Friday October 11 Ag News

 Nebraska’s NRD's honor Hay, Pryor with Water Conservation Awards

Nebraska’s Natural Resource Districts have awarded the Outstanding Water Conservation of the Year Award to Paul C. Hay (posthumous), Emeritus Extension Educator, alongside Randy Pryor, also an Emeritus Extension Educator. The two long-time educators were nominated by the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) for their nearly 40 years of service to agricultural sustainability in Southeast Nebraska.

Paul Hay and Randy Pryor left an indelible mark on the region’s farming community, promoting sustainable practices such as no-till farming and water conservation through innovative teaching. Their work with the NRD, farmers, and the broader community set new standards in conservation and education.

Commitment to Conservation and Education
Throughout their careers, Hay and Pryor collaborated on field days, on-farm research, 4-H projects, and educational initiatives such as Earth Festivals for 5th graders. They were early advocates of no-till farming, demonstrating to producers how leaving crop residue could preserve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and lower input costs. Together, they were instrumental in promoting the use of evapotranspiration gauges and moisture sensors, tools that help farmers manage irrigation more efficiently.

“Paul and Randy were always eager to assist the NRD in promoting sustainability,” said Scott Sobotka, general manager of the Lower Big Blue NRD. “Their impact through education, hands-on demonstrations, and personal connections with producers is unmatched.”

Paul C. Hay’s Legacy
Born in Michigan in 1951, Paul ‘Clover’ Hay brought a passion for agriculture to Nebraska after earning degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. As an Extension educator, he worked tirelessly for over 40 years to educate producers and inspire the next generation of farmers and ranchers. From leading plant science 4-H projects to mentoring youth as part of the Teammates program, Hay dedicated his life to agriculture and education.

Hay was also known for his community involvement, particularly through the Beatrice Noon Kiwanis club, where he volunteered for over 30 years. “Paul never turned down an opportunity to learn or educate others, and he was beloved for his selfless, hardworking nature,” Sobotka added.

Randy Pryor’s Legacy
Randy Pryor, who grew up on a farm in Nemaha, Neb., received his master’s degree from UNL and began his career as an Extension educator in Saline County in 1982. Pryor was a leader in promoting no-till farming in the Daykin-Tobias area, showing local farmers how they could conserve soil, preserve water, and boost yields. His field demonstrations, participation in the Nebraska Ag Water Network, and teaching on irrigation management technology have had a lasting impact on Southeast Nebraska’s farming community.

“I’ve always had a passion for agriculture and soil conservation,” Pryor said upon his retirement in 2019. “I’ve been proud to help farmers adopt practices that protect our land and water resources.”

Pryor’s legacy includes founding 4-H camps such as Camp Renegade and Camp Venture, which taught generations of youth about natural resources, farming, and wildlife. Even in retirement, he continues his work on soil health through the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund and contributes to community projects in Wilber.



Nebraska Ethanol Board Welcomes Two Ethanol Producer Advisors

The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) welcomes two Nebraska ethanol producers to the NEB’s newly-created ethanol producer advisor roles. Todd Good from Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) joins as the advisor representing producers with an annual cumulative production capacity above 100 million gallons, and Joe Shanle from Trenton Agri Products (TAP) joins as the advisor representing producers with an annual cumulative production capacity below 100 million gallons. Good and Shanle were confirmed in their new roles by a Board vote at the August NEB meeting.

“We’re very excited to welcome Todd and Joe to their new advisory roles,” NEB Executive Director Reid Wagner said. “They both bring tremendous experience and knowledge of the ethanol industry in Nebraska. Their voices will be crucial to the NEB moving forward.”

Todd Good is the plant manager at ADM Corn Processing in Columbus. With 22 years of ethanol and oilseeds industry experience, Good has worked in several roles at ADM, including plant engineer, extraction superintendent, and plant superintendent, before assuming his current role in July 2019. Good is highly respected in the Nebraska ethanol industry for his expertise and leadership. He grew up on his family’s farm in Indiana and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

“I’m excited to be joining the NEB as an advisor,” Good said. “I am passionate about supporting corn producers by bringing additional value to their corn and the ethanol it produces. The NEB plays an important role to ensure that Nebraska corn growers and ethanol producers can benefit from the opportunities now and in the future, and I plan to use my experience to help shape the conversation.”

Joe Shanle is the vice president of operations at TAP in Trenton. Shanle has significant experience in ethanol plant management, including past roles as production manager at Flint Hills Resources and senior plant manager at Midwest Renewable Energy before joining TAP as plant manager in 2020 and promoting last year to vice president of operations. Shanle is held in high regard in the Nebraska ethanol industry, including in the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) community. Shanle holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hastings College.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the NEB as an advisor,” Shanle said. “This industry provides many benefits to our state, and the NEB has been involved in much of its development. My experience in ethanol will help the NEB by providing insights to the relevant issues producers face, and ensuring that producer interests are properly voiced. I look forward to working with the Board to ensure the ethanol industry continues to lead the way in a changing economy.”

The NEB has seven members, the majority of which are farmers. In May of this year, the Board approved new agency policy for the appointment of two ethanol producer advisory member positions. Advisory members have long been integral contributors to the NEB, spearheading high-impact research projects, advising the Board on the feasibility of new projects and technologies, helping the Board engage with important stakeholders in Nebraska and nationally, and ultimately serving as go-to resources for NEB members, staff, and the broader industry.

Good and Shanle join University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chemical Engineering Professor Dr. Hunter Flodman, the Board’s technical advisor, as the three advisors serving as non-voting members of the NEB.



CAP Webinars: 2024 Nebraska Ballot Issues
Oct 17, 2024 12:00 PM
With Dave Aiken, Professor and Ag Law/Water Law Specialist
Several ballot issues will be on the November 2024 election ballot, including two abortion initiatives, two medical marijuana initiatives, state funding for private school scholarships, and a paid sick leave initiative. These ballot issues will be discussed by Dave Aiken, Water Law & Agricultural Law Specialist.

Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance for Livestock Producers
Oct. 24 - Noon CT     
With: Jay Parsons, Professor and Director, Center for Agricultural Profitability.
With coverage on over eight million acres in Nebraska, Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) insurance has become a part of doing business for many livestock producers in Nebraska. The signup deadline for 2025 PRF insurance coverage is December 1. In this webinar, we will discuss several PRF coverage strategies, associated implications, and historical performance of PRF using examples for Nebraska grids. An overview of the PRF insurance product and performance will be provided to help producers decide if and how they may want to incorporate PRF insurance into their risk management plans.

Fill Your Freezer: Purchasing Local Meat in Bulk
Oct. 29 - 7:30 p.m. CT     
With Elliott Dennis, Associate Professor, Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and Gary Sullivan, Associate Professor, Meat Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Join in for an informative webinar designed for consumers interested in purchasing meat directly from local producers. We'll cover everything you need to know, from understanding meat pricing and common labeling terms to estimating how much meat you'll receive when buying in bulk. Whether you're new to buying local meat or just looking for more guidance, this webinar will provide practical insights to help you make informed decisions. Don’t miss this chance to support local farms and fill your freezer with quality, farm-fresh meat!

Nebraska and U.S. Farm Income Update and Outlook — Fall 2024
Oct 31, 2024 12:00 PM
With: Brad Lubben, Associate Professor and Extension Policy Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and Alejandro Plastina, Associate Professor of Agricultural Finance and Director of the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center, University of Missouri.
 Nebraska’s net farm income is expected to fall in 2024 after setting a record in 2023 at more than $9 billion. The projected decline may not be surprising given the drop in most commodity prices other than cattle leading to lower revenues against input costs that remain near record high levels. The record high in 2023 was more surprising given previous projections for more modest results. Greater than expected changes in cattle prices helped drive receipts higher, but the number for 2023 was also a result of periodic revisions to official USDA estimates given new data from the 2022 Ag Census that was used to reconcile previous estimates and also confirmed the growth of the poultry industry in the state over the past 5 years. Join us for an analysis of the latest farm income situation and the outlook for the rest of 2024 and beyond given recent price and cost changes that impact the financial picture for ag producers.
 Presented by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and the University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Center. The report is expected to be published by Oct. 12 at https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income.

Understanding Annual Cow Costs
Nov. 4 - 7 p.m. CT     
With Aaron Berger, Beef Systems Educator, Nebraska Extension.
Presented as part of Ag SmartMoney Week.
    Calculating economic unit cost of production for the cow-calf enterprise
    Knowing what the big three categories of cost are
    Understanding the five ways to reduce unit cost of production

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. You can also register using this link.  



Crop insurance workshop October 23 in Grand Island

Nebraska Extension will host a crop insurance workshop for agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, 700 E. Stolley Park Rd.

The event will help attendees improve their risk management strategies and boost their understanding of crop insurance. Crop and livestock producers, insurance agents, marketing consultants, agricultural educators and other risk management service providers are encouraged to attend.

"Understanding crop insurance can give producers a financial advantage," said Cory Walters, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "Failure to understand how it works can leave producers financially stressed and at a financial disadvantage."

The workshop will include updates on the farm bill and presentations on current climate trends, Annual Forage and Livestock Risk Protection insurance programs, a market outlook, insurance/reinsurance and an update from the USDA Risk Management Agency.

The workshop is presented as part of a series produced in collaboration between Nebraska Extension and Kansas State University Research and Extension.

Registration costs $100 and is required by Oct. 14. A late fee of $20 applies after Oct. 18. Registration can be completed at https://cropinsure.unl.edu. For questions, please contact Cory Walters at 402-472-0366 or cwalters7@unl.edu.



Nebraska Beef Summit Set for November 7

The Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will host the 2024 Krutsinger Beef Scholars Summit on November 7, 2024, at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, Neb. Organized by senior students in the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars minor program, the summit will feature expert speakers, panels, and discussions that address critical topics in the beef industry.

Students in the program, through their ASCI 481 "Beef Summit" class, work closely with Nebraska Cattlemen, university faculty, and industry professionals to plan the event. This hands-on experience provides students with valuable industry insights and opportunities to build lasting connections.

"By organizing this summit, our students gain direct engagement with both faculty and industry leaders, helping prepare them for future roles within the beef sector," said Rick Rasby, professor and extension specialist in the Department of Animal Science.

2024 Summit Agenda:
9:15 - 10:00 a.m.: Registration
10:00 - 11:15 a.m.: Market Outlook - Tyler Cozzens, Ph.D., Livestock Marketing and Information Center
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Producer Panel: Challenges and Opportunities in This Cattle Cycle
Panelists:
    Emmet Storer, Whitman, NE
    Jaclyn Wilson, Flying Diamond Ranch, Lakeside, NE
    Mark Miles, Miles Ranch, Ainsworth, NE
12:15 - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch, Prayer, and Thank Sponsors
1:00 - 1:40 p.m.: Reproductive Management and Technology - Dr. Kacie McCarthy, University of Nebraska
1:40 - 2:15 p.m.: Feedlot Pen Surfaces: Advantages and Disadvantages - Dr. Galen Erickson, University of Nebraska
2:15 - 2:30 p.m.: Break
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Future Design and Use of Technologies in the Feedlot Industry - Dr. Eric Belke, High River, Alberta; Veterinarian at Feedlot Health Management Services; Founding Partner of Blackshirt Feeders, Haigler, NE
3:30 p.m.: Thanks and Adjourn

Registration Information:
The registration fee is $40 for general attendees and $30 for students, which includes lunch. Pre-registration is encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome. Please register online by October 28th at https://go.unl.edu/beefsummit.

For more information and to view the full agenda, visit https://go.unl.edu/beefsummit.



NEBFARMPAC & NFU PAC Endorses Deb Fischer for Senate

NFU PAC, the National Farmers Union (NFU) PAC joined Nebraska Farmers Union’s Political Action Committee, NEBFARMPAC in endorsing Deb Fischer for Senate in the general election.

In the endorsement letter, NFU PAC and NFU President Rob Larew said, “Rural America has been hit hard by ongoing market consolidation, anti-competitive corporate practices, soaring input costs, and increasing food prices. And with the now-expired 2018 Farm Bill, this is a critical time to ensure the continuation of essential farm policies and programs that will bring more fairness for family farmers and ranchers. It is important that full reauthorization is met with reforms to current farm and food policy and that they meet the needs of family farmers, ranchers, consumers, and our communities. On behalf of the NFUPAC, thank you for your leadership on these issues. We look forward to continuing working with you.”

John Hansen, NeFU President who serves as a member of the NFU PAC and Secretary of the Nebraska Farmers Union PAC said, “We are proud to endorse Senator Fischer for her 2024 re-election campaign. Her commitment to promoting the interests of Nebraska’s family farmers and ranchers, as demonstrated by her leadership on the Farm Bill, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, rural stress, and her support for expanding and promoting the use of renewable fuels, shows that she is a true ally of our agricultural community.  Less than a handful of U.S. Senators come from active farm or ranch operations, and Sen. Fischer is one of them. There is no substitute for that real world experience.”



NEBFARMPAC & NFU PAC Endorses Tony Vargas for Congress

NFU PAC, the National Farmers Union (NFU) PAC joined Nebraska Farmers Union’s Political Action Committee, NEBFARMPAC in endorsing Tony Vargas for Congress in the general election.

In the endorsement letter, NFU PAC and NFU President Rob Larew said, “Rural America has been hit hard by ongoing market consolidation, anti-competitive corporate practices, soaring input costs, and increasing food prices. And with the now-expired 2018 Farm Bill, this is a critical time to ensure the continuation of essential farm policies and programs that will bring more fairness for family farmers and ranchers. It is important that full reauthorization is met with reforms to current farm and food policy and that they meet the needs of family farmers, ranchers, consumers, and our communities. On behalf of the NFUPAC, we look forward to working with you.”

John Hansen, NeFU President who serves as a member of the NFU PAC and Secretary of the Nebraska Farmers Union PAC said, “Nebraska Farmers Union has worked closely with State Senator Tony Vargas the past eight years as the Legislature has tackled a wide range of issues that impact agriculture including healthcare access and affordability, immigration reform, and renewable energy development. Sen. Vargas has done stellar work as a member of the Appropriations Committee.  His door and his mind are always open. He is always respectful, accessible, and puts the long term interests of the public first. His no nonsense, independent, non-partisan approach to problem solving has earned our endorsement. Sen. Tony Vargas is well suited for the Second Congressional District. We can count on him to put the people’s interest first.”



NSRI, IANR welcome new director for food, agriculture & environment security

To advance their contributions to U.S. defense, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska (NU) and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) have welcomed Meghan Jackson as director for food, agriculture and environment security (FAES).

The institutes created the focus area in late 2022 to help U.S. government agencies protect the Nation from intentional, accidental and natural threats to food and agriculture production systems, such as crop production and livestock, and the environment. NSRI and IANR have convened and supported researchers and partners across NU’s four campuses, hosting a launch workshop in March 2023 and establishing a working group of NSRI Fellows in fall 2023, both focused on FAES. NSRI Fellows, faculty researchers from across NU, led a discussion focused on resiliency of agriculture systems and natural resources at the 2024 NSRI Fellows Conference in April.

“The next step in activating this initiative is to have a person dedicated and at the helm, guiding our research priorities, rallying talent and tackling research deliverables,” said Dr. Neal Woollen, NSRI associate executive director for CWMD allied programs. “We could not be more pleased to bring Ms. Jackson into this role. Her expertise in technical programs and project management as well as her diverse experiences working with agricultural researchers will provide NU a conduit for collaborations across disciplines and insight into national security needs.”

In her role, Jackson will integrate IANR’s long history of innovation and partnerships with NSRI’s deep experience in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. She will also leverage NSRI’s role as a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designated by the U.S. Department of Defense. As a UARC, NSRI accesses an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle through its sponsor, U.S. Strategic Command, which shortens the timeline from identification of need to contract award and creates trusted, collaborative relationships.

Priorities for researchers already involved in the focus area include but are not limited to:
    Advancing research on African swine fever vaccines. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should the disease enter the U.S. it could cost upwards of $74 billion to contain and control it over 10 years.
    Developing and providing additional training to federal agencies and stakeholders for the unique challenges and needs of food, agriculture and environmental threat response.
    Leveraging NU research to investigate the impact of drought and extreme climate conditions on the rise of West Nile Virus to create collaborative research opportunities for other diseases that impact American warfighters.
    Expanding research opportunities and partnerships focused on cybersecurity for agriculture automated systems, technology development and data management.

“The security of our agri-food systems and natural resources is an important component of national security,” said Dr. Derek McLean, dean of the UNL agricultural research division. “The IANR and NSRI partnership to add Ms. Jackson to our combined team prioritizes our commitment to supporting research and technology development, particularly with regard to emerging technology. Ms. Jackson’s experience and background provide us with the skill set we need to support Nebraska’s agriculture complex and develop productive partnerships with federal and state agencies supporting this work.”

Jackson previously worked on behalf of the USDA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to support missions to protect American agriculture from the introduction of transboundary animal diseases. While at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) in Orient, New York, she facilitated seminars and exercises for first responders related to rescue task force operations, biological and chemical threat response and point-of-wound care.

She also assisted the Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory in transitioning from PIADC to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas. In 2019, she led the first national African Swine Fever Outbreak Laboratory Response Course, hosting more than 40 federal and state agencies. In 2021, she transferred to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas, to support the standup of its operational and scientific programs.

“Everyone at NU who collaborates with NSRI or contributes to the institute’s projects does so out of genuine passion and enthusiasm,” said Jackson who grew up on a farm in upstate New York. “This speaks volumes about their deep commitment and drive to strengthen U.S. security through their outstanding work. As a farm kid, I’m not sure I could ask for a better job than supporting folks who want to do that.

“I have been extremely impressed by the resources that NU offers to this critical initiative — from Nebraska Extension to the working crop and production level ranch areas to drones. Also, the diversity of Nebraska itself really sets us apart and provides us with an opportunity to conduct research here that is applicable around the world. I am hitting the ground running.”



IFBF, UofI Athletics team up for the 13th annual America Needs Farmers (ANF) game and tailgate at Kinnick Stadium

Iowa Farm Bureau and the University of Iowa Athletic Department will celebrate America’s farmers at the 13th annual America Needs Farmers (ANF) Game Day, Saturday, Oct. 12 at Kinnick Stadium.  The highly anticipated game against last year’s national runner-up and new Big Ten member, the University of Washington, kicks off at 11:00 a.m.  

As part of the annual celebration recognizing the significance of Iowa agriculture, fans will have the opportunity to interact with farmers at the ANF Legends Tent in Krause Family Plaza and play tailgate games from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a chance to win exclusive ANF/Hawkeye prizes, such as clear ANF sunglasses, bags, koozies, wrist lanyards, bandanas, light-up necklaces and more, while learning how Iowa agriculture plays a major role in our daily lives.  

The first 250 fans to visit the ANF Legends Tent will receive a reversible ANF bucket cap.  Fans will also have the opportunity to get autographs from the newest ANF Wall of Honor inductee, Brandon Myers, along with former Hawkeye great and new radio color commentator, Pat Angerer.           

“The annual ANF game and tailgate activities provide a great opportunity for fans to interact with Iowa farmers and learn about the diversity and innovation of agriculture today, while celebrating the importance of agriculture to our state and nation,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “Iowa farmers care about the environment and are national leaders in conservation and production, which is why the ANF game presents a great opportunity for fans to interact and get answers to questions about farming today from local farm families.”

The ANF Wall of Honor salutes past University of Iowa football players who exemplify the tenacity, work ethic and character of the Iowa farmer, and former Hawkeye standout and NFL star, Brandon Myers, becomes the 12th member of the prestigious group.

A four-year letter winner with the Hawkeyes, Myers credits his success to a solid work ethic and lessons learned growing up on his grandparents’ farm in central Iowa.  Myers utilized his farm strong work ethic to capture three bowl game victories with the Hawkeyes followed by a successful eight-year NFL career.

“Growing up and spending time on my grandparents’ farm helped instill a work ethic and grit I’ve carried with me through my life, and it’s something I share with my boys,” Myers says.  “That means constantly showing up, doing things the right way and putting in hard work whether on the farm or the football field.”

Previous ANF Wall of Honor recipients include Casey Wiegmann (2012), Jared DeVries (2013), Bruce Nelson (2014), Robert Gallery (2015), Dallas Clark (2016), Chad Greenway (2017), Aaron Kampman (2018), Matt Kroul (2019), Marshal Yanda (2021), Tony Moeaki (2022) and Bryan Bulaga (2023).      

A gold ANF decal was placed on players’ helmets during the Hawkeyes’ 1985 Rose Bowl season by head coach Hayden Fry to show support for farmers during the 1980’s Farm Crisis.  The Hawkeye helmets still have the special decal on them today.  ANF serves as a longstanding tribute to America’s farmers, and IFBF and the University of Iowa are excited to help connect Iowa’s farm families to consumers to learn more about the production of food, fuel and fiber and the farm families raising it.

Fans can show their ANF and Hawkeye pride by purchasing ANF merchandise during game day in shops around the stadium with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Iowa Food Bank Association.  For more information about ANF and Game Day activities, visit www.americaneedsfarmers.org.



Export Exchange 2024 Wraps After Exciting Slate Of Speakers, Business-To-Business Discussions

Export Exchange 2024, a conference bringing together international grain purchasers and end users with U.S. producers and exporters in Fort Worth, Texas, concluded this week after six general sessions across Tuesday and Wednesday. The event was filled with presentations from industry experts and extensive networking opportunities for attending businesses.

The event, held every other year, allows buyers and sellers of U.S. corn, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), sorghum and other commodities to gain a better understanding of the needs of buyers around the world and witness the caliber of supply the U.S. provides.

“We are incredibly excited to see the impact that this week will have in the coming year as international stakeholders continue to generate new business within the U.S. value chain,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO.

“Export Exchange has proven to be a crucial part in strengthening U.S. relationships with international industry professionals and therefore, strengthening the U.S. agricultural industry for years to come.”

Tuesday’s lineup of speakers was headlined by Jason Hafemeister, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) acting deputy undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, who spoke about USDA’s goals for exports and explained the necessity of trade for U.S. agriculture success.

“[Exports] help keep rural American economies strong and vibrant, so we are all in on promoting trade. It is also an important part in our relationships with the rest of the world," Hafemeister said.

“The United States is a reliable supplier of agricultural products. We want to develop strong relationships with our trading partners, and we think that the flow of agricultural commodities is critical to do so.”

Other Tuesday speakers included information about global feed demand by Ankush Bhandari of Verition Fund Management; updates on the agricultural supply chain and transportation logistics by Ken Eriksen of Polaris Analytics and Consulting; information on contract requirements by Alejandra Castillo and Thomas Erickson from the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA); the advantages of U.S. sorghum by Norma Ritz Johnson from the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP); uses for feed grains in pet food by Kent Cooper with Evolve Consulting Group; an outlook on seafood protein demand by Gary Morrison from Expana; and maximizing value in grain purchases led by Guy Allen with the International Grains Program.

Topics during Wednesday’s general sessions included updates on new co-products entering the market by Joe Ward of the Distillers Grains Technology Council; the latest on the Council’s sustainability promotion efforts by USGC Director of Global Sustainability Carlos Suárez; and a panel regarding the value of U.S. corn that featured Dr. Vijay Singh from the University of Illinois, USGC Senior Director of Global Strategies Kurt Shultz and Technical Sales Manager at CPM Industrial Solutions Doug Kitch.

As Export Exchange ends, 13 trade teams will continue the momentum and head to corn-growing states to see advanced farming operations, explore DDGS production at ethanol plants, view port facilities and more to build their networks with U.S. suppliers, rounding out their time in the United States.



Cuba’s Deteriorating Food Security and Its Implications for U.S. Agricultural Exports
USDA Economic Research Service

Since 2019, Cuba has been struggling to emerge from an economic downturn that has adversely affected its ability to import food, including agricultural products from the U.S., as well as the inputs such as fuel and fertilizer that are needed to produce food domestically.

A report issued today by USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS), Cuba’s Deteriorating Food Security and Its Implications for U.S. Agricultural Exports, examines the impact of this downturn on food security in Cuba.  

Here are a few findings from the report:
    Cuba’s domestic production of many crops decreased substantially over the past 7 years, which is, in part, due to hurricanes and flooding in 2020 and 2021 and drought in 2023.
    Because of lower domestic agricultural production, Cuba’s ability to import food has assumed a more substantial role in the country’s food security. The country’s main agricultural imports are staple commodities, including chicken meat, wheat, and rice.
    Among the countries for which data on trade with Cuba are available, the European Union, the U.S., and Brazil were the first, second, and third leading suppliers of Cuba’s agricultural imports during 2017–22, respectively.
    From 2019 through at least 2023, Cuba’s economy has seen little to no income growth, thereby reducing the general ability of the Cuban population to buy food regardless of whether it is produced domestically or imported.