Monday October 21 Ag News

Saying goodbye to metal bangs tags and hello to EID tags
Bethany Johnston, Nebraska Extension Educator

If your heifers are bangs tagged, those orange metal clips will soon be a relic of the past. Starting November 5, 2024, your veterinarian will not be tagging with metal clips, but instead will use electronic identification (EID) tags.

Veterinarians used metal clips to identify heifers receiving the brucellosis vaccine (“bangs”), and to identify animals moving between states.

In the spring of 2024, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced mandatory EID tags for certain bovine classes.  This builds upon the 2013 ruling that only requested visual ID tags.  The electronic version will be used to track and contain animal disease outbreaks, just as the metal identification clips did.

What is a USDA 840 EID Tag?
The EID tags replacing the metal clips are USDA 840, showing the country code for the United States (840), with the official USDA shield.  The remaining 12 numbers are unique to the tag/animal.  The 840 tags provide animal identification to trace animal movements in the event of an animal disease.  The 15 numbers can be visually read off of the EID button, or can be read with a computerized EID reader or wand.

There are other types of EID tags, but only 840 EID tags will fulfill the APHIS ruling to replace the metal clips.

What does the EID mandate mean for cattle producers?
    Animals with the old metal tags already in their ears are “grandfathered in” and will not need new 840 EID tags.
    “840 EID” tags can come as “buttons” with no hanging tag, as long as the 15- digit number is viewable on the top of the button.  
        The buttons can come with matching visual hanging tags.
        Some “840 EID” tags should be placed in the middle rib of the ear, unlike the metal clips that were placed in the top portion of the ear.
            This could be an issue if you have a visual tag in each ear, plus a fly tag in each ear. Adding an EID tag would make 5 tags per animal, and you may run out of room in their middle ribs.
            Reach out to the tag manufacturer for tag placement recommendations.
    Producers will need to establish a premise ID number or use the premise ID number of their veterinarian.
    You or your veterinarian may put in 840 EID tags.  Your vet will put 840 EID tags only into animals that used to require a metal clip for identification.
        For example, if a producer tags all their calves at weaning with 840 EID tags, your vet will record those EID numbers when they give the bangs vaccine to your heifers.  The vet would not have to put a new EID tag in.
        Check with the sale barn on what records are required.  
            For example, if you are selling breeding heifers, records showing the EID numbers matching the “bangs” vaccination might be helpful.

What will change for your veterinarian?
    After November 5, 2024, your vet will be tagging with 840 EID tags instead of the metal tags.
    The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing a certain number of tags for each state, during the transition.  Nebraska veterinarians can receive tags for replacement animals.
    If a disease is traced back to that veterinarian’s premise ID number, then the vet will work with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to track the path that animal.  Ideally, the EID tags will speed up the process and reduce losses during a disease outbreak.

More information can be found at the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) website at: https://nda.nebraska.gov/adt/index.html .  The NDA will host an informational webinar on October 22, 2024 at 6 pm CT- to join the webinar, click here https://sonvideo.webex.com/sonvideo/j.php?MTID=m25e2a00d431592943e04aec2f73e6b80.



USMEF to Honor Nick Giordano, Mark Jagels at Upcoming Conference

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the 2024 recipients of its two most prestigious awards, who will be honored Nov. 7 at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Tucson, Ariz.

Nick Giordano, the former lead lobbyist for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) will receive the Michael J. Mansfield Award. USMEF established this award in recognition of the U.S. Senate majority leader and ambassador to Japan whose five decades of government service advanced U.S. trade relations throughout the world.

Mark Jagels, a fourth-generation farmer and livestock producer from Davenport, Neb., will receive the USMEF Distinguished Service Award. This award honors outstanding figures in the red meat industry who exemplify the exceptional, individual dedication responsible for the federation’s success.

Giordano joined NPPC in 1995, and for more than a quarter-century was deeply involved in negotiating every major trade initiative impacting U.S. agriculture, working to expand, protect and preserve international market share for U.S. pork.

“The best career decision I ever made was to join NPPC, which was one of the first organizations to hire someone to work on trade policy full time,” Giordano said. “It was right after NAFTA had been negotiated and trade was really just starting to heat up. This was the year that the U.S. went from being a net importer of pork to a net exporter of pork. If you don't have market access, you don't have anything. So these trade agreements were foundational, and we got a lot of really good deals. That was because, not just yours truly, and not just the NPPC leadership, but rank and file producers across the country stepped up. They understood that this was very important to their bottom line. I had a front-row seat, and it was just exhilarating.”

Giordano added that the market access secured through NAFTA, the Korea-U.S. FTA and various trade agreements in Latin America laid the groundwork for market development efforts led by USMEF.

“Once we got that access, USMEF was able to develop relationships with importers and help U.S. exporters find their footing in these markets,” he said. “It was a really exciting period and a great example of U.S. agriculture pulling together. I am happy to have played a role in all of this, and I am so honored and thankful to be recognized by USMEF.”

Jagels became involved with USMEF through the Nebraska Corn Board, a longtime member and supporter of the federation. He would eventually join the USMEF Executive Committee and chaired the organization in 2014-15.

“I was first appointed to the Nebraska Corn Board in 1999, and I didn’t know a lot about USMEF at that point,” Jagels explained. “But my fellow board member Rod Hassebrook and Don Hutchens, who was executive director at the time, pushed all Corn Board members to get involved and make a difference somewhere. That’s when I really became interested in everything USMEF was doing and in what the organization stood for, and could see how that work was having a positive impact on producers.”

Jagels was also attracted to the collaborative nature of USMEF, where he saw all levels of the red meat supply chain working together toward a common goal.

“I believe that bringing these diverse agricultural sectors together to promote and support red meat exports across the world is what makes USMEF a truly unique organization,” he said. “When we can put our differences aside and speak with one voice about the importance of expanding global demand for our products, that’s when U.S. agriculture can achieve great things.”

Looking back at his time with USMEF, Jagels said it was rewarding to visit international markets and help explain the quality attributes of U.S. red meat to buyers and consumers. He also enjoys bringing prospective customers to his farm, where he has hosted buyer teams from several key export markets.

“It’s gratifying to bring in chefs and other international visitors and explain to them that we don’t raise anything here that I won’t feed to my own family,” he said. “That’s a powerful message and a real eye-opener for them.”

Jagels remains active with several Nebraska agricultural organizations, with international trade often in the forefront.

“In Nebraska we understand the importance of trade, but it’s always good to keep reinforcing that message,” he said. “I’m honored to receive the USMEF Distinguished Service Award, and I look forward to reconnecting with so many great people who make up the organization.”



Bosshamer Reflects on 28 Years with Nebraska Beef Council

Ann Marie Bosshamer, a dedicated advocate for the beef industry, has spent nearly three decades at the Nebraska Beef Council, with the last 18 years as Executive Director. Growing up as the youngest of six on a diversified farm near David City, Bosshamer developed a deep connection to agriculture early in life.

“We had corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and a small feed yard,” she shared. “My dad was a farmer feeder, and my brother continues the operation today.”

Bosshamer's journey in agriculture led her to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a degree in Diversified Agriculture in 1992. Initially pursuing Agricultural Economics—following in her brother’s footsteps—she pivoted after her first year, gravitating toward marketing and advertising classes.

After college, she worked as an Extension Assistant for Lancaster County’s 4-H program for three years before joining the Nebraska Beef Council in 1996. In the last 28 years, her time with the Beef Council has seen her occupy nearly every office in the building except one.

“I started in the consumer information role, which focused on nutrition and education,” she explained. “Over the years, I moved into marketing and eventually became Executive Director.”

As Executive Director, Bosshamer’s responsibilities include overseeing the Checkoff Collection, administering programs, and acting as the public spokesperson for the Beef Council. But for her, the most rewarding aspect is working with a wide array of people across the industry.

“I get to work with producers, packers, retailers, chefs, dieticians, influencers and consumers,” Bosshamer said. “No two days are ever the same, and I get a unique view of the beef industry.”

One of her fondest memories involves the Flat Iron steak, which became a national sensation thanks to a Beef Council program. Bosshamer and Dr. Chris Calkins, the researcher behind the cut, hosted a special lunch for the Omaha World-Herald food editor at Johnny’s Café. The subsequent article brought widespread attention, and soon, media outlets like ABC’s World News Tonight were covering the story.

“Overnight, it became a huge success,” Bosshamer said. "Now there's a restaurant in Korea that serves only Flat Iron steaks. It’s amazing to see how far it’s come.”

Outside of work, Bosshamer stays busy with family life on their ranch near Amherst, following her daughters’ activities in sports, 4-H, and FFA, and helping her husband with their cattle. She also loves to cook beef-based meals.



Nebraska Cattlemen Endorse Congressman Mike Flood

The Nebraska Cattlemen announced its endorsement of Congressman Mike Flood for the First Congressional seat in Nebraska.

“I am honored to earn the Nebraska Cattlemen’s support and endorsement. Our beef industry is vital to our state’s economy as it helps feed the nation and world,” said Flood. “I will continue working alongside the Nebraska Cattlemen to ensure our farmers and ranchers are represented in our nation’s capital. I will always fight to ensure our farmers and ranchers are safeguarded from radical policies that attempt to harm our agriculture community.”

Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President Laura Field stated, “Since his time serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Flood has led the fight against importing fresh beef from Paraguay and putting our industry at risk for infectious diseases, stood up for protecting agriculture land from foreign ownership, and pushed back against several dangerous regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.” She continued, “Mike Flood tirelessly defends beef cattle producers in our nation’s capital, and we are proud to support his re-election as he continues to help protect our operations.”



Nominations being accepted for 2024 Iowa Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture

Across Iowa, passionate educators are enriching their students’ learning experiences by seamlessly incorporating agriculture into their classrooms. To recognize and celebrate these exceptional efforts, the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation offers its annual Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award.

This award is open to non-vocational pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers across Iowa. It aims to honor an educator who has creatively integrated agriculture into their teaching to highlight the importance of food and agriculture and increase students’ agriculture literacy. An agriculturally literate person understands and can communicate the significance and value of food and agriculture as it affects quality of life.

Applications are being accepted through November 17, 2024, and the winner will be selected and recognized in December. The selected Iowa teacher will receive $500 to support their classroom initiatives and up to $1,000 to cover expenses to attend the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference to be held in Minneapolis, Minn. June 23 – 26, 2025.

Exceptional educators will demonstrate innovative approaches to integrating food and agriculture into their classroom. Agriculture can be the vehicle to teach a multitude of other content areas and apply these concepts in a relevant way for Iowa students. Creative teachers will help students make connections between food production, health, energy systems, economics, environment, and their interconnectedness in agriculture. Pioneering teachers will help students connect to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers.

Last year’s winner, Melissa James, is a Center Point-Urbana, high school science teacher. She integrates agriculture learning into several different areas of classroom programs. In biology classes, her students study GMO issues, microbiomes, and the differences between cow and human digestion. Botany students participate in sod farm and FarmChat® programming learning about nitrogen cycles, ethanol production, root and soil structures as well as many other agriculture topics. James has also developed a successful garden club for the school and community.

Teachers can apply directly or be nominated by community members, colleagues, or agriculture advocates. Nominations serve to encourage teachers to apply by recognizing their outstanding contributions. All applicants, including nominated teachers, must apply officially by November 17.

For more information or to apply online visit: https://www.iowaagliteracy.org/tools-resources/general/grants.



Registration open for Iowa Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting and County Leadership Conference

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation will host its 106th Annual Meeting on Dec. 10-11 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.

On Dec. 10, attendees will hear from expert speakers, including Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, who will discuss carbon policies and biofuels. Dr. Jason Henderson, vice president of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will explore the U.S. macroeconomy and its implications for Iowa agriculture. Zach Brummer, Iowa Farm Bureau’s farmer education program manager, will provide an agricultural and market outlook.

A celebration luncheon will feature graduates of Iowa Farm Bureau’s Ag Leaders Institute, a year-long program focused on building skills and knowledge in agriculture and communication. County Farm Bureaus and members will be celebrated for their outstanding service to agricultural issues, their communities and their efforts in recruiting new members.

In the afternoon, Iowa Discussion Meet semi-finalists, who participated in the preliminary rounds at the Young Farmer Conference earlier in January, will compete in the finals. Discussion Meet is a cooperative-style dialogue on agricultural issues. The winner will be announced during the Young Farmer evening reception and will represent Iowa at the American Farm Bureau Convention in January.  Three young farmers will be presented with the Young Farmer Leadership Award for their involvement with their local Farm Bureau, community service and commitment to their family farms.

“When you see these young people walk across the stage and hear their stories, it’s clear there’s promise for the future of agriculture,” says Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “While agriculture faces many challenges, it’s a reminder that the heart of a farmer remains strong in times of adversity.”

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall will keynote the evening reception and share the status of agriculture in America today. “We are honored to have President Duvall join us and visit with members,” said Johnson. “Agriculture is at a crossroads, and Zippy is sure to deliver insightful messages to Iowa’s farmers.”

On the morning of Dec. 11, Farm Bureau agencies, community partners and Distinguished Service to Agriculture award recipients will be acknowledged. President Johnson will deliver remarks and attendees will hear from John O’Leary, a burn survivor and best-selling author.

O’Leary, who was given a 1% chance to live after suffering severe burns as a child, shares powerful lessons from his recovery in his book, On Fire. He now travels the world to remind others of how life is precious and every day we have power to choose our own mindset.

The event will close with a final educational session, "Strong Under Pressure," led by identity researcher and author Karen Eddington.

For the full agenda and registration details, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/annualmeeting.



NPPC Comments on USTR’s 2025 National Trade Estimate Report
 
The National Pork Producers Council submitted comments last week to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on its 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, which details significant barriers to U.S. exports of goods and services, U.S. foreign direct investment, and U.S. electronic commerce in important export markets.
 
The report highlights agricultural trade barriers such as burdensome facility registration requirements, SPS regulations, import licensing requirements that are not science-based, and a lack of adherence to international science- and risk-based standards.
 
The NTE Report helps U.S. negotiators in their efforts to reduce or eliminate trade barriers and is a valuable tool for enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements. In its comments for the most recent report, NPPC listed 20 countries and the European Union as having varying tariff and/or non-tariff barriers limiting U.S. pork exports. Among them:
    Australia — Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) barriers related to Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).
    China — Ban on the feed additive ractopamine rather than follow the international U.N. Codex commission’s maximum residue limit (MRL).
    India — Export certificate requirements.
    Japan — Gate price mechanism that limits pork imports.
    South Africa — Prohibition on pork offal and trichinae-related freezing of pork.
    Taiwan — Country-of-origin labeling requirements and non-science-based MRLs for animal health products used in hogs.

Published annually since 1986, the NTE looks at market barriers to which 99% of U.S. goods and 66% of U.S. services are exported. Trade obstacles include tariffs, technical barriers to trade, SPS measures, government procurement policies, intellectual property protections — or lack thereof — and subsidies.
 
Trade barriers limit U.S. agricultural exports, vital to America’s farmers, ranchers, and the overall U.S. economy, supporting about 1 million U.S. jobs. For pork producers, pork exports contribute significantly to their bottom line. Last year, producers shipped more than $8.2 billion of product to foreign destinations, and those exports equated to an average of $63.76 in value for each hog marketed.