Thursday November 14 Ag News

 Governor Pillen Leads State Trade Delegation to Germany

Governor Jim Pillen led Nebraska’s trade delegation to Germany on Sunday, kicking off the second phase of the state trade mission to Europe. The mission to Germany follows three event-packed days in the Czech Republic, which concluded with a reception for University of Nebraska alumni on Saturday evening in Prague.

On Monday morning, Gov. Pillen held a high-level meeting with Stephan Weil, Minister President of Niedersachsen Government, to explore opportunities to grow trade. Niedersachsen, also known as Lower Saxony, is a federal state in northwestern Germany. The region is known for its ag tech innovation and is home to prominent research institutions and companies that are developing advanced agricultural practices.

While in Lower Saxony, the state delegation visited the headquarters of Continental (ContiTech) to thank the company for its investment in Nebraska. ContiTech has a major manufacturing plant in Lincoln, where it makes belts for lawnmowers, snowblowers, and combine headers—along with many other products. The business also has extensive operations in Norfolk, where it manufacturers industrial and hydraulic hosing.

“In the last few days, we've met with German companies doing business in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “We’re showing our appreciation and discussing how each company can have a greater impact in our state. Two things are very clear from our time here. First, everyone we’ve met in Germany absolutely loves the people in Nebraska. Second, they can’t talk enough about how much they love our melt-in-your-mouth Nebraska beef!”

On Monday evening, Gov. Pillen gave the keynote at EuroTier’s International Cattle and Pig Event—highlighting Nebraska’s global leadership in sustainable livestock production. EuroTier is the largest international trade fair for animal agriculture. Annually, it draws upward of 150,000 visitors. Members of the Nebraska delegation manned a large pavilion during the event, holding a special reception on Tuesday evening to showcase the state’s world-class agricultural equipment, technologies, and products.

“We learned about the precision agricultural equipment in Germany, while sharing about the standards we have in Nebraska,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Sherry Vinton. “We look forward to working together in partnership to produce the high-quality, safe food that consumers around the world demand. As we do, we’re going to take care of our natural resources for this generation and generations to come.”

Gov. Pillen and members of Nebraska’s trade team met leadership of CLAAS Group on Wednesday to discuss how the state can best support the German manufacturer’s continued growth in Nebraska. Since 2001, CLAAS has produced its LEXION combine harvesters in Omaha. Matt Ristow, President of CLAAS Omaha Inc., participated in the meetings, as did Dr. Theo Freye — retired CEO of CLAAS KgaA, who now leads the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) trade office in Germany.

“This trade mission is a beneficial exchange,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “We've been able to share some things from Nebraska, while also learning from our German counterparts. For example, German manufacturers excel at connecting young people to great careers through apprenticeships. We’re going to bring this lesson home to make Nebraska’s economy stronger.”

On Wednesday evening, the state’s trade delegation connected with Albers Beef, a leading German company specializing in the distribution of food products, including Nebraska beef. During the gathering, Nebraska’s leaders reinforced the sustainable production, premium quality, and nutritiousness of the state’s beef products.

“The German people are friendly, cordial, and they want to learn more about Nebraska,” said Jim Ramm, a cow-calf producer from Holt County and board member of the Nebraska Beef Council. “There is a bus load of people eager to come to Nebraska to see firsthand how we do things. They’re deeply impressed by how we care for our cattle herds.”

The trade mission will wrap up on Thursday, Nov. 14, with meetings at Bayer and Evonik—along with a conference with the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia. Bayer operates crop science facilities across the Midwest, including a major research station in Beaver Crossing. Evonik is a global company that develops specialty chemicals for a variety of industries. It has produced lysine, an animal feed additive, in Blair since 2000. North Rhine-Westphalia is Germany’s most populous state and accounts for more than one-fifth of the country’s GPD.

While strengthening relationships with companies who already invest in Nebraska, the state’s trade delegation is also prioritizing recruitment meetings with German manufacturers considering expansion in the U.S. Nebraska’s trade representatives are highlighting the state’s world-class workforce; business-friendly climate, and advantageous, central location. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Germany is tied with Japan as the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nebraska, accounting for 27% of FDI into the state.



Nebraska Extension Succession Planning Series for Women in Agriculture Kicks off in January
 
A multi-state extension workshop series for women in agriculture will offer strategies to evaluate and improve farm estate and transition plans.

“Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women: A Succession Planning Series,” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Central time on Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 at sites across Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana. The series is being produced through a collaborative effort by extension programs at Kansas State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Purdue University.

Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. A meal will be provided on each date.

“Planning for what happens to your things when you’re gone can be daunting, but it’s so important, especially in agriculture, so that the transition to the next generation goes smoothly,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program. “This series will help women learn best practices and new strategies to help the transition and estate planning processes so they can take that back to their farm or ranch and help lead the way in creating or reevaluating their plans.”

Groskopf said the program’s structure is intended to strengthen networks of women in rural areas, which can provide opportunities for building trust and sharing information. “Connections are so important to rural women,” she said. “We have seen the benefits that come from knowing your peers, having a place to share difficulties, and mitigate the isolation that so many of us in agriculture often feel.”

The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60 before Jan. 13 and increases to $75 on or after Jan. 13. A virtual option is available for $75. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions. More information and registration is available on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu/succession25.

Nebraska Locations include:
Columbus - Columbus Chamber Office - 753 33rd Ave.
Concord - UNL Haskell Ag Lab - 57905 866 Rd
Lincoln - Lancaster County Extension Office - 444 Cherrycreek Rd, Suite A
Neligh - Ag Building at Antelope County Ag Society - 707 E. Hwy 275

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



Hefty Seed Co to host Local Agronomy Clinics

Hefty's Agronomy Clinics will take place in:
    Tekamah, NE @ The Tipsy Pig on Tuesday, November 26th
    Neligh, NE @ The Antelope County Fair Ag Building on Tuesday, December 3rd
    Schuyler, NE @ The Schuyler Golf Club on Wednesday, December 4th
    Nebraska City, NE @ The Pin High Clubhouse on Thursday, December 5th

Topics discussed are inputs for '25, chem programs, weed/disease/insect management, biologicals, soil fertility, and VRAFY!

To RSVP for the agronomy clinics call the office @ 402-372-9900.  



Cattle Producers Congratulate Sen. Thune for being Selected Majority Leader

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) congratulated Sen. John Thune (SD) for being selected as the next Senate Majority Leader:

"Senator Thune has long been a strong ally for cattle producers and is an excellent choice to secure meaningful relief for cattle producers as he leads the Senate,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “Throughout his career, Sen. Thune has led the effort to repeal the federal estate tax and fought to ensure family farms and ranches are able to be passed down to future generations. With crucial tax provisions set to expire at the end of 2025, NCBA looks forward to continuing to work with the new Majority Leader to deliver critical tax relief to producers in the 119th Congress.”

Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Election of Thune as Senate Majority Leader
“Nebraska Farm Bureau would like to congratulate South Dakota Senator John Thune on his election to be the next Senate Majority Leader. Senator Thune has been a steadfast supporter of farm and ranch families, and we are excited to get to work on passing a new Farm Bill, preserving the many expiring tax provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and providing necessary regulatory oversight and relief. We look forward to working with Majority Leader Thune to help ensure a bright future for farm and ranch families across Nebraska and across our wonderful nation.”



National Corn Growers Association Applauds Thune for Securing New Leadership Role

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenny Hartman commended Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today after the policymaker was elected as the new Senate majority leader.

“We want to congratulate Sen. John Thune for being selected by the Republican Conference as Senate majority leader,” Hartman said. “The senator has been a staunch ally of corn growers and rural communities, and we look forward to continuing our work with him in this new capacity.”

Hartman also expressed his appreciation for the current majority leader.

“We also want to thank Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for his years of service to this country and for all that he has accomplished for growers during his time as majority leader,” Hartman said.

The new Congress will be sworn in on January 3, at which point Thune will officially assume his new role.



Ricketts Comments on Trump Decision to Nominate Marco Rubio for Secretary of State

Wednesday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, issued the following statement on President Trump’s selection of Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) as Secretary of State:

“The Biden-Harris administration’s appeasement-first foreign policy made America weaker and less safe. In contrast, Senator Rubio is clear-eyed about the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He is the perfect candidate to help President Trump restore American strength abroad. As a member of the Committee that oversees the State Department, I look forward to getting Marco confirmed as quickly as possible.”



IRFA Congratulates Mike Johnson on Selection to Remain U.S. House Speaker

Wednesday the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) congratulated Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson on his selection to remain the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

"During Speaker Johnson's recent trips to Iowa, he has spoken several times with IRFA members and staff. We are confident he understands the importance of renewable fuels production to a healthy rural economy. When talking of repealing Biden energy incentives, IRFA members certainly took note when Speaker Johnson stated: ‘You’ve got to use a scalpel and not a sledgehammer, because there’s a few provisions in there that have helped overall.’1 IRFA members look forward to working with the Speaker to craft an American energy agenda that includes a robust role for homegrown biofuels.”

IRFA Congratulates John Thune on Selection as Next Senate Majority Leader
Wednesday the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) congratulated South Dakota Senator John Thune on his selection as the next United States Senate Majority Leader. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“At a time of economic uncertainty for agriculture and rural America, we are excited that at the head of the Senate will be a Midwesterner who understands farming and biofuels. IRFA members congratulate Sen. John Thune on his selection as the next U.S. Senate Majority Leader. A lot of change is likely coming for U.S. policy and IRFA members look forward to working with Sen. Thune to ensure rural America is not left behind.”



2024 IOWA CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION: WHERE INNOVATORS MEET AND BUSINESSES GROW

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, invites cattle producers and industry supporters to attend the 2024 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention held December 12 and 13 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa.

The Iowa Cattle Industry Convention is an excellent opportunity for those just getting their start or those with years of experience to network and learn from others within the industry. This is also where a significant part of ICA’s policy development process happens. ICA members can voice their perspectives and help develop the association’s policy priorities for the year ahead.

ICA is excited to welcome Trey Wasserburger of TD Angus at Rishel Ranch as our keynote presenter. Wasserburger will share his motivational story of creating a sustainable beef brand and packing plant in his session, ‘Conception to Consumer.’ As Wasserburger describes it, it is a story of producers coming together for the common good of the community and cattle industry.

Additionally, we’ll welcome a series of exceptional breakout session topics and speakers for participants to select from and gain valuable insights that fit their operation’s needs. Topics include current cattle research, the future of beef exports after the recent election, feedlot prosperity in 2025, and building a brand.

Connection is key and ICA has worked in a variety of networking opportunities. Guests will not want to miss out on our beef pairing experience, industry social, and entertainment from the Red Dirt Renegade band. We also have sold out of tradeshow exhibits and will have more than 30 industry partners on-site to share their products and services.

The Iowa Cattle Industry Convention is the culmination of ICA’s formal policy development. Producer members are encouraged to participate and provide input in the policy committee meetings which will review expiring resolutions and directives and provide time to introduce new policy priority suggestions. Voting and ratification will conclude this process during the ICA Annual Meeting on December 13.

“I want to encourage all members and those considering membership with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to attend this year’s Iowa Cattle Industry Convention to get a firsthand look at the value of our association,” said Bryan Whaley, ICA CEO. “We know this is a busy time of year, but your investment of time at the Convention will be well spent for you and your operation. Not only does this event provide educational sessions that offer something for everyone, but the industry connections are key. I also can’t emphasize enough the importance of members being involved in ICA’s policy development process at the Convention. Input drives legislative wins such as passing the Meat Integrity Bill or reinstating the capital gains deduction that the association accomplished last year. Your participation helps shape the industry’s future.”

Registration and additional event details can be found at https://www.iacattlemen.org/events-meetings/iowa-cattle-industry-convention. ICA would like to thank our gracious sponsors (listed on the event webpage) for helping make this event successful.



ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Team webinar on December 19 Explains Extra-Label Drug Use in Cattle and How Aspirin Fits In

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues Thursday, Dec. 19, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Allison Vander Plaats will discuss the topic of extra-label drug use.

Aspirin has never gone through the process of being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in cattle. However, FDA considered aspirin to be of “low regulatory concern,” so its use in scenarios where a veterinarian determined there to be no other option for treatment was acceptable. The agency has now reversed that stance and released a letter to veterinarians this week emphasizing that aspirin use in dairy cattle and other food animals is prohibited.

Allison Vander Plaats is a postdoctoral associate at Iowa State University Veterinary Field Services, where she is working towards a food animal specialty residency and graduate degree. A California native, she attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for her undergraduate work, then went to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for her DVM with a production animal focus. After graduation, she moved back to the Central Valley to join a six-doctor primarily dairy practice for a few years, before then moving to a teaching and staff vet position at a community college. Her professional interests include antibiotic stewardship, veterinary education, and ruminant medicine.

Producers, dairy consultants, and industry representatives are encouraged to attend the free webinar from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Dec. 19 by registering at least one hour prior to the webinar at https://go.iastate.edu/ASPIRINWEBINAR.

For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu; in Ames, Dr. Gail Carpenter, 515-294-9085 or ajcarpen@iastate.edu.



National Farmers Union Outlines First-100-Days Priorities in Letter to President-Elect Trump  

As the transition to the newly elected administration begins, National Farmers Union (NFU), representing family farmers and ranchers across the country, has sent a letter to President-elect Trump urging focus on policy priorities essential to the health and vitality of rural America and the sustainability of our nation’s agricultural system.

“Family farmers and ranchers face challenges that demand urgent attention and continued support. Our next president has an opportunity to lead with policies that secure fair markets, strengthen the farm safety net and ensure a sustainable future for American agriculture,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “We want to work with the new administration to build on recent progress and help shape a future where family farms and their communities can thrive.”

In its letter, NFU highlights key priorities, including:
    Strengthening the Farm Safety Net: With 2025 projected to be a challenging year for family farmers, NFU calls for robust support to address volatility in crop prices and input costs. Larew emphasized, “The safety net established in the 2018 Farm Bill will not be sufficient to help farmers withstand rapidly declining crop prices, high interest rates, and natural disasters.”
    Ensuring Competitive Markets: NFU advocates for the enforcement of antitrust laws and greater transparency to combat the economic challenges posed by market concentration in the agricultural sector. "For too long, unchecked mergers in the agriculture industry and throughout our nation’s economy have come at the expense of family farmers. We need a food system that is competitive and resilient, not one that is brittle and dominated by only a few multinational corporations," Larew stated.
    Trade: NFU urges the administration to be measured and cooperative when negotiating trade policy. Drastic measures could jeopardize the short-term and long-term financial health of family farmers. “Our members suffered significant losses due to the earlier trade dispute with China, and we lost valuable market share, particularly for soybeans, to competitors like Brazil,” added Larew.

Additional priorities outlined in NFU’s letter include support for a simplified tax code that treats family farmers fairly, right-to-repair legislation, access to high-quality healthcare and a stable agricultural workforce, among others.

NFU remains committed to advocating for family farmers and ranchers and will continue to work closely with the incoming administration to address these pressing issues.



7 Fertilizer Prices Continue Higher During First Week of November

Average retail prices of most fertilizers continued to move higher during the first week of November 2024, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Prices for seven of the eight major fertilizers were up from last month, while the price of the eighth was down slightly. But once again, no fertilizer had a significant price increase or decrease, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. The seven fertilizers with slightly higher prices were DAP, which had an average price of $739 per ton, MAP $810/ton, urea $496/ton, 10-34-0 $607/ton, anhydrous $711/ton, UAN28 $322/ton and UAN32 $364/ton.

The one fertilizer that was slightly less expensive than last month was potash, which had an average price of $444/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.43/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.57/lb.N.

Prices for all except two fertilizers are lower compared to one year ago. MAP is 1% higher while DAP is 4% more expensive than last year. The remaining six fertilizers are lower. 10-34-0 is 10% lower, UAN28 is 11% less expensive, both potash and UAN32 are 13% lower, and both urea and anhydrous are now 14% lower compared to last year.



New Research Details How Beef Benefits Key Age Groups

Recent Beef Checkoff-funded research adds to a growing body of evidence reinforcing the important role beef plays in closing nutrient gaps for vulnerable populations. The three new studies looked at nutrient intake and adequacy needs during adolescence, pregnancy and for those 60 years of age and older.

“Our analysis shows that people at various life stages – adolescents, pregnant and lactating women and older adults – who eat about 2 ounces of beef a day, on average, consume more essential nutrients in their meals, helping them better achieve overall nutrient adequacy,” said Victor Fulgoni III, PhD, lead study author. “Meals with nutrient-dense, lean beef may help improve health by delivering critical nutrients that support key life milestones.”  

Adolescents (14-18 years old)
Adolescence is a critical life stage with increased nutrient needs for optimal growth and development. A combination of greater nutrient requirements and a decrease in diet quality in this life stage leads to nutrient gaps and deficiencies, creating a public health concern. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the nutrients lacking in adolescents’ diets put them at greater nutritional risk. However, adolescents who regularly eat meals with beef are more likely to meet daily essential nutrient recommendations and have a lower prevalence for nutrient inadequacies.

Beef’s nutrients, such as protein, zinc, B vitamins and iron, are essential nutrients needed for proper adolescent development. Based on this analysis, adolescents who regularly eat meals with beef are more likely to meet daily recommendations for essential nutrients. As little as 1.7 ounces of beef per day in their diets led to increased intakes of calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, choline, vitamin B12 and zinc.

Pregnant and Lactating Women
The importance of proper nutrition in supporting maternal and child health through pregnancy and lactation cannot be overstated. The study found that pregnant and lactating women who regularly eat meals with beef are more likely to meet daily essential protein and other key nutrient recommendations and have a lower prevalence for nutrient inadequacies. Based on this analysis, it is estimated that an additional 830,000 pregnant and lactating women would no longer have inadequate intakes for zinc if they incorporated as little as 1.7 ounces of beef into their daily diet.

Older Adults (60 years and older)  
A significant proportion of older U.S. adults consume less than the recommended amounts of key nutrients each day, which can have health consequences. This study found that adults ages 60 years and older who regularly eat meals with beef have improved intake of 12 nutrients, including nutrients often lacking in this population, protein and vitamin B12. Further, older adults who eat about 2 ounces of beef per day in their diet are more likely to meet daily essential nutrient recommendations and have a lower prevalence for nutrient inadequacies.

Across All Life Stages   
Eating meals with beef improved intake of key nutrients in the total diet and helped a greater percentage of the population meet nutrient adequacy for calcium, iron, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, protein and vitamin B12.

Through the funding of these studies, the Beef Checkoff plays an important role in ensuring the availability of peer-reviewed research about beef. “Today, more than ever, there is significant competition for limited funding for research on food and human nutrition,” explained Shalene McNeill, PhD, executive director of nutrition science, health and wellness. “We are fortunate that beef farmers and ranchers recognize the importance of scientific research, and thanks to their Checkoff dollars we have the opportunity to fund research that examines beef’s role in a healthy diet.”

To view the three Beef Checkoff-funded studies in their entirety, visit the links included below.
    Fulgoni K, Fulgoni VL III. Beef Intake Is Associated with Higher Nutrient Intake and Nutrient Adequacy in U.S. Adolescents, NHANES 2001–2018. Nutrients. 2023; 15(23):4996. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/23/4996
    Agarwal S & Fulgoni VL III. Contribution of Beef to Key Nutrient Intakes and Nutrient Adequacy in Pregnant and Lactating Women: NHANES 2011–2018 Analysis. Nutrients 2024;16(7):981. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/7/981
    Agarwal S, Fulgoni VL III. Beef Consumption Is Associated with Higher Intakes and Adequacy of Key Nutrients in Older Adults Age 60+ Years: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018 Analysis. Nutrients. 2024; 16(11): 1779. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/11/1779

This research was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. NCBA was not involved in the study design, data collection and analysis, or publication of the findings.

For more about the latest Beef Checkoff efforts, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.



RFA Congratulates Industry Leaders on EPA Committee Appointment

The Renewable Fuels Association today congratulated Erik Huschitt and Bill Couser for their appointment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee, which provides independent policy advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on crucial environmental issues affecting agriculture and rural communities.

Huschitt is the CEO and general manager of Badger State Ethanol in Wisconsin and is RFA’s immediate past chairman. Bill Couser is a founder of RFA producer member Lincolnway Energy in Iowa. Couser is a returning member to the committee, and Huschitt is a new appointee.

“Erik and Bill bring a lot of practical experience to the table when it comes to agriculture, renewable fuels, and the environment,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We are proud to see their knowledge and expertise being put to use, and we appreciate Administrator Regan’s continued willingness to bring all voices to the table. I am sure they will make a terrific addition to this committee, and have a lot to offer.”



USDA to Host Educational Event at USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Center

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host an in-person educational event for cattle producers and interested stakeholders at the USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Center (CCTC) at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in Canyon, Texas, on Dec. 12, 2024. The event will focus on feeder cattle grading and evaluation, emerging technology in the cattle industry and USDA’s Livestock, Poultry and Grain Market News reports.

This event is designed for producers, feeders, and other stakeholders who want a better understanding of factors that contribute to the market value of cattle, and how these factors can inform marketing and production decisions. Attendees will hear from USDA and industry experts and participate in live cattle demonstrations.

The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to establish the CCTCs to conduct activities that limit subjectivity in the application of beef grading standards, provide producers with a greater understanding of the value of their cattle, and provide investors with more confidence in the cattle delivery system.

The event is free and open to the public, but preregistration is required. More information about this event, including how to preregister, is on the AMS website https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/beef/cattle-carcass-training-centers.



Future Agricultural Leaders Encouraged to Attend CattleCon 2025

CattleCon 2025 invites future agricultural leaders to San Antonio, Texas, to experience the largest cattle industry event of the year, Feb. 4-6. Courtesy of Culver’s and Nationwide Insurance, FFA and 4-H members can receive free trade show admission on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, which includes access to a variety of educational events.

The first 250 FFA members and 250 4-H members to register will receive complimentary Thursday NCBA Trade Show admission. FFA members and alumni are also invited to the Culver’s Blue Jacket Social, a special gathering designed for networking, sharing experiences and building lasting relationships.

NCBA Trade Show attendees can explore more than nine acres of displays and exhibitors offering the latest advancements, from equipment and technology to pharmaceuticals and feed supplements. In addition to finding the right product or service to solve any problem, there are a variety of educational opportunities within the show.

Attendees can stop in the Learning Lounge to enjoy informal, face-to-face talks in an intimate setting right on the trade show floor. The popular Stockmanship & Stewardship Demonstration Arena also returns with stockmanship experts providing low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance educational sessions, industry updates and facility design sessions. Cattle Chats will feature beef industry educational sessions, and the Chutes and Scales Showdown will offer a side-by-side comparison of equipment where producers can watch cattle run through chutes then get hands-on experience.

To receive free Thursday NCBA Trade Show registration, FFA members must use the code FFACULVERS, and 4-H members, 4HNW. In addition, children 12 and under receive free trade show admission with a paying adult. A variety of other registration options are also available. For more information and to register and reserve housing, visit convention.ncba.org.



McDonald’s USA, Syngenta and Lopez Foods collaborate to help produce beef more sustainably

McDonald’s USA, one of the largest fast food restaurant chains, Lopez Foods, a multi-protein producer and long-term supplier to McDonald’s, and Syngenta North America, a leader in agricultural technology, today announced a collaboration that aims to increase feed efficiency and help reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released per pound of meat produced, as part of efforts to improve the sustainability of beef production.

Enogen® corn is an in-seed innovation available exclusively from Syngenta, that has been shown to increase feed efficiency in cattle and thereby help reduce emissions intensity compared to other corn.

“At Syngenta, we’re convinced improving the sustainability of the global food system can be accelerated through innovation and collaboration,” said Justin Wolfe, President of Syngenta Seeds. “We’re proud of the great attributes of our Enogen® corn, and how our work can help enable McDonald’s and their beef supply chain to deliver impact.”

Ambitious climate commitments mean that companies like McDonald’s and Lopez Foods may need to invest in climate-smart technologies like Enogen® corn. “McDonald’s is starting with a priority ingredient for our company – beef,” said Kendra Levine, Director of US Sustainability for McDonald’s. “We believe the innovative collaboration with Syngenta is an opportunity to help us make progress toward our science-based climate targets.”

Enogen® corn, used for both grain and silage, contains a robust alpha amylase enzyme that quickly converts starch to usable sugars, delivering more available energy to cattle while being easily digestible. Increased digestibility of Enogen® corn can result in increased feed efficiency, which is widely recognized as an important approach to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions in livestock production systems.

University research has shown that feeding Enogen® as silage or grain can improve feed efficiency by about 5%. Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) shows potential for environmental savings resulting from this increased efficiency, including lower emissions of greenhouse gases and lower use of land, energy, and water per unit of production. Specific findings show that, per 1,000 head of beef cattle, this collaboration could potentially achieve annual savings of
    196 tons (178 metric tons) CO2e in GHG reduction
    69 acre reduction (28 hectare) in land use for growing feed
    6 million fewer gallons (22 million liters) of water used
    231 thousand kilowatt-hours energy savings

McDonald's plans to scale this program to help deliver over 164,000 metric tons CO2e per year.

According to Wolfe, sustainability is fully embedded in the global business strategy of Syngenta, with clear targets and an ambition that guides the company’s innovation, including advancements in Seed technology like Enogen®. Syngenta sustainability priorities include achieving higher yields with lower impact, regenerating soil and nature, improving rural prosperity, and establishing sustainable operations. Collaborations like these will drive impact and change at scale.