Wednesday May 22 Ag News

Roller Crimper Workshop Postponed

Due to inclement weather and road closures, the Nebraska Extension's Roller Crimper Workshop scheduled for May 22, 2024 has been POSTPONED to Wednesday, June 5.

The workshop will be held at the same time and place. (Registration at 9 a.m., with program from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at ENREEC)

Details: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2024/farmers-invited-attend-roller-crimper-workshop-may-22

For more information, contact Katja Koehler-Cole or Aaron Nygren at ENREEC.



NEW Siouxland Feedlot Forum to be held June 18th
Alfredo DiCostanzo, NE Extension Beef Systems Educator

June 18, 2024
10:30 am registration
Program, 11 am to 3:30 pm

South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront
385 East 4th Street
South Sioux City, NE 68776

We are pleased to invite feedlot consulting nutritionists, technical service professionals serving feed, feed ingredient, feed additive, and drug manufacturing companies, feedlot owners and managers, graduate students, and faculty to the 1st edition of the Siouxland Feedlot Forum. This event is an educational partnership between South Dakota State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and allied industry.

Registration details and fee
$100/person Registration site is open until June 11, 2024, at Siouxland Feedlot Forum (sdstate.edu) or onsite.

Pre-forum events (at South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront)
· Westway will hold a reception starting at 5:30 pm on June 17
· Zinpro will host a session on the role of zinc in antiviral immunity at 8:30 am on June 18

Lodging
A block of rooms is available at the Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront for $107 a night plus taxes. Please reserve directly on or before June 4, 2024 with Marriott reservation by calling 402-494-4000.



TURK INVESTIGATING SOIL HEALTH OVER TIME, A KEY TO CLIMATE RESILIENCE STRATEGIES

Nebraska’s Judith Turk will use an $845,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Program to dig into the degradation of topsoil.

Agricultural productivity across the Great Plains is tied directly to the soil that covers it. Known to soil scientists as Mollisols, these thick, dark, organic-rich soils are inherently productive and fertile, helping farmers cultivate high-yielding crops.

But the very traits that make these soils conducive to agriculture are problematic for researchers trying to track the change in soil quality over time — which has important implications for food security and resilience to climate change.

“The thick topsoil in the Great Plains masks the effect of gradual degradation until it reaches an advanced stage,” said Turk, an associate professor and soil scientist at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. “Degradation processes are slow, but they are happening.”

In her five-year soil study, which will integrate research, education and outreach, Turk will compare legacy soil data to today’s soil data to quantify change across various characteristics. She also will launch a new course at the university, introduce new teaching strategies and develop an outreach program for middle school students.

Pinpointing the degree and pace of soil change — and how deeply into the soil that change extends — is critical for developing effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Turk’s research will inform soil carbon sequestration strategies and advance understanding of soil health, which is key to agricultural systems’ capacity to withstand extreme weather.

“The healthier our soils are, the more resilient our ecosystems and agricultural systems are,” Turk said.  

To assess soil change, Turk is using data collected between 1968 and 1994 as a reference point. She will compare that information to data collected using modern methods of soil structure analysis, enabling her to gauge how Great Plains soils are changing over the course of decades. Turk will investigate standard soil characterization data, including physical and chemical properties of the soil, and conduct computed tomography analysis of pore networks in the soil.

Together, these characteristics help scientists understand how air, water, nutrients and energy are moving through the soil. These dynamics are critical to understanding how the pedosphere — the uppermost layer of the Earth’s surface — functions as part of the global carbon cycle.

Turk’s approach represents a new way of looking at the study of soils. Her research is reshaping the traditional definition of pedology as the study of soil’s natural bodies.

“This idea of thinking of soil as a body that’s undergoing continual rapid change over decadal time scales is a different approach to pedology,” she said. “This will help us to transform our view of the information that’s conveyed through static soil maps.”    

Turk expects her findings to establish that the trajectory of soil change is closely linked to the way land is used. Clarifying this relationship will illuminate the degree to which today’s soil maps — important decision-making tools for farmers, builders and beyond — are accurately classifying soils and capturing change. She is particularly interested in exploring the long-term impacts of irrigation: Her preliminary data indicate irrigation may increase soils’ carbon storage capacity.

Turk also aims to advance knowledge about a much-debated topic in the soil science field: the erosion-induced carbon sink. This idea — that carbon released via agricultural erosion is absorbed into depositional soil, where it can accumulate in a stable fashion — challenges the conventional view that agricultural erosion is a significant source of atmospheric carbon. In some areas, erosion may lead to higher levels of carbon storage in the soil.

“This is an aspect of the carbon cycle that we need to understand better,” Turk said. “The strategy of looking at soil data from a long time ago and soil data from today will help to shed more light on it.”

Turk’s research is innovative for exploring human-driven soil change below the surface. So far, most research in this area has focused on the top layers, because they are in closest contact with people. Turk predicts human impacts extend much deeper, likely affecting water flow through the subsoils — a major factor in soil health and carbon storage ability.

Turk will launch a first-of-its-kind course at Nebraska that pairs soil science field methods with the stories of people on the land where she is conducting research. Through this course, Turk hopes to deepen students’ affective learning, which refers to acquiring knowledge via emotional engagement.

She will also engage middle school students by infusing soil science with art and technology. Partnering with the Lincoln Community Learning Centers, which provide academic programming in underserved areas, Turk and her students will offer after-school sessions and summer camps focused on connections between the soils, soil color, the carbon cycle and climate change. Activities will include soil painting and using color sensors to measure soil color.

The National Science Foundation’s CAREER award supports pre-tenure faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research.



Bacon Discusses Priorities in 2024 Farm Bill

Last week, House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R- PA) released his draft of the 2024 Farm Bill. This legislation is the product of nearly two years of work, and it shows. Farmers and ranchers, rural America, the food insecure, and the American taxpayers are well served in this bill. Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), who has served on the Ag committee since 2017, highlighted some of his priorities in the bill.

Farm Safety Net Programs
American farmers and ranchers are experiencing one of the steepest declines in net farm income in history alongside record inflation. For too long, administrations have used the Commodity Credit Corporation as a “get out of jail” free card as an alternative to establishing lasting trade relations. As a result, from 2018 to 2022, 70 percent of all direct support to producers came from outside traditional farm support programs created and budgeted by Congress. As a result, this farm bill will repeal the President’s Section Five authority, saving $107 billion. Government payments cannot and will not replace the free market. Farmers and ranchers get underpaid when the government swoops in, and the administration’s failed foreign policy gets off scot-free. This is not fair to the American farmer and rancher or taxpayers.

As a result, Congressional intent is being asserted by forcing this Administration and future administrations to take accountability for their failures while ensuring the crop insurance and commodity support programs our nation’s food supply and our rural communities rely upon are preserved. Farm bill programs should not be for the good times, they should be for the bad times.

Congress will also be increasing reference prices for commodities like Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, and Sorghum. This will allow these programs to keep up with inflation and the economic uncertainty of the agricultural industry.

Trade is an integral part of the agricultural economy. For this reason, we will be doubling investment into the Marketing Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs that promote agricultural trade. Studies have shown that for every dollar the U.S. government spends on this program, $24 of commerce is added to the U.S. economy. This program uses the power of the free market to bring economic prosperity to rural communities like Nebraska.

“When it comes to the issue of trade, this administration has been totally silent,” said Bacon. “Biden is the first President since Jimmy Carter to not establish a single new trade agreement. This has a real impact on American families, especially those who depend on agriculture to make a living. This investment in trade expansion will allow us to seek out new trade opportunities, expand existing ones, and pay the bills in the process.”

Conservation
The Biden Administration’s so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” (IRA) dedicated billions of taxpayer dollars to conservation programs with such stringent climate sideboard restrictions that important preexisting projects were neglected. This isn’t an effective climate policy agenda. For this reason, Congress will be reallocating those dollars into programs that are known to work like EQUIP and CSP without the crippling climate sideboards instituted by the Biden Administration. This reinvestment of funds will result in the largest investment in conservation in recent memory and more science-based, locally-led, and efficient conservation efforts across the nation that conserve nature.

I Believe in The Future of Agriculture
As someone who grew up on a farm in the fields of Illinois, Rep. Bacon is passionate about the next generation of farmers and ranchers. As part of his 2024 farm bill agenda, he made the next generation a priority.

“I am excited that Chairman Thompson included two of my bills about the next generation of farmers into the farm bill,” said Bacon. “The Youth Lead Act will ensure that organizations like 4-H and FFA have funding to continue making a difference in the lives of students through vocational agricultural education.”

“The SOIL Act will finally open the door for beginning farmers and ranchers to obtain financing by allowing producers to be preapproved for FSA Loans,” Bacon added. “Far too often, beginning farmers and ranchers are unable to be competitive when purchasing land. Purchasing farmland is seasonal and there is no reason young producers should be forced to wait months on end before receiving permission to purchase land.”

Under this legislation, these young Americans will be able to participate in auctions and not be forced to pass up good opportunities to acquire land. Just like how homebuyers can be preapproved for a mortgage, so too will these hard-working producers.

Agricultural Security is National Security
“Our national security and our agricultural industry are linked,” said Bacon. “There are only nine meals between civilization and total anarchy. For this reason, I introduced the American Agricultural Security Act of 2024, and I am happy that Chairman Thompson included it in this year’s farm bill.”

This bill will provide much-needed funding to our nation’s land grant institutions to research cyber, biological, physical, and trade threats to American agriculture. Adversaries like China are constantly looking to undermine our nation’s most vital industry and it is happening beneath our nose. We are behind the curve in combatting these efforts, however, this is the start we need to craft a national agriculture security strategy. The United States feeds the world and these efforts to disrupt this internationally connected industry threaten the stability of the entire world.

“I am happy to lead the AFIDA Improvements Act which also made it into this year’s farm bill,” said Bacon. “It addresses the national security concerns stemming from the growing purchases of farmland by the Chinese Communist Party. This legislation, among other things, will ensure that there is timely and detailed data sharing of foreign investments in agricultural land, better reviewing and validating of information, and identify those foreign entities who do not file notification they have purchased land in the United States.”

Having actual processes in place will strengthen the security of our nation in the event of nefarious foreign agents, such as the CCP, trying to purchase agricultural lands within our nation. These lands must be protected as they are essential to feeding our country and other parts of the world, feeding livestock, fueling vehicles, and other uses.

Nutrition and SNAP
“No Administration, current or future, should be allowed to arbitrarily change the level of benefits SNAP recipients receive without data-driven information,” said Bacon. “Until President Biden took office and changed it, the thrifty food plan, the market basket that SNAP is derived from, was completed on a cost-neutral basis since its creation in 1975. Because of this bill, the market basket will once again be cost neutral.”

“That does not mean the hungry will go unfed, or that SNAP benefits will be cut,” he added.

Meanwhile, household income for those working and on SNAP is projected to increase by 10 percent due to an increase in the earned income deduction and children living in homes receiving SNAP benefits will be able to work without that income counting against household eligibility.

“By allowing those on SNAP to work without penalty, we are creating a system that rewards personal responsibility and working their way out of poverty,” said Bacon. “Chairman Thompson makes all these changes without taking dollars from any other title of the farm bill—the first time in nearly 40 years.”

Chairman Thompson’s bill also includes Rep. Bacon’s SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act which addresses important and pressing SNAP application backlogs.

“States are overwhelmed with the number of SNAP applications because they are suffering due to inflation and economic downturn, which can cause an influx of applications because families are struggling to stretch their grocery budget,” said Bacon.

To process more applications, H.R. 5094, The SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2023, was introduced by Rep. Bacon and Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), to give states the option to hire outside contractors during these periods to alleviate the workload of their employees and ends the contract when the backlog had been cleared.

“When people apply for SNAP benefits, it is because they are already struggling,” said Bacon. “Ensuring that their applications are processed promptly is important to getting people the assistance they need. In economically challenging times, giving the states, who are closer to the problem, more autonomy will result in better outcomes for applicants.”

Other programs such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other safety net programs successfully utilize contractors to address backlogs, and H.R. 5094 would allow SNAP the same flexibility. Modernizing these programs will give states more control over their administrative process in a way that does not threaten the jobs of their current employees. These changes will lead to faster processing times, which means that families will get the assistance they need sooner.

“In addition to giving the food insecure the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty, we are increasing Congressional oversight and cracking down on SNAP fraud,” said Bacon.  “Every day, there is an estimated $34 million of SNAP overpayments made in the U.S., depriving Americans of their hard-earned money and compromising benefits to those who need it most. This bill will make certain States are reporting all erroneous payment errors, no matter how big or small.”

The loophole that allows SNAP benefits to be continuously used across state lines is also being closed. Far too many people in this country perpetrate the crime of SNAP benefit trafficking across state lines. This provision will finally force the USDA to crack down on this criminal industry.  States like New York and California have refused to publicize documents related to the administration of federal taxpayer dollars in their respective SNAP programs.

Congress is reasserting our Constitutional authority to conduct meaningful oversight of this federally funded state-run program. Waste, fraud, and abuse will be documented, investigated, and resolved more efficiently, and effectively because of these new provisions.

The Ag committee will “markup” the 2924 Farm Bill on Thursday, May 23 and decide which priorities of the entire committee make the final piece of legislation.



Midwest Dairy Awards Educational Scholarships to Nebraska Students

Midwest Dairy Nebraska Division awarded $5,000 in scholarships to six high school and college students for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Recipients were chosen based on past and present leadership involvement in their school, local community, and dairy community. On the application, recipients addressed what they see as the biggest challenge facing the dairy industry and how their future career plans address those challenges.
 
Midwest Dairy Nebraska Division awards educational scholarships to full-time college students whose family owns a dairy farm or those who are employed on a dairy farm contributing to Midwest Dairy checkoff. It’s all part of the organization’s continued commitment to invest in creating dairy advocates as well as developing the next generation of dairy leaders.

Congratulations to the following 2024 Nebraska Division Scholarship Award Recipients:
    ·   Kaitlyn Hanson, of Mead, Nebraska, was awarded $1,500 and is currently at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in Animal Science and minoring in Agricultural Economics and Fisheries & Wildlife. Kaitlyn is the daughter of Jay and Jenna Hanson.  
    Allison Engelman, of Diller, Nebraska, was awarded $1,000 and is at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in Agriculture Education. Allison is the daughter of Adam and Brooke Engelman.  
    Shan Sherwood, of Lincoln, was awarded $1,000 and is enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pursuing his master’s degree in Animal Science. Shan is the son of Matt and Sheila Sherwood.
    Makenna Held, of Leigh, Nebraska, was awarded $500 and is currently at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in Business Management with a minor in Accounting. Makenna is the daughter of Keal and Heather Held.
    Brooke Hilgenkamp, of Arlington, Nebraska, was awarded $500 and is enrolled at Kansas State University, majoring in Animal Science and minoring in Spanish. Brooke’s parents are Steve and Jen Hilgenkamp.
    Halie Racicky, of Mason City, was awarded $500 and will be attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney, majoring in Early Childhood Education and minoring in Special Education. Halie is the daughter of Greg and Joyce Racicky.

For more detailed information about the Midwest Dairy Nebraska Division Educational Scholarships, go to: https://www.midwestdairy.com/young-dairy-leaders/dairy-scholarships/nebraska-scholarships/.



ACE Announces “The Gold Standard” Conference Theme, Opens Registration for 37th Annual Event

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has opened registration for its 37th annual “The Gold Standard” themed conference taking place this summer starting Wednesday, August 14, through Friday, August 16, at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District. Just as gold medals signify hard work and world-class performance, the ACE conference will showcase the ingenuity, strategies and successful collaborations of the ethanol industry. Join us as we celebrate the pursuit of greatness and strive to raise the bar for a more sustainable future.

"ACE is devoting considerable time, effort and resources to help ethanol producers and the farmers supplying them become the gold standard when it comes to producing low-carbon fuel," said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. "We invite ethanol producers and industry members to join us in Omaha this summer to discover how they can benefit from the work ACE is undertaking to enhance the value and demand for ethanol."

"For nearly four decades, biofuel stakeholders have used the ACE conference as a platform to discuss the latest technological advancements and market updates, as well as the industry's future direction and ambitions," said Katie Muckenhirn, Vice President of Public Affairs at ACE. "Our industry is setting the benchmark for sustainable energy solutions, and we're crafting an event agenda that covers topics designed to shape the continued success of this industry."

The conference provides two days of general sessions. This year’s event will cover topics like maximizing tax credit opportunities under the Inflation Reduction Act, the retail marketplace for E15 and E85, farm-to-biofuel carbon market collaborations, trade developments and more. The conference also offers breakout sessions with subjects falling under three different tracks: leadership and management, technology and carbon.

For over 35 years, the ACE conference has focused on the people of the ethanol industry and their priorities — an event where ethanol producers meet with retailers, policymakers, researchers and other industry members. Stay tuned for more agenda details and event announcements over the coming months. For more information about the event, or to support the conference via a sponsorship, please contact Katie Muckenhirn at kmuckenhirn@ethanol.org or visit ethanol.org/events/conference.  



Cattlemen’s Beef Board Announces Dairy Task Force

As the dairy climate continues to evolve, crossbreeding dairy cows with beef genetics is becoming increasingly common. To ensure the dairy perspective is represented on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, dairy producers from across the U.S. serve on the board and currently hold 12 percent of the seats.

Dairy cattle are a significant part of the beef industry, and to encourage further collaboration between industries, the CBB has launched a new Dairy Task Force. This group will research the impact of the growing "beef-on-dairy" trend, including how dairies market their calves and how this may affect Beef Checkoff assessments, and brainstorm ideas for improving communications with dairy producers about the Beef Checkoff program.

Dairy cattle still remain a significant contributor to the U.S. beef supply. In addition to dairy and beef crossbreds, dairy finished steers, cull cows and finished heifers all produce beef for the total supply. Here’s the percentage contribution of each animal type to the entire U.S. commercial beef supply.
    Finished dairy steers contribute 12.6 percent
    Cull dairy cows contribute 7 percent
    Finished dairy steers contribute 1.5 percent

Since 2002, the percentage of dairy beef contribution to the total U.S. beef supply has ranged from 18 to 24 percent2.

Both the beef and dairy industries work together to create a successful beef marketplace. All dairy producers selling cattle and calves pay to the Beef Checkoff a $1-per-head. Their contribution helps further beef promotion, research, education and information, helping to drive demand for beef.



NPPC, Farm Bureau Lead Nearly 1,000 in Coalition to Urge Congressional Fix to California Prop. 12
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) joined forces with the American Farm Bureau Federation to garner support from 900+ agricultural stakeholders supporting the federal fix to California Prop. 12 to be included in the 2024 Farm Bill.
 
Laying out robust arguments in a letter to U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) on Prop. 12’s damaging implications, the coalition highlighted the following:
    Marketplace mayhem: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack warned the House Agriculture Committee that unless Congress provides a solution to Prop. 12, there will be “chaos in the marketplace.” Secretary Vilsack also reiterated to the Senate Agriculture Committee that “farmers do not need the chaos; they need clarity and certainty.”

    Patchwork of state laws to fuel consolidation: Absent congressional action, producers are “at risk of arbitrary and conflicting state laws across all 50 states…most severely harm[ing] small and medium-sized farms by imposing massive compliance costs and forcing significant consolidation throughout agriculture.” University studies show that building “Proposition 12-compliant barns can cost 40% more than traditional barns…not including the estimated 15% higher operating costs caused by reduced productivity.” Larger farms will be able to better weather the cost, and small farms will be forced “to decide between exiting the business or entering into a production contract, resulting in fewer, larger farms owning a greater portion of sows in the U.S.”

    International trade threats: Prop. 12 compliance weakens America’s ability to negotiate trade agreements, “as countries could impose similar non-science based regional restrictions on U.S. exports.”  American agriculture is also concerned that Prop. 12 puts our products at risk of retaliatory action, as Canada has already raised concerns.

    Producers trapped by California law: Pork producers lack the luxury of choosing not to sell into the California market. As Secretary Vilsack also said to the Senate Agriculture Committee, “There is not a choice between doing business with California and not in California. You’re essentially going to be driven by that requirement.”

    Freedom to farm protected: The House Farm Bill protects producers’ freedom to farm, but it also “continues allowing states to act independently, imposing laws that impact commerce within their borders and regulating practices occurring there.”

    A bipartisan imperative: The U.S. Supreme Court and Secretary Vilsack agree: “only Congress has the authority to prevent ‘chaos’ in the marketplace and provide farmers the certainty they need.”

The letter includes signatures from over 40 states, as well as the following national organizations: the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference of American Trucking Associations, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, Beef Alliance, Livestock Marketing Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Lamb Feeders Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Sorghum Producers, National Turkey Federation, Rural & Agricultural Council of America, and U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.



AFBF Calls for House Agriculture Committee Passage of Farm Bill

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House Agriculture Committee’s Farm, Food, and National Security Act.

“AFBF appreciates Chairman G.T. Thompson for his work in drafting a modernized farm bill, which we support. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act recognizes the challenges and opportunities facing America’s farmers and ranchers.

“Included in the House’s farm bill is a much-needed investment in the farm safety net, including making crop insurance more affordable, which will help farmers withstand inflation and supply costs that have outpaced current programs. New investments in specialty crop programs and research, along with preserving interstate commerce of agricultural products, will enable farmers to remain competitive in an ever-changing marketplace. Improvements to dairy programs will provide transparency, and more conservation resources will help farmers protect the resources they’ve been entrusted with. The farm bill also consists of important nutrition programs that help families facing hunger.

“Committee passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act would be a good start, but important legislative steps remain in this process. We thank Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member David Scott for their leadership on the House Ag Committee and encourage bipartisan passage in the House. We also call on the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee to follow the House’s lead and begin working on text to ensure America’s families continue to have access to a stable, affordable food supply.”



Mixed Nearby Demand Signals but Clear Long-Term Supply
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

Cattle and beef markets over the past several weeks have been a mix of information and signals. There is a clear understanding of the coming long-term reductions in numbers and beef supplies. This week’s Cattle on Feed report will be interesting in how placements confirm this perspective. Has the persistent dry weather and poor pasture led to more placements and less heifer holding, thereby delaying the shortfalls but exacerbating their future magnitude? Friday’s report and the reports for the next two months will inform. Calf green-grass price strength is present but has been somewhat soft given the pasture conditions.

The supply side has more clarity than the demand side. Spring has not brought the typical and expected rallies to the boxed beef composite value, the Choice-Select spread, and packer margins. The cutout value has nibbled its way back above $3.00 per pound in the daily reports but the weekly reports are yet to catch up. The CH-SL spread is no longer in single digits but also a far cry from the usual seasonal strength. And packer margins, which should be heading into some of the best for the year, are not. And, if this is the best the year has to offer, then it forbodes trouble. Cash packer margins remain sub-$200 per animal gross. Substantially softer byproduct values factor into this and indicate trouble in overseas markets.

Weekly slaughter of fed steers and heifers is okay and periodically strong but only for individual weeks. The FI-fed slaughter is such that I do not anticipate a strong marketing number in the Cattle on Feed report. Last month’s Cattle on Feed revealed a large number of on-feed over 150 days and there will be some reduction but not strong. And FI steer and heifer carcass weights continue to impress. Weights have essentially held steady the last 8-9 weeks. Steers hover above 920 pounds and heifer weights are about 850 pounds. This is another 40 pounds of beef per animal given the normal seasonal decline in weights that should be observed. This is a substantial increase in beef tonnage. There is a bit of observed strength in the beef loin market but that is the only primal showing that. End meats are far stronger this year than middle meats. And again, the exception is ground beef. Ground beef is by far the strongest market and the strength in those prices is evident in cow prices.



USMEF Statement on Regional Agricultural Promotion Program Funding Allocations

On May 21, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced funding allocations for the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), which utilizes Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to diversify export markets for U.S. agricultural products.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
USMEF is honored to participate in RAPP and we thank Secretary Vilsack and the staff at USDA for their vision and leadership in implementing this program. The additional investment in foreign market development is very timely and will be especially helpful in expanding demand for U.S. red meat in emerging export markets. USMEF also appreciates the role Congressional leaders played in the development of RAPP. We thank them for their support of this program and for prioritizing Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funding in the new Farm Bill.



ASA, WISHH & USSEC Welcome USDA FAS Regional Agricultural Promotion Program Funding

The American Soybean Association, ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council welcome the funding announced today as part of the initial tranche of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). This new source of funding will be invested to facilitate diversification and growth of U.S. soybean exports, help meet growing global protein demand, and address nutrition and food security.

“ASA commends USDA for its commitment to strengthening U.S. agricultural trade by providing Commodity Credit Corporation funds through RAPP to maintain and develop markets and address global food security. We appreciate the work by Senator Stabenow, Senator Boozman, and Secretary Vilsack to initiate this much-needed program,” said ASA President Josh Gackle, a soybean grower from North Dakota. “New international markets are critical to sustaining U.S. soybean growers’ success. This program will open new opportunities while improving upon the success of other programs vital to U.S. soy, like MAP and FMD.”

“We applaud Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and USDA FAS for the creation of RAPP, a critically important and timely program that builds upon decades of success achieved with the Market Access Program, Foreign Market Development Program and most recently the Agricultural Trade Promotions Program,” said Lance Rezac, USSEC chair and Kansas farmer. “Current examples of innovative USSEC programs aimed at diversifying markets and growing exports include the Soy Excellence Center and the Right to Protein campaign. The USSEC team is excited to build on these successes and bring to life the creative program concepts included in our RAPP funding proposal.”

“Trade promotion programs are vital to soy growers,” said WISHH Chair Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare. “Utilizing MAP, FMD, and ATP funds, WISHH has successfully leveraged those dollars to increase market access, address technical barriers to entry, and create on-the-ground capacity and demand for U.S. soy. Through RAPP, WISHH looks to expand the Training Program for Young Professionals, a hands-on capacity building program for youth and young professionals, in addition to expanding the program and scope in Ghana and Nigeria. We will also invest in expanding U.S. soy’s presence in Central Asia and throughout sub-Saharan Africa. WISHH looks forward to the new opportunities this funding will create for ASA’s WISHH to invest in developing and emerging markets and appreciate the support of USDA FAS and Secreta ry Vilsack.”



U.S. Grains Council To Receive Additional Funding From New U.S. Department of Agriculture Program

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) today received notice of additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Regional Agriculture Promotion Program (RAPP). The award will disperse $17 million to the Council for use in developing markets that will be crucial to the future of U.S. agriculture exports.

“USDA’s decision to distribute additional investment is a wonderful show of confidence in the Council and its partners to continue blazing a trail in foreign markets on behalf of U.S. agriculture,” said Brent Boydston, USGC chairman. “The future of the Council and its programming has never been brighter and I am certain there will be incredible results for producers, buyers and sellers alike.”

RAPP was launched after a request from the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to bolster, diversify and expand market opportunities for U.S. agriculture products. This round of funding is the first of five tranches, with the next one coming in 2026.

The majority of the Council’s RAPP funding will be used to enhance its programming in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, where rapid population and economic growth is creating demand for high-quality agriculture products that the U.S. industry will be positioned to meet.

Other portions of the investment will be committed to solidifying U.S. producers’ stances in existing top export markets and to add staff in the Council’s Washington, D.C. headquarters to properly manage and administer the Council’s higher international activity.

“RAPP funding is a game changer for the Council and other cooperators representing U.S. products in international markets and will allow a significant expansion of the great work that Council staff are already doing worldwide,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO. “Thank you to USDA for its constant support of the Council and for recognizing the need to continue improving U.S. export market promotion efforts.”



NGFA details the dangers of a Canadian rail stoppage

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) urged the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to take action to avert a rail strike or lockout in comments submitted May 21.

Shutdowns or slowdowns of rail-dependent facilities would result “in harmful consequences for Canada’s agricultural producers and industry as well as domestic and global food security,” NGFA said.

As negotiations between the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference and the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railways continue, the Board has requested comments regarding the impacts of lost rail service on the movements of food throughout Canada.

NGFA noted that many of its member companies rely on rail services that transit to and via Canada. A strike or lockout “would lead to ripple effects across the entire industry.”

For example, the livestock industry depends on rail to deliver corn and other feed grains, and biofuels operations, flour mills and agricultural export facilities require uninterrupted rail service. “A stoppage of rail service would materially harm Canada’s farmgate prices for commodities, Canada’s ag shippers and exporters and its global customers,” NGFA stated.

“The impact of a strike would be particularly severe as trucking is not a viable option for many agricultural shippers due to their high-volume needs and the long distances for many of the movements,” NGFA noted.

NGFA concluded: “An operational railroad is essential for agricultural production and food distribution, and we thank you for your responsiveness to this imminent supply chain issue.”



Cooperative Ventures Leads Traction Ag’s $10 Million Series A to Advance Farm Accounting Technology

Cooperative Ventures has announced an investment in Traction Ag, Inc., a leader in farm accounting technology and developer of the first cloud-based accounting software delivering solutions to farmers across the United States. A joint venture between two leading farmer-owned cooperatives, CHS and GROWMARK, Cooperative Ventures focuses on developing mutually beneficial commercial relationships between startups and cooperative partners. Traction Ag’s $10 million Series A round was led by Cooperative Ventures and joined by Plymouth Growth and existing investors.

Traction Ag provides farmers and ranchers with the functionality and data they need to make critical decisions on the farm. The company’s cloud-based accounting software, coupled with robust data integrations, equips farmers with meaningful insights that can improve farm profitability through better decision-making. The company has experienced success through organic growth, strategic investments and partnerships over the past year. Recently, the company acquired and integrated solutions from Granular and Conservis. These acquisitions are accelerating the build-out of premium and enterprise features within the Traction Ag platform.

“From the very beginning, our priority at Traction Ag has been to deliver value to farmers and give them peace of mind when making decisions,” said Traction Ag CEO Dustin Sapp. “This round of funding will enable us to scale faster, reaching even more farmers with our decision-making solutions that drive real value at the farm gate.” Traction is currently focused on enhancing its business platforms, increasing service offerings and building partnerships in the agriculture industry.

Traction Ag fits in Cooperative Ventures’ farm business enablement focus area. This sector includes tools and technologies, which help farmers manage their complex business operations. “Traction Ag is a compelling investment for Cooperative Ventures,” said Heather Thompson, director of innovation at GROWMARK. “We believe the company has a strong foundation to build upon. Also, the company’s mission to empower financial decision-making and operational profitability is very closely aligned with the missions of both CHS and GROWMARK, making it a natural fit for Cooperative Ventures to support.”

The investment from Cooperative Ventures and Plymouth Growth is a testament to the strength of Traction’s readiness to scale and track record of strong growth. “Traction Ag and its existing investors have built a deep and proven team and a board of directors with strong commitment to and experience in the agriculture sector,” said Plymouth Growth Partner Brook Critchfield. “Plymouth Growth is thrilled to bring more than 20 years of experience in growing category-leading software companies alongside the industry leadership of CHS and GROWMARK in order to help drive Traction’s next phase of growth.”

Through this relationship, Traction can create valuable connections within the vast network of CHS and GROWMARK farmer-owners and customers. “Together with GROWMARK, we believe this investment will equip our owners and customers with essential tools for their businesses,” said Ben Van Straten, CHS innovation director. “Cooperative Ventures was created to focus on innovative solutions and emerging technologies that positively impact agriculture and we believe that Traction has the ability to do just that.”



Farmers find carbon equals cash when working with Truterra

Truterra, a leading agricultural sustainability business that offers consultation, tools and solutions for the ag and food value chain, today announced that its carbon program has paid more than $21 million to farmers for the sequestration and reduction of over 1.1 million metric tons of carbon in its first three years.

Along with these results, the Truterra® carbon program has seen significant growth in total acres enrolled. In 2023, total acres increased by 99% vs. 2022. In 2022, total acres enrolled increased by 151% vs. 2021. All of these results help position Truterra as a valuable source for connecting food and ag companies with farmers to drive sustainable practices on farms.

“Our carbon program is gaining momentum as a leader among farmers and retailers. Our differentiated approach matches agronomics with economics to help farmers make sustainable practice changes,” said Truterra President Jamie Leifker. “What’s more, these carbon assets could help organizations with sustainability goals who choose to make agriculture part of their toolkit of solutions. Truterra will continue to focus on creating new markets for farmers and retailers, while helping them make the best agronomic, economic and sustainable decisions for their operations.”

The Truterra® carbon program is also experiencing growth in farmer participation. In 2023, the number of farmers participating in the carbon program grew by 58% compared to 2022.

“In many ways, we’re returning to the way that my grandfather or my great-grandfather would have farmed, but with new technology and new metrics. Through the Truterra carbon program, we are doing this by changing some of our cover crop mixes, and I believe that higher yields will come from it,” said Kelly Garrett, a farmer enrolled in Truterra’s carbon program. “I’m looking at the big picture to secure the best for my farm and the best for my family. And I'm very proud that it goes hand in hand with Truterra’s carbon program.”

As a subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc.’s over 100-year-old farmer-owned cooperative, farmers are at the center of everything Truterra does. The Truterra® carbon program is delivered through Truterra’s network of local ag retail advisors, who work directly with farmers to help them make the best decisions for their fields. Truterra’s farmer-friendly approach also means that qualified farmers can achieve optimal earning potential by paying based on actual carbon stored rather than a set per acre payment.

For more information, visit https://www.truterraag.com/Food-CPG-Companies.