Wednesday November 06 Ag News

Pillen to Lead State Delegation to Czech Republic and Germany

This week, Governor Jim Pillen and state leaders will embark on a diplomatic and trade mission to the Czech Republic and Germany. The delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), Nebraska National Guard, the University of Nebraska, the state’s agriculture and banking industries, and the ag tech sector. The mission will take place from November 7-14.

“European consumers place a high value on sustainability,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska’s low-carbon production of food, feed, and fuel can help meet this demand. We are excited to showcase our state’s precision ag technologies and leadership in animal agriculture while in Czechia and Germany.”

In the Czech Republic, Nebraska’s delegation will meet with the national government’s ministries of agriculture and foreign affairs, military leaders, and Czech agribusinesses. The goal of the mission is to deepen existing military, commercial, and educational partnerships. The State will also explore opportunities for agricultural research collaboration, particularly in livestock production.

Nebraska has longstanding cultural ties to the Czech Republic. From the mid-1850s to the 1910s, an estimated 50,000 Czechs settled in Nebraska. By the early 20th century, Nebraska had welcomed more Czech immigrants, per capita, than any other state. To honor this heritage, Gov. Pillen signed LB 140 into law this year, creating Czech Heritage license plates. Additionally, Nebraska’s National Guard has a 30+ year partnership with the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic through the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program. Since 1993, the partners have cooperated on more than 300 engagements, such as joint training exercises and military expertise exchanges.

In Germany, Nebraska’s delegation will recruit investment into the state’s bioeconomy; meet with leaders of German state governments; and take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture. Gov. Pillen will give the keynote address at EuroTier’s International Cattle & Pig Event on Nov. 11. The state delegation will also meet with German companies doing business in Nebraska to thank them for their ongoing investment. Additionally, the trade mission will promote Nebraska ag products, especially beef. In 2023, Nebraska exported $111 million of beef to the European Union—more than any other U.S. state.

“German businesses are renowned for their manufacturing prowess,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “Nebraska’s world-class workforce, central location, and strengths in transportation and logistics are strong selling points as we invite manufacturers to locate or expand in our state.”

Bayer, CLAAS, Continental, Evonik, and Graepel, and Siemens are among the German companies with significant operations in the Cornhusker State.



Federal Emergency Management Agency Designates 16 Counties in Nebraska as Natural Disaster Areas Due to Major Storms in Summer 2024

This Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

Impacted Area: Nebraska
Triggering Disaster: Severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring between June 20 and July 8, 2024
Application Deadline: May 26, 2025

Primary Counties Eligible: Boyd, Clay, Dakota, Dawson, Douglas, Fillmore, Holt, Howard, Lincoln, McPherson, Nance, Nemaha, Saunders, Scotts Bluff, Thomas and Washington

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible: Nebraska counties also eligible for assistance as contiguous counties: Adams, Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Boone, Box Butte, Buffalo, Burt, Butler, Cass, Cherry, Custer, Dixon, Dodge, Frontier, Garfield, Gosper, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Hayes, Hooker, Jefferson, Johnson, Keith, Keya Paha, Knox, Lancaster, Logan, Loup, Merrick, Morrill, Nuckolls, Otoe, Pawnee, Perkins, Phelps, Platte, Richardson, Rock, Saline, Sarpy, Seward, Sherman, Sioux, Thayer, Thurston, Webster, Wheeler and York.

More Resources On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local  USDA Service Center.

FEMA offers different assistance programs for individual citizens, public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations. To find the FEMA help you need following a disaster event, visit fema.gov/assistance.



Midwest Dairy Seeks Applicants for Nebraska Dairy Ambassador Program

High school seniors and juniors and college students with an interest and passion for dairy can now apply to be a dairy ambassador in one of eight states across the Midwest including Nebraska. The Dairy Ambassador Program is an educational and leadership opportunity for high school and college students interested in promoting dairy designed to shape future dairy champions who will promote the dairy community. Dairy Ambassadors will have the opportunity to connect with consumers and share dairy’s story while networking with their peers and industry professionals.

Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including connecting with consumers at the Nebraska State Fair, ag literacy festivals, other partnering organizations’ events, and attending dairy industry meetings as well as participating in leadership opportunities.

To be eligible, applicants must be (1) enrolled as a Nebraska high school junior (11th grade) or senior (12th grade) during the current year of application, or (2) college student enrolled full-time in a Nebraska post-secondary school for the duration of the appointment. Applicants are not required to have an agriculture background but must have a passion for dairy and the resources to communicate effectively through email, text messaging and in-person.

This is a one-year program, running from January through December 2025. During the program, ambassadors will receive stipends and have approved expenses covered upon participation. After successful completion of the one-year program, Dairy Ambassadors are eligible to apply for an educational scholarship up to $1,000. Eligible students can apply at www.MidwestDairy.com, in the Young Dairy Leaders tab/section, under Ambassador Program then select Nebraska. The online application (APPLY NOW) is at the bottom of the Nebraska Ambassador program page. Online applications are due DECEMBER 15, 2024. Selected ambassadors will be notified by JANUARY 10, 2025.

If you have questions, please contact Tracy J. Behnken, Manager, Farmer Relations at tbehnken@midwestdairy.com or 531-207-4291.



DARI Processing, LLC Selects Seward, Nebraska for New Dairy Processing Facility

At the Seward City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, it was announced that DARI Processing, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has selected Seward, Nebraska to explore constructing a new dairy processing facility. DARI Processing is owned by Tuls Dairies, which headquarters in Butler County, Nebraska.

“Our team has felt welcomed by leaders in Seward beginning from the first community site visit,” stated Todd Tuls, CEO for Tuls Dairies and DARI Processing. “We are excited to explore pursuing construction in Seward in the near future.”

DARI Processing is initially signing a lease agreement to secure a 38-acre parcel from the City of Seward and will now conduct due diligence on the site. DARI Processing is considering building a new 236,000 square foot plant to be used in dairy production. The proposed location is within the 300-acre City-owned industrial park called the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus.

“The City of Seward is honored to have been selected through a competitive nationwide site selection process for DARI Processing’s new dairy processing facility,” said City of Seward Mayor Josh Eickmeier. “We look forward to working with them through their decision-making process to determine when to begin construction.”

DARI Processing will Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) process milk to be packaged into aseptic shelf stable products for domestic and international markets. The City of Seward is anticipating a TIF application from the business to support their various public improvements related to the project.

“This is a huge win for dairy in Nebraska,” said Kris Bousquet, Executive Director for the Nebraska State Dairy Association. “As this project moves forward, it will support our entire statewide industry.”

Dirt work on the Seward industrial site will begin soon. A final decision about how to proceed with the project will be made after a few months’ due diligence period.

“Thanks to the Tuls family for their interest to make further significant investments in Nebraska’s ag economy,” stated Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. “Our state is fully committed to supporting multi-generational farms to diversify their operations through vertical integration into their chosen segment of the market.”



Central Valley Ag expands grain storage capacity in Narka, Kansas

Central Valley Ag is committed to supporting the evolving needs of its producers by increasing its grain storage capacity by 2 million bushels at the Narka facility in Kansas. This expansion reflects CVA’s dedication to enhancing service quality and efficiency for its member-owners in Republic County and nearby communities.

“At CVA, we believe in adapting and evolving alongside our members to meet their growing demands. This expansion in Narka is a testament to our commitment to support our producers with the infrastructure needed to streamline their operations and enhance their harvest experience,” said Brent Reichmuth, Senior Vice President of Operations at CVA.

The grain expansion will replace the existing bunker site at CVA’s Narka facility, enabling the facility to fill the 600,000-bushel circle pile from the new pit while providing future integration opportunities with current bin structures. Once completed, the facility will feature a 2-million-bushel hoop building, filled by a 20,000 BPH leg and receiving pit, along with a 10,000 BPH center belt reclaim.

To further support operational efficiency, CVA is incorporating an overhead bin, in-floor aeration, and two 12,000 BPH Day Paddle Sweeps, which will streamline the final cleanout process. The facility will be fully automated, enhancing both inbound and outbound loading speeds, a significant time-saving benefit for CVA producers.

“We’re proud the cooperative can provide solutions that make a real difference in the lives of our producers, helping them achieve greater productivity each season,” said Jeff Bechard, Senior Vice President of Grain at CVA.

Construction for this expansion is set to begin this winter, with completion anticipated by spring 2025.



Iowa Beef Center to host Cattle Feeders Day at ISU Armstrong Farm

With the fall run in full swing, cattle producers want to make sure their spring-born calves have a good start in the feedyard. A new program offered by Iowa Beef Center will help cattle feeders and stakeholders prioritize herd health and ease stress on individual animals. Cattle Feeders Day is set for December 10 at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm/Wallace Learning Center, 53020 Hitchcock Ave., Lewis. The morning program begins at 9 a.m. and concludes with a noon lunch and discussion with speakers. An optional Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training will run from 1 to 3 p.m.

Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk is a program organizer and will be joined by Iowa Beef Center research scientist Dr. Garland Dahlke and Dr. Terry Engelken with ISU Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine in presenting outdoor hands-on activities and indoor classroom segments.

“We’ll kick off the day with an interactive demonstration in the feedyard at the farm led by Dr. Engelken,” Lundy-Woolfolk said. “This will focus on proper handling and administration of common animal health products, and understanding the implications these products can have on carcass quality.”

The rest of the day will be spent in the classroom where all three presenters will share information on topics including health considerations in the feedlot and a recently completed research project evaluating nutritional impacts on beef on dairy steers.

“We’re also offering a Beef Quality Assurance certification workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at the farm,” Lundy-Woolfolk said. “Both the morning and afternoon sessions are free, and producers can attend either or both. We do require preregistration to ensure adequate supplies and materials.”

The Iowa BQA program is funded by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Beef Checkoff, and the education is delivered as a joint effort in conjunction with the Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension and Outreach.

There's no cost to attend and lunch will be provided, thanks to sponsor Zinpro. Producers can attend either or both sessions; however, preregistration is required. By December 3, please preregister by either completing this online form https://forms.gle/eLeU15tXmxwQ8Ubf6, or contacting Iowa Beef Center by email or phone at 515-294-BEEF (2333).



Second annual IA Beef Center Genetic Symposium will focus on female reproduction

Building on the success of the first Genetic Symposium that was centered on the bull, Iowa Beef Center has refocused the 2024 event on the female and improving reproduction. Iowa State University extension cow-calf specialist Randie Culbertson said reproduction is the most economically significant trait of a cow-calf operation.

“If you want to make genetic improvements, you first have to get your cows pregnant,” she said. “Understanding the technologies available can help you improve the reproductive efficiency of your herd.”

A combination of hands-on demonstrations and classroom-style learning will be used by a renowned group of speakers as they cover topics ranging from maternal indexes to breeding protocols. Reproductive physiologists, economists, geneticists, and producers will share their experiences implementing modern technology on a regular basis to improve the reproductive success of their cow herd.

Back by popular demand, an evening of fun activities is planned the first night of the symposium. This includes a prime rib dinner and a mock female auction, designed to help cattlemen study if females being purchased are aligning with their herd’s production goals and fitting into their local environment.

Featured symposium topics include:
    Current events in reproductive technologies
    Embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization
    Economics of replacement heifers
    Maternal indexes
    AI protocols

The symposium will run from noon on Monday, December 16, through noon on Tuesday, December 17, with all sessions at the ISU Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Rd, Ames.

Registration is $75 per person and includes refreshment breaks, dinner and symposium materials. Deadline for registration is midnight, December 11. A block of rooms at $99 per night per room is available at the Spring Hill Suites, 1810 SE 16th St., Ames. Hotel reservation deadline is December 15. See the symposium website https://www.extension.iastate.edu/geneticsymp/ for program schedule, links to registration and lodging, and sponsorship opportunities.

For more information, contact Culbertson at rculber@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-6304.



Women in Ag Coming Together to Cultivate Confidence and Harvest Happiness

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference takes place at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. The two-day event begins on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 11:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. and continues Thursday, Dec. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year’s theme, “Breaking Ground, Seeding Success,” reflects the hard work women put into their agricultural careers and the rewards they achieve. The conference focuses on career advancement, leadership development and trending topics in agriculture.

A special feature of the conference this year is the option to take part in a Red Cross First Aid and Life-Threatening Bleeding and Tourniquet Application certification course.

On Wednesday, the popular campus tours will be back. Attendees can choose from one of five tours highlighting everything from a Victorian era Christmas at the Farm House Museum to Regenerative Agriculture at the Bioeconomy Institute.

As the conference opening speaker, Iowa’s homegrown advocate for women in agriculture, Lexi Marek Beeler, will discuss three actions all women can implement to make an impact.

Intensive workshops feature strong women who are leaders and role models. Mastering mental strength to thrive under pressure, leading effectively on the board, and managing land and sharing a vision for the farm are key skills they’ll help attendees build. The day ends with a relaxed dinner, networking and a social hour.

On Thursday, the conference will feature keynote speaker Heather Malenshek of Land O’ Lakes Inc. Forbes named Malenshek as one of the country’s most influential chief marketing officers. She has a passion for helping others achieve their true potential.

The 2024 Women Impacting Ag honorees Chris Cornelius, Julie Kenney, Wendy Johnson and Janette Smith will share their stories. The luncheon panel will feature Angie Treptow and Karen Rawson, leaders in finance and lending, who will share their stories and discuss the farm economy.

The breakout sessions offer topics such as agricultural entrepreneurship, family business transitions, better conversations, the emotional connection of marketing, leading as communicators and growing into farm management roles.  

The capstone speaker is April Hemmes. Her passion for agriculture is at the core of who she is. Throughout her 40-year career in farming she has taken on leadership roles from supporting the local FFA chapter to becoming a director on the United Soybean Board.

Early bird registration is available through Nov. 22 and saves $20. Regular registration is $140.00 for adults and $80 for students. Scholarships may be requested. Register online at www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag. Farm Credit Services of America is a major sponsor.

The ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Program improves the quality of life in Iowa by providing research-based educational programs to expand agricultural enterprise, improve natural resource management and support the community of women in agriculture. Visit www.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag to learn more about our programs.



September DMC Margin Sets Second Consecutive Monthly Record
NMPF

The monthly margin under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program rose by $1.85/cwt from August’s previous record level to $15.57/cwt, again the highest since margin protection became the basic dairy safety net program in January 2015.

The September all-milk price was $25.50/cwt, $1.90/cwt higher than the month before, while the DMC feed cost formula inched up from August by $0.05/cwt of milk, mostly on offsetting price moves for corn and premium alfalfa.

The end of October dairy and grain futures indicated that the DMC margin would average around $12/cwt for all of calendar year 2024.

October CWT-Assisted Export Sales Nearly 11.2 Million Pounds
CWT member cooperatives secured 89 contracts in October, adding 11.2 million pounds of product to CWT-assisted sales in 2024. In milk equivalent, this is equal to 100.9 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. These products will go to customers in Asia, Oceania, Middle East-North Africa, Europe, Central America, the Caribbean and South America and will be shipped from October 2024 through June 2025.

Exporting dairy products is critical to the viability of dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the country. Whether or not a cooperative is actively engaged in exporting cheese, butter, anhydrous milkfat, cream cheese, or whole milk powder, moving products into world markets is essential. CWT provides a means to move domestic dairy products to overseas markets by helping to overcome U.S. dairy’s trade disadvantages.

The amounts of dairy products and related milk volumes reflect current contracts for delivery, not completed export volumes. CWT will pay export assistance to the bidders only when export and delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.



September U.S. Ethanol Exports Climb, DDGS Exports Hold Strong Despite Drop
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association

U.S. ethanol exports climbed 5% in September, reaching 148.5 million gallons (mg), with 70% of total shipments concentrated in just three primary markets. Canada retained its position as the top destination for the 42nd consecutive month, accounting for 44% of all U.S. ethanol exports. Exports to Canada rose 14% to a nine-month high of 64.9 mg, predominantly comprising denatured fuel. The United Kingdom, with U.S. ethanol shipments rising 25% to a two-month high of 21.1 mg, emerged as the largest market for undenatured fuel ethanol in September. Exports to the European Union continued an upward trajectory for the second consecutive month, surging 44% to a six-month peak of 18.3 mg. Other significant markets included Colombia (12.9 mg, up 30%), Mexico (6.9 mg, down 21%), Oman (6.0 mg, up 7%), India (5.6 mg, down 47%), and the Philippines (5.1 mg, a striking 380% increase). Notably, both Brazil and China were absent from the September export market. U.S. ethanol exports have reached a record 1.39 bg, marking a 37% increase compared to the same period last year.

The U.S. imported 183,779 gallons of undenatured fuel ethanol, a 90% drop from August, sourced from Brazil and Canada. Total ethanol imports for the first nine months of the year reached 3.54 bg, down 80% compared to the same period last year.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, declined 10% in September to a three-month low of 1.01 million metric tons (mt), reflecting mixed market conditions. Mexico reclaimed its position as the largest market for U.S. DDGS, with exports up 9% to 178,206 mt. Exports to South Korea, while down 18%, remained substantial at 137,591 mt. Shipments to Turkey rose 2% to 119,542 mt, marking a six-month high, and exports to Vietnam surged 23% to a five-month high of 88,942 mt. Other notable markets included Indonesia (64,626 mt, down 9% to a 12-month low), Canada (53,102 mt, up 11%), the European Union (50,917 mt, down 52%), the United Kingdom (41,444 mt, up 78% to a 21-month high), Japan (30,464 mt, up 14%), and New Zealand (30,000 mt, up from zero). The remaining fifth of U.S. DDGS exports were distributed across another 24 countries. Year-to-date DDGS exports have reached 9.10 million mt, 13% higher than during the same period last year.



Farm Bureau Congratulates President-Elect Trump

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the election of Donald Trump to be the 47th President of the United States of America.

“Farm Bureau congratulates President-elect Donald Trump on his election to lead our great nation, as well as the representatives and senators elected to serve in the 119th Congress. We are committed to working with our nation’s leaders to strengthen agriculture and rural America, and we look forward to continuing that work in the days ahead.

“Now that the American people have spoken, it’s time to put politics aside and begin the work of ensuring families nationwide can prosper. Among the most pressing issues in rural America is the need for a new, modernized farm bill. The two-year delay is unacceptable. The new administration must also address the impending tax hikes, which would crush many of America’s farmers and ranchers when stacked on top of inflation, high supply costs and market instability. Another big issue on farmers’ minds is the labor shortage and skyrocketing costs.

“There is no shortage of critical issues requiring immediate attention and Farm Bureau stands ready to work with our elected leaders to tackle them. Clearing hurdles for America’s farmers and ranchers will contribute to the strength and continued growth of the entire nation.”