Thursday October 31 Ag News

 Soybean farmers partner with Port of Kalama to increase export competitiveness

This past Friday, October 25th, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced the Port of Kalama (Kalama, Washington) was awarded $26,323,386 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program for the rail expansion project at the TEMCO soybean and grain export terminal.

The Port of Kalama and TEMCO (“Tacoma Export Marketing Company” – a joint venture by Cargill and CHS) are in the process of expanding the rail unloading and staging infrastructure at the terminal.  The facility routinely experiences significant delays due to their limited trackage.  Once a train is unloaded, it can often remain stationary due to the railroads (both BNSF and Union Pacific serve the facility) not being able to quickly collect and dispatch it elsewhere.  This results in loaded trains having to be held out of the facility and delayed until the empty train is moved.

The project at the Port of Kalama and TEMCO will result in an expansion of 25,000 linear feet of rail track that will be used to stage loaded or unloaded trains so that the actual unloading infrastructure is free and available to operate, when needed.  The port estimates that this investment will increase efficiency by 25-30% - especially during October thru January, which is the key export window for soybeans.  Soybeans will be the biggest beneficiary of this project.  The project will also benefit the broader rail industry as it will increase the efficiency along the network by mitigating the current logjam at Kalama.  

The below listed soybean farmer organizations approved $200,000 to be utilized for pre-engineering, design, analysis, and research costs associated with the project.  Farmers are rightfully attracted to opportunities to invest funding if it can be leveraged to help achieve a greater outcome.  Investing $200,000 to help realize a $26 million grant is clearly a great example of this.    
    United Soybean Board
    Soy Transportation Coalition
    Iowa Soybean Association
    Kansas Soybean Commission
    Nebraska Soybean Board
    North Dakota Soybean Council
    South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council

“One of the most effective ways to improve the competitiveness of U.S. soybean exports is to improve the transportation system that connects farmers with our international customers,” says Chris Brossart, a soybean farmer from Wolford, North Dakota, and Chairman of the Soy Transportation Coalition.  “The investment at the Port of Kalama will increase the efficiency of one of our country’s leading soybean export terminals by 25-30%.  I am proud of my fellow soybean farmers for supporting this important project.”

There were two motivations for soybean farmer organizations to provide funding for this project: 1.) To provide meaningful investment to a project that will enhance U.S. soybean exports and 2.) For the Port of Kalama and TEMCO to be able to highlight the funding commitment from farmer organizations, which would enhance the viability and competitiveness of their grant application.  Soybean farmers have a long history of seeing their funding leveraged – thereby helping accelerate project completion and increasing its scale and scope.  The investment by soybean farmers for the Port of Kalama project is another example of this.   

“The soybean industry is currently experiencing a number of challenges,” explains Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition.  “During periods of stress and uncertainty, the natural temptation is to retreat from investing in our future.  I am proud to work for farmer leaders who think differently…that during such times it is imperative to pursue strategic opportunities to tangibly move the needle.  Increasing the efficiency of one of the nation’s leading soybean export facilities by 25-30% is certainly an example of moving the needle.  We sincerely appreciate the Port of Kalama and TEMCO for investing in the competitiveness of the U.S. soybean farmer.  It has been a pleasure working with them toward this common goal.”

“Port Commissioners and staff have worked for years to secure grant funds for this project,” says Randy Sweet, Port of Kalama Commission President.  “We’d like to acknowledge and thank the Soy Transportation Coalition and its many American farmers for their support and contribution to this project.”



Nebraska application deadline for CSP, EQIP is Nov. 15

Nebraska farmers and ranchers interested in conservation programs have until Nov. 15 to submit their initial paperwork.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provide financial and technical assistance to producers who are interested in implementing conservation practices while maintaining agricultural production.

In 2023, 1,360 CSP and EQIP contracts advanced conservation across nearly 1.2 million acres of Nebraska.

“CSP and EQIP are voluntary programs that allow farmers and ranchers to choose practices that meet the unique needs of their operations,” said Andrew Tonnies, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “They offer something for everyone, whether you are planting cover crops for the first time or expanding on niche practices that enhance wildlife habitat.”

Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the two programs are different in several ways.

CSP contracts last five years and require producers to implement multiple practices across their operations. Applicants must demonstrate they are currently engaged in conservation and be willing to implement additional practices.

EQIP contracts typically last one to three years and are designed to address a particular resource concern with a single practice or project. The program also offers assistance for structural practices, such as fencing for rotational grazing.

“These programs will receive a continued increase in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act in 2025,” Tonnies said. “This means more opportunity for producers to implement practices that are good for water quality and soil health.”

Producers interested in applying for either program should contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible. A list of local offices can be found at nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Awards LEAD Fellow Scholarships

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded six agricultural professionals with scholarships to participate in the Nebraska LEAD program, keeping with the mission of cultivating the future of agriculture.

“These individuals continue to push to make agriculture better across Nebraska,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “We are proud to support these individuals as they make an investment in their future, becoming equipped to better serve their communities and agriculture through the Nebraska LEAD program.”

The LEAD Scholarship awards agricultural stakeholders that participate in the Nebraska LEAD program. The LEAD program improves leadership skills and abilities of Nebraska’s future agricultural leaders through exposure to diverse topics, issues, concerns, points of view, and innovative ideas. The winners of the LEAD Scholarship are current Farm Bureau members that commit to serving in a leadership role with Farm Bureau upon completion of the program.

The six winners are Adam Oldemeyer (Ayr); April Delsing (Hemingford); Jake Werner (Lincoln); Jake Judge (Norfolk); Courtney Nelson (Norfolk); and Michelle Bose (Arcadia).



GRAZING BT CORN RESIDUE
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

Corn residue is a valuable resource for grazing, but some producers believe cattle performance has declined with the rise of Bt corn hybrids. While Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) traits protect corn against pests like corn borer, it has led some to question whether these hybrids affect the nutritional quality of corn residue. Today, let’s take a look and see.

In short, research indicates no significant difference in the digestibility of residue between Bt and non-Bt corn. Studies conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) from 2001 to 2011 compared calf gains on Bt and non-Bt residue and found no variation in performance. Similar findings were reported in Iowa State studies with beef animals and UNL studies with dairy cattle.

So why do some producers feel otherwise? One possible explanation is increased cattle size. Larger animals require more feed than smaller animals of the past, and if stocking rates have not been adjusted accordingly, cattle may not be getting enough feed.

A second impact may be the reduced plant damage Bt corn from pests. Paired with more efficient harvesting methods, less grain may be left behind in the field for cattle to forage. This could lead to the perception of lower performance.

Finally, another factor is yield. As corn yields have increased, the quality of the residue, particularly leaves and husks, may have decreased. More energy is directed toward grain production, with less for the plant itself. Since leaves and husks are the main dietary components for grazing cattle, any decline in their quality can make it harder for cattle to meet their nutritional needs.

While Bt traits do not directly affect corn residue’s quality for grazing, secondary factors like animal size, less grain on the ground, and the impact of higher yields on residue quality must be considered. Effective grazing management is critical, especially for high-yielding fields, to ensure cattle are adequately fed.



APHIS on HPAI Detections in Oregon Backyard Farm, Including First H5N1 Detections in Swine
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Oregon state veterinary officials are investigating positive cases of H5N1 in a backyard farming operation in Oregon that has a mix of poultry and livestock, including swine. The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced on Friday, Oct. 25, that poultry on this farm represented the first H5N1 detection in Crook County, Oregon. On Tuesday, Oct. 29, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories also confirmed one of the farm’s five pigs to be infected with H5N1, marking the first detection of H5N1 in swine in the United States.   

The livestock and poultry on this farm shared water sources, housing, and equipment; in other states, this combination has enabled transmission between species. Although the swine did not display signs of illness, the Oregon Department of Health and USDA tested the five swine for H5N1 out of an abundance of caution and because of the presence of H5N1 in other animals on the premises. The swine were euthanized to facilitate additional diagnostic analysis.  Test results were negative for two of the pigs, and test results are still pending for two others.  

This farm is a non-commercial operation, and the animals were not intended for the commercial food supply. There is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this finding.     

In addition, the farm has been quarantined to prevent further spread of the virus. Other animals, including sheep and goats on the farm, remain under surveillance.  

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has conducted genomic sequencing of virus from the poultry infected on this farm, and that sequencing has not identified any changes to the H5N1 virus that would suggest to USDA and CDC that it is more transmissible to humans, indicating that the current risk to the public remains low.

Local public health officials, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon State Veterinarian, Oregon Department of Agriculture, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are coordinating on this investigation and will provide additional updates as they become available.   

All detections of H5N1 include viral genome sequencing to provide additional information of interest to medical professionals and the research community to improve our understanding of the virus. Genetic sequencing for these samples is underway, though sequencing results may be inconclusive due to low viral levels in the samples.   

 USDA reminds all farmers that strong biosecurity is critical to eradicating this virus and to protecting the health of farmworkers, farmers and their families, livestock and businesses. More information about biosecurity, specifically regarding best practices for farms with multiple species, as well as how to access financial assistance to offset the cost of biosecurity and PPE for farmworkers is available here. Enrollment in these programs can be started with your local Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) or State Animal Health Official. Your nearest USDA Farm Service Agency county office has more information and can also help you enroll.   

USDA continues to invest heavily in vaccine research and development as a tool to help stem and potentially stop the spread of this virus among animals. USDA has approved two vaccine field safety trials for vaccine candidates designed to protect dairy cows from H5N1, and continues to explore vaccine options for other species.    

As USDA takes additional steps to protect the health of livestock, the Department will continue to work closely with its federal partners at CDC to protect the health of people and FDA to protect the safety of the food supply. These collective, collaborative efforts have helped protect farmworkers and farmers, the health and welfare of livestock animals, and reaffirmed the safety of the nation’s food supply. The U.S. government remains committed to addressing this situation with urgency.   

To learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock. 



Properly Cooked Pork Remains Safe Amidst Oregon H5N1 Swine Detection
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) confirms there is no food safety concerns about the nation’s pork supply after the detection of H5N1 influenza in swine on a small backyard farm in Oregon. NPPC continues to work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services and pork industry stakeholders on disease surveillance programs.
 
"The confirmed case in Oregon poses no threat to consumer health or food safety; properly handled and cooked pork products remain safe for consumption,” said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC CEO. “The entire pork industry remains committed to safeguarding food safety and human and animal health.”
 
With rigorous on-farm biosecurity programs in place, the pork industry has worked alongside APHIS since 2009 to carry out the swine influenza surveillance program to identify influenza viruses circulating in swine, proactively detect reassortment viruses that could impact public health, and gain knowledge to contribute to improved animal health diagnostics and vaccines.
 
“Pork producers have always been proactive and diligent about implementing biosecurity plans as part of their daily production practices to assure animals wellbeing and food safety,” said Lori Stevermer, NPPC president and Minnesota pork producer. “This detection serves as a reminder for producers of all sizes to understand and address influenza virus risks.”
 
NPPC appreciates the ongoing collaboration among producers, industry stakeholders, and state and federal animal health officials. These partnerships are essential for rapidly detecting and eradicating viruses, including H5N1.



Major Retail Fertilizer Prices Continue Mixed for Third Week of October

Average retail prices for the major fertilizers were mixed again during the third week of October 2024, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. A week after prices were evenly split with four higher and four lower, prices for five of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to last month. No fertilizer had a noticeable price increase or decline. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Of the fertilizers that were higher in price, DAP had an average price of $740 per ton, urea $500/ton, 10-34-0 $604/ton, anhydrous $705/ton and UAN32 $361/ton. Urea was back above the $500/ton level for the first time since the second week of August 2024. That week, the price was also $500/ton.

Three fertilizers were slightly less expensive than a month ago. MAP had an average price of $808/ton, potash $452/ton and UAN28 $316/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.43/lb.N, UAN28 $0.57/lb.N and UAN32 $0.57/lb.N.

All fertilizer prices expect two are lower compared to one year ago. MAP is 1% higher, while DAP is 4% more expensive looking back to last year. The remaining six fertilizers are lower. 10-34-0 is 1% lower, potash is 11% less expensive, UAN28 is 12% lower, both urea and UAN32 are 13% less expensive and anhydrous is 15% lower compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/25/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 25, ethanol production was fractionally higher, up 0.1%, rising to a 10-week high of 1.08 b/d, equivalent to 45.44 million gallons daily. Output was 2.9% more than the same week last year and 4.6% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.6% to 1.06 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.31 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks declined 2.0% to 21.8 million barrels, the smallest reserves since the beginning of December 2023. Still, stocks were 3.6% more than the same week last year and 3.7% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, expanded 3.6% to 9.16 million b/d (140.79 bg annualized). Demand was 5.3% more than a year ago and 3.3% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 0.8% to 922,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.17 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.2% more than year-ago levels and 3.3% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 60,000 b/d (2.5 million gallons/day), which is 43.4% below the prior week. It has been 58 weeks since imports of ethanol were recorded.



USDA Makes Investments to Strengthen American Farms & Businesses, Increase Competition and Lower Costs

During a visit to Dramm Corp. today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is making investments that will strengthen American farms and businesses by expanding innovative domestic fertilizer production and increasing independent meat and poultry processing capacity, which will in turn increase competition and lower fertilizer costs for farmers and food costs for consumers.

The Department is awarding over $120 million today to fund six fertilizer production projects in Arkansas, California, Illinois, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), which is funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation and provides funding to independent business owners to help them modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants and more.

In addition, USDA announced today $20.2 million in awards to 26 projects through the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) grant program to expand processing capacity within the meat and poultry industry, which adds new jobs to their local communities and provides producers more options to ensure their products get to market.

The investments advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up and to promote fair and competitive markets for American farmers and ranchers.

“When we invest in domestic supply chains, we drive down input costs and increase options for farmers,” Deputy Secretary Torres Small said. “Through today's investments to make more fertilizer and process meat locally, the Biden-Harris Administration is bringing jobs back to the United States, lowering costs for families, and supporting farmer income.”