Monday September 16 Ag News

 UNL Heifer Development Center First Year Wrap-Up

With the U.S. cowherd at historic lows, the University of Nebraska—Lincoln is focusing on how to grow the cowherd while advancing the quality of female genetics that are the foundation of the U.S. beef industry.

The Great Plains Heifer Development Center at UNL’s Haskell Ag Lab near Concord was launched in the winter of 2023 as part of that effort and is wrapping up its first year. Anyone interested is welcome to join a meeting Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Haskell Ag Lab to review what researchers and enrolled producers learned and to discuss the program and related topics.

The heifer development program gives producers game-changing genomic, performance, and reproductive data about their replacement females years ahead of traditional on-the-ranch data tracking. It is a platform for testing cutting-edge technologies while aligning with Beef Improvement Federation genetic goals to advance industry standards.

The Heifer Development Center had a great impact in its first year and Biehler and others at UNL are excited to continue working with producers to focus on female genetic improvement in the U.S. cowherd.

The enrollment period for 2025 opens Tuesday, Oct. 1. More information and enrollment criteria are available online at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/hal/unl-heifer-development-center-first-year-wrap-up/. Register for the meeting or request more information by contacting Connor Biehler at 402-624-8030 or cbiehler2@unl.edu. Please RSVP by Friday, Sept. 27.



Northeast Nebraska Fifth Graders Discover Agriculture Hands-On

Two hundred twenty-two fifth graders from six schools in Northeast Nebraska explored the many aspects of agriculture during the ninth annual Growing Potential Agriculture Festival in Randolph, Neb. on Sept 5.

From corn to cows and everything in between, students interacted with producers to learn about where their food, fiber, and energy come from. The annual festival is hosted by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation and the Northeast Nebraska Corn Growers to promote agricultural literacy.

Taylor Nelson, vice president of the Northeast Nebraska Corn Growers, helped lead the charge to organize the event, stressing the importance of exposing kids to agriculture.

“The Northeast Nebraska Corn Growers and the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation partnered together to give kids a hands-on experience in all different facets of agriculture. We want to give students a new perspective on agriculture that they might not otherwise get not being from a family farm themselves,” said Nelson.

Students rotated through nine stations throughout the day, exploring multiple facets of agriculture and various opportunities within the industry. Teachers were excited to have their students learn as they experienced agriculture hands-on.

Schools from across Northeast Nebraska attended the event including Randolph Elementary, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Middle School, Wayne Elementary, Holy Trinity Elementary ­(Hartington), Wisner-Pilger Elementary, and Wakefield Community Schools.

The surrounding community sees great value in students engaging with agriculture. In addition to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation and Northeast Nebraska Corn Growers hosting the event, several companies also sponsored the festival. Axis, Dekalb, Allegiant, Pioneer, Channel, Hoegemeyer, Hefty, Golden Harvest, Dynagro, Brevant, Croplan, Michael Wagner Implement, Siouxland Ethanol, Keiser Ag, Grossenburg Implement, Rastede Drone Service, Hokamp Farms, and Logan Owens served as sponsors for the event, ensuring it was free for all students to attend.



A Trade Deficit as Far as the Eye Can See
Nebraska Farm Bureau Newsletter

The USDA Economic Research Service made headlines recently forecasting the U.S. trade deficit in agricultural goods would exceed $42 billion for fiscal year 2025 which begins October 1. Somewhat overlooked was the forecast deficit for this fiscal year of $30.5 billion. In calendar year terms (for those who don’t think in terms of government fiscal years), the trade deficit was $20.7 billion in 2023 and stood at $18.2 billion through the first six months of this year. This year’s deficit will no doubt exceed last year’s, marking the third consecutive calendar year the U.S. has experienced a deficit in agricultural trade. The deficit in 2022, $2.0 billion, was the first deficit in 63 years.

Prior to 2022 growth in agricultural exports always outpaced growth in imports resulting in a trade surplus. Since then, the value of U.S. agricultural exports has dropped while imports have continued to grow. The trend has continued this year. Through the end of June, the value of U.S. agricultural exports was off 2% compared to the same period last year. At the same time, imports were up 6%. Top agricultural imports are coffee, fruit, vegetables, spirits, and wine.

Figure 4 shows the annual percentage changes in the value of various U.S. agricultural exports for 2020-2023 along with year-to-date figures for this year. Among key Nebraska exports, only red meat saw growth in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, up 5%. Sales of both beef and pork were up 5%, mostly due to higher prices. Otherwise, the value of soybean exports was down 26%, wheat was off 13%, animal feeds and oil meal exports were off 9%, and corn exports were down 7%.

A positive for the first half of the year was the total volume of U.S. bulk commodities exported were up 13%. The volumes of red meats (4%), wheat (14%), and corn (27%) were all greater. Lower prices for corn and wheat may have stimulated foreign purchases, but not enough to increase revenues. On the other hand, shipments of soybeans were off 12%.

A strong dollar, slowing economies, fierce competition, lack of Chinese buying, and uncertainty over U.S. trade policy are all factors in slowing export sales. And it doesn’t look like any improvement is forthcoming. Chinese purchases of new crop soybeans are among the lowest in two decades and total new crop sales are the lowest since 2008 aside from the trade war in 2019.  



Growers Sought for Potassium Study
Bruno Lena - NE Extension Educator, Platte County

Nebraska Extension Water and Cropping System team and the Nebraska Soybean Board, and the team led by Assistant Professor Nicolas Cafaro La Menza and Professor Patricio Grassini at the UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture are seeking farmers to participate in a study that will evaluate the impact of potassium (K) fertilization on crop yield.

This study will look at three treatments: the “baseline” without K application plus two K application rates. The goal is to identify environments where yield is constrained by K and help to refine the current K recommendations in Nebraska.

Fields of Interest
    Sandy soils and/or low soil K levels (<200 ppm).
    Preferably, irrigated fields, but rainfed fields may also be eligible.
    Fields following corn/soybean rotation without history of manure application in previous three years.
    Fields with history of silage corn, alfalfa or straw removal are desirable (but no problem if it is not the case).

What We Need from You
    Share yield maps and/or soil tests from previous years (if available).
    Grant us access to the field(s) selected.
    Plant these fields as you usually do but, if already applying K, leave a small portion of your field (100 feet wide x 200 feet long) without K fertilizer application.
    Share management information of the field (variety, planting date, etc.).
    Once we flag the K fertilization plots, avoid wheel tracks within the flagged area, but make sure the flagged area is sprayed as the rest of the field.

What We Will Do for You
    After you plant the whole field, we will do everything: flag the area, collect soil and plant samples, apply the potassium fertilizer treatments and hand-harvest the flagged areas before you harvest the whole field.
    We will provide you a detailed analysis and report of the data from your farm.
    We will provide you soil test and grain/seed quality results from the samples taken from your field.
    We will publish the results through the On-Farm Research Network if you agree with that.

If you are interested to participate, please reach out UNL Assistant Professor Dr. Nicolas Cafaro La Menza, (308) 696-6712 or your local extension educator.



Papio NRD Board Approves Proposed 2025 Budget

At its September 12th meeting, the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) Board of Directors voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2025 general operating budget that includes a significant decrease in the Papio NRD property tax levy.

"Again, the District has prepared a budget that reduces the tax levy to its lowest in 25 years while funding the increasing need for additional flood mitigation, water quality, recreation opportunities, maintenance of aging infrastructure, and erosion control,” said Tim McCormick, chairman of the Papio NRD Board of Directors. “The system was tested by this past year's record storms and worked as designed but is at its capacity. As our region develops, additional capacity is required to provide adequate flood mitigation. I commend the District’s ability to do so much while holding tax requests in check,” said McCormick.

For 19 out of 20 years, the Papio NRD has either decreased or kept the property tax levy the same. This fiscal year’s total tax request is 2.5% above last year’s budget. The District will drop its property tax mill levy by 5.61% this fiscal year.

“The Papio NRD clearly understands that high property valuation assessments and taxes are negatively impacting many of our constituents’ finances,” said John Winkler, general manager of the Papio NRD.

“Through consistent, methodical and conservative financial and operational management, as well as, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding and cost shares over the last

twenty years, this budget allows the Papio NRD to once again lower its property tax levy while simultaneously funding critical public safety projects and programs,” said Winkler.

Winkler says over the last five years the Papio NRD’s actual tax request increase has been below inflation and averaged five to ten percent below the average assessed valuation increase.

The Papio NRD’s FY25 property tax levy would drop to 0.029568 per $100 of assessed valuation from the District’s FY24 property tax levy of 0.031324 per $100 of assessed valuation. Under this budget, a homeowner in the District with property valued at $150,000 would pay $44.36 a year or $3.70 a month in property taxes next year to support Papio NRD projects, programs, and services. The budget calls for an estimated $31.5 million in revenue from the Papio NRD’s property tax levy. The total operating budget is estimated at $118.3 million.

The property tax levy is based on an estimated 8.6% increase in valuations across the District, which includes all of Sarpy, Douglas, Washington, and Dakota counties, plus the eastern 60% of Burt and Thurston counties.

The Papio NRD receives less than 2% of all property taxes collected within the District’s six-county area. The remaining 98% goes to schools, cities, counties, and other taxing entities.



NRD Hall of Fame Inductees Announced at Husker Harvest Days

During Husker Harvest Days Wednesday, Sept. 11, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.

“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts involve many dedicated individuals working to protect our natural resources,” said Martin Graff, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”

Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.

2024 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:
    NRD Director – Larry Moore, Ulysses, Nebraska
    NRD Employee – Stanley Staab (posthumously), Kearney, Nebraska
    NRD Supporter – Sen. Dan Hughes, Venango, Nebraska

Larry Moore – NRD Director
Larry Moore served nearly five decades on the Upper Big Blue NRD board, from 1975 to 2022. As a past board member, Moore continues to be involved by attending NRD board meetings and speaking out on topics of concern, lending his insight as a farmer as well as his vast institutional knowledge regarding NRD matters.

Dedicated to conservation, Moore has led by example in soil and water management, transitioning his family farm to no-till and incorporating cover crops. He has continuously invested in water conservation since the 1970s, moving from gravity irrigation to center pivots, and more recently installing soil moisture sensors and irrigation scheduling technology to improve efficiency and reduce the likelihood of nitrogen leaching.

His leadership extended beyond his farm, actively participating in public meetings and representing the area in the Big Blue River Compact. Moore’s enduring commitment to conservation and public service has significantly impacted the community and the environment.

Stanley Staab – NRD Employee (posthumously)
Stanley Staab served as the Lower Elkhorn NRD general manager for 29 years. He began his career with Nebraska’s NRDs in 1979 as the information & education coordinator at the Upper Big Blue NRD. He became the general manager of the Lower Elkhorn NRD in 1986 and retired in 2015.

During his nearly 36-year career, Staab was instrumental in numerous flood control projects, the construction of recreation areas, and the development of rural water systems. He also championed the establishment of new trails, including the Cowboy Trail Connector in Norfolk.

Staab passed away on March 5, 2024, at age 77. His leadership and commitment to protecting natural resources leave a lasting legacy.

Sen. Dan Hughes – NRD Supporter
As a third-generation farmer and Nebraska’s 44th District senator from 2015 to 2022, Dan Hughes championed natural resources, particularly water rights during his time in the Nebraska Unicameral.

Serving on and chairing the Natural Resources Committee, he was instrumental in passing legislation to protect groundwater and land rights for irrigators and balancing the interests of agriculture and the environment. His knowledge of business and farming gave him the ability to see both sides of the issue and create a resolution that pleased both parties while also protecting the natural resources being disputed. Now, as District 5 commissioner for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Hughes continues to advocate for Nebraska’s natural resources.

He also continues to be a good steward of the land and water on his farm that he shares with his two children in Venango, passing his knowledge and passion of natural resources onto the next generation.

Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 23.



2024 Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day Kicks Off Sept. 17

Join Nebraska Extension on Sept. 17 in Lincoln for a day of hands-on demonstrations and expert-led discussions on innovative farming practices that will enhance your soil health knowledge and help you build connections with fellow growers.

Producers are invited to attend the annual University of Nebraska Rogers Memorial Farm Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, with a free lunch.

A soil pit will be dug on the long-term tillage study, now in its 44th year of comparing no-till to other tillage systems. Also featured will be a statewide study to evaluate cover crop variety selection and performance.

In addition, attendees will see a new study exploring double crop options after wheat harvest, a nitrogen production from legumes study, and how cover crops suppress weeds in wheat stubble.

Field Day Presentations
    Learn about soil structure and soil health as Ray Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories, Inc., and Candy Thomas, Natural Resources Conservation Service regional soil health specialist, explore the soil pit.
    Observe various cover crops and cultivars in a study by Andrea Basche, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture associate professor.
    See some double crop options after wheat harvest in a pilot study by John Nelson, Nebraska Extension educator.
    Gain an understanding about carbon and nitrogen dynamics from Javed Iqbal, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture assistant professor.
    Learn about growing and managing cover crops for improving soil health from Katja Koehler-Cole, Nebraska soil health management extension educator.
    Get an overview of seeding cover crops from Paul Jasa, UNL Nebraska Extension engineer.

Registration for the free field day is required for the lunch count. Please email Paul Jasa before Sunday, Sept. 15 to be included in the lunch count and ensure enough handouts are available.

The farm is located at 18630 Adams St., Lincoln, Nebraska, about seven miles east of the city.



CAP Webinar: 2024 Income Tax Updates for Farmers and Ranchers
Sep 19, 2024 12:00 PM
Tina Barrett, Director, Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.

Nebraska Farm Business, Inc., Director Tina Barrett will cover tax considerations that farmers and ranchers should be thinking about this year as we get closer to closing out another year. Topics covered will include crop insurance, deferral options for livestock sales, changes to the State of Nebraska Property Tax Credit, the pass-through entity tax and more.

Register and get more information at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



Shreve leaves a lasting impact on NeFB Foundation
Nebraska Farm Bureau

Courtney Shreve, senior director of outreach education for the NE Farm Bureau Foundation, departed from the foundation in August. For 10 years, Shreve was a cornerstone member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation team. As a new college graduate, Shreve started as a program assistant and then grew to include the responsibilities of manager, director, and senior director.

“Under Courtney’s vision and leadership, the Classroom Visit program grew from a few lessons presented to 150 classrooms each year to 24 grade specific, standard aligned lessons most recently taught to 901 classrooms in a school year. She created the education specialist position and grew a team that brings Agriculture in the Classroom to communities across Nebraska,” said Megahn Schafer, NeFB Foundation Executive Director. Courtney Shreve is an incredible facilitator for prospective teachers to learn about agriculture.

Shreve also provided teacher training in many colleges, universities, ESUs, and school districts, equipping teachers with the tools they need to incorporate agriculture into their classrooms. A skilled curriculum writer, Shreve most recently brought to life AgMag, Cafeteria Chronicles, Discover Nebraska, and a brand-new Apple Reader. She created partner programs including Connecting Chapters with FFA and Bushels of Stories with First Lady Suzanne Pillen.

“Courtney has been instrumental to the success of the Foundation over the last decade. Her commitment to connecting all Nebraskans to agriculture and her passion to help others understand where their food, fiber, and energy comes from has made a difference. The foundation’s impact has grown each year thanks to Courtney’s drive to advance our mission,” Schafer said.

Shreve is stepping away from her role to focus on her health. In June, she suffered cardiac arrest caused by a large blood clot in her lungs. While her long-term prognosis is very good, doctors have recommended a period of rest to support a full recovery.

“We are so thankful for Courtney’s service to the Foundation. She has set a high standard for success, and we look forward to building on her work to benefit students and families. We wish Courtney all the best in her future endeavors,” Schafer said.



Don’t Let Tax Provisions Expire, Say NPPC, U.S. Chamber
 
The National Pork Producers Council recently joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in a letter to Congress urging lawmakers and the next administration to prevent tax increases that will take effect at the end of 2025, absent legislative intervention. Several tax provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) critical to pork producers are slated to expire next year.
 
Among those provisions are the:
    Bonus depreciation, which allows the cost of qualified property to be deducted in the year it is placed into service rather than depreciated over several years. The TCJA increased the amount that can be deducted to 100% of the cost but that is set to phase out to zero by 2027.
    Estate tax exemption, which was increased to $11.2 million per individual (indexed for inflation) under TCJA. The value of estates that exceed that amount is subject to a 40% tax when passed to an heir. The amount is set to revert to pre-TCJA levels at the end of 2025.
    Qualified business income deduction (Section 199A), which allows a 20% reduction in certain business income for determining federal tax liability. It will expire at the end of 2025.

Additionally, several agricultural groups, including NPPC, briefed House Ways and Means Committee staff on the effects of the expiring TCJA tax provisions. NPPC’s Christina Banoub, manager of competition, labor, and tax issues, discussed the estate tax exemption, Section 199A, bonus depreciation, capital gains taxes, and the step-up in basis. Under the current tax code, the step-up in basis allows the value of an inherited asset to be “stepped up” to its current market value, if it has appreciated over time. That step-up in basis minimizes the capital gains tax owed when the asset is later sold.



Proposed Changes Threaten Fairness in Dairy Policy

Changes to Federal Milk Marketing Orders being considered by USDA could hurt farmers the FMMO system is designed to protect. The American Farm Bureau Federation delivered that message in comments sent today to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall emphasized the analysis in a follow-up letter to Mr. Vilsack as well.

“The FMMO system relies on fairness and transparency, and we fear some of these changes could disrupt the balance that ensures producers and processors both benefit from the system,” wrote President Duvall. “Producer trust in this system depends on its fairness and the help it provides in balancing the terms of trade between farmers and processors. If the system does not reward that trust, it is at risk.”

Proposed changes that present serious concerns include the lack of an adjustment to the Class II differential, the introduction of a new milk class for extended shelf life (ESL) milk, and the delayed implementation of updated milk composition factors, which would undermine the economic viability of dairy farmers nationwide.

Of most concern are the large recommended increases in make allowances. “We understand that price formulas should allow for the true costs of dairy manufacturing, but the current proposals are based on biased, voluntary and incomplete survey data. They do not provide a reliable foundation for such significant changes,” Duvall wrote.

AFBF is encouraged by several of the proposed recommendations including the return to the “higher-of” Class I base price, increases in Class I differentials, updates to milk composition factors, and the removal of 500-pound barrels from the National Dairy Products Sales Report.

Friday September 13 Crop Production + Ag News

 USDA forecasts US corn production down, soybean and cotton production up from 2023

Corn production is down, while soybean and cotton production is up from 2023, according to the Crop Production report issued today by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Corn production is down 1% from last year, forecast at 15.2 billion bushels; soybean growers are expected to increase their production 10% from 2023, forecast at 4.59 billion bushels; cotton production is up 20% from 2023 at 14.5 million 480-pound bales.

As is done every year in September, planted and harvested acreage estimates for corn, cotton, and soybeans were reviewed based on all available data, including the latest certified acreage data from the Farm Service Agency. As a result, area planted to corn is estimated at 90.7 million acres, unchanged from the previous estimate; area planted to soybeans is estimated at 87.1 million acres, unchanged from the previous estimate; and area planted to cotton is estimated at 11.2 million acres, up slightly from the previous estimate.

The average U.S. corn yield is forecast at 183.6 bushels per acre, up 0.5 bushel from last month’s forecast, and up 6.3 bushels from last year. NASS forecasts record high yields in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Acres planted to corn, at 90.7 million, are down 4% from 2023. Area to be harvested for grain is forecast at 82.7 million acres, unchanged from last month, but 4% less than was harvested last year. As of Sept. 1, 65% of this year’s corn crop was reported in good or excellent condition, 12 percentage points above the same time last year.

Area for soybean harvest is forecast at 86.3 million acres, unchanged from last month, but 5% more than was harvested last year. Planted area for the nation, estimated at 87.1 million acres, is up 4% from last year. Soybean yields are expected to average 53.2 bushels per acre, unchanged from last month’s forecast, but up 2.6 bushels from 2023. If realized, the forecasted yields in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, New York, and Texas will be record highs.

NASS forecasts all cotton area to be harvested at 8.63 million acres, up slightly from last month’s forecast, and 34% more acres than were harvested last season. Yield is expected to average 807 pounds per harvested acre, down 33 pounds from last month’s forecast, and down 92 pounds from 2023. Area planted to all cotton is estimated at 11.2 million acres, up 9% from last year.

NASS surveyed more than 6,900 producers across the country and conducted objective yield surveys for corn and soybeans in preparation for this report.



NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on September 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2024 corn crop is forecast at 1.89 billion bushels, up 9% from last year's production, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This would be a new record high production if realized. Area harvested for grain, at 9.70 million acres, is up 2% from a year ago. Average yield is forecast at 195 bushels per acre, up 13 bushels from last year. This would be a new record high yield if realized.

Soybean production is forecast at 310 million bushels, up 16% from last year. Area for harvest, at 5.25 million acres, is up 1% from 2023. Yield is forecast at 59 bushels per acre, up 7.5 bushels from a year ago.

Sorghum for grain production of 16.8 million bushels is up 2% from a year ago. Area for harvest, at 230,000 acres, is up 2% from 2023. Yield is forecast at 73 bushels per acre, unchanged from last year.

Sugarbeet production is forecast at 1.47 million tons, up 10% from 2023. Area for harvest, at 46,700 acres, is up slightly from last year. Yield is forecast at 31.5 tons per acre, up 2.9 tons from a year ago.

Dry edible pea production is forecast at 470 thousand cwt, up 15% from a year ago. Area for harvest, at 24,000 acres, is up 26% from 2023. Yield is forecast at 1,960 pounds per acre, down 190 pounds from last year.

IOWA - Iowa corn production is forecast at 2.62 billion bushels, up 4 percent from the previous year, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 212.0 bushels per acre, up 3.0 bushels per acre from the August 1 forecast and up 11.0 bushels from last year. Corn planted acreage is estimated at 12.9 million acres. An estimated 12.4 million of the acres planted will be harvested for grain, unchanged from the previous forecast.

Soybean production is forecast at 628 million bushels, up 10 percent from 2023. The yield is forecast at 63.0 bushels per acre, up 2.0 bushels per acre from the August forecast and 5.0 bushels higher than 2023. Soybean planted acreage is estimated at 10.1 million acres. An estimated 9.97 million of the acres planted will be harvested, unchanged from the previous forecast.

The forecasts in this report are based on September 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time. The next crop production forecasts, based on conditions as of October 1, will be released on October 11.



NeFU Brings Seven Participants to the National Farmers Union Fly-In

Seven Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) members were among the 300 Farmers Union members from around the nation who participated in the 2024 National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Fly-In this past week in Washington, D.C. The NeFU group had individual meetings with the Nebraska Congressional Delegation as well as Representatives from West Virginia.  

In addition to meeting with Congressional Representatives, the delegation heard from prominent government officials, including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan who all participated in briefings that included a questions and answers section with Farmers Union members.

NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen of Plymouth headed up the Fly-In this year.  In addition to Jantzen, Farmers Union Midwest Agency (FUMA) General Manager Jeff Downing of Elkhorn; FUMA agent and Lancaster County Farmers Union President Mark Kavan of Lincoln; FUMA agent Lillian Fritch of Beatrice; Lois Beethe of Elk Creek; NeFU District 7 Board of Director Art Tanderup of Neligh and Jonathan Leo of Omaha attended.

Monday morning USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spent over an hour briefing and answering questions with all the participants in the Monday morning briefing at USDA’s Jefferson Auditorium. His presentation included his updated White Board presentation.

In addition, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small, USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux, and USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie also made presentations and answered questions.

Vice President Vern Jantzen, a veteran of many NFU Fly-Ins said, “While the meetings with our Congressional Delegation went very well, and the briefings with various Department officials were very productive, our number one priority for this Fly-In was to move the passing of a new and improved Farm Bill to the finish line. Farmers and ranchers need a permanent Farm Bill in place before September 30th. We did not see the urgency that we think is needed to get the Majority and Minority leaders of the House and Senate Ag Committees to the table to negotiate a fully funded Farm Bill that can pass both Houses of Congress. That lack of urgency means Congress is failing to respond to the growing financial squeeze farmers and ranchers are facing, especially in the wheat, oilseeds, and grains areas.

Jantzen thanked the NFU Fly-In participants from Nebraska and around the country for taking time away from their operations to attend. “There is no better or more effective voice than the 300 honest and genuine voices of family farmers and ranchers from around the nation who are directly impacted by the many issues we discussed with our public officials. Good for us for standing up for our interests.”



House Passes Fischer-Backed Legislation to Protect American Agriculture

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, cosponsored the Senate version of the bicameral, bipartisan Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 269-149 yesterday.

The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 will make the Secretary of Agriculture a permanent member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The Secretary’s inclusion in the committee adds another layer of scrutiny onto foreign acquisitions of U.S. farmland and agricultural businesses.

The bipartisan legislation will also flag farmland purchases by foreign adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran for CFIUS. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), over 43.4 million acres of U.S. agricultural land are foreign-owned.

The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 would:
    Permanently include the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of CFIUS to review covered transactions involving agricultural land, agricultural biotech, or the transportation, storage, and processing of agricultural products.
    Authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to report agricultural land transactions that involve foreign persons of China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran, as well as transactions that require Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) reporting to CFIUS.

“Allowing our adversaries to have any form of control over our food supply is a dangerous game, and one we should never play. Our commonsense legislation will protect America’s interests by ensuring that any foreign investments in the agricultural sector are thoroughly vetted,” said Senator Fischer.

Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) led the introduction of the bill in the U.S. Senate, and U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) led the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition to Senators Fischer and Braun, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).



Nebraska Cattlemen Accepting Nominations for Young Cattlemen’s Connections Class of 2025

Nebraska Cattlemen is accepting nominations for the Young Cattlemen’s Connections (YCC) Class of 2025 until Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

YCC is a longstanding Nebraska Cattlemen tradition aiming to keep the future of our industry innovative and knowledgeable. This program helps emerging leaders understand the industry structure, issues management, product research and marketing, and teaches participants how to become effective communicators.

The YCC program is a two-year commitment and each class is compromised of no more than ten people. Alongside a summer or fall meeting each year, the upcoming Class of 2025 will have meetings in Lincoln on January 20-23, 2025, and January 27-30, 2026.

Nominees will be required to fill out an application for the selection committee to review. Individuals and Nebraska Cattlemen Affiliates are asked to limit nominations to only one outstanding individual. The YCC Class of 2025 will be announced on November 15, 2024.

For more information please visit, www.nebraskacattlemen.org. Questions can be directed to Bonita Lederer at (402) 450-0223 or by email at blederer@necattlemen.org.

YCC is made possible by generous sponsorships from Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, Neogen and Farm Credit Services of America.



Nebraska Cattlemen Supports Deb Fischer for U.S. Senate

The Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Board of Directors are proud to announce their support of incumbent Deb Fischer for the United States Senate.

“Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to support our fellow beef cattle producer, Deb Fischer, for United States Senate. From animal rights activists trying to end our way of life to Washington bureaucrats who have never stepped foot on a ranch trying to tell cattle producers in the Beef State how to operate their businesses, we need proven leadership fighting for us in the Senate.” Executive Vice President Laura Field continued, “There is no one more qualified than Deb Fischer to speak on behalf of Nebraska’s beef cattle producers. We look forward to continuing to work with her to protect the livelihoods of cattlemen and keep the beef cattle industry strong.”

"I am honored to receive the support of the Nebraska Cattlemen," said Deb Fischer. "As a family rancher and longtime member of the Nebraska Cattlemen, I know firsthand that agriculture is the bedrock of Nebraska’s economy and an integral part of our way of life. Together, we’ve worked on many critical issues like crafting a Farm Bill that prioritizes the needs of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers, introducing the Real MEAT Act to end the deceptive labeling of imitation meat products, and pushing back on an out-of-control EPA. I look forward to continuing to work with the Nebraska Cattlemen to ensure our ag community has a trusted ally fighting for them.”



Strategies for Maintaining Nutrient Quality When Applying Manure Early

After a wet spring, storage capacity might be tighter than usual, especially for out-of-barn manure storages, and an increasing potential for a slightly later harvest and application season. Daniel Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State University, said if manure storages are nearing their limits, the risk of an overflow event becomes a pressing concern.

"Overflow events are not just messy, but they can also lead to serious environmental problems and potential regulatory fines," he said. "In such cases, it's better to apply manure earlier than planned."

Once you've decided that an early fall application is necessary, the next step is to ensure the nutrients in the manure are still available to your crops in the next growing season. Andersen offers a few strategies to help you achieve this availability.

"Instead of applying all your manure at once, consider applying just enough to free up storage space and push your main application to later in the fall, when temperatures are cooler," he said. "Cooler temperatures slow down the conversion of nitrogen into forms that are more likely to be lost before the crops can use them."

If you have to apply manure early, planting cover crops can be one of the best defenses. Cover crops absorb the nitrogen applied with manure, holding it in place and preventing it from leaching out of the soil.

"You might want to cut back on your manure application rate slightly when using cover crops,” Andersen said. "This will leave some room in your nitrogen budget for supplemental applications at planting or shortly after, helping to offset any nitrogen that gets tied up as the cover crop residue decomposes."

Although nitrification inhibitors aren't a perfect solution for long-term nutrient preservation, they can be effective in the short term. If manure is applied in early September, a nitrification inhibitor can help keep nitrogen in its ammonium form for a few weeks, reducing the risk of nitrogen loss before the crop is ready to take it up.

“While early fall isn't ideal for manure application, safety concerns and logistical challenges sometimes make it necessary,” he said.

The key is to take proactive steps to ensure that the nutrients in your manure are preserved and ready for your crops in the next growing season.

"By safely agitating your pits, using pit treatments, planting cover crops, adjusting your application rates and considering nitrification inhibitors, you can manage the risks associated with early application while reaping the benefits of your manure," Andersen said. "Remember, the goal is to keep your operation safe and efficient while maximizing the value of your manure. With careful planning and the right strategies, you can achieve both."



Farm Bill Prospects, Prop 12 Impacts Highlight NPPC's Legislative Conference
 
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Senator John Boozman (R-AR) met with 120 pork producers at the National Pork Producers Council’s (NPPC) Fall Legislative Action Conference, discussing prospects for a 2024 Farm Bill and a federal solution to California’s Proposition 12.
 
The Prop. 12 ballot initiative, which went into effect earlier this year, imposes serious financial burdens on pork producers, raises food prices on consumers, and sets a dangerous precedent enabling each state to develop differing regulations on out-of-state producers.
 
Due to Prop. 12, Californians are experiencing less pork and higher costs. Vilsack also acknowledged that pork producers don’t have the luxury of deciding which state(s) to market their products.
 
Prop. 12 inflicts construction costs for producers up to $4,000 per sow and has already caused a 20 percent surge in California’s pork prices. USDA economists also found that the volume of pork sales in California has declined significantly since the new law was implemented, with California now accounting for two percent less of total U.S. fresh pork sales.
 
Vilsack also emphasized that these price increases make it harder to include pork products in nutrition programs that support vulnerable populations and that shrinking farms mean more good jobs are likely to be exported out of state, or even out of the U.S.
 
Boozman, the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, told NPPC members that he remains optimistic about a Farm Bill passing this year.
 
“We are working hard to get a Farm Bill done. I’m very concerned about Prop 12. Chair Stabenow and I have both shared frameworks, and importantly, G.T. Thompson got a bipartisan Farm Bill out of his committee,” he said. “Agriculture needs to stick together... to get this done,” he said.   
 
To educate policymakers on the critical need for a Farm Bill to pass this year with a fix to Prop 12, NPPC hosted a pop-up food truck on Capitol Hill offering maple bacon donuts and information on the existential threat of Prop. 12 and other similar laws. The “Food Truck from a Post-Prop 12 America” accepted “Bacon Bucks,” highlighting the price hikes American consumers could face if Prop. 12 is left unchecked.
 
Boozman, House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO), Mike Bost (R-IL), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Zach Nuun (R-IA), Max Miller (R-OH), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and congressional staff were among the hundreds who visited the food truck.



Corn and Soybean Growers Critical of Commerce Announcement on Herbicide Tariffs

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) expressed frustration today with a recently released recommendation by the U.S. Department of Commerce to impose preliminary countervailing duty rates on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D.

The decision comes at the behest of domestic herbicide producer Corteva Agriscience, which filed a petition earlier this year calling for antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of herbicide 2,4-D from certain foreign suppliers. Farmers have said that their demand exceeds the domestic supply of the product, and foreign sources help fill this gap.

“Access to this herbicide is critical for corn growers. Because there is only one domestic supplier manufacturing 2,4-D, growers in the U.S. must look to foreign suppliers to help meet our needs,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We would welcome ideas from Corteva on how to ensure that this herbicide is available and affordable for American growers.”

Other grower leaders also spoke out about the reccommended duty rates.

“This decision to raise duties on imports is disappointing for soybean growers nationwide,” said Josh Gackle, president of the American Soybean Association and a soybean farmer from North Dakota. “We rely on imported generic 2,4-D in combination with other herbicides, to manage weeds efficiently before planting. The increased costs could strain our operations during an already difficult time.”

The proposed duties would place a substantial tariff on herbicide imports, which has the potential to impact availability throughout rural America.  

“This couldn’t come at a worse time,” Wolle noted. “The price of corn has declined by more than 40% over the last two years, and the average cost of producing corn was higher than the average selling price of corn in 2023. We are expecting that margin of loss to be even worse in 2024—even before taking this new trade case into account.”

Gackle added, “This is just the beginning of a lengthy process. ASA remains committed to advocating for soybean farmers by engaging with Congress, Commerce and the ITC. We will continue fighting against these duties and work toward a resolution that supports U.S. farmers and their bottom lines as the antidumping and countervailing investigations continue.”

Commerce’s announcement follows the International Trade Commission’s vote to move forward with the investigation earlier this year. Commerce is expected to announce final duty rates at some point next year. The International Trade Commission, which has the power to dismiss this case in its entirety, will fully hear the case and make its final determination in 2025.



New Report Highlights Critical Role of Commodity Checkoffs in National Security

The Directions Group agri-food team, formerly known as Aimpoint Research, released The Future of Agriculture Checkoffs research report today highlighting the crucial and unique role checkoffs play in bolstering national security, enhancing social betterment, and promoting environmental sustainability.

“The strategic importance of checkoffs cannot be overstated. U.S. checkoff programs are distinctly American, and uniquely address the broad needs of all U.S. producers while safeguarding national security,” said Mark Purdy, The Directions Group Executive Vice President of Agri-Food. “The research uncovered specific areas where checkoff organizations can focus to be prepared for future complexities in agriculture and the food system. This will allow them to continue their role in supporting the economic stability of the agricultural sector.”

Over the past four decades, U.S. agriculture checkoff programs have been instrumental in driving domestic demand, expanding export markets, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability. Recently, these programs have experienced a surge in political and legal scrutiny, prompting questions about their ongoing value.

Analysts leveraged multiple research methods to develop the report, including producer research, expert interviews, market intelligence, and a strategic wargame. Future state projections on geopolitics and the agri-food system, along with insights from the ‘Farmer of the Future’ report, are also incorporated. The research findings point to specific areas of checkoff impact and areas of opportunity to ensure checkoff organizations continue to serve a broad cross-section of U.S. producers.

Key findings include:
    Checkoffs are foundational to national security with their U.S.-centric, producer-focused mission.
    The commodity and research advancements driven by the checkoffs are essential to social betterment through nutrition-based human health.
    Checkoffs are important for environmental sustainability through their ability to invest, pilot and scale innovation, bridging the gap from producer to consumer.
    The research uncovered specific areas where checkoff organizations can evolve to optimally serve U.S. producers in the future, such as the need for agility, tiered innovation strategies and a segmented approach to producer programming.

“Considering the geopolitical environment and the importance that our competitors and adversaries place on agriculture, the United States must comprehensively promote commodities and support access to research and innovation for all farmers. To maintain and strengthen America's agricultural leadership, checkoffs must continue to fulfill these roles,” said Purdy. “It’s worth noting that checkoffs must continue to improve and evolve to position U.S. producers for future success, and the report provides a starting point for checkoff organizations to continue on that path.”



American Dairy Coalition prepares comment on USDA’s proposed milk pricing changes

Comments on USDA’s proposed Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) pricing formula changes close on Friday night, Sept. 13 at 11:59 p.m. EDT at the Federal Register Docket AMS-DA-23-0031-0002. American Dairy Coalition has prepared its official comment to file and invites others consider signing on.

USDA’s proposed milk pricing changes could reduce farm milk prices, and substantially so in some regions, where proposed increases in Class III make allowances would take $1.00 per hundredweight from the Class III price, but only half of the cheese and whey processors participated in the voluntary cost of processing survey used to determine this.

In its comment, ADC requests USDA’s reconsideration of these make allowance increases, which would be more fairly evaluated through mandatory, audited cost of processing surveys.

During an ADC webinar on Aug. 29, featured presenter Danny Munch, American Farm Bureau economist, charted the impact for each FMMO of all proposed changes in USDA’s Recommended Decision. The make allowance increases for the Class III and IV products would remove an estimated $1.25 billion annually from manufacturing class prices used in all FMMOs, according to AFBF’s static analysis of 2019-23 pool data.

USDA proposes implementing these make allowance increases for processors right away, but would delay for 12 months the proposed updates on milk composition that would benefit dairy farmers by adding what AFBF estimates is $200 million annually across all FMMO pools.

Because both proposals impact risk management, ADC questions why processors would receive their proposed new income from farmers right away, but farmers would have to wait 12 months for theirs.

The ADC comment also points out that the recommended decision brings back the higher-of method for setting the Class I base price mover, but introduces complexity with a two-mover system that would price extended shelf life (ESL) milk differently. ADC could find no definition in the hearing record for creating this new fifth class of milk. A two-mover system was not part of the hearing’s scope, and was not vetted with opportunities to present evidence.

Why is this important? The 2022 Ag Census showed a record drop in dairy farms, down 39.4% at 24,470 compared with 40,336 in the 2017 Census five years earlier. Large percentage declines in US dairy farms have been an on-going story, but the most recent decline stands out, according to a jointly authored paper by Ohio State University and Illinois State University economists. A major chunk of this five-year loss of dairy farm small businesses between the 2022 and 2017 Censuses includes the first three years in which the average-of method (plus a 74-cent adjuster) has been used to calculate the skim portion of the Class I base price mover instead of the previous higher-of method.

The industry saw the unintended consequences of the legislated change in the Class I mover to a new average-of method in 2019. Now, some milk will be priced using the previous higher-of, after a large volume of hearing testimony showed the losses and disorderly marketing that resulted. However, after the hearing concluded, USDA created a new and undefined class for ESL milk in its recommended decision, which would be priced using the average-of, with a 24-month rolling adjuster and a 12 month lag.

ADC's comment points out that not only is this more complicated and less transparent, the new ESL class was not defined in the hearing, and the proposed two-mover system was not vetted.

Thursday September 12 Ag News

Pillen, Senators and Dept. of Ag Present Laws to Protect Nebraska from Foreign Adversaries

On the anniversary of 9/11 – the worst terror attack to occur on U.S. soil -- Governor Jim Pillen joined state senators in presenting three new laws aimed at enhancing security for the state and the nation. The bills, two of which address land ownership, were the focus of a news conference and ceremonial bill signing at Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island.

While introduced separately, Gov. Pillen noted that collectively, the bills pack a significant punch in protecting the state from undue outside influence which could result in disruptions to the state’s economy and ultimately, its safety.

“We need to know more about who wants to purchase our land and for what purpose. We need to protect our military installations and we need to ensure that we are taking the appropriate actions when violations are noted, “said Gov. Pillen. “Agriculture drives our economy and there is nothing of greater consequence than ensuring our assets, including our crops and our animals, are protected from interference.”

Legislation addressing those issues are included in LB1120, LB1300 and LB1301.

Senator Barry DeKay introduced the Foreign-Owned Real Estate National Security Act at the Governor’s request.  LB1301 updates prior language regarding foreign land ownership in Nebraska, some of which went back to 1889. For purposes of this bill and others, foreign adversaries defined by the federal government currently include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and the Maduro Regime in Venezuela.

Sen. DeKay expressed his appreciation to the Governor and senators Brian Hardin, Elliot Bostar and Steve Halloran for working with him to modernize the state’s archaic foreign land ownership laws.
“Our state’s agricultural land should not be under the control of foreign governments who are adversarial to our nation,” said Sen. DeKay. “This bipartisan legislation helps protect agricultural land and critical infrastructure from those who intend to harm Nebraskans and others in our great nation. Nebraska has outstanding people, resources, land, and water that bring incredible value, not only to the state, but also to our country.”  

LB1301 also reduces the number of ownership exemptions available to foreign adversaries and stipulates that national security agreements be secured prior to land acquisition projects. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, also provides the Attorney General and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) with enforcement authority in these matters.

“We are committed to protecting and defending Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers and their ability to provide food, fiber and fuel for our state and nation,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “The department will receive, investigate and refer any potential foreign ownership violation complaints.”

Sen. Brian Hardin also brought legislation this year aimed at ensuring land purchases are not used for nefarious purposes. Already in effect, LB1120 requires buyers of real estate near military installations to attest they have no connections to federally identified foreign adversaries. Such documents are required for purchases made in Banner, Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff and Sioux counties.

During his initial testimony on the bill, Sen. Hardin pointed out that Nebraska was home to 80 intercontinental ballistic missile launch facilities and nine alert facilities, all of which were sensitive for national security purposes.  

“I deeply appreciate the steps the Legislature took, along with Gov. Pillen, for creating barriers to potential hostile states and actors against our people and freedom with LB1120 and LB1301,” noted Sen. Hardin. “We will continue to be vigilant as we work with our military and law enforcement agencies to keep Nebraska safe.”

Sen. Eliot Bostar took aim at identifying state and national security risks through passage of LB1300, which creates the Committee on Pacific Conflict. The bill also requires a threat assessment and production of an annual report as well as a prohibition on companies from certain identified countries from bidding on state and local procurement contracts.

“As global tensions in the Pacific continue to rise, Nebraska must be proactive in securing its critical infrastructure and protecting against threats to the economy and public safety,” said Sen. Bostar. “Nebraska’s leadership provides an example for other states and even for the federal government to follow. Since LB1300 became law, Arizona and Oklahoma have each enacted similar preparatory policies, and just this week, the House of Representatives passed HR554, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act, to impose penalties upon China if it invades Taiwan.”

Sen. Bostar also introduced legislation in 2023 on behalf of Gov. Pillen prohibiting telecommunications companies from using state funds if the company uses communications equipment or services deemed to be a threat to national security.

“All of these actions, taken together, provide much needed protections for our state. We need to button up loopholes that might allow foreign adversaries a foothold from within,” said Gov. Pillen. “Those are the threats that no one would see coming, until it was too late.”

During yesterday’s event, Gov. Pillen signed ceremonial copies of LB1120, LB1300 and LB1301, and presented them to each of the sponsoring senators.



Flood: America’s Land Security is Key to Our National Security

Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood delivered remarks during debate on H.R. 9456, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024. Flood said...

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, as of 2022, foreign individuals held an interest in over 43 million acres of U.S. ag land. For context, 43 million acres is larger than the state of Florida and greater than the total land area of twenty-nine U.S. states.

Between December 2021 and December 2022, privately held foreign agriculture land increased by more than 3 million acres and now accounts for 3.4 percent of all privately held agriculture lands in the United States.

This is a real problem, and it is growing.

Our nation’s land is linked to our national security, food supply, and energy resources. This rising trend of foreign ownership is highly concerning.

The USDA is responsible for collecting data and reporting to Congress on foreign-owned agricultural land, but that’s it. In its own words, the USDA does not have a role in reviewing the purchase or sale of agricultural land in the United States. Additionally, the USDA has failed to penalize improper filing of ag land transactions by foreign nationals – further emphasizing its lack of sufficient enforcement authority in this area.

Let me be clear, foreign agricultural land ownership is a national security issue and should be treated as such. Over the last several years, we’ve all experienced first-hand the detrimental impact food and energy supply chain disruptions can have on our communities. Therefore, it is simply common sense that we pass this bill to expand CFIUS and better address this ongoing threat.



Nebraska Beef Council September Board Meeting

The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors will have a virtual meeting at the NBC office in Kearney, NE located at 1319 Central Avenue on Monday, September 23rd, 2024 beginning at 12:00 p.m. CDT. The NBC Board of Directors will review a draft of the FY 2024-2025 Marketing Plan. For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org.  



Nebraska Farm Bureau Launches New Health Plans to Lower Costs of Healthcare for Individuals and Families

Lower health insurance cost to Nebraska individuals and families is a high priority to Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB). As a result, NEFB has introduced a new product, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, that could be a game changer in lowering health insurance costs for all Nebraskans.

“The current health care insurance market discriminates against self-employed individuals and small business owners because they are not eligible for the discounted rates available under employer-sponsored plans. This includes farmers, ranchers, and nearly all small business owners in the state,” said Mark McHargue NEFB president. “Beginning, Oct. 1, 2024, Nebraska Farm Bureau will launch the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, a new and exclusive health plan option providing significantly lower health costs than the federal marketplace,” McHargue said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau worked to pass LB 1313 in the last legislative session. The bill allows health benefit plans to be sponsored by certain nonprofit agricultural organizations, such as Nebraska Farm Bureau. These plans are not considered insurance, but are medically underwritten and are individually rated, allowing them to be offered at significant savings when compared to ACA marketplace plans.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans provide coverages and services typically offered under traditional health insurance plans, including office visits, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency room services and maternity care. Mental health and substance abuse care will also be covered,” said Kelsey Scheer, assistant director of NEFB Health Plans. “These plans are high-quality, dependable, and affordable health coverage plans for individuals and families, featuring a nationwide PPO network of providers, United HealthCare Choice Plus, which offers services across the state, and has various levels of deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums,” Scheer said.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans offer comprehensive, benefit-rich options at rates that can be 30% to 50% less than unsubsidized plans offered under the ACA.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans will provide these benefits under a self-funded arrangement administered by a licensed third-party administrator, which is Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee. The organization administers these types of health plans to six state Farm Bureaus across the U.S.,” said Billy Fields director of state alliance operations for Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee.

While individuals who are self-employed or own a small business could benefit from these plans, anyone can apply. In addition, a Nebraska Farm Bureau membership is required to apply for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans. If approved for the health coverage, you must maintain your NEFB membership to keep your NEFB Health Plan active. Nebraska Farm Bureau members can apply for the NEFB Health Plans anytime of the year, and there is no re-enrollment period like other programs. Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) agents in Nebraska will exclusively sell these plans to NEFB members. For more information go to our website at www.nefbhp.com.



Nebraska Corn: Don’t Learn Safety by Accident

As harvest time nears, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) recognize and understand the importance of National Farm Safety and Health Week by providing safety tips for agriculture and harvest. This year’s theme is Don’t Learn Safety by Accident.

Nebraska Corn looks to promote safety during National Farm and Safety Week Sept. 15-21.

With one in four jobs related to agriculture in Nebraska, agriculture continues to be a large portion of the state’s economy. It also is one of the most volatile and dangerous industries. With many accidents going unreported, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created an agriculture safety and health program to address the risk of injuries and illnesses experienced by agricultural workers and their families. With many generational farms, learning on the farm starts early and that includes safety when in and around equipment.

“This is an industry my grandfather was in, and my father, myself and hopefully someday the next generation, but it doesn’t go without risks,” said Michael Dibbern, NeCGA vice president. “I grew up in and around combines and tractors, but not without my father being next to me teaching safety and vigilance with equipment. As I teach my children about farming, we have safety measures that must be learned so it’s not learned by accident.”

Harvesting is a busy, stressful time for farmers as there is a short window for harvesting crops. Farmers must take time to rest and take care of themselves physically, emotionally and mentally to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Those traveling in rural areas must also be aware of their surroundings during harvest season. Nebraska Corn encourages patience and slowing down with increased farm traffic. Prevent an accident by knowing farm safety.

Follow these and other safety tips this harvest and beyond:

Equipment Safety
    Be careful when approaching harvest equipment. Approach equipment from the front and get the operator’s attention.
    Ensure the harvesting equipment is fully stopped and disengaged before approaching.
    Do not go near any unguarded or otherwise running machinery.
    Avoid pinch points between equipment – such as tractors with grain wagons. Visibility can be limited, and serious injury can occur.

Entanglement Hazard
    Before unplugging any equipment, disengage power and remove energy from the equipment.
    Never pull or try to remove plugged plant material from an operating machine.
    Never remove shields. Keep in place to avoid entanglement when working around equipment.

Fall Hazard
    Be careful when climbing on or off equipment.
    Be alert and extremely careful when working in wet or slippery conditions.
    Keep all walkways and platforms open and free of tools, dust, debris or other hazardous obstacles. Clean all walkways and platforms before use.
    Wear clothing that is not baggy or loose.  Also wear proper non-slip, closed toed-shoes.
    Use grab bars when mounting or dismounting machinery. Face machinery when dismounting and never jump from equipment.
    Never dismount from a moving vehicle.

Fire Prevention
    Carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle (A-B-C, 5 or 10 pounds).
    Check bearings regularly to prevent overheating and the chance of fire. Remove build-up or dust from equipment.

Grain Cart Safety
    Never exceed maximum weight limits on grain carts. As weight increases, grain carts can be more difficult to control.
    Load grain bins evenly to distribute weight and prevent weaving or instability across the grain bin.
    Inspect grain bin tires and replace any worn or cracked tires.

Grain Bin Safety
    Check the air quality before entering an enclosed space.
    If entering a bin, wear a harness attached to a secure rope.
    Never work alone.
    Never allow children to get too close or inside the bin.
    Wear a dust filter or respirator when working in bins.
    Stay out of bins when equipment is running.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of ½-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is a grassroots commodity organization that works to advance Nebraska corn farmers through leadership, policy and education. NeCGA has more than 2,400 dues-paying members in Nebraska. NeCGA is affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association, which has more than 36,000 dues-paying members nationwide.



National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept 15-21

Agriculture is dangerous work.  The 2019 data for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 573 fatalities, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.

Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. This annual promotion initiated by the National Safety Council has been proclaimed as such by each sitting U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944.
National Farm Safety and Health Week is led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), the agricultural partner of the National Safety Council.

DAILY THEMES:
MONDAY - Equipment & Rural Roadway Safety
TUESDAY - Health and Wellness
WEDNESDAY - Generations of Farming
THURSDAY - Confined Spaces in Agriculture
FRIDAY - Reporting Ag Injuries

Register for the webinars and get more information here:  https://www.agrisafe.org/nfshw/.  



Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/6/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 6, ethanol production increased 1.8% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.36 million gallons daily. Output was 3.9% more than the same week last year and 10.9% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate nudged up 0.2% to 1.08 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.57 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks expanded 1.5% to a 5-week high of 23.7 million barrels. Stocks were 12.0% more than the same week last year and 10.8% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, dropped 5.1% to a 20-week low of 8.48 million b/d (130.32 bg annualized). Demand was 2.1% more than a year ago but 1.7% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, scaling back 4.4% to 892,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.71 bg annualized and the lowest volume in two months. Net inputs were 0.8% less than year-ago levels but 0.4% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 177,000 b/d (7.4 million gallons/day), 94.5% more than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 51st consecutive week.



Most Retail Fertilizer Prices Lower Again in First Week of September

Average retail prices for seven of the eight major fertilizers continued to be slightly lower than last month during the first week of September 2024, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. For the seventh week in a row, no fertilizer price showed a substantial move in either direction. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The seven fertilizers that were lower in price compared to last month were DAP, with an average price of $739 per ton, MAP $813/ton, potash $486/ton, urea $490/ton, 10-34-0 $638/ton, UAN28 $327/ton and UAN32 $364/ton.

One fertilizer was just slightly more expensive. Anhydrous had an average price of $676/ton, up just $1 from last month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.53/lb.N, anhydrous $0.41/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.57/lb.N.

Prices for three fertilizers are higher compared to one year ago. DAP is 1% higher, 10-34-0 is 4% more expensive and MAP is 9% higher than last year. Prices for the remaining five fertilizers are lower. Anhydrous is 2% lower, potash is 6% less expensive, UAN32 is 7% lower, UAN28 is 8% less expensive and urea is 13% lower compared to last year.

Wednesday August 11 Ag News

 Fall is nearly here!
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

It was not long ago; we were talking about preparations to prevent heat stress in cattle. Summer came, and it is now nearly gone. Thankfully, heat stress was moderate to low, and we received much needed precipitation at least early in the summer. Now kids are off to school, crickets are chirping, sun rays hit at a different angle, tree foliage is brittle, winds are picking up, and we have had a few nights below °50 F.

Other than it is a nice, transition time, early fall, and the threat of cooler weather, remind us of a few things to do in

preparation for winter around the farm or ranch. Preparations for winter vary from getting spring-born calves ready for weaning and sale or backgrounding to getting ready to receive calves at grow yards and feedlots. Generally, other activities such as facilities repairs, upkeep, and upgrading occur currently also.

Pouring that last slab of concrete on the shop, alleyway, apron, or home project may be on your list. If it is not raining or snowing, pouring concrete may take place anytime from now until November, provided it is permitted to cure with an accelerator under blankets. Incidentally, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is forecasting precipitation to be slightly lower than normal for the months of October to December.

Other minor repairs will make life much easier, particularly if we end up with a lot of snow. Re-hanging gates and repairing fences in pens and alleyways will provide greater security and will make it easier to accomplish certain tasks when it is cold and snowy.

Calves weaning in the fall of 2024 will likely bring a premium relative to the past 10 years. This is encouraging and it supports preparing them for a life in the feedlot or grow yard with vaccinations, deworming and other disease prevention practices as suggested by your veterinarian.

Fall cows will be getting ready for breeding soon. Their calves selling in the spring or fall of 2025 should still bring a premium relative to previous years. Preparing to achieve the most breeding success, particularly after we had less precipitation in late summer. Is it time to consider supplementation of young fall-calving cows? If so, there are plenty of options at attractive feed prices.

Calves coming into the grow yard or feedlot may require extra care. Late-summer pasture conditions were not ideal, particularly in the Southwest. Spring-calving cows lost condition, and likely quit milking. Calves coming into the feedlot may need extra care as they transition to life in the yard.

In certain cases, because of the growing interest in adding concrete surfaces to pens, preparations should be made to manage cattle on concrete differently. Aprons require scraping to eliminate manure and mud cover on a regular basis. Loafing

areas surfaced with concrete will also require different management approaches.

During extreme cold, manure balls up, from cattle traffic, and prevents cattle from moving about or laying down. Bare concrete, on the other hand, could lead to frozen hair or hide onto the surface. Therefore, planning to build a manure pack on loafing areas will prevent these issues. Adding ample bedding (10 to 15 lb per head to start) to these areas ahead of precipitation events will create a base. Continued bedding at rates between 4 to 8 lb per head as soon as the pack becomes sticky (but before it begins to weep) will keep this area dry and high. Generally, scraping concrete off the apron and around the loafing area occurs ahead of bedding.

A question arises: will new bedding added to the pen affect intake? The answer is yes as cattle will prefer to play around the bedding and will consume some of it. However, this effect does not last more than a few hours. The bedding becomes trampled fast, and cattle lose interest in it as feed.

Other preparations are also taking place: silage harvest and soon, harvest of grain as earlage, high-moisture corn or corn. Certainly, farm shops are busy getting equipment ready for harvest. A good summer carries hope that the harvest will be plentiful. Hopefully, the excitement of harvest will not distract from operator (and other personnel) health and safety.

This is probably a good time to review safety protocols on the farm. Once the decision is made to open fields, remind everyone on the operation of harvest dates. Provide clear directions relative to the right of way. If necessary, install flags (to warn operators) or convex mirrors (to enhance visibility of corner) at blind intersections. Although most individuals involved in sales and service to farm and ranch are familiar with harvest operations, a sign at the entrance indicating harvest is under way will prevent careless driving.

You and your crew have worked hard throughout the year. Fall is a busy time. A little preparation will go a long ways for a productive year. A bit extra preparations will ensure a safe and productive harvest season.



Youth experience swine production

The Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Swine Cohort is designed to enhance the traditional 4-H swine project and cultivate the next generation of leaders in the swine industry by providing opportunities focusing on swine production as a goal of the 4-H member's project, along with accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and engagement by the 4-H member. In order to participate, youth must be 4-H age 8-18, complete YQCA, and farrowed their project animals.

Youth involved in the cohort participated in learning opportunities hosted by Extension Swine Specialist Benny Mote about nutrition, feeding, genetics and more. They also maintained records related to swine management and basic care, which resulted in turning in a record book this weekend. Finally, they exhibited their Farrowed and Owned project animals at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair with the opportunity for special recognition for participating in the cohort.

The 2024 Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned division at the Nebraska State Fair was sponsored by Parks of Nebraska LLC.

The following youth met the requirements of participating in 75% of the educational meetings from February - June and participating in the interview portion of the cohort at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair.
Olivia Beel, Brown County
Eli Beel, Brown County
Deven Dose, Hamilton County
Kendall Goedeken, Platte County
Cullan Schmidt, Fillmore County
Trevin Steuk, Saline County

Results from the live show:
Grand Champion Farrowed and Owned Breeding Gilt: Cullan Schmidt, Fillmore County Reserve Champion Farrowed and Owned Breeding Gilt: Olivia Beel, Brown County
Grand Champion Farrowed and Owned Market Hog: Kendall Goedeken, Platte County Reserve Champion Farrowed and Owned Market Hog: Trevin Steuk, Saline County

Cohort members learned the importance of accurate record keeping through a detailed record book they compiled with information about their farrowed and owned projects. The record books are used during an interview each cohort member participates in at the state fair. The interview is an important part of the cohort experience, as members gain valuable life skills from this experience. Results from the interview portion of the cohort:
1st Place: Olivia Beel, Brown County
2nd Place: Deven Dose, Hamilton County
3rd Place: Kendall Goedeken, Platte County

Congratulations to all 2024 Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Cohort members!

For more information about Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Cohort learning opportunity, please visit https://4h.unl.edu/farrowed-owned.



Naig Announces Availability of Crop Insurance Discount Program

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will once again offer its Crop Insurance Discount Program for acres that are planted with cover crops. Farmers and landowners who plant cover crops this fall will have the opportunity to apply for a $5 per acre discount on their spring crop insurance premiums.

The sign-up period will begin on Monday, December 2, 2024, and will close on Friday, January 24, 2025. Participants can learn more about enrollment by visiting CleanWaterIowa.org or by contacting their crop insurance agent.

“Our cost-share programs for cover crops have seen a surge in demand already this summer and fall, so we are expecting similarly strong interest from farmers in our Crop Insurance Discount Program when the application window opens in December. The Crop Insurance Discount Program has proven to be successful at encouraging cover crop usage while also helping farmers save money on their crop insurance premiums,” said Secretary Naig. "Given the numerous benefits of cover crops, including improved water quality, enhanced soil health, forage for livestock, and various other agronomic advantages, we continue to see increasing cover crop acres in Iowa."

Now in its eighth year, this innovative program has become a model for other states as well as the federal government. To date, nearly 2,000 farmers have enrolled more than 1.2 million acres of cover crops in the program. To qualify for the program, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cost share programs.

Program Details
The Crop Insurance Discount Program is jointly administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA). Iowa’s program has served as a model and has been replicated by the USDA as well as Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. To qualify for the Crop Insurance Discount Program, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or federal cost share programs. Farmers should visit their local USDA Service Center to learn about other cost-share funding available to support the implementation of conservation practices. Some insurance policies, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements, may be excluded. Participants must follow all existing farming practices required by their respective policy and work with their insurance agencies to maintain eligibility.



Anaerobic Digestion to Be Featured on Fall Webinar Series

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold an innovative series of webinars focused on the rapidly evolving field of anaerobic digestion.

Hosted by Daniel Andersen, associate professor in agriculture and biosystems engineering at Iowa State, this engaging series is set to uncover the potential of anaerobic digestion technologies in modern agriculture.

Titled "Emerging Science of Anaerobic Digestion," the webinar series is designed to inform farmers, technical service providers and project developers about the essentials of anaerobic digesters, the opportunities for their adoption, the promising future of biomass digestion and the challenges with implementation. Scheduled to begin on Oct. 8, these monthly sessions aim to provide a comprehensive overview, from basic digester operations to the impact they could have on sustainable agriculture.

Webinar schedule
    Oct. 8, 1 p.m. CT: Digester Basics. This foundational session details digester functions, integration methods on farms and overall benefits.
    Nov. 12, 1 p.m. CT: Why Digesters, Why Now? This session delves into the shifting policies encouraging anaerobic digestion adoption and outlines the financial opportunities now accessible.
    Dec. 10, 1 p.m. CT: Why Biomass Digestion May Be the Next Big Thing. Exploring beyond manure, this webinar discusses the significant role biomass plays in enhancing the feasibility of digestion projects.

Through this series, participants will gain valuable insights into the latest research efforts aimed at improving the feasibility and efficiency of anaerobic digestion technologies. Each session will also highlight the challenges and opportunities that farmers and project developers may encounter during implementation.

Targeted primarily at agricultural professionals and farmers, this series stands as a critical resource for those looking to explore and implement climate-smart agricultural practices.

Registration information
Participation is free, but registration is required to obtain the necessary login information. Interested parties are invited to secure their spot by registering at https://iastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEuceGurTMtGtE3ggCl5jSe3hynrAJfA-en. Register today to shape the future of sustainable farming with ISU Extension and Outreach.

For more information about the "Emerging Science of Anaerobic Digestion" webinar series or to inquire about registration, contact Daniel Andersen at dsa@iastate.edu or 515-294-4210; or Melissa McEnany at mmcenany@iastate.edu or 515-294-9075.



Farmers Union Members Descend on Washington with Urgent Message: Pass the Farm Bill

Nearly 300 Farmers Union members from across the United States have converged in Washington this week to meet with lawmakers and advocate for the timely passage of a comprehensive five-year farm bill before the end of 2024, emphasizing its importance given current challenges faced by America’s family farmers and ranchers.

“Family farmers and ranchers can’t wait – they need the certainty of a new farm bill this year,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. “The farm bill is an investment in our food system, rural economies and the future of American agriculture. With net farm income projected at historic lows, growing concentration in the agriculture sector, high input costs and interest rates, and more frequent and devastating natural disasters, Congress can’t miss this opportunity to pass a five-year farm bill. Our members are taking valuable time away from their farms to make sure policymakers hear that message, loud and clear.”

Farmers Union members will participate in hundreds of meetings with members of Congress throughout the week, meet with more than a dozen federal agencies and hear from prominent government officials, including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan. 

Farmers Union members will also bring NFU's ongoing Fairness for Farmers campaign to Washington, outlining how a lack of competition in the agriculture sector harms family farmers and ranchers.

Secretary Vilsack addressed Farmers Union members, offering insights into the USDA's ongoing efforts to support American family agriculture and ensure their continued viability in today’s challenging environment.  

Leaders from other federal agencies also provided policy updates about Farmers Union priorities.  

“The Environmental Protection Agency views the agriculture sector as a key partner in achieving our climate goals,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Farmers play an essential role in creating smart and sustainable climate solutions, all while delivering a resilient and abundant food supply. EPA will continue supporting farmers and ranchers in their efforts to reduce emissions, sequester carbon, and protect our environment.”  

“Promoting honest and competitive agriculture markets means farmers can get a fair shake and Americans can enjoy a more affordable and resilient food system,” said Chair of the FTC Lina Khan. “I’m grateful to learn from National Farmers Union about the challenges facing family farms. From protecting farmers’ right to repair their equipment to combatting monopolistic tactics in the marketplace, FTC will keep fighting to ensure farmers can enjoy the economic liberty that fair and honest competition provides.”

“…agricultural enforcement has been a huge priority of ours at DOJ and it will remain one going forward,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “That’s because the consequences of concentration in agricultural ripple out. It affects us all.”

Farmers Union advocacy efforts will continue throughout the week, ensuring that lawmakers hear the voices of family farmers and keep the farm bill at the forefront of legislative priorities.



National Farmers Union and USDA Announce Agreement to Strengthen Farm Service Agency County-Level Operations

National Farmers Union (NFU) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address staffing levels and improve customer service at USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county-level offices.

Under this MOU, NFU and USDA will work together to gather feedback on the experiences of family farmers and ranchers when interacting with FSA staff and the programs they deliver. By hosting listening sessions in local communities, NFU will provide a platform for farmers to share their concerns and ideas for improvement. USDA will use this feedback to inform ongoing investments in customer service and program delivery.

FSA county offices are a critical resource for family farmers and ranchers participating in farm safety net, disaster recovery assistance and conservation programs and seeking direct and guaranteed financing for their operations. Demand for FSA program assistance remains high and continues to grow making it more difficult for existing staff to manage the increasing workload and related customer service needs of American agriculture.

“In 3 ½ years of traveling the country, I’ve not heard a single producer say that fewer county staff are part of any solution. As an agency, our employees are our greatest resource and the agricultural producers we serve are our top priority; they deserve the best work or customer experience we can provide,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “I’m extremely pleased to enter into this MOU with NFU. Our hope is that the information gathered through this MOU can be used to guide better investment in the capacity of our local offices. Leveraging this partnership and the outcomes derived from NFU’s access to local input will greatly benefit FSA employees and the farmers and ranchers we serve — it’s a win-win.”

NFU has long advocated for policies that enhance the quality of life for farm families and their communities.

“Family farmers and ranchers need access to reliable, efficient services at the county level,” said Rob Larew, NFU President. “This MOU solidifies our commitment to work closely with USDA to gather input from those who depend on FSA’s farm and loan programs to help improve the systems that support them. We appreciate Administrator Ducheneaux’s leadership on this important issue.”

Through NFU’s annual grassroots policy process, Farmers Union members passed a resolution highlighting a critical need to partner with USDA in addressing gaps in staffing and service delivery. This MOU represents NFU and USDA’s commitment to collaborate on practical solutions to these challenges, ensuring that FSA offices deliver efficient and effective programs for family farmers and ranchers.



Medgene Collaborating with Iowa State University to Develop Vaccines for Sheep & Goat Industry
 
Prescription platform vaccine manufacturer Medgene announces that it will be expanding its vaccine offerings to help keep sheep and goats healthy in partnership with Iowa State University.
 
“Partnering with Medgene offers many benefits to university researchers, allowing them to continue to serve the needs of animal agriculture,” says Dr. Alan Young, Medgene co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. “A collaboration of this type is also a benefit for Medgene, where the expertise of grant principal Dr. Jodi McGill can be used to solve tough problems for the animal health industry that can be rapidly implemented.”
 
The two-year grant that makes these sheep and goat vaccines possible is from the USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Animal Disease Preparedness Response Program.
 
“Iowa State University is routinely contacted by goat producers who submit diagnostics for diseases and are looking for biologic solutions. Currently, they are forced to use tools developed for cattle with few products developed specifically for goats,” says Dr. Michael Roof, Chief Technology Officer, Immunovac, Iowa State University. “Because of the variety of different diseases that need solutions, Medgene’s prescription vaccine platform is very appealing, as it can be applied quickly across numerous diseases, including bacterial and viral diseases.”
 
The grant has three objectives, all based around pursuing vaccine solutions for diseases affecting sheep and goats, including bluetongue virus (BTV), Cache Valley Fever and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
 
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the team at Medgene,” says Dr. McGill. “I think this will be a really productive partnership. I’m also really excited to address this important need for our sheep and goat producers and am looking forward to seeing these vaccines used on farms that need them.”
 
Pneumonia caused by respiratory infections such as RSV cause production losses and even death in young lambs and kids. Currently, most RSV and other respiratory viral pathogens that are recommended annually for cattle, but there are currently no vaccines available for sheep and/or goats.
 
In sheep and goats, Cache Valley Fever can cause abortions, malformed fetuses, infertility and congenital abnormalities. Mosquitoes transmit the disease, which is endemic in many parts of the U.S. Developing vaccines to prevent this disease will benefit producers and improve animal welfare for small ruminants.



NASS releases 2022 Census of Agriculture Web Maps application

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), launched a collection of interactive maps to allow data users to access key Census of Agriculture information. The newly redesigned Ag Census Web Maps application offers the public access to maps and accompanying data to help visualize, download and analyze Census of Agriculture data down to the county level. The application assembles maps and statistics from the 2022 Census of Agriculture in five broad categories – crops and plants, economics, farms, livestock and animals, and producers – as well as associated subcategories.

“NASS is excited to provide the public with customizable, interactive and accessible ways to work with the vast trove of Census of Agriculture data,” said NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons. “The Ag Census Web Maps application allows users to visualize the state of American agriculture in a way no other Census of Agriculture product provides.”

An Ag Census Web Maps user can: select a map to display from any of the general categories and associated subcategories; create maps showing the variation in a single data item across the country (for example, average value of agricultural products sold per farm); select a county and view and download the county’s data for a general category; download the U.S. county-level dataset of mapped values for all categories and more. The resulting products give producers, agribusinesses, policymakers, community planners and the general public easy access to factors that affect agriculture and producers in more than 3,000 counties across the country.

NASS has also made available on its website a range of new products related to the 2022 ag census: Market Value of Ag Products Rankings; State and County Profiles; Congressional District Profiles and Rankings; the Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Profiles; the Watersheds report; and the American Indian Reservations Report. In addition, the 2022 Puerto Rico Census of Agriculture data were released July 18 and can be viewed on NASS’s ag census web page.

Upcoming ag census releases include the Specialty Crops publication on Oct. 17 and Zip Code Tabulations on Nov. 7. Other products to be released this fall include additional ag census Highlights publications found on the NASS website at nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights. Census of Agriculture Highlights cover topics such as producer demographics, commodity specifics, and more.  

Spanning more than 6 million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them, the full ag census report can be accessed at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. Ag census data can also be found in NASS’s searchable online database, Quick Stats.

In preparation for the 2027 Census of Agriculture, NASS is already asking for content change suggestions and for new producers who did not receive a 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire last year to sign up to be counted in future censuses and surveys. Both forms can be found at nass.usda.gov.



Amp Americas Dairy RNG Projects Have Reduced More Than 2 Million MT of CO2e

Amp Americas, a leading dairy methane capture and renewable natural gas (RNG) company, today announced that its projects have reduced more than 2,000,000 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions since 2012 – equivalent to the emissions of more than five natural gas-fired power plants in one year.

Amp Americas partners with dairy farmers across the United States on projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy waste. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas – 84 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in driving global warming over a 20-year time span. Amp Americas provides an immediate, measurable and at-scale solution to methane emissions by capturing methane on dairy farms that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Dairy RNG also reduces the cost of managing dairy waste and produces digestate that can be used as fertilizer.

“For 12 years, we have worked alongside farmers to make a real, quantifiable impact on greenhouse gas emissions while improving the air quality in rural communities,” said Grant Zimmerman, CEO of Amp Americas. “Two million metric tons is a milestone we’re proud of, especially since there are no other near-term solutions that can tackle methane emissions like our RNG projects. We are grateful for our farm partners and excited to work with them to increase our impact. With access to new markets, Amp will develop additional projects on more and smaller farms across the United States.”

Amp Americas is committed to creating beneficial environmental and economic impact for its partners and the rural communities in which it operates. Amp’s 17 RNG projects across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Idaho and Kansas create well-paying jobs and help dairy farmers improve air quality and reduce risks to water quality in their rural communities. Amp’s projects will prevent 700,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per year by the end of this year, delivering the same climate impact as taking 166,601 cars off the road for one year.