Thursday October 17 Ag News

 Central Valley Ag Pays $8.6 Million of Revolving Equity Payments to Member-Owners

Central Valley Ag (CVA) continues to give back to its member-owners by providing equity payouts. This year, the CVA Board of Directors approved $8.6 million dollars in Revolving Equity payouts for 2012.

Equity is returned to member-owners in the form of redeemed equity. The amount of revolving equity producers receive depends on the amount of business they do in a given fiscal year; this year that is 2012. Producers will see their investment into the cooperative come back to them throughout their career and CVA is grateful for the opportunity to share with them its success.

“As a cooperative, we are proud to fulfill our commitment to returning value to our member-owners,” said Carl Dickinson, CEO of CVA, “By distributing equity, we not only honor the contributions of our members but also strengthen our cooperative’s foundation for future growth and shared success. Your trust and investment continue to drive us forward, ensuring the long-term prosperity of both our members and the communities we serve.”

In addition to cash patronage, the co-op has earnings that are reserved for later distributions. In the short-term, these equity dollars are an investment by members in their co-op and can be used by the co-op to make capital improvements, which further grow the business or make the co-op more efficient.

"Our members' loyalty is the foundation of our success," said Dickinson. "It's an honor to be able to share profits with them.”



UNL Student research on supplemental fat and feedlot diets

University of Nebraska-Lincoln feedlot nutrition and management doctoral student Anna Kobza is researching supplemental fat in feedlot diets. Part of her research is looking at the use of palm oil as a supplemental fat and the other part is looking at how a feed additive can improve the digestibility of fat.

“Fat is commonly fed to increase the energy density of the diet without increasing the starch content, which comes from grain,” Kobza said. “Reducing the starch content reduces the risk for digestive disorders.”

So far Kobza’s data is suggesting that palm oil is a viable alternative to current sources of fat such as corn oil and tallow. Digestion trials are still ongoing for the feed additive.

Aside from Kobza’s research project, she is also the research coordinator for metabolism and digestibility labs. The extensive beef research that happens at the university is shared with producers across Nebraska by Extension educators. Extension educators also help communicate problems producers are having back to the researchers so they can work to create a solution.

“Our goal is to help the producers in our state do what they do better and provide them resources to understand how to do that,” Kobza said.



Ag Smart Money Week: Free Events November 4-8

Ag $martMoney Week, Nov. 4-8, 2024, is a program focused on providing education, information, tools, and training for agricultural producers in Nebraska to better manage and improve their operations. Free workshops, tools, resources, and information will be provided via in-person and online meetings.

Areas covered include topics related to finances, cost of production, risk management, land leasing and rental rates, and more.

The goal of this Week will be to provide education, information, and tools for agricultural producers to help with their operations.

Family Living Expenses Series offers hybrid events

Ag Smart Money Week 2024 includes a special Ag Family Living Expenses series at noon CT on Nov. 4, 6, and 8. They are designed to provide valuable insights and practical tools for farmers, ranchers, and their families to effectively manage family living finances. These hybrid events will be presented online via Zoom and offer in-person experiences at five locations across Nebraska:
Fullerton — Nance County Events Center, 406 N Ida St.
Grand Island — Nebraska Building/Raising Nebraska, 501 E. Fonner Park Road, Suite 100
North Platte — Lincoln-Logan-Mcpherson County Extension Office, 348 W. State Farm Road
Scottsbluff — Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center, 4502 Ave. I
West Point — Cuming County Courthouse (lower-level meeting room), 200 S. Lincoln St.

Schedule Summary
Date    Time    Topic    Virtual    In-Person
Nov. 4     Noon CT     Budgeting Family Living into Cost of Production  
Nov. 4     7 p.m. CT     Understanding Annual Cow Costs      
Nov. 5     Noon CT     Current Trends in Nebraska Land Values, Cash Rents & Lease Considerations for 2025      
Nov. 6     Noon CT     Savings and Investments for Farm and Ranch Wellbeing  
Nov. 6     6:30 p.m. CT     2025 Cost of Production and Using the ABC Program for Your Operation  
Nov. 7     Noon CT     Smart Savings for Thanksgiving: Managing Rising Food Prices Amid Inflation      
Nov. 8     Noon CT     Navigating Debt: Strategies for Farms and Ranches  

Details and registration information is here: https://cap.unl.edu/smartmoney.  



HUNTING RIGHTS AND LAND LEASES
– Shannon Sand, NE Extension Educator

Amid market volatility, some producers may be exploring additional income opportunities. One potential option they’re considering is hunting. A common question for those leasing land is: who holds the hunting rights?

In a written cropland or pasture lease, it’s possible to specify who has hunting rights. If the lease doesn’t explicitly reserve hunting rights for the landlord, those rights typically belong to the tenant for the lease term.

In Nebraska, property owners have the right to inspect their properties to ensure compliance with the terms of the lease. This includes checking for proper maintenance of fencing, adherence to environmental guidelines, and any other lease-specific conditions. However, these inspections typically require prior notice to tenants and should be conducted at reasonable times.

In cases where the lease is unwritten, hunting rights usually default to the tenant, unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties. This principle is based on the idea that, without specific restrictions, the tenant has the full right to use the land—excluding others, including the landlord—during the lease period. This may come as a surprise to some landowners, who might assume they automatically retain certain property rights that, in reality, pass to the tenant.



The Next Generation of Farmers & Ranchers- How to Transition Your Operation

What happens if your family’s ranching or farming operation is unable to transfer to the next generation?  Now is the time to start (or finish) your transition!  On November 12 and 13, workshops will be held at O’Neill and Hartington to help families navigate the common landmines including legal, financial, and communication issues.

The aim of the program is to provide reliable information to assist families to put together succession plans, or review their existing plans.  Experienced experts will cover issues around agriculture law, management, finance, and communication.

Anxiety and the “what ifs” can immobilize transition. Farmers and ranchers will understand the consequences of the “what ifs” and how to avoid them. Some examples include: What if I don’t have a written lease; what happens if there is no will; what if the on-farm heir(s) needs to buy out siblings; what if the older generation need long term care; what if I must pay taxes?

Joe Hawbaker, estate planning attorney, will also cover tools for long term viability of the ranch.  There are a variety of tools, such as business entities, options, lease rights, preemptive rights and buy-sell agreements, that could help your transition go smoothly.  

Transition of the land is important, but farmers and ranchers should work to transition the business as well.  Dave Goeller, financial planner and retired Nebraska Extension transition specialist, will cover succession versus equality, and compensation versus contribution. Many families struggle to split assets fairly between on-farm and off-farm heirs, while continuing the farm/ranch as a business. Goeller will discuss the “family” side and what to consider when dividing assets.

Following the workshops at O’Neill and Hartington, participants can discuss their individual operations at one-on-one confidential consultations with Hawbaker and Goeller through Nebraska’s Rural Response Hotline’s free monthly clinics.

Below are workshop dates and locations.
      Nov 12: O’Neill: Holt County Annex Building, 128 N 6th Street, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. CT;
      Nov 13, Hartington: City Auditorium, 101 N Broadway Avenue, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT.

Sign up today!  This program walks you through the confusing process of estate planning free of charge.  Registration is appreciated for a meal count, but walk-ins are welcome!  Register by calling the Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258 or visit https://nebraskagrazinglands.org .

Workshops are hosted by the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, Legal Aid of Nebraska, and Nebraska Extension.  Thanks to Tri County Banks and Farmers Union Foundation for their sponsorship.  Funding for this project was provided by a NFWF grant.

If you need help with the financial burden of planning for the next generation, the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition has assistance.  Apply for a scholarship to help with estate planning fees, mediator fees, or other expenses.  For more information, go to https://nebraskagrazinglands.org/Programs/Program-Assistance .



Dairy Sweet Becomes Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest Winner
    
Dairy Sweet, located in Dunlap, Iowa and owned by Lori and Greg Thomsen, has claimed the title of Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in 2024. This marks a triumphant return to a legacy that began in 2005 when the restaurant first won under the ownership of Lori’s parents. Lori and Greg purchased Dairy Sweet from her parents in 2013 and made a strategic move to Main Street, allowing her to not only enhance the restaurant's visibility but also its reputation for serving some of the finest pork tenderloins in the state.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association conducts the Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest each year. This spring, the IPPA garnered nearly 6,000 nominations from 532 restaurants across the state. Members and industry affiliates anonymously visited the top 40 locations this summer, scoring each on pork flavor, quality, presentation, and overall dining experience. The Restaurant & Foodservice Committee utilized these evaluations to narrow the field to five worthy contenders. A team of judges then visited each establishment to determine the top two winners. Dairy Sweet is the first restaurant to win the title more than once in the entire 22 year history of the contest.

Lori and her husband Greg have refined the tenderloin recipe over the years, shifting to using center-cut boneless pork loin for a consistent, quality sandwich. In addition, they cut and tenderize the loins in-house each week. This commitment to quality is evident in the staggering number of tenderloins they serve—approximately 40,000 annually. This dedication not only satisfies local patrons but also attracts visitors from nearby towns and beyond.

“It is a privilege for us to win, not only for ourselves but for our employees who take pride in their work and making our community happy,” Lori shared. Her commitment to her family, team and community is palpable, and it fuels the hard work that has gone into making Dairy Sweet a local staple.

Judge Phil Carey, who evaluated the top five tenderloin eateries, had high praise for the winning sandwich. He remarked, “When we walked into the restaurant, and saw that most of the customers were eating a breaded pork tenderloin… That’s how you know you’re in the right spot. Then tasting it the sandwich had great flavor, was very tender, and the light breading worked very well with the pork.” Carey's insights reflect not only the quality of the food but also the atmosphere that Dairy Sweet cultivates, where diners are clearly satisfied.

For Lori, this victory carries a bit more emotional significance. “Hard work does pay off. My parents have both passed on, so this is such a cool way to honor and remember them. It makes me very proud,” she said, highlighting the personal connection she feels to the restaurant’s legacy. This win is not just about the award; it's a tribute to her family's hard work and dedication to the community both in the past, and currently as she brings her kids Mandi & Logan into the family business.

Dairy Sweet offers a cozy dining experience, accommodating around 60 patrons at a time. The restaurant is open seven days a week, closing only a few days each year, ensuring that it remains a reliable destination for delicious meals. The staff is known for their hospitality and efficiency, traits honed through their experience running the café at the Dunlap Livestock Auction, where they thrive in a bustling environment.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association is thrilled to officially present the coveted Iowa’s Best Tenderloin Award for 2024 at Dairy Sweet later today! This celebrated eatery will take home a $500 cash prize, a stunning plaque, and a banner to showcase their achievement.

This year’s runner-up is Ruby’s Bar & Grill, hailing from Stuart, Iowa. They'll receive a $250 prize along with a plaque from the IPPA. Earlier this month, we also recognized several other outstanding finalists, who will receive top five plaques in alphabetical order:
    Bronson Bar - Bronson
    Blind Pig - Monticello
    The Market at the Tap - Monticello

This tenderloin contest celebrates Iowa restaurants that feature hand-breaded or battered pork tenderloin as a staple on their menu. To qualify, establishments must be open year-round. Winners are unveiled every October in honor of National Pork Month, which pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of America’s pork producers.



Soil Compaction Field Day to Be Held Nov. 15 at AEA Research Farm near Boone

Yield effects of soil compaction can be masked by moisture availability, timing of rainfall and fertilizer use under favorable weather conditions. Under unfavorable weather conditions, yield loss has been reported to be as high as 10 to 20 percent.

Soil compaction resulting from farm machinery and field traffic, ways to minimize compaction and strategies to mitigate soil compaction that may have already occurred will be demonstrated and discussed at a field day scheduled at the Iowa State University Agricultural Engineering/Agronomy Research Farm near Boone on Nov. 15.

The field day starts with check-in at 10 a.m. at the Field Extension Education Laboratory located at 1928 240th St., Boone, and the program starts at 10:30 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the field day will be held at the same time on Nov. 22.

In the afternoon, demonstrations of field equipment, including tractors, will be held at the field adjacent to the Soil Machine Dynamics Laboratory. Equipment will be driven over a specially constructed soil “lasagna” to demonstrate the amount of compaction caused by different tires and tire inflation pressures, noted Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach. Soil pressure sensors, buried at different depths, will also be used to measure tire inflation pressure response.

A complimentary lunch sponsored by the Iowa Corn Growers Association will be served at noon to all registered participants. Registration is limited to 50 participants and is required for this event. The field day is being held in collaboration with AgriBrink, CNH Industrial and Elder Corporation.

Join the field day to watch and learn how tire technologies, tire pressures and tracks can impact soil compaction, and explore practices to manage it. Register online by Nov. 11 here https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ai5KFKvyJtYrt9Y.

You can also register by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach Boone County office at 515-432-3882, or by email at jlsoder@iastate.edu. Questions regarding the program can be directed to Kapil Arora at 515-291-0174 or Mehari Tekeste, associate professor, at 515-294-2464.



Sorghum Checkoff Announces Leadership Sorghum Class VII

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) announces the members of Leadership Sorghum Class VII. This program, hosted by the USCP, is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders and advocates for the sorghum industry.

"The strength of the sorghum industry depends on developing leaders who can advocate for its future," said Kendall Hodgson, USCP Chairman. "With growing demand and evolving challenges in agriculture, Leadership Sorghum plays a vital role in preparing producers to represent and promote our industry with knowledge and confidence."

Seventeen farmers from nine states have been selected to participate in the program’s seventh class:
Nicholas Bridgeforth - Tanner, Alabama
Dylan J. Moyer - Irvington, Illinois
Jared Stegman - Dodge City, Kansas
Lesley Schmidt - Spearville, Kansas
Sydney Bacon - Salina, Kansas
Weston Schmidt - Syracuse, Kansas
Bryan Thomas - St. Charles, Missouri
Camden Liska - Verdigre, Nebraska
Brian Null - Hobart, Oklahoma
Kyle Supplee - Thompsontown, Pennsylvania
David Gunter - Lexington, South Carolina
Carson Polasek - Tynan, Texas
Daniel Sell - Booker, Texas
Heath Heinrich - Slaton, Texas
Matthew Bartek - La Grange, Texas
Reagan Ivey - Robstown, Texas
Will Braack - Hereford, Texas

"Leadership Sorghum is instrumental in shaping the future of our industry by equipping producers with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and advocate at every level," said Shelee Padgett, Leadership Sorghum program director. "The leaders we develop today are vital to ensuring the success and growth of the sorghum industry tomorrow. We are excited to work with Class VII as they embark on this journey to strengthen both their operations and our collective voice."

Through a combination of hands-on experiences and classroom-style learning, participants will gain insight into the sorghum value chain, the role of checkoffs and advocacy groups in supporting the industry and the future outlook for the crop. Leadership Sorghum also offers opportunities for professional development and networking. The first session will take place Dec. 10-12, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas, during the USCP Board meeting. For more details about the Leadership Sorghum program, visit www.LeadSorghum.com.



Cattle Prices Creeping Higher
David Anderson, Ph.D., Extension Specialist – Texas A&M University

Fed cattle prices have been climbing, slowly, following the market correction that began in late July-early August. After falling from a high of $197.09 to $181.18 per cwt. the 5-market weekly average has climbed back to $186.89 over the last 4 weeks. Prices were in the $188 range later during the week ending October 4th.

Normally, fed cattle prices increase, seasonally, in the Fall. A 10 year seasonal fed cattle price index would suggest that prices increase about 5 percentage points from September to November. Of course, last year was an exception to that when prices declined during the Fall. It’s not unusual for fed cattle prices to hit their high for the year in the Fall but, that would require a faster pace of increase than seen, so far.

Prices continue to creep higher in the face of larger beef production and a cutout value that has been at or below last year’s level. Fed steer and heifer slaughter is 1.2 percent higher than last year over the last 9 weeks. Fed steer weights continue to increase and are at record highs. Federally inspected dressed weights hit 948 pounds for the week ending October 4th and are not likely at their Fall peak yet. Heifer dressed weights are not quite at record highs, about 2 pounds away from a record. The combination more fed cattle going to market and record high weights means that beef production has exceeded that of a year ago for the last 9 consecutive weeks. The increase in fed beef production continues to offset the decline in beef and dairy cow beef production.

Adding to the beef production equation is the percent of beef grading Choice. Almost 73 percent of beef graded during the first week of October graded Choice. That is a 2.5 percentage point increase over a year ago. For the last 9 weeks a larger percentage of beef graded was Choice compared to a year ago. Combine increased fed steer and heifer slaughter, larger dressed weights, and more grading Choice means that total supplies of Choice beef are greater than a year ago. More beef is grading Prime than last year also, contributing to greater supplies of Prime beef than last year. Supplies are likely keeping a lid on the cutout value making the slow increase in fed cattle prices a little more impressive.



Meat Institute to USTR: Meat & Poultry Industry Needs Ambitious Trade Policy Agenda
 
In comments submitted to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report, the Meat Institute called for an ambitious and comprehensive trade policy agenda to be paired with removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to promote the growth and stability of the meat and poultry industry.

“The resilience of the U.S. meat and poultry industry is inextricably linked to U.S. trade policy and attendant initiatives that foster U.S. meat and poultry export growth,” said Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute President and CEO. “However, the industry’s export potential remains limited by unjustified sanitary barriers, prohibitive tariffs and tariff rate quotas, and onerous registration and approval requirements for exporting facilities, among other impediments.”

The comments detail the following facts and objectives for an ambitious trade agenda on behalf of the meat and poultry value chain:
    China Continues to Renege on Commitments Made in the U.S.-China Phase One Agreement
    Retaliatory Tariffs Remain on U.S. Meat Exports to China and Must be Discontinued
    Proactive Efforts to Address Foreign Animal Disease are Essential to Preserving Trade and Business Continuity
    Securing Beef Access to Australia Remains Critical
    Removing Ongoing Restrictions on Beef, Addressing Other Emerging Concerns are Necessary to Fully Implement KORUS (U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement)
    Despite Progress, Persistent Regulations Impede U.S. Beef and Pork Exports to Taiwan
    Sustainability Trade Text Should Advance Science, Outcomes-Based Approaches and Should Not Unduly Restrict Meat and Poultry Exports
    Increasing Establishment Registration Requirements Risk Undermining Market Access for U.S. Meat and Poultry Exports
    Beef Imports Support Domestic Production and Ease Supply Chain Pressures
    Precedent-Setting Protections for Common Meat Names Must be Replicated
    Market Diversification Through a Comprehensive Trade Policy Will Help Level the Playing Field for U.S. Meat and Poultry Exporters

“As competitors rapidly expand access through preferential trade agreements to growing and mature markets,” Potts said,  “the Meat Institute maintains that targeted efforts to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers in key markets must be paired with an ambitious trade policy agenda that advances comprehensive trade agreements, which level the playing field for our exports, set clear standards and rules for trade, and provide predictability for American farmers, ranchers, and meat and poultry companies throughout the supply chain.”