FFA Members Explore Career Pathways at Expo and Career Fair
Nebraska FFA members will engage with over 110 booths at the Expo and Career Fair hosted by the Nebraska FFA Foundation during the 95th Nebraska FFA State Convention March 29-31 in Lincoln, NE.
The Expo is for commodity groups, associations and colleges, while the Career Fair is for companies. Organizers expect 2,000+ FFA members will take part in both the Expo and Career Fair to explore future college and career opportunities.
“The Nebraska FFA Foundation Career Fair allowed me to connect with industry professionals in a relaxed environment,” said Libby Wilkins, Nebraska FFA State Vice President, when reflecting on previous Career Fairs. “The Career Fair also encouraged me to explore different career paths I had never considered before.”
The Nebraska FFA Foundation Expo will take place March 29, from 10:00am -5:00pm and March 30, from 8:00am - 4:00pm in Pinnacle Bank Arena. Then the Nebraska FFA Foundation Career Fair will be held March 31, from 8:00am - 1:00pm.
Nebraska FFA sponsor Central Valley Ag (CVA) knows the value of investing in Nebraska FFA members and networking with them early because they could be speaking with their future employees or customers.
“FFA is vital to the future of agriculture and the local communities we serve. CVA is honored and proud to support the efforts of our local FFA chapters through the Nebraska FFA Foundation,” said Carl Dickinson, President/CEO of CVA. “By attending the Nebraska State FFA Convention Career Fair, CVA is supporting the future leaders, innovators and spokespeople of agriculture.”
FFA Members Practice “Living to Serve” During State Convention
As part of the 95th Nebraska FFA State Convention, 850+ FFA members will make a positive impact on the Lincoln community and beyond while putting their leadership into action.
For example, in partnership with Union Bank & Trust and Mercy Meals, FFA members will provide indirect service engagement through packaging thousands of meals that will be delivered to children in need throughout the world.
During last year’s Living to Serve portion of the convention, 80,784 meals were packaged, and plans are in the works to exceed that number this year.
The last line of the FFA motto is “Living to Serve” which signifies the vital role service plays in our organization. Members impact their local communities across Nebraska through service engagement, community service, and service-learning. Students leverage their creative thinking and problem solving skills to create local solutions to meet the community needs.
More than 7,600 FFA members, advisors, and guests come to Lincoln to celebrate the Nebraska State FFA Convention. Members participate in general sessions, competitions, educational tours, leadership workshops, and a Career Fair and Expo. Events are hosted at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Haymarket-area hotels, and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln East Campus.
Nebraska Cattlemen Announces Registration is Now Open for 2023 Midyear Meeting
Today, Nebraska Cattlemen announced their 2023 Midyear Meeting will take place from Wednesday, June 7 to Thursday, June 8, in North Platte, Nebraska.
Nebraska Cattlemen President, Steve Hanson, said, “We look forward to meeting with our fellow cattlemen and women this summer in North Platte as we hear from industry leading experts about the most important issues facing beef cattle producers, discuss and shape policy for the association, and enjoy great steaks.”
Event details are as follows:
Registration is now available online at www.nebraskacattlemen.org. As more details become available they will be added to Nebraska Cattlemen’s website. For questions or inquiries, please contact the Nebraska Cattlemen office at (402) 475-2333.
Fischer Demands Answers on Biden Administration’s 30x30 Plan
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today demanded answers from U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on President Biden’s “America the Beautiful” initiative, also known as the 30x30 Plan.
As Sen. Fischer said, 97 percent of Nebraska’s land is privately owned, and at least 70 counties have already issued resolutions opposing the 30x30 Plan. At the hearing, Sen. Fischer asked Secretary Haaland for all of the Department’s financial records on the program and noted that Congress has not provided any authorization or funding for the initiative.
Sen. Fischer has long opposed efforts to expand the federal government’s control over land and water resources.
JBS semi trailer stolen with $275,000 worth of beef
Grand Island Police are investigating after someone got away with a semi trailer full of beef.
According to police, the JBS Beef Plant in Grand Island reported Tuesday that a semi trailer carrying beef worth $275,000 did not make it to its Virginia destination as planned.
GIPD said a driver of the subcontracted trucking company picked up the meat from JBS on March 20 but the truck driver cut its GPS tracker shortly after.
Police are still investigating this situation and say it’s different from the beef thefts from last summer.
Captain Jim Duering said in this case, the subcontracting company is a legitimate business. He said they are not releasing the name of the company at this time as they are cooperating with investigators.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/24/2023
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending March 24, ethanol production edged up 0.6% to 1.003 million b/d, equivalent to 42.13 million gallons daily. Production was 3.2% below the same week last year but 2.8% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate was steady at 1.006 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.42 billion gallons (bg).
Ethanol stocks fell 2.5% to 25.5 million barrels. Stocks were 3.8% lower than a year ago but 6.6% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the West Coast (PADD 5).
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 2.1% to 9.15 million b/d (140.19 bg annualized), the highest level since the week leading up to Christmas. Demand was 7.6% more than a year ago and 7.9% above the five-year average. Stocks of total motor gasoline fell an additional 1.3% and were at their lowest level for the week since 2014.
Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 0.8% to 888,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.61 bg annualized and also the highest level since late December. Net inputs were 4.8% above the same week last year and 7.2% more than the five-year average.
There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the sixteenth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of January 2023.)
All Eight Retail Fertilizer Prices Move Lower, With Four Down Significantly
All retail fertilizer prices continued to decline in the third full week of March 2023, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Prices have been on a steady march lower since the beginning of the year. All eight of the major fertilizer prices were once again lower compared to last month. Four of the eight fertilizers had a sizable price decline, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.
Leading the way lower was UAN28. The liquid nitrogen fertilizer was 9% lower compared to last month with an average retail price of $429 per ton. Anhydrous was 8% less expensive than a month ago with an average price of $1,036/ton. UAN32 was 7% lower compared to a month earlier and had average price of $514/ton. Urea was 6% less expensive compared to the previous month with an average price of $627/ton.
The remaining four fertilizers were all just slightly lower compared to the prior month. DAP had an average price of $821/ton, MAP $812/ton, potash $645/ton and 10-34-0 $740/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.68/lb.N, anhydrous $0.63/lb.N, UAN28 $0.77/lb.N and UAN32 $0.80/lb.N.
All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. 10-34-0 is 16% less expensive, DAP is 19% lower, MAP is 20% less expensive, potash is 24% lower, UAN32 is 26% less expensive, both anhydrous and UAN28 are 32% lower and urea is 36% less expensive compared to a year prior.
NCBA Slams FDA Commissioner’s Comments on Cell Cultured Meat
Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane slammed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf’s comments regarding cell cultured meat that he made during a hearing on the FDA’s fiscal year 2024 budget request:
“By his own admission, the FDA’s role is to ensure food safety, but Commissioner Califf’s comments today indicate that he intends to bring his agency into climate and environmental discussions while promoting cell cultured meat. This viewpoint is extremely disappointing to America’s cattle producers whose stewardship of the land already does more to protect our environment than fake meat production ever will. We appreciate Congresswoman Letlow shining a light on these concerning issues at FDA and hope that Commissioner Califf will reverse course and coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the regulation of these cell cultured substitutes.”
Background
Today, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. During the hearing, Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) asked the Commissioner how the agency plans to coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on pre-market consultation for reviewing cell cultured chicken products. In his answer, Commissioner Califf referenced climate change and the need for additional cell cultured research as a way to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2019, USDA and FDA have joint jurisdiction over fake meat products, with USDA taking the lead on enforcing accurate labeling and food safety. This memorandum was supported by NCBA because of USDA’s expertise in food inspections and labeling.
When FDA announced its second pre-market consultation for cell cultured chicken last week, the agency said that it is “ready to work with additional firms that are developing cultured animal cell food” and “will issue guidance to assist firms that intend to produce human food made from cultured animal cells.” These statements are highly concerning and indicate FDA’s desire to promote additional cell cultured meat products.
Congress Calls for Repeal of 2023 WOTUS Rule
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Senate passage of a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval of the 2023 Waters of the U.S. Rule.
“AFBF applauds Senators for coming together to repeal the 2023 WOTUS rule. Today’s bipartisan vote under the Congressional Review Act follows a similar effort in the House earlier this month. A majority of Congress has now told EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers that this overreaching rule will lead to more uncertainty for America’s farmers and ranchers.
“Farmers and ranchers are committed to protecting the land and water they rely on to grow food for America’s families. Unfortunately, the 2023 WOTUS threatens the progress made to responsibly manage natural resources. We urge President Biden to recognize the concerns from members of both parties and rescind this troubled rule.”
Survey Shows Strong Public Support for Farm Bill Passage
Almost three-quarters of Americans say that not reauthorizing the farm bill in 2023 would have a significant impact on the country, according to a new poll from the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The survey explores the public’s awareness of the farm bill, its impact, and priorities for funding in the legislation. The poll, conducted by Morning Consult, showed more than half of respondents said they would be more likely to support their member of Congress if they voted to reauthorize the farm bill.
Nearly 70% of respondents also identified two areas of the farm bill as top priorities for government funding: risk management programs that serve as a safety net for farmers and nutrition programs that serve as a safety net for families facing hunger.
“Thanks to the farm bill, farmers and ranchers can hold on through the tough times to keep the nation’s food supply secure,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers must take the lead to share with our neighbors and lawmakers about the impact the farm bill has on every family in America. Almost nine in ten adults trust farmers, which will be important as we work to inform the 260 lawmakers who weren’t in Congress when the last farm bill was written.”
After witnessing the food system impacts of Russia’s war with Ukraine, an overwhelming majority of Americans also believe the U.S. should consider a safe and abundant food supply a matter of national security. This suggests the farm bill should be considered a part of the country’s national security strategy.
Key findings of the survey include:
73% of adults say not passing a farm bill would have a significant impact on the country;
A majority of adults agree that nutrition programs (68%) and risk management (67%) should be top priorities for government funding in the farm bill;
86% of adults say they are concerned about food inflation;
84% of adults say the U.S. should consider a safe and abundant food supply a matter of national security; and
89% of adults trust farmers.
131 Farm and Food Groups Call for Checkoff Reform in the 2023 Farm Bill
Today, a coalition of 131 groups representing farmers, the food system, the environment, animal welfare, and antimonopoly advocacy called on Congress to restore accountability and transparency to commodity checkoff programs by supporting inclusion of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act (S.557 and H.R.1249) in the 2023 Farm Bill.
Checkoff programs are funded through mandatory fees on farmers and ranchers producing milk, eggs, cattle, hogs, and many other commodities. To support their call for reform, the groups point to “well-documented histories of waste, conflicts of interest, misuse of funding, anti-competitive behavior, and other related issues” associated with checkoff programs.
“Programs entrusted with the hard-earned dollars of America's family farmers and ranchers should maintain the highest levels of integrity and transparency,” the letter states. “[The OFF Act] is critical to restoring a minimum level of oversight.”
“America's farmers and ranchers are tired of their checkoff tax dollars being funneled through the government and into the hands of trade and lobbying groups that work against fair competition and market transparency,” said Angela Huffman, vice president of Farm Action Fund. “It’s time to end the corruption running rampant through these programs.”
“The decades-old beef checkoff program promotes corporate control and globalization over the interests of American cattle producers,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard. “The OFF Act will meaningfully reform all checkoff programs, including the beef checkoff program, to provide the necessary enforcements to prevent producers’ checkoff dollars from being used against them.”
The OFF Act would empower and protect farmers by reining in conflicts of interest and anticompetitive behavior. It would also improve transparency by forcing checkoff programs to publish their budgets and undergo periodic audits so that farmers and ranchers know where their hard-earned tax dollars are going.
Farm Action Fund, R-CALF, and other signers to the letter will continue to advance the cause of checkoff reform at debates and hearings toward the 2023 Farm Bill.
Tracking Global Trends and Global Trade with Market Development and American Poultry
Last week, the U.S.A. Poultry Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) held their annual Strategic Planning Conference in Tokyo, Japan. Bringing together USAPEEC’s global staff and industry representatives from across the sector, the conference enables participants to analyze opportunities for expansion and barriers to market access, and then formulate strategy to increase and create additional demand for American poultry and egg products. Representing National Corn Grower Association’s Market Development Action Team was Michigan Corn Growers Association Vice President John Delmotte and NCGA Market Development Manager Michael Granché. On Thursday, Delmotte and Granché provided a presentation that highlighted the value of partnerships, highlighted goals and progress outlined within NCGA’s Sustainability Report, and illustrated how USAPEEC and NCGA have worked together through projects their Chicken, Egg, and Turkey Buyer’s Guides.
“Most farmers think that our corn is exported as grain to other countries by ships and trains, but often forget that much of our grain is moved out of the country in animal and egg products. Being in Tokyo with the USAPEEC team really solidified the importance of our partnership with animal agriculture. Working with their global staff illustrated to me the work that these partner organizations do to help us move through meat and egg exports all across the globe. These partnerships are important and valuable to our organization,” said Delmotte.
Poultry remains a top customer for U.S. corn consuming over 1,250 million bushels and last year, contributed $.28 cents of added value thanks to poultry exports!
Nestlé and Cargill team up with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support sustainable grazing practices
Nestlé, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), and Cargill are coming together to help scale the adoption of voluntary conservation practices that help fight climate change. Through this work, the companies will support vital habitat for native wildlife, while also sustaining a robust beef supply chain. In one of the largest corporate commitments to regenerative ranching in the U.S. to date, two of the world’s largest food companies will invest a combined $15 million. This commitment will leverage up to $15 million in federal funds, leading to the activation of up to $30 million in grant funding over the next five years.
This partnership will bring together private landowners and local conservation organizations to support voluntary land management practices, improve water management, and restore wildlife habitats. The work helps generate carbon benefits across more than 15 states, including areas in the Great Plains, Mountain West, Midwest and Southeastern portions of the U.S.
The first set of NFWF-awarded grants made possible with this new partnership are expected to be announced in April 2023. Farmers and ranchers will then directly benefit from these funds by receiving technical and financial support to implement regenerative practices on their lands.
“At the heart of Cargill’s BeefUp Sustainability program is the unique ability to connect strong partners, inventive solutions and financial resources to scale impact in the fight against climate change,” said Jeffrey Fitzpatrick, Cargill BeefUp Sustainability Program Lead. “Leveraging the long history with our partners, this partnership has uncovered a sweet spot for us in supporting local farmers and ranchers, and their communities, all the while increasing supply chain sustainability, decreasing impact on the planet and showcasing beef as a force for good.”
The benefits from this partnership will help support thousands of cattle producers across the country as they implement voluntary practices that will help benefit hundreds of species, from migrating songbirds to elk to freshwater mussels. Investing in regenerative practices on 1.7 million acres over the next five years can sequester up to an estimated 845,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to NFWF. This can help sustain vital grassland habitats, improve water quality for rivers and streams and maintain the quality and quantity of forage for animal health.
“This partnership is activating the work needed in our supply chains to help create a regenerative, healthy food system,” said Emily Johannes, Director, Diverse and Sustainable Sourcing at Nestlé USA. “Working together as an industry leverages expertise and helps achieve the scale that is critical to accelerating the shift to regenerative farming. Taking action on regenerative agriculture means supporting farmers and ranchers to implement on-farm practices that help replenish the land, absorb carbon, and enhance the health of our environment.”
The collaborative efforts of this partnership will serve as an action-based roadmap for sustainability leaders who are invested in creating positive impact in their supply chains but may not know where to start.
“The conservation challenges of our time can feel daunting, but when we engage public and private institutions, we are able to unlock potential — in technical expertise, in funding and in results,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “This partnership with two of the world’s largest food companies will have a nationally significant grassland impact while also benefitting ranching families at the local level.”
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