Monday November 11 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on November 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2024 corn crop is forecast at 1.88 billion bushels, up 9% from last year's production, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. If realized, this would be a new record production. Area to be harvested for grain, at 9.70 million acres, is up 2% from a year ago. Yield is forecast at 194 bushels per acre, up 12 bushels from last year, and would tie the record yield high if realized.

Soybean production is forecast at 310 million bushels, up 16% from last year. Area for harvest, at 5.25 million acres, is up 1% from 2023. Yield is forecast at 59 bushels per acre, up 7.5 bushels from last year.

Sorghum production is forecast at 21.9 million bushels, up 33% from last year. Area for harvest, at 230,000 acres, is up 2% from 2023. Yield is forecast at 95 bushels per acre, up 22 bushels from last year.

Sugarbeet production is forecast at 1.47 million tons, up 10% from last year. Area for harvest, at 46,700 acres, is up slightly from 2023. Yield is forecast at 31.4 tons per acre, up 2.8 tons from last year.

Potato acres of 21,000 were planted in 2024, down 5%. Harvested acreage is set at 20,900 acres, down 5%. Production is forecast at 9.93 million cwt, down 7% from last year. Yield is forecast at 475 cwt per acre, down 15 cwt from last year.

IOWA: Iowa corn production is forecast at 2.63 billion bushels according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 213.0 bushels per acre, down 1.0 bushel per acre from the October 1 forecast but up 12.0 bushels per acre from last year. Corn planted acreage is estimated at 12.9 million acres, with an estimated 12.4 million acres to be harvested for grain.

Soybean production is forecast at 608 million bushels. The yield is forecast at 61.0 bushels per acre, down 3.0 bushels per acre from the October forecast but up 3.0 bushels per acre from 2023. Soybean planted acreage is estimated at 10.1 million acres with 9.97 million acres to be harvested.

U.S. Crop Production
Corn production for grain is forecast at 15.1 billion bushels, down less than 1 percent from the previous forecast and down 1 percent from 2023. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average a record high 183.1 bushels per harvested acre, down 0.7 bushel from the previous forecast but up 5.8 bushels from last year. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 82.7 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast but down 4 percent from the previous year.

Soybean production for beans is forecast at 4.46 billion bushels, down 3 percent from the previous forecast but up 7 percent from 2023. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 51.7 bushels per acre, down 1.4 bushels from the previous forecast but up 1.1 bushels from 2023. Area harvested for beans in the United States is forecast at 86.3 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast but up 5 percent from 2023.

The forecasts in this report are based on November 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time. The next corn and soybean production estimates will be published in the Crop Production -- Annual Summary report which will be released January 10, 2025.



Congressman Flood Calls on Biden Administration to Fight Anti-Meat Agenda at COP29

Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement ahead of the United Nations COP29 summit. The summit is set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11th-22nd.

“As COP29 kicks off next week, the Biden administration has an important job to do. COP summits have increasingly become a forum for anti-meat activists who want to restructure our food supply and end our way of life. Following last year’s anti-meat guidelines, over 150 NGOs are pushing to curtail meat consumption as the parties convene again.”

“During the summit, it’s critical that Secretary Vilsack and other Biden officials in attendance push back on any attempt to reduce or eliminate meat production. Meat is an incredibly efficient way to deliver protein and is foundational to the world’s food security and a healthy diet. The entire delegation needs to fight for America’s farm and ranch families who help grow the food that feeds the world.”

Recently, the U.S. State Department announced the members of a delegation to the summit from the Biden administration, including U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Ahead of COP29, over 150 NGOs signed a letter pushing to “transition away from animal protein overconsumption.”

Last year, Congressman Mike Flood introduced a resolution pushing back on a new food systems strategy from the United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization that was unveiled at COP28.



Advanced Power Alliance Presents “American Energy Champion” Award to John Hansen of Nebraska Farmers Union

During the 17th annual meeting of the Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference, Rich Lombardi, representing the Advanced Power Alliance, presented the organization’s distinguished “American Energy Champion Award” to John Hansen, President of the Nebraska Farmers Union.

Hansen was elected President of the Farmers Union in 1989, and has been re-elected every two-years since then. He serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Legislative Committee for National Farmers Union and on several other of that organization’s national committees. He moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, the state capital, in 1990 to serve in this leadership role, previously operating a diversified grain and livestock operation in Madison County.

Hansen was vocally supportive of renewable energy development from its earliest days in the Cornhusker State, recognizing the opportunity that energy development provided for farmers to diversify their income and to add resilience to their agricultural operations. He has monitored the Nebraska energy economy’s growth and served as a tireless advocate for its development as wind energy has grown from a technological novelty to a key part of the Nebraska’s rural economy and an essential component of America’s energy supply. He has also spoken fiercely on behalf of private property owners and their rights, seeking to ensure that economic opportunities are preserved and protected from government intrusion.

His commitment and hard work have been vital in bringing the voice of agricultural producers into the conversation with electric power generators and the community of other energy industries, and his support and leadership of the Nebraska Wind and Solar conference have been key to that event becoming one of the leading events of its type anywhere in the country. The annual convening brings the energy industry, communities, power customers, agricultural producers, and environmental advocates together to collaborate and to strategize on ways to boost investment and to grow a Nebraska energy economy.

According to the Energy Information Administration, renewable energy provided 32% of Nebraska’s electric power in 2023, with wind energy providing 92% of that total. As of this year, Nebraska had approximately 3,500 megawatts of installed wind power generating capacity across more than 30 projects.

Because Nebraska’s traditional energy resources are so modest (0.03% of the nation’s petroleum reserves and very minor natural gas reserves), the growth of renewable energy in the state has provided all Nebraskans the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the nation’s energy economy. The state can now produce its own energy, keeping consumers’ energy dollars in the state growing and diversifying the economy. By providing cleaner, cheaper, homegrown energy, Nebraska is also made more attractive for investment by other industries including data centers, manufacturers, and other enterprises relying on clean affordable energy. Clean energy now represents the backbone of the Nebraska energy economy.

In announcing the presentation, Lombardi praised Hansen’s tireless work on behalf of farmers and rural communities:
“The Nebraska Farmer’s Union under the direction of their President John Hansen is a force that has shaped Nebraska clean energy policy that has grown to $6,000,000,000 industry in Nebraska.

“No individual or organization has spoken to more people, more times about the rural economic development that will be realized by developing Nebraska’s exquisite natural resources of wind and solar energy. John has made over 600 speeches on wind energy, testified at every clean energy legislation public hearing in the Nebraska Statehouse since 1989, has founded and co-chaired 17 Annual Nebraska Wind and Solar Conferences, has testified in countless county zoning hearings, and has fought for the benefit of all Nebraskans and on behalf of the communities throughout Nebraska.”

A letter from APA President Jeff Clark was presented to Hansen with the award and read,
‘On behalf of the Advanced Power Alliance and our members, I want to congratulate you on being selected to receive our American Energy Champion award for 2024. Your commitment to agriculture and your dedication to the families who rely on agriculture for their livelihood are legendary, respected, and appreciated.

“You have been a fierce advocate for their interests and for improving America’s rural communities and economies. You have boldly taken a stand for private property rights and the economic freedom that should be guaranteed to every landowner in choosing their own economic future. You have eloquently championed the opportunity for agriculture and energy to complement one another, delivering great new opportunities to farmers while delivering the food, fiber, and energy America needs to prosper.

“Your efforts have built a more resilient economy and have enhanced rural communities and their quality of life. Thanks to you, Nebraska is a stronger state, and America is a stronger country. You are an American Energy Champion. We congratulate you and we wish you every continued success.”

Advanced Power Alliance was pleased to honor John Hansen for providing a voice to Nebraska’s rural communities and for helping lead Nebraska’s participation in the energy expansion.



CAP Webinar: The Corporate Transparency Act: Beneficial Ownership Reporting for Farmers and Ranchers
Nov 14, 2024 12:00 PM
Dave Aiken, Professor, Agricultural Law and Water Law Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agricultural Economics.

This webinar will unpack the Corporate Transparency Act and its new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, now affecting many agricultural businesses. Many Farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners have until Jan. 1, 2025, to comply with the act’s requirements, or face financial penalties. The webinar will cover what the act means for ag business owners, who is required to report, and the steps they need to take to ensure compliance. Join us to understand how these regulations may impact your operation and get practical guidance on navigating this reporting requirement.

Register at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshops to Offer Updates on Leasing Practices, Farm Transition, and More

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a series of workshops across the state for farm and ranch landowners, landlords, and tenants who want to learn more about current trends in farm or ranch real estate, and best practices for managing or leasing land.

“Big Questions and Innovative Solutions in Land Management” will cover topics related to Nebraska's land industry for farms and ranches. Those include evaluating current trends in land values and cash rents, lease provisions and legal considerations, proper communication strategies and considerations for successful land transitions. Workshop participants will also be able to find answers to common farmland leasing and land ownership questions.  

The program is free to attend. Registration is required for each location at the phone number listed below.

Winter 2024-2025 Dates and Locations
Registration is by phone only.

Nov. 18 in North Platte: 11-4 p.m. CT at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, 402 W. State Farm Road. Register by Nov. 15 at 308-532-2683.

Nov. 19 in Kearney: 9 a.m.-noon CT at the office of Nebraska Extension in Buffalo County, 1400 E. 34th St. Register by Nov. 18 at 308-236-1235.

Dec. 4 in Alliance: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MT at the office of Nebraska Extension in Box Butte County, 415 Black Hills Ave. Register by Dec. 3 at 308-762-5616.

Dec. 3 in York: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. CT at the York County 4-H Building, 2345 Nebraska Ave. Lunch provided by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 2 at 402-362-5508.

Dec. 5 in Norfolk: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. CT at the office of Nebraska Extension in Madison County, 1305 S. 3th St. Refreshments provided by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 4 at 402-370-4040.

Dec. 5 in Sidney: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MT at the South Platte NRD office, 551 Parkland Drive. Register by Dec. 4 at 308-254-4455.

Dec. 10 in Mead: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. CT at the office of Nebraska Extension in Saunders County, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca. Lunch provided by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 9 at 402-624-8030.

Dec. 11 in O'Neill: 1-4 p.m. CT at the office of Nebraska Extension in Holt County, 128 N. 6th St., Suite 100. Refreshments provided by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 10 at 402-336-2760.

Dec. 12 in Wilber: 1-4 p.m. CT at the office of Nebraska Extension in Saline County, 306 W. 3rd. Refreshments provided by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 11 at 402-821-2151.

Dec. 17 in Dakota City: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. CT at the office of Nebraska Extension in Dakota County, 1505 Broadway. Refreshments provided by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 16 at 402-987-2140.

More dates will be announced soon. More information can be found at cap.unl.edu/land25.  

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40444.



Nebraska Wheat Board Announces November Meeting

The Nebraska Wheat Board (NWB) will hold its next meeting Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the West Central Research Extension Center in North Platte, NE. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. CST.  

During the meeting, the NWB will receive reports from members on committee activities as well as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Wheat Growers Association. The Board will also hear updates from US Wheat Associates and NU Horizon Genetics. The public is welcome to attend any open portion of the meeting. Interested individuals may contact the NWB office for a copy of the detailed agenda or for more information.

The Nebraska Wheat Board administers the check-off of 0.5% of net value of wheat marketed in Nebraska at the point of first sale.  The board invests the funds in programs of international and domestic market development and improvement, policy development, research, promotion, and education.



Lincoln & Columbus Residents Win Nebraska Beef Passport Grand Prize

This summer beef lovers travelled the state enjoying burgers, steaks, and roasts as part of the 2024 Nebraska Beef Passport campaign. Two lucky winners received top prize rewards for their participation in the program.

BettyLou Lang of Lincoln and Sherron Chard of Columbus were selected to receive $250 beef bundles provided by the Nebraska Beef Council and the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors. Participants in the Beef Passport program received an entry into the prize drawing for each check-in (beef purchase) made at a stop on this year’s pass. Two random names were selected from the entries as the grand prize winners.

Lang and her husband, William, completed 50 stops on this year’s pass. Chard and her husband, Matthew, made it to a dozen stops during their travels.

“We use this as our vacation each year. We’ve travelled all over Nebraska,” said Lang. “One of our favorite stops was in Tilden at the Branding Iron Grill. They had one of the best hot beef sandwiches that was served with mashed potatoes and cream corn. It was delicious!”

The beef passport encouraged Nebraskans and tourists to visit 32 restaurants and 19 meat processors across the state to enjoy a beef meal or stock up on their favorite beef items. Participants collected points at each stop that could be redeemed for prizes offered by the Nebraska Beef Council. The program was launched May 1 and concluded on September 30. Nearly 2,000 check-ins were recorded during the 19-week promotion with participants from over 140 communities and eight different states.

“We’ve really seen people embracing the new digital format of the Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council. “With the pass conveniently set up on your mobile device, it makes collecting points extremely easy and allows users to redeem their points for prizes at any time during the promotion.”

Beef Passport participants who collected at least 500 points (visited 5 locations) could choose from a variety of individual prizes that included Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner branded dish towels, cutting boards, steak seasoning and more. Over 100 prizes were distributed throughout the duration of the campaign with a special bonus prize awarded to 18 Hall of Fame members who recorded 30 or more check-ins.

"We've done the wine passport, the tourism passport and now the beef passport," said Matthew Chard. "One of our favorite stops was at the Wahoo Locker. It's like a candy store for adults. Their beef sticks and hot dogs are amazing."

Plans for the 2025 Nebraska Beef Passport are underway including new stop locations and additional prizes in celebration of the program’s 5th year. For additional information about the Nebraska Beef Passport visit www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org.



University of Nebraska to expand Presidential Scholars Program

The University of Nebraska’s Presidential Scholars program, which provides full-ride scholarship support to all Nebraska students who score a perfect 36 on the ACT, will be expanded to include more top Nebraska scholars for the coming academic year.

In the fall of 2024, the University of Nebraska welcomed 17 freshmen from across Nebraska to its campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney as part of the Presidential Scholars initial cohort. In the fall of 2025, the University will expand the program to up to 50 top Nebraska scholars, including both students with perfect ACT scores and other top scorers.

All Nebraska seniors who receive a perfect ACT score will automatically qualify for the program. The remaining spots will be awarded through a highly competitive application process open to Nebraska students who score 32-35 on the ACT or the SAT equivalent. For example, if 25 students with perfect ACT scores choose to attend the University for Nebraska for the 2025-26 academic year, then 25 spots would be available to students who score 32-35.

Each student accepted into the Presidential Scholars program will receive scholarship support covering the total cost of attendance. This includes tuition and fees, housing and food, and personal expenses at any NU undergraduate campus for up to four years of study. In addition, all Presidential Scholars will receive a $5,000 annual stipend. So far this year, 28 Nebraska high school seniors who received a perfect score of 36 on their ACT have applied and been admitted to a University of Nebraska campus.

“Our state’s future will be bright when our most driven and passionate young people attend college here in Nebraska,” said President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This is an investment in our state that underscores two deeply ingrained Nebraska values: hard work and excellence at the highest level.”

NU announced this program with Gov. Jim Pillen in February. Although many seniors were already well into their college decision making progress, the new program attracted 17 students with perfect ACT scores this fall – nearly 60% of the total high school seniors in Nebraska who received a perfect score. The program has since been widely praised by agricultural, philanthropic, business and elected leaders who endorsed the vision to compete for Nebraska’s homegrown talent to meet the future needs of the state.

“It is essential we compete to keep our kids here. The Presidential Scholarship program provides that pathway,” said Gov. Pillen. “When our brightest make the commitment to attend an institution of higher learning in Nebraska, then it is more likely they will stay.”

The university is maintaining its prestigious Regents Scholarship, which covers full tuition costs for high academic performers, as well as its investment in need-based financial aid through the Nebraska Promise program, which provides free tuition for Nebraska students whose families earn $65,000 or less per year.

Students with ACT scores of 32-35 will be able to apply for the program beginning immediately. For more information about the program or to apply, visit nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars.



Governor Pillen’s Trade Mission Wraps Up in Czech Republic, Continues to Germany
 
This weekend, Governor Jim Pillen concluded the first leg of his trade mission to Central Europe, holding his final meetings in the Czech Republic before continuing to Germany.
 
Gov. Pillen and members of the state delegation arrived in the Czech Republic on Nov. 7, where they were welcomed with an evening reception at the residence of U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet.
 
Friday was a full day of meetings, beginning with a briefing at the U.S. embassy in Prague. Gov. Pillen and leaders of the Nebraska National Guard (NENG) then met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the state’s military partnership with the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic.
 
“The Nebraska National Guard has partnered with the Czech Armed Forces for thirty years,” said Colonel John D. Williams, NENG’s Director of Joint Staff. “The Czech Republic is easily one of our strongest allies. They were with us immediately after 9/11 and have proven themselves time and again to be resourceful, competent soldiers and airmen. This year, we will do approximately 27 engagements with the Czech military, ranging from mission planning to cybersecurity. We are committed to strengthening our partnership and building interoperability between our forces.”
 
Gov. Pillen and state ag leaders also participated in a roundtable with the Czech Ministry of Agriculture. During the meeting, the Czech Ministry of Agriculture signed a letter of intent to collaborate with the State of Nebraska on veterinary measures, livestock production, and scientific research exchange.
 
“Czechs see the world similarly as we do in Nebraska; we're both very pragmatic, straightforward people,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our conversations here have been about creating partnerships, asking ‘how can we make each other better?’ Absolutely nobody can outcompete Nebraska. The thing we have to do is build relationships all over the world to open markets to our ag products and manufactured goods.”
 
The state delegation wraped up its time in Czechia with a reception of Czech alumni who have studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). UNL began offering Czech language instruction in 1907, becoming one of the first U.S. universities to do so. UNL continues to offer a Czech Studies minor and has collaborative partnerships with Czech universities. The reception will be an opportunity to explore additional educational and cultural exchange opportunities.
 
On Sunday, the second leg of the trade mission began in Germany. While there, Gov. Pillen and state leaders will promote Nebraska ag products, equipment, and technologies. The delegation will also take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture.



USMEF Elects New Officer Team, Details Market Diversification Efforts

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its annual strategic planning conference in Tucson, Ariz., Friday with the election of officers for 2024-25. Steve Hanson, a rancher and cattle feeder from Elsie, Neb., is the new USMEF chair, succeeding Minnesota pork and grain producer Randy Spronk.

Hanson has previously held many beef industry leadership roles, including chair of the Nebraska Beef Council and Federation of State Beef Councils and president of the Nebraska Cattlemen. He also served on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, where he came to appreciate the importance of international marketing programs for U.S. red meat.

“The Operating Committee is where I first got my exposure to USMEF, which invests our checkoff dollars so well and adds value to the beef carcass,” Hanson said.

Hanson also praised USMEF for bringing together a wide range of agricultural sectors to support a common goal – something he said was fully on display in Tucson.

“That’s one of the best things about USMEF conferences – the idea that I can attend the Pork Committee and Exporter Committee meetings, to broaden my perspective,” he said. “Yesterday, I sat in on the Exporter Committee meeting so I could learn more about the challenges they face moving product overseas. Those guys have some real hurdles, and this meeting gave me a much greater appreciation for what they do.”

Hanson added that industry unity is also critical when countering efforts to shut down animal agriculture. He cited a Denver ballot initiative that sought to ban slaughterhouses as a prime example.

“Fortunately, that measure was defeated by nearly a two-to-one margin, and we are very proud of that fact,” he said. “But there are more cities on these activists’ lists, and we need to be paying attention.”

USMEF’s new chair-elect is Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef Co., a diversified business with operations in ranching, cattle feeding, cattle nutrition and beef processing. He is a past director of the Idaho Beef Council and has served on the Beef Industry Long Range Plan Task Force.

USMEF Vice Chair Dave Bruntz is president of Bruntz Farming & Feeding in southeastern Nebraska, where he raises corn and soybeans and feeds cattle. Bruntz is a past president of the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Cattlemen. He also served as a regional vice president for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

The newest USMEF officer is Secretary-Treasurer Darin Parker, director of Salt Lake City-based exporter/distributor PMI Foods.

Friday’s closing business session also included a USMEF staff panel focused on the importance of market diversification and developing new opportunities for U.S. pork, beef and lamb in emerging destinations. Scott Reynolds, assistant vice president of marketing programs, described how USMEF categorizes markets for beef and pork and showed how allocations of USMEF investments in new and emerging markets has grown by 22% in the past five years​. These are markets with less current volume, but greater upside potential. New and emerging markets can also help manage risk when market access issues occur in the leading markets for beef or pork.

In terms of new, untapped markets for U.S. red meat, Africa tops the list. USMEF Africa Representative Matt Copeland focused on population and economic growth and reminded the audience that by 2050, one in four people in the world will be African. It will take time, says Copeland, but we can't underestimate the importance of this economic evolution in Africa.

“The geographic reach is immense. It is more than 7,000 miles from Casablanca in Morocco in the north down to Cape Town in South Africa. One of the world's finest beef restaurants will open in Marrakesh in September 2025 and will showcase U.S. beef. In December, Marble is opening its second restaurant in Johannesburg and the flagship item on their menu is Prime grade beef from Snake River Farms,” said Copeland. “In between, we’re launching an event in Ghana in April 2025 that will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the entire West African trade.”

USMEF Latin America Representative Homero Recio addressed recent initiatives to develop new opportunities in South America, including a new product launch in Colombia.

“Colombia is a growing market for U.S. pork made up of trimmings, hams, loins and ribs. But how do we grow tonnage? There are different ways to do it,” said Recio. “One, you just sell more of what you already sell. Another way is to introduce new items and that’s what we’ve been working on with the Boston butt ‒ pork’s best-kept secret.”

The new product with the most immediate potential in Colombia’s foodservice sector may be a pork burger derived from the Boston butt.

“We’ve tested the burger in Colombia and the reaction was off the charts. We are now promoting it to the trade as “BBB” – for Boston butt burger,” said Recio, who added that USMEF is also testing a variation of the burger in Chile.

USMEF ASEAN Director Sabrina Yin discussed the diversity of her region and its varying stages of market development, contrasting the highly developed market of Singapore with emerging markets such as Vietnam and Cambodia.

Yin explained that in several ASEAN markets, much of USMEF’s work is directed at overcoming technical barriers and working with the trade on supply chain development, capacity building and imaging U.S. product. Where possible, USMEF continues to utilize sampling programs for U.S. beef and pork toward growing retail shelf space. Yin described how USMEF is evolving to more of a business-to-business approach with promotions, utilizing sales contests for U.S. red meat with importers and distributors.

Thursday highlights include producer insights from overseas, USMEF awards

The previous day’s program featured a panel discussion titled Building Connections and Creating Opportunities, in which livestock producers shared firsthand experiences and insights from engaging with red meat buyers, consumers and government officials in overseas markets.

Randy Spronk, who served as USMEF chair over the past year, kicked off the discussion by recapping his first market visit to Japan 25 years ago, traveling with then-Governor Jesse Ventura. He highlighted the U.S. pork industry’s success in developing the Japanese market while also expanding demand in other Asian markets and the Western Hemisphere.

“One of the biggest takeaways for me was that exports are not something that you do in six months or in 12 months, said Spronk. “It's a long-term strategy to continue to grow a market and to be present in that market.”

Bob Ruth, a pork producer from Pennsylvania and past president of the National Pork Board, participated in a USMEF Heartland Team tour of Japan in September.

“I was amazed with the Japanese attention to detail and quality. Quality in how they cut the meat, in how they package it and how they present the meat to customers,” said Ruth. “I'm talking pork in general, but they did it with all their red meats. A big take home message for me was how we could do better here in the United States to boost demand, based on what I saw in in Japan.”

Cattlemen’s Beef Board member Ross Havens, a cattle producer from Iowa, appreciated seeing the popularity of products that have little demand in the United States.

“Tongues are one of the top beef products we export to Japan,” said Havens. “Most people in the U.S. have no interest in trying beef tongue but in Japan, the way they cook it and prepare it, beef tongue is really delicious. It’s a great example of how international markets add value to the carcass. Shipping beef products to where somebody really values it is a great return on our Beef Checkoff investments.”

Don Pemberton, former president of Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and a participant in a Heartland Team tour of Korea and Japan in 2023, talked about his experience grilling steak for social media influencers in Tokyo and the great interest they showed in his technique. He also shared his surprise at how much attention he received upon his return to Kentucky.

“When I got back to Kentucky, I prepared a trip report and presentation for Kentucky Cattlemen and Kentucky Beef Council. And the next thing I knew, I was on a speaking tour around the state. Because I'd spent 48 hours in Seoul and 48 hours in Tokyo, I was now considered an expert on foreign trade,” laughed Pemberton.

“As I presented at more of these meetings, I realized their great interest in how global trade affects them, and more importantly, their checkoff investment. With what I was able to share, they could better understand how their checkoff dollars are invested in global marketing and what a difference this is making.”

While the panel freely shared their observations and insights with conference attendees, they also encouraged members to consider visiting an international market through a USMEF trade mission.

“My advice would be, take a trip. The intelligence that you pick up in the markets is a very valuable experience,” said Ruth. “The other thing is, and Don had talked about it, and Ross talked about it, is that our customers want to hear from you, the producer. The influence that you have is phenomenal, and your presence there really helps USMEF. It's going to be valuable for you, and it will be valuable for our industry as well.”

Thursday highlights also included an awards luncheon where USMEF honored Nick Giordano, former lead lobbyist with the National Pork Producers Council, with its Michael J. Mansfield Award. Mark Jagels, a corn and livestock producer from Davenport, Neb., and former USMEF chair, received USMEF’s Distinguished Service Award. More details on these awards and comments from the recipients are available here.

USMEF also honored the Montana Beef Council with its Million Dollar Club Award. This award recognizes USMEF member organizations that have contributed more than $1 million in support of USMEF’s marketing programs. Montana Beef Council is a longtime partner of USMEF, making its initial contribution in 1984.

The conference began on Wednesday with a deep dive into the election’s impact on agricultural and trade policy, as well as an update on U.S.-Mexico trade relations. Opening day highlights are available in this press release.

USMEF members will next meet at the organization’s Spring Conference, May 21-23 in Fort Worth, Texas.



Denver Slaughterhouse Ban Fails

Denver city residents rejected a proposed ban on slaughterhouses on Tuesday, when more than 64 percent of voters said no to Ordinance 309. The ban unfairly targeted a single business – Superior Farms’ lamb plant on the city’s north side.

“Activists from New Orleans and California used dark money from out of state to try and shut down this local company, but they lost to Colorado workers, farmers, ranchers and restaurateurs,” said Ian Silverii, campaign spokesperson for Stop the Ban, Protect Jobs (No on 309). “A record number of endorsers and local supporters from across the political spectrum joined with us to defeat this ban, and their local voices mattered in this election. We have one message for those who tried to come to our city and our state to run their experiment to upend the lives of so many hardworking people: it was a baaaaaaaad idea.”

Animal extremists admitted the Denver ban was a test case for pushing slaughterhouse bans in cities all across the United States. With far-reaching implications on the city ballot, livestock and meat industry organizations came together with the American Sheep Industry Association and its members to provide financial and logistical support for the Stop the Ban campaign. ASI was a key partner in the Stop the Ban Campaign, which launched at the 2024 ASI Annual Convention in January. The combined efforts resulted in saving 160 jobs of Superior Farms’ employee-owners and allowed the American sheep industry to keep open a plant that provides up to 20 percent of all lamb harvesting capacity in the United States.

“I can’t tell you how relieved I am,” said Gustavo Fernandez, General Manager of Superior Farms Denver, who has worked there for more than 30 years. “I and the workers at this facility just want to do our jobs and provide for our families. Now we can get back to that without this huge weight on our shoulders. Thank you, Denver!”



RFA Welcomes Legislation Extending Second-Generation Biofuels Tax Credit

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan duo of lawmakers who introduced legislation to extend the Second Generation Biofuel Producer Tax Credit for an additional year. 2022’s Inflation Reduction Act extended this credit until the end of 2024, and this new bill would extend it through 2025, allowing time for the federal government to complete its work on another key credit to promote lower-carbon fuels, RFA noted.

The House bill was introduced by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS).

“Cellulosic biofuel producers have been anxiously awaiting guidance from the Treasury Department on the new 45Z clean fuel producer tax credit that is supposed to take effect just two months from now,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “But with 2025 just around the corner, Treasury has not yet proposed regulations to implement the 45Z credit and there is no clarity on the timeline or path forward. By extending the existing tax credit for second-generation biofuels by one year, this bipartisan legislation provides marketplace certainty and allows for a smooth transition to the new tax credit regime. We applaud Reps. Miller-Meeks and Davids for taking action to protect the market for cellulosic ethanol made from grain fiber, which is the lowest-cost, lowest-carbon liquid fuel available in the marketplace today.”

Under current law, a second-generation biofuel producer may be eligible for a tax incentive in the amount of up to $1.01 per gallon of second-generation biofuel. The incentive is allowed as a credit against the producer’s income tax liability.