Nebraska Cattlemen Announces Laura Field as Executive Vice President
Today, the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Board of Directors announced Laura Field will begin serving as NC’s Executive Vice President on March 1, 2023. Laura is a decade long citizen of Nebraska who hails from a rural community in Texas. She is a sixth-generation member of a purebred seedstock cattle operation on the Texas gulf coast and has worked in agricultural policy and government affairs for almost twenty years.
President of Nebraska Cattlemen, Steve Hanson, stated, “Laura’s extensive experience advocating for the beef industry will greatly benefit our members and she will undoubtedly strengthen our organization. We look forward to Laura’s arrival and are excited to work alongside her to serve Nebraska’s beef cattle producers.”
Laura Field said, "I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to work alongside Nebraska cattle producers. The strengths of the Nebraska beef industry are many, and Nebraska Cattlemen is uniquely suited to represent the interests of the various sectors of cattle production by finding common ground in advancing solutions to meet the needs of all beef producers. Growing up in a ranching family, I am excited to serve those I have long admired; the men, women, youth and families who comprise this great industry."
Laura spent ten years as a partner in a government affairs firm in Denver, Colorado before moving to Nebraska and working as the Vice President of Government Affairs for Nebraska Cattlemen. While at NC, she worked with leadership and membership to help advance the state legislative agenda for the association. She then served as Legislative Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). Laura has extensive beef industry experience including working in livestock production, industry infrastructure expansion efforts, marketing, water and natural resources policy, and agriculturally focused tax reform efforts.
Laura holds a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Education from Texas Tech University and a Master of Agriculture degree from Colorado State University.
She and her husband Tom live just north of Lincoln and are proud of the three young couples and a rising set of 10-year-olds that comprise their family.
Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Governor Jim Pillen’s State of the State Address
“Nebraska Farm Bureau supports the governor’s vision and his efforts to say 'no' to overspending and shrink state government. We continue to support the governor’s focus on giving money back to Nebraskans via historic property and income tax cuts. We also appreciate him recognizing that Nebraska’s valuation system of property for tax purposes is a concern and must be addressed.”
“Governor Pillen’s pledge to have the state take on more responsibility for funding our public schools is a step in the right direction. Our policy set by members line up with the vision the governor has to reduce the property and income tax burdens on Nebraskans. We endorsed Governor Pillen because of his promise to lower taxes and slow government spending and we applaud his efforts to make this happen.”
U.S. Custom Harvesters to Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Annual Convention
U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. (USCHI) will celebrate its 40th anniversary as an organization that serves the custom harvesting industry at their Annual Convention in Omaha, Nebraska, February 2-5, 2023.
The Annual Convention will host more than 600 members from across the country and will showcase a 146,000 square foot tradeshow, combine clinics, forage clinics, state meetings, women’s and kids’ events, a children’s safety day, entertainment from Big Time Grain Company and speakers, including social influencer and advocate for agriculture, Farm Babe (Michelle Miller). Mike Less - Farmhand Mike will also attend the convention.
“USCHI’s Annual Convention is the yearly capstone for our organization. It’s a chance for our organization to connect members with machinery and equipment manufacturers and gather to discuss what’s happening in the industry – from inflated costs to new legislation that will affect our workforce,” said JC Schemper, USCHI board president. “This year kicks off the 40th year of our organization representing custom harvesters. The convention will provide educational opportunities for policy solutions, technology advancements, and more within the industry.”
The trade show will feature sponsors such as AGCO Corporation, Case IH, CLAAS of America, John Deere, Pipe Ag, MACDON Industries, JCB North America, INSPRO - a Marsh McLennan agency, and more to demonstrate the newest equipment and technology to USCHI members and harvest crews.
In addition to the program, the board of directors will promote and elect new leaders for the organization. JC Schemper, current president, will move to an advisor role, while David Misener rises to President. Paul Paplow is running for Vice President and Mark Anderson, Nick Dietrick, Pat Farris, and Mychal Neumiller are running for the two open board seats.
Webinars Presented by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska
Herd Liquidation Impacts to Beef Cattle and Feedlot Operations
Feb 2, 2023 12:00 PM
Elliott Dennis, Assistant Professor, UNL Agricultural Economics
The 2023 Cattle Inventory is released at the end of January. We’ll review the numbers, discuss where herd liquidation has occurred, and how this will impact inventory and, ultimately, prices in 2023 and 2024.
Farm Program Safety Net Options: ARC and PLC in 2023
Feb 7, 2023 12:00 PM
Cathy Anderson, production and compliance programs chief, Nebraska Farm Service Agency
and Brad Lubben, extension policy specialist, UNL
Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding producers that now is the time to make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year. The signup period is open through March 15, 2023, and producers are encouraged to begin working with their USDA county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office now to complete the process.
ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guaranteed level. PLC provides income support payments on historical base acres when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its reference price.
Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC on a crop-by-crop basis, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2023 crop year. Although election changes for 2023 are optional, enrollment (signed contract) is required for each year of the program. If a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm, it will be necessary to sign a new contract for the farm by the March 15th deadline if a 2023 election change is desired.
This webinar will cover these options for producers and explain the details of each election possibility.
Producer Perspectives: Farm and Ranch Transition and Succession
Feb 9, 2023 12:00 PM
Allan Vyhnalek, Succession and Transition Educator, Nebraska Extension
Nebraska Extension educator Allan Vyhnalek interviewed two families in 2022. One is transitioning his operation to neighbors and the other family is succeeding the operation and has three active generations working the operation. Learn about how these families handle each situation and gain insight on transition and succession from Nebraska producers going through the process, as well as Vyhnalek, who draws on his four decades of experience working with Nebraska producers through extension.
Agricultural Land Management Quarterly
Feb 20, 2023 11:00 AM
Jim Jansen, Agricultural Economist, Nebraska Extension
and Allan Vyhnalek, Farm and Ranch Succession and Transition Educator, Nebraska Extension
Offered since 2019, the quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season.
The February webinar will examine methods for setting cash rents, flex lease alternatives and considerations for updating agricultural rental arrangements for 2023. It will include an “Ask the Experts” session, offering participants the chance to get answers to their land or lease questions.
The Growing Climate Solutions Act
Mar 9, 2023 12:00 PM
Dave Aiken, Agricultural Law and Water Law Specialist, Nebraska Extension
The Growing Climate Solutions Act became law in December 2022. The act will provide significantly more transparency in the ag carbon credit market. Individuals or companies offering ag carbon market services will be able to register with USDA in 2024 and be listed on a national USDA ag carbon market registry. The webinar will offer an overview of the legislation and what it means for agriculture.
The Growing Role of Government in Livestock Markets
Mar 16, 2023 12:00 PM
Brad Lubben, Associate Professor and Extension Policy Specialist, UNL
and Elliott Dennis, Assistant Professor and Extension Livestock Economist, UNL.
Since 2008 when livestock was given its first major title in the 2008 Farm Bill, the federal government has continued to provide more assistance to livestock producers. This assistance includes new federal programs, changes to existing programs, and an increasing amount of ad-hoc payments. We will describe the history of the growth of government in livestock markets, provide an overview of all the available programs for livestock producers, and discuss whether this new role is ultimately a net benefit to producers.
To register for any of these webinars, follow this link: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.
Trish Cook is First Woman to Lead Iowa Pork Producers
A Buchanan County pig farmer, Trish Cook, is the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). The change in leadership took place following the IPPA annual meeting on Jan. 24.
Cook is the first woman to be president of IPPA, but she points out that leadership in agriculture always depends on teamwork, whether that’s on the farm or in the board room. “The things that are important to me are the things that are important to ALL pork producers,” she said as she took the gavel.
“In pork production we depend on teamwork. My husband, Aaron, and I work as a team. I will work as a team with the board, county organizations, and the staff. I look forward in representing all of Iowa’s pork producers as we address the challenges and opportunities ahead."
Cook, who had served as president-elect in 2022, replaces Kevin Rasmussen of Goldfield. Rasmussen now holds the past president position on the IPPA Board of Directors. Both Cook and Rasmussen will serve one-year terms in their new roles.
The Cook family owns and operates their family farm near Winthrop, which includes a farrow-to-finish operation, as well as corn and soybeans. Trish is a 27-year member of the Buchanan County Pork Producers and served on the IPPA board since 2019, when she joined as the Northeast Region Director. She has served on several IPPA committees, and participated in the Iowa Pork Leadership Academy and the National Pork Producers Council‘s Pork Leadership Institute. Cook has an accounting degree from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Iowa.
Other changes on the IPPA board include:
Selecting a new president-elect, who is Matt Gent of Wellman. He formerly served as Region 8 director on the IPPA board. An interim director for that position will be appointed by the board at their March meeting.
Lance Heuser, Manson, is the new District 2 director. He replaces Rod Leman who has moved out of the district.
Tim Schmidt, Hawarden, was elected as the Northwest Region Director.
Dominic Hogan, Monticello, was elected to serve as the Northeast Region Director.
Haley Kerr, Burlington, was elected as the Southeast Region Director.
The board oversees leadership and direction for all IPPA Pork Checkoff programs, public policy and general direction of the organization.
HPAI Confirmed in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Buena Vista County
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 Buena Vista County, Iowa.
The affected site is a commercial turkey flock.
Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products. An internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses.
New report outlines producer experiences with the Conservation Stewardship Program
A survey of participants in the Midwest shows the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is making strides in providing financial and technical assistance for producers to maintain agricultural production on their land and simultaneously address resource concerns with conservation practices.
Results of the survey, conducted in spring 2022, are part of a new report, released today by the Center for Rural Affairs.
“Producing a Sustainable Future: Producers’ Feedback on the Nation’s Leading Conservation Program,” authored by Kelsey Willardson, policy associate for the Center, includes feedback from 421 farmers and ranchers in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Kansas.
“Participants provided key insights into how CSP has helped enhance their operations,” Willardson said. “They offered feedback on interpretation of soil test data, additional practice options they’d like to see available, and how the program can better serve their operation.”
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, CSP allows producers to implement conservation methods while keeping their land productive.
According to the survey, CSP has enhanced many aspects of farming operations, as indicated by the following:
Nearly 79% of respondents identified the program’s ability to improve the affordability of conservation practices, which is a common barrier for producers not in a working lands conservation program.
More than 70% of participants said the program improved or is improving the financial health of their operations.
About 77% of respondents said that CSP-supported conservation efforts have improved or are improving their soil health.
Feedback also showed there are areas in need of improvement within the program. According to the survey:
Under 50% of respondents reported that CSP has or is helping them understand the nutrient levels in their fields, which shows there’s a need for NRCS to expand its support services for soil testing and data interpretation.
More than 58% of respondents believe there should be more practices, also known as enhancements, from which to choose. Nearly 75% believe they should be able to expand on previous practices in their renewal contract.
Additionally, respondents said the program becomes less accessible after the first five-year contract has been renewed. The renewal process, according to their feedback, was more difficult than their initial CSP contract and would like to see this change.
Overall, survey respondents were happy with the program, saying it has increased their awareness of the health of their fields and pastures and, in some instances, allowed them to implement conservation on land they otherwise would not have.
Continued funding and support for CSP from Congress in the next farm bill will help agriculture operations implement and continue conservation efforts that are improving soil quality and protecting priority resources, Willardson said.
To read and download “Producing a Sustainable Future: Producers’ Feedback on the Nation’s Leading Conservation Program,” visit cfra.org/publications.
NEBRASKA MILK PRODUCTION
Milk production in Nebraska during the October-December 2022 quarter totaled 356 million pounds, up 1% from the October-December quarter last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of milk cows was 57,000 head, 1,000 head less than the same period last year.
October-December Milk Production up 1.0 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the October - December quarter totaled 56.0 billion pounds, up 1.0 percent from the October - December quarter last year. The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.41 million head, 4,000 head less than the July - September quarter, but 27,000 head more than the same period last year.
December Milk Production up 0.9 Percent
Milk production in the 24 major States during December totaled 18.1 billion pounds, up 0.9 percent from December 2021. November revised production, at 17.4 billion pounds, was up 1.1 percent from November 2021. The November revision represented a decrease of 49 million pounds or 0.3 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate. Production per cow in the 24 major States averaged 2,032 pounds for December, 8 pounds above December 2021. The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major States was 8.92 million head, 38,000 head more than December 2021, but 9,000 head less than November 2022.
Iowa: Milk production in Iowa during December 2022 totaled 496 million pounds, up 6 percent from the previous December according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during December, at 239,000 head, was unchanged from last month but up 14,000 from December 2021. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,075 pounds, down 5 pounds from last December.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/20/2023
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 20, ethanol production ticked up 0.4% to 1.012 million b/d, equivalent to 42.50 million gallons daily. Production was 2.2% lower than the same week last year but 0.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.3% to 952,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.59 billion gallons (bg).
Ethanol stocks swelled 7.2% to a 42-week high of 25.1 million barrels. Stocks were 2.5% more than a year ago and 5.1% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions.
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 1.1% to 8.14 million b/d (124.82 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 4.3% less than a year ago and 6.9% below the five-year average.
Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 0.5% to 830,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.72 bg annualized. Net inputs were 4.4% more than a year ago but 0.7% below the five-year average.
There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the seventh consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of November 2022.)
USDA Cold Storage December 2022 Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 11 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 16 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 16 percent from last month and up 66 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on December 31, 2022 were up 7 percent from the previous month and up 23 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 25 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 35 percent from last month and up 14 percent from December 31, 2021.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on December 31, 2022 were up 1 percent from the previous month and up slightly from December 31, 2021. Butter stocks were up 8 percent from last month and up 9 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks were down 5 percent from last month but up 22 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 5 percent from last month and down slightly from a year ago.
Retail Fertilizer Prices Fall to Lowest Level in 15 Months
Most average retail fertilizer prices were lower the third week of January 2023, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Prices have moved considerably lower in recent weeks. Seven of the eight major fertilizers are lower in price compared to last month. Of these seven, the prices of six fertilizers were significantly lower, which DTN designates as a change of 5% or more.
Both potash and anhydrous were down 9% compared to last month. Potash had an average price of $721 per ton, while anhydrous had an average price of $1,238/ton. Both UAN28 and UAN32 were down 7% compared to last month. UAN28 had an average price of $536/ton, while UAN32 was $634/ton. Urea was 6% less expensive, and MAP was 5% lower. Urea had an average price of $712/ton, while MAP was at $865/ton.
One fertilizer was just slightly lower in price compared to a month earlier. DAP had an average price of $859/ton.
One fertilizer was slightly higher in price compared to last month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $755/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.77/lb.N, anhydrous $0.76/lb.N, UAN28 $0.96/lb.N and UAN32 $0.99/lb.N.
All fertilizers are now lower compared to one year ago. DAP is 1% lower, 10-34-0 is 6% less expensive, both MAP and UAN32 are 7% lower, UAN28 is 8% less expensive, potash is 11% lower, anhydrous 14% less expensive and urea is 22% lower compared to a year prior.
Commodity Classic Announces Main Stage Line-Up for 2023
The nation’s leading agriculture experts and well-known personalities will be featured on the Main Stage during the 2023 Commodity Classic held March 9-11 in Orlando.
The Main Stage, presented by Successful Farming® and Commodity Classic, is located right on the trade show floor. Presentations are scheduled during trade show hours, and highlights of the Main Stage line-up for 2023 include:
Strategies for Success: Where’s the Market Going? with Farm Credit and Kluis Commodity Advisors
Cashing In On Carbon with Garth Boyd of Context Network, sponsored by Truterra
How to Make the Most Success with XtremeAg, sponsored by FMC Corporation
Bring Soil Health to Life, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited
Generation Next: A Retiring Couple’s Journey to Find a Successor to the Family Farm, presented by Syngenta
“The Main Stage is where growers can find valuable information they need to improve their farming operation,” said 2023 co-chair Kenny Hartman, an Illinois farmer and NCGA member. “Commodity Classic also features a robust schedule of over 30 educational sessions and a huge trade show with the latest technology, equipment, and innovation. You can also experience top-notch entertainment and the opportunity to network with thousands of progressive farmers from across the nation.”
Registration and housing for the 2023 Commodity Classic is available at CommodityClassic.com. Please check the Commodity Classic website for full schedule of events and additional details. Session updates can also be found on Facebook and Twitter at @ComClassic.
Farmers, ranchers sought for study about how they balance children and work
Farm and ranch parents know how challenging it can be to balance children and work, especially when child care options (paid or unpaid) are limited. These challenges can have consequences for the farm business, the safety of children, and the well-being of the family as a whole. To better understand farm and ranch families’ lived realities balancing children and work, researchers at the National Farm Medicine Center and The Ohio State University are asking farmers to share their experiences through a new national survey.
“We recognize that farmers often feel over-surveyed and have limited time and energy this time of year” said Florence Becot, Ph.D., an associate research scientist at the National Farm Medicine Center and affiliate of the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. “However, we also know that decisions are being made by local, state and national policymakers without a good grounding in the realities faced by actual farm families.”
The survey is especially timely, Becot said, because this is a Farm Bill year, and some farm organizations and policy makers are debating if affordable child care in rural areas should become a priority.
“This is the first nationwide comprehensive survey focused on the realities of farmers and ranchers raising children”, said Shoshanah Inwood, Ph.D., an associate professor at The Ohio State University. The survey asks farmers not only about their child care and schooling arrangements but also about how their decisions are connected to farm safety, the economic viability of their farm business, and their household finances.
“Over the years the U.S. Department of Agriculture has invested significant resources to recruit and retain the next generation of farmers,” Inwood said. “Yet these programs and resources rarely consider or take into account the child care needs of farm and ranch families, despite evidence of child care challenges dating back to the 1980s.”
As one Ohio farm parent told Becot and Inwood during a focus group last year: “If America wants farmers, we need help with child care.”
The survey will provide important information about what solutions could look like. The results of the survey will be available later in the year and will be shared with farmers, farm organizations, state agencies, and policy makers.
Farm and ranch families can respond to the survey online through this link: https://redcap.link/Survey2_FarmersRaisingChildren. They can also request a paper survey by contacting Becot (becot.florence@marshfieldresearch.org; 715-389-9379).
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