Thursday March 20 Ag News

Schedule of NeFU Spring District Meetings
John K. Hansen, President, Nebraska Farmers Union

Pasted below and attached is the list of all the NeFU Spring District Meetings.

All meetings will report on the recent NFU Convention in Oklahoma City, hear District Director reports, and hear state and national issue reports from President Hansen.

As you know, there is no shortage of issues to discuss.

Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member who should be more involved in NeFU. Help spread the word.

NeFU District 6 Spring Meeting
Thursday, March 20, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Woodcliff Restaurant
980 County Road “W”
Fremont, NE 68025
Paul Poppe (402) 380-4508 Cell
Andrew Tonnies (402) 590-7096 Cell

NeFU District 4 Spring Meeting
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Gayland & Marcia Regier Home
25762 SW 45th Road
Beatrice, NE 68310
District President: Gayland Regier (402) 520-1094 Cell
District President: Vern Jantzen (402) 230-0011

NeFU District 7 Spring Meeting
Thursday, March 27, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Perkins Restaurant, 1229 Omaha Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701
District President: Keith Dittrich (402) 990-7570 Cell
District Director: Art Tanderup (402) 278-0942 Cell

NeFU District 5 Spring District Meeting
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 5:45 p.m.
Lee’s Chicken Restaurant
1940 W Van Dorn St
Lincoln, NE 68522
District 5 President: Amy Svoboda (402) 817-9647 Cell
District 5 Director: Ron Todd-Meyer (402) 879-5800 Cell

NeFU District 2 Spring Meeting
Monday, March 31, 2025 6:00 pm
Pot Luck Supper with meeting to follow
Public Library, 1301 Howard Ave, Saint Paul, NE
District President: Tom Knopik (308) 550-0263 Cell
District Director: Lynn Belitz (308) 550-0859

NeFU Districts 1 & 3
Thursday, April 3, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Via Zoom:  Call (402) 476-8815 or email lisa@nebraskafarmersunion.org to get Zoom Link.
District President: Kevin Raun (402) 756-0757 Cell
District 3 Director: Darrel Buschkoetter (402) 469-3451 Cell
District 1 Director: Al Davis (308) 458-9948 Cell



Smith, Fellow Ag Trade Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Producer Interests in Trade Negotiations

In recognition of National Agricultural Trade Day yesterday, Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) joined fellow Agricultural Trade Caucus co-chairs Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to announce introduction of a resolution expressing a renewed commitment to supporting market access, robust trade enforcement, elimination of trade barriers, trade promotion programs, comprehensive agreements, and the pursuit of science-based standards in U.S. trade engagements.

"Over the last four years, American farmers and ranchers lost ground in international markets, moving from an agriculture trade surplus to a record trade deficit,” said Rep. Smith. “The U.S. must drive an aggressive agenda to level the playing field and ensure our hardworking producers, who have the capacity to meet demand, can sell their products globally. Through negotiation of USMCA and other advancements on trade in his first term, President Trump showed an ability to overcome trade barriers by working in consultation with Congress to increase market access. This resolution calls for similar efforts to ensure American agriculture has a place at the table as we craft trade policy."

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jim Costa (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Josh Harder (D-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Max Miller (R-OH), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Stanford Bishop (D-GA), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), and Bennie Thompson (D-MS).

The Resolution is supported by: American Farm Bureau Federation, National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, American Soybean Association, Corn Refiners Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council, Meat Import Council of America, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Sweetener Users Association, USA Rice, American Feed Industry Association, Leather & Hide Council of America, Independent Bakers Association, Food Export-Midwest & Food Export-Northeast, North American Export Grain Association, California League of Food Producers



New IBC publication describes proper use of esophageal feeder

Using an esophageal feeder is an integral part of raising cattle, yet many producers are not completely comfortable using them. A new publication from Iowa Beef Center, Proper Use of an Esophageal Feeder, provides step-by-step instructions on properly preparing, inserting, and removing the feeder tube.

Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said correctly feeding a calf that isn’t getting adequate colostrum on its own can pay big dividends in keeping more newborn calves in the herd.

“In addition to descriptive text, the pub has links to videos on using the esophageal feeder and cleaning milk feeders,” she said. “There’s also a simple drawing to show where the tube should go as you insert it into the calf.”

Schwab, who authored this resource, suggested reading through the steps before actually needing to insert a feeder. This can help the producer gain confidence in the procedure, which can lead to better results overall.

The one-page publication IBC 150 https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/17230 is available at no charge from the ISU Extension store.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/14/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending March 14, ethanol production leapt 4.0% to a 6-week high of 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.41 million gallons daily. Output was 5.6% higher than the same week last year and 7.5% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.5% to 1.09 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.68 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks tightened 2.9% to 26.6 million barrels. Yet, stocks were 2.2% more than the same week last year and 1.8% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, weakened 4.0% to 8.82 million b/d (135.53 bg annualized). Still, demand was 0.1% more than a year ago and 0.2% above the three-year average.

However, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol improved 2.2% to 896,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.77 bg annualized and the largest weekly level since mid-December 2024. Net inputs were 1.2% more than year-ago levels and 2.2% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports declined 31.5% to an estimated 111,000 b/d (4.7 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



NASS Reinstates Select Data Collection Programs and Reports

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is reinstating the July Cattle report, as well as County Estimates for Crops and Livestock. The county estimate reinstatement is effective for the 2024 crop season for the row crops (corn, cotton, peanuts, rice, sorghum, soybeans) and for the 2025 crop season for the small grain crops (barley, oats, wheat).

Following are scheduled release dates:
    County Estimates – corn, sorghum, soybeans: May 6
    County Estimates – cotton: May 12
    County Estimates – cattle: May 13
    County Estimates – rice, peanuts: May 23
    July Cattle: July 25

The full calendar of NASS reports is available at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/index.php.

NASS is the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture and is committed to providing timely, accurate and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture.

 

NCBA Welcomes Return of the July Cattle Report

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) yesterday thanked the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Services’ (USDA-NASS) for reinstating the July Cattle Report and the County Estimates for Crops and Livestock. These reports were discontinued last year but have provided critical data to farmers and ranchers for years.
 
“The return of the July Cattle Report and County Estimates is a big win for cattle producers who utilize these reports to efficiently run their operations and make important marketing decisions. These reports are not costly to produce and the amount they are used by the U.S. agriculture sector make them extremely cost-effective,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “NCBA thanks USDA-NASS for bringing back these vital reports and continuing to deliver timely, accurate, and useful statistics that bring transparency to livestock markets across the country.”



Fertilizer Prices Up in March; Potash Still 12% Lower Than 2024

Average retail prices for all eight major fertilizers continued to be higher than last month during the second week of March 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. But for the first time in seven weeks, no fertilizer had a sizeable price change, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. DAP had an average price of $765 per ton, MAP $810/ton, potash $447/ton, urea $548/ton, 10-34-0 $646/ton, anhydrous $751/ton, UAN28 $354/ton and UAN32 $397/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/lb.N, UAN28 $0.63/lb.N and UAN32 $0.62/lb.N.

Two fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. UAN32 is 1% higher, while 10-34-0 is 4% more expensive looking back to last year. The remaining six fertilizers are lower. Both MAP and DAP are 1% less expensive, both urea and UAN28 are 3% lower, anhydrous is 5% lower and potash is 12% less expensive compared to last year.



NOW OPEN: Registration for World Pork Expo 2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 World Pork Expo, hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). This year’s Expo will take place June 4-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, welcoming pork producers and industry professionals from across the globe.

With two full days of exhibits, education and networking, the 2025 Expo will feature the industry’s top experts, innovative solutions and the latest products and services designed to help pork producers succeed.

World Pork Expo is much more than just a trade show—it’s a valuable opportunity for pork producers to come together, collaborate and celebrate the strength of the industry,” said NPPC President Lori Stevermer. “This event draws producers from many parts of the world to share ideas and explore solutions that will advance their operations. NPPC remains committed to supporting the pork industry, and World Pork Expo is a key part of that effort.”
 
What to Expect at WPX
Building on attendee feedback and the latest industry trends, the 2025 Expo will feature updates designed to make the two-day event even more valuable to those who attend:
    The World’s Largest Pork-Specific Trade Show – More than 700 booths showcasing cutting-edge technology, services and equipment across 300,000 square feet of exhibit space.
    Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet – A unique platform highlighting future industry leaders' voices and perspectives on important pork production topics.
    Industry Education – Expanded educational sessions featuring practical insights from experts designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing producers.
    Networking & Hospitality – Live entertainment, industry receptions and the return of complimentary pork lunches at The Big Grill to create an environment for both business and community-building.
 
Save Money with Early Registration
Online registration is now available at WorldPork.org, with early-bird pricing through May 30:
    Adults (12 and older): $10
    Children (6-11): $1
    Children under 5: Free
On-site registration will be available for $20 per adult. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure discounted rates.
 
Be a Part of Pork's Biggest Production
Mark your calendar for June 4-5, 2025, and plan to join pork professionals from around the world in Des Moines.  For registration and event updates, visit WorldPork.org and follow #WPX25 on Facebook, Instagram and X.



U.S. Grains Council Releases 2024/2025 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report

The average aggregate quality of U.S. corn samples tested for the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 2024/2025 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report released today was better than or equal to U.S. No. 2 on all grade factors.

“It’s difficult to understate the role of transparency in building trust between business partners, and the Council seeks to make detailed, accurate information about the quality of U.S. corn available to buyers around the world and facilitate international trade,” said Verity Ulibarri, USGC chairwoman. “As always, we acknowledge the tremendous work done by the analysts that contribute so much to the report and to the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for providing samples for study.”

The export cargo quality report is a companion to the 2024/2025 Corn Harvest Quality Report, published last fall. The new report provides information about the quality of the most recent U.S. corn crop at harvest as it enters the international merchandising channels.

Both reports provide reliable information on U.S. corn quality from the farm to the customer based on transparent and consistent methodology, offering an early view of grading factors established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, moisture content and other characteristics not reported elsewhere. The reports identify any noticeable changes occurring between these two time periods caused by shipping and logistics.

The 2024/2025 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report is based on 425 yellow commodity corn samples collected from export shipments as they underwent inspection and grading processes performed by the FGIS or other licensed inspectors.

The 2024 U.S. corn crop experienced favorable growing conditions that contributed to the highest projected yield average on record and warm, dry periods in September and October permitted a timely harvest and maintained the quality of the crop.

Average test weight, that came in at 58.3 pounds per bushel, was higher than in 2023/2024 and the five-year average of prior crops (5YA). Broken corn and foreign materials registered at 2.5 percent after moving through export channels, lower than the 5YA. All samples tested below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration action level for aflatoxins and deoxynivalenol.

The Council’s eight international offices will roll out the new results in a series of crop quality seminars in the coming months. These outreach activities help establish clear expectations with buyers and end-users regarding the quality of corn this marketing year.



Proposed Fees on Ocean Carriers Could Hurt Farmers

A proposal from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to impose new fees on ocean carriers with ties to China could take a major toll on America’s farmers and ranchers. Two-thirds of all agriculture exports by volume are shipped overseas, and the cost of transporting them to international trading partners could increase dramatically.

In an effort to address China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and logistics, the Trump administration has proposed a series of fees targeting Chinese-operated vessels and Chinese-built vessels that access American ports. Individual fees would go as high as $1.5 million per port call. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the impact in the latest Market Intel report.

“Depending on [the fees applied], whether it’s the $1 million fee on Chinese-operated vessels, the $1.5 million fee on Chinese-built vessels, or both … bulk agricultural exporters could face an additional $372 million to $930 million in annual transportation costs,” the Market Intel states. “On a per-unit basis, these compounded fees translate to an increase of 9.5 to 27.8 cents per bushel of soybeans — representing a substantial margin loss in global markets where competitiveness is often determined by mere pennies per bushel.”

Bulk agricultural exports, particularly grains and oilseeds, are especially vulnerable. In 2024, the U.S. exported over 106 million metric tons of bulk agricultural products. Important imports like fertilizer, machinery and specialty crop supplies would also be impacted if carriers pass fee increases on to the consumer.

“Farmers support the goals of creating a level playing field for trade and strengthening the nation’s supply chain,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Unfortunately, farmers may feel the brunt of increased costs in exporting their goods. They’ve lost money on almost all major crops for the past three years. Higher freight rates could make things even worse by reducing their competitiveness overseas.”

USTR also proposes to set minimum requirements for shipping on U.S.-flagged, U.S.-operated and U.S.-built vessels. China controls more than 5,500 commercial vessels used for trade, compared to around 100 for the United States. Building more American ships will be a challenge. There are far fewer U.S. shipyards than in Asia and American ships take longer to build – up to four years – compared to Asian shipyards where a ship can be built in as little as 12 months.

Public comments on the proposed action are due on March 24.



America’s grain and feed industry endorses Innovative FEED Act, urges action

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today applauded the reintroduction of the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act. The bill would streamline the regulatory process for non-nutritive animal food ingredients with widespread societal benefits, such as reducing human foodborne illness, improving animal production, and protecting the environment.

The bipartisan legislation, H.R. 2203, was introduced by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.).  Twenty-five members of Congress have already signed on as original co-sponsors, including Reps. Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), Jim Baird (R-Ind.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), and Jim Costa (D-Calif.) as co-leads on the legislation.

Originally introduced in the 118th Congress, the Innovative FEED Act seeks to provide an expedited, predictable pathway for the approval of feed additives that contribute to better animal health, enhanced food safety, and greater sustainability. Today, these ingredients must go through the same approval process as complex animal medications, which can take up to 10 years.

“The Innovative FEED Act cuts unnecessary regulatory red tape and will modernize the U.S. animal feed industry by encouraging innovation, while maintaining rigor in food safety standards and transparency,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert.

“NGFA and its members appreciate the bipartisan support for this critical legislation and strongly encourage its swift adoption and implementation,” he explained. “In fact, Europe, Japan, Australia, and other nations have already updated similar approval processes, which could put U.S. producers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage if left unaddressed.”

Seyfert said NGFA is actively encouraging lawmakers in the House to join as co-sponsors and is hopeful that a companion bill will be introduced in the Senate soon.

Other co-sponsors in the House currently include Reps. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio); Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.); Gabe Evans (R-Colo.); Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa); Brad Finstad (R-Minn.); Vince Fong (R-CA); Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.); John Joyce (R-Pa.); Robert Latta (R-Ohio); Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa); Mark Messmer (R-Ind.); Max Miller (R-Ohio); John Moolenaar (R-Mich.); Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.); Zachary Nunn (R-Iowa); Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.); August Pfluger (R-Tex.); Josh Riley (D-N.Y.); Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.); and David Valadao (R-Calif.).



Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative brings the voice of milk to Washington, D.C.

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the country's leading cooperatives based on milk volume, traveled to Washington, D.C., this week. Farmers and staff members met with federal lawmakers and agency leaders to discuss current challenges facing the dairy community.
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The farmers had the chance to speak directly with Congressional representatives and share their experiences to advance issues important to Edge dairy farmer members.

"Dairy farming and agriculture in the U.S. are continually changing and evolving," Heidi Fischer, Edge president, said. "That's why it's crucial for us to make our voices heard and to inform policymakers about what's happening at the farm level."

Meetings focused on Edge's policy priorities, which include:
    Rural Workforce for Rural Prosperity — The dairy industry faces significant labor shortages, particularly in rural areas, making workforce accessibility and reliability a top policy priority.
    Farm Bill Advocacy — The 2025 farm bill will be an essential opportunity for Edge to advocate for ensuring accurate and timely payments for dairy farmers and to retool existing program adjustments needed to the Dairy Margin Coverage program, ensuring conservation programs are funded, voluntary and based on science, as well as maintenance to several dairy indemnity and donation programs. These programs can greatly affect our farmers’ ability to earn a living.
    Trade and Supply Chain — The Upper Midwest is a powerhouse for cheese production. Ensuring opportunities for dairy through existing, expanding or emerging markets is essential to healthy growth. New and expanded markets through new trade agreements, renegotiated trade agreements and enforcement of existing agreements provide opportunities for market access.
    Environmental Sustainability — Edge stands with our farmers in their commitment to seek effective and financially viable ways to protect and improve water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We believe environmentally focused policies affecting agriculture should be guided by farmers, grounded in science, driven by the marketplace and sufficiently flexible to allow for innovation at the farm level.

“To help us convey our position on these important priorities, we have developed teams of members who have deep interest and knowledge on one or all of our priorities,” Karen Gefvert, Edge director of government affairs, said. “The preparation and dedication of these members makes our efforts in D.C. more impactful.”

“These policy priorities will foster a productive partnership between Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and the lawmakers,” Gefvert said. “Together, Edge’s goal is to strengthen the dairy community and promote sensible agricultural policies.”



Broad Dairy Tariffs Hurt Family Farmers

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew issued the following statement regarding the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and Canada and its impact on dairy farmers:

“Policymakers are focused on U.S. trade policy without solving the underlying problems in the dairy industry—corporate consolidation and continued overproduction. Broad dairy tariffs don’t solve these problems; they destabilize the industry, drive up costs and create more uncertainty for American dairy farmers, processors and rural communities.  

“The number of U.S. dairy farms has plummeted by 84% since 1992, and tariffs only add to the uncertainty, making it even harder for family farmers to stay in business. Canada’s dairy system operates differently, but rather than undermining a system that ensures fair prices for farmers, we should be advancing policies that guarantee U.S. dairy farmers receive a fair price for their milk.

“Family farmers are always the first to feel the impacts of a trade dispute. We look forward to working with policymakers on enacting forward-looking reforms that foster fair competition and profitable markets for all farmers.”