Thursday December 12 Ag News

 Nebraska Farm Bureau Members Set Policy on Key Issues and Elect Leaders at Annual Meeting and Convention

Delegates representing farm and ranch families from all 93 Nebraska counties outlined key agricultural policy priorities and elected new leaders for Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) as part of the organization’s 107th Annual Meeting and Convention held Dec. 8-10 in Kearney. Delegates discussed a broad spectrum of agricultural policy issues to provide direction for the organization.

The demand for energy is increasing at an unprecedented rate. The agricultural sector in Nebraska serves as both a current and potential energy resource. While delegates adopted policy to support updating the electrical transmission infrastructure, they opposed the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Interest Electric Corridors (NIETC). Biofuels, especially ethanol, have played a crucial role in reducing the nation's dependence on foreign energy sources for transportation and will continue to do so in the future. Delegates adopted policy to support the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Nebraska.

“As the demand for renewable fuels increases, producers have the opportunity to access new markets, which will enhance the resilience and profitability of the agricultural economy while fostering a sustainable future for generations. We advocate for the use of domestically grown products in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. However, it is essential to avoid imposing specific conservation practices as a requirement for feedstocks to qualify for SAF production,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB President.

Nebraska Farm Bureau has long been a supporter of beginning and young farmers and ranchers. Delegates advanced national policy to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting and Convention in January aimed at making U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans more accessible.

“Today’s beginning and young farmers and ranchers face challenges including access to land, capital, affordable housing, and federal programs. To secure the future of agriculture, we must empower the next generation of farmers and ranchers with the resources they need to succeed. By making USDA loans more accessible and flexible, we open doors for beginning farmers and ranchers to start and grow their operations, ensuring a sustainable agricultural industry for years to come,” said McHargue.

Delegates also reaffirmed their support for Nebraska’s livestock industry, consumer choice, and proper food labeling surrounding the discussion of lab-produced protein, which involves the production of protein products from animal cells grown in a laboratory setting.

“Our delegates reiterated how vitally important Nebraska’s livestock industry is to our state’s agricultural complex, and voted to ensure no state tax dollars should be used to purchase or research lab produced protein for human consumption. At the same time, they overwhelmingly voted to ensure consumers have the opportunity to choose what they are feeding themselves and their families. Nebraska Farm Bureau also firmly believes in the importance of clear and accurate labeling for lab-produced protein products,” said McHargue

The lack of rural veterinarians, particularly those focused on large animal care, has been an ongoing concern for farmers and ranchers in Nebraska. NEFB has supported efforts to encourage large animal veterinarians to locate to underserved areas in Nebraska. Delegates this year adopted policy to support the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian program. The program is a scholarship program for Nebraska students aimed at increasing the number of new veterinarians practicing in production animal practices in rural Nebraska

“Our representatives addressed various concerns that significantly impact the lives of farmers, ranchers, and all residents of Nebraska. Their effective leadership is essential for advancing agriculture and ensuring the overall prosperity of our state,” said McHargue.

In addition to setting state and making national policy recommendations, delegates also held elections for positions on the Nebraska Farm Bureau board of directors.

Katie Olson, a Holt County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the First Vice President of the organization. Olson and her husband, James, have a cow/calf operation and grow irrigated corn and soybeans near Atkinson.

Matt Jedlicka, a Colfax County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the Central Region representative. Jedlicka and his wife, Sharee, partner with his family to grow row crops and operate a cattle feed yard near Schuyler.

Jim Stewart, a Lancaster County Farm Bureau member, was elected to serve as the Southeast Region representative. Stewart farms and has a cash grain operation near Lincoln.



Soybean Farmers Support The Andersons Expansion in Houston to Export Soybean Meal

The Andersons, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANDE) recently announced it has signed a long-term lease for its operations at Port Houston and will be expanding the facility to enable the export of soybean meal and other agricultural products.  The Soy Transportation Coalition, comprised of fourteen state soybean boards, the American Soybean Association, and the United Soybean Board, is pleased to announce its collaboration with The Andersons on this investment by providing funding to be utilized for pre-engineering, design, analysis, and research costs associated with the project.  A total of $275,000 in funding is being provided by the following soybean farmer organizations who participate in the Soy Transportation Coalition:
    United Soybean Board
    Soy Transportation Coalition
    Nebraska Soybean Board
    Iowa Soybean Association
    Kansas Soybean Commission
    Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council

“The farmer directors of the Soy Transportation Coalition appreciate The Andersons for this significant investment in the soybean industry,” says Mike Koehne, a soybean farmer from Greensburg, Indiana, and Chairman of the Soy Transportation Coalition.  “This project addresses many of the priorities of soybean farmer leaders as we explore opportunities to remain profitable in the future.  We are pleased to contribute funding toward the pre-engineering, design, analysis, and research costs to help move this project forward.”

With a current storage capacity of 6.3 million bushels, The Andersons export terminal at Port Houston supports the annual export of over two million metric tons of grain.  Once completed, the expansion will result in 22,000 metric tons of storage capacity for soybean meal.  The project has the potential of meaningfully addressing several major priorities of the soybean farmer community:
    The need to enhance the ability to export soybean meal.  With all the current and expected investments in soybean processing infrastructure in the U.S. – largely for the purpose of producing soybean oil for the renewable fuels industry – it will continue to be imperative to invest in infrastructure to facilitate the export of soybean meal.
    Over the past several years, low water conditions on the Mississippi River have impeded the ability to transport soybeans via barge to export terminals near the Gulf of Mexico.  While the Mississippi River will always remain a key link in the soybean supply chain, it is essential to increase the resilience of our transportation system by diversifying the supply chain.  One of the axioms regarding supply chains is the importance of “spreading the eggs across more baskets.”  The soybean meal that will be shipped to the facility at Port Houston will be transported via rail.  It will not utilize the inland waterway system.
    While large “home run” markets like China remain of great importance to the soybean industry, it is imperative to pursue multiple “base hit” marketing opportunities for soybean meal and soybeans.  Exporting soybean meal from The Andersons Houston terminal will create opportunities to reach additional markets, including the Middle East/Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.  

“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work with soybean farmers on this important investment,” said Matt Dvorak, Houston Business Manager at The Andersons. “As domestic soybean crush increases, we are identifying new opportunities for the export of soybean meal via our Houston facility.  We look forward to working with the Soy Transportation Coalition and the broader soybean farmer community on this project which will help connect U.S. soybean meal with international customers.”

“The farmer leaders of the Soy Transportation Coalition gravitated toward this project due to the potential for increasing marketing opportunities for soybean meal while simultaneously increasing the resiliency of our supply chain,” explains Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition.  “This is another example of soybean farmers making strategic investments in our supply chain, which will provide tangible benefit to the industry.  It is a pleasure to work together with a forward-thinking company like The Andersons on such an important project.”  



NRCS Tops $100 Million in Conservation Funding to Iowa Farmers

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) obligated a record $112.1 million in conservation practice funding to Iowa farmers in fiscal year 2024 (FY24), through 1,960 conservation program contracts that will help treat natural resource concerns such as soil erosion and water quality on nearly 400,000 acres.

Conservation program contracts typically run three to five years, depending on the program. The obligated funds are about $26 million more than the prior record of $85.8 million in 2023, and nearly $40 million more than the prior five-year average.
IRA vs Farm Bill Funding

Iowa NRCS staff obligated about 42 percent ($47.2 million) of the FY24 conservation funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA, signed into law in 2022, addresses clean energy and climate change. IRA conservation funding targets climate-smart agriculture mitigation and helps farmers build resilience in their operations.

Iowa NRCS State Conservationist Jon Hubbert said many of the conservation practices Iowa producers are adopting through the IRA offer stacked benefits. “Not only are practices like cover crops, no-till farming, and tree planting good for air quality, but they can also benefit the soil, water quality, and provide wildlife habitat,” he said.

NRCS staff obligated the other 58 percent of its Iowa financial assistance program funding through the 2018 Farm Bill, which was extended another year. “We are thankful for the support from Congress that allows us to implement record amounts of conservation on Iowa’s private lands,” said Hubbert. “With the importance of agriculture in Iowa, there is a strong need for a variety of conservation practices to help treat our natural resources and sustain agriculture for future generations.”

Program Breakdown

NRCS provides conservation funding through four primary programs authorized through the Farm Bill: Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP helps farmers build a customized plan to meet their conservation goals and needs. Iowa NRCS obligated $29.2 million through new and renewed CSP contracts during the past year to 594 Iowa landowners who signed five-year CSP contracts. The CSP contracts will cover 204,743 acres.

Statewide leaders in CSP:
    Jackson County led the state for the second consecutive year with 41 new and renewed CSP contracts, totaling 7,056 acres, with an obligation of $1.5 million.
    Winneshiek County was next with 30 contracts, covering 2,844 acres and an obligation of $790,928.
    Cerro Gordo County had the third most contracts with 25, covering 17,330 acres, obligating nearly $1.2 million.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): NRCS contracted about 58 percent of new federal conservation funding in Iowa through EQIP – a voluntary program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality, where farmers can choose from a conservation practice list developed at the county level to treat local resource issues.

Through EQIP, NRCS obligated $65.5 million covering 164,073 acres through 1,212 contracts. Cover crops, brush management, and practices to support livestock grazing such as prescribed grazing, watering facility, pipeline, heavy use protection area and fence were the most adopted practices in Iowa in 2024.

Statewide leaders in EQIP:
    Van Buren County led the state with 64 new EQIP contracts that will help treat resource concerns on 5,953 acres at an obligation of more than $1.6 million.
    Wayne County was second in Iowa with 41 EQIP contracts that will cover 4,817 acres for a total obligation of nearly $1.4 million.
    Jefferson County had the third most EQIP contracts with 34, covering 3,231 acres, obligating $2.8 million.

Statewide EQIP highlights:
    Through the IRA Soil Health Initiative, Iowa NRCS obligated $14.8 million for cover crops on 44,918 acres through 140 contracts.
    Through Source Water Protection (SWP), Iowa NRCS staff obligated nearly $6.4 million for select practices that address groundwater and surface water source protection. The 90 new contracts will help protect source water on about 21,000 acres.
    Iowa NRCS obligated 29 percent of EQIP funds ($19.1 million) to historically underserved producers – which includes beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged, veterans, and limited resource producers.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP): Iowa NRCS provided nearly $9 million to Iowa farmers in 2024 through RCPP projects that will help treat natural resource concerns on about 20,000 acres. NRCS assisted producers through nine RCPP partnership agreements and 144 contracts.

RCPP promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners through agreements and program contracts. The nine RCPP projects in Iowa focus primarily on improving water quality and soil health.

Easements: Through ACEP, NRCS helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms through conservation easements. Overall, there are 1,724 conservation easements in Iowa covering 197,627 acres.

During fiscal year 2024, Iowa NRCS obligated $8.4 million by helping landowners place agricultural land into 10 new conservation easements. They include:
    IRA-Wetland Reserve Easements: Four landowners contracted with NRCS to place 277 acres into new wetland easements through IRA. NRCS paid $2.1 million for land acquisition and restoration on the four easements.
    ACEP-Wetland Reserve Easements: Two landowners contracted with NRCS to place 181 acres into new wetland easements through ACEP. NRCS paid $1.4 million for land acquisition and restoration for the two easements.
    ACEP-Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnerships: Four conservation partners entered into agreements with NRCS to carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration, or enhancement to improve wildlife on private lands. Through the four agreements, NRCS obligated about $4.4 million covering 469 acres for future wetlands.

NRCS staff also wrote 23,020 conservation plans during fiscal year 2024, which covers more than two million acres. Conservation plans help producers target and address natural resource concerns such as soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat, in addition to addressing climate change and improving soil health.



Dairy Directions Series Jan 7 in Sac City and Jan 8 in Pocahontas

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team will host its annual Dairy Directions Series January 7 in Sac City and January 8 in Pocahontas.

The series will focus on four topics: Cyber security and AI on the farm, a Water outlook, A commodity outlook plus what’s going on at the ISU dairy; and a review of dairy markets.

“For years dairy producers have been a leader on using technology on the farm and now we have to learn how to protect our investments against cyber-attacks,” said Fred Hall, Northwest Iowa Dairy Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We will also review how climate change is effecting our available water, get an update on the commodity market, hear what’s going on at the ISU dairy plus take a look at the milk markets.”

Alexis Stevens, Iowa State University and Outreach Extension farm management specialist for 11 counties in west central Iowa will present on cyber security and AI on the farm. Her presentation will help to strengthen the digital protections in place for farm businesses and families

Dr. Matt Helmers is the dean’s professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, where he has been on the faculty since 2003. He will discus what changes are being seen in available water in Northwest Iowa.

Russell “Rusty” Burgett as the new Farms Director and Assistant Professor of Practice. With his extensive background working in research and academia, he will share what’s happening on the ISU dairy both on the production side and what research is being currently being done.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist Fred Hall will address the milk market and what is being discussed concerning the federal orders.

Both days will feature the same program from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so dairy producers, heifer growers and agribusiness personnel can select the date and location that works best for them - either the ISU Extension and Outreach Sac County office in Sac City on Dec. 13 or the ISU Extension and Outreach Pocahontas County office in Pocahontas on Dec. 14. Registration will open at 9:30 a.m. each day.

There is no charge to attend either program thanks to sponsorship from the county Extension offices however, preregistration is requested to plan adequately for meals and materials. To register for the January 7 Sac City session, call 712-662-7131; for the January 8 Pocahontas session, call 712-335-3103, or register on-line at: https://go.iastate.edu/DIRECTIONS25.

Any other questions can be directed to Dairy Specialist Fred Hall at 712-737-4230.



Price protection to be featured at Feedlot Forum 2025

There is a lot of financial risk in feeding cattle – high-priced feeder cattle, variable interest rates, and volatility in market animal price. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Beth Doran said it's important for producers to understand how they can protect their investment.

“Producers have $2000 invested in the purchase of the feeder animal. When you add the cost of feed, bedding, labor, and interest, the total cost of production is hovering around $2700 per animal,” she said.

Hence, this year’s Feedlot Forum 2025 features Zach Tindall discussing the usability and basics of two USDA risk management tools: Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and Livestock Gross Margin (LGM). As vice president of commodities with Producers Livestock, he's been instrumental in protecting producer profitability through his trading and hedging expertise and risk management consulting.

The two programs are different. LRP is a USDA price insurance policy that protects cattle producers from catastrophic declines in market price, and LGM is a federal insurance policy that protects against losses in gross margin for cattle. Tindall will discuss changes in both programs that have increased their usability.

Feedlot Forum 2025, which is Jan. 14 in Sioux Center, includes four other presentations centered around cattle feeding and a trade show with more than 20 agricultural industry professionals.

A flyer and registration form are available online at www.extension.iastate.edu/sioux/feedlot-forum. Registration ($25 per adult or $10 per student) is due Jan. 6.

For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.        



HPAI Detected in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Sac County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s seventh detection of H5N1 HPAI within poultry in 2024.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/6/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending December 6, ethanol production inched 0.5% higher to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.28 million gallons daily. Output was 0.4% more than the same week last year and 2.8% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.8% to 1.10 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.83 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks tightened 1.5% to 22.6 million barrels. Still, stocks were 2.5% more than the same week last year and 1.0% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned in the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 0.8% to a 4-week high of 8.81 million b/d (135.43 bg annualized). Demand was 0.6% less than a year ago but 0.2% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, up 1.1% to 883,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.57 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.1% more than year-ago levels and 1.4% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports declined 2.4% to an estimated 123,000 b/d (5.2 million gallons/day). It has been 64 weeks since imports of ethanol were recorded.



Most Fertilizer Prices Up Slightly

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of December 2024 once again showed most nutrients higher, but just slightly. Six of the eight major fertilizers were higher in price compared to last month. As has been the case in recent weeks, no fertilizer had a sizeable price increase or decline. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The six slightly higher fertilizers are DAP which had an average price of $739/ton, MAP $816/ton, urea $496/ton, 10-34-0 $611/ton, anhydrous $719/ton and UAN28 $324/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly less expensive than a month ago. Potash had an average price of $443/ton while UAN32 is $363/ton looking back to the prior month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.44/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.57/lb.N.

Two fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year ago. 10-34-0 is 3% higher while DAP is 4% more expensive looking back to last year. The remaining six fertilizers are lower. MAP is 1% lower, UAN28 is 5% less expensive, urea is 9% lower, UAN32 is 11% less expensive, potash is 14% lower and anhydrous 15% less expensive compared to last year.



SHIC/FFAR Fund Six Japanese Encephalitis Virus Research Projects

The Swine Health Information Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research have recently funded six new projects to enhance US prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response capabilities for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). As a transboundary disease risk for US introduction, JEV is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitos and can cause reproductive failure, abortions, and stillbirths or weak piglets in swine breeding herds. Recent expansion of JEV into new geographic regions of Australia warrants close investigation to prevent a potential JEV incursion into the US. In the fall of 2024, a total of $1.3M was awarded through the SHIC/FFAR JEV Research Program across six projects now underway.

Announced in February 2024, the SHIC/FFAR JEV Research Program sought to invest in critical research to prevent JEV incursion, ensure rapid detection of JEV if introduced, inform stakeholder response, mitigate production losses on sow farms, identify effective control measures, and develop clear messaging to consumers on the safety of pork. With a goal to address the emerging threat that JEV poses to US swine health, SHIC and FFAR invited proposal submissions from qualified researchers for funding consideration based on value to US pork producers.

A total of 26 proposals from 23 different institutions were received by the submission deadline in April 2024. Six proposals were selected for funding after a highly competitive review process conducted by swine industry stakeholders and subject matter experts. Newly funded projects address the SHIC/FFAR JEV Research Program priorities, including transmission and epidemiology, competent vectors, the role of wildlife, diagnostics, challenge models, and vaccine development.

SHIC/FFAR JEV Research Program projects funded and initiated in response to the RFP include:

Transmission and epidemiology
    Epidemiology of JEV in Australian intensive piggeries
        PI: Brendan Cowled, Ausvet Pty Ltd
        Objectives: 1) Understand the transmission and epidemiology of JEV within farms through a literature review and data analysis of affected farm parameters for model development; 2) Understand and validate the farm-level risk factors for JEV in the Australian outbreak through a qualitative study of expert veterinarians.

Competent vectors
    Vector competence and JEV pathogenesis and immunity in domestic pigs
        PI: Angela Bosco-Lauth, Colorado State University
        Objectives: 1) Evaluate vector competence of JEV in the primary West Nile virus mosquito vectors in the US; 2) Determine susceptibility and pathogenesis of JEV in domestic swine; 3) Assess protective efficacy of WNV vaccination and JEV vaccination against JEV infection in domestic swine; 4) Evaluate cross-neutralization of porcine antibodies against JEV, WNV, and St. Louis encephalitis virus.

Role of wildlife
    Understanding the threat of wild pigs and mosquitoes for JEV transmission to domestic swine farms
        PI: Daniel Peach, University of Georgia
        Objectives: 1) Establish whether wild pigs increase the habitat available to JEV vectors by identifying the mosquito species that breed in wild pig wallows; 2) Determine the extent of access and which mosquito species commonly try to enter sow and wean-to-finish farms; 3) Assess exposure of domestic swine herds to mosquito-borne pathogens associated with wild pigs.

Diagnostics
    Building diagnostic capability for Japanese encephalitis virus in the United States
        PI: Katharine Bossart, Integrated Research Associates, LLC
        Objectives: 1) Assess assay performance using recombinant and inactivated viral antigens from multiple JEV genotypes to build serologic diagnostic capabilities; 2) Create a prototype JEV IgM ELISA kit with all reagents and instructions and create a prototype JEV IgM dot enzyme immunoassay; 3) Develop secondary JEV IgM ELISAs and dot enzyme immunoassays using JEV nonstructural proteins.

Challenge models
    Development of a pregnant sow model to study the pathogenesis of the emergent Japanese encephalitis virus genotype IV
        PI: Juergen Richt, Kansas State University
        Objectives: 1) Develop robust and harmonized in vivo and in vitro methods for comparative analysis of infected pregnant sows across two study centers; 2) Conduct JEV infection trials at three gestational timepoints at each site; 3) Determine the pathobiological features of in utero infection and compare across the two study centers.

Vaccine development
    Translation of the highly safe, pure and potent IMOJEV® live, attenuated chimeric vaccine against JE in humans for prevention of JEV infection and disease in swine
        PI: Thomas Monath; Substipharm Biologics SA
        Objectives: 1) Demonstrate safety and immunogenicity of IMOJEV in swine; 2) Demonstrate efficacy of IMOJEV in protecting pigs from challenge with JEV; 3) Determine minimum effective dose for immunization with IMOJEV; 4) Provide quality assurance and quality control; 5) Develop a product development plan to meet product licensing requirements.

Awarded projects are nine to 24 months in duration; research results will be shared as soon as they become available. In partnership with FFAR, this effort helps SHIC fulfill its mission to generate new intelligence for preventing, preparing for, and responding to emerging swine disease threats. Understanding the potential impacts of JEV on pork production is critical to protecting the health of the US swine herd as well as mitigating the risk of this emerging disease.



NFU Calls on Congress to Deliver Immediate Economic Relief

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew made the following statement on the need for economic relief for family farmers and ranchers:

“I’ve spent the past several weeks speaking directly with Farmers Union members across the country, and they have made one thing crystal clear: Congress must take action to provide immediate relief for farmers and ranchers.

"Family farmers and ranchers are grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters, volatile commodity prices, high input costs and declining net farm income. With Congress indicating that it will not pass a renewed five-year Farm Bill before the end of the year, it is even more essential to provide substantive assistance to commodities impacted by current economic challenges.

"We urge Congress to take swift action by passing a Farm Bill extension and economic relief before the year’s end, and to prioritize bipartisan negotiations to deliver a comprehensive five-year Farm Bill as soon as possible in 2025. Family farmers and ranchers deserve solutions now and a commitment to a stronger future."



NCBA and PLC Call on USFWS to Partner with Producers on Monarch Conservation

This week, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released its plan to list the Monarch Butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with section 4(d) flexibilities. The agency will accept public comments on the proposal until March 12, 2025. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) call on USFWS to partner with livestock producers throughout this process.
 
“USFWS must increase partnerships with livestock producers throughout this process recognizing their work managing the landscape. As stewards of the land, ranchers work tirelessly to implement sustainable management practices to ensure the longevity of the lands they utilize. Recent studies have shown that grazing and animal agriculture in general, builds robust habitat, increases insect populations, and manages invasive species on America’s pastureland,” said NCBA Director of Government Affairs and PLC Garrett Edmonds. “The USFWS management plan must recognize the voluntary conservation work that ranchers do every day to care for America’s vast natural resources providing the regulatory certainty necessary for ranchers to manage their operations.”



Taranis Introduces Taranis Conservation

Taranis, a global leader in AI-powered crop intelligence, announces the launch of Taranis Conservation™,  an innovative solution that streamlines access to conservation funding for growers. By addressing common barriers such as limited program awareness and navigating requirement complexities, Taranis Conservation accelerates the process, enabling growers to unlock significant financial potential while advancing sustainability.

Combining detailed crop intelligence data with expert conservation planning, Taranis Conservation is uniquely positioned to help growers stay ahead of market and regulatory trends. This program aligns with key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 and supports growers in accessing USDA programs facilitated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

“With increased funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, growers have more opportunities than ever,” said Opher Flohr, Taranis CEO. “Funding grows to $9.5 billion in 2025 and $11 billion in 2026, offering unprecedented support through programs like Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and 45Z tax credits. Taranis Conservation empowers growers to navigate these opportunities with ease, combining advanced crop intelligence with expert guidance to maximize both financial and environmental outcomes—having the potential to more than double a grower’s net profit in today’s challenging agricultural economy.”

Taranis Conservation™ is the service for program enrollment that leverages Taranis Intelligence™ to streamline conservation planning and automate practice verification and reporting. Offering expert guidance, Taranis Conservation helps growers adopt practices such as pest and nutrient management, no-till or reduced tillage, cover cropping, and crop rotation. Its automated application process reduces the time required by nearly 75%, providing unprecedented speed and efficiency in securing funding. By integrating detailed crop intelligence data, Taranis facilitates access to funding through advanced pest management practices.

Leading this initiative is Tom Buman, Taranis’ newly appointed Director of Sustainability, who brings more than 30 years of expertise in conservation programming and implementation. “Many farmers are unaware of the vast opportunities available through NRCS-facilitated programs,” said Buman. “Taranis Conservation simplifies the process, connecting growers with these resources and reducing the burden of implementation.”



AgroLiquid to Acquire Montyʼs Plant Food Company, Expanding Innovation in Agricultural Crop Nutrition

AgroLiquid, a leader in high-efficiency crop liquid fertilizer solutions, today announced the acquisition of Monty’s Plant Food Company, a Louisville-based specialist in soil health and plant nutrition technology. The acquisition, effective January 1, 2025, brings together two family-founded businesses that excel in agricultural innovation and share a commitment to farmer success.

“This strategic combination allows us to bring crop nutrition technologies to growers that wouldnʼt otherwise be available to them,” said Nick Bancroft, CEO of AgroLiquid. “While both companies share the same goals in advancing agricultural innovation, our different approaches to achieving them will create new opportunities to optimize nutrient efficiency and productivity for growers.”

The acquisition unites AgroLiquidʼs expertise in liquid fertilizer solutions with Montyʼs specialized knowledge in soil health and humic technology. Both companies will maintain their distinct brands and continue operating independently through the 2025 growing season to ensure seamless service to their respective customers.

“Joining forces with AgroLiquid marks an exciting new chapter for Montyʼs Plant Food,” said Jeff Sangalli, CEO of Montyʼs Plant Food Company. “Our shared farmer-first philosophy and commitment to innovation made this a natural fit. By combining our complementary strengths, weʼre positioned to deliver even greater value to the agricultural industry.”

The integration of the two companies will focus on leveraging operational capabilities, including manufacturing, warehousing and storage infrastructure to enhance service for customers. The combined entity will maintain both companies’ existing product lines while exploring opportunities for technological advancement in plant and crop nutrition solutions.
 
Following the acquisition, Monty’s Plant Food will continue to operate under its current name as a privately owned company, with Jeff Sangalli continuing to lead the Monty’s business.