Tuesday December 24 Cattle on Feed, Hogs & Pigs, + More Ag News

 NEBRASKA HOG INVENTORY down 4%

Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2024, was 3.65 million head, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was down 4% from December 1, 2023, but unchanged from September 1, 2024.

Breeding hog inventory, at 430,000 head, was up 8% from December 1, 2023, and up 2% from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 3.22 million head, was down 5% from last year, and down slightly from last quarter.

The September - November 2024 Nebraska pig crop, at 2.26 million head, was up 3% from 2023. Sows farrowed during the period totaled 190,000 head, up 3% from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.90 for the September - November period, compared to 11.85 last
year.

Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 190,000 sows during the December 2024 - February 2025 quarter, unchanged from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Intended farrowings for March - May 2025 are 195,000 sows, up 11% from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago.



IOWA HOG INVENTORY DOWN 2%

On December 1, 2024, there were 24.6 million hogs and pigs on Iowa farms, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Hogs and Pigs report. Inventory was down 3 percent from the previous quarter and down 2 percent from the previous year.

The September-November 2024 quarterly pig crop was 5.57 million head, down 1 percent from the previous quarter but up 4 percent from last year. A total of 480,000 sows farrowed during this quarter. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.60 for the quarter.

As of December 1, producers planned to farrow 475,000 sows and gilts in the December 2024-February 2025 quarter and 475,000 head during the March-May 2025 quarter.



United States Hog Inventory Up 1 Percent

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2024 was 75.8 million head. This was up 1 percent from December 1, 2023, but down slightly from September 1, 2024. Breeding inventory, at 6.00 million head, was up slightly from last year, but down 1 percent from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 69.8 million head, was up 1 percent from last year,
but down slightly from last quarter.

The September-November 2024 pig crop, at 35.2 million head, was up 2 percent from 2023. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.96 million head, down slightly from 2023. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented49 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.92 for the September-November period, compared to 11.66 last year.

United States hog producers intend to have 2.93 million sows farrow during the December 2024-February 2025 quarter, up slightly from the actual farrowings during the same period one year earlier, but down 1 percent from the same period two years earlier. Intended farrowings for March-May 2025, at 2.95 million sows, are up 1 percent from the same period one year earlier, and up slightly from the same period two years earlier.

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 50 percent of the total United States hog inventory, down 1 percent from the previous year.



NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 1%

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.60 million cattle on feed on December 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 1% from last year. Placements during November totaled 510,000 head, up 4% from 2023. Fed cattle marketings for the month of November totaled 480,000 head, up 9% from last year. Other disappearance during November totaled 10,000 head, unchanged from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED UP 3%

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 660,000 head on December 1, 2024, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was down 1 percent from November but up 3 percent from December 1, 2023. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 550,000 head on feed, up 6 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,210,000 head, up 2 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during November 2024 totaled 91,000 head, down 4 percent from October but up 3 percent from November 2023. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 113,000 head, up 36 percent from October and up 26 percent from November 2023. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 204,000 head, up 15 percent from October and up 15 percent from November 2023.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during November 2024 totaled 100,000 head, up 19 percent from October and up 3 percent from November 2023. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 81,000 head, up 80 percent from October and up 65 percent from November 2023. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 181,000 head, up 40 percent from October and up 24 percent from November 2023. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 3,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Down Slightly

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 12.0 million head on December 1, 2024. The inventory was slightly below December 1, 2023.

Placements in feedlots during November totaled 1.80 million head, 4 percent below 2023. Net placements were 1.74 million head. During November, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 495,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 420,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 375,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 276,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 145,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 85,000 head.

Marketings of fed cattle during November totaled 1.73 million head, 1 percent below 2023. Other disappearance totaled 55,000 head during November, 2 percent above 2023.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS

Nebraska egg production during November totaled 208 million eggs, up from 206 million in 2023. November egg production per 100 layers was 2,461 eggs, compared to 2,521 eggs in 2023. All layers in Nebraska during November 2024 totaled 8.45 million, up from 8.15 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

IOWA: Iowa egg production during November 2024 was 1.14 billion eggs, up 2 percent from the previous November, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of all layers on hand during November 2024 was 46.0 million, up 4 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for November was 2,485, down 2 percent from a year ago.

November Egg Production Down 4 Percent
United States egg production totaled 8.92 billion during November 2024, down 4 percent from last year. Production included 7.68 billion table eggs, and 1.24 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.15 billion were broiler-type and 90.3 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during November 2024 totaled 376 million, down 3 percent from last year. November egg production per 100 layers was 2,374 eggs, down 1 percent from November 2023.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on December 1, 2024 totaled 375 million, down 3 percent from last year. The 375 million layers consisted of 311 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 60.7 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.78 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on December 1, 2024, averaged 79.0 eggs per 100 layers, down 1 percent from December 1, 2023.



USDA Cold Storage November 2024 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on November 30, 2024 were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 5 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 4 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 8 percent from the previous month and down 6 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 39 percent from last month but down 53 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on November 30, 2024 were down 9 percent from the previous month and down 7 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 8 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 34 percent from last month and down slightly from November 30, 2023.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on November 30, 2024 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 7 percent from November 30, 2023. Butter stocks were down 20 percent from last month but up slightly from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 7 percent from last month and down 3 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 4 percent from last month and down 5 percent from a year ago.



Fischer Announces Committee Assignments for 119th Congress

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced her committee assignments for the 119th Congress. She will continue serving on all six committees from the 118th Congress:
    Armed Services
    Appropriations
    Commerce, Science, and Transportation
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
    Rules and Administration
    Select Committee on Ethics

“Committee assignments have been announced for the 119th Congress. I will continue my work on all six committees: Armed Services, Appropriations, Commerce, Agriculture, Rules, and Ethics. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their continued trust in me, as well as the work I’ll be able to accomplish on behalf of Nebraskans. I look forward to another productive Congress,” said Senator Fischer.



Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow Webinar Series

Back by popular demand, Nebraska Extension will be hosting another round of the Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series in January. This four session webinar series is focused on understanding how the cow’s nutrient requirements change throughout the year and how to cost-effectively meet a cow's needs with grazed or harvested feed. Over 100 participants took the course in 2024 and rated it as above average or one of the best educational opportunities available to them.

One participant commented, “I really liked that it is zoom based. It’s hard to get away to attend conferences. I appreciated the “real life” examples discussed. It made the material easier to apply to our own scenarios. I will absolutely do another program if you offer one! The sessions were a good length, long enough to get though material but not so long as to lose interest. Thank you so much for providing resources we can continue to use in the future after the sessions are over!”

The series will be held Monday and Thursday evenings, January 27, 30, February 3, and 6, from 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. CT.

Topics to be covered include:
· What impacts a cow's nutrient requirements and how do they change throughout the year?
· How do you read and understand a feed test analysis as well as a feed tag? What do the numbers mean?
· When comparing feed options, which is the best buy when all things are considered?
· What are things to consider when developing a year-round feeding plan?

The cost of the course is $65 and includes a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources. The course is limited to 40 participants. To register, visit https://go.unl.edu/feedingthecow. Participants are asked to register by January 17 to ensure webinar resources are received before the series begins. A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.

For questions about the webinar series, please contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.



United States Prevails in USMCA Dispute on Biotech Corn

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai Friday announced that the United States has prevailed in its dispute under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) challenging certain Mexican biotechnology measures concerning genetically engineered (GE) corn. The USMCA panel agreed with the United States on all seven legal claims, finding that Mexico’s measures are not based on science and undermine the market access that Mexico agreed to provide in the USMCA.

“We commend the dispute settlement panel for its thorough and impartial assessment, which affirms that Mexico’s approach to biotechnology was not based on scientific principles or international standards. Mexico’s measures ran counter to decades’ worth of evidence demonstrating the safety of agricultural biotechnology, underpinned by science- and risk-based regulatory review systems,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This decision ensures that U.S. producers and exporters will continue to have full and fair access to the Mexican market, and is a victory for fair, open, and science- and rules-based trade, which serves as the foundation of the USMCA as it was agreed to by all parties. It is also a victory for the countries around the world growing and using products of agricultural biotechnology to feed their growing populations and adapt to a changing planet.”

“The panel’s ruling reaffirms the United States’ longstanding concerns about Mexico’s biotechnology policies and their detrimental impact on U.S. agricultural exports,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “It underscores the importance of science-based trade policies that allow American farmers and agricultural producers to compete fairly and leverage their innovation to address climate change and enhance productivity. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Mexican government to ensure a level playing field and provide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable agricultural products on both sides of the border.”

“The panel’s conclusion backs up our long-held position that agricultural trade policies must be grounded in science and must not disrupt trade in agricultural products,” said Ambassador Doug McKalip. “This ruling is a critical step in ensuring that U.S. farmers can continue to compete fairly in the global marketplace. We have worked tirelessly with the interagency and industry stakeholders for almost four years to address this issue, and we remain committed to ensuring Mexico complies with its obligations under the USMCA and eliminates its USMCA-inconsistent measures. This outcome supports our efforts to maintain a strong, science-based trade relationship that benefits American producers and consumers in both the U.S. and Mexico.”

The panel issued its final report to the Parties on December 20, 2024. Under USMCA rules, Mexico has 45 days from the date of the final report to comply with the Panel’s findings.

From January through October 2024, the United States exported $4.8 billion of corn to Mexico, the United States’ largest export market for corn.



Corn Growers Win Dispute with Mexico Over GM Corn Ban

In a major win for the nation’s corn growers, a dispute panel ruled Friday that Mexico violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement when it issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn imports in early 2023.
 
The decision was met with praise from the National Corn Growers Association and other corn grower advocates who had called on the United States Trade Representative to file the dispute.

“This is an incredible development for the nation’s corn growers and rural communities,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “This outcome is a direct result of the advocacy efforts of corn grower leaders from across the country. We want to thank the nation’s growers for speaking out and U.S. officials for listening and acting.”

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador first set off alarms in the Corn Belt in December 2020 when he initiated a decree to ban genetically modified corn by the end of 2024. At the time, NCGA began outreach to the Trump administration to head off the ban. Those efforts continued with the Biden administration as well as with members of Congress and Mexican officials.

The organization’s leaders argued that the ban would significantly harm growers and rural communities, especially because Mexico is the number one export destination for U.S. corn.

NCGA’s efforts intensified in 2023 when the Mexican president issued a decree banning genetically modified white corn, effective the following day. NCGA and state corn grower groups responded by pushing USTR to file a dispute settlement under USMCA, which it eventually did.

“NCGA has been active each step of the way, sounding the alarm about the impact Mexico’s actions are having on farmers,” Hartman said. “This win illustrates the power of corn advocacy.”

Since the enactment of USMCA, the formation of dispute panels has been uncommon and must meet a high threshold of requirements. Now that a decision has been made, NCGA leaders say they will work with USTR and the incoming administration to ensure the ruling is enforced.



Corn Growers Win Dispute with Mexico Over GM Corn Ban

In a major win for corn growers, a dispute panel ruled today that Mexico violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) when it issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn imports in early 2020.

The decision was met with praise from the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Corn Board among other corn grower advocates who had called on the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to file the dispute.

“We have been engaged on this issue closely for several years,” said Andy Jobman, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association “Our staff and grower advocates made it a priority to interact with state and national corn grower leaders, we met with both Mexican and Canadian Embassies and echoed the voices of Nebraska’s corn growers in pushing USTR to challenge this ban. Today’s decision shows the real value of corn grower advocacy and what we can accomplish when we work together.”

“This is an imperative development for the America’s corn growers and rural communities,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chair of the Nebraska Corn Board. “As the nation's top producer of white corn, Nebraska is uniquely positioned to capitalize on Mexico's continually growing demand for our high-quality corn. This ruling will hopefully remove this potential trade disruption and secures Mexico's position as the leading export destination for U.S. corn, paving the way for increased economic growth and opportunity."

Past Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador first set off alarms in the Corn Belt in December 2020 when he initiated a decree to ban genetically modified corn by the end of 2024. At the time, corn grower leaders began outreach to the Trump administration to head off the ban. Those efforts continued with the Biden administration as well as with members of Congress and Mexican officials.

Nebraska corn growers took a lead with other state and national corn leaders who argued that the ban would significantly harm growers and rural communities, especially as Mexico is the number one export destination for U.S. corn.

Corn grower advocacy efforts intensified in 2023 when the Mexican president issued a decree banning genetically modified white corn, effective the following day. NCGA and state corn grower groups responded by urging USTR to file a dispute settlement under USMCA, which eventually occurred.

Nebraska Corn would also like to extend appreciation for Senator Fischer, Senator Ricketts, Representative Smith, Representative Bacon and Representative Flood for continually raising this issue with their colleagues in Washington, D.C.



Smith Statement on Dispute Panel Ruling on Mexico's Ban Of U.S.-Grown Corn

Friday, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after a dispute panel announced its finding that Mexico had violated its commitments under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with its decree barring U.S.-grown biotech corn. Under USMCA rules, Mexico has 45 days from the date of the report to comply with the ruling.

"I have spent four years advocating for hardworking American farmers, and this decision is a victory for American agriculture producers and the future of rules-based, science-driven trade. While President Biden could have encouraged a resolution much sooner with a simple public statement, USMCA has worked as it should, and the integrity of USMCA has been upheld in this case. With the USMCA review coming in 2026, it is essential the U.S. continues to stand up for American industry and hold our trade partners to their commitments. I urge President Sheinbaum to swiftly comply with the findings of the panel and ensure fair market access for American corn growers, and I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to hold Mexico accountable."



Fischer Celebrates U.S. Victory In USMCA Dispute on GMO Corn

Last week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after a dispute panel announced its finding that Mexico had violated its commitments under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with its ban on GMO corn:

“I’ve been clear from the start—the United States would not accept Mexico’s unscientific ban against genetically modified corn. This ruling will hold Mexico accountable and prevent its blatant trade violation under the USMCA. This decision is a victory for family farmers, Mexican consumers, and the future of agricultural technology innovation. I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to continue to hold Mexico accountable and ensure Nebraska’s farmers have access to the markets they rely on,” said Senator Fischer.

Under USMCA rules, Mexico has 45 days from the date of the report to comply with the ruling.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding USMCA Dispute Panel Decision on Mexico’s Corn Ban

“Friday’s announced US, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute panel decision in favor of the United States in our case against Mexico’s unscientific and illegal ban of genetically modified corn is a significant victory for science and for Nebraska. Time and again, the safety of genetically modified corn has been proven. As one of the nation’s top corn producers and exporters of corn to Mexico, Nebraska farmers and the state’s economy stood to be greatly impacted if the panel allowed Mexico’s ban to stand. We stand prepared to work with the incoming Trump administration to ensure all our existing trade agreements are followed by our international partners so that Nebraska farmers and ranchers can continue to feed, fuel, and clothe the world.”

“We thank Congressman Adrian Smith and the rest of Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation for their steadfast support of Nebraska farmers throughout this case.”



Iowa Corn Growers Win Dispute with Mexico Over GM Corn Ban

In a major win for corn growers, a dispute panel ruled today that Mexico violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) when it issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn imports in early 2023.

The decision was met with praise from Iowa Corn Growers Association farmer members along with our fellow state and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) corn farmers who had called on the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to file the dispute.

“Iowa’s farmers rely heavily on trade and corn exports to Mexico,” said Stu Swanson, Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Galt “That’s why we joined other state and NCGA grower leaders in pushing USTR to challenge this ban. Mexico is a key market for corn in all forms and it has been an important push to remove barriers to allow trade.”

Since the enactment of USMCA, the formation of dispute panels has been uncommon and must meet a high threshold of requirements. Now that a decision has been made, corn farmer leaders will work with USTR and the incoming administration to ensure the ruling is enforced.



Mexico GM Corn Ban Dispute Ends In Win For U.S. Corn Exporters

A dispute panel has ruled that Mexico violated its commitments under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) when President Manuel Lopez Obrador signed a decree banning genetically modified (GM) corn imports in 2023.

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) President and CEO Ryan LeGrand was quick to thank the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, saying, “Mexico has always been a powerful partner to U.S. corn growers and exporters, so when the country tried banning GM corn imports that would have severely affected our industry, we appreciated the extra effort the U.S. Trade Representative gave in filing the dispute and seeing it through to its logical conclusion. The Council worked with the USTR and in Mexico to help ensure the dispute result was fair, and we look forward to continuing our work with our top U.S. grains-in-all-forms customer.”

The dispute came in 2020 when Mexico initially called for a ban of genetically modified corn by the end of 2024. Last year, the Mexican president issued another decree banning genetically modified corn for human consumption in the use of tortillas and tortilla masa, which is traditionally white corn, and the United States filed a dispute settlement under USMCA.

“U.S. corn farmers and exporters understood how devastating this ban could have been had it been implemented, so it’s only right that mechanisms are in place within a trade agreement like USMCA when something like this happens,” said USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri. “The Council believes in both free and fair trade and this decision has upheld our mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.”

The Council will continue working with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to ensure Mexico adheres to the decision while it works with Mexican importers to continue to maintain the flow of U.S. corn and its co-products into the country.



Last Minute Court Ruling Puts Farmers at Legal Risk

A last-minute court of appeals ruling could put tens of thousands of farmers in legal crosshairs for failing to register their businesses with the federal government. Farmers who operate corporations and limited liability companies are once again required to file Beneficial Ownership Information with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) or face stiff fines or jail time.

A federal district court ruled earlier in December to halt the requirement, but today the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit lifted the injunction, meaning a Jan. 1, 2025 deadline is back in effect. Analysis from AFBF economists shows more than 230,000 farms are required to file, but as of October, less than 11% of all eligible businesses nationwide had done so.

“Farm Bureau is very disappointed in the court of appeals decision to reinstate the Jan. 1 filing deadline,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “It’s clear than many farmers aren’t aware of the filing requirement because of lack of guidance and the government’s poor public outreach.”

“Farmers were given a reprieve from the filing deadline, but now, just two days before the holidays, when many families take a much-needed break from work responsibilities, the courts have reinstated the requirement. Unfortunately, thousands of farmers may unknowingly miss the deadline, putting their businesses at risk. We urge the government to grant an extension so more family businesses can comply with the rule.”

Businesses that fail to file, or do not update records when needed, could face criminal fines up to $10,000 and additional civil penalties of up to $591 per day. Failure to file could also lead to felony charges and up to two years in prison.

Farmers are encouraged to contact an accountant or attorney if they are unsure whether they are required to file their business’s BOI with FinCEN.

 

Beef Quality Assurance sessions in Iowa set for January 2025

If you'll need to update your Beef Quality Assurance certification in January, Iowa Beef Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach have you covered with six events.

ISU extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said these BQA dates and locations are scheduled in various areas of the state and are for both initial certification and recertification. At the end of the meeting, all participants will become BQA certified.

BQA is required for everyone who sells cattle to Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Iowa Premium, as well as several other beef processors and some sale barns. Certification must be renewed every three years to maintain that sales eligibility.

"Please check for preregistration information for the site you want to attend," Schwab said. "Some sessions include a meal and having those numbers is important for planning. Also, the Jan. 20 program at Van Horne includes a BQAT session following the regular BQA portion."

    Jan. 15. 4 p.m. Warren Cultural Center - Auditorium, 154 Public Square, Greenfield. Please RSVP to 641-743-8412. Held in conjunction with Three-State Beef Conference.
    Jan. 20. 1 to 3 p.m. Cerro Gordo County Extension & Outreach, 601 S Illinois Ave, Mason City. Contact Sarah DeBour at 641-423-0844 or sdebour@iastate.edu.
    Jan. 20. 6 p.m. Thanks to the Benton County Cattlemen for helping sponsor a BQA and BQAT training at the Van Horne Community Center in Van Horne. A meal will be served at 6 p.m., with the training to start about 6:30 p.m. BQAT will follow the BQA certification. To register call Benton County Extension at 319-472-4739 or email Patti at upmeyer@iastate.edu.
    Jan. 23. 5 to 8 p.m. Grundy Center Community Center, 705 F Avenue, Grundy Center. Contact Brandy Bingman at 319-824-6979 or bbingman@iastate.edu.
    Jan. 24. BQA training will be offered following the Driftless Region Beef Conference starting at 1 p.m. at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque. No preregistration is required for this training.
    Jan. 27. 6 to 8 p.m. Lakin Center, 61321 315th Street, Malvern. Please RSVP to Mills County Extension at 712-624-8616.

Iowa’s BQA certification program utilizes industry partnerships to extend its reach across Iowa and is funded with beef checkoff dollars. The BQA program has helped inform industry representatives and beef producers about the latest management practices such as proper injection site techniques, recordkeeping practices, and new industry on-farm BQA Assessments; and helped consumers become more aware of the extra efforts taken by Iowa producers to deliver safe, wholesome beef.

For more information on BQA or any of these sessions, contact Schwab by email or call 319-721-9624.



NPPC Seeks Comment Period Extension on EPA Air Emission Draft Models
 
On November 14 – nearly 20 years after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) entered into historic Air Consent Agreements (ACA) with livestock producers – the agency released a series of proposed Emission Estimating Methodologies for public comment. Once finalized, these models will trigger a series of obligations for livestock producers who signed ACAs. EPA’s deadline to submit comments is February 17, 2025.
 
Following a meeting of the NPPC Environmental Policy Committee (EPC) with EPA’s Office of Air Quality and Planning Standards in North Carolina last week, NPPC led a coalition of livestock and poultry groups Friday in requesting EPA to extend the comment period 180 days. The coalition emphasized the need for sound science in the models and protection of farmers’ due process rights.  
 
EPA emissions estimating methodologies stem from data gathered during the 2008-2009 National Air Emissions Monitoring Study (NAEMS), which involved producers entering legally binding “air compliance agreements” in 2005. These agreements absolved producers of Clean Air Act (CAA) emissions violations in exchange for participating in the study. Under the agreements, those producers who signed up are required to meet various compliance and reporting deadlines that are triggered by the release of final EEMs.
 
EPA’s models will be used as a basis for how state and federal agencies regulate air emissions from livestock farms in the future. Pork industry researchers have raised concerns about the accuracy and usability of the models since EPA released early drafts in 2021. At NPPC’s ECP meeting, it became evident that ample time is needed to thoroughly review and test the latest models to ensure they are sound and fair to producers.



USDA Announces Appointments to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 156 delegates, including 150 producers and six importers, to the 2025 National Pork Producers Delegate Body.

Members appointed to serve one-year terms include:
    Nebraska: Mark Wright, Fremont; Darin Uhlir, Saint Paul; Austin Zimmerman, Wymore; and Tim Chancellor, Broken Bow

    Iowa: Trish Cook, Winthrop; Linda Schroeder, Remsen; Matthew Gent, Wellman; Trent Thiele, Elma; Dale Gerard Reicks, New Hampton; Erin Brenneman, Wellman; Joel Van Gilst, Oskaloosa; Gregg Hora, Fort Dodge; Timothy J. Schmidt, Hawarden; Jen Sorenson, Ankeny; Aaron Cook, Winthrop; Dean Frazer, Conrad; Tom Paustian, Walcott; Chet Mogler, Larchwood; Tim Bierman, Larrabee; Aaron Juergens, Carroll; Jamie Schmidt, Garner; Ben Schmaling, Prescott; Denise K. Wiley, Walker; Steven Kerns, Clearfield; Todd A. Wiley, Walker; Greg Lear, Spencer; Lance Heuser, Mason; Bill Tentinger, Le Mars; Mark Meirick, Protivin; Clark Wikner, McGregor; Leon C. Sheets, Ionia; David Moody, Collins; Ken Ries, Ryan; and Haley Kerr, Burlington

The delegate body meets annually to recommend the rate of assessment, determine the percentage of assessments that state associations will receive, and nominate producers and importers to the National Pork Board. Representation on the delegate body is based on annual net assessments collected on sales of domestic hogs within individual states, with a minimum of two producers from each state. States have the option of not submitting nominees.

The board and the delegate body were established under the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985. By law, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees operations of the board and the delegate body.



ASA Congratulates Vaden on Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Nomination

Exactly a month after President-elect Donald Trump nominated his former policy advisor, Brooke Rollins, to serve as the next U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, he has nominated Stephen Vaden, a judge on the Court of International Trade who served as general counsel for USDA during his first administration, to be the department’s deputy secretary. The American Soybean Association congratulates Vaden and appreciates his experience during the previous Trump administration, including implementing the 2018 Farm Bill and regulatory reform, his commitment to the field of law and background being part of and serving the needs of rural communities

ASA Chief Executive Officer Stephen Censky, who served in the position under then-Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, said of the announcement, “I had the great pleasure of working with Stephen during the last Trump administration. He is one of the smartest people I know, knows well the many services USDA provides, and has a key understanding of White House and other processes. I have no doubt that American agriculture will be very well served by Stephen when confirmed.”

Vaden comes from a farm family, sharing the significance of being a farmer to his father—and tenets he thus developed for his own career—during 2017 testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee in his confirmation hearing: “Throughout his life, [my father] also was a grocer, an investor, and a real estate developer. But it was the title of farmer of which he was most proud. I know this because he placed that title— “Farmer”—below his name on every check I ever saw him sign. The last three checks he ever signed hang on my wall, framed, as a reminder of the responsibilities I bear as principal deputy general counsel to ensure that America’s producers are treated fairly, equitably, and in accordance with the law.”

ASA looks forward to working with Rollins and Vaden on priorities ranging from farm bill to biotechnology, biofuels support to agricultural trade, among other issues that impact soy growers and agriculture at large.



Soy Growers Appreciate Congress Passing CR with Provisions Favorable to Ag

Congress passed shortly after the midnight deadline last Friday for a government shutdown a continuing resolution that includes provisions important to soy farmers, among them a farm bill extension and both disaster and economic assistance. Inflation, historically high input prices, falling commodity prices, and devastating storms have led to a lengthening rough patch for many U.S. farmers, including those who grow soy.

Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association and soy farmer from Kentucky, said, “Congress has come through with a bipartisan solution that not only keeps our government open but keeps our farms going. While we of course had our hopes set on a new five-year farm bill in 2024, we are grateful for this one-year extension and will urge Congress to pass an improved farm bill in the new year. And, having economic and disaster aid in this critical piece—at a critical time for farm families—is also very appreciated, along with other provisions. We thank leadership for their ongoing and late-night efforts.”

Once signed by President Biden, the bill will keep government funding in place through March 14, 2025, and extend the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 for one more year through September 30, 2025. Additionally, the package includes approximately $21 billion in disaster assistance and $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers who have faced recent challenges.



Ricketts Comments on Government Funding Bill

Last week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after voting for a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through March 14 and extend the Farm Bill by one year.

“This bill avoids a government shutdown and supports Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. It gives them the certainty and assistance they need to make crucial decisions. I’m committed to working with President Trump and my colleagues to pass a comprehensive, five-year farm bill next year.”



ACE Vows Continued Commitment to Year-Round E15 After Struck from Year-End Package

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is disappointed a bipartisan provision ensuring market access for E15 on a year-round basis was ultimately excluded from year-end legislation adopted by Congress, but the fact that Congressional leadership initially included it in the continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government is an encouraging sign for success in 2025. ACE CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement:

“While it’s disappointing the bipartisan E15 year-round provision was ultimately left on the cutting room floor, ACE is incredibly grateful to our champions in Congress who convinced leadership to include it in the original must-pass legislation to fund the government. We are encouraged by this progress and confident E15 year-round has cleared enough hurdles to be included in the first must-pass bill Congress takes up in 2025.

“Ensuring year-round availability of E15 remains at the top of our legislative to-do list. It will help provide meaningful savings at the pump, enhance America’s energy security, and increase demand for low-carbon, homegrown ethanol. We will work with our champions in Congress, the administration, and stakeholders across the country to ensure Congress successfully enacts E15 year-round in time for the 2025 driving season.”

ACE encourages grassroots members and supporters to remain engaged and vows to highlight the importance of E15 year-round and other priorities during the organization’s Washington, D.C. Fly-in and Government Affairs Summit March 27-28, 2025.



ASA, USSEC & WISHH Receive Additional Grant from USDA FAS Regional Agricultural Promotion Program

The American Soybean Association, ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council are pleased to be recipients of a second round of funding from U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). The RAPP 2 award will be invested in international market diversification and growth of U.S. soybean exports to help meet increasing protein demand and support nutrition security in global markets.

Caleb Ragland, ASA president and soy farmer from Magnolia, Kentucky, said, “The American Soybean Association and our allied soy groups are exceptionally pleased to be included in the second round of RAPP grants, funding that will continue to open doors for U.S. agriculture exports in emerging markets. Soy is proud to be our country’s #1 ag export, but that does not mean we can sit idle: We pride ourselves on finding innovative, collaborative ways to tap and expand markets for our high-protein, high-quality beans and remain relevant in an increasingly competitive global field. This second round of RAPP funding will bolster U.S. Soy’s existing efforts and our own financial commitments to expand in promising regions, including Africa, Latin America and Asia. We thank Secretary Vilsack and the administration for their ongoing support of U.S. farmers and helping us grow and diversify our markets.”

“The RAPP program has quickly demonstrated its critical and timely value, and we commend Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and USDA FAS for their strategic and visionary work in creating it,” said Lance Rezac, USSEC chair and Kansas farmer. “The addition of Europe as a targeted region in the RAPP 2 program further supports USSEC’s longstanding work and mission to diversify markets and grow exports for U.S. soybean farmers. With this award, USSEC is able to broaden our reach into new and high potential early-stage markets, implement innovative approaches to unlocking new demand, and further enhance our marketing and promotion programs worldwide.”

“Strategic use of RAPP funding is enabling WISHH to expand poultry best management trainings and technology transfer in key markets in West Africa, building resilient value chains that are critical to enabling trade for U.S. Soy, as well as supporting our work in South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and other parts of Africa,” said WISHH Chair Morey Hill. “Trade promotion programs are essential for U.S. soybean farmers to grow market access, add regional capacity in emerging markets, and address technical barriers to entry. We appreciate the support of USDA FAS and Secretary Vilsack and look forward to leveraging the funding toward further advancement of the WISHH mission to develop agricultural value chains in emerging markets, creating trade and long-term demand for U.S. Soy.”



Dec. Cattle on Feed Report & Cautionary Note on “Demand Destruction”
Glynn T. Tonsor, Ph.D.
Department of Agricultural Economics
Kansas State University

On Friday, December 20th USDA NASS released the latest Cattle on Feed report (https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/m326m174z?locale=en ). December 1st inventory was estimated at 11.98 million, on par with 2023. Placements in November were estimated at 1.80 million, down 4% from 2023 while marketings were estimated at 1.73 million, down 1% from 2023. Overall, this report was in line with pre-report expectations and likely will not be a market-mover with interest transitioning to 2025 reports including the January Cattle Inventory report.

I expect the January Cattle Inventory report to show some additional liquidation has occurred leading to a smaller calf crop in 2025. It seems most likely that the summer of 2026 is the soonest substantial national heifer retention may begin. While there is recently elevated uncertainty around international trade that should not be overlooked, most anticipate domestic beef availability to decline perhaps by 2-3% per year (per person) in 2025 and 2026.

Given this setting and the opportunity for some extended armchair-pondering around the holidays, some context on economic concepts and an important historical reminder is prudent. Economists analyzing the beef industry use the term “demand” to refer to the willingness and ability to buy beef at a specific price. A change in beef demand is not triggered by changes in beef prices but rather by consumer income or wealth adjustments, changes in prices of other goods, or perceptions of beef quality evolving. To this later point, the clear improvement in overall beef quality (simple example is Prime or Upper Choice percentage versus past decades) has been core to beef demand growth (see K-State demand indices here: https://agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/monthly-domestic-meat-demand-indices-usdabls-data/monthly-domestic-0 ).

As we turn to 2025 it is important to pause and connect the dots around things such as current feedlot supplies, future breeding herd size and corresponding beef availability, and what one may expect at the retail and food service level. Yes, lower beef supplies are expected and with that, most anticipate higher end-user beef prices. In fact, the industry should be hoping for that! Research with Melissa McKendree, Ted Schroeder, and Nathan Hendricks (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1093/ajae/aaz034 ) shows that feeder cattle sellers stand to gain the most when beef demand grows, and lose the most when demand falters.

If alternatively, lower beef availability is observed in conjunction with flat or lower beef prices, then beef demand clearly declined. In that unfortunate situation, economic viability for most in the industry also declines. While some younger market participants may dismiss this scenario, recall the 1980s & 90s was a period largely characterized by a shrinking herd, weakening beef demand, and overall decline in industry vitality. Indeed, lower beef volumes alone do not guarantee higher beef nor cattle prices. This experience is worth periodic reflection as the industry has made massive improvements that should not be overlooked or taken for granted. To the extent that beef prices increase reflecting stable or growing beef demand that indeed is a market outcome that should not only “be allowed” but encouraged. While the term “demand destruction” is likely to appear more in coming months, industry stakeholders are encouraged to take pause and in fact hope that higher prices develop reflecting stable or growing beef demand.