Thursday January 25 Ag News

USDA Dec 2023 Livestock Slaughter

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.55 billion pounds in December, up 2 percent from the 4.47 billion pounds produced in December 2022.

Beef production, at 2.19 billion pounds, was 2 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.59 million head, down 3 percent from December 2022. The average live weight was up 17 pounds from the previous year, at 1,401 pounds.

Veal production totaled 3.9 million pounds, 14 percent below December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 22,500 head, down 32 percent from December 2022. The average live weight was up 56 pounds from last year, at 293 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.34 billion pounds, up 5 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.8 million head, up 5 percent from December 2022. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 291 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 10.7 million pounds, was down 3 percent from December 2022. Sheep slaughter totaled 182,400 head, 2 percent above last year. The average live weight was 115 pounds, down 7 pounds from December a year ago.

By State                (milllion lbs  -  % Dec '23)
Nebraska .......:            660.1            106       
Iowa ..............:            784.3            114       
Kansas ...........:            481.1            100       

January to December 2023 commercial red meat production was 54.4 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2022. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 11 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent.



NRCS and NRDs Continue Successful Partnership on Dam Assessments

To ensure water infrastructure safety, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and other sponsors continue a strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on several dam assessments across the state.

In 2023, 18 floodwater reduction dam assessments were completed with seven NRDs – Lower Big Blue, Lower Elkhorn, Lower Platte South, Nemaha, North Platte, Papio-Missouri River, and Upper Niobrara White. The cities of Bayard, Plattsmouth, Gordon, and the Pathfinder and Farmers Irrigation Districts were also joint local partners.

Dam assessments are detailed inspections that analyze the current hazard classification, determine if the dam meets current design standards and evaluate if any deficiencies are present. In some cases, corrective actions may be listed to address deficiencies or to meet design standards. Dam assessments are funded under the NRCS Watershed Rehabilitation Program, which was authorized in 1981.

“NRCS is pleased to provide technical and financial assistance to partners like NRDs, communities and others for addressing dam safety,” said Nebraska State Conservationist Rob Lawson. “Our purpose is to help local sponsors identify any needed improvements to ensure long-term structural integrity.”

NRCS’s first focus is to complete assessments on dams that provide flood protection upstream of towns and cities. Because of their location, these structures are classified as “high hazard” by the state of Nebraska and thus receive top priority for review.

“Local sponsors have done a great job operating and maintaining dams over the years; however, repairs or alterations may be needed as infrastructure ages,” said NRCS Dam Safety Engineer Bob Sullivan. “Many of these structures were built 40 to 60 years ago.”

On behalf of participating NRDs, the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) coordinates the dam assessments with NRCS and contracted with local engineering firms including JEO Consulting Group and Houston Engineering.

“We appreciate the excellent work of the NARD to coordinate these assessments with NRDs,” Lawson said. “This is a great example of federal, state, and local entities working together to accomplish mutual goals.”

“Completing these assessments is the first step in securing additional federal funding to help address any dam deficiencies that may be found,” said NARD President Dr. Orval Gigstad. “This program is vital in helping NRDs protect the lives, property, and future of Nebraskans.”

This partnership began in 2022 when nine dam assessments were completed across Nebraska.



Midwest Dairy Announces Call for Nebraska Division Scholarship Applications

Midwest Dairy has announced they are now seeking students to apply for the Nebraska Division College Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Students are invited to apply for the scholarship until March 1 through an online process.

There are two levels of scholarship that include:

· Full-time undergraduate and graduate students with minimum second-year enrollment at an accredited college. Preference will be given to those pursuing a career within and/or supporting the dairy industry. Scholarship levels include one (1) $1,500 and two (2) $1,000 awards. When answering the essay question on future career plans, applications are to describe how their education will be used to support the dairy industry.

· Full-time undergraduate and graduate students at an accredited college. First-year students are eligible for this scholarship level. Scholarship level includes three (3) $500 awards.

Additional scholarship eligibility includes:
· Applicant must contribute to Midwest Dairy checkoff as of January 1 of the current calendar year by one of the following:
  -  Applicant, or applicant’s parents/guardians/grandparents/sibling, must own a dairy farm located in the state of Nebraska.
  - Applicant must be employed on a dairy farm located in the state of Nebraska and be recommended by the producer employer.

· Former recipients of the scholarship may re-apply in subsequent years, providing they remain eligible.

“The Midwest Dairy Nebraska Division Scholarship is about recognizing students who are committed to building up the dairy industry and carrying it forward into the future,” said Tracy J. Behnken, Manager of Farmer Relations in Nebraska. “It’s a privilege to recognize the achievements of these young dairy leaders with this scholarship program. We are proud to continue our commitment to these remarkable students and the 4,400 hardworking dairy farm families Midwest Dairy represents.”

ONLINE scholarship applications are DUE MARCH 1, 2023. Applicants will be evaluated on contribution to and involvement in the dairy industry, leadership, career plans, and academic standing. Transcripts, reference letters, and essay questions are all part of the application. For online application and more information, go to: https://www.midwestdairy.com/nebraska-scholarships.

Dairy students are also invited to apply for scholarships from Dairy Management Inc., which offers checkoff-funded scholarships at the national level. For more information about the dairy scholarships, please visit MidwestDairy.com.



Monthly dairy webinar Feb. 7 to focus on the benefits of lung ultrasound in dairy calves

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. The program will focus on the benefits of lung ultrasounds in dairy calves.

Dr. Theresa Ollivett, an associate professor in the Food Animal Production Medicine section at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UW-Madison, will lead the program.

Ollivett’s research is in promoting professional dairy industry’s awareness and understanding of lung ultrasound as a means of diagnosing and monitoring young calf health and measuring the varied impacts of interventions on dairy farms. Her presentation will outline her work using ultrasounds to determine lung health in calves and how it will improve performance during their productive life.

Producers, dairy consultants, and industry representatives can attend the webinar by registering at https://go.iastate.edu/NEONATAL24.

There is no registration fee; however, registration must be done at least one hour prior to the program to receive the URL.

For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu; in Ames, Dr. Gail Carpenter, 515-294-9085 or ajcarpen@iastate.edu.



Iowa Pork Regional Conferences to Offer Updates on Economics, Markets, Swine Health and Disease

The annual series of Iowa Pork Regional Conferences will be offered Feb. 19-22 at four different locations, all starting at 1 p.m. The conferences remain a long-standing partnership of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Pork Industry Center.

Attendees at an Iowa Pork Regional Conference.The shared goal of bringing research and education to producers continues with this year's program, topics and speakers. There are four sessions, one each day. All sessions are free to attend.

Extension swine specialists will offer a Pork Quality Assurance Plus certification session from 9 a.m. to noon at each day’s regional conference site. These training sessions are sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association and are free to those who preregister. Attendees are responsible for their own lunch. Lunch will not be served at the conference sites. Download the event flyer here: https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/information/2024RegConf.pdf.

Topics and presenters
    National Pork Board Updates by Brett Kaysen, senior vice president of producer and state engagement. He'll share program updates regarding the organization's work in domestic and international markets, and its success in foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness.
    Pork Market Outlook by Lee Schulz, livestock economist with ISU Extension and Outreach. He'll summarize the current supply and demand situation, draw implications for hog and pork markets, and outline a series of broader issues shaping the marketplace.
    Hot Topics in Swine Health, by Chris Rademacher, Iowa State swine extension veterinarian. He'll explain new disease surveillance tools available to producers and what’s new with diseases such as PRRS, PED and E. coli, as well as some emerging diseases. Also, attendees will get tips on preparing the farm for a foreign animal disease outbreak.
    More tools for your toolbox. The ISU Extension and Outreach swine specialist for each respective area will provide updates on various topics, and discuss a variety of information and decision-making resources available for producers.

Conference dates and locations
    Monday, Feb. 19 – Orange City, at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County office, 400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700.
    Tuesday, Feb. 20 – Webster City, Briggs Woods Conference Center, 2501 Briggs Woods Trail.
    Wednesday, Feb. 21 – Nashua, Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St.
    Thursday, Feb. 22 – Washington, ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office, 2223 250th St.

Conference details and the link to the online registration form are available on the Iowa Pork Producers Association website. Attendees also can preregister by contacting the association by phone at 800-372-7675 or email bsmeby@iowapork.org.



Secretary Naig Proposes Legislation to Increase Small-Scale Poultry Processing in Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced proposed legislation aimed at increasing processing opportunities for small-scale poultry processors and producers. The legislation, House Study Bill 559, passed unanimously through a House subcommittee on Thursday and is now eligible for full consideration by the House Agriculture Committee.

If enacted, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau could allow state poultry processing establishments to perform both official inspected and custom-exempt processing at the same facility. The change would treat poultry processing with the same standards already in place for establishments that perform red meat processing.

“As I travel the state and visit with Iowa poultry producers, particularly those who sell directly to consumers, I continually hear about the lack of poultry processing availability within our state. Many of our producers are traveling many miles to neighboring states to have their birds processed and that is completely wrong. I want this processing work to happen in Iowa, and consumers would ultimately benefit from giving processors and producers more options and flexibility,” said Secretary Naig. “Poultry processing has its own unique set of challenges, including workforce availability, but government should not stand in the way of allowing these businesses to expand their processing capabilities, especially when there are no food safety concerns with the proposed changes.”

The Department performs meat and poultry inspection through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS). Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, red meat establishments are specifically allowed to perform both official and custom processing at the same facility through a provision that is commonly referred to as the Curtis Amendment. The Poultry Products Inspection Act, however, does not include such a provision, resulting in poultry processors having to choose between doing only official or only custom processing. There is no increased food safety risk associated with allowing the same facility to perform both activities.

“This bill will provide additional processing options for farmers and opportunities for consumers to buy more Iowa raised turkey and chicken,” said Brad Moline, a turkey farmer from Manson and President of the Iowa Turkey Federation. “This is the first step in the right direction for increasing alternatives for poultry processing in Iowa.  It has been a goal of mine and the ITF to expand turkey processing in the state and to ultimately help grow the turkey industry, increase turkey consumption and to promote turkey for the flavorful high-quality protein that it is. Thank you to Secretary Naig for listening to the needs of poultry farmers and his leadership to work with the Iowa Legislature to invest in rural Iowa and support a positive future for Iowa’s turkey industry.”

“Any regulatory changes that allow small meat processors to provide additional services to customers while still operating within food safety guidelines is always a positive,” said Ty Gustafson, Owner of Story City Locker and Board President of the Iowa Meat Processors Association. “Changes like this allow small meat processing businesses to diversify and compete with large meat processing businesses.”

In addition to proposing state legislation, Secretary Naig intends to formally petition USDA-FSIS to encourage them to reassess their interpretation of the law and grant states the flexibility to allow for additional poultry processing capacity.

A companion bill, Senate Study Bill 3031, has also been introduced for consideration in the Iowa Senate.



IPPA Honors Iowa's Master Pork Producers

Iowa’s Master Pork Producers for 2023 were announced Wednesday night at the Iowa Pork Congress banquet in Des Moines. A Master Pork Producer award denotes an individual’s or family’s excellence in pork production, as measured by pork production statistics, dedication to We Care® principles, and contributions to their community.

The We Care principles outline a pig farmer’s responsibilities to uphold high standards for animal well-being, food safety, and the environment. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Iowa State University Extension co-sponsor the Master Pork Producers program.

IPPA’s 82nd class of Master Pork Producers are:
    Aaron Hinkeldey, Aurelia
    Aubrey Vorwald, Alta Vista
    Dan Greenfield, Kamrar
    Joe Kessenich, Le Mars
    Joel & Laura Huber, Wellman
    Marv & Sue Holtkamp, Donnellson
    Ryan Bartachek, Masonville
    Tom & Nate Huntley, Renwick

IPPA started the Master Pork Producer Award program in 1942 and has now named 1,516 Iowa pig farming businesses as Master Pork Producers.

“Being recognized as a Master Pork Producer or receiving another Master Pork Award is a crowning achievement for anyone involved in Iowa’s pork industry,” said IPPA Producer Outreach Director Cory Van Gilst. “Formally recognizing the best our industry can offer is a rich tradition that has lasted over 80 years.”

The 2023 Honorary Master Pork Producers are:
    Dr. Jeff Kaisand, who is at the forefront of ensuring animal welfare and health across Iowa through his job as state veterinarian, working within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).
    Dr. Ken Stalder receives this award posthumously. He was an animal science professor at Iowa State University who dedicated many years to improving the lives of pigs and the lives of people working with animals. Stalder passed away in 2022.
    Dr. Max Rothschild, a world-renowned genetics leader who spent four decades conducting research on the international level at Iowa State University. Rothschild retired in 2020 and continues to volunteer in the Ames community.  

Dennis and Lori Heemstra of Primghar received the Iowa Environmental Steward Award. The Heemstras own a 3,300-head wean-to-finish site in O’Brien County. Caring for their land is their top priority. They work with an agronomist to implement various practices, including reduced tillage to limit soil disturbance. The Heemstras were named Master Pork Producers in 2014.

Ernie Barnes of Adel received the Master Seedstock Producer Award, which is handled by the Iowa Purebred Swine Council. Barnes has enjoyed a lengthy career working for pork associations, including the National Swine Registration, the National Pork Producers Council and National Pork Board. He retired from the Pork Board in 2023 but continues to serve as the Iowa State Fair’s Swine Barn superintendent.

IPPA created the Master Pork Partner Award in 2014 to recognize outstanding production partners who have made positive impacts in Iowa pork production, even though they do not maintain active daily roles at a specific production site.

Jim Hitchler of Le Mars was named Master Pork Partner. He delivers feed for pork producers as a driver for Gengler Feed Service in Remsen.

The Master Pork Awards Program Selection Committee is made up of staff from the ISU Extension Service, the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State, and the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Award winners represent the diversity of Iowa’s pig farms and the people who support pork producers. They are nominated by their peers and neighbors.

Nominations for the 2024 Master Pork Program awards will open in May.



SHIC Requests Research Proposals to Address Emerging Swine Disease Challenges

Research provides critical information and resources to help pork producers as they face emerging disease challenges in their swine herds. Research priorities and topics identified in the SHIC 2024 Plan of Work help the Swine Health Information Center fulfill its mission to generate new intelligence for preventing, preparing, and responding to emerging swine disease threats. SHIC has now issued a formal request for proposals inviting submissions to specifically address 11 of the 36 research priorities and topics published in the 2024 Plan of Work, across three of the Center’s five strategic emphases. Proposals are due March 1, 2024, and will undergo a competitive review process for value to the pork industry by a SHIC working group which will provide funding recommendations.

The specific research priorities included in this RFP focus on monitoring and mitigating risks to swine health, responding to emerging disease, and surveillance and discovery of emerging disease. The intent of the RFP is to encourage researchers to develop and submit proposals that specifically address these identified priorities, broaden awareness of funding opportunities to advance SHIC’s 2024 Plan of Work, and to expand the scientific network of researchers and institutions conducting critical research on emerging swine diseases. Funding timely research is an essential component of SHIC providing project outcomes that drive action for emerging disease prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.

Proposals should clearly state the targeted priority that will be addressed through the project. Collaborative projects that include the pork industry, allied industry, academic institutions, and/or public/private partnerships are highly encouraged. Projects that demonstrate the most urgent and timely completion, provide the greatest value to pork producers, and show efficient use of funds will be prioritized for funding. Projects are requested to be completed within a 12-month period with justification being required if the project duration extends beyond 12 months.

Funding available for the SHIC 2024 Plan of Work Research Program priorities included in this RFP is $1.1 million. Individual awards are anticipated to be between $50,000 and $150,000. Budgets exceeding this range require sufficient justification. Projects should strive to be unique, have a high impact, and have industry-wide benefit.

The deadline for proposal submission is 5:00 pm CST on March 1, 2024. The proposal template and instructions for completion and submission can be found at www.swinehealth.org/call-for-research/. For questions, please contact Dr. Megan Niederwerder at mniederwerder@swinehealth.org or (785)452-8270 or Dr. Lisa Becton at lbecton@swinehealth.org or (515)724-9491.

RFP Research Priorities as Included in SHIC’s 2024 Plan of Work

Monitor and Mitigate Risks to Swine Health
  - CBP and high-risk product importation and traveler entry at borders.
  - Cull sow and secondary market biosecurity and disease surveillance.
  - Engineering biosecurity controls through site construction design or strategic renovation.
  - Defining spillover risks of emerging diseases from wean-to-market pigs to sow herds.

Respond to Emerging Disease
  - Improving diagnostic tools, understanding of pathogenesis, and interpretation of test results for porcine circovirus types 2, 3 and 4.
  - Identification of early disease outbreak warning signals from industry data.
  - Diagnostic assay development for confirming efficacy of cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Surveillance and Discovery of Emerging Disease
  - Population based sample types (oral fluids, processing fluids) for emerging disease testing.
  - Pan-diagnostic assay development for co-infections or identifying unknown emerging diseases.
  - Environmental sample types for emerging disease surveillance and efficacy of cleaning and disinfection protocols.
  - Investigate the clinical relevance and epidemiology of newly identified agents in VDL submissions associated with swine disease.

The Swine Health Information Center, launched in 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, protects and enhances the health of the US swine herd by minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data, and targeted research investments. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org.



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from state cattle associations or state general farm organizations interested in nominating beef, dairy or veal producers or importers to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Applications are due by Feb. 23, 2024.

State cattle associations or state general farm organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership must meet the following criteria:
    The association or organization represents a substantial number of producers that produce a substantial number of cattle in the state.
    The association or organization has a history of stability and permanency.
    A primary or overriding purpose of the association or organization is to promote the economic welfare of cattle producers.

The following criteria will be considered for importer organizations or associations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership:
    The number and type of members represented (e.g., beef producers, dairy, beef and cattle importers).
    Annual import volume in pounds of beef and beef products or the number of head of cattle, or both.
    The stability and permanency of the importer organization or association.
    The number of years the organization has existed.
    The names of the countries of origin for cattle, beef or beef products imported.

State cattle or state general farm organizations or associations and importer organizations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the board must complete an Application for Certification of Organization or Association (LP-25) available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattlemen’s Beef Board webpage.

After reviewing the application, USDA will notify the organization or association whether or not it has been certified. Organizations currently certified to nominate board members do not need to reapply. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

For more information about the certification process, contact Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at (202) 713-6918 or Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board is composed of 92 producers and seven importers.



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the American Lamb Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from lamb producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handler organizations interested in nominating members to the American Lamb Board. Applications are due by Feb. 23, 2024.

State, regional or national organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership must meet the following criteria:
    The membership of the organization consists primarily of producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handlers who market or handle a substantial quality of lamb or lamb products.
    A primary purpose of the organization is for the production or marketing of lamb or lamb products.

Producer, seedstock producer, feeder, or first handler organizations or associations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the Board must complete the Application for Certification of Organization (LP-82) available on the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) American Lamb Board webpage.

After reviewing the application, USDA will notify the organization or association whether or not it has been certified. Organizations currently certified to nominate Board members do not need to reapply. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints Board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

Send completed forms to Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov and for more information about the certification process, contact Barbara Josselyn at (202) 713-6918.

The board is composed of six American lamb producer representatives, three feeder representatives, three first handlers and one seedstock producer.



ASA Offers Recco’s for USDA Proposed Genetic Engineering Exemptions

As a member of the Ag Biotech Alliance, the American Soybean Association drafted a letter from the coalition in response to USDA’s open comment period on proposed regulatory exemptions for certain plant modifications resulting from genetic engineering. The letter drew 60 co-signers.

While generally supportive of USDA’s proposed exemptions, the coalition offered several recommendations to foster a more inclusive and scientifically sound approach to benefit both the agricultural community and consumers. Specifically in its comments, the coalition recommends:
    Allopolyploid Crops Inclusion: The proposal extends full use of the exemptions to diploid and autopolyploid crops but unjustifiably restricts their use for allopolyploid crops (wheat, cotton, canola, peanuts, etc.). The comments urge USDA to extend the exemptions to all crops and provides documentation to warrant doing so.
    Clarification on Foreign DNA: The language regarding the use of foreign DNA in crops requires clarification. The comments encourage USDA to define clear guidelines differentiating between a plant that uses foreign DNA that is then removed and a plant that retains the foreign DNA. This clarity is essential for researchers and developers to navigate regulatory expectations effectively.
    Expanded Plant Variety Edits: Permitting additional edits to plant varieties that the USDA has previously reviewed would promote continuous innovation. The comments urge USDA to consider this adjustment to expand the scope of safe plant varieties that can use the exemptions.
    Lifting the Subjective Cap on Edits: The proposed limit of four simultaneous edits places a subjective cap on researchers and developers. The letter advocates for a flexible approach that allows for a science-based determination of the appropriate number of edits, fostering innovation and breakthroughs in plant breeding.

This proposal will be critical for advancing applications of gene editing in agriculture as the industry faces mounting issues like climate change and a growing population to feed. Gene editing is an important tool that can enhance the sustainability of crop production, develop crop varieties more resistant to pests or to better utilize nutrients, and help meet agricultural production needs without entering significant new areas of land into production.