Monday August 05 Ag News

2024 Forage Field Day Moving Online

Forage Field Day is a premier regional event designed to bring together the latest research, insights and practical advice for forage producers. This year’s online event will feature a series of presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions covering a broad range of forage-related topics.

The field day webinar will begin at 12:30 p.m. CT. Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Event Agenda
    Alfalfa Revenue Insurance Program: The event will kick off with a listening session led by AgriLogic Consulting and the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance. This session provides an opportunity for participants to learn about and provide input on a new alfalfa revenue insurance product.
    Sustainable Agriculture and Forage Management: AgSpire, a sustainable agriculture consulting agency, will lead a session on sustainable forage practices.
    Summer Annuals for Forage and Soil Health: Dr. Katja Koehler-Cole will explore the use of summer annuals to improve forage quality and soil health.
    Digestible Forages in Dairy Rotations: Wisconsin dairy farmer Daniel Olson will present strategies for growing and using highly digestible forages in dairy operations.
    Optimizing Forage Availability with Cover Crop Grazing: Shelby Gruss, assistant professor and extension forage specialist at Iowa State University, will discuss methods to optimize forage availability through cover crop grazing.
    Making a *Safe* Harvest Plan: Learn how to develop an effective silage harvest plan in this interactive workshop with industry experts, Ron and Connie Kuber of Connor Agriscience.
    Alfalfa Diseases and Pests: Kyle Broderick, manager of the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic, will discuss identification and management of common diseases and pests in alfalfa.

Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension educator, emphasized the importance of the event in providing valuable knowledge that forage producers and industry professionals can apply in their operations.

“Forage producers have to deal with a huge variety of species and scenarios to manage,” Beckman said. “This event helps them stay on top of their game.”
Registration and Additional Information

To participate in the 2024 Forage Field Day webinar, online registration is required... https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J_IL1a_AR_a-lSXbmnh1FQ#/registration.

For more information, please contact Ben Beckman, UNL Extension educator, or Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension forage field specialist.



University to Host National Conference on Ag Data Network Creation

Ag stakeholders, scientists and business leaders will meet Thursday, Aug. 8-Friday, Aug. 9 at University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Nebraska East Union for a national conference to continue movement toward creation of a network of national ag data repositories. A group of UNL faculty heads the multidisciplinary effort, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“The National Agricultural Producers Data Cooperative was launched in 2021 to help USDA develop a public cyberinfrastructure framework for agricultural producer data,” said Jennifer Clarke, professor of statistics and food science and technology at Nebraska and director of the university’s Quantitative Life Sciences Initiative.

The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture funds the initiative, which “is intended to assist producers with managing and accessing data, including analytical tools and services, and be able to share and access data with appropriate privacy and security assurances,” Clarke said.

The conference, to be held in the Arbor Suite, will aim “to share information about ongoing activities sponsored by the NAPDC and provide an opportunity for participants to give input on the future direction and goals for the NAPDC,” Clarke said. “We are looking forward to great presentations and vibrant discussions.”

Those interested in registering can contact Ashley Stengel, the initiative’s project manager.

The other Husker faculty leading the project, in collaboration with a wide range of academic institutions and ag stakeholders, are Joe Luck, precision agriculture and biological systems engineering; Laura Thompson, ag extension and farm research; Matt Spangler, beef genetics; Scout Calvert, university libraries; Hongfeng Yu, advanced cyberinfrastructure and high-performance computing; and Trenton Franz, hydrology and water management.

Overall themes for the conference’s sessions are data governance and accessibility; data trust and security; data trust structure; data sustainability and resilience; and community of practice.

Conference presentations will cover a wide range of topics, including producer needs, privacy protection and open-source web tools. Husker faculty will lead discussions on the initiative’s overall strategic planning.



CAP Webinar: Terminating Handshake Farmland Leases
Jessica Groskopf, Agricultural Economist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The termination deadline for verbal or “handshake” farmland leases in Nebraska is September 1. This webinar will help you understand your rights and provide the best practices for termination to mitigate risks and foster smoother transitions.

Register here: https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y5cr4mT3RQeo6KV9Z5c_SQ



NEBRASKA 2024 FARM REAL ESTATE VALUE AND CASH RENT

Nebraska's farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, increased from 2023, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farm real estate value for 2024 averaged $4,080 per acre, up $260 per acre (up 7%) from last year.

Cropland value increased 6% from last year to $6,540 per acre. Dryland cropland value averaged $5,350 per acre, $350 higher than last year. Irrigated cropland value averaged $8,550 per acre, $530 above a year ago. Pastureland, at $1,400 per acre, was $100 higher than the previous year.

Cash rents paid to landlords in 2024 for cropland increased from last year. Irrigated cropland mrent averaged $281.00 per acre, $4.00 above last year. Dryland cropland rent averaged $169.00 per acre, $5.00 higher than a year earlier. Pasture rented for cash averaged $28.50 per acre, $1.50 above the previous year.

County level averages of 2024 cash rents paid to landlords will be released on August 23, 2024 and will be available through NASS Quick Stats, located at http://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/.



Iowa Cash Rent and Land Values

Cropland cash rent paid to Iowa landlords in 2024 averaged $276.00 per acre according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Non-irrigated cropland rent averaged $276.00 per acre, $7.00 above last year. Irrigated cropland rent averaged $271.00 per acre, unchanged from 2023. Pasture rented for cash averaged $63.50 per acre, $3.00 above the previous year.

Iowa's farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, averaged $9,420 per acre in 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Land Values 2024 Summary. This was up 2 percent, $170 per acre higher than last year's value.

Cropland, at $9,800 per acre, was $390 higher than last year. Pasture, at $3,500 per acre, was $330 above last year.



Agricultural Land Values Highlights

The United States farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, averaged $4,170 per acre for 2024, up $200 per acre (5.0 percent) from 2023. The United States cropland value averaged $5,570 per acre, an increase of $250 per acre (4.7 percent) from the previous year. The United States pasture value averaged $1,830 per acre, an increase of $90 per acre (5.2 percent) from 2023.



IOWA CATTLE INDUSTRY RAISES MONEY FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF IOWA THROUGH THE ANNUAL IOWA GOVERNOR’S CHARITY STEER SHOW
The Iowa State Fair is quickly approaching and the anticipation of the annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show is building. The Iowa beef cattle industry is again partnering with the governor in this fundraising event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

Hundreds of fairgoers will attend the August 10 event, featuring youth, industry supporters, local celebrities, and of course, steers. Each steer is exhibited by a local youth representative and a guest celebrity selected by the sponsor of the steer. Twenty-four steers will be shown this year. Along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, we have other notable celebrities showing this year ranging from industry favorites to college athletes (see list of sponsors, exhibitors, and celebrities below).  The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is sponsored by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC).

“The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show showcases the good that can be done by one industry when producers, industry supporters, and community namesakes collaborate,” said Jenna Smith, ICA member services and Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair. “The cattle industry is full of people that care and it is an honor to work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, who provide a crucial service to families in need.”

The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show has been held since 1983 and has raised over $5.1 million for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa since the show’s inception. Last year the show raised more than $500,000, the third year in a row that the fundraising record has been broken. Funds are raised through online donations, sponsorships, and an auction of steers following the show.

All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and 62 foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa too.

“The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa is a worthwhile charity and great partner,” said Casey Anderson, IBIC director of industry relations and Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair. “The houses provide a home away from home for families of seriously ill or hospitalized children. It isn’t hard to imagine the burden lifted, during an already difficult time, knowing you have a place to stay near your child, thanks to Ronald McDonald Houses.”

If you are interested in supporting the Governor’s Charity Steer Show, consider donating online or attending the show/auction to contribute. The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is being held in Pioneer Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 10 at 4:30 p.m. For additional information about the Governor’s Charity Steer Show or to donate, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.



Iowa Corn Farmer Leaders Meet at U.S. Grains Council Annual Board Meeting

Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) farmer-leaders attended the U.S. Grains Council meetings this week in Salt Lake City to advocate for key agricultural export and trade issues and priorities. While in attendance, Iowa corn farmers emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding international trade relationships. They highlighted the role of sustainable farming practices, the need for expanding global demand for corn in all forms and ensuring the competitiveness of U.S. corn in the international market.

During the annual Board of Delegates meeting, past ICGA Board Member, Curt Mether was reelected for an At-Large position on the U.S. Grains Council Board. This reappointment underscores his ongoing dedication to the agriculture industry and his role in shaping its future. In the At-Large position, Mether will help to set the direction for the Grains Council organization and represent grain producers nationally and internationally.  

"Coming together at meetings like this, with growers from across the country and staff from across the world, gives us an opportunity to discuss expanding export markets to their greatest potential," said Curt Mether. “I am honored to represent Iowa and our needs in these conversations, and hope that in this elected position I can push for more opportunities for corn exports in all forms”.

The U.S. Grains Council meetings provided a valuable opportunity for Iowa corn farmer leaders to network with global stakeholders, share insights on market trends and explore new avenues for collaboration. Through active participation in such events, Iowa Corn continues to champion the interests of Iowa's corn farmers and contribute to the overall advancement of grain exports. For more information on Iowa Corn, visit iowacorn.org.



USDA Research Documents Absence of Trichinella Infection in Commercial Pigs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have documented the absence of infection by Trichinella, a parasite that once posed a major food safety risk in the commercial pork supply. ARS and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducted a national survey by sampling 3.2 million pigs raised under the U.S. Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA+) program and found zero animals infected with Trichinella. These results are consistent with international food safety guidelines for Trichinella to be considered a negligible risk for public health.

The United States does not perform post-slaughter testing for Trichinella in the pork supply. While modern production systems followed by U.S pork producers effectively minimize risk of exposure to this parasite, absence of Trichinella infection has never been verified through national testing. ARS researchers pursued this study to ascertain whether the PQA+ program eliminates the risk of Trichinella exposure in commercial pork, thereby addressing the demands of the U.S. export market.

The U.S. Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA+) program is an education and certification program designed by the U.S. pork industry to help pig farmers and their employees continually improve production practices. The program addresses food safety, animal well-being, environmental stewardship, worker safety, and public health. Many of the provisions for mitigating risk of Trichinella exposure are based on research conducted by ARS scientists. PQA+ includes five best management practices for prevention of exposure to Trichinella:
    Following proper feed biosecurity protocols.
    Preventing exposure to rodents, wildlife, and birds.
    Refraining from feeding raw food waste of animal origin to swine.
    Promptly removing and properly disposing of swine carcasses.
    Documenting animal arrivals and departures from PQA+ production sites.

In the ARS study, a total of 3,208,643 animals across twelve processing locations were tested over a period of 54 months. Parasites were not detected in any of the diagnostic samples, providing a 95% confidence in a Trichinella prevalence of less than 1 in 1,000,000 pigs. The occurrence of Trichinella in pork once posed a major food safety risk in many countries, justifying decades of effort expended on controlling this parasite. The data obtained from testing support the conclusion that pork from pigs managed under the PQA+ program do not pose a public health risk.

“The surveillance data support the assertion that the U.S. PQA+ program effectively mitigates risk for Trichinella infection in pigs,” said Dr. Benjamin Rosenthal, Research Leader of the ARS Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory. “It is equally important to note that the data could be useful for future food safety decisions, including hazard analysis decisions.”

PQA+ guidelines and implementation details follow those for controlled management described by the World Organization for Animal Health and guidelines of the International Commission on Trichinellosis. Eleven U.S. pork processing companies, including 30 locations in 12 states, participated in the survey. There are currently more than 63,000 U.S. pork producers certified under PQA+.

This research, which is highlighted in this month’s issue of Food and Waterborne Parasitology, was supported by funding from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Research Service, and the U.S. National Pork Producers Council.




NCGA Reminds Congress Farm Bill Remains on To-Do List

As members of Congress head to their home states and districts for the August recess, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is reminding Representatives and Senators that the farm bill is still on their legislative to-do list this year.

“The farm bill is a top legislative priority for corn growers and agriculture at large,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “There is still an opportunity to build upon the 2018 farm bill by strengthening the commodity, conservation, trade and crop insurance titles and USDA programs."

The farm bill was originally scheduled for reauthorization in 2023. Last November, Congress voted to extend the legislation to September 30, 2024, with the Agriculture Committee leaders committing to work together to pass the legislation this year.

“We are counting on our elected officials to find a path forward for a strong bipartisan farm bill that can be signed into law this year,” Wolle said. “Let’s get it done.



Chairman Thompson's Statement on CBO Score of Bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024

Following the release of the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) score of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement:

"Bringing about a five-year farm bill is a long process, one filled with multiple steps and a lot of hard work. Today’s score from CBO is part of that process, but shows me there is still more to be done to make certain the bill—one that has been consistently praised by those across the agriculture value chain—can be brought across the finish line.

"Unfortunately, the score relies on the same methodology that has led CBO to underestimate Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) outlays by more than $60 billion over the past seven fiscal years. I will continue to work with the Budget Committee and CBO to bring about a clear-eyed, defensible interpretation of restricting Section 5 discretionary authority.

"The Farm, Food, and National Security Act was built by rural America, for rural America. Its historic investments in the farm safety net, biosecurity, trade promotion, agricultural research, conservation, and so much more deliver certainty in times of crisis, when disastrous regulatory and Democratic policies are eroding the American dream. The continuous grandstanding and inaction of Senate Democrats is not working to honor the men and women who feed, fuel, and clothe our great nation. I implore Chairwoman Stabenow to release text so we can begin good faith conversations on producing a bicameral, bipartisan farm bill before years’ end."

Background:
The Congressional Budget Office’s May 2023 baseline of USDA Farm Programs forecasts outlays of $1 billion per year in ‘Other Administrative CCC Spending,’ totaling $10 billion over ten years. That spending is primarily attributed to authority granted from Section 5 of the CCC Charter Act. The February 2024 baseline update forecasts annual outlays that range from $1 billion to $3 billion and total $17 billion over ten years. The June 2024 baseline mirrors the falling outlays described in the February 2024 baseline update, with a different total amount of $12 billion over ten years. Despite three significant changes across 13 months to CBO’s baseline, projections of spending under Section 5 for the next ten years remain significantly lower than historic outlays would suggest.   

From fiscal years 2012 to 2017, Congress restricted the Secretary’s discretionary use of the CCC Charter Act. Since the restriction was dropped in fiscal year 2018, spending under Section 5 has averaged $10.7 billion annually.  The Trump Administration used Section 5 to spend $28 billion on the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) in response to Chinese retaliatory tariffs and $20.5 billion on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in response to pandemic-related market disruption. This spending resulted in the need for $14 billion in off-cycle replenishment authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economist Security (Cares) Act. The Biden Administration has funded at least 15 programs across various mission areas, totaling more than $12 billion.  Despite a modest increase in the February 2024 baseline update, CBO’s forecasts of outlays since 2018 have been off by more than $60 billion.  

Even when eliminating the completely unpredictable event that was COVID-19, an average of outlays over the six years since Section 5 authority was restored yields annual average Section 5 outlays of $7.3 billion. Considering a 10-year history, annual average Section 5 outlays are $6.4 billion, including four years of $0 in outlays while Section 5 authority was eliminated.

With outlays under authority granted by Section 5 of the CCC since 2018 averaging anywhere from $6.4 billion to $10.7 billion, and outlays in the June 2024 baseline averaging $1.2 billion, along with clear indications from both political parties of the intent to fully maximize spending under this authority, the forecast of Section 5 outlays does not match reality.  



Ranking Member David Scott Statement on Farm Bill CBO Score

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott today released the following statement after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released the score of the Republicans’ partisan 2024 Farm Bill. CBO calculated that the Republican bill includes nearly $33 billion in deficit spending.

“I want to thank the CBO analysts and staff for their hard work over the last two years. The CBO score is the latest evidence that Republicans have problems with their farm bill and will need Democrats to pass it. Only by working together can we make progress. Republicans must return to the negotiating table and work with Democrats to craft a truly bipartisan farm bill.

“Farmers need a farm bill this year and time is running out. It’s time to stop complaining about CBO. It’s time to stop blaming delays on appropriations. It’s time to stop waiting for the Senate.

“The House does not work for the Senate and their failure to come together should not deter us in the House from moving forward together, Democrats and Republicans. The best way to encourage the Senate is for the House to pass a farm bill before the election. House Democrats are ready to help.

“Republicans can choose to keep pushing a bill that has no future, or to work with Democrats to get a farm bill signed into law this year. That work must start now. Waiting till after the election to make the hard choices is not leadership. That decision would fuel our farmers’ frustration with Washington, and jeopardize our chances of success with a dwindling calendar. Farmers deserve better than that and Democrats stand ready to help deliver.”



NMPF, USDEC Expand Strong Partnerships in South America

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) advanced a pair of partnerships in South America this week. The organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Abraleite, a prominent Brazilian milk producers association, and renewed an existing MOU with Argentine farmer organization Sociedad Rural Argentina (SRA).

The agreements enhance cooperation between the United States and South American dairy industries, focusing on critical areas such as the economic and social significance of the dairy sector and the removal of trade barriers affecting both producers and consumers.

“Our engagements in South America this week underscored the shared challenges and opportunities facing dairy producers and processors in the United States, Brazil and Argentina,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “Partnerships with likeminded organizations have been proven to be crucial as we strive to promote the benefits of dairy on the international stage and tackle attempts to erect trade barriers throughout the Americas.”

The updated MOU with SRA includes the launch of a Sustainability and Trade Taskforce, an initiative to provide a balance to European policies that could unfairly impact producers in the United States and Argentina. Objectives include demonstrating that livestock production is a cornerstone of sustainable food systems and advocating for science-based trade policies.

“Dairy producers throughout the Western Hemisphere confront many of the same issues and priorities,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “We look forward to working alongside Abraleite and SRA to advance policies that promote dairy and limit trade barriers.”

The two MOUs follow a partnership signed on June 4 with the Colombian dairy organization Asoleche. The partnership formalized USDEC and NMPF’s prior collaboration with Asoleche, demonstrating the value in focusing on areas of common ground, in contrast to the politically driven countervailing duty investigation into U.S. milk powder exports recently initiated by the Colombian government.

In addition to the Latin American partnerships in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, USDEC and NMPF have also established MOUs with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Chilean Federacion Nacional de Productores de Leche (Fedeleche).