Fort Worth, Texas.
He will serve as ASI president for the next two years after unanimous election on Saturday by the ASI Board of Directors. Boner joined ASI’s officer team in 2019 when he was first elected secretary/treasurer after representing Region VII on the ASI Executive Board. He was elevated to vice president in 2021 and now takes over as president from Susan Shultz of Ohio.
“I thought about this day occasionally the last few years,” said Boner. “But it’s not something I thought about much before today. We’re blessed with such great people in this organization, and it’s so much fun to work with them to lead the industry. There’s no backing out now, so here we go.”
The family ranch includes both ewe-lamb and cow-calf operations along with selling Black Angus seedstock. Brad and his wife, Laurie, have three children who all live close to the home place, but only Ryan works on the ranch on a daily basis. Ryan’s involvement allows his parents to spend additional time with their grandchildren.
“This generational transition is an interesting process,” Boner said. “As was alluded to by a few other speakers this week, there comes a point where it’s time for the next generation to step up and start doing what they can do. That’s where we’re headed. Plus, that grandparent thing is pretty cool stuff.”
Boner is joined on the ASI officer team by Montana’s Ben Lehfeldt as vice president and California’s Joe Pozzi as secretary/treasurer. Pozzi – a former member of ASI’s Executive Board from Region VIII – ran unopposed for the secretary position.
“I’m looking forward to working with Joe,” Boner said. “What an innovator and entrepreneur he is in this industry. I believe he’ll be a great addition to our team for the next several years.”
In addition, Virginia’s Lisa Weeks in Region II and New Mexico’s Bronson Corn in Region VI were reelected to second terms on the ASI Executive Board. Lynn Fahrmeier of Missouri was selected to represent Region IV, while Ryan Indart of California was elected from Region VIII. Steve Clements and Sarah Smith of those respective regions were term-limited and not eligible for reelection.
The National Lamb Feeders Association elected Kate Harlan of Wyoming to fill the NFLA representative spot on the ASI Executive Board. She replaces her father, Bob Harlan, who also wasn’t eligible for reelection.
That team will have to hit the ground running in 2023 as Congress debates funding for the next Farm Bill. The ASI Executive Board established a list of goals for 2023 late last year and the top priority is to continue to be a “proactive force on legislative issues effecting sheep producers.”
Priorities for the industry in the new farm bill include issues such as reauthorizing an updated marketing loan program for wool, extending the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant program, and Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund/U.S. Wool Research in addition to funding U.S. Department of Agriculture export programs.
“We’re going to spend a lot of time this year on the Farm Bill,” said Boner. “I just have to keep plugging away at everything I can to keep this industry moving forward. We’ve been blessed with a lot of great leadership in the past, so there’s some pressure not to disappoint.”
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