Tuesday January 23 Ag News

Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund Accepting Grant Applications

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund (DGSHF) is currently accepting grant applications that will further the organization’s mission to promote soil health and regenerative agriculture.

The DGSHF is an endowment established to perpetually make grants that support educational events and programming for youth, current and future farmers and ranchers and others, including women and small stakeholders directly involved in agriculture in Nebraska and surrounding states. The priority for funded projects is to support current and future growers (adults or youth) in adopting practices that address water quality and soil health, such as cover crops, reduced tillage, complex crop rotations, and nutrient management to reduce soil erosion, nutrient run-off and greenhouse gas emissions.

Past grants have supported organizations like No-till on the Plains, UNL Extension and the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District.  Youth centered projects and programs have included Omaha City Sprouts which supports urban students with interests in agricultural careers, the Battle Creek FFA chapter and Central City High School for the benefit of a student’s scientific research on the effect on land management technique on soil aggregation and the soil microbiome.

The next round of competitive funding is open now with a cutoff date of March 1, 2024, for an award of up to $1,500. The application is a quick and simple one-page online form to describe your “green” educational idea at https://go.unl.edu/dggrant.  Farm operator applications are encouraged also.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Randy Pryor, UNL Emeritus Extension Educator and Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund Advisory Chair at randy.pryor@unl.edu.



Center launches Conservation Mentorship Network for Nebraska farmers, ranchers

The Center for Rural Affairs is seeking participants for its new Conservation Mentorship Network, a program designed to foster peer-to-peer education among farmers and ranchers and increase the number of conservation practices adopted across Nebraska.

“Producers rely on other producers for information they can trust, particularly when it comes to new farming and ranching methods,” said Kalee Olson, senior policy associate with the Center. “Implementing conservation practices is no exception.”

Participants must be located in Nebraska and currently operate a farm or ranch. Mentors will act as advisors to mentees. Experience with conservation cost-share programs is encouraged but not required. Mentees must demonstrate an interest in and willingness to implement conservation practices; however, producers with any experience level and operation size (rented or owned land) are eligible.

The pairing of mentors and mentees will be based on location, operation type, operation size, and conservation goals. Olson said those considerations are important because geographic conditions, such as soil type and climate, vary across the state. Pairing participants with similar operations will also ensure mentees receive advice appropriate to the scale of their farm or ranch.

“What’s important in the long-run is that producers band together to implement practices that are good for soil health, water quality, and their bottom lines,” she said. “The Conservation Mentorship Network is one step toward that goal.”

For more information, farmers and ranchers should visit cfra.org/conservationmentorshipnetwork or email kaleeo@cfra.org. This project is supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, General Mills, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.



NDEE Extends Deadline to Request Free Nitrate Sample Kits

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is extending the deadline for Nebraskans to request a free nitrate sample kit and lab analysis.

Sample kits can now be requested through March 1, 2024, or until funds are expended. The free nitrate sample kits and lab analyses are offered to all Nebraskans with a private drinking water well.

Nebraska’s private drinking water well owners can request a free kit, which comes with sampling instructions and pre-paid return postage, online on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Lab-Price-List.aspx. At this link, there is a box for this project titled “Nitrate Project Kit Request.” Please fill out the PDF form in this box and email it to the address provided in the box. Those without access to the internet who need help requesting a free sample kit may call NDEE at 402-471-2186.

Due to high demand, it may take several weeks or more to receive your kit in the mail. After receiving the kit, NDEE encourages requestors to collect their sample and return it to the Public Health Environmental Lab as soon as possible.

Well owners who participate will receive their sample results, and NDEE will use the data from this sampling effort in a statewide nitrate study that the agency is currently conducting. The study will include nitrate sampling data from public water systems and from private drinking water well owners who agree to participate. Well owners’ identifying information will not be used in the study.

The state does not regularly conduct sampling in private drinking water wells because they are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Public participation in this free sampling event is key to ensuring the nitrate study accurately encompasses private drinking water wells in Nebraska.

For more information, see NDEE’s previous press release announcing the availability of the test kits: http://dee.ne.gov/Press.nsf/pages/PR112923.



NeFU Board Supports “The Rural Partnership & Prosperity Act of 2023”

At their January reorganization Board of Directors meeting, the Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) Board endorsed Senators Deb Fischer and Bob Casey’s S. 3309 known as “The Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023.”

“NeFU thanks Senators Fischer and Casey for working across the aisle to bring this bipartisan commonsense legislation forward to help rural communities more fully utilize and maximize federal programs and grants designed to improve the quality of life for rural residents.  This Bill helps rural communities get the flexible additional staffing, and technical assistance they need to better navigate the complicated world of federal grants and programs. Farmers Union has long championed the need for and value of rural development programs to improve the quality of life for rural residents,” said NeFU President John Hansen. “S. 3309 helps rural communities use more of the often under used funding tools and programs that are already in the funding tool box. That is a good thing.”

“NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen said, “Many rural communities struggle to address a wide range of issues including affordable child care, affordable housing, job training, water and sewer infrastructure, and medical care for people of all ages among other local needs. If there are federal grants and programs that rural communities can use to improve the life of their rural residents, we ought to aggressively use them. Additional funding helps our communities grow their capacity to repair and expand their infrastructure to build a better future.  In rural development like many things, we either grow and move forward, or we shrink and move backwards.”

In addition, the NeFU Board of Directors unanimously re-elected Vern Jantzen of Plymouth as NeFU Vice President and Graham Christensen of Omaha as NeFU Secretary.

In other action, the NeFU Board selected Lynn Belitz of Fullerton and Graham Christensen of Omaha as its two Delegates to the National Farmers Union’s 122nd Anniversary Convention to be held March 10-12 in Scottsdale, Arizona. At their recent State Convention, the delegates selected Keith Dittrich of Tilden, Andrew Tonnies of North Bend, and Don Schuller of Wymore to represent the membership. NeFU President John Hansen will also serve as a delegate.



Corn Yield Challenge for 4-H and FFA Members

Nebraska Extension has once again announced the Corn Yield Challenge, a prestigious contest open to 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members). This competition is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of all facets of corn production, including aspects related to agricultural careers associated with corn production.

Key Features:
· Team Participation: Teams comprising two or more youth participants will collaboratively embark on the challenge.
· Innovative Practices: Youth will be tasked with implementing a production practice differing from the norm, with the goal of assessing its impact on increasing corn yield.
· Data Collection: The Corn Yield Challenge management summary will systematically gather crucial information, including yields, cropping history, and production details.
· Recognition and Rewards: Outstanding achievements will be duly rewarded with cash prizes and plaques for the top three teams:
    · First Place: $1,000
    · Second Place: $500
    · Third Place: $250
· Special Awards: In addition to the top rankings, commendable efforts will be acknowledged through the "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy" Awards, each carrying a value of $200.

This competition not only fosters a spirit of innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform for recognizing dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to embrace this opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices.

For detailed guidelines and participation information, please refer to the https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.



PSC ISSUES PRECISION AGRICULTURE GRANT APPLICATION AND PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved an Order (C-5529) issuing the 2023-2024 Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant (PRO-AG) program schedule and application materials.

The Order (C-5529) implements the Precision Agriculture Grant Act, Neb. Rev. Stat.§ 86-1401-86-1406 and paves the way for the awarding of nearly one million dollars in grants to accelerate rural economic development by helping to provide high-speed internet service to farm sites in unserved areas of Nebraska.

“This grant program is another opportunity to advance precision agriculture in our state with much needed connectivity and supporting technology,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “We look forward to seeing the innovative projects submitted through the application process.”

The PRO-AG program is divided into two distinct subprograms, Connectivity, and Devices and Technology. Each subprogram is designed to fulfill a specific purpose. Applicants can submit multiple project proposals but must apply separately for each subprogram. Applications will be assessed individually. Each application will be considered on its own merits within the subprogram in which it is filed.

The available funding for the 2023-2024 fiscal year of $906,478 will be divided among the two subprograms with $453,239 in grant funding available for Connectivity and $453,239 available for Devices and Technology grants.

Application materials and a detailed program guide can be found on the Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program (PRO-AG) page of the PSC website. Applications for the 2024 program year are due on or before, February 23 at 5:00 p.m. (CT) and should be emailed to <psc.broadband@nebraska.gov >.  Grants will be awarded by the end of April.



Nebraska Soybean Board Seeks Soybean Farmers Interested in United Soybean Board Nomination

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is looking for soybean farmers interested in filling one of Nebraska’s four director positions with the United Soybean Board (USB), for a three-year term.

“Nebraska soybean farmers, your participation is crucial to the success of U.S. agriculture, and we invite you to apply and become part of the United Soybean Board,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director.   “It is a great chance to make your mark and help shape the future of the soybean industry by guiding strategic investments in research, education and promotion of U.S. Soy.”

USB’s 77 volunteer farmer-leaders work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments. These volunteers create value by investing in research, education and promotion with the vision to deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day across the three priority areas of Infrastructure & Connectivity, Health & Nutrition, and Innovation & Technology. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

All checkoff-paying soybean producers in Nebraska are eligible to apply.

The Nebraska Soybean Board district directors will submit a “first preferred choice nominee” and “second preferred choice alternate” for the open position to USDA for consideration. The Secretary of Agriculture will make the final appointment. The USDA has a policy that membership on USDA boards and committees is open to all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. The appointed individual is eligible to serve a total of three consecutive terms.

To be considered for the national leadership position, interested farmers need to submit a USDA Background Information Form before the March 15, 2024, deadline.

To obtain this form, contact Andy Chvatal at the Nebraska Soybean Board office at 402-441-3240.

For more information about USB expectations and processes, visit https://nebraskasoybeans.org/file/241/USB%20Recruitment.pdf.

For more information about USB, visit www.unitedsoybean.org.



‘The Turnaround: A Rancher’s Story’ selected for Nebraska Women in Agriculture Book Club

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program has announced “The Turnaround: A Rancher’s Story,” by David Pratt, as the choice for its first book club of 2024, which will conclude with a virtual discussion at 1 p.m. Central time on March 21.

“The Turnaround” is the story of a ranch family struggling to make their ranching operation financially sustainable. The family is introduced to the Ranching for Profit program’s principles by a neighbor and begin a journey towards a more stable future.

The book provides in-depth financial analysis tools relevant to ranching and agriculture in narrative form.

The book club discussion will be led by author David Pratt, who has spent more than three decades working with ranchers to improve the success and sustainability of their businesses. He began teaching the Ranching for Profit School in the 1990s and has worked with thousands of ranchers over his career.

Registration is free and can be found on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu/book-club. The first 20 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the book mailed to them.   



Wuestenberg Named New Extension Agricultural Climatology Specialist

The newly appointed agricultural climatology specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is looking forward to engaging with farmers and the ag industry on climate-related issues that impact agriculture.

Madelynn Wuestenberg began her new position Jan. 2 and is based on campus and serves agricultural stakeholders across the state. She is looking forward to working with the agricultural community and getting to know farmers.

“It’s very important for me to hear their stories and challenges, while providing evidence-based research and reliable data,” she said. “Understanding data and how measurements are made is a good way of starting to understand some of these really complicated systems.”

Wuestenberg earned her bachelor of science degree in meteorology from Iowa State in 2022 and her master’s in agricultural meteorology in 2023. She grew up in Slater and both of her parents come from farming families.

She developed a strong interest for math and physics in high school and decided to study meteorology at Iowa State. Working in extension is a dream-job, she said, and she looks forward to sharing climate-based information with the public.

“We are thrilled to have Madelynn on board,” said Jamie Benning, assistant director for agriculture and natural resources with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This role will build capacity within extension to deliver timely research-based information and tools for agriculture and natural resources stakeholders as they respond to extreme weather and adapt to changing climate conditions.”

Although she will be based on campus, Wuestenberg said she looks forward to working with Iowans across the state, including county extension offices. She is a member of the Central Iowa National Weather Association and is also active with the American Meteorological Society.

Her role is supported by funding from the United States Department of Agriculture Climate Hub and she will collaborate and leverage expertise with the Hub and the state climatologist to address needs in Iowa. Wuestenberg can be reached at 515-294-6014 or mjwues@iastate.edu



Midwest Renewable Fuels Groups Call on Biden Administration to Finalize Year-Round E15 Fix

Today, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and seven additional Midwest renewable fuels groups asked the Biden Administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to finalize the Midwest Governors’ Year-Round E15 fix. The fix has now been delayed for a year and a half past the legal deadline, with the final rule sitting at the OMB for over a month.

“The deadline to finalize the E15 fix was a year and a half ago,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “There is simply no excuse to further hold up finalization. Quick adoption of the rule will ensure that motorists do not face fewer options and higher prices at the pump this summer.”

The eight Midwest governors submitted their requests on April 28, 2022. The EPA is required to take action within 90 days. Defying the Congressional deadline, EPA waited until March 6, 2023, almost a year after receiving the petition, to propose approval of the request. After taking public comment, the draft rule was only sent to the OMB for inter-agency review in December of 2023.

While the EPA took emergency action to allow continued sales of E15 during the summer of 2023, a long-term solution would provide stability for 2024 and beyond.

The letter, signed by renewable fuels groups from the eight states with pending requests, stated: “During recent court filings on this topic, the Department of Justice stipulated that the governors had the power to make the requests, that the governors made the requests properly, that the governors submitted proper documentation with their requests, and that the EPA should have acted within 90 says. There are no questions regarding the law or science in their matter… It is critical that the Biden Administration move swiftly to finalize the governors’ requests to provide certainty for this summer and to ensure motorists don’t lose the lowest-cost fuel option for most vehicles.”

Joining IRFA in signing the letter were: Illinois Renewable Fuels Association, Minnesota Bio-fuels Association, Missouri Renewable Fuels Association, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association, and Wisconsin BioFuels Association.  




American Farm Bureau Establishes 2024 Policies

Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 105th Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2024. Key topics ranged from artificial intelligence, to labor, to crop insurance.

For the second year, delegates were polled at the beginning of the voting session regarding their farms. The results show 99% of those who cast votes operate family farms and nearly two-thirds represent small to mid-size farms as defined by USDA.

“Today, delegates demonstrated their readiness to seize the opportunities and take on the challenges facing agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “It’s crucial that Congress pass a new farm bill and address the labor shortage in 2024. The policy set forth by Farm Bureaus in all 50 states and Puerto Rico will guide AFBF in its efforts through the process. We look forward to making our members’ unified voice heard as they work to ensure a strong food supply for America’s families.”

Today, delegates to the American Farm Bureau business meeting voted to create new policy to address the growth of artificial intelligence in agriculture. AI has the potential to enhance farming practices and conserve resources, but privacy rights must be respected.

Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a strong agriculture workforce, delegates voted to stabilize wage rates for guest workers and revise H-2A and H-2B programs to better meet the needs of America’s farms.

They reaffirmed their support for increasing reference prices in the farm bill and maintaining a strong crop insurance program, including an expansion of eligibility to ensure more commodities are covered.

On foreign investment, delegates added policy in support of additional funding to improve data collection on the foreign ownership of agricultural land. Delegates also voted to support the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. reviewing foreign investments in U.S. agribusinesses, natural resources and real estate.

Delegates called for changes to the contract poultry pay system to ensure long-term economic sustainability for farmers, and to require more transparency from chicken companies.

On trade, delegates added policy to recommend Congress investigate fertilizer supply chain outages and tariffs placed on imports.

Beyond policy changes, AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal were unanimously re-elected for another two-year term.

Board of Directors
Delegates also elected members to serve on the AFBF board of directors and national program committees.

Brian Duncan, Illinois (Midwest Region); Allen Carter, New Jersey (Northeast Region); and Angela Bailey, Oregon (Western Region) were elected to fill one-year terms on the AFBF board of directors. Garrett Hawkins, Missouri (Midwest Region); Paul Larson, Connecticut (Northeast Region); and Eddie Melton, Kentucky, and Dan Wright, Arkansas (Southern Region) were elected to serve two-year terms.

Eleven other state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to two-year terms to represent their regions on the board: Carl Bednarski, Michigan (Midwest Region); Carlyle Currier, Colorado (Western Region); Chris Hoffman, Pennsylvania (Northeast Region); Mark McHargue, Nebraska (Midwest Region); Harry Ott, South Carolina (Southern Region); Jimmy Parnell, Alabama (Southern Region); Wayne Pryor, Virginia (Southern Region); Bryan Searle, Idaho (Western Region); and Jeb Smith, Florida (Southern Region).

National Program Committees
Mindy Orschell of Indiana (Midwest Region) was elected to a two-year term on the Women’s Leadership Committee. Vickie Bryant of Kentucky (Southern Region), Jennifer Cross of Maryland (Northeast Region) and Dotty Jensen of Utah (Western Region) were re-elected to two-year terms.

Alan Clark of Idaho was elected chair of the Promotion & Education Committee; Heidi Cooper of Massachusetts was elected vice chair. Both will serve two-year terms beginning in March.

Kevin Lussier of Florida was elected chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, taking over the position in March at the end of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference for a one-year term. Clarissa Cauthorn of Missouri was elected vice chair and Haily Sand of Wisconsin was elected secretary. They will each serve one-year terms.

AFBF appreciates the more than 80 speakers and more than 4,500 registered attendees who helped make the 2024 Convention such a success.

Planning for the American Farm Bureau’s 2025 Convention has already begun. Mark your calendar to meet us Jan. 24-29, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.



FFA Members Explore Agriculture in Australia

More than 70 current and past state FFA officers started the new year by exploring Australia and the various types of agriculture the country offers.

It was part of the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers, ILSSO, supported by FFA corporate donors Bungee and John Deere.

While in Australia, the students explored Sydney. Then they traveled to Canberra, where they visited with the counselor for agricultural affairs, agricultural specialists and agricultural marketing specialists based at the U.S. Embassy, a representative from the National Farmers' Federation, and a representative from the Australian Rural Leadership Program. They visited perennial pastures, Reiland Angus and more. While visiting the Darlington Point District, they explored one of Australia’s most productive farmland, where rice and other cereal crops, fruits and vegetables, grapes, and citrus are grown. Students also visited Australia’s only independent agricultural college – Marcus Oldham College. They wrapped up their journey in Melbourne, where they explored the city and visited the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary.

ILSSO immerses participants in the culture of the country they are visiting while facilitating learning opportunities while the students are there. Throughout the trip, they had opportunities to demonstrate foundational knowledge of global values and diversity while forming empathy and awareness of domestic and global conditions. Those who attended the trip also did pre-work to prepare for the experience.

Among the students who participated in the trip are:
Iowa - Collin Bauer, Lauren Beyer, Josephine Kelly, Annabelle Newton, Holly Schmitt
Nebraska - Paige Bunn, Bethany Nichols, Abby Hodges, Thomas Perrin

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.



Agoro Carbon Alliance Reaches Two Million Acres Across 26 States

Agoro Carbon Alliance, a global leader in the agricultural carbon market, announced today that the company has hit a significant milestone: 2 million acres enrolled in sustainable agriculture practices across the U.S. These acres are conservatively estimated to sequester more than 7.5 million tons of carbon over the contract periods. This milestone was achieved in the company’s second full year of enrollment, indicating another successful year delivering impact for farmers, ranchers and our planet.
Carbon farming and ranching has gained momentum and increasing participation, evidenced by Agoro Carbon’s rapid growth across the U.S. Agoro Carbon is at the forefront of this movement, driving positive environmental changes while providing farmers and ranchers long-term customized agronomic support, a competitive payment structure, flexible contract terms and a trusted partner.
 
“Reaching 2 million acres is a testament to our unwavering dedication to advancing sustainable practices and improving farmer and rancher success,” Elliot Formal, Agoro Carbon CEO, said. “We are proud to partner with farmers and ranchers implementing practices that promote soil health, water conservation and biodiversity – and, ultimately, accelerating the transition to climate-positive agriculture.”
 
Delivering Meaningful Impact: 2 Million Acres and Growing
The 2 million acres milestone demonstrates Agoro Carbon’s ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and businesses looking for impactful investments:
    Agricultural Sustainability and Resilience: Along with committed farmers and ranchers, Agoro Carbon has championed widespread adoption of proven sustainable practices. This collective effort has resulted in enriched soil health and enhanced biodiversity, leaving a profound and positive imprint on the environment and paving a legacy of sustainability. These transformative changes align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as zero hunger, climate action and preserving life on land. Simultaneously, this initiative presents businesses with a unique opportunity to invest in enduring societal and environmental change, fostering a legacy of responsibility and forward-thinking stewardship.
    Producer Profitability: Carbon payments represent an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to gain additional revenue for climate leadership and reduce risk while implementing practices that improve soil health and resilience. Agoro Carbon offers multiple contract options to farmers and ranchers, including offering prepayments to support the implementation of regenerative practices and payments upon issuance.
    Climate Contribution: To ensure permanence of the estimated more than 7.5 million tons of future carbon sequestration, Agoro Carbon works with producers to ensure practices deliver long-term benefits beyond the contract period. As Agoro Carbon continues to grow, increasing amounts of carbon sequestered will generate a substantial volume of high quality, science-backed credits.

Agoro Carbon is backed by Yara International, the industry’s leading global crop nutrition company. With 118 years of knowledge and innovation from Yara, Agoro Carbon is built upon extensive experience, deep relationships and a respected reputation.
 
“Yara is committed to supporting Agoro Carbon’s mission and vision, and together we’ve achieved great momentum since launching in 2021,” Svein Tore, Yara CEO, said. “The farmers and ranchers partnering with Agoro Carbon demonstrate the impact that regenerative agriculture can have to mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to creating a nature-positive food future."
 
Looking Forward
Agoro Carbon remains committed to advancing regenerative agriculture, with a vision to enroll millions more acres in the coming years. By collaborating with farmers, ranchers and industry partners, Agoro Carbon will continue to create a positive and lasting impact on the climate, soil health and agriculture.



NCBA Provides Internship Opportunities in Denver and D.C.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is providing multiple internship opportunities for students to learn about different aspects of the cattle industry. Internships are offered in NCBA’s offices in Denver, Colorado and Washington, D.C.
 
New this year, NCBA is launching a Producer Education and Sustainability Internship focused on implementing the cattle industry’s sustainability goals, supporting the Beef Checkoff funded Beef Quality Assurance program, and providing educational resources to cattle producers to improve land management, animal health, and profitability. The internship will occur summer 2024.
 
“We are excited to launch the Producer Education and Sustainability Internship as we expand NCBA’s educational offerings and increase our focus on cattle industry sustainability,” said NCBA Senior Executive Director of Producer Education and Sustainability Josh White. “This internship is a great opportunity for students to learn about the educational resources, research, and events that NCBA provides for cattle producers across the country.”
 
NCBA and the Public Lands Council (PLC) are also now accepting applications for the summer 2024 Public Policy Internship in Washington, D.C., occurring from May 20 – Aug. 23, 2024.
 
“Interning at NCBA is the best way to get first-hand experience influencing public policy and defending America’s cattle producers,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “Interns take an active role in NCBA’s day-to-day work and are critical for advancing the policy priorities of beef farmers and ranchers across the country. Interns leave the office with the skills necessary to be effective advocates for agriculture whether they are back home or in our nation’s capital.”
 
The internship provides students with the opportunity to work jointly with NCBA and PLC to advance policies important to the beef and sheep industries.
 
“The Public Lands Council represents a vital segment of the livestock industry, and our producers face a unique set of challenges,” said PLC Director Sigrid Johannes. “Interns are essential to the daily exchange of information between D.C. policy staff and the thousands of cattle and sheep ranchers who graze on federal lands. We are always working to keep Western public lands healthy and open for multiple use, and interns play an important role in highlighting the environmental, economic, and social benefits of grazing.”
 
The full description and qualifications for both internship opportunities are available on the careers page of ncba.org. Applications are due by Feb. 23, 2024.