Thursday December 19 Ag News

 New World screwworm in Mexico: what does it mean to the US?
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Extension Educator
Grant Crawford, Merck Animal Health Associate Director—Cattle Technical Services

You may have heard folks say: “farming (or ranching) is not for the faint of heart.”  Events of the last five years certainly support this statement including the fire at the Tyson plant in Holcomb, KS, the COVID pandemic, ensuing world unrest resulting from invasion of Ukraine by Russia, ransomware attack of JBS beef and pork plants in the United States, rampant inflation with a threat of economic recession leading to increases in interest rates, drought, high grain and fuel prices, avian influenza found in dairy herds, and now, tight beef supplies.  

As if the industry has not experienced the effects of enough external factors, the chief veterinary officer of Mexico notified the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) of a positive detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in Mexico.

It is important to emphasize that the NWS was not discovered in the United States or at a US-Mexico border checkpoint. Mexico officials reported to USDA-APHIS on November 24, 2024, that an animal (not identified as cow or growing cattle) was confirmed positive to be carrying NWS. This individual animal was on a load of cattle being transported into Mexico from a Central American country.

Incidentally, NWS was effectively eradicated from the United States in 1966 using the sterile male insect technique (dropping boxes of live, sterile male flies in regions where NWS existed including in Mexico and Central America). Yet, the threat of re-introduction into the United States never stopped. A physical barrier, the Darien Gap, and active monitoring of cattle movement were measures employed by USDA-APHIS and the animal health organizations of countries in Central America and Mexico to prevent the spread of this insect. Illegal movement of cattle through the Darien Gap and between Central American countries and Mexico nullifies efforts to keep NWS out of countries relying on border surveillance.

The immediate response by USDA-APHIS was to close the border to importation of cattle coming from Mexico into the United States. The border will remain closed to cattle imports from or transiting through Mexico until further notice. Approximately 1.2 million head of cattle are imported from Mexico annually.

At a time when supply of feeder cattle is limited by reductions in the United States cowherd inventory, closure of the border to importation of Mexican feeder cattle led to a bullish response in Feeder Cattle Futures. Feeder Cattle Futures increased $4/cwt since news of NWS discovery was released.

What is New World screwworm, where is it found, and how does it affect cattle?
New World screwworm is a name given to the maggot (not a worm) of a fly (blow fly) which lays eggs in the borders of open wounds or at the edge of orifices of mammals. In contrast to other blow fly species that lay eggs, which develop into maggots that consume dead or decaying flesh, females of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax lay their eggs on the borders of open wounds (or the navels of newborns) or the edges of orifices (including nostrils, mouth, eyes and rectal and genital orifices) of live animals where maggots emerge and burrow into the tissues surrounding the wound.  It is this burrowing (or screwing) action from where the word screwworm is derived. As its name implies, New World defines the region where the fly is found and is not to be confused with Old World screwworm fly (Chrysomya bezziana). Although once the larvae (maggot) emerge, the effects on the host are similar.

Maggots emerge from eggs 12 to 24 hours after being laid (a single fly lays about 340 eggs) and begin feeding immediately. Eggs are laid so that the maggot emerges with head (and mouth) facing down into the wound. As maggots feed on live tissue, the wound is enlarged and deepened. Prior to eradication in 1966, the NWS was considered one of the most damaging pests of cattle and sheep in the United States.

What are the United States (and Mexico) doing to prevent the spread of this threat?
The USDA-APHIS maintains an NWS pupae sterilization facility in Panama through The Panama - United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG). As of November 23, 2024, COPEG had developed over ninety-nine million sterile male pupae weekly and flown twenty-five sorties to drop the sterile males. Since November 24, 2024, Mexico reported that COPEG had flown additional sorties of sterile male pupae drops in the area where NWS was discovered.

In addition to this approach, USDA-APHIS is continuing to work on development and enforcement of animal movement controls and on increasing passive and active surveillance, outreach, and education in impacted areas.

The USDA-APHIS has long had safeguards in place to prevent invasive pests from crossing the US-Mexico border. These include a requirement for all imported cattle to be submerged in a parasiticide (coumaphos) dip vat prior to entry into the United States. Though this measure is being taken to control cattle fever ticks, it should also control any active screwworm infestations.

What do United States producers need to do?
Continue to work with their brokering firm and USDA-APHIS when importing cattle or other live animals from Mexico and other countries.

Step up surveillance for wounds followed by proper treatment of wounds and navels of cattle (and other mammals) on their feedlots and ranches.

Immediately report to their veterinarian any wounds or other lesions, lacerations which are not healing or enlarging.

As a reference, the maggot of NWS is not killed by veterinary products labeled to treat internal parasites (real worms). That is NWS is not killed by “white,” drench dewormers. The effect of most avermectins or insecticides applied as pour-on is temporary and may not directly affect the maggot. Because the NWS maggot targets live tissues anywhere on the body, injectable avermectins are more effective at reaching the tissue on which maggots are feeding.



Central Community College Pro Start Partnership

Central Community College (CCC) has built a strong reputation for its culinary program, thanks to hands-on learning opportunities and partnerships like the one it has developed with the Nebraska Beef Council.

At the heart of the program is Courtney Rempe, the Kitchen and Catering Manager, who plays a key role in preparing students for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. CCC’s Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts program offers students a well-rounded education in both the hospitality and culinary sectors. Students not only learn how to cook but also gain experience in event planning, restaurant management, and leadership. One of the most impactful aspects of the program is the catering events run by students.

 “We get to act as if we’re a business,” says Rempe, who supervises the events. Students gain real-world experience while managing these events, and the profits go toward a yearly culinary trip to food-centric destinations like Las Vegas and Chicago.

 A highlight of the culinary program is its involvement in the Nebraska ProStart Competition, a high school cooking contest that attracts students from across the state that is also sponsored by the Nebraska Beef Council. CCC has hosted the state competition multiple times, where high school teams compete to create impressive dishes in a limited amount of time.

 “ProStart is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills and compete at a high level,” Rempe explains. Rempe also highlights the Best of Beef award, which goes to the team that demonstrates the best use of beef in their dishes. Many ProStart participants go on to pursue culinary studies at CCC.

 “We’ve had students who competed in ProStart come here to continue their education, which is always exciting,” says Rempe.

 CCC’s culinary program has also partnered with the Nebraska Beef Council in other events like the “Beef Masters Challenge” held at the state fair, and through workshops with Family Consumer Science instructors that focused on cooking beef. Through its culinary program and events like ProStart, CCC continues to educate future culinary professionals while contributing to Nebraska’s food industry.



Attorney General Hilgers Supports the Dakota Access Pipeline to Protect Farmers and Keep Nebraskans Safe

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined a 13-state coalition to defend the Dakota Access Pipeline, which has safely transported oil and gas from North Dakota to Illinois for the past seven years.

Keeping the Dakota Access Pipeline open significantly benefits Nebraskans. Without the pipeline, crude oil would be either shipped by truck or train through Nebraska. Thus, the pipeline frees up space for Nebraskans to transport agricultural goods such as corn, cattle, soybeans, hogs, eggs, and other healthy food across the country. That ease of transport keeps transportation costs for food low. And the pipeline decreases the risk of oil spills by truck or train in Nebraska.

“The Dakota Access Pipeline saves Nebraskan farmers millions of dollars transporting agricultural products. Not to mention the pipeline protects Nebraska’s communities from the risk of oil spills on highways and railways. The Dakota Access Pipeline is key to Nebraska’s—and our Nation’s—economy, safety, and energy security,” stated Attorney General Hilgers.

The States make the case that shutting down Dakota Access Pipeline causes significant harm by hurting farmers, costing states hundreds of millions of dollars in property tax revenue, and poses safety risks. This motion follows a 26-state letter Attorney General Hilgers signed in December 2023, urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue the safe flow of oil and gas through the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Nebraska joined the Iowa-led motion to intervene, along with Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia.



January webinar offers insight into CRP land transition incentives

Registration is now open for an informational webinar hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs that will explore the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program - Transition Incentives Program (CRP-TIP).

The one-hour webinar will focus on program details and eligibility in Iowa and Nebraska. The event is designed for landowners in both states who have CRP contracts nearing expiration and are interested in learning more about available incentives for those acres. There will be two opportunities to attend, on Friday, Jan. 10, and Tuesday, Jan. 14, both at 8:30 a.m.

“Land transitions can be a difficult process,” said Andrew Tonnies, policy associate at the Center. "This webinar will provide an opportunity to learn about CRP-TIP and what it can offer farmers, ranchers, and landowners who are ready to consider their options."

The webinar will feature staff from the USDA Farm Service Agency, which administers CRP-TIP. Representatives from the University of Nebraska Extension Land Link program will also join to share additional land transition options.

CRP-TIP offers two years of additional CRP payments to participating landowners who transition their expiring CRP acres to a beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.

The Land Link program provides resources to connect beginning farmers and ranchers seeking land with retired operators and landowners with land for sale or lease.

“Helping the next generation of ag producers is just one benefit of CRP-TIP," Tonnies said. "This webinar seeks to foster the kinds of connections that make land transition possible."

To register, visit cfra.org/CRPTIPWebinar2025. For more information, contact Andrew Tonnies at 402.590.7096 or andrewt@cfra.org.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Nebraska Poultry

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has detected two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry flocks in Nebraska. These cases represent the fourth and fifth cases of HPAI in Nebraska poultry in 2024.

Case 4 was detected in a small backyard chicken flock in Sarpy County.  Case 5 was detected in a large backyard mixed flock in Lancaster County.

Cases of HPAI in Nebraska in 2024
Case 1 – Gage County, February 2024
Case 2 – Nemaha County, December 2024
Case 3 – Dodge County, December 2024
Case 4 – Sarpy County, December 2024
Case 5 – Lancaster County, December 2024

About HPAI
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as infected food, water, and manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds during migratory season, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick and die.

Clinical Signs of HPAI in Birds
Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include: a decrease in water consumption; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.

Resources are available for poultry producers at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/, and from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza. Poultry experiencing signs of HPAI or unusual death should be reported to NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.



2024 NEBRASKA POTATO STOCKS

Nebraska growers, dealers, and processors held 6.30 million cwt of potatoes in storage on December 1, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Current stocks represent 63% of the 2024 production. Total stocks are defined as all potatoes on hand, regardless of use, including those that will be lost through future shrinkage and dumping.

US Potato Stocks Down 4 Percent from December 1, 2023
Potatoes held in storage on December 1, 2024 totaled 276 million cwt, down 4 percent from December 1, 2023. Potatoes in storage accounted for 66 percent of the 2024 production, up 1 percent from the same period a year earlier. The indicated season to date disappearance, at 142 million cwt, was down 8 percent from the same period last year. Season to date shrink and loss, at 12.8 million cwt, was down 4 percent from the same time last year. Processors in the 8 States used 76.5 million cwt of potatoes for the season, down 4 percent from December 2023.



Plan now to mitigate insect problems next summer

Just as insects can enter homes, they can enter livestock barns. Insects can be harmful for swine and can create a large loss for producers when sending the animals to the packing plants. It is never too early to start planning how to manage insects.

A new publication from the Iowa Pork Industry Center, Integrated Pest Management in Swine Production Facilities, focuses on management practices that can help producers mitigate insects. Iowa State University extension swine veterinarian Chris Rademacher is one of the authors. He explained the importance of planning for these pests before they become a problem.

“Part of the motivation for putting this document together was to help producers think through a more comprehensive approach to insect pest management and how it needs to be thought about well in advance of marketing pigs,” he said.

Outside of the barns producers should focus on grass, trees, ponds, and building a rock perimeter. Specific structures within the barns also can play a key role in insect attraction including light fixtures, curtains that may catch water, and sprinklers or any potential leaking water sources. It is important to understand which insects are causing issues, in order to seek professional help as needed to determine these proper mitigation responses.

“We were fortunate to bring together strategies from entomologists, pest management experts, agricultural engineers, and producers to develop a best practices document based on the life cycles of the insect that create issues for swine producers,” Rademacher said. “This information can help producers develop comprehensive plans based on the integrated pest management approach.”

The other authors of the publication are Laura Greiner, associate professor of animal science at ISU; Brett Ramirez, associate professor in agricultural and biosystems engineering at ISU; and Lee Cohnstaedt, Research Entomologist at USDA Agricultural Research Service.    

The publication IPIC 209A is available at no charge from the ISU Extension store.



Online survey responses will inform recommendations for USDA programming on grasslands, etc.

Iowa crop and livestock farmers and agricultural landowners are asked to complete an online survey on CRP and marginal lands. The survey is being conducted by the World Wildlife Fund with support from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Cow-Calf Council. Responses will be used to develop recommendations for USDA to enhance programmatic support for the development of grasslands and pasture with livestock integration. All responses are anonymous. Deadline to respond is Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Complete the Optimizing the Productivity and Health of Marginal Lands Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5XR6MKH.



Water Quality Partnership Project Announced with IDALS, ISA, USFWS

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Wednesday that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has formed a public-private partnership with the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to accelerate the implementation of science-based practices proven to protect water quality and improve soil health within Iowa. This innovative partnership will work with farmers and landowners in priority watersheds within Iowa to construct practices outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, including multi-purpose oxbows, saturated buffers and perennial covers. Secretary Naig made the announcement in Ankeny today during remarks to the Iowa Soybean Association’s annual Winter Policy Conference.

“Our more than 350 public and private partners are key to getting more water quality practices implemented across all of Iowa’s landscapes, and I am grateful to Iowa Soybean Association and U.S. Fish and Wildlife for working with us on this project to keep the momentum building. This project, and others like it, prove collaborating is key to making meaningful progress,” said Secretary Naig. “If you are a farmer or landowner located within the project area, I would invite you to consider how you can incorporate some of these water quality practices on your land.”

The project will initially focus within the priority watersheds of the North Raccoon, Boone, Skunk, Middle Cedar, and Turkey Rivers. Throughout the initial phase of the project, the goal is to install at least 30 multi-purpose oxbows, 21 saturated buffers, and 900 acres of perennial cover, which can include pollinator and other wildlife habitat, field borders, and filter strips, among other options.

“We are grateful for IDALS’ support and the partnership across these three organizations IDALS, USFWS, and ISA for this project, which showcases the strength of collaboration to benefit our farmers, partners, and landowners to implement Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy practices across the landscape of Iowa,” said Dr. Christie Wiebbecke, Chief Officer, Research and Conservation, with ISA.

The Department will financially support the farmer and landowner outreach conducted by conservation staff employed by ISA and USFWS. These conservation professionals will work directly with farmers and landowners to identify prospective locations to construct or implement these nutrient-reducing practices. The Department will also help support technical, design, and engineering costs associated with the projects. Through separate agreements with landowners, the Department will also financially support the installation of practices.

"We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extend our sincere gratitude to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for their support and trust. This public-private partnership will be instrumental in delivering impactful water quality and wildlife habitat conservation practices across Iowa and will be a model for partnership efforts moving forward,” said Andrew DiAllesandro, Iowa Private Lands Coordinator for the USFWS. “Your confidence in our shared mission underscores the power of collaboration and together we are creating a lasting legacy for Iowa's natural resources and communities."

Over the initial three-year agreement, the Department will contribute approximately $1.4 million toward landowner outreach initiatives and practice development costs. Iowa Soybean Association and Fish and Wildlife are contributing $933,682 as part of their match. The agreement is in effect through June 30, 2027.



USDA Makes Investments to Strengthen American Farms and Businesses, Increase Competition and Lower Costs

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday announced that USDA is making domestic fertilizer production investments in nine states to increase competition, lower fertilizer costs for American farmers and lower food costs for U.S. consumers.

“When we invest in domestic supply chains, we drive down input costs and increase options for farmers,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Through today's investments to make more fertilizer, USDA is bringing jobs back to the United States, lowering costs for families, and supporting farmer income.”

USDA is awarding more than $116 million through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP) to help eight facilities expand innovative fertilizer production in California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

FPEP is funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation and provides funding to independent business owners to help them modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants and more.

Through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program, USDA has invested $517 million in 76 fertilizer production facilities to expand access to domestic fertilizer options for American farmers in 34 states and Puerto Rico. These investments will increase U.S. fertilizer production by 11.8 million tons annually and create more than 1,300 jobs in rural communities.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/13/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending December 13, ethanol production scaled up 2.3% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to 46.33 million gallons daily. Output was 3.0% more than the same week last year and 5.9% above the five-year average for the week. Still, the four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.2% to 1.09 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.80 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks crept incrementally lower, steadying at 22.6 million barrels. Stocks were 1.2% less than the same week last year but 0.8% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned in the Midwest (PADD 2) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3) but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, climbed 1.3% to a 5-week high of 8.93 million b/d (137.23 bg annualized). Demand was 2.0% more than a year ago and the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol lifted 2.3% to 903,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.88 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.2% more than year-ago levels and 2.6% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports swelled 32.5% to an estimated 163,000 b/d (6.8 million gallons/day), the largest level since the start of September. It has been 65 weeks since imports of ethanol were recorded.



Potash, Urea, UAN28, UAN32 Prices Down Slightly Second Week of December

Average retail prices for four of the eight major fertilizers tracked by DTN were lower and prices for the other four were slightly higher during the second week of December 2024, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. As has been the case in recent weeks, no fertilizer price saw a significant move, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.

The four fertilizers that were slightly higher in price were DAP with an average price of $740 per ton, MAP $816/ton, 10-34-0 $611/ton and anhydrous $721/ton. The four fertilizers slightly less expensive than a month ago were potash with an average price of $443/ton, urea $495/ton, UAN28 $323/ton and UAN32 $362/ton.

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 priced than they were one year ago. 10-34-0 is 3% higher, while DAP is 4% more expensive. The remaining six fertilizers are lower. MAP is 1% lower, UAN28 is 5% less expensive, urea is 8% lower, UAN32 is 11% less expensive, potash is 14% lower and anhydrous 15% less expensive compared to last year.



Farm Bureau to Congress: Stand Up for Farmers in CR Dispute

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall delivered a letter to Congress Wednesday evening urging elected leaders to stand with farmers as they reconsider the contents of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government and potentially offer a lifeline to farmers and ranchers. Below are excerpts from the letter.

“Any alternative Continuing Resolution (CR) must include: a farm bill extension, aid to rebuild after natural disasters, economic assistance to bridge the gap until we can get to a new farm bill, and year-round E-15 sales.

“Weather-related natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 have crippled communities across the country. The weather events may have passed, but unthinkable wreckage remains. Entire communities must be rebuilt.

“Economically, America’s farmers and ranchers are suffering. Inflation is killing farm families’ checkbooks. Stubbornly high supply costs have made seed, fertilizer, feed, repairs and H-2A labor costs more expensive. Extremely high interest rates make it even more expensive because most farmers need operating loans to buy inputs each year. Unfortunately, the price farmers receive for the products they grow is decreasing.

“Farmers in America are experiencing their third year in a row of losing money. Right now, lenders are telling farm families that operating loans will not happen or be significantly smaller unless the federal government provides some relief. We’ve lost 141,000 farms in a five-year period and that number will grow if Congress fails to act.”



ASA Appreciates Economic Assistance Provision in Year-End Funding Package

After agriculture’s collective call to have economic assistance including disaster aid in any end-of-year spending package proposed by Congress, America’s soy farmers are pleased to see it is part of the language released Tuesday evening in the proposed continuing resolution.

Inflation, historically high input prices, falling commodity prices, and a spate of storms have led to tougher-than-normal times for U.S. farmers, including those who grow soy.

Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association and soy farmer from Kentucky, said, “We appreciate that congressional leadership heard our fourth-quarter plea and understood the very real consequences of not including economic and disaster aid in their plans. We thank them sincerely and encourage leadership to keep this critical policy provision moving down the field and into the end zone. This is a much-needed win at a time that has been exceptionally hard for many of our country’s farmers.”

Soybean prices have dropped 40% over the past two years. Compounded by an already insufficient farm safety net, this has made it increasingly difficult for farming operations to remain viable. U.S. farmers provide feed, fuel, food and fiber for our country, rural communities and consumers nationwide, and keeping their livelihoods viable ensures those important products and our economy stay plentiful and healthy.



NCGA Calls on Congress to Pass Funding Bill Important to Growers

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. today sent a letter to members of Congress asking them to support the continuing resolution, which would ensure consumers have access to year-round and permanent sales of E15,  provide critical economic and disaster assistance to farmers and provide a farm bill extension.

“The market opportunity provided by allowing year-round E15 sales cannot be understated: Standardizing year-round E15 will result in an increase in corn demand of about 2.3 billion bushels per year,” Hartman noted in the letter. “Considering that about one-third of corn produced in the U.S. is used for ethanol production, this demand creation will result in an impressive improvement in profitability for operations across the nation.”

The letter also noted the importance of the package for farmers and rural America.

“This legislative package is very good news for corn growers – and in the midst of turmoil in the agriculture economy – we need good news,” Hartman said. “On behalf of corn growers across the nation, please throw your support behind this package; it will provide a boost to the U.S. corn industry that will have rippling effects across rural America.”

The letter also championed economic and disaster relief, saying it would be critical in helping corn growers recover from recent devastating losses.

The letter is the latest in a string of advocacy efforts by NCGA and its state groups to secure grower wins in the end-of-the-year legislation.



Congress to Skip Town, Leaving America’s Pork Producers High and Dry Without Prop. 12 Fix
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is deeply disappointed in Congress’ decision to relinquish their responsibility to produce a new Farm Bill and an overdue federal solution for California Proposition 12.
 
“Pork producers do not have the luxury of waiting for Congress to pass a new, five-year Farm Bill next year. After years of losing money and forcing family farms out of business, we needed the certainty to make decisions yesterday. Congress’ complete disregard and inability to adequately provide assurance for producers is sure to make this a bleak holiday season for many farming families across the country,” said Lori Stevermer, NPPC president and pork producer from Easton, Minnesota. “America’s pork producers have continually raised our voices and have ultimately been ignored by Congress through its failure to provide a solution to the problems created by Prop. 12: increasing our operating costs, creating future business uncertainty, and raising consumer prices.”

Instead, Congressional leadership announced its intentions to pass a “clean” one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, denying new programs or funding.

NPPC will continue to push Congress to provide a federal solution to Prop. 12 and other priorities.



Americans Could Save $250 Million Filling Up with Unleaded 88 This Holiday Season

AAA projected last week that 107 million Americans will travel by car for the holidays this year. Based on this data, Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, estimates that U.S. consumers could collectively save up to $250 million in fuel costs this holiday season if they were to choose Unleaded 88 (also called E15)—a fuel blend made with 15% homegrown bioethanol.

"The more American biofuel blended into gasoline, the more cost savings, and the better it is for the environment," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "Unleaded 88 is approved for use in more than 96% of cars on the road today and, on average, can retail for 10-30 cents less per gallon than standard fuel. Consumers can save their money for other expenses and pay less at the pump by choosing Unleaded 88 whenever they fill up during the holidays this year."

Apart from the cost savings, Unleaded 88 is also a critical part of establishing American energy dominance because it reduces our dependence on foreign oil. It also promotes cleaner air, reducing smog-forming pollutants and lowering emissions of particulate matter by up to 50% compared to gasoline.

Travelers can plan their road trip and locate gas stations selling Unleaded 88 and other higher ethanol blends using the Get Biofuel Fuel Finder. To date, Americans have driven more than 130 billion miles on Unleaded 88.