Tuesday January 07, 2025

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending January 5, 2025, topsoil moisture supplies rated 17% very short, 41% short, 41% adequate, and 1% surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 27% very short, 37% short, 35% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 6% very poor, 20% poor, 47% fair, 26% good, and 1% excellent.

The next report will be issued February 3, 2025.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Nebraska Cattlemen office (4611 Cattle Drive) in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The meeting is open to the public, providing the opportunity for public comment. The board will conduct regular board business.

A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, 245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 204, Lincoln, NE 68521, sending an email to renee.tichota@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2676.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of one-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.



ICGA Releases Top State and Federal Policy Priorities for 2025

The Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA), one of the most effective, longest-standing agricultural associations in the country, released today its final list of state and federal policy priorities for the upcoming year.  

“ICGA members work together to create a list of legislative priorities at the state and federal levels each year,” said ICGA President Stu Swanson. “We prepare priorities through a policy survey and roundtable discussions before adopting the policy at the annual Grassroots Summit. It is vital that our famer members share their voices and opinions on different issues impacting their farms across the state to direct ICGA policy priorities for our organization.”  

2025 ICGA Priorities – State (Alphabetical)
    Checkoff – Protect the Iowa Corn Checkoff.
    Conservation/Water Quality – Maintain legislative funding stream for Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, including Maximum Return to Nitrogen.
    Ethanol – Support all efforts to lower carbon intensity score of corn-based ethanol and promote ethanol as a carbon reduction solution across all markets.
    Livestock – Support existing regulatory framework for the livestock industry.

2025 ICGA Priorities – Federal (Alphabetical)
    Carbon – Support carbon intensity reduction initiatives and credit programs. We support the use of U.S. feedstocks and oppose favorability for foreign feedstocks.
    Ethanol – Support a nationwide E15 and the Next Generation Fuels Act. We support retaining the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
    Farm Bill – Protect crop insurance and protect/expand funding for Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD).  
    Taxes – Protect critical tax credits.
    Trade – Expand new and protect existing bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements.

“I invite all Iowa corn farmers, supporters and interested students to join, renew or get involved in ICGA. Everyone’s voice matters and together we can use our 7,500-member strong voice to ensure the continued success and future of Iowa’s corn industry,” stated Swanson.  

The complete 2025 ICGA policy book is available at www.iowacorn.org/policy or in hard copy for free upon request by emailing corninfo@iowacorn.org or calling 515-225-9242.  



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Multi-Species Backyard Flock in Clinton 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 multi-species backyard flock in Clinton County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s first detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025.



Reynolds Extends Disaster Proclamation for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Gov. Kim Reynolds today extended a disaster proclamation for O’Brien, Palo Alto, Sac, Sioux, and Worth Counties effective immediately through February 1, 2025. The USDA has confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in all five counties.

This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.

The recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.



 APHIS Announces Updates to Indemnity Program for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on Poultry Farms

As part of its ongoing efforts to stop the further spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and give farmers tools to help combat the disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is today announcing an interim final rule that updates the conditions for poultry facilities to receive indemnity and compensation after testing positive for HPAI. Based on evidence that strong biosecurity measures remain the most effective strategy to combat HPAI, APHIS will now require that farmers undergo a biosecurity audit before restocking their poultry after an HPAI detection, and before receiving future indemnity payments.

Despite the combined efforts of APHIS, state and federal veterinary officials, and industry outreach, some poultry farmers continue to face biosecurity challenges and, in some cases, experience multiple infections on their farms. Data from the 2022-2024 HPAI outbreak has shown that updated regulations can help to prevent further spread of this disease. This change follows significant outreach to industry about potential changes to regulations, information sharing about biosecurity best practices, and on-farm engagement by APHIS staff following HPAI detections.

“During the outbreak of HPAI in 2014 and 2015, U.S. poultry owners made great improvements to biosecurity to protect their flocks, which greatly reduced the presence of HPAI among the country’s poultry flock,” said Dr. Rosemary Sifford, USDA Chief Veterinary Officer. “Biosecurity is proven to be our best weapon in fighting this virus, and this update will ensure that poultry producers who received indemnity for HPAI are taking measures to stop future introductions of the disease and avoiding actions that contribute to its spread.”

Data shows that most poultry farmers have in place strong biosecurity plans and are able to prevent reinfection. Since the beginning of the current HPAI outbreak in 2022, APHIS has made indemnity payments to over 1,200 producers; of these, 67 unique commercial poultry premises have had at least two HPAI infections during the current outbreak, including 18 premises infected three or more times. Those with reinfections have received over $365 million in indemnity payments, out of nearly $1.1 billion that has been distributed in total.

Under the interim final rule, if a commercial poultry farm affected by HPAI wants to restock their poultry and be eligible for future indemnity on that restock, the premises will be required to pass a biosecurity audit by APHIS before restocking. APHIS will also require a biosecurity audit for commercial poultry premises within the “buffer zone” (minimal 7 km radius around the infected zone) prior to movement of poultry onto the premises if the owner wishes to be eligible for future indemnity for the poultry moved onto the premises. Additionally, APHIS will not pay indemnity for flocks moved onto premises in active infected zones if the flocks become infected with HPAI within 14 days following the dissolution of the control area around an active infected premises. A producer who does not make corrections recommended in APHIS’s biosecurity audit will not be eligible for indemnity payments if the premises experiences future infections within the same outbreak.

This interim final rule will be effective upon publication in the Federal Register. At that time, APHIS will accept public comments at www.regulations.gov. All comments must be submitted on or before March 3, 2025. After the comment period closes, APHIS will publish another document in the Federal Register including a discussion of any comments received and any amendments the agency is making to the rule.



Beagle Brigade Act Signed into Law, Boosting Efforts to Keep Out Foreign Animal Diseases
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) commended President Biden for signing into law the Beagle Brigade Act, which provides statutory authority and reliable funding to the National Detector Dog Training Center.
 
“Pork producers employ a variety of biosecurity measures to keep foreign animal diseases, like African swine fever, out of our herds. Further away at our nation’s ports of entry, the Beagle Brigade helps ensure these diseases don’t travel past our borders,” said Lori Stevermer, NPPC president and pork producer from Easton, Minnesota. “As pork producers, we are grateful the Beagle Brigade Act will continue to keep our food supply safe and more secure for everyone. We thank Senators Warnock and Ernst and Congressmen Bishop and Ferguson for their leadership on this legislation.”
 
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) trains beagles and other dogs at U.S. ports of entry to spot contraband fruits, vegetables, and meat products in international passenger baggage, mailed packages, and vehicles entering the United States. The “Beagle Brigade” agriculture canine teams bolster national security by performing critically important inspections at ports of entry.
 
NPPC led a coalition of 50+ groups in pressing Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation.



USDA-APHIS Proposes US Swine Health Improvement Plan

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing the creation of regulations governing the US Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP). US SHIP would be a voluntary livestock improvement program aimed at improving biosecurity, traceability, and disease surveillance for swine health. According to APHIS, the swine industry has requested the establishment of US SHIP, which builds on an existing pilot program initiated by industry. They propose to codify US SHIP as a Federal regulatory program and allow participating sites to obtain certifications of disease-monitored status for African swine fever and classical swine fever. Establishment of US SHIP would allow participating sites to market their products with the relevant certification status, which could limit disruptions to international and interstate commerce during outbreaks.

APHIS is receiving public comments on the proposal now through January 30, 2025.

Federal eRulemaking Portal:
Go to www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS-2022-0061 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of documents.



Updated Beef Quality Assurance National Manual Now Available

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, announces the release of the updated Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) National Manual, which serves as a resource for science-based cattle production information. The manual is available for free at www.bqa.org/resources/manuals.

“BQA empowers beef producers to maximize their potential to make the most efficient and responsible use of natural resources by effectively producing one of the world’s most nutritious and flavorful sources of protein,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., Texas A&M University and BQA Advisory Group chair. “This manual helps drive improvement across the supply chain through adherence to best management practices.”

The goal of the publication is to provide technical information to help producers raise high quality cattle resulting in the wholesome beef that consumers demand. It was developed to set production standards for beef quality and safety that are appropriate to an operation and that producers can realistically meet or exceed. In addition to the publication’s availability online, the resource is also shared at the grassroots level through BQA state coordinators.

More than 30 cattle producers, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the country spent the last year updating the manual based on the latest science-based research, including the most recent National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA). The NBQA, conducted approximately every five years, continues to drive continuous improvement in the cattle industry.

An abbreviated “Field Guide” version of the manual will be updated and available for cattle producers and on-farm/ranch workers in summer 2025. For more information, and to view the updated National Beef Quality Assurance Manual, visit www.bqa.org/resources/manuals.



USDA Dairy Products November 2024 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.15 billion pounds, 1.7 percent below November 2023 and 6.1 percent below October 2024. Italian type cheese production totaled 493 million pounds, 1.1 percent above November 2023 but 3.6 percent below October 2024. American type cheese production totaled 448 million pounds, 4.9 percent below November 2023 and 8.1 percent below October 2024. Butter production was 171 million pounds, 4.4 percent above November 2023 and 1.1 percent above October 2024.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with November 2023)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 120 million pounds, up 2.8 percent.
Skim milk powder - 47.0 million pounds, down 33.5 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with November 2023)
Dry whey, total - 66.2 million pounds, down 3.5 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 84.7 million pounds, up 0.8 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 39.4 million pounds, down 4.6 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with November 2023)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 51.6 million gallons, up 6.4 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 25.9 million gallons, down 7.2 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.31 million gallons, down 4.2 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 2.61 million gallons, up 7.6 percent.



An Overall Look at 2024
Hannah Baker, Beef and Forage Economics, University of Florida / IFAS Extension

First, to those reading, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and that your 2025 is off to a great start! As we look back on 2024, there are many things to be thankful for and reflect on, with many more things to look forward to and plan for in 2025 concerning the cattle market. Tight supplies, record-level/breaking prices, carcass weights, and culling rates were some of the main talking points for 2024 as we discussed historical trends along with current circumstances such as H5N1, drought impacts, high input costs, elections, and the most recent detection of New World Screwworm, temporarily halting imports of cattle from Mexico. It is safe to say that 2024 was an eventful year for the cattle industry.

We will have a clearer picture of the state of the beef cattle industry when the January Inventory Report is released at the end of the month, but the 2024 calf crop is expected to have declined by at least one percent compared to the 2023 calf crop of 33.6 million head, and the overall beef cow herd is expected to be smaller. Prices for feeder cattle have already reached record levels due to tight supplies. With the anticipated confirmation that supplies will be even tighter going into 2025 along with no significant signs of heifer retention or rebuilding, it makes sense to be optimistic about the continuation of high prices in 2025 and possibly into 2026.   

Prices for 500-600-pound steer calves in the Southern Plains ended the year at around $330/cwt, a 13 percent increase from 2023. Average annual prices for this same weight class in 2024 were roughly 18 percent higher than 2023. According to the data, annual average prices for fed cattle have also increased by about six percent. While location affects prices for cull cattle from state to state and even within a state, it can be concluded that national prices for cull cows were more than favorable in 2024. The national weighted average price for lean (85%) cull cows in 2024 was $122.51/cwt, a 32 percent increase from 2023 and a 92 percent increase from the 2018-2022 historical average.

Liquidation over the last couple of years has diminished the supply of beef cows available for slaughter. Demand for ground beef products has remained fairly steady, supporting high prices for lean trimmings and cull cows. Total beef cow slaughter has declined by 18 percent as of the latest Livestock Slaughter Report, but we are still culling about 10 percent of our beef cows, meaning we haven’t really stabilized, much less starting rebuilding. However, despite having fewer cull cows, heavier carcass weights of fed cattle and more heifers entering feedlots than being retained helped to offset the overall decline in cattle slaughter. As of October, almost 40 percent of cattle on feed are heifers. In 2024, steer and heifer carcasses reached average dressed weights of 929 pounds and 846 pounds with peaks of 960 pounds and 869 pounds. As a result of heifer slaughter numbers and increased carcass weights, data indicates that beef production for 2024 has only declined by about 0.6 percent compared to the expected decline of about four percent at the beginning of 2024.

2024 will most certainly be a year to remember for the beef cattle industry. But it might also be safe to say that 2025 could be just as “exciting” with the likely continuation of high/higher prices and preparing to answer the question of when we will be able to start rebuilding and expanding.