Wednesday September 18 Ag News

 Cuming County Board of Supervisors Seeking Extension Board Nominations

The Cuming County Board of Supervisors is seeking nominations for individuals interested in serving a three-year term on the Cuming County Extension Board. Extension Board members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Extension Board district lines are defined according to the Cuming County Board of Supervisor districts.

Three positions on the Cuming County Extension Boad are up for appointment. Nominees are needed for District III (Supervisor District served by Judy Mutzenberger). Eric Brockmann has served as District III representative to the Extension Board for two, 3-year terms and is ineligible to run again. Justin Stratmann, District I (Supervisor Steve Meister) and Kelly Dinslage, District VII (Supervisor Norbert Holtz) have both agreed to serve a second 3-year term.

A nominating committee is seeking nominations from interested individuals. A nomination committee will prepare a slate of potential candidates to be submitted to the Cuming County Board of Supervisors for consideration. If you are interested in being a candidate, please feel free to contact Cuming County Extension at 402-372-6006 on or before September 23rd.

According to Extension Educator Alfredo DiCostanzo, the operation of the Cuming County Extension Board should be given serious consideration by all county residents. Extension programs focus on priority needs and issues facing people of Cuming County.

Potential candidates are encouraged to contact the Extension Office or the Cuming County Clerk, Bonnie Vogltance, if you have questions on which supervisor district you reside in.

Cuming County Extension Board Meeting
The Cuming County Extension Board will hold their regular meeting on Monday, September 23. The meeting will be held in the Courthouse Meeting Room beginning at 7:00 p.m. The full agenda for the Extension Board meeting is available for review at the Extension Office.



Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group Celebrates 25 Years of Conservation

The Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group (SCWIG) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant achievement in Nebraska’s conservation efforts. Since its founding in 1999, SCWIG has led grassroots initiatives to improve water quality in Shell Creek, working with over 300 landowners to implement more than 350 conservation practices across the watershed.

One of the group’s most remarkable accomplishments was the removal of Shell Creek from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Impaired Waters list in 2018. This was a historic achievement, as Shell Creek became the first stream in the nation to be delisted after years of elevated levels of Atrazine—a herbicide that once impaired aquatic life in the creek. Due to the implementation of a comprehensive watershed management plan, the creek’s water quality and ecosystem health have significantly improved, benefiting fish, frogs, and other aquatic species.

“Shell Creek shows how multiple partners have come together to significantly improve water quality in Nebraska,” said Matt Bailey, SCWIG co-chair and Lower Platte North Natural Resources District (NRD) director. “Having a waterbody delisted is an extremely difficult and rare thing to accomplish, which resulted from the implementation of a comprehensive watershed management plan. Since then, we’ve continued our work with partners to provide safe, quality water for our state.”

SCWIG’s efforts have focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as no-till farming, filter and buffer strips, cover crops, fencing livestock from streams, cross fencing, and solar livestock wells, which have helped reduce non-point source pollution. The group’s partnerships with the Lower Platte North NRD, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska Environmental Trust and other agencies have been crucial in addressing these conservation goals.

Each year, the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group and its partners invest nearly $500,000 in conservation practices, with about half of the funding provided by federal sources.

“Being involved in the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group has been one of the highlights of my life, because of all the things we’ve been able to accomplish,” said Carl Grotelueschen, SCWIG founding member and Colfax County commissioner.

As part of the celebration, attendees toured key watershed projects, including a major upgrade to the Union Pacific Railroad bridge between Schuyler and Rogers, Nebraska. The new bridge, built to replace a structure dating back to the 1920s, is 2.5 times longer than the original. This expansion plays a critical role in floodwater management, allowing water to flow more freely beneath the tracks and reducing the risk of flooding in the surrounding area. In conjunction with new county road bridges, the infrastructure improvements are designed to enhance flood protection and prevent property damage.

“Union Pacific is proud of the collaboration between the many public and private stakeholders who had a hand in the Shell Creek watershed project’s completion,” said Union Pacific’s Senior Manager of Structures Design Adam Studts. “Union Pacific’s new bridge will make stormwater management more efficient, while serving as a critical link in our nation’s supply chain.”

Attendees also viewed displays featuring soil health demonstrations, a high-boy cover crop seeder, and local high school students involved in watershed monitoring projects.

Educational outreach has been a cornerstone of SCWIG’s success. Newman Grove and Schuyler Central High Schools have developed volunteer programs where students monitor Shell Creek’s water, sediment, and aquatic life. These programs provide valuable data and give students hands-on experience in environmental science.

“SCWIG has set an example for how local conservation groups can create long-lasting environmental change,” said Eric Gottschalk, Lower Platte North NRD general manager. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize that other water bodies could benefit from similar efforts. SCWIG’s model shows that with the right partnerships and commitment, it’s possible to achieve measurable improvements in water quality.”

As SCWIG looks forward to its next chapter, the group remains dedicated to protecting Shell Creek and continuing its mission to promote sustainable land use and water quality practices across Nebraska.



Annual NRD Conference Focuses on Water Projects, New Technology

Natural resources stakeholders and subject matter experts will be in Kearney for the annual Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Conference Sept. 23-24, 2024.

The conference brings together Natural Resources Districts (NRD) employees, directors and others integrally involved in conservation, technology and policymaking. The event kicks off with the Ron Bishop Memorial Golf tournament on Sunday, Sept. 22, to raise money for the NARD Foundation.

Natural resources partners will open the conference on Monday at 8:30 a.m. with updates from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Topics include an overview and discussion of successful natural resources programs, new technologies and research for future programs. Speakers at the conference will also provide insight on water quality, groundwater management, forestry, and natural resources projects.

Recognizing citizens for their conservation efforts, NARD will also present awards during the noon luncheon Monday, Sept. 23. Award winners include:
    2024 Tree Planter of the Year: Michael Nissen Family – Oakdale, Nebraska
    2024 Community Conservation Award: Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Garden – Humboldt, Nebraska
    2024 Water Conservation Award: Paul Hay (posthumously) and Randy Pryor – Southeast Nebraska Extension Educators
    2024 Grassland Conservation Award: Northeast Nebraska Prescribed Burn Association – Hartington, Nebraska
    2024 Soil Stewardship Award: Keith Berns – Bladen, Nebraska
    2024 Director of the Year: Judy Ridenour, Upper Loup NRD – Mullen, Nebraska
    2024 Educator of the Year: Jessica Evans, Osmond Community Schools

Monday evening includes a silent auction for the NARD Foundation, which supports natural resources education programs, followed by a dinner banquet. After the banquet, three NRD Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized including:
    Larry Moore, Ulysses, Nebraska (2024 NRD Director, Upper Big Blue NRD)
    Stanley Staab (posthumously), Kearney, Nebraska (2024 NRD Employee, Lower Elkhorn NRD)
    Sen. Dan Hughes, Legislative District 44 from 2015-2022 (2024 NRD Supporter, Upper Republican NRD)

The annual NRD Conference is presented by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors. Approximately 400 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference.



RADICLE GROWTH ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR THE RADICLE CORN VALUE CHAIN CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY US CORN FARMERS

Radicle Growth is thrilled to announce the four finalists selected for the highly anticipated Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge Sponsored by US Corn Farmers, set to take place on October 22, 2024, in San Francisco.  After an intensive review process, these standout finalists have emerged from a competitive pool of applicants, each showcasing innovative ideas and exceptional entrepreneurial spirit.

The Challenge sets out to invest a minimum of US $1.5M in start-up and growth companies worldwide whose innovative technologies and business models create new uses for corn and long-term sustainable demand for corn production. These companies are expected to be developing new uses for corn that result in replacements for fossil fuel-derived materials with plant-derived materials such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), drop-in chemicals and plastics, compostable materials, and as yet unidentified products and product categories that could be new areas for corn-derived products to be used.

The finalists are:
Låkril Technologies – Låkril’s bifunctional catalyst enables the efficient conversion of corn ethanol into bio-based acrylics, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical methods. This innovation leverages renewable corn resources to produce acrylics, reducing carbon emissions and aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly chemical production solutions.  

Catalyxx – Catalyxx is creating green technology for a better tomorrow. Catalyxx has a unique, proven, and patented green chemistry technology that produces high value long chain linear alcohols from corn ethanol, which serve as crucial intermediate biochemicals to decarbonize the downstream chemical value chain.

New Iridium – New Iridium’s photocatalysis platform empowers the production of low-cost sustainable chemicals, such as acetic acid, from plants and carbon dioxide. While the acetic acid value chain is currently reliant on petroleum, innovations like photocatalysis could enable sustainable production from corn bioethanol.  

me energy GmbH – me energy has developed unique technology enabling Rapid Chargers that generate climate-friendly electricity from low-cost ethanol. me energy’s portable, rapid chargers, powered by renewable energy such as corn bioethanol, can also create a new use for corn.  The stations do not require a connection to the power grid because they generate their own electricity from sustainable bioethanol.

These visionary entrepreneurs will present their pitches to a distinguished panel of judges on October 22 at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. The competition promises to be an exciting showcase of cutting-edge ideas and breakthrough solutions across the landscape of biofuels and sustainable materials.

“Corn farmers are efficient and effective in growing corn. Thanks to sustainable farming practices and advanced technology, farmers are growing a surplus of corn that exceeds current demand, negatively impacting our profitability. This is why Iowa Corn along with National Corn Growers Association and fellow corn state organizations have come together to invest in the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge sponsored by US Corn Farmers,” stated Mark Mueller, Iowa Corn Growers Association Vice President and a farmer from Waverly, Iowa. “Through the Corn Challenge, innovative ideas for new demand opportunities for corn have been surfaced. I am anxious to learn more about the four finalists and their exciting technologies creating new corn demand which will unlock new revenue streams for corn farmers.”

“We are excited about the diverse opportunities we’ve identified for new demand for corn through the Challenge,” commented Kirk Haney, Managing Partner, Radicle Growth. “Our finalists represent well that diverse set of opportunities to support an emerging bioeconomy, where corn will be a major feedstock as it continues also to produce more sustainably with a reduced carbon intensity.”

The winner of the Pitch Day Competition will receive up to $1M in funding, as well as valuable networking and mentorship opportunities.



Ag Groups Urge Congress to Reauthorize Crucial Trade Program

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), joined by 25 other agriculture groups, sent a letter this week to the chairmen and ranking members of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee encouraging them to reauthorize a lapsed trade program, called the Generalized System of Preference. Reauthorizing GSP will help cultivate new foreign markets for growers while providing an economic boost for developing countries.

“American food and agriculture enterprises are continuously looking to diversify export opportunities, and the GSP program offers a starting point to broaden and deepen trading relationships with countries,” the letter said. “Our nation’s farmers and ranchers depend on an ongoing dialogue with our partners to compete on a global stage. With challenges emerging in key markets, exploring market access opportunities in new regions of the world will be imperative to keep American agriculture as a leader in global exports.”

The GSP program, one of the oldest and largest trade programs in the U.S., expired at the end of 2020. NCGA and NPPC, along with other ag groups, have maintained that any additional delays in reauthorization threaten to undermine the decades of advancements achieved under the program and disrupt future market access opportunities.

The letter noted that the program is an important tool to encourage countries to eliminate unjustified trade barriers and follow international standards. For example, the corn industry is grappling with shuttered market access due to Brazil’s ethanol tariff, and the GSP program can help motivate negotiations. But Congress needs to reauthorize it first.

“Participation in the GSP program should continue to be conditional on criteria that support U.S. market access into GSP beneficiary countries,” the signatories said.

The letter comes as farmers across the country struggle with higher input costs and declining corn prices. The National Corn Growers Association and other ag groups have said expanding markets could help growers during difficult times and beyond.

“America’s farmers and ranchers rely on foreign market access to thrive and grow their businesses,” the letter noted. “Allowing signature trade programs to expire for years on end hurts the United States’ credibility as a trusted trade partner.”



RFA Seeks Update on EPA Feedstock Audits, Urges Tighter Regulations on Imported UCO, Tallow

In a letter sent today to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, the Renewable Fuels Association asked for an update on the agency’s investigation of certain biofuel feedstock imports and urged the adoption of more stringent feedstock verification requirements for imported used cooking oil and tallow.

“The recent surge in imports of questionable used cooking oil (UCO) and tallow for biomass-based diesel (BBD) production is suppressing demand and values for domestically produced feedstocks like distillers corn oil and soybean oil, as well as the crops from which those oils are derived,” wrote RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, noting that monthly tallow and UCO imports combined have jumped twelvefold since January 2021.

“Today, nearly one out of every six gallons of U.S.-produced BBD is made from imported UCO or tallow—most of which comes from China and Brazil, two countries that maintain punitive import tariffs on U.S. biofuels.”

In early August, EPA confirmed that it was conducting audits of supply chain documentation for certain imported feedstocks, including UCO, used to produce renewable fuel and generate credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Since then, there has been no word from the agency about the outcome of the audits.

“In the event that EPA has completed its investigation, we respectfully ask that the Agency publicly share its findings and information regarding any corrective actions being taken,” Cooper wrote. “If the audits are not yet complete, we ask that the Agency share an update with the public on its progress and an estimated timeline for completion.”

Cooper stressed RFA’s concerns that current regulations, especially recordkeeping requirements, are overly lax and “are insufficient to assure the legitimacy of certain imported waste oils, fats, and greases.” RFA called on EPA to engage a standards developing organization to develop test methods to conclusively and quickly differentiate various fats, oils, and greases, just as EPA requires for the differentiation of co-processed starch and cellulosic feedstock from in situ ethanol fermentation. He concluded:

“Without action by EPA to tighten its verification and recordkeeping requirements, the deluge of questionable imports of UCO and tallow not only threaten to inflict further economic harm on U.S. farmers and biofuel producers, but also to undermine the integrity of the RFS program.”



U.S. Dairy Calls for Swift Government Action as Colombia Moves to Impose Unjust Tariffs

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today expressed their strong disappointment with a preliminary ruling by Colombia’s government that unfairly targets U.S. dairy exporters by advancing baseless claims that U.S. milk powder was unduly subsidized. The groups called on U.S. trade officials to take immediate action to challenge Colombia’s unjust decision and defend American dairy farmers and exporters.

Based on the announcement by Colombia, the preliminary findings call for an additional 4.86% tariff to be implemented on U.S. milk powder exports.

USDEC and NMPF have been working closely with allies in Colombia as well as their members to demonstrate that no U.S. milk powder going to Colombia is subsidized and that Colombia’s dairy sector challenges are due to a variety of other factors. Even the Colombian government acknowledged that there are “many elements that currently affect the Colombian dairy sector”.

“It’s extremely unfortunate that the Colombian government has chosen to use these politically motivated allegations to impose protectionist trade barriers, which will ultimately not only harm U.S. exporters, but Colombian companies and workers who rely on U.S. dairy products and ingredients,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “The U.S. government must act promptly and forcefully to send a message that these sorts of tactics will not be tolerated.”

“Today’s preliminary findings show yet again that the current Colombian government does not respect its trade commitments,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “Instead of working with the U.S. government and dairy industry to resolve this issue in a mutually beneficial way, Colombia has instead chosen to move forward with this meritless investigation. The U.S. government must use every tool at its disposal to counter the unwarranted tariffs on U.S. milk powder.”

Colombia proceeded with the preliminary imposition of new tariffs on U.S. milk powder exports without evidence of damage caused by those products on its producers or any indication that government support to U.S. dairy farmers resulted in lower U.S. milk powder prices. The action follows a similar case Colombia initiated against U.S. ethanol exports, along with unwarranted import bans on U.S. poultry and beef exports.

The next steps in the investigation include the collection of further evidence by the Colombian government and a public hearing to consider arguments in the case near the end of the evidentiary period. The preliminary tariff will be in effect for four months as the investigation moves forward. A final determination to impose tariffs could be maintained for up to five years prior to review.
 


Growth Energy to STB: Ethanol Benefits Depend on Reliable Rail Service

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, today highlighted a number of issues currently plaguing the nation’s rail service—which have resulted in delayed shipments, longer wait times, and higher costs for America’s ethanol producers.  

In testimony delivered to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) at a D.C. hearing today, Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley outlined the scale of the problem. “With drivers facing high fuel prices and ethanol consistently trading significantly less than unfinished gasoline, at perhaps no other time has the need for timely and efficient ethanol rail service been more important,” said Bliley. “Unfortunately, just two years ago, our members saw the most disrupted and inconsistent rail service since the weather-related service disruptions of the ‘Polar Vortex’ in 2014. Data posted by the STB shows that, in 2022, average dwell time for ethanol unit trains increased, average rail speed decreased, and average number of ethanol-loaded cars not moved increased—all negative trends that contribute to added costs and other negative consequences throughout the entire biofuel supply chain.”

Bliley cited increasing rail rates, unfair dispute resolution practices, and unpredictable scheduling issues as major concerns for the American ethanol industry, which ships nearly 70% of what it produces via rail. In his testimony he said that timely and efficient rail service is essential to potential growth opportunities for the industry, as well as for freight rail.

“Looking ahead as an industry, we see tremendous potential for use of higher ethanol blends such as E15, E85, and midlevel ethanol blends like E30. We also see long-term opportunities to decarbonize the aviation sector through use of sustainable aviation fuel,” said Bliley. “These growth opportunities for biofuels and American agriculture can also offer tremendous growth opportunities for freight rail as well. However, that is all dependent on timely and efficient rail service being able to deliver significant increases in rail traffic.”  



KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY JOINS FORCES WITH NONPROFIT TO ADDRESS SHORTAGE OF RURAL VETERINARIANS  

Kansas State University is joining a new pilot program from Farm Journal Foundation to support veterinary students in their career development and address the national shortage of rural, food-systems veterinarians.

The university is one of nine schools participating in the Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program, which seeks to address structural challenges facing the food animal veterinary industry. The program, backed by support from the Zoetis Foundation, supports veterinary students across a number of areas, including tackling student debt and financial planning, developing business management skills, and learning how to engage with rural communities.

"This program was designed to aid students to advance their careers, and in turn, students also provide key insights of how to make the educational components of this program better,” said Dr. Clint Neill, Veterinary Program Manager at Farm Journal Foundation. “We are excited to see this resource evolve with student feedback, and we look forward to continuing to help them build robust future careers.”

The U.S. is currently facing a nationwide shortage of veterinarians to treat livestock and poultry in rural areas, threatening public health, food safety, and economic growth in communities that depend on agriculture, according to a recent report commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation. More than 900 counties across the U.S. currently face shortages of veterinarians, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Only 3-4% of new veterinary school graduates pursue livestock or other food animal practice areas, a stark decline from 40 years ago when about 40 percent of graduates specialized in this area.

Expanding the role of universities and partners increases the opportunities for students and early career professionals to support a strong pipeline of industry professionals as the need grows. Through the program, participants will also get advice from Farm Journal Foundation’s Veterinary Ambassadors, a group of experienced veterinarians and educators who serve as mentors and champions of workforce development.

“A robust supply of food-systems veterinarians is critical to rural agricultural production,” said Dr. Brad White, Kansas State University professor and Farm Journal Foundation Veterinary Ambassador. “The Veterinary Workforce Solutions program is bringing together expertise from a variety of areas to address current challenges and identify opportunities to promote rural veterinary services. I think this program will be beneficial to current and future rural veterinary practitioners.”

To date, the pilot program has reached 450 students and early career professionals. Feedback from students shows more than 50 percent know where they want to practice and 70 percent know they want to start their own business in the future. Sixty percent of students say they would like mentorship after graduation.