Monday September 23 Cattle on Feed + Ag News

United States Cattle on Feed Up 1 Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.2 million head on September 1, 2024. The inventory was 1 percent above September 1, 2023.

On Feed            (1,000 hd  -  % Sept 1 '23)
Colorado .......:        970          102            
Iowa .............:        660          103              
Kansas ...........:      2,280           95            
Nebraska .......:      2,320          102             
Texas ............:       2,750          100            

Placements in feedlots during August totaled 1.98 million head, 1 percent below 2023. Net placements were 1.92 million head. During August, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 395,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 305,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 435,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 485,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 265,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 90,000 head.

Placements     (1,000 hd  -  % Aug '23)
Colorado .......:      155           129            
Iowa .............:       75            97              
Kansas ...........:      535            97             
Nebraska .......:      495            97             
Texas ............:       415            94             

Marketings of fed cattle during August totaled 1.82 million head, 4 percent below 2023. Other disappearance totaled 54,000 head during August, 2 percent below 2023.

Marketings     (1,000 hd  -  % Aug '23)
Colorado .......:      140            97             
Iowa .............:        64            84             
Kansas ...........:      455            95              
Nebraska .......:      485            95               
Texas ............:       390            96              



NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 2%

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.32 million cattle on feed on September 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 2% from last year. Placements during August totaled 495,000 head, down 3% from 2023. Fed cattle marketings for the month of August totaled 485,000 head, down 5% from last year. Other disappearance during August totaled 10,000 head, unchanged from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED UP 3%

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 660,000 head on September 1, 2024, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was up 2 percent from August and up 3 percent from September 1, 2023. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 475,000 head on feed, unchanged from last month but up 3 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,135,000 head, up 1 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during August 2024 totaled 75,000 head, up 34 percent from July but down 3 percent from August 2023. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 51,000 head, up 50 percent from July but down 12 percent from August 2023. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 126,000 head, up 40 percent from July but down 7 percent from August 2023.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during August 2024 totaled 64,000 head, up 16 percent from July but down 16 percent from August 2023. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 48,000 head, down 33 percent from July and down 36 percent from August 2023. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 112,000 head, down 12 percent from July and down 26 percent from August 2023. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 4,000 head.



Apply to Serve on the NeFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee

Calling all passionate young leaders! Are you ready to make a difference in the farming and ranching community? Join the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee—a dynamic think tank fueled by fresh ideas and vibrant energy! This is your chance to help shape the future of Nebraska Farm Bureau and take your passion to new heights. Don’t wait! Applications are due October 1. Positions up for appointment include:
    Southwest Region - (Grant Jones, seated/eligible for re-appointment)
    North Central Region - (Daniel Hasart, seated/eligible for re-appointment)
    Northeast Region - Open
    South Central Region - Open
    Student at Large - (Two positions, Carson Maricle seated/eligible for re-appointment and Open)

Click here to apply.... https://www.nefb.org/yfr-committee-application/.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy Advocates for Action on the Farm Bill, Tax Code Reauthorization, and Labor in D.C.

Advocating on behalf of Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) members across the state, NEFB Leadership Academy Cadets explained the vitality of a working Farm Bill to the Congressional Delegation during their national affairs trip to Washington, D.C. this week.

The visit capped off a yearlong leadership training program to help farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska with personal growth and development, public speaking skills, and training on how to advocate for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.

“When Leadership Academy Cadets experience our government first-hand and interact with our elected officials, they can see the role they can play in making sure their right to farm and ranch stays protected,” said Jordan Dux, NEFB senior director of national affairs, who facilitated the Leadership Academy visit.

While discussion surrounding the Farm Bill continues, it remains one of the few opportunities legislators have to address the issues facing the agri-food value chain. Leadership Academy Cadets met with Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation and urged them to pass a bill that protects federal crop insurance and provides a needed update to many programs farmers and ranchers rely upon.

“The Farm Bill needs to at least continue to be extended which only provides a temporary solution to an ongoing problem. Knowing that I have a strong safety net to fall back on if my crop fails allows me to take a calculated risk when planning my crop for the year,” said Christopher Kuehn, row crop farmer and Leadership Academy Cadet from Kearney County.

In addition to advocating for federal crop insurance, Cadets recommended a legislative fix to combat the consequences of California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’s Question 3. It is imperative that one state’s voters are not able to dictate food production practices for the entire country.

“As a livestock producer, ensuring the health and well-being of my livestock is my number one priority,” said Katie Nolles, cattle rancher and Leadership Academy Cadet from Holt County. “Having to change my safe production practices to meet the stipulations imposed by those removed from agriculture only hinders my ability to produce a safe, quality product for consumers to enjoy.”

Domestic workforce availability continues to be a concern for agriculturalists, making the H-2A program essential to carry out the everyday tasks in agriculture. In FY2023 alone, just under 4,000 H-2A positions were used in Nebraska. Though there has been growth in the program’s usage, it is still needlessly complicated and expensive to utilize this resource. After six straight years of exponential wage growth, agency overreach, and persistent congressional inaction, many agricultural operations, specifically small-to-medium-sized operations, are struggling to operate through this program.

“Passing the legislation that pauses the Adverse Effect Wage Rate for the H-2A at 2023 levels is crucial for the success of many agricultural operations,” said Dan Kristensen, row crop farmer and Leadership Academy Cadet from Kearney County. “Supporting H.R. 7046 and S. 874 will allow H-2A users to fairly pay their employees and ensure the long-term viability of their operation.”

Along with the Farm Bill and H-2A action, Cadets voiced their concerns about not extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). The law that allows for reduced tax rates for farm and ranch businesses is set to expire in 2025.

“My operation would look very different without TCJA,” said Sam Gifford, Leadership Academy Cadet from Buffalo County. “Having tax code that provides certainty in an industry that is inherently uncertain allows me to continue to operate and grow my business.”

Last on their list of issues was the EPA’s proposed changes to federal pesticide regulations. These changes stem from a 2011 court settlement where EPA promised to make regulatory changes in order to better manage the regulatory relationship between crop protection products and endangered species. Unfortunately, the new proposed regulations could make it much more difficult for farmers to utilize many of the crop protection products they have come to rely upon.

“Farmers need as many tools as they can get in their toolbox when it comes to weed management. The changes EPA is proposing will make it much more difficult for me to use the products I need to kill weeds and help boost yields. This isn’t just about my producers’ bottom lines, this is about making sure we can continue to produce food, fiber, and fuel for our nation as well as the rest of the world,” Clade Anderson, a sales agronomist and Leadership Academy Cadet from Sherman County.

Leadership Academy members that participated in the visit to Washington, D.C. included:
    James McArtor (Perkins County Farm Bureau)
    Clade Anderson (Sherman/Valley County Farm Bureau)
    Christopher Kuehn (Kearney/Franklin County Farm Bureau)
    Katie Nolles (Holt County Farm Bureau)
    Sam Gifford (Buffalo County Farm Bureau)
    Dan Kristensen (Kearney/Franklin County Farm Bureau)

Besides visiting with Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy met with officials from the New Zealand Embassy, House Agriculture Committee, Syngenta, and staff from American Farm Bureau.



Husker Harvest Days 2024: Successful ag show continues to innovate

Husker Harvest Days has set a new standard for agricultural events, delivering a comprehensive and interactive experience for farmers and ranchers. Over 27,000 people used the new online registration system for the 2024 show in Grand Island, Nebraska, reflecting the event’s significance in the Western Corn Belt and beyond.

The show featured a broad spectrum of experiences, allowing producers to engage directly with the latest machinery and inputs. Attendees participated in field demonstrations across more than 300 acres, including corn harvest, tillage and hay operations. The event also showcased an array of autonomous displays, a new cover crop plot and live cattle handling, providing valuable insights into advanced agricultural practices.

In addition to the machinery and livestock demonstrations, Husker Harvest Days 2024 introduced several new programs that were met with enthusiastic participation. In partnership with the University of Nebraska, the inaugural Women in the Field program by Farm Progress was a success, offering a platform for dialogue and learning among women in agriculture. The expanded education programming also featured prominently in the newly launched BEEF Showcase and the Hospitality Tent. Notable speakers included Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherri Vinton, who addressed attendees on the future of agriculture in the state.

The event also set a new record for charitable giving with the collection of 16,000 pounds of food through the onsite United Way food drive, surpassing previous years and underscoring the event’s commitment to giving back to the community.

“Husker Harvest Days continues to offer unparalleled opportunities for farmers and ranchers to connect with the latest advancements in the industry,” said Don Tourte, Farm Progress vice president of sales and events. “We are proud to provide such a dynamic and interactive environment where attendees can gain firsthand experience with the newest technology and techniques.”

Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national events director, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Our goal is to continually enhance the value of Husker Harvest Days by introducing innovative programs and expanding educational opportunities. This year’s success, including our new BEEF Showcase and Women in the Field program, highlights our commitment to supporting the agricultural community.”

Husker Harvest Days remains the world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show, featuring top irrigation companies and showcasing the best in irrigation technology. The 2025 event is scheduled to take place at the permanent site in Grand Island, Nebraska, from September 9-11.

For more information and updates on next year’s show, please visit the official website at www.HuskerHarvestDays.com.  



From 'Farm to Fork': September is National Food Safety Month

Everyone has a role to play in keeping food safe. September is National Food Safety Month, time to highlight safe food handling practices. There are many steps taken to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, before your food even reaches your home. This year’s Food Safety Month theme, “From Farm to Fork," emphasizes the chain of safe food handling practices that starts with producers and follows down the line to manufacturing and processing, distribution and delivery, to grocery stores and restaurants.

The Partnership for Food Safety Education estimates that each year, one in six people in the U.S. gets sick by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. Once you bring food to your home, you have an important role to play in reducing the risk of foodborne illness to help keep your family and friends healthy and safe. Remember these four core tips: clean, separate, cook and chill.
    Clean: Wash hands and surfaces before preparing food at home.
    Separate: Separate raw meat, poultry, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods.
    Cook: Use a food thermometer to make sure food is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
    Chill: Keep a constant fridge temperature of 40 °F using an appliance thermometer.

Learn more about food safety basics at fightbac.org.



August Milk Production in the United States down 0.1 Percent

Milk production in the United States during August totaled 18.8 billion pounds, down 0.1 percent from August 2023. Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,018 pounds for August,
8 pounds above August 2023. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.33 million head, 40,000 head less than August 2023, but unchanged from July 2024.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during August 2024 totaled 496 million pounds, unchanged from the previous August according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during August, at 241,000 head, was unchanged from last month but up 1,000 from August 2023. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,060 pounds, down 5 pounds from last August.



Iowa Biodiesel Producers to U.S. Treasury: Without Safe Harbor Now, Biodiesel Supply Chain Could Grind to a Halt

Friday, Iowa biodiesel producers submitted a letter urging the U.S. Department of Treasury to take immediate action in issuing safe harbor guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. While the department is working to finalize the 45Z rules, most observers believe they will not be completed until well after January 1, 2025. The lack of safe harbor guidance is impacting the biodiesel supply chain today.

“Simply put, without immediate safe harbor guidance, the entire biodiesel supply chain could grind to a halt, resulting in lost farm income, laid off workers, unrealized carbon reductions, higher prices for consumers, and greater energy imports,” producers said in the letter submitted to Treasury today.

The letter comes after a meeting yesterday between Midwest congressional staff and Treasury officials on the new production credit, including the possibility of safe harbor guidance. During the meeting Treasury provided no timeline for finalizing the rule and did not commit to providing an interim safe harbor. The longstanding biodiesel blenders tax credit expires at the end of this year. While the new 45Z production credit is supposed to begin on January 1, 2025, without final rules or a safe harbor, the entire biodiesel supply chain is left in limbo.

“Without knowing the value of the new credit, feedstock suppliers don’t know how to price their products. Biodiesel producers don’t know how much to pay for feedstock or how to price their biodiesel. And retailers don’t know how much to pay for biodiesel or how to set the price for consumers… We urge you to pre-empt the disastrous implications of dramatically reducing biodiesel production by implementing a safe harbor until the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit rules are final,” stated the letter.



Naig Encourages Propane Consumers to Plan Ahead for Harvest, Winter Heating Needs

With harvest upon us and the winter months approaching, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is reminding propane consumers to top off their propane tanks. With strong supply and prices comparable to the start of last year’s heating season, this is a good time for propane users to ensure their home and livestock barn heating as well as grain drying needs are met.

“If you utilize propane to heat your home or livestock barn, or rely on it for grain drying, now is the right time to top off your tanks,” said Secretary Naig “It’s a good time to get prepared for harvest and the colder weather that will be coming.”

Data released by the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) on September 18, for the week ending September 13, shows that nationwide propane stocks were at 99.1 million barrels (mb) or 124 days of supply. Midwest (PADD 2) propane stocks stood at 26.97 mb, which is nearly identical to where supplies stood one year ago (26.96 mb).

Throughout the fall and winter, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship compiles state average propane price in coordination with EIA. These findings will be found as part of the Department’s weekly fuel reports.

Iowa Propane Stakeholders Group
In the fall of 2019, Iowa experienced propane supply challenges because grain drying demands caused by the late planting season coincided with an early cold snap that increased livestock and home heating needs. Since then, Secretary Naig and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship have regularly convened a group of propane stakeholders, including the Governor’s office, members of the Iowa Legislature, Iowa Propane Gas Association, propane suppliers, and several agricultural groups, to anticipate and act on any propane supply chain issues. If farmers or agribusinesses experience propane shortages, they should notify Paul Ovrom of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-242-6239 or paul.ovrom@iowaagriculture.gov, or Michelle Wicker of the Iowa Propane Gas Association at 515-564-1260 or mwicker@iapropane.org.



Corn Growers Applaud House Vote to Overturn Tailpipe Emissions

The National Corn Growers Association applauded the U.S. House of Representatives Friday for passing a bill that would overturn tailpipe emissions standards by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that focus solely on using electric vehicles to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“The members of Congress who passed this legislation understand well that there are many different tools that we can use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “While it could take years to realize the potential that EVs offer, ethanol is an effective part of a portfolio of options for addressing climate concerns, and it is fully available for use today.”

In May, the EPA released its final 2027-2032 emissions standards for sedans and light- and medium-duty trucks. NCGA has expressed deep concerns that the plan relies almost exclusively on the use of electric vehicles, requiring that a majority of the specified fleets are electric in less than a decade. A decision of this magnitude will have long-lasting negative implications for the rural economy because it ignores the benefits of ethanol.  

It is uncertain whether the Senate will consider today’s legislation before the end of the year. NCGA is litigating in federal court against the rule.



FACA Welcomes New Steps to Encourage Growth of Voluntary Carbon Markets

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) applauds the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for taking steps to drive more integrity and confidence in the evolving voluntary carbon marketplace. These markets are a promising opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and forest owners across the country to access a new income stream for voluntarily adopting practices that reduce greenhouse gasses.

We appreciate Chairman Behnam’s leadership in ensuring these markets meet the needs of producers and look forward to reviewing the CFTC’s new guidance on criteria for high–quality credits. As proposed in December, this would be a major step forward for building transparency, integrity, and confidence in the marketplace.

FACA members are united in support of federal climate policy that is voluntary, grounded in science, and market-driven. See the full list of member organizations at www.agclimatealliance.com.



Statement of NCFC on CFTC Carbon Markets Guidance
Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

“I would like to applaud the CFTC for its efforts to provide voluntary carbon markets with a framework for transparency and integrity. This guidance will provide valuable direction as the carbon markets continue to develop by helping ensure that those exchange traded contracts are credible and effective price discovery tools. I would particularly like to thank Chairman Behnam for his leadership on this issue and for fostering a collaborative approach that has been open to feedback from all stakeholders."