Thursday December 07 Ag News

POLL: MOST RURAL NEBRASKANS UNFAMILIAR WITH FARM BILL BUT SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Most rural Nebraskans report being unfamiliar with the Farm Bill and federal agricultural policy, according to the 2023 Nebraska Rural Poll.

Two-thirds of rural Nebraskans surveyed are either very unfamiliar (43%) or somewhat unfamiliar (23%) with federal ag policy. Twenty-seven percent are somewhat familiar, and only 7% report being very familiar.

According to the poll, Nebraskans who work in agriculture are more likely than others to report being familiar with ag policy. Just more than 60% of ag workers are at least somewhat familiar. Other demographic groups that are more likely to be familiar with ag policy include those living in or near smaller communities, residents of both the North Central and Northeast regions of the state, older adults, men, married people, and Nebraskans with higher education levels.

Federal agricultural policy, also known as the Farm Bill, encompasses all things related to agriculture and food. This includes not only farm income safety net and conservation programs, but domestic food assistance programs (such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), rural development (which funds services such as broadband, utilities and housing programs) and programs focused on specific producers and crops.

Although most respondents report being unfamiliar with the Farm Bill, they generally support federal spending for most Farm Bill programs. Almost eight in 10 respondents support federal funding for conservation programs (79%), rural development (78%), and research and education programs (77%). On the other hand, just 35% support funding for international food assistance programs.

Domestic food assistance programs, which make up most of the Farm Bill spending, are either greatly or somewhat supported by more than 60% of respondents. Nebraskans from lower income households are more likely to support funding for such programs. Seventy-three percent of respondents with household incomes under $40,000 support funding for these programs, compared to about 60% of those with higher incomes.

“It may seem ironic that rural Nebraskans can be both unfamiliar with the Farm Bill yet supportive of the broad categories of Farm Bill programs, but Farm Bills are like many pieces of federal legislation that include numerous programs that appeal to broad groups of citizens,” said Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension specialist in agricultural policy. “The whole may be too complex for many to follow closely, but the pieces are each important to various groups and together lead to the coalition that regularly supports a Farm Bill.”

Panhandle residents surveyed were more likely than others to support funding for many of the listed programs: agricultural trade promotion and development, research and education, programs focused on targeted producers (small, beginning, traditionally underserved, etc.), programs focused on plant and animal health protection, and programs focused on specialty crop or local food systems.

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, a Nebraska Extension specialist with Rural Prosperity Nebraska, said she wasn’t surprised by the strong Panhandle support.

“The Panhandle’s diversified agricultural economy has created several unique processing and value-added enterprises,” she said. “If you live in the region, you see the connection between agriculture and economic development. Federal programs that provide price stability and grow the agricultural base benefit our residents in the long run.”

The Rural Poll is the largest annual poll gauging rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life. Questionnaires were mailed to more than 6,000 households in Nebraska in late spring and summer, with 1,100 households — representing 86 of the state’s 93 counties — responding. The margin of error is plus-or-minus 3%. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics conducts the poll with funding from Nebraska Extension. For the full report, visit https://ruralpoll.unl.edu.



Farm Bureau Members Set Policy on Key Issues and Elect Leaders at Annual Meeting and Convention

Delegates representing farm and ranch families from all 93 Nebraska counties outlined key agriculture policy priorities and elected new leaders for Nebraska Farm Bureau as part of the organization’s 106th Annual Meeting and Convention held Dec. 3-5 in Kearney. Delegates discussed a wide range of agricultural policy issues to provide direction for the organization.

Livestock production is vital to Nebraska’s economy but the process for livestock facilities to be sited continues to be a challenge for farmers and ranchers. Delegates approved policy to support livestock producers and remove speculative barriers from zoning decisions, as well as ensuring those decisions are made in a timely manner.

“Today, Nebraska represents the third largest agriculture production complex in the country worth $100 billion. Growing the livestock sector is key in growing that worth another $20 billion in the next five to ten years. Streamlining the process for livestock facilities to be approved would not only make sense for farmers and ranchers, but would also add more revenue for local economies,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue.

While in recent years progress has been made to address the state’s overreliance on property taxes, a situation that has led to Nebraska being one of the highest property tax states in the nation, it was evident in discussion by delegates that more work is needed. Delegates voted to support tax changes that help grow communities and that do not harm agriculture.

“We have made tremendous strides working with the governor and the Legislature in delivering property tax relief, equaling a 28 percent decrease in agriculture’s property tax burden, but the three-legged stool of taxes is not balanced and that was reflected in discussions at our Annual Convention,” said McHargue.

Nebraska’s farmers have expressed concern for the labor shortages in Nebraska, taking a position of support for legislative and non-legislative efforts to address those concerns. Delegates also set policy to address the emerging issues related to polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS.

“PFAS are chemicals that have been used in many consumer products since the 1940s. As regulatory agencies continue to develop strategies concerning PFAS contamination, NEFB members passed policy stating farmers and ranchers should not be held liable for the cost of chemical contaminants and cleanups where they had no management oversight or control of decision making” said McHargue.

National policy issues advanced to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting and Convention in January include a limited regulatory role for the federal government on Artificial Intelligence as well as supporting EPA pesticide label changes that give applicators broader options to make pesticide applications and more credit for utilization of best management practices.

“Our delegates covered several issues that make a difference in the lives of farmers, ranchers, and all Nebraskans. Their strong leadership is critical to not only growing agriculture, but the prosperity of our entire state,” said McHargue.

In addition to setting state and making national policy recommendations, delegates also held elections for positions on the Nebraska Farm Bureau board of directors.

Mark McHargue, a Merrick County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected as the organization’s President. McHargue and his wife Judi raise corn, popcorn, and soybeans utilizing organic and conventional cropping methods and run a nursery and finishing hog operation near Central City.

Andy DeVries, a Keith County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the representative for the Northwest Region. DeVries raises corn, popcorn, soybeans, and dry edible beans on the family farm near Ogallala.

Adam Boeckenhauer, a Dixon County Farm Bureau member, was elected to serve as the Northeast Region representative. Boeckenhauer and his wife Michelle have a row crop operation, grow alfalfa, and raise cow/calves near Wakefield.

Greg Hoegermeyer, a Washington County Farm Bureau member, was elected as the Producer/Ag-Related Business At-Large representative Hoegermeyer and his wife Patti have a diversified livestock, grain, and forage operation near Herman.



Soy crush to be developed in Lincoln County

The North Platte Chamber & Development Corporation announced Thursday that they have selected White River Soy Processing to develop an oilseed processing plant at a 300-acre industrial rail park located eight miles west of North Platte.  Chamber President Gary Person says they feel the Hershey Rail Park would be an ideal location for such a facility.  

Person says the emerging industrial rail park is also designated as an inland port authority and they have agriculture producers committed to the concept.

Gov. Jim Pillen says an oilseed processing plant at the Hershey Rail Park is a great opportunity for Nebraska’s soybean farmers and livestock producers.

White River is headquartered in Omaha and develops and operates oilseed processing facilities in the U.S. The company is supported by agricultural-focused investors and its team has decades of experience in grain processing, from plant operations to risk management and finance.



Bathke selected to serve as interim state climatologist

Deborah Bathke has been named interim state climatologist in the Nebraska State Climate Office by Larkin Powell, director of the University of Nebraska–Lincon’s School of Natural Resources.

In this role, she will lead efforts to complete a report assessing impacts of climate change, requested by the Nebraska Legislature through LB1255 in 2022. Bathke co-authored a 2014 report for the legislature that helped stakeholders interpret climate data for decision-making.

“Dr. Bathke is uniquely positioned for this role,” Powell said. “She is known nationally for her work in climate science and has the ability to translate complex data for the public.”

Bathke’s Nebraska roots are well established. She grew up in Ponca, a small community in northeast Nebraska, and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nebraska. She returned to the university as a faculty member in 2008, following the completion of her doctorate in atmospheric sciences from Ohio State University and a stint as the assistant state climatologist in New Mexico.

Nebraska is a fascinating place to study climate and weather, Bathke said, and she looks forward to sharing her expertise with the public.

“We get it all here: heavy rains and floods, droughts and heatwaves, and thunderstorms and tornadoes,” Bathke said. “While serving as interim state climatologist, I hope to combine my expertise with my Nebraska roots to help our state better understand and prepare for climate risks.”

Housed in the School of Natural Resources, the Nebraska State Climate Office serves as a primary source of climate information for the state. The climate office manages the Nebraska Mesonet and participates in efforts including Nebraska’s Climate Assessment and Response Committee, Weather Ready Farms, Water and Integrated Cropping Systems Hub and the U.S. Drought Monitor network.

Bathke succeeds Martha Durr, who stepped down as state climatologist in November after nearly eight years in the role. The university is conducting a national search for a full-time state climatologist.



Terry Hejny, longtime head of the Nebraska LEAD Program, to retire in 2024

Terry Hejny, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program, will retire in June after more than 16 years heading the comprehensive statewide agricultural leadership development program.

LEAD participants, who are currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness, are selected each year for a two-year fellowship in which they develop their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of Nebraska institutions and public issues.
Hejny, a Seward County native, is a former agricultural education instructor and Nebraska Extension educator who was a participant in Class 20 of the LEAD Program. The current class is LEAD 42.

"It has been an honor to serve as the director of the Nebraska LEAD Program since September of 2007," Hejny said. "I was following in the footsteps of LEAD’s founding director, Dr. James Horner, and then longtime director, Dr. Allen Blezek. Dr. Horner and Dr. Blezek were my college professors, long before LEAD got its start in 1981."

Hejny also will be retiring as president and chief operating officer of the nonprofit Nebraska Agricultural Leadership, which governs the LEAD Program in cooperation with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Hejny’s last day will be June 30, 2024.

"During the next seven months," he said, "I will continue to do everything possible to wrap up my duties as well as prepare my staff, NALC board members, and Nebraska LEAD Class 42 for a smooth transition."

LEAD alumni have gone on to become leaders in Nebraska agriculture as well as civic and governmental life, serving in the State Legislature and other positions.

"For more than 40 years, the Nebraska LEAD program has helped cultivate knowledgeable, prepared and passionate leaders from throughout the state and across nearly every faction of the state’s agriculture industry," said Mike Boehm, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

"I’m grateful for Dr. Hejny’s leadership of this critical program over the past 17 years. His impact will be felt years into the future through the service and leadership of LEAD graduates from across Nebraska."

In 2022, the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leadership selected Hejny as its Outstanding International Leadership Program Director.

Hejny grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Seward County. He received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and began his career as an agricultural education instructor, FFA advisor and Young Farmers advisor for the Geneva Public Schools in Filmore County. During his 18 years with the school system, he was a head or assistant coach in football, track and field and volleyball.

He received a master’s degree in curriculum from Doane University and in 1998 became a Nebraska Extension educator. Much of his programming involved marketing, risk management and cropping systems education for producers.

After becoming director of the Nebraska LEAD Program in 2007, he received a doctorate in Human Sciences with a specialization in leadership studies. "Seeing the impact this program has made on the lives of our participants and our state is truly gratifying," Hejny said.



Custom operators invited to participate in UNL Nebraska Custom Rates Survey

One of most popular Nebraska Extension publications for those involved in providing or hiring custom machine hire on farms and ranches is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s biennial Nebraska Custom Rates Survey and Report. The 2024 survey is now in development, and anyone involved in providing custom work for hire in Nebraska is invited to participate.

The survey of agricultural custom operators is conducted in the state every two years by the university’s Center for Agricultural Profitability. Corresponding reports publish the current rates charged by custom operators for machine hire services or other work they provide for neighboring farms and ranches, or as part of a business enterprise that covers a broader area.

“The larger the survey sample size of those completing the survey, the more useful the survey results will be,” said Glennis McClure, an extension educator and farm and ranch management analyst who leads the survey.

Participants may submit their responses either online or by mail. Requests for a survey should be made on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, at https://cap.unl.edu/customrates.

The Nebraska Custom Rates Survey includes spring and summer operations such as tillage, planting and haying in part one. The second part surveys operators that provide custom machine hire typically done in the fall, including grain harvest, hauling, cutting ensilage, hauling livestock and other miscellaneous operations. Results from the 2024 survey will be published by second quarter of 2024. Custom rate information in Nebraska is grouped in the report by the eight Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Districts.

The 2022 Nebraska Custom Rates report is available online at cap.unl.edu/customrates.

For questions, contact McClure at 402-472-0661 or gmcclure3@unl.edu.



Updated Iowa Phosphorus Index Calculator Available

A newer version of Iowa Phosphorus Index (P-Index) calculator is now available for use by interested stakeholders. The P-Index calculator tool has been developed to assess the potential for phosphorus moving from individual fields based on selected soil and field characteristics and management practices. The tool is available online at no cost here https://www.extension.iastate.edu/immag/rusle2-resources.

“The P-Index is much more comprehensive than relying solely on soil test phosphorus (STP) because it integrates many soil and field characteristics that influence potential phosphorus movement to surface waters,” explained Kapil Arora, field agriculture engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The updated version of Iowa Phosphorus Index Calculator incorporates the newer soils and their related characteristics. These updates have already been incorporated into the Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) which is used in Revised Universal Soil Loss (RUSLE2) calculations. Conservation planners, landowners/land users, Technical Service Providers (TSPs), manure management plan writers and planners and others who evaluate the current risk from phosphorus reaching surface water from a specific site need to use the updated information for risk calculations.

“This will better help stakeholders to determine factors which dominate the risk due to phosphorus transport to surface waters,” added Arora.

 Iowa Technical Note Number 25, which provides in-depth information for Iowa Phosphorus Index, has also been updated. Users of P-Index calculator are advised to use this updated document for their reference.

Both Iowa Technical Note Number 25 and Iowa Phosphorus Index Calculator are available online through USDA-NRCS or through Iowa Manure Management Action Group at no cost for download. Please visit IMMAG website (RUSLE2 Resources) or USDA-NRCS electronic field operations technical guide for Iowa (eFOTG) website to access these updated files.

For further questions or additional information, please contact Kapil Arora with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach or Chandra Shaw with USDA-NRCS.



United Soybean Board Elects Steve Reinhard as New Chair

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) elected Steve Reinhard from Ohio as the 2024 chair and 10 additional farmer-leaders to serve on the Executive Committee during the USB December meeting in St. Charles, Missouri.

"I'm honored and excited to take on the role of USB's new board chair," shares Steve Reinhard, the 2024 USB chair and Ohio farmer. “Together with the dedicated team and the support of our farmers, I look forward to continuing our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the soy industry. We'll focus on driving positive change, leveraging research and investments to meet consumer demands, and furthering the success of American soybean farmers."

The newly elected USB Executive Committee includes:
    Steve Reinhard, Chair – Ohio
    Ed Lammers, Vice Chair – Nebraska
    Philip Good, Secretary – Mississippi
    Brent Gatton, Treasurer – Kentucky
    April Hemmes – Iowa
    Matt Gast – North Dakota
    Gary Berg – Illinois
    Don Wyss – Indiana
    Susan Watkins – Virginia
    Lawrence Sukalski – Minnesota
    Meagan Kaiser, Past Chair (Ex Officio) – Missouri

Reinhard brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership. He has previously held positions as treasurer and vice chair, overseeing the value alignment committee responsible for charting the strategic direction of annual checkoff investments. Additionally, he served as a former chairman of the Ohio Soybean Council.

As the new Chair, Reinhard will explore opportunities to drive demand and environmental resilience, such as new industrial uses, expansion of soil health practices and growing export markets for food and feed. He believes market development and determining the value of technology are issues facing the soybean industry today, and he is ready to take on these challenges in the coming year.

In addition to his experience serving on the board, Reinhard's background in agriculture will be valuable. He brings firsthand knowledge and expertise to the table growing soybeans, corn and hay alongside his brother Tim. Steve was previously an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor. He served as a county commissioner in the Ohio House of Representatives and was a volunteer firefighter for 23 years.

“Steve is a steady leader, and I’m excited to see him lead the United Soybean Board farmer-leaders as we continue our vision to deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day,” said Meagan Kaiser, immediate past chair of the United Soybean Board. “This past year, we’ve collaborated strategically with farmers to enhance the preference for U.S. Soy, and Steve brings strategic foresight to this important effort. It’s without question that he’ll achieve great things in the coming year.”

Along with Reinhard serving as the new chair, the United Soybean Board recently announced the addition of a new CEO, Lucas Lentsch.



 ASA Elects 2024 Executive Committee, Welcomes 14 New Board Members

During its annual meeting in St. Louis this week, the American Soybean Association elected the committee members who will lead the organization through the coming year’s top advocacy priorities, including the farm bill, regulatory issues, the importance of the soy checkoff, conservation, and other top policy issues for U.S. soybean farmers.

Josh Gackle (ND), who previously served as ASA vice president, will serve as 2024 ASA president. Gackle began serving on ASA's board of directors in Dec. 2017. He farms 2,800 acres of soybeans and produces corn, wheat and barley.

Immediate past president Daryl Cates (IL) moves to the role of ASA chairman. Former chairman Brad Doyle (AR) rotates off the nine-member executive committee.

The ASA board elected Caleb Ragland (KY) as ASA vice president, a role that puts him in line to serve as the association’s president in 2025.

In addition, the board elected Alan Meadows (TN), Ronnie Russell (MO), Heather Feuerstein (MI), and Jim Kukowski (MN) as at-large members of the executive committee.

ASA celebrated the efforts of and said goodbye to several other directors who retired this week, including Kendell Culp (IN); Wayne Fredericks (IA); Brooks Hurst (MO); Jeff Jorgenson (IA); Monte Peterson (ND); Bill Raben (IL); Joel Schreurs (MN); Pam Snelson (OK); and Bill Wykes (IL).

ASA welcomed 14 new directors who began their nine-year terms, including Tom Adam (IA); Rob Baker (MS); Paul Casper (SD); Wade Cowan (TX); Renee Fordyce (MO); Ryan Frieders (IL); Ron Kindred (IL); Keevin Lemenager (IN); Kody Leonard (OK); Randy Miller (IA); Denise Scarborough (IN); Jeffrey Sorenson (MN); Robert Stobaugh (AR); and Brad Thykeson (ND).



Another Record Month for Pork Exports to Mexico; Beef Exports Show Modest Rebound

U.S. pork exports posted another strong performance in October, led by record-large shipments to Mexico and broad-based growth elsewhere, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). October beef exports remained well below last year’s large totals but improved from September, led by stronger demand in Mexico and Taiwan.

Monster year continues for pork to Mexico; strong October rebound in Colombia
October pork exports totaled 245,345 metric tons (mt), up 3% year-over-year and the largest since June, valued at $688.2 million – down 2% from a year ago. Shipments to leading market Mexico reached new highs for both volume and value, while exports to Colombia were the largest since mid-2022 and achieved the highest value in nearly two years. October exports to Central America were among the largest on record and included record-large shipments to Guatemala. Exports also increased year-over-year to the Dominican Republic, South Korea and Oceania.

For the first 10 months of 2023, pork exports increased 9% from a year ago to 2.38 million mt, with value up 6% to $6.66 billion.

“At a time when the U.S. pork industry needs to maximize revenue, I run out of superlatives when talking about the remarkable demand we are seeing in Mexico,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Pork exports are also achieving excellent growth across the Western Hemisphere and retaking market share in the Asia-Pacific.”

Bright spots for October beef exports include Mexico, Taiwan, Central America
Beef exports totaled 104,446 mt in October, down 17% from a year ago but 6% above the low volume posted in September. Export value was $836 million, down 11% year-over-year but 5% higher than September. October exports posted significant year-over-year increases in Mexico, Central America (including a record volume for Costa Rica), Taiwan, Europe and Africa, but continued to trend lower to Japan, South Korea and China.

January-October exports of U.S. beef reached 1.08 million mt, down 13% from the record pace of 2022, while value fell 17% to $8.32 billion.

“On the beef side, economic headwinds in our largest Asian markets continue to weigh on demand, as consumers trade down to lower-priced proteins,” Halstrom said. “The recovery in Asia’s foodservice sector has been limited, but we remain hopeful that it will accelerate in 2024. Recent efforts to jump-start economic activity in these countries and address weakened currencies could also improve the business climate.”

Lamb exports trend lower in October
While achieving growth in Central America, October exports of U.S. lamb trended lower overall, falling 47% from a year ago in volume (182 mt) and 28% in value ($1.13 million). Through the first 10 months of the year, lamb exports fell 11% to 2,054 mt, while value declined 12% to $10.7 million. Exports increased to Central America (driven by growth in Costa Rica and Guatemala), Japan and the Middle East, but these results were offset by lower shipments to the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada.



Clean Fuels, ASA, NARA Applaud Bipartisan Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act

Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America, the American Soybean Association, and the North American Renderers Association (NARA) thanked Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and John Garamendi (D-CA) for introducing the bipartisan Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act. The legislation designates renewable fuel used in ocean-going vessels as an “additional renewable fuel” (similar to jet fuel) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. This will enable companies to preserve Renewable Identification Number credits (RINs) in the program.

Joining Clean Fuels, ASA and NARA in supporting the legislation are the Iowa Biodiesel Board, Iowa Soybean Association, the American Waterways Operators and other groups seeking to increase use of low-carbon fuels and reduce carbon emissions in international shipping and travel.

“International shipping companies and cruise lines are increasingly seeking low-carbon biodiesel and renewable diesel to meet climate goals and consumer demand,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels. “This commonsense legislation will remove a regulatory roadblock and enable biodiesel and renewable diesel producers to meet the low-carbon fuel needs of shipping companies at a competitive price. It will allow refiners and blenders to keep RINs for fuel used in ocean-going vessels that are currently being sacrificed.”

American Soybean Association President Daryl Cates, soybean farmer from Illinois, added, “American Soybean Association and its farmer leaders are pleased to see Reps. Miller-Meeks and Garamendi introduce this legislation that would expand the biomass-based diesel portfolio in the Renewable Fuel Standard and applaud their bipartisan effort to acknowledge marine vessels as a new and exciting market opportunity for agriculture.”

“NARA lauds Reps. Miller-Meeks and Garamendi for sponsoring this important legislation to incentivize the use of biofuel and renewable fuels in ocean-going vessels,” said Kent Swisher, president & CEO of the North American Renderers Association (NARA). “I bet cruise line travelers would be thrilled to learn that they are contributing to the circular economy because the cooking oil used to fry their French fries is getting a second life as renewable fuel that powers their ship.”

Background: The RFS excludes “fuel used in ocean-going vessels” from the definition of transportation fuels and from refiners’ and blenders’ obligations. Refiners and blenders are currently required to retire RINs from any biodiesel and renewable diesel used in vessels with Class 3 engines operating in international waters, including the Great Lakes. In the first ten months of 2023, more than 5 million D4 RINs were retired under this rule.

The Environmental Protection Agency, however, allows companies to generate and use RINs for “additional renewable fuel,” which includes heating oil and jet fuel. The Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act would expand the RFS definition of additional renewable fuel and allow companies to use or sell the RINs associated with biodiesel and renewable diesel used in ocean-going vessels.