Monday November 04 Ag News

POLL SHOWS MOST RURAL NEBRASKANS HAVE ECONOMIC CONCERNS

Most rural Nebraskans are at least somewhat concerned about their household’s cost of living, income and financial situation, according to the most recent report from the 2024 Nebraska Rural Poll, which focuses on the economy and trade policy.

Eight in 10 rural Nebraskans surveyed are either somewhat or very concerned about their household’s cost of living, nearly seven in 10 are concerned about their household income, and just over six in 10 are concerned about their household’s personal finances.  

This is especially true for lower income households, the poll shows.

Persons with the lowest household incomes are more likely to be concerned about their personal finances. Almost eight in 10 respondents with household incomes under $75,000 are at least somewhat concerned about their finances, compared to 44% of those with household incomes of $100,000 or more.  

“In earlier released results from the 2024 Rural Poll, we found rural Nebraskans have been increasingly pessimistic about their current situation,” said Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension policy specialist. “These economic concerns may be a primary factor behind the declining general sentiment of rural Nebraskans. Higher consumer prices due to higher inflation rates of the past few years have spiked the cost of living and left many rural Nebraskans with concerns for their economic well-being.”

The 2024 Rural Poll also asked a series of questions about trade policy and its importance to Nebraska.

Fifty-five percent of rural Nebraskans surveyed think international trade is good for the state’s economy, while just 8% think it is bad. However, residents of the Panhandle are less likely than residents of other regions to agree. Just over a third of Panhandle residents surveyed (36%) say trade is good for Nebraska’s economy, compared to 66% of residents of the north-central region. While most respondents statewide think trade is good for the state’s economy, a smaller percentage (43%) think it is good for creating jobs in the state, compared to 16% who think it is bad.

Rural Nebraskans are less positive about international trade’s impacts on them personally, said Becky Vogt, the manager of the Rural Poll. At least four in 10 respondents think trade is good for their standard of living, while 35% think it is good for their job or business. Many rural Nebraskans think international trade is neutral for these items, according to the poll, but most respondents in agricultural occupations (67%) see international trade as good for their job or business.

When asked which factors should be used in determining U.S. trade policy, six in 10 respondents think protecting American jobs should be very important. Just over half think creating new export opportunities for the state’s agricultural producers and other businesses (55%) and lower prices for consumers (51%) should be very important considerations. Less important considerations include strengthening economic relationships with other countries (41%), strengthening and safeguarding political relationships with other countries (39%), creating choices for consumers (39%) and using trade policies to pressure countries that challenge U.S. economic and political priorities (27%).

“The Rural Poll findings help illustrate the complexities of trade and the economic impacts on Nebraskans,” Lubben said. “Trade provides consumers access to a global supply of goods and services that can increase choice and decrease costs. But trade can have differing implications for producers, where exports are good for the bottom line, but imports compete with domestic production.”

To learn more about rural Nebraskans’ perceptions of the economy and trade policy, policymakers, community leaders and members of the public are invited to a Rural Poll webinar at noon Central Nov. 13. More details and registration are available at https://ruralpoll.unl.edu.

The Rural Poll is the largest annual poll gauging rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life. Questionnaires were mailed to more than 5,800 households in Nebraska in late spring and summer, with 1,010 households — representing 86 of the state’s 93 counties — responding. The margin of error for the poll is plus-or-minus 3%. Rural Prosperity Nebraska conducts the poll with funding from Nebraska Extension.

 

EPA Considers Forcing NPPD to Reduce SO₂ Emissions at Nebraska’s Primary Energy Plant at Great Expense
Nebraska Farm Bureau

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) recently submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the proposed Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to limit sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions at the Gerald Gentleman Station, Nebraska’s largest electric generating facility. This station, operated by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and crucial to Nebraska’s energy infrastructure, is a vital resource for rural and urban communities, particularly our agricultural sector.

As part of our ongoing advocacy for NEFB members, here’s a summary of our key points and concerns shared with the EPA on this proposed regulation:

Energy Costs and Affordability
Nebraska’s agriculture industry is highly energy-dependent—relying on electricity for irrigation, grain drying, livestock care, and processing. Complying with stricter SO₂ emissions limits would likely require costly upgrades to the Gerald Gentleman Station, which could drive up energy rates. Increased utility costs could further stress the financial stability of our farmers and ranchers, who already face slim profit margins, especially for small and mid-sized operations.

Economic Viability of Rural Communities
Many rural Nebraska communities are sustained by agriculture, and their economies are closely tied to the Gerald Gentleman Station’s operations. A potential reduction in the station’s output or a rise in energy costs could impact local economic activity, adding to the pressures already felt from rising input costs, unpredictable markets, and challenging weather patterns. For many of our members, affordable and reliable energy is essential to maintaining a competitive edge in national and global markets.

Power Supply Reliability
The proposed emissions limits may lead to operational adjustments at the station, potentially reducing output or requiring temporary shutdowns for necessary upgrades. Energy reliability is critical for Nebraska’s agricultural producers—particularly during crucial times like planting, harvesting, and grain drying seasons. Any disruption could devastate production, impacting crop yields, livestock health, and farm viability.

Environmental Stewardship in Agriculture
Our state’s farmers are committed to sustainable practices and have continually invested in technologies to reduce their environmental footprint. These efforts, from precision agriculture to efficient irrigation systems, demonstrate the agricultural community’s dedication to environmental responsibility. However, further limits on SO₂ emissions burden agricultural operations that depend on affordable energy to maintain and expand these eco-friendly initiatives.

Advocating for Balanced Solutions
In our comments, NEFB urged the EPA to consider balanced alternatives. Potential solutions include phased timelines, financial assistance for necessary upgrades, and incentives for renewable energy investments. Collaborating with Nebraska’s energy producers, agricultural community, and local stakeholders could help create an effective and fair approach that safeguards both our environmental and economic priorities.

Conclusion
While we support clean air and sustainable environmental practices, NEFB firmly believes that the current proposal’s approach to SO₂ emissions at the Gerald Gentleman Station could unintentionally harm Nebraska’s agricultural backbone. We have urged the EPA to explore modifications to protect energy affordability and reliability for our farmers and ranchers, ensuring they continue to thrive as vital contributors to our state’s economy.

Details about this matter can be found on the federal register.



Washington County Cattlemen Meeting
Date: Monday, November 4, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Blair Marina, Blair



NRDs Now Taking Orders for Spring Tree Seedlings

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are now accepting orders for conservation tree seedlings for spring planting. By ordering early, you can secure your preferred species and make a lasting contribution to the environment.

Since 1972, Nebraska’s NRDs have partnered with landowners to plant over 101 million trees statewide. At just $1.20 per seedling, and with cost-share programs available in many districts, these conservation trees provide immense benefits to people, wildlife, and the environment. They offer shade, shelter homes, reduce soil erosion, protect crops and livestock, support wildlife by providing food and cover, buffer noise, and add beauty to the landscape.

“The NRD Conservation Tree Program is about more than just trees—it’s about protecting our natural resources like soil, water, and wildlife,” said Martin Graff, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “Every tree seedling planted helps prevent soil erosion, shields crops and livestock, filters water, and acts as a natural defense against harsh weather.”

As windbreaks mature, NRD foresters recommend landowners consider rehabilitating old windbreaks or planning new plantings. The NRD Conservation Tree Program provides an affordable way for landowners to safeguard their property. NRD staff and foresters collaborate with landowners to choose the best tree species, create planting plans, and, in many cases, even handle the planting.

A notable collaboration in tree planting began in December 2021 when Lincoln-based Executive Travel launched its ETGreen campaign, pledging to plant 1 million trees in partnership with Nebraska’s NRDs. The campaign funded over 162,000 trees between 2022 and 2024, and Executive Travel has committed another $50,000 for tree planting in 2025. This partnership offsets seedling costs for Nebraska landowners while supporting Executive Travel’s long-term tree planting goal. Learn more about ETGreen: https://vimeo.com/648711812

NRD tree programs offer various services such as planting assistance, weed barrier installation, weed control, and drip irrigation. Popular tree species sell out quickly, so don’t miss the opportunity to get your order in early for the best selection. To learn more about cost-share options or to place an order, contact your local NRD or visit www.nrdnet.org and click on “Find Your NRD.”

For more information on the NRD Conservation Tree Program, visit www.nrdtrees.org.

 

Igniting Agricultural Curiosity: Grants to Empower Iowa Classrooms

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is kicking off its annual movement to transform Iowa classrooms by offering mini-grants for Iowa educators! These grants are designed to inspire innovative teaching by incorporating agriculture into academic lessons and after-school programs, showing students how agriculture shapes their lives and the world around them.

The agriculture-focused grants, made possible through contributions from organizations and individuals, including the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), provide Iowa teachers with up to $200 to support new or expand existing projects that promote agriculture literacy.

“The IFBF is proud to partner with IALF and support educators in their classrooms,” said Ronnette Vondrak, IFBF community resources manager. “Agricultural literacy is critical in further expanding knowledge and an understanding of the value and impact agriculture has across our state and world.”

These funds can be used for a variety of activities, including lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field trips, and other projects, all of which promote agricultural literacy.

“These Teacher Supplement Grants support IALF’s mission to enhance students’ understanding of agriculture and its role in their daily lives,” said Kelly Foss, IALF Executive Director. “Over the last 10 years, IALF has awarded more than $361,000 directly to Iowa teachers and their students, as a way to support and inspire agriculture learning in classrooms across Iowa.”

“Our students used the Teacher Supplement Grant funding to establish an apple orchard,” said Alex McDougall, Humboldt High School. “This project expanded students’ view of agriculture. Through hands-on experience, they learned about the orchard industry, horticulture, and food science careers, while also covering key Iowa Core Standards like plant anatomy and propagation techniques.”  

Eligible applicants include preschool through 12th grade teachers, librarians, afterschool program coordinators, and Homeschool Assistance Programs at Iowa schools. Projects must relate to social studies, science, math, language arts, or 21st century skills and integrate agriculture into the learning.                     

Applications are due by November 30, 2024. Projects must be conducted between January 13 and June 7, 2025. Educators can apply online or learn more at https://www.iowaagliteracy.org/tools-resources/general/grants.  



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 490 million bushels in September 2024. Total corn consumption was down 8 percent from August 2024 but up 3 percent from September 2023. September 2024 usage included 91.9 percent for alcohol and 8.1 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.51 million bushels, down 10 percent from August 2024 and down 35 percent from September 2023. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 440 million bushels, was down 8 percent from August 2024 but up 3 percent from September 2023. Corn consumed in September 2024 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.5 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.80 million tons during September 2024, down 10 percent from August 2024 but up 4 percent from September 2023. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.15 million tons in September 2024, down 6 percent from August 2024 and down 12 percent from September 2023.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 273,303 tons during September 2024, down 6 percent from August 2024 but up 11 percent from September 2023. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 174,070 tons in September 2024, down 9 percent from August 2024 and down 11 percent from September 2023.

Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.60 million tons (187 million bushels) in September 2024, compared with 5.03 million tons (168 million bushels) in August 2024 and 5.24 million tons (175 million bushels) in September 2023. Crude oil produced was 2.22 billion pounds, up 12 percent from August 2024 and up 7 percent from September 2023. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.76 billion pounds during September 2024 increased 5 percent from August 2024 and increased 4 percent from September 2023.

Flour Milling Products
All wheat ground for flour during the third quarter 2024 was 232 million bushels, up 3 percent from the second quarter 2024 grind of 226 million bushels and up 1 percent from the third quarter 2023 grind of 231 million bushels. Third quarter 2024 total flour production was 107 million hundredweight, up 2 percent from the second quarter 2024 and up 1 percent from the third quarter 2023. Whole wheat flour production at 4.68 million hundredweight during the third quarter 2024 accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the third quarter 2024 was 1.64 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the third quarter 2024 was 1.60 million hundredweight.



2025 ALFALFA VARIETY RATINGS NOW AVAILBLE

The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) released the 2025 edition of its popular “Alfalfa Variety Ratings - Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistant Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties” - an invaluable tool for both hay and livestock farmers, extension specialists, agri-business personnel or simply anyone involved in the production of alfalfa.     

Unlike any other publication, NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings is indispensable in providing an extensive listing of alfalfa varieties and their corresponding ratings for fall dormancy, winter survival, bacterial wilt, aphanomyces, leafhopper, and a host of other pests. The publication also includes other important ratings such as grazing tolerance and standability to provide you the information you need to make educated, informed decisions about the alfalfa varieties which will perform best in a given environment. All varieties listed in the Alfalfa Variety Ratings publication can be purchased in the United States for the 2025 production year.

The 2025 edition of NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings features 121 alfalfa varieties from 14 marketers that have been verified with the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) and the National Alfalfa Variety Review Board (NAVRB).

If you’d prefer an electronic version, try NAFA’s searchable, online Alfalfa Variety Ratings database where you can make the process of narrowing alfalfa varietal choices even easier. Available at alfalfa.org/varietyratings.php, NAFA’s searchable database allows you to search for varieties using up to 23 different parameters such as variety name, marketer, fall dormancy, winter survival, disease resistance, and insect resistance. NAFA has made finding the perfect variety as effortless as possible.

NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings publication is available in the November issue of Hay & Forage Grower magazine or by visiting NAFA’s website at alfalfa.org. It is a ‘must-have’ for anyone involved in the production of alfalfa – be sure to get yours today!



USDA Announces November 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for November 2024, which are effective Nov. 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.    

“I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices and our cooperators to capitalize fully on the existing flexibilities in these important programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.  

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans       
FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.  

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for November 2024 are as follows:       
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 4.500%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.125%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.125%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.500%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%    

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.   

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans     
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA. 
    Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed):5.125%       
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:  
        Three-year loan terms: 3.750%  
        Five-year loan terms: 3.750%  
        Seven-year loan terms: 3.750%  
        Ten-year loan terms: 3.875%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 4.000%  
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 4.125%  



Apply Now for Shearing Grants

 The American Sheep Industry Association has once again set aside $15,000 in grants to assist developing shearers and mentors.

There is a large and continuing need for sheep shearers across the United States. Domestic shearers are becoming fewer and it is increasingly difficult to bring international shearers into the United States. Seeing the need of more shearers for both large and small sheep operations, the ASI Wool Council developed this grant program to incentivize the development of domestic shearers.

This program supports developing shearers as they work to increase the quality of their shearing and the amount of sheep they are able to shear each day, thus working to build their income and longevity in the shearing industry. Additionally, as mentors provide developing shearers with education and an avenue to shear – thereby sharing their work and income – mentors may also apply for assistance.

The grant will be given to 10 developing shearers and/or mentors at $1,500 each. Developing shearers will be paid $500 once accepted and $1,000 upon completion. Mentors will be paid $1,500 upon completion. Developing shearers and mentors may apply jointly or separately; jointly is preferred. Priority will be given to developing shearers who meet the grant’s goals, including those who show dedication to becoming a professional shearer.

Click Here for more information https://www.sheepusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2025-ASI-Developing-Shearer-Mentor-Grant.pdf.