Friday December 06 Ag News

 The value of cattle health maintenance
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

Sometime in early 2022, it was clear that economic conditions were setting up for high cattle prices. Cow inventory demonstrated a significant decline. Drought in 2022 and 2023 complicated this situation: extensive cow culling was needed to bring inventories to par with feed and forage supply. In 2024, there was some drought recovery early in the year; but as fall approached drought threatened one more time.

As we close the year, forage supplies were generally sufficient to carry herds and grow cattle on grass into the start of winter. What weather holds for the winter of 2024-2025 is not well defined but most meteorologists propose it will be cold and dry.

These conditions spell extension to the run on high cattle prices begun in late 2021. Closure of the border to importation of Mexican cattle resulting from the discovery, in Mexico, of screwworm flies and injuries, will permit domestic feeder cattle prices to remain high and, perhaps, reach new highs.

Some indicators point to intention to hold replacement heifers back to rebuild the herd. This is good news in the long term, but keeping heifers for replacement will eventually contribute to reducing feeder calf supply further increasing the value of growing cattle. As intentions to rebuild the herd become definitive, the value of replacement cattle and brood cow will increase also.

Brood cows or feeder calves that were worth no more than $1,500 per cow or $155/cwt, respectively, in late 2021. Recently, brood cows are selling for more than $2,000 per cow and feeder calves are bringing over $325/cwt. These are increases of 47% and 210%, respectively.

On a per-head basis, brood cows are worth $500 or more today and feeder calves are worth nearly $1,000 more. In other words, the value of cattle inventories on farms, feedlots and ranches is

dramatically up from what it was in 2021. This is good news as long as cattle remain healthy and do not succumb to disease or conditions brought on by weather events (heat or cold stress).

Perhaps, focusing on the value of this inventory provides an incentive to revisit disease prevention practices to ensure cattle are performing at the levels we intend for them to perform, and that morbidity and mortality is kept at a minimum. Keeping in mind that cattle are valued more today than they were in late 2021 should be an incentive to maintain them healthy and productive.

Before deciding to spend more money on keeping cattle healthy and productive, it is a good idea to take time to review facilities and facilities management and disease-prevention practices and their implementation with a veterinarian or cattle consultant to focus or re-focus management practices. High cattle prices should motivate cattlemen to evaluate current or alternative feeding and management practices and to consider making investments in areas that support nutrition, health and cattle comfort.



New Officers and Committees Set to Lead the Nebraska Soybean Board

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) convened its inaugural board meeting for fiscal year 2025 on November 25–26, 2024, in Lincoln. During this meeting, restructuring of both the board and committees transpired alongside routine board business.

The newly elected officers, chosen to lead the board for a one-year term, are as follows:
    Chairman: Mark Caspers – District 5
    Vice Chairman: Greg Anderson – At Large
    Secretary: Mike Tomes – District 6
    Treasurer: Blake Johnson – District 8

In addition to the executive committee, NSB has selected the chairs and members of its four committees:
    Farmer Support Committee: Chair: Anne Meis
        Other Members: Doug Saathoff, Jay Hanson, Mike Tomes
    Production & Crop Research Committee: Chair: Doug Saathoff
        Other Members: Greg Anderson, Jay Hanson, Eugene Goering, Mike Tomes
    Community Engagement Committee: Chair: Jason Penke
        Other Members: Anne Meis, Mark Caspers, Blake Johnson
    Demand & Utilization Committee: Chair: Eugene Goering
        Other Members: Blake Johnson, Mark Caspers, Jason Penke, Greg Anderson

“These leaders are committed to working hard for Nebraska’s soybean farmers,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director. “As we move into 2025 and beyond, the board will focus on creating value through wise investments and showing farmers the impact and benefits of their checkoff dollars.”

NSB looks forward to a productive and prosperous year ahead under the guidance of its newly elected leadership team and ongoing strategic plan.

About the Nebraska Soybean Board: The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.



Nebraska Ag Expo’s Innovation Hub: The Cutting-Edge Future of Agriculture Breakthroughs

The Nebraska Ag Expo, a trailblazer in advancing agricultural innovation, proudly unveils its latest Innovation Hub—a dynamic center for groundbreaking technologies and forward-thinking ag solutions.

Located in the LivestockMarket Pavilion at the Sandhills Global Event Center, the Innovation Hub serves as an epicenter for transformative ideas, bringing together 70-75 handpicked ag start-ups and pioneering companies that have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity in reshaping the future of farming. This dedicated space offers an immersive experience where the latest innovations converge, spotlighting the trailblazers redefining agriculture.

“The Innovation Hub is more than just an exhibition space,” said Expo Director Tom Junge. “It’s a launchpad for visionary solutions, disruptive technologies, and the next generation of ag entrepreneurs. For farmers and ranchers, this is a unique opportunity to experience industry-changing advancements in one defined space—unlike anything seen at other farm shows.”

The following companies will exhibit in the 2024 Innovation Hub (as of October 17, 2024):
    4Harvest
    AcreShield
    AcresTV
    AeroCrop Solutions
    Aeroseeder
    AgBio Logic
    Agra GPS
    AgriBrink
    Agtronix
    AgZen
    Aigen
    Airstrike Ag
    ALA Engineering
    Aluvio
    AMVAC
    Anu
    Autonomous Pivot
    Barn Owl Precision Ag
    Besler Mfg
    BinMaster
    Bio-Agtive Emissions Farming
    Bobcat
    Bovi-Jet
    Chalmers Innovations
    Country Ent./EZ-Cut/
    EZ-Hitch
    CropX
    Dragone
    EarthOptics
    Ecorobotix
    Energy Curve Technology
    EvenMix
    EZ-DROPS
    Farmerce Ag
    For Ground by Bayer
    Go Farm Yourself
    Grain Weevil
    Greeneye Technology
    Halter
    ICC Distribution
    Infinity Precision Ag
    InteliRain
    Intellifarms Northern Division
    J. Assy Co.
    KL Technologies
    LOCR Ltd
    Meristem
    microBIOMETER
    Modern Ag
    Nano-Yield
    Nave Analytics
    Ostara
    PathoScan
    Pivot Bio
    PTx Trimble
    RCFarmArm
    RealmFive
    RhizeBio
    Scanit Technologies
    Seismi
    Sentinel Fertigation
    Smart Microbes
    StoneX Financial
    TerraClear
    TerraForma Soil
    Terraplex Ag
    Total Drone Solutions
    UMAHARI
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln MAARS Lab
    Weather 2020
    ZahnTech

“The Innovation Hub is designed to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of collaboration, bringing together visionary innovators, forward-thinking growers, and key stakeholders. It’s a catalyst for the partnerships that will shape the future of agriculture,” Junge added.

The Nebraska Ag Expo recognizes that innovation knows no boundaries—companies exhibiting outside the Innovation Hub are also encouraged to showcase their latest breakthroughs at their respective booths.

For more details about the Nebraska Ag Expo and the Innovation Hub, visit https://nebraskaagexpo.com/innovation-hub.

The Nebraska Ag Expo is December 10-12, 2024 at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, NE. Hours are 9:00am-4:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 9:00am-3:00pm Thursday. Regular admission is $10 at the door, and visitors can purchase tickets in advance online to save $5 per ticket. Children under 14 years old, as well as students are free with a valid student ID (high school or college).

The Nebraska Ag Expo is owned and managed by the Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA).



Nebraska Soybean Association Annual Meeting - January 22, 2025

Plan now to participate in the grassroots activities of discussing policy resolutions for the coming year at the Nebraska Soybean Association (NSA) annual meeting on January 22, 2025, at the Holthus Conference Center in  York. The meeting begins at 8:30 am. A complimentary lunch will conclude the program. No registration is required to attend the annual meeting.     

During the annual meeting, District Director elections will be conducted. Individuals interested in serving as an NSA director must be an actual producer of soybeans and live or farm in one of the counties represented in District 1 or 3 and be a current member of NSA. Candidates should be willing to be involved in the legislative and policy development process and be engaged with membership recruitment.   
If you would like more information on the director responsibilities or to submit your name for consideration, contact Lori Luebbe in the NSA office at 402-441-3239 or email lori@nebraskasoybeans.org by December 30.



USDA Announces Appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of 36 members to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Thirty-five members will serve three-year terms, and one member will serve a two-year term. The terms of the new appointees will begin February 2025.

Newly appointed members are:
    Nebraska – Becky R. Potmesil, Alliance; Joyce Racicky, Mason City; and Joan Ruskamp, Dodge (2-year term)
    Iowa – E. Michael Holden, Scranton; and Amy Glick, Solon
    Arizona – Sine Kerr, Buckeye
    Colorado – Angelina Kelleghan, Loma
    Kansas – Evan Lesser, Palco; and Larry Kendig, Osborne
    Louisiana – John M. Thompson, Saint Francisville
    Michigan – Monte J. Bordner, Sturgis
    Minnesota – Bill Post, Chandler
    Mississippi –Janet Gent Parker, Seminary
    Missouri – Mark Anthony Fellwock, Monett
    New Mexico – Boe C. Lopez, Springer
    North Carolina – Brian D. Warren, Newton Grove
    Oklahoma – Leanne Robison, Stillwater;
    South Dakota – VeaBea Thomas, Harrold; and Oren L. Lesmeister, Parade
    Tennessee – Gary W. Daniel, Cypress Inn
    Texas – Wesley D. Ratcliff, Oakwood; Amy Kirkland, Vega; Jared K. Ranly, D.V.M., Lott; and David Henderson, Tennessee Colony
    Utah – Mark J. Wintch, Milford
    Wisconsin – Arin Crooks, Lancaster; and Steve Springer, Linden
    Wyoming – Gwen Geis, Gillette
    Mid-Atlantic Unit – Creed Ward, Volga, W.Va.
    Northeast Unit – Warren W. Nop, Middlebury, Vt.
    Southwest Unit – Kristin A. McQueary, Ruby Valley, Nev.; Cindy Tews, Hanford, Calif.; and Carlos Carrillo, Hanford, Calif.
    Importer Unit – Jason Frost, Washington, D.C.; Selwyn Jones, Wimberley, Texas; and Matthew Allan, Washington, D.C.

The board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 and is composed of 99 members representing 34 states and five units. Members must be beef producers or importers of beef and beef products nominated by certified producer organizations.

More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattlemen's Beef Board webpage.



USDA Announces Appointments to the American Egg Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 11 members and nine alternates to serve on the American Egg Board. Eighteen members and alternates will serve two-year terms, and two members will serve a one-year term. The terms of the new appointees will begin March 2025.

Newly appointed members and alternates are:

East States
    Jessica Hanslik, Ridgeland, Miss., member
    Libby Schwab, Hanover, N.H., alternate member
    John Puglisi, Howell, N.J., member
    Mark Sauder, Lititz, Pa., alternate member
    John C. Watson III, Raleigh, N.C., member
    Lake Wagner, Abingdon, Va., alternate member
    Gijs Schimmel, Lexington, Ga., member (1-year term)

Central States
    Thomas Edward Hertzfeld III, Whitehouse, Ohio, member
    Mitch Knapke, Saint Henry, Ohio, alternate member
    Jeffrey Cutler, Fort Recovery, Ohio, member
    Alex Weaver, Versailles, Ohio, alternate member
    Sean Delano, Whitewater, Wis., member
    Melinda Creighton Truex, Warsaw, Ind., alternate member
    Tim Zweering, Holland, Mich., member
    Ted Greidanus, Neosho, Mo., alternate member

West States
    Clint Hickman, Litchfield Park, Ariz., member
    Tracy Ramsdell, Flandreau, S.D., alternate member
    Emily Battilega, Sioux Center, Iowa, member
    Pat Melena, Wayne, Neb., alternate member
    Justin Haats, Spicer, Minn., member (1-year term)

The American Egg Board is composed of 18 members and 18 alternates representing three areas and is authorized by the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974. More information about the board and list of board members is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) American Egg Board webpage.



USDA Announces Grain Inspection Advisory Committee Appointments

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of six members to serve on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Grain Inspection Advisory Committee beginning April 1, 2025.

Members appointed for a three-year term include:
    Gang Guo, Senior Director of Grain Research and Quality, Ardent Mills LLC, Denver, Colo.
    Christopher Frederking, Director of Operations and Safety, Zen-Noh Grain Corporation, Convent, La.
    Charles Bird, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Neogen Corporation, Lansing, Mich.
    Tristan Bradford, Director, State Grain Laboratory, Montana Grain Inspection Service, Great Falls, Mont.
    Lyndsey Erb, Director of Industry Affairs, U.S Soybean Export Council, Chesterfield, Mo.
    Barbara Grove, Quality Systems Manager/Food Safety Director, Central Valley Ag, York, Neb.

Established under the U.S. Grain Standards Act on September 29, 1981, the advisory committee represents the interests of all segments of the U.S. grain industry from producer to exporter. The committee is comprised of 15 members representing grain processors, merchandisers, handlers, exporters, consumers, grain inspection agencies and scientists.



USDA Announces Appointments to the Popcorn Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of three members to serve on the Popcorn Board. These three appointees will serve three-year terms, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and ending Dec. 31, 2027.

Newly appointed members are:
    Seth Kunnemann, Imperial, Nebraska
    Cindy Moyer, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
    Eric J. Sieg, Ramsey, Indiana

The Popcorn Board has five processor members. Members can serve up to two consecutive three-year terms.

More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Popcorn Board webpage or on the board’s website at www.popcorn.org.



2025 Angus Herdsman of the Year candidates announced

The life of a herdsman may sound glamorous to many, but few understand the demanding blend of physical strength and mental grit it takes to excel in the role. The Herdsman of the Year Award honors an Angus enthusiast who has committed wholeheartedly to the management, strategic choices and advancement of his or her herd.

Peers select the award winner from a set of candidates through voting, hosted by the American Angus Association®. Voting will begin December 16, and all votes must be submitted by noon CST on January 9, 2025.

To be eligible to vote, exhibitors must have entered at least one of the following shows in 2024: Cattlemen’s Congress, National Western Stock Show, Western National Angus Futurity, Atlantic National, American Royal or North American International Livestock Exposition. Eligible exhibitors will receive an email with a unique login and password from the American Angus Association® through the Election Runner platform to vote. Only one vote per member code will be allowed.  

Nominated for this year’s award are Michael Jones - Saskatchewan, Canada, Express Ranches; Cole Kaufman, Livingston, Tennessee, Oakley Farms; Cash Langford, Fair Grove, Missouri, Hunter Angus; and Greg Van Zee, Sioux City, Iowa, Udell Cattle Company.

Greg Van Zee | Udell Cattle Company
Greg Van Zee’s passion for the Angus breed started when he was in high school and spent his summers working for Walking S Farms, a local Angus breeder. Since then, he has worked for and with some influential people in the cattle industry and found himself learning more and more about evaluation and management.

Today he is the show barn manager for Udell Cattle Company in Sioux City, Iowa. He assists with annual production sales and daily farm activities, and he talks about what continues to attract him to the Angus breed.

"The opportunity to be part of a progressive program and breed is important to me," Van Zee said. "The Angus breed offers many diverse breeding options whether it be within the Angus breed or crossing with other breeds."

Udell Cattle Company started showing Angus cattle in 2014 and has had success at every level since then.

"It is an honor to be nominated for Herdsmen of the Year and to be recognized by my peers," Van Zee said.   

The Association’s 2025 Herdsman of the Year will be announced Jan. 10, 2025, at the beginning of the Herdsman Social event in Oklahoma City during Cattlemen’s Congress. This event will be held at the Cowboy Bar in Barn 3 with doors opening at 3:45 p.m. The social is free for all to attend. Visit www.angus.org for more information.  



Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen to Share Rapidly Growing Industry Outlook at the 2025 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

It is a time of reinvigoration for biofuels as new markets come to fruition and expand the use of clean renewable energy across the world. At the 2025 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen will give insight into how biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are the solutions to achieve a low carbon future.

“In the last five years, the clean fuels industry has doubled in size, proving that biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are at the forefront of solutions to reduce carbon emissions,” said Rehagen. “This explosive growth is only the beginning. With emerging opportunities in rail, marine, home heating and other heavy-duty transportation, we’re on track to hit our ambitious vision of 6 billion gallons by 2030.”

The 2025 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit is taking place on February 4, 2025 and will be at the Prairie Meadows Event Center. The Summit is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

“We are excited that Donnell is joining us this year to discuss the versatility of biofuels in progressing toward zero emission goals across global footprints,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt. “Clean Fuels Alliance America is a leader in developing biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF markets, ensuring biobased fuels have a role to play in evolving energy markets.”

Clean Fuels Alliance America represents biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, working to advance the interests of its members as a coordinating entity for technical, environmental and quality assurance programs along with advocacy, communications and market development efforts.

To register and learn more about the Summit, please visit IowaRenewableFuelsSummit.org.



Strong U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Export Performance in October
Renewable Fuels Assoc.

U.S. ethanol exports eased 3% in October to 143.5 million gallons (mg), reflecting significant market fluctuations and a heavy concentration of shipments to two primary destinations. Canada maintained its status as the leading export market for the 43rd consecutive month, despite a 22% reduction in shipments. Exports to Canada totaled 50.7 mg, primarily denatured fuel ethanol, marking a four-month low. In contrast, exports to India surged fourfold to a seven-month high of 20.7 mg, comprising the bulk of exported undenatured ethanol intended for applications other than fuel and beverage. Shipments to the United Kingdom, the largest market for undenatured fuel ethanol, fell to 10.6 mg, halving September volumes. Other larger markets included South Korea (tripled to 10.2 mg), Colombia (down 30% to 9.0 mg), and the European Union (down 55% to 8.3 mg, driven by reduced volumes to the Netherlands). Notably, Brazil and China were again absent from the export landscape in October. Cumulatively, U.S. ethanol exports for the year reached 1.53 billion gallons (bg), a 35% year-over-year increase and a record high for the ten-month period.

Fuel ethanol imports into the U.S. remained negligible in October, amounting to just 69,332 gallons from Canada and Sweden. Year-to-date imports totaled 3.60 million gallons, 79% lower than the same period last year.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, rebounded 10% in October to 1.11 million metric tons (mt), mirroring the large market variability seen in ethanol exports. Mexico remained the dominant market, with exports climbing 33% to a three-month high of 236,492 mt. Colombia set a record high with a ninefold increase to 132,758 mt. Other large markets showing growth included Vietnam (up 12% to 99,927 mt), the European Union (up 51% to 76,658 mt), and New Zealand (up 70% to 51,021 mt). Conversely, exports declined to South Korea (down 14% to 117,698 mt), Turkey (down 41% to 70,022 mt), and Indonesia (down 15% to 54,956 mt). The remaining quarter of October’s DDGS exports were distributed across 25 additional countries. Year-to-date DDGS exports reached 10.21 million mt, representing a 14% increase compared to the same period last year.



Soybean Meal Exports Set New Record in 2023/24 Marketing Year

U.S. Soy remains America’s No. 1 agricultural export, adding $31.2 billion to the U.S. economy in marketing year (MY) 2023/24. While total soy export volumes were down from the year prior at 60.8 million metric tons (MMT), partly due to fewer carry-in stocks and expansion of domestic crush, U.S. soybean meal exports set a record based on increased supply, strong demand, competitive prices and its nutritional advantage.

“Last year at this time, the big question was ‘What are we going to do with all the soybean meal that stems from increased domestic crush as a result of the investments in sustainable fuels?’” recalled Jim Sutter, Chief Executive Officer for the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). “The answer: export it.”

“Our team of experts operating in 80-plus countries has been working to showcase the value of U.S. soybean meal through one-on-one meetings, technical seminars, education and advertising campaigns throughout the years.”

Buyers listened.

In MY 2023/24, exports of U.S. soybean meal reached a record 14.4 MMT, valued at $6.7 billion. This volume is up 10% from the year prior and 17% over the 5-year average.

The Philippines purchased the most U.S. soybean meal at 2.6 MMT in MY 2023/24; Mexico and Canada ranked second and third with 1.9 MMT and 1.4 MMT respectively.

While the Philippines has traditionally shown an affinity toward U.S. soybean meal and continues to grow, other countries with growing demand for U.S. Soy during the past five years are:
    Vietnam, up 110% at 743,942 metric tons (MT)
    Venezuela, up 94% at 653,217 MT
    Indonesia, up 49% at 192,922 MT
    Costa Rica, up 40% at 145,033 MT
    Sri Lanka, up 41% at 253,664 MT
    European Union - 27, up 37% at 721,473 MT

“USSEC continues to work with exporters and importers to diversify markets, expanding destinations while maintaining relations and sales with historic markets — not something that happens quickly. It takes years of work, relationship building and earning the trust of buyers,” Sutter added.

Great examples of market diversification are Egypt and Venezuela.

With a population of 104 million, Egypt is the third most populous country in Africa. During the past 10 years and despite currency issues, imports of U.S. soybeans have grown 43% with an average annual value of $845.03 million. This growth is due to Egypt’s booming poultry and aquaculture industries, which have led the way for increased soybean crush in the region The country’s poultry producers have achieved 100% self-sufficiency and are exporting to several countries.

While progress in Egypt has been years in the making, recent strides have also been made in Venezuela as a result of improved bilateral trade relations. It is among the Top 10 importing countries of U.S. soybean meal. Furthermore, U.S. Soy enjoys over 90% of the market share when looking at all soy imports to Venezuela, thanks to its geographic location, strategic partnerships and the intrinsic advantages of using U.S. Soy.

“This kind of progress is the culmination of year’s long efforts and relationship building by many of our partners in the U.S. and around the world that move the needle and build demand, benefitting all U.S. soybean farmers,” Sutter said.

According to the Agricultural Outlook 2024-2033, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, calorie intake is expected to increase by 7% in middle-income countries, largely due to greater consumption of staples, livestock products and fats.

Looking at the year ahead (MY 2024/25) the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects global soybean demand to increase 4.3% year-over-year to 346.2 MMT.

The United States is the world’s second-largest producer of soybeans, and for every $1 invested in export market development, research shows a return of $14.26 in net revenue to soybean farmers.

“Global demand for soy continues to rise,” Sutter said. “As a source of high-quality, sustainable nutrition, U.S. soybeans are an excellent solution to help meet the demand, enabling sustainable food and nutrition security around the world. USSEC’s job is to work in markets around the world to ensure customers understand the U.S. Soy advantage and how to purchase U.S. Soy.”



Court Overturns USDA’s SECURE Rule
American Soybean Association

A federal court ruling Tuesday overturned the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2020 SECURE rule, which governed the regulation of genetically engineered plants. The decision sends the rule back to the agency for further revision and takes effect immediately, reverting USDA’s biotechnology regulatory approach to its pre-2020 framework.

The SECURE rule was designed to streamline the approval process for GE plants, particularly those with minimal risk, including those created through gene editing. Introduced in 2020, the rule aimed to speed up plant breeding by reducing the time needed to bring new crops to market. The rule also sought to exempt from regulation plants that could be produced through conventional breeding methods, making biotechnology more accessible to farmers and researchers alike.

The rule faced legal challenges from environmental groups, which filed a lawsuit in 2021. The plaintiffs argued that USDA failed to properly justify several key aspects of the regulation. Specifically, the court found that the agency had not adequately explained why it excluded certain plants from regulation under the Plant Protection Act and that it had not addressed concerns about the potential for genetically engineered plants to become invasive species.

The court ruled that USDA’s decision to exempt these plants was “arbitrary and capricious” under the Administrative Procedure Act, effectively vacating the SECURE rule.

What the ruling means for ag & next steps
The ruling has effectively reinstated an unnecessarily burdensome regulatory process for products of biotechnology and gene editing. For the time being, this could impose a significant new bottleneck for bringing new biotech crop varieties to market.

The court also ordered the parties involved to issue a joint statement by Jan. 15, 2025, to assess potential impacts on a new USDA rule issued in November 2024 that includes additional exemptions. Furthermore, it directed the parties to propose a timeline for addressing remaining procedural challenges related to the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act. USDA could still appeal the decision, but it remains unclear whether the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will grant a stay of the ruling pending appeal.

ASA is actively working to assess the potential impact of the ruling on the industry and collaborate with agricultural stakeholders to find a way forward. While the ruling introduces uncertainty, ASA remains committed to advocating for policies that foster innovation in plant breeding and biotechnology.