NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
For the week ending April 8, 2018, there were 2.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 2 percent very short, 17 short, 77 adequate, and 4 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 3 percent very short, 25 short, 70 adequate, and 2 surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 1 percent very poor, 7 poor, 34 fair, 46 good, and 12 excellent. Oats planted was 18 percent, behind 36 last year, and well behind 38 for the five-year average. Emerged was 2 percent, near 5 last year and 4 average.
IOWA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
Another cold, wet week prevented fieldwork across most of Iowa with just 0.8 day suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 8, 2018, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Isolated reports of grain transport and fertilizer application were received.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 7 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 3 percent very short, 12 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. South central and southeast Iowa moisture conditions continue to be dry with over one-third of topsoil considered short to very short and over one-half of subsoil short to very short.
Four percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 8 days behind both last year and the 5-year average.
Livestock conditions continue to be mixed. Cold temperatures and snows have hampered early spring pasture growth and continue to present challenges for calving throughout much of the State.
USDA: Winter Wheat Condition Worsens
U.S. winter wheat condition worsened last week, according to USDA's latest weekly Crop Progress report issued Monday. For the week ended April 8, 2018, winter wheat was rated only 30% in good-to-excellent condition, down 2 percentage points from 32% the previous week and well below 53% at the same time last year. It is the crop's lowest good-to-excellent rating in over 20 years. Thirty-five percent of winter wheat was rated poor to very poor, up 5 percentage points from 30% the previous week and well above 13% last year.
USDA also reported national corn planting progress for this first time this season. As of Sunday, 2% of corn was planted, down 1 percentage point from last year but equal to the five-year average.
Sorghum was 17% planted, compared to 18% last year and a 15% five-year average. Oats were 27% planted as of April 8, compared to 32% last year and a 34% average. Emergence was at 25%, compared to 26% last year and a 27% average.
Cotton planting was 7% complete, compared to 6% last year and a 5% average. Rice was 21% planted, compared to 29% last year and a 22% average. Eleven percent of rice was emerged.
Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor of the Year Awarded to Two Nebraska Teachers
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation selected two recipients for the Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor of the Year award. Casey Carriker from Raymond Central High School and Ashton Bohling from Auburn High School were honored at the Nebraska FFA Convention on Thursday, April 5, in Lincoln. The winning advisors received a plaque and a $1,000 donation to their FFA chapters.
The teachers were nominated by their own students and chosen based upon their school and community involvement, leadership development in their classroom, and their ability to keep their students involved in agriculture.
“Both teachers are exceptional educators, leaders, and role models for their students,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “Not only do these teachers go above and beyond for their students, they support the future of agriculture through encouragement of FFA leaders.”
Casey Carriker is an FFA Advisor at Raymond Central High School in Raymond, NE. Mr. Carriker uses reliable materials and hands-on activities to engage students in learning. Carriker emphasizes to the students the importance of having passion and a connection to their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects to have success.
"This award is a great honor because my students had to nominate me and that shows that I am having an impact on them. Having Agriculture Education and FFA is essential for any school because it produces well rounded students that will excel after high school,” Carriker said.
Ashton Bohling is an FFA Advisor at Auburn High School in Auburn, NE. Ms. Bohling is always looking for ways to network with the community and maintain strong connections for the success of the chapter. She enlists members of her community to visit her classes and bring current, real-world examples of Nebraska agriculture. This enriches the learning experience for her students and creates strong ties to their community.
“I am honored to receive this award for doing a job that I love to do anyway,” Bohling said. “It is encouraging to know that agriculture education is supported by so many other great organizations. It is especially neat to be co-advisor of the year with Casey Carriker as we
were classmates and friends throughout college.”
“We had a number of exceptional nominations this year. All of the advisors and agriculture education teachers nominated are a showcase of agriculture leaders in their communities,” Shafer said. “The students these teachers impact are the future of our great state, and we are proud to recognize their excellent service.”
Injectable Trace Mineral did not Influence Reproductive Performance in Beef Heifers
Steve Niemeyer – NE Extension Educator
Many producers provide a free-choice trace mineral to grazing cattle throughout the year. Trace minerals have been shown to have an essential role in reproduction. When a free-choice trace mineral supplement is provided, some individual animals will consume more than the recommended amount, while others may consume none at all. In addition to variation in intake, the absorption of trace minerals can be negatively impacted by the consumption of other nutrients during the digestive process. Providing an injectable trace mineral (ITM) with a free-choice trace mineral prior to the breeding season may be beneficial to ensure that the trace mineral status of cattle being bred is adequate.
A study was conducted to analyze the impact of providing an injectable trace mineral supplement in addition to a free-choice trace mineral supplement on the reproductive performance of replacement heifers. Prior to the study, a liver biopsy was conducted on 22 heifers in the study to assess trace mineral status. Liver concentrations of copper, manganese, selenium and zinc were adequate in the heifers tested.
There were 799 heifers in this study that were split into two groups. One group of 399 heifers received an injection of a trace-mineral at the time of insertion of progesterone releasing controlled internal drug-releasing device (CIDR) which was 33 days prior to a timed artificial insemination (AI). The second group consisted of 400 heifers that were administered the same estrus synchronization protocol, but did not receive an injection of trace-minerals at the time of CIDR insertion. After timed AI on day 33, both groups of heifers were exposed to bulls for 60 days.
At pregnancy diagnosis, there was no statistical difference in the percentage of heifers breeding in the first 21 days of the breeding season as well as the first 33 days of the breeding season. Overall pregnancy rates were similar with 95% of the control and 93% of the heifers receiving an injectable trace mineral being identified as pregnant. In this study, the use of an injectable trace mineral at CIDR insertion prior to breeding did not influence reproductive performance of heifers with adequate trace mineral status. For more information on this study, see the 2018 Nebraska Beef Cattle report at https://beef.unl.edu.
Webinars Target How You Can Prevent Grain Engulfment
In five seconds a worker can become engulfed in flowing grain, unable to get out; within 60 seconds, the worker can be completely submerged.
Preventing tragic deaths from grain suffocation is the purpose of Stand Up for Engulfment Prevention Week, April 9-13.
Three safety webinars on the topic are scheduled for 12-1 p.m. CDT on April 10, 11 and 13. Sponsors are AgriSafe, the Grain Handling Safety Coalition and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.
While free, registration is required to access the webinars, which will be archived through 2018. Archived (on demand) webinars may be accessed by logging into agrisafe.org and clicking under the Quick Links heading to the Grain Safety tab. Live webinar registration is found under the Upcoming Events heading or via the links below.
Tuesday, April 10: “Confined Space – Grain Bin Entry.”
For workers and managers of grain elevators, farm operations, grain hauling, and agricultural businesses. The major focus is on safety in confined work spaces, it covers entry, respiratory protection, and prevention of grain dust explosions. Topics include:
- hazards that lead to dust explosions and how to prevent them,
- hazards of working in confined grain spaces,
- process of lock-out procedures, and
- respiratory protection.
To register, go to https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/5456220189776783874.
Wednesday, April 11: “Understanding Agricultural Respiratory Hazards with Emphasis on Respirator Selection as a Prevention Strategy.”
Information about common agricultural respiratory exposures and diseases, particularly for grain handling. It's directed to agricultural producers and employers of agricultural workers, and addresses how to:
- recognize grain handling respiratory hazards,
- understand and implement “Lungs for Life” resources for appropriate respirator options, especially in grain handling, and
- implement respiratory disease prevention options
To register, go to https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/3467496125222953986
Friday, April 13: “Reducing Grain Bin Entry Risks.”
This session guides participants through the bin entry process. Presenters are Jeff Decker and Robert Aherin, members of the Grain Handling Safety Coalition (GHSC). Decker provides safety training and is experienced in all aspects of hazard identification analysis and accident investigations. Aherin, an extension specialist at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, is a GHSC cofounder and agricultural safety and health expert. This webinar will cover:
- hazard assessment, methods to reduce hazards or the need for entry and safe entry procedures and
- lifeline use, how and when lifelines are effective in protecting entrants, and proper set-up and use of lifelines.
To register, go to https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/3829295923900901122.
The mission of AgriSafe is to support a growing network of trained agricultural health and safety professionals that assure access to preventative services for farm families and the agricultural community. For more, see agrisafe.org.
Ricketts Welcomes Israel’s Minister of Agriculture to Nebraska
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts hosted Israeli Minister of Agriculture Uri Ariel at the State Capitol in Lincoln. Minister Ariel’s visit is part of a five-state tour of Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Indiana.
“Israel is one of Nebraska’s greatest friends, and a growing market for our quality products,” said Governor Ricketts. “This partnership is expanding opportunities for both the people of Nebraska and Israel. Thank you to Minister Ariel for visiting Nebraska to discuss how we can grow our relationship even further.”
Governor Ricketts and Minister Ariel discussed the recent reintroduction of U.S. beef to Israel during their meeting. They also discussed opportunities for increased collaboration in the agro-tech industry.
“Many of my colleagues have understood the map of the USA to be centered around major cities like Washington, New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, etc.,” said Minister Ariel. “I have understood that the challenges of climate and water and food protection and production are bringing back in centrality the importance of America’s heartland as well as Israel’s opportunity for new and stronger cooperation with America’s leading agriculture states.”
In 2016, Nebraska exported the first significant shipment of beef from the United States to Israel since 2003. The opening of the export market spurred a plant expansion by WR Reserve and the creation of 100 new jobs.
Nebraska exported $1.4 million of beef to Israel in 2017. In 2016, Nebraska exported $18.1 million worth of goods to Israel, including $8.2 million of corn, $4.5 million of distillers grains, and $2.5 million of soybeans.
In 2017, Nebraska exported a grand total of over $31 million worth of goods to Israel, up from $27.5 million in 2014.
Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Assistant Director Mat Habrock traveled with Lt. Governor Mike Foley to Israel in 2016 to celebrate the reopening of the U.S. beef market and welcome beef from Hastings, Nebraska into Israel.
“It was an honor to meet with Israeli Minister of Agriculture Uri Ariel today to discuss our shared vision of a strong agriculture sector,” said NDA Assistant Director Mat Habrock. “Israel and Nebraska are both interested in being leaders in agriculture production through the development and implementation of technology, particularly in water use. Additionally, Israel is a great trading partner for Nebraska’s agricultural products.”
“We appreciate our state’s robust, mutually-beneficial trade relationships with Israel, both in terms of agriculture and other industries,” said Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Dave Rippe. “We look forward to working to deepen these connections, and we eagerly anticipate attending this year’s Agritech Israel exhibition in Tel Aviv to discuss new horizons for collaboration. It was a privilege to meet with Minister Ariel this afternoon to discuss strengthening our bonds for the future.”
SEEDING ALFALFA NO-TILL
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Most plantings of alfalfa begin with a conventionally tilled and prepared seedbed. No-till might be just as good, though.
How about planting alfalfa no-till? With less crop residue remaining from last year in some fields and the always present need to conserve soil moisture, no-till might be a good way to establish alfalfa this spring.
There are some obvious advantages to seeding no-till, like fuel and time savings due to fewer trips across the field. In addition, you reduce soil erosion by retaining crop residues rather than tilling them under. No-till also conserves soil moisture, which may be the best reason of all this spring. Also, due to lack of tillage the seedbed is good and firm for rapid seedling emergence. Finally, no-till will limit the number of new weed seeds near the soil surface.
Disadvantages to no-till include relying solely on clipping or post-emerge herbicides for weed control. Fortunately, we have good post-emerge herbicides available to control most weed problems. Another problem is ridges from prior row crops that can interfere with uniform seeding as well as make fields rough for future haying operations. And finally, some drills do not work well for no-till seeding so equipment might limit your options.
If you can do it, though, no-till alfalfa is worth trying. It works really well in bean stubble and almost as well in small grain stubble. No-till is a bit more difficult in corn and milo stubble, especially if there is much row ridging. Be sure to kill any early weeds with Roundup or Gramoxone before planting. And last but not least, use a drill that places seed about one-half inch deep and then covers seed with soil using a good press wheel.
Try no-till alfalfa. It could be very effective this year.
Have You Read Your Pesticide Labels Lately?
Clyde Ogg - Pesticide Safety Extension Educator
As you ready your field equipment for the coming crop season, are you including a respirator as part of your personal protective equipment? If you haven’t thought about it, now is the time to read and understand the labels of pesticides intended for use in 2018.
Certain pesticides, such as formulations of Engenia® and Lorsban™, require a NIOSH-approved respirator to mix, load, handle, and apply.
In addition, when the Worker Protection Standard applies and the label requires respiratory protection, a medical exam, fit test, and training are required before the respirator is used. Even if not required, these are good practices to follow. They ensure that you are physically able to wear a respirator, that the respirator fits correctly to keep you safe, and that you know how to use it. The product label will tell you what is needed. Remember, the label is the law, and as such, using pesticides is a big responsibility for you, your family, and your neighbors.
Resources are available to help you better understand the legal and safety requirements. This University of Minnesota Crop News article is one: Respirator Requirements for Engenia® and Lorsban™.
In addition see two detailed Nebraska Extension publications:
- Respirators for Handling Pesticides and
- Fit Testing a Respirator for Pesticide Applications.
BASF launches new spray tool to help ensure on-target applications
BASF launched its latest stewardship resource to assist growers with on-target applications this season – the Engenia® Herbicide Spray Tool. The mobile-friendly website gives applicators key weather information at the touch of a button without downloading an application. The tool uses a phone’s location services, or a desktop’s IP address to provide localized information for determining the right time to apply Engenia herbicide.
“Weather plays a big role in spray application decision-making,” said Logan Grier, BASF Technical Marketing Manager, Product Stewardship. “We created a resource for growers that has all of the Engenia herbicide weather-related label requirements in one place and supplements the many other tools applicators can use when planning their Engenia herbicide application this growing season.”
The free tool, available at EngeniaStewardship.com, covers all U.S. geographies and incorporates key Engenia herbicide weather-related label restrictions and considerations for the next 36 hours, so applicators can plan ahead. In addition to hourly temperature and cloud cover information, the spray tool also includes:
- Inversion potential, which compares the temperature at ground-level and two meters above the ground to provide the likelihood for an inversion.
- Precipitation probability for the next 24 hours, which helps growers follow the 24-hour rain-free interval.
- Time of sunrise and sunset, including a reminder that no nighttime spraying is permitted.
- Wind speed and direction
Paired with in-field observation at the time of application, along with BASF resources like spray checklists, online training and more, applicators can stay ahead of weed management issues in their fields.
“Stewardship is a top priority at BASF, and we know it is important to growers,” said Grier. “We reached out to them, listened to their concerns and developed resources they can use when planning for an Engenia herbicide application.”
The Engenia Herbicide Spray Tool was developed with the proprietary forecasting technology from ZedX, Inc. which was acquired by BASF in April 2017. Since 1987, ZedX has been at the forefront of integrating weather and agronomic data to provide business intelligence that supports on-farm decision-making.
To access additional Engenia herbicide stewardship resources, visit EngeniaStewardship.com.
CWT Assists with 2.1 million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 10 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producer Cooperative Association, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), Tillamook County Creamery Association and United Dairymen of Arizona. These cooperatives have contracts to sell 1.250 million pounds (567 metric tons) of Cheddar and Gouda cheese and 842,166 pounds (382 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East, and North Africa. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from April through July 2018.
CWT-assisted member cooperative 2018 export sales total 30.413 million pounds of American-type cheeses, and 6.455 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 22 countries on five continents. These sales are the equivalent of 425.950 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
NAFTA Agreement Possible by May
MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Trade negotiators from the U.S., Canada and Mexico are looking to agree on a revamp of the North American Free Trade Agreement in early May, Mexico's Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said Monday.
"There's a very high probability of reaching an agreement in principle, an 80% chance," Mr. Guajardo said in an interview on the Televisa network.
U.S. negotiators have accelerated negotiations and want to reach a deal in principle that they can present to the U.S. Congress under the existing trade promotion authority.
Mr. Guajardo, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland met in Washington last week seeking to step up negotiations and clear roadblocks on the most controversial issues, such as rules of origin for cars and light trucks manufactured in North America.
Mr. Guajardo said there were no conditions to reach an agreement in principle at that meeting, but that trade teams agreed to be in "permanent talks" instead of having a formal eighth round of negotiations. "The teams are in Washington," he said.
The official confirmed that negotiators are discussing a proposal from the U.S. that calls for certain vehicle parts to be made in zones where wages average at least $15 an hour, which excludes Mexico, as part of the content calculation.
"The proposal would be aspirational, unreachable for Mexico in the short-term," because the country doesn't have such wage levels, he said. But the U.S. government first needs to reach an agreement with its own car manufacturers on such a plan.
"The devil is in the details," Mr. Guajardo added. With U.S. eagerness to reach a deal soon, "when there's urgency, there must be flexibility," he said.
The Nafta countries originally set January 2018 as the goal for concluding Nafta talks, then pushed the deadline to March 31.
USDA Announces a Near-Record Year for Farm Loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced another year of high activity in its farm loan programs. Hard-working farm families across the country accessed nearly $6 billion in new credit, either directly or guaranteed through commercial lenders in 2017. At year end, FSA was assisting more than 120,000 family farmers with loans totaling just over $25 billion.
“FSA loan funds have been in high demand the last few years,” said Dr. Robert Johansson, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for the Farm Production and Conservation mission area. “We provide opportunities to qualified small, beginning and underserved farmers who are unable to obtain commercial credit, to help them get started, gain access to land and grow their operations. Family farmers across America also come to us for credit when they face challenges to stay in business. We’re proud to support rural prosperity by providing credit to those who need it most.”
FSA provides a variety of loan assistance, including direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans, operating loans and even direct Microloans up to $50,000 and EZ Guarantees up to $100,000 with streamlined application processes.
More than 25,000 direct and guaranteed FSA loans went to beginning or underserved farmers and ranchers. Over 4,200 beginning farmers received direct farm ownership loans from FSA to make their first land purchase. And of the approximately 6,500 Microloans made in the last fiscal year, three-quarters (almost 4,900) went to beginning farmers, 1,000 went to women and 400 to veterans.
FSA’s direct farm loans are unique in that the agency provides technical assistance in addition to credit. Consistent with efforts to continually improve technical assistance, today FSA announced the publication of two booklets that will serve as important informational tools and resources for existing and prospective farm loan borrowers.
Your FSA Farm Loan Compass booklet was recently developed specifically for farmers and ranchers who have an existing farm loan with FSA. It provides detailed guidance outlining borrower responsibilities and the servicing options that FSA offers. It also addresses common questions borrowers may have as they navigate through loan program requirements and the financial concepts involved.
Originally published in 2012, Your Guide to FSA Farm Loans was designed for new loan customers. It provides information about the various types of farm loans available and guides new borrowers through the application process. The revised version addresses program changes and includes new loan offerings, like the popular Microloan program that was rolled out after the publication of the original Guide.
“Your FSA Farm Loan Compass” and “Your Guide to FSA Farm Loans” are available on the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/dafl. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to download and share them with others in their community who may require assistance in understanding FSA’s loans and servicing processes. For additional information about FSA farm loans, please contact your loan officer or other FSA staff at your local office. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.
Farm and Rural Groups Urge Congress to Address Farmer Suicides in Farm Bill
Farmers and ranchers commit suicide at a rate five times that of the general population. In an effort to address this crisis, National Farmers Union and a coalition of 36 prominent farm and rural advocacy groups are urging Congress to make mental health treatment more accessible to farmers through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN).
The groups sent a letter to U.S. Senate and House of Representatives agriculture committees’ leadership today, urging Congress to reauthorize FRSAN and to provide the program with adequate funding in the next Farm Bill.
“Farming is a high-stress occupation,” noted the groups. “Financial risk, volatile markets, unpredictable weather, and heavy workloads can all place a significant strain on a farmer or rancher’s mental and emotional well-being. Due to the prolonged downturn in the farm economy, many farmers are facing even greater stress. We urge you to reauthorize FRSAN in the next farm bill and to provide funding necessary to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers as they endure increasing financial, mental, and emotional stress.”
The 2008 Farm Bill established FRSAN to provide grants to extension services and nonprofit organizations that offer stress assistance programs to individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations. Eligible programs include farm helplines and websites, community outreach and education, support groups, and home delivery of assistance.
Yet, “despite the growing need, FRSAN has never received funding, leaving many producers without access to important behavioral health services,” said the groups.
The groups pointed to a 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that revealed farmers had a much higher rate of suicide than any other occupation. And mental health issues are exacerbated by the fact that 60 percent of rural residents live in areas that suffer from mental health professional shortages.
Net farm income has dropped by more than 50 percent since 2013, and current projections indicate the rebound could be years away. In fact, the Economic Research Service recently forecast net farm income to drop another 6.7 percent in 2018, its lowest level since 2006. “As Congress works to pass a new farm bill, it’s critical that farmers and ranchers are given the resources they need, including a strong network of support,” the groups said.
National Farmers Union encourages farmers in personal financial stress to visit FarmCrisis.NFU.org to find out what resources are available to them. Visitors to the website also have the ability to advocate for FRSAN by selecting “Take Action.”
Perdue Commits to One Federal Decision Framework for Environmental Reviews and Permits for Infrastructure Projects
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with other Trump Administration cabinet secretaries and leaders of federal agencies, committing to following the President’s One Federal Decision framework for processing environmental reviews and permits for major infrastructure projects. Under the direction of President Donald J. Trump, One Federal Decision will drive infrastructure projects to meet environmental standards, but complete the review and permitting process in a reasonable amount of time.
“This MOU will eliminate the potential for conflicting decisions, so that project sponsors don’t get one answer from agency and another answer from another agency. In agriculture, we’ve gotten some of those mixed signals before, and they’re very frustrating,” Secretary Perdue said. “President Trump is making good on his promise to free our economy from needless regulations and bureaucratic delays, and One Federal Decision is another example.”
Many of the major projects the U.S. Department of Agriculture is involved in can be very complex and require input and decisions from many other federal agencies. Projects like the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines, which require extensive research and inter-agency coordination, are challenging under the old system. Those challenges force agencies to wait extended periods for multiple redundant reviews before making decisions which, in some cases, are unrelated to the information being gathered, causing costly project delays, confusion about who is responsible for making decisions, and conflicting outcomes from multiple agency decisions.
President Trump established the policy of One Federal Decision for the federal government’s processing of environmental reviews and permits for major infrastructure projects in Executive Order 13807. Under One Federal Decision, Executive Order 13807 requires that each major infrastructure project have a lead federal agency that is responsible for navigating the project through the process, all Federal agencies to sign one “Record of Decision” (for purposes of complying with the National Environmental Policy Act), and relevant Federal agencies to issue the necessary permits for the project within 90 days of the signing of the Record of Decision. Executive Order 13807 established a 2-year goal for the completion of the environmental review and permitting processes for the signature of the Record of Decision and issuance of the necessary permits.
In signing the MOU, Perdue joined Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, and Secretary of the Army Mark Esper. Additional signatories to the MOU including the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Acting Executive Director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. These officials signed the MOU pursuant to a joint memorandum issued by Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Mary Neumayr, the Acting Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality.
Under the MOU, the agencies commit to working together to make the necessary environmental and permitting decisions for major infrastructure projects with a goal to complete the entire process within 2 years. In general, the MOU commits agencies to processing their reviews in accordance with the following 4 principles:
- Establish a Lead Federal Agency for the Complete Process. Under the current process, project sponsors are responsible for navigating the decision-making processes of multiple Federal agencies. Under the MOU, Federal agencies agree to establish one Lead Federal Agency that will navigate the Federal environmental review and permitting process.
- Commitment to Meeting the Lead Federal Agency’s Permitting Timetable. Under the current process, agencies are not generally required to follow a comprehensive permitting timetable. Under the MOU, Federal agencies agree to follow the permitting timetables established by the Lead Federal Agency with the goal of completing the process to 2 years.
- Commitment to Conduct the Necessary Review Processes Concurrently. Under the current process, agencies may conduct their own environmental review and permitting processes sequentially resulting in unnecessary delay, redundant analysis, and revisiting of decisions. Under the MOU, Federal agencies agree to conducting their processes at the same time and relying on the analysis prepared by the Lead Federal Agency to the maximum extent possible.
- Automatic Elevation of Interagency Disputes. Under the current process, interagency disputes sometimes linger for years in agency field offices before being elevated and resolved. Under the MOU, Federal agencies agree that interagency disputes will be automatically elevated and expeditiously resolved.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Friday April 6 Ag News
Ricketts Celebrates Nebraska Ag Youth at FFA Convention
This week, Governor Pete Ricketts helped honor some of Nebraska’s outstanding youth involved in agriculture at the annual Nebraska FFA Convention.
“The Nebraska FFA is instrumental in developing our state’s youth to become leaders of tomorrow,” said Governor Ricketts. “With agriculture as Nebraska’s number one industry, the FFA is raising up the next generation of our state’s farmers and ranchers. Expanding opportunities in agriculture is vital to growing the Good Life that we enjoy. With record levels of membership in the Nebraska FFA, it is great to see so many young Nebraskans involved and developing the skills they will need to lead agriculture and their communities into the future.”
“The Nebraska FFA program has a rich history of educating students about agriculture and the many careers available to them in the agriculture industry,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman. “The annual State FFA Convention allows students an opportunity to join together to celebrate their successes and learn from each other. Congratulations to all the FFA members on their accomplishments.”
Nebraska currently has over 8,500 FFA members in 185 chapters. Nebraska FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Krausnick Accepted into Nebraska Water Leaders Academy
Marie Krausnick has been accepted into the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy Class of 2018. Krausnick earned an associate of science degree from Northeast Community College and a B. S. in agronomy from the University of Nebraska. She is Water Department Manager at the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District in York.
The Nebraska Water Leaders Academy is one-year program that provides leadership training and educates participants about the vital role of rivers, streams and aquifers play in the economic sustainability of the state.
A project of the Water Futures Partnership-Nebraska, the Academy sessions feature classroom, as well as field trip experiences presented by acknowledged experts in leadership and natural resource topics held at locations across the state.
The Water Leaders Academy is partially funded through a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and more than 25 other organizations and individuals.
More information can be found at www.waterleadersacademy.org.
2018 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest
Consumer Promotion Education Committee with Nebraska Cattlemen would like to announce the 2018 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Competition that will be held June 6th at College Park Grand Island beginning at 1:00pm cst. The competition is targeted towards youth that are passionate about the beef industry.
The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for youth, ages 14 – 24 years old, to become spokespersons and future leaders for the beef industry. The two divisions, senior and collegiate, are judged on three different areas of the industry consisting of a mock consumer promotional event, mock media interview and an issues response.
Along with a scholarship from the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation the collegiate winner will have the opportunity to go on and compete at the National level.
The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest provides an opportunity for youth to become spokespersons and future leaders in the beef industry. Registration deadline is Friday, June 1, 2018.
Brochure for the contest can be found here... http://nebraskacattlemen.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018bacontest.pdf.
For more information contact Bonita at ncw@necattlemen.org -or- 402-450-0223
40 Receive National Ag in Classroom Conference Scholarships
Teachers from around the United States have been selected to receive scholarships from the CHS Foundation to attend the 2018 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference 'Agriculture for ME on Land and Sea' scheduled for June 27-29 in Portland, Maine.
Forty K-12 teachers were selected for their desire to learn more innovative ways to use agricultural concepts to teach reading, writing, math, science and social studies and more. Onsite and traveling workshops at the conference will provide these teachers with demonstrations of how effective the use of agricultural concepts in classroom instruction can be. In addition, teachers will network with other educators who have a passion for K-12 agricultural literacy.
"We're happy to assist teachers who are interested in educating their students about agriculture by helping them attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference," said Nanci Lilja, president of CHS Foundation. "The CHS Foundation is committed to developing agriculture leaders for life and these teachers introduce students to the industry and spark interest in agriculture careers."
The CHS Foundation has provided these scholarships to teachers since 2013.
"Thanks to the CHS Foundation we are able to involve even more teachers in the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference," said Willie Grenier, president of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) and executive director of Maine Agriculture in the Classroom. "NAITCO highly values partnerships like the one it has with the CHS Foundation, which helps us expand its K-12 agricultural literacy outreach to many more teachers across the country."
The teachers will receive scholarships to the conference, which covers early registration of $435, including Kathy Bohac, Nebraska, East Butler Public School; and Patricia Romshek, Nebraska, East Butler Public School. There are also several Iowa teachers that will receive scholarships, including Cathryn Carney, Iowa, Boyden-Hull Community School District; and John Seiser, Iowa, Northeast Hamilton Elementary.
The CHS Foundation is funded by charitable gifts from CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company. The CHS Foundation is focused on developing a new generation of agriculture leaders. We are achieving our goals through these strategic initiatives: advancing innovation in cooperative education, cultivating opportunity through university partnerships, growing high-impact youth leadership programs and accelerating potential for careers in agriculture. Together with our signature partners, we develop ag leaders for life. For more information on CHS Foundation programs, please visit www.chsinc.com/stewardship.
NAITCO is a non-profit organization made up of Agriculture in the Classroom programs in most of the 50 states and six territories. Its mission is to educate teachers and students in kindergarten through 12th grade about the importance of agriculture by incorporating agricultural concepts into classroom instruction.
Iowa Farm Bureau appoints Joe Johnson new Executive Director
Iowa’s largest grassroots organization, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), today announced that Joe Johnson has been named the new executive director and secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.
Johnson assumes his new position on April 20, 2018. He succeeds Denny Presnall who will retire after 36 years with Farm Bureau.
“As a long-time leader in our organization, Joe is passionate about Farm Bureau and brings in-depth knowledge of the organization and agriculture that will be a tremendous asset to us,” says IFBF President Craig Hill. “The IFBF Board of Directors believes his integrity, proven leadership experience and ability to build solid relationships will help lead IFBF into the next century and we look forward to working with him.”
Johnson, a 33-year veteran of Farm Bureau, has served as Director of Field Service since 2010, where he oversees and guides the activities of the Regional Managers and 100 county Farm Bureaus, as well as the Leadership and Farm Business Development areas. In this capacity, Johnson was instrumental in spearheading the creation of a new farm transition program, Take Root, that has assisted over 5,000 members in 99 counties and helped increase participation in the Young Farmer program to a record high.
Prior to that, he served as Senior State Policy Advisor in Government Relations for 13 years, working with the Iowa Legislature to guide policy efforts on behalf of members. From 1985 to 1997, he also served as Regional Manager for six counties in southeast Iowa.
Johnson is a graduate of Wartburg College. He and his wife, Karen, have two grown children and six grandchildren.
U.S. Red Meat Exports Continued to Outpace Year-Ago Levels in February
February exports of U.S. pork, beef and lamb were higher than a year ago in both volume and value, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Pork exports totaled 205,466 metric tons (mt) in February, up 4 percent from last year’s large total, while export value increased 12 percent to $547.2 million. Through February, pork exports were 2 percent ahead of last year’s pace at 408,934 mt, while export value climbed 10 percent to $1.09 billion.
February exports accounted for 27.8 percent of total pork production and 24 percent for muscle cuts only – up from 27.6 percent and 22.9 percent, respectively, a year ago. Through February, the percentage of total pork production exported was slightly lower year-over-year at 26.1 percent, while the percentage of muscle cuts exported edged higher to 22.7 percent. February export value averaged $56.78 per head slaughtered, up 9 percent from a year ago. Through February, per-head export value was $53.70, up 5 percent.
February beef export volume improved 11 percent from a year ago to 100,593 mt, while export value increased 18 percent to $599.8 million. Although this was the lowest monthly value total since May 2017, it is the highest on record for the month of February. January-February volume was 206,079 mt, up 10 percent from the first two months of 2017, while export value was 20 percent above last year’s pace at $1.22 billion.
Exports accounted for 13.6 percent of total beef production in February, up one full percentage point from a year ago. For muscle cuts only, the percentage exported was 10.8 percent (up from 10.1 percent last year). Through February, beef exports accounted for 13 percent of total production (up from 12.4 percent) and 10.4 percent for muscle cuts (up from 9.8 percent). February beef export value averaged $322.29 per head of fed slaughter, up 16 percent from a year ago. Through February, per-head export value averaged $306.69, up 15 percent.
“Red meat exports are off to a strong start in 2018 and continue to deliver excellent returns for U.S. producers,” noted USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The outstanding level of export value per head slaughtered is especially encouraging at a time in which U.S. meat production is high and the trade climate is somewhat volatile. Through all the uncertainty, international customers remain very committed to U.S. pork and beef. This reinforces the importance of having experienced USMEF staff members located in key markets, working every day to maintain customer loyalty and reinforce the United States’ reputation as a reliable supplier.”
Pork exports steady to Mexico; solid growth in Korea, Japan and Latin America
February pork exports to leading volume market Mexico were steady with last year at 64,523 mt, while export value was slightly higher at $117.5 million. Through February, export volume was steady with last year’s record pace at 137,520 mt, while export value increased 3 percent to $251 million.
In Japan, the leading value destination for U.S. pork, February volume was steady year-over-year at 32,418 mt, while value was up 3 percent to $134.7 million. Through February, export volume to Japan increased 6 percent from a year ago to 67,466 mt and value climbed 10 percent to $281.1 million. This included a 7 percent increase in chilled pork exports to 36,929 mt, valued at $176.9 million (up 11 percent).
Pork exports to South Korea climbed 33 percent in volume (40,710 mt) and 43 percent in value ($119 million). Most U.S. pork products now enter the Korean market duty free under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and high-quality, affordable U.S. pork is helping to underpin Korea’s record-breaking pork consumption. USMEF continues to help position U.S. pork in new and exciting ways in Korea, including the addition of pulled pork to many restaurant menus, a selection of high-end sausages at convenience stores and a wide array of home meal replacement and snack items sold at retail and through e-commerce.
Through the first two months of 2018, other highlights for U.S. pork include:
- Led by strong growth in Colombia and Peru, pork exports to South America were 9 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (17,855 mt) and 14 percent higher in value ($43.1 million), with consumption growth in the region continuing to outpace domestic production.
- Solid growth in Honduras, a doubling of exports to El Salvador and a steady performance in Guatemala pushed pork export volume to Central America 16 percent above last year’s pace at 12,255 mt, while value climbed 20 percent to $28.9 million. Exports also increased year-over-year to Nicaragua, Panama and Belize.
- Exports to the Philippines, the mainstay destination for U.S. pork in the ASEAN and the region’s largest import market, increased 3 percent in volume (4,746 mt) and remained steady with last year’s pace in value ($10.8 million). Exceptional growth in Vietnam (901 mt valued at $3.7 million, up 272 percent and 469 percent, respectively) pushed exports to the ASEAN region 18 percent higher in volume (6,178 mt) and 29 percent higher in value ($16.9 million). Exports also increased year-over-year to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
- In China/Hong Kong, pork export volume fell 14 percent year-over-year to 69,515 mt, but value increased 3 percent to $164 million. Muscle cut exports increased 7 percent to 28,775 mt, while variety meat exports declined 24 percent in volume (40,740 mt) but with sharply higher prices value only dipped 2 percent to $107.4 million. The Chinese government recently imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports of U.S. pork and pork variety meat, in addition to the 12 percent tariff already in effect in China. The higher tariff rate is not reflected in the January-February results, as it took effect April 2. But the additional tariff will put U.S. pork at a significant disadvantage compared to China’s other major suppliers: the European Union, Canada, Brazil and Chile. China’s total import demand has also slowed with its rebound in domestic production and a significant decrease in domestic hog prices.
Chilled beef shipments to Japan, Korea and Taiwan drive export growth; Mexico and Hong Kong also trend higher
Beef export volume to leading market Japan declined in February (20,314 mt, -15 percent year-over-year), as the frozen beef safeguard tariff (50 percent, up temporarily from 38.5 percent) contributed to a slowdown in frozen shipments. However, February export value to Japan was down only slightly at $133.4 million. Through February, total exports to Japan were 4 percent below last year’s volume pace at 44,282 mt, but still increased 9 percent in value to $282 million. This included an 18 percent increase in chilled beef exports to 22,809 mt, valued at $175 million (up 29 percent). Japan’s safeguard tariff on imports of frozen beef from the United States (and from other suppliers that do not have a free trade agreement with Japan) expired March 31, so the tariff rate for both frozen and chilled imports from the U.S. is now 38.5 percent. Japan’s tariffs on imports of Australian chilled and frozen beef edged slightly lower on April 1 and now stand at 29.3 percent and 26.9 percent, respectively, under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement.
Beef exports to South Korea maintained a torrid pace in February, increasing 24 percent from a year ago in volume (16,193 mt) and 31 percent in value ($112.4 million). Through February, exports to Korea climbed 18 percent in volume to 33,326 mt and were 32 percent above last year’s record value pace at $234.8 million. This included chilled beef exports of 7,231 mt (up 34 percent year-over-year) valued at $68 million (up 44 percent). U.S. beef is driving new consumption trends in Korea, where retailers and foodservice operators have intensified their focus on steak cuts and are highlighting features such as dry and wet aging. USMEF continues to educate the Korean meat trade and consumers about the quality and convenience of U.S. steaks in this increasingly protein-centric market.
Through the first two months of 2018, other highlights for U.S. beef include:
- Exports to Mexico, which is a critical destination for beef rounds, shoulder clods and variety meat, were 10 percent above last year’s pace in volume (39,987 mt) and 19 percent higher in value ($175 million). This included an 11 percent increase in variety meat export volume (18,720 mt) and an impressive 36 percent jump in variety meat value ($44.4 million).
- Partly driven by demand for the Chinese New Year holiday, exports to Hong Kong jumped 41 percent in volume (22,807 mt) from a year ago and 61 percent in value ($168.6 million). Exports to China, which resumed in June 2017, totaled 1,187 mt valued at $11.1 million.
- In Taiwan, an outstanding destination for chilled U.S. beef, exports increased 25 percent from a year ago in volume (8,106 mt) and 42 percent in value ($78.2 million). Chilled exports to Taiwan were up 53 percent in volume (3,800 mt) and 61 percent in value ($48 million) as the U.S. holds 72 percent of Taiwan’s chilled beef market.
- Exceptional growth in Chile and Colombia pushed exports to South America up 68 percent year-over-year in volume (5,296 mt) and 62 percent in value ($25.2 million). Exports to Brazil, which resumed in April of last year, totaled 215 mt valued at $2 million.
- Strong performances in Indonesia and Vietnam pushed beef exports to the ASEAN region 42 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (6,794 mt) and 34 percent higher in value ($36.7 million). The region is especially strong for beef variety meat, with exports up 74 percent in volume (2,008 mt) and 93 percent in value ($4.4 million).
- Strong growth in Angola and steady volumes to South Africa pushed beef exports to Africa up 26 percent year-over-year in volume (1,981 mt) and 77 percent higher in value ($3.1 million).
Lamb exports sharply higher year-over-year
Bolstered by a strong rebound in lamb variety meat demand in Mexico, U.S. lamb exports are trending significantly higher in 2018. In February, lamb export volume climbed 85 percent from a year ago to 899 mt – the highest since May 2017. Export value was $1.85 million, up 42 percent and the highest since March 2017. Through February, lamb exports were 55 percent higher year-over-year in volume (1,639 mt) and up 24 percent in value ($3.33 million), led by growth in Mexico, the Philippines, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Trump Has Not Forgotten Rural America’s Needs, Contributions”
By Secretary Sonny Perdue
While Congress continues its work on the Farm Bill, rural prosperity, and many other agriculture priorities, this administration remains committed to being a voice for America’s farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters.
In the 11 months since I was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, I have traveled to 35 states, helping fulfill President Donald Trump’s promise that the men and women of America, who once felt forgotten, never will again.
First, [President] Trump is committed to ensuring our economy grows and thrives. That is why he led the fight to pass historic tax cuts and reforms back in December, which are already benefiting the agriculture community. When it comes to trading goods and products with our partners and allies, this administration is committed to sending the bounty of American harvest around the globe.
Second, as we all know, our economy cannot succeed without a capable and legal workforce. Trump understands we must have an equipped and competitive workforce. That is one reason why he signed an executive order establishing the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, which I proudly chaired.
Our task force also stressed the importance of assisting our workforce through infrastructure reforms. Enacting Trump’s infrastructure plan would create jobs for our rural workforce and unleash our economy’s full potential. Infrastructure has been the core of American economic success for more than two centuries. America’s infrastructure needs attention; our nation’s prosperity is at stake.
Finally, if we are going to encourage the next generation to step forward, we must first tackle the burdensome regulations facing today’s industry. Throughout this tour, I have heard from farmers and ranchers who are hamstrung by meddlesome rules. They know that Trump has aggressively and effectively dismantled unnecessary barriers to productivity, eliminating 22 federal regulations for every new rule added. Trump’s regulatory agenda meets the needs of rural Americans who are held back by harmful decisions that came from Washington.
NPPC RELEASES AGRICULTURAL LABOR STUDY; SUPPORTS H-2C VISA PROGRAM
The National Pork Producers Council this week released a study from Iowa State University (ISU) on the agricultural workforce. ISU economists determined that a reduction in the foreign-born workforce – prompted by a change in immigration policy – would not be offset by native-born workers and permanent residents. Instead, they found, the tighter supply of foreign-born workers would reduce overall demand for workers as production costs increase and would decrease agricultural output as farmers abandon labor-intensive operations. The result would be a 3.4 to 5.5 percent decrease in the total number of farm workers.
NPPC is supporting congressional legislation creating a new visa program for non-seasonal foreign agricultural workers to remain in the United States for up to three years while deferring a portion of their pay as incentive for periodic “touchbacks” to their country. The H-2C visa would replace the current H-2A temporary, seasonal agricultural worker program. The legislation initially would let agricultural employers hire up to 410,000 foreign workers for on-farm jobs and 40,000 for meatpacking plants. It also would put the H-2C program under USDA rather than the Department of Labor.
Click here to read the study..... http://nppc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Boessen-Artz-Schulz-NPPC-Labor-Study-Submitted-2018-03-07.pdf.
PORK PRODUCERS TO LOBBY CONGRESS ON INDUSTRY ISSUES NEXT WEEK
NPPC next Wednesday and Thursday will host its spring Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C. The biannual fly-in draws from around the country about 125 pork producers who will lobby congressional lawmakers on issues of importance to the U.S. pork industry, including the importance of maintaining and expanding export opportunities, funding a Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank in the next Farm Bill and establishing a regulatory environment that keeps food affordable. The popular Congressional Bacon Fest will be held April 11.
Ag & Ethanol Groups Holding RFS Twitter Townhall Monday
On Monday, April 9, from 7 - 10 AM Central Daylight Time (CDT) several agriculture and ethanol groups will be participating in a Twitter Townhall, prior to the scheduled meeting happening at the White House regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
Yesterday, NCGA sent out a Grassroots call to action, asking members to send a letter or call President Trump and their appropriate member of Congress. This social media effort provides another opportunity for your voice to be heard.
You can participate in the Twitter Townhall, by using the #RFSWorks.
To find out more about the Grassroots call to action on the RFS, you can go to the legislative action section on our website at www.ncga.com.
Mexico Not Ruling Out Quick NAFTA Result
The Mexican Foreign Minister says he’s not ruling out a quick ending to the North American Free Trade Agreement talks. The top Mexican diplomat says progress is being made on several issue-specific tables of the negotiations. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico’s top negotiators were meeting late in the week to continue discussions. The talks have moved slowly for the past eight months and all three countries want to settle the process as quickly as possible. They all want to finish before the Mexican presidential election on July 1.
The upbeat Mexican comments are similar in tone to the positive comments from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier in the week. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he expects the three nations to have something to announce on the NAFTA negotiations very soon. Some challenges still remain, including the U.S. demand that the North American content of vehicles produced in the NAFTA nations be increased from 62.5 percent to as much as 85 percent. A Mexican source close to the talks told Reuters the U.S. has shown some flexibility in the rules-of-origin discussions, and the three countries are now looking at alternatives.
Cargill reports fiscal 2018 third-quarter results
Cargill today reported financial results for the fiscal 2018 third quarter and first nine months ended Feb. 28, 2018. Key results include:
- Adjusted operating earnings were $559 million, a 22 percent decrease from last year’s $715 million. Nine-month earnings totaled $2.4 billion, down 7 percent from $2.58 billion a year ago.
- These earnings included a net charge of $161 million related to the recently enacted U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Excluding the charge, Cargill’s results were on pace with last year’s third quarter and first nine months.
- Net earnings for the quarter on a U.S. GAAP basis were $495 million compared with $650 million a year ago. Nine-month net earnings equaled $2.39 billion compared with last year’s $2.49 billion. Excluding the tax charge, the third quarter was in line with last year; the nine-month figure exceeded the prior period.
- Third-quarter revenues rose 2 percent to $27.85 billion, increasing the year-to-date figure to $84.32 billion.
“Our steady results from operations demonstrate that our strategic direction is the right one,” said David MacLennan, Cargill’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The performance of our team worldwide keeps Cargill moving ahead, preparing us to continue to grow.”
During this extended period of sluggish agricultural commodity markets, Cargill is taking action to transform and differentiate itself. MacLennan cited the company’s integrated approach to global operations, its ongoing appraisal and enhancement of assets along supply chains, and its investment in new capabilities and technologies. “In a time of continually changing expectations, we are setting ourselves apart in order to help our customers succeed.”
Global Dairy Production Expected to Pick up This Year
Global dairy production is expected to pick up with milk production in Europe rising gradually in response to higher domestic prices, while domestic demand will drive increases in India and China, according to BMI Research in a note. Government reforms in China have reduced local grain prices and are encouraging the consolidation of dairy farms, a factor that will increase yields and profitability over the coming years, it adds. BMI expects Chinese production growth of 5% in 2018.
Missouri Man Charges with Defrauding Investors in Cattle Scheme
A Missouri resident has been indicted in a $4.7 million investment scheme that defrauded 89 investors.
Cameron J. Hager of Clinton was charged in a nine-count federal indictment that alleges he persuaded people to invest in a cattle fund that he said would be used to buy herds of cattle and then sell them later at a substantial profit. Hager, who operated the scheme from July 17, 2015, to March 28, 2018, never purchased the animals and never intended to buy them, according to court documents.
Kansas City Business Journal reports that Hager received about $4.7 million from investors, who gave amounts ranging from $1,000 to $267,000. He also roped in others to recruit investors and paid their commissions from the investments he received.
He also used investor funds on personal living expenses, including home mortgage payments, paying taxes, travel expenses, lodging and religious conferences, and used some funds to provide "returns" to other investors, according to court documents.
This week, Governor Pete Ricketts helped honor some of Nebraska’s outstanding youth involved in agriculture at the annual Nebraska FFA Convention.
“The Nebraska FFA is instrumental in developing our state’s youth to become leaders of tomorrow,” said Governor Ricketts. “With agriculture as Nebraska’s number one industry, the FFA is raising up the next generation of our state’s farmers and ranchers. Expanding opportunities in agriculture is vital to growing the Good Life that we enjoy. With record levels of membership in the Nebraska FFA, it is great to see so many young Nebraskans involved and developing the skills they will need to lead agriculture and their communities into the future.”
“The Nebraska FFA program has a rich history of educating students about agriculture and the many careers available to them in the agriculture industry,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman. “The annual State FFA Convention allows students an opportunity to join together to celebrate their successes and learn from each other. Congratulations to all the FFA members on their accomplishments.”
Nebraska currently has over 8,500 FFA members in 185 chapters. Nebraska FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Krausnick Accepted into Nebraska Water Leaders Academy
Marie Krausnick has been accepted into the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy Class of 2018. Krausnick earned an associate of science degree from Northeast Community College and a B. S. in agronomy from the University of Nebraska. She is Water Department Manager at the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District in York.
The Nebraska Water Leaders Academy is one-year program that provides leadership training and educates participants about the vital role of rivers, streams and aquifers play in the economic sustainability of the state.
A project of the Water Futures Partnership-Nebraska, the Academy sessions feature classroom, as well as field trip experiences presented by acknowledged experts in leadership and natural resource topics held at locations across the state.
The Water Leaders Academy is partially funded through a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and more than 25 other organizations and individuals.
More information can be found at www.waterleadersacademy.org.
2018 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest
Consumer Promotion Education Committee with Nebraska Cattlemen would like to announce the 2018 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Competition that will be held June 6th at College Park Grand Island beginning at 1:00pm cst. The competition is targeted towards youth that are passionate about the beef industry.
The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for youth, ages 14 – 24 years old, to become spokespersons and future leaders for the beef industry. The two divisions, senior and collegiate, are judged on three different areas of the industry consisting of a mock consumer promotional event, mock media interview and an issues response.
Along with a scholarship from the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation the collegiate winner will have the opportunity to go on and compete at the National level.
The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest provides an opportunity for youth to become spokespersons and future leaders in the beef industry. Registration deadline is Friday, June 1, 2018.
Brochure for the contest can be found here... http://nebraskacattlemen.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018bacontest.pdf.
For more information contact Bonita at ncw@necattlemen.org -or- 402-450-0223
40 Receive National Ag in Classroom Conference Scholarships
Teachers from around the United States have been selected to receive scholarships from the CHS Foundation to attend the 2018 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference 'Agriculture for ME on Land and Sea' scheduled for June 27-29 in Portland, Maine.
Forty K-12 teachers were selected for their desire to learn more innovative ways to use agricultural concepts to teach reading, writing, math, science and social studies and more. Onsite and traveling workshops at the conference will provide these teachers with demonstrations of how effective the use of agricultural concepts in classroom instruction can be. In addition, teachers will network with other educators who have a passion for K-12 agricultural literacy.
"We're happy to assist teachers who are interested in educating their students about agriculture by helping them attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference," said Nanci Lilja, president of CHS Foundation. "The CHS Foundation is committed to developing agriculture leaders for life and these teachers introduce students to the industry and spark interest in agriculture careers."
The CHS Foundation has provided these scholarships to teachers since 2013.
"Thanks to the CHS Foundation we are able to involve even more teachers in the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference," said Willie Grenier, president of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) and executive director of Maine Agriculture in the Classroom. "NAITCO highly values partnerships like the one it has with the CHS Foundation, which helps us expand its K-12 agricultural literacy outreach to many more teachers across the country."
The teachers will receive scholarships to the conference, which covers early registration of $435, including Kathy Bohac, Nebraska, East Butler Public School; and Patricia Romshek, Nebraska, East Butler Public School. There are also several Iowa teachers that will receive scholarships, including Cathryn Carney, Iowa, Boyden-Hull Community School District; and John Seiser, Iowa, Northeast Hamilton Elementary.
The CHS Foundation is funded by charitable gifts from CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company. The CHS Foundation is focused on developing a new generation of agriculture leaders. We are achieving our goals through these strategic initiatives: advancing innovation in cooperative education, cultivating opportunity through university partnerships, growing high-impact youth leadership programs and accelerating potential for careers in agriculture. Together with our signature partners, we develop ag leaders for life. For more information on CHS Foundation programs, please visit www.chsinc.com/stewardship.
NAITCO is a non-profit organization made up of Agriculture in the Classroom programs in most of the 50 states and six territories. Its mission is to educate teachers and students in kindergarten through 12th grade about the importance of agriculture by incorporating agricultural concepts into classroom instruction.
Iowa Farm Bureau appoints Joe Johnson new Executive Director
Iowa’s largest grassroots organization, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), today announced that Joe Johnson has been named the new executive director and secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.
Johnson assumes his new position on April 20, 2018. He succeeds Denny Presnall who will retire after 36 years with Farm Bureau.
“As a long-time leader in our organization, Joe is passionate about Farm Bureau and brings in-depth knowledge of the organization and agriculture that will be a tremendous asset to us,” says IFBF President Craig Hill. “The IFBF Board of Directors believes his integrity, proven leadership experience and ability to build solid relationships will help lead IFBF into the next century and we look forward to working with him.”
Johnson, a 33-year veteran of Farm Bureau, has served as Director of Field Service since 2010, where he oversees and guides the activities of the Regional Managers and 100 county Farm Bureaus, as well as the Leadership and Farm Business Development areas. In this capacity, Johnson was instrumental in spearheading the creation of a new farm transition program, Take Root, that has assisted over 5,000 members in 99 counties and helped increase participation in the Young Farmer program to a record high.
Prior to that, he served as Senior State Policy Advisor in Government Relations for 13 years, working with the Iowa Legislature to guide policy efforts on behalf of members. From 1985 to 1997, he also served as Regional Manager for six counties in southeast Iowa.
Johnson is a graduate of Wartburg College. He and his wife, Karen, have two grown children and six grandchildren.
U.S. Red Meat Exports Continued to Outpace Year-Ago Levels in February
February exports of U.S. pork, beef and lamb were higher than a year ago in both volume and value, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Pork exports totaled 205,466 metric tons (mt) in February, up 4 percent from last year’s large total, while export value increased 12 percent to $547.2 million. Through February, pork exports were 2 percent ahead of last year’s pace at 408,934 mt, while export value climbed 10 percent to $1.09 billion.
February exports accounted for 27.8 percent of total pork production and 24 percent for muscle cuts only – up from 27.6 percent and 22.9 percent, respectively, a year ago. Through February, the percentage of total pork production exported was slightly lower year-over-year at 26.1 percent, while the percentage of muscle cuts exported edged higher to 22.7 percent. February export value averaged $56.78 per head slaughtered, up 9 percent from a year ago. Through February, per-head export value was $53.70, up 5 percent.
February beef export volume improved 11 percent from a year ago to 100,593 mt, while export value increased 18 percent to $599.8 million. Although this was the lowest monthly value total since May 2017, it is the highest on record for the month of February. January-February volume was 206,079 mt, up 10 percent from the first two months of 2017, while export value was 20 percent above last year’s pace at $1.22 billion.
Exports accounted for 13.6 percent of total beef production in February, up one full percentage point from a year ago. For muscle cuts only, the percentage exported was 10.8 percent (up from 10.1 percent last year). Through February, beef exports accounted for 13 percent of total production (up from 12.4 percent) and 10.4 percent for muscle cuts (up from 9.8 percent). February beef export value averaged $322.29 per head of fed slaughter, up 16 percent from a year ago. Through February, per-head export value averaged $306.69, up 15 percent.
“Red meat exports are off to a strong start in 2018 and continue to deliver excellent returns for U.S. producers,” noted USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The outstanding level of export value per head slaughtered is especially encouraging at a time in which U.S. meat production is high and the trade climate is somewhat volatile. Through all the uncertainty, international customers remain very committed to U.S. pork and beef. This reinforces the importance of having experienced USMEF staff members located in key markets, working every day to maintain customer loyalty and reinforce the United States’ reputation as a reliable supplier.”
Pork exports steady to Mexico; solid growth in Korea, Japan and Latin America
February pork exports to leading volume market Mexico were steady with last year at 64,523 mt, while export value was slightly higher at $117.5 million. Through February, export volume was steady with last year’s record pace at 137,520 mt, while export value increased 3 percent to $251 million.
In Japan, the leading value destination for U.S. pork, February volume was steady year-over-year at 32,418 mt, while value was up 3 percent to $134.7 million. Through February, export volume to Japan increased 6 percent from a year ago to 67,466 mt and value climbed 10 percent to $281.1 million. This included a 7 percent increase in chilled pork exports to 36,929 mt, valued at $176.9 million (up 11 percent).
Pork exports to South Korea climbed 33 percent in volume (40,710 mt) and 43 percent in value ($119 million). Most U.S. pork products now enter the Korean market duty free under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and high-quality, affordable U.S. pork is helping to underpin Korea’s record-breaking pork consumption. USMEF continues to help position U.S. pork in new and exciting ways in Korea, including the addition of pulled pork to many restaurant menus, a selection of high-end sausages at convenience stores and a wide array of home meal replacement and snack items sold at retail and through e-commerce.
Through the first two months of 2018, other highlights for U.S. pork include:
- Led by strong growth in Colombia and Peru, pork exports to South America were 9 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (17,855 mt) and 14 percent higher in value ($43.1 million), with consumption growth in the region continuing to outpace domestic production.
- Solid growth in Honduras, a doubling of exports to El Salvador and a steady performance in Guatemala pushed pork export volume to Central America 16 percent above last year’s pace at 12,255 mt, while value climbed 20 percent to $28.9 million. Exports also increased year-over-year to Nicaragua, Panama and Belize.
- Exports to the Philippines, the mainstay destination for U.S. pork in the ASEAN and the region’s largest import market, increased 3 percent in volume (4,746 mt) and remained steady with last year’s pace in value ($10.8 million). Exceptional growth in Vietnam (901 mt valued at $3.7 million, up 272 percent and 469 percent, respectively) pushed exports to the ASEAN region 18 percent higher in volume (6,178 mt) and 29 percent higher in value ($16.9 million). Exports also increased year-over-year to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
- In China/Hong Kong, pork export volume fell 14 percent year-over-year to 69,515 mt, but value increased 3 percent to $164 million. Muscle cut exports increased 7 percent to 28,775 mt, while variety meat exports declined 24 percent in volume (40,740 mt) but with sharply higher prices value only dipped 2 percent to $107.4 million. The Chinese government recently imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports of U.S. pork and pork variety meat, in addition to the 12 percent tariff already in effect in China. The higher tariff rate is not reflected in the January-February results, as it took effect April 2. But the additional tariff will put U.S. pork at a significant disadvantage compared to China’s other major suppliers: the European Union, Canada, Brazil and Chile. China’s total import demand has also slowed with its rebound in domestic production and a significant decrease in domestic hog prices.
Chilled beef shipments to Japan, Korea and Taiwan drive export growth; Mexico and Hong Kong also trend higher
Beef export volume to leading market Japan declined in February (20,314 mt, -15 percent year-over-year), as the frozen beef safeguard tariff (50 percent, up temporarily from 38.5 percent) contributed to a slowdown in frozen shipments. However, February export value to Japan was down only slightly at $133.4 million. Through February, total exports to Japan were 4 percent below last year’s volume pace at 44,282 mt, but still increased 9 percent in value to $282 million. This included an 18 percent increase in chilled beef exports to 22,809 mt, valued at $175 million (up 29 percent). Japan’s safeguard tariff on imports of frozen beef from the United States (and from other suppliers that do not have a free trade agreement with Japan) expired March 31, so the tariff rate for both frozen and chilled imports from the U.S. is now 38.5 percent. Japan’s tariffs on imports of Australian chilled and frozen beef edged slightly lower on April 1 and now stand at 29.3 percent and 26.9 percent, respectively, under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement.
Beef exports to South Korea maintained a torrid pace in February, increasing 24 percent from a year ago in volume (16,193 mt) and 31 percent in value ($112.4 million). Through February, exports to Korea climbed 18 percent in volume to 33,326 mt and were 32 percent above last year’s record value pace at $234.8 million. This included chilled beef exports of 7,231 mt (up 34 percent year-over-year) valued at $68 million (up 44 percent). U.S. beef is driving new consumption trends in Korea, where retailers and foodservice operators have intensified their focus on steak cuts and are highlighting features such as dry and wet aging. USMEF continues to educate the Korean meat trade and consumers about the quality and convenience of U.S. steaks in this increasingly protein-centric market.
Through the first two months of 2018, other highlights for U.S. beef include:
- Exports to Mexico, which is a critical destination for beef rounds, shoulder clods and variety meat, were 10 percent above last year’s pace in volume (39,987 mt) and 19 percent higher in value ($175 million). This included an 11 percent increase in variety meat export volume (18,720 mt) and an impressive 36 percent jump in variety meat value ($44.4 million).
- Partly driven by demand for the Chinese New Year holiday, exports to Hong Kong jumped 41 percent in volume (22,807 mt) from a year ago and 61 percent in value ($168.6 million). Exports to China, which resumed in June 2017, totaled 1,187 mt valued at $11.1 million.
- In Taiwan, an outstanding destination for chilled U.S. beef, exports increased 25 percent from a year ago in volume (8,106 mt) and 42 percent in value ($78.2 million). Chilled exports to Taiwan were up 53 percent in volume (3,800 mt) and 61 percent in value ($48 million) as the U.S. holds 72 percent of Taiwan’s chilled beef market.
- Exceptional growth in Chile and Colombia pushed exports to South America up 68 percent year-over-year in volume (5,296 mt) and 62 percent in value ($25.2 million). Exports to Brazil, which resumed in April of last year, totaled 215 mt valued at $2 million.
- Strong performances in Indonesia and Vietnam pushed beef exports to the ASEAN region 42 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (6,794 mt) and 34 percent higher in value ($36.7 million). The region is especially strong for beef variety meat, with exports up 74 percent in volume (2,008 mt) and 93 percent in value ($4.4 million).
- Strong growth in Angola and steady volumes to South Africa pushed beef exports to Africa up 26 percent year-over-year in volume (1,981 mt) and 77 percent higher in value ($3.1 million).
Lamb exports sharply higher year-over-year
Bolstered by a strong rebound in lamb variety meat demand in Mexico, U.S. lamb exports are trending significantly higher in 2018. In February, lamb export volume climbed 85 percent from a year ago to 899 mt – the highest since May 2017. Export value was $1.85 million, up 42 percent and the highest since March 2017. Through February, lamb exports were 55 percent higher year-over-year in volume (1,639 mt) and up 24 percent in value ($3.33 million), led by growth in Mexico, the Philippines, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Trump Has Not Forgotten Rural America’s Needs, Contributions”
By Secretary Sonny Perdue
While Congress continues its work on the Farm Bill, rural prosperity, and many other agriculture priorities, this administration remains committed to being a voice for America’s farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters.
In the 11 months since I was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, I have traveled to 35 states, helping fulfill President Donald Trump’s promise that the men and women of America, who once felt forgotten, never will again.
First, [President] Trump is committed to ensuring our economy grows and thrives. That is why he led the fight to pass historic tax cuts and reforms back in December, which are already benefiting the agriculture community. When it comes to trading goods and products with our partners and allies, this administration is committed to sending the bounty of American harvest around the globe.
Second, as we all know, our economy cannot succeed without a capable and legal workforce. Trump understands we must have an equipped and competitive workforce. That is one reason why he signed an executive order establishing the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, which I proudly chaired.
Our task force also stressed the importance of assisting our workforce through infrastructure reforms. Enacting Trump’s infrastructure plan would create jobs for our rural workforce and unleash our economy’s full potential. Infrastructure has been the core of American economic success for more than two centuries. America’s infrastructure needs attention; our nation’s prosperity is at stake.
Finally, if we are going to encourage the next generation to step forward, we must first tackle the burdensome regulations facing today’s industry. Throughout this tour, I have heard from farmers and ranchers who are hamstrung by meddlesome rules. They know that Trump has aggressively and effectively dismantled unnecessary barriers to productivity, eliminating 22 federal regulations for every new rule added. Trump’s regulatory agenda meets the needs of rural Americans who are held back by harmful decisions that came from Washington.
NPPC RELEASES AGRICULTURAL LABOR STUDY; SUPPORTS H-2C VISA PROGRAM
The National Pork Producers Council this week released a study from Iowa State University (ISU) on the agricultural workforce. ISU economists determined that a reduction in the foreign-born workforce – prompted by a change in immigration policy – would not be offset by native-born workers and permanent residents. Instead, they found, the tighter supply of foreign-born workers would reduce overall demand for workers as production costs increase and would decrease agricultural output as farmers abandon labor-intensive operations. The result would be a 3.4 to 5.5 percent decrease in the total number of farm workers.
NPPC is supporting congressional legislation creating a new visa program for non-seasonal foreign agricultural workers to remain in the United States for up to three years while deferring a portion of their pay as incentive for periodic “touchbacks” to their country. The H-2C visa would replace the current H-2A temporary, seasonal agricultural worker program. The legislation initially would let agricultural employers hire up to 410,000 foreign workers for on-farm jobs and 40,000 for meatpacking plants. It also would put the H-2C program under USDA rather than the Department of Labor.
Click here to read the study..... http://nppc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Boessen-Artz-Schulz-NPPC-Labor-Study-Submitted-2018-03-07.pdf.
PORK PRODUCERS TO LOBBY CONGRESS ON INDUSTRY ISSUES NEXT WEEK
NPPC next Wednesday and Thursday will host its spring Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C. The biannual fly-in draws from around the country about 125 pork producers who will lobby congressional lawmakers on issues of importance to the U.S. pork industry, including the importance of maintaining and expanding export opportunities, funding a Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank in the next Farm Bill and establishing a regulatory environment that keeps food affordable. The popular Congressional Bacon Fest will be held April 11.
Ag & Ethanol Groups Holding RFS Twitter Townhall Monday
On Monday, April 9, from 7 - 10 AM Central Daylight Time (CDT) several agriculture and ethanol groups will be participating in a Twitter Townhall, prior to the scheduled meeting happening at the White House regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
Yesterday, NCGA sent out a Grassroots call to action, asking members to send a letter or call President Trump and their appropriate member of Congress. This social media effort provides another opportunity for your voice to be heard.
You can participate in the Twitter Townhall, by using the #RFSWorks.
To find out more about the Grassroots call to action on the RFS, you can go to the legislative action section on our website at www.ncga.com.
Mexico Not Ruling Out Quick NAFTA Result
The Mexican Foreign Minister says he’s not ruling out a quick ending to the North American Free Trade Agreement talks. The top Mexican diplomat says progress is being made on several issue-specific tables of the negotiations. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico’s top negotiators were meeting late in the week to continue discussions. The talks have moved slowly for the past eight months and all three countries want to settle the process as quickly as possible. They all want to finish before the Mexican presidential election on July 1.
The upbeat Mexican comments are similar in tone to the positive comments from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier in the week. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he expects the three nations to have something to announce on the NAFTA negotiations very soon. Some challenges still remain, including the U.S. demand that the North American content of vehicles produced in the NAFTA nations be increased from 62.5 percent to as much as 85 percent. A Mexican source close to the talks told Reuters the U.S. has shown some flexibility in the rules-of-origin discussions, and the three countries are now looking at alternatives.
Cargill reports fiscal 2018 third-quarter results
Cargill today reported financial results for the fiscal 2018 third quarter and first nine months ended Feb. 28, 2018. Key results include:
- Adjusted operating earnings were $559 million, a 22 percent decrease from last year’s $715 million. Nine-month earnings totaled $2.4 billion, down 7 percent from $2.58 billion a year ago.
- These earnings included a net charge of $161 million related to the recently enacted U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Excluding the charge, Cargill’s results were on pace with last year’s third quarter and first nine months.
- Net earnings for the quarter on a U.S. GAAP basis were $495 million compared with $650 million a year ago. Nine-month net earnings equaled $2.39 billion compared with last year’s $2.49 billion. Excluding the tax charge, the third quarter was in line with last year; the nine-month figure exceeded the prior period.
- Third-quarter revenues rose 2 percent to $27.85 billion, increasing the year-to-date figure to $84.32 billion.
“Our steady results from operations demonstrate that our strategic direction is the right one,” said David MacLennan, Cargill’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The performance of our team worldwide keeps Cargill moving ahead, preparing us to continue to grow.”
During this extended period of sluggish agricultural commodity markets, Cargill is taking action to transform and differentiate itself. MacLennan cited the company’s integrated approach to global operations, its ongoing appraisal and enhancement of assets along supply chains, and its investment in new capabilities and technologies. “In a time of continually changing expectations, we are setting ourselves apart in order to help our customers succeed.”
Global Dairy Production Expected to Pick up This Year
Global dairy production is expected to pick up with milk production in Europe rising gradually in response to higher domestic prices, while domestic demand will drive increases in India and China, according to BMI Research in a note. Government reforms in China have reduced local grain prices and are encouraging the consolidation of dairy farms, a factor that will increase yields and profitability over the coming years, it adds. BMI expects Chinese production growth of 5% in 2018.
Missouri Man Charges with Defrauding Investors in Cattle Scheme
A Missouri resident has been indicted in a $4.7 million investment scheme that defrauded 89 investors.
Cameron J. Hager of Clinton was charged in a nine-count federal indictment that alleges he persuaded people to invest in a cattle fund that he said would be used to buy herds of cattle and then sell them later at a substantial profit. Hager, who operated the scheme from July 17, 2015, to March 28, 2018, never purchased the animals and never intended to buy them, according to court documents.
Kansas City Business Journal reports that Hager received about $4.7 million from investors, who gave amounts ranging from $1,000 to $267,000. He also roped in others to recruit investors and paid their commissions from the investments he received.
He also used investor funds on personal living expenses, including home mortgage payments, paying taxes, travel expenses, lodging and religious conferences, and used some funds to provide "returns" to other investors, according to court documents.
Friday, April 6, 2018
Thursday April 5 Ag News
National Drought Summary for April 3, 2018
droughtmonitor.unl.edu
With a blocking ridge of high pressure anchored over the Southwest, a series of cold fronts tracked across the eastern two-thirds of the Nation. The fronts, however, slowed their southeastward advance across the South and Southeast, and after picking up Gulf moisture, produced numerous and widespread showers and thunderstorms with heavy precipitation (more than 2 inches) from the southern Great Plains northeastward into the northern Appalachians. This was similar to the weather pattern back in mid- to late February when the lower Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys were deluged. Lighter precipitation also occurred across the northern halves of the Rockies and Plains, the upper Midwest, Great Lakes region, western New England, the central Gulf Coast States, and along the Pacific Northwest Coast. Little or no precipitation fell on the remainder of the Far West, Southwest, southern halves of the Rockies and High Plains, western Corn Belt, along the eastern Gulf and Atlantic Coasts, and most of Alaska. Weekly temperatures averaged below normal in the northern Rockies, northern and central Plains, Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and Carolinas, and above-normal in the Far West, Southwest, southern Plains, along the Gulf Coast, and in northern New England. In Alaska, readings were much-above normal in western and northern sections and near to below normal in southern and eastern portions. Most of Hawaii and Puerto Rico observed showery weather.
Midwest
Light to moderate precipitation (0.5-1.5” liquid equivalence) fell across central Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and the UP of Michigan, increasing the snow cover in the region and decreasing the short-term deficiencies. With most tools out to 6-months showing near or wet conditions, D0 was removed from central and southeastern Wisconsin and part of the UP of Michigan, but left where the same indices showed D0-D1. The small D0-D1 in northern Minnesota was dry, but is covered under a blanket of snow with frozen ground and will be reassessed once conditions thaw. Elsewhere, southern Iowa and northern and western Missouri had lingering drought, and some of these locations received 0.5-1 inches of precipitation. With moderate to heavy precipitation occurring in mid-February and lighter amounts during March, this week’s additional precipitation was enough to erase deficits at 90-days and create short-term surpluses. Accordingly, D0 was removed from southwestern and along the northern Missouri D0 edge, along with a small area of D1 improved to D0 in northeastern Missouri. Elsewhere in the Midwest, there was no prior dryness or drought, and 2018’s wet pattern continued this week.
High Plains
The persistent fall and winter pattern of above-normal precipitation and subnormal temperatures continued this week across Montana, Wyoming, and the western Dakotas, building up the existing snow cover and gradually providing additional relief from long-term drought. In eastern Montana, SPIs out to 9-months were wet except in the extreme northeastern part of the state (Daniels and Sheridan counties) where D2 lingered. Similarly in extreme western Dakotas and northeastern Wyoming, additional precipitation allowed for a slight nudge of the D0-D2 areas to the east (improvement). However, since this drought goes back to 12-15 months ago, it will take more precipitation to remove these long-term deficits (6-10 inches) and subsoil impacts where D1 and D2 are currently depicted, hopefully during the upcoming wet season (April-July). In central and eastern North Dakota where the drought was short-term, snow totals of 1-2” in the central and 4-6” in the east added to 90-day surpluses. Even though soil moisture conditions are less than desired (ground barely frozen at 4” depth), 90-day percent of normal precipitation has shown significant improvement. Therefore, some D1 was improved to D0 in central parts of the state while D0 was erased from eastern areas. In Nebraska, moderate snows fell across southern sections of the state, but D0 was kept as subsoil dryness lingered due to frozen ground earlier in the year that limited infiltration of melting snow or rain. As conditions thaw and additional storms occur, infiltration should increase. Farther south in Kansas, little or no precipitation meant another week of growing deficits, and based upon indices going out to a year, D3 conditions were common in central and northeastern portions of the state; therefore D3 was expanded northeastward.
Looking Ahead
During April 5-9, 2018, unseasonably heavy precipitation (2-6 inches) is expected in western sections of Washington, Oregon, and the northern half of California, plus the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, with lesser amounts in the remainder of the Northwest and northern and central Rockies. Unfortunately, a sharp cutoff of precipitation (dry) is forecast for southern California, southern Nevada, and much of Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas. Light precipitation (less than half an inch) is predicted across the northern half of the Plains, Midwest, and southern Great Plains, with greater totals (1-3 inches) in the lower Mississippi Valley, Southeast, mid-Atlantic, and New England. Temperatures will average above-normal west of the Rockies, southern Texas, and Florida, and below-normal east of the Rockies except along the Gulf Coast.
For the ensuing 5 days (April 10-14), odds favor above-median precipitation for much of the Far West, northern thirds of the Rockies and Plains, Midwest, lower Mississippi Valley, New England, and southern Florida, with sub-median totals in the Southwest and south-central High Plains, Southeast, and northern Alaska. Chances for sub-median temperatures are likely across the northern half of the Nation, but especially in the upper Midwest and along the Northeast Coast. A tilt toward above-median readings are expected in the Southwest, southern Rockies, southern half of the Plains, southern Florida, and southern Alaska.
Sasse on Trump's Trade War
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who represents one of the most pro-trade states in the country, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s new $100 billion of tariffs.
“Hopefully the President is just blowing off steam again but, if he's even half-serious, this is nuts. China is guilty of many things, but the President has no actual plan to win right now. He’s threatening to light American agriculture on fire. Let’s absolutely take on Chinese bad behavior, but with a plan that punishes them instead of us. This is the dumbest possible way to do this.”
Midwest Dairy Elects Leadership
Allen Merrill, a dairy farmer from Parker, South Dakota, was re-elected chairman of Midwest Dairy during the organization’s annual meeting held in conjunction with the Western Dairy Forum in Phoenix, Arizona.
Elections for the Corporate board officer team also were held. Charles Krause, Buffalo, Minnesota, was re-elected first vice chairman; Dan Hotvedt, Decorah, Iowa, was elected second vice chairman; Lowell Mueller, Hooper, Nebraska, was re-elected secretary; and Barb Liebenstein, Dundas, Minnesota, was elected treasurer.
New members elected by their Divisions to the Midwest Dairy Corporate board include:
Kevin Buss, Hutchinson, Minnesota;
Karen Kasper, Owatonna, Minnesota;
Rita Mosset, Linton, North Dakota; and
Annelies Seffrood, Summit, South Dakota.
Division board officers and new members include:
Iowa Division
Chairman – Dan Hotvedt, Decorah;
Vice Chairman – Bruce Brockshus, Ocheyedan;
Secretary – Jonna Schutte, Monona; and
Treasurer – Larry Shover, Delhi.
Kelly Cunningham, Atlantic; Stephanie Dykshorn, Trenton; Madison Roth, Wayland; and Matt Schelling, Orange City; were seated as new members of the Iowa Division board.
Nebraska Division
Chairman – Marry Temme, Wayne;
Vice Chairman – Joyce Racicky, Mason City; and
Secretary/Treasurer – Deb Eschliman, Ericson.
Jodi Cast, Beaver Crossing, was seated as a new member of the Nebraska Division board.
Day 2 NE FFA Convention
The 90th Nebraska FFA Convention second general session took place on April 5, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with state officer Lydia Vinton serving as the session chairperson.
The keynote address was presented by Leslie McCuiston, the 2017 Pig Farmer of the Year. She shared a message of how becoming a leader doesn’t simply begin when we receive a title. “Look at leadership a little differently. Sit next to the kid who doesn’t have anyone to sit with at lunch,” she told the audience.
Nebraska FFA then welcomed state officers from the Illinois, North Carolina, Kansas, and Iowa associations to give remarks.
Many chapters were recognized for their programming in the areas of growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are judged by a series of questions on the quality of innovativeness of ideas and accomplishing pre-determined goals. These awards are sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Association of Natural Resource Districts, and Frank Fleecs.
State officer Isabelle Stewart from the Lakeview FFA Chapter gave her retiring address entitled “Find the Good” during the second general session, sharing her inspiring story about choosing to find joy in challenging situations. She remarked, “How can we be the good? It can be as simple as telling someone the good that we see in them.”
Afternoon session
The 90th Nebraska FFA Convention third general session took place on April 5, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with State Officer Hailey Coufal serving as the session chairperson.
Nebraska FFA welcomed Dr. Mark Balschweid on behalf of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to give remarks. Dr. Balschweid shared information about experiences that the ALEC department provides students preparing for careers in the human side of agriculture.
Ag Champions Recognition
The Nebraska Corn Board sponsors the Ag Champions program, which encourages FFA members to become advocates for agriculture. This year, FFA members created digital platforms to share an agricultural topic of their choosing. Each of the six winners will receive a $500 scholarship for their advocacy efforts. Students recognized were:
Kylie Gana, Norris
Tayte Jussel, O’Neill
Justin Henzlik, North Bend
State Officer Kelli Mashino gave her retiring address entitled “Your Sun Will Still Shine” during the third general session. She encouraged all to learn, accept, and own what happens when our perfect vision is ruptured. “We must own who we are and be proud of it,” Kelli encouraged.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau recognizes two outstanding Teachers and Advisors each year as the Nebraska Farm Bureau Teacher and Advisor of the Year Award recipients. Teachers receiving this award have displayed outstanding leadership in their school and community, influenced students to purposefully begin their SAE programs, and create a learning community through relationships with other teachers, community members, students and industry leaders. The 2018 Nebraska Farm Bureau Teacher and Advisor of the Year Award recipients are Casey Carriker of the Central agricultural education program, and Ashton Bohling of the Auburn agricultural education program.
Evening session
The 90th Nebraska FFA Convention fourth general session took place on April 5, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with State Officer Brock Vetick serving as the session chairperson.
Nebraska FFA welcomed Governor Ricketts to give remarks. Governor Ricketts shared information about the importance of agriculture to Nebraska, and the role of FFA members in the future of agriculture. “Agriculture is how we are going to grow our state, and you are part of agriculture,” he shared.
I Believe in the Future of Ag
Corporate sponsors have partnered with the Nebraska FFA Foundation for the 2016-17 I Believe in the Future of Agriculture campaign. In response to their challenge, FFA chapters raised $343,402.72 at the local level. I Believe sponsors have offered up to $35,000 in matching funds. As part of this program, local supporters can donate to their local FFA chapter through the Nebraska FFA Foundation. The designated chapter will receive 100% of the money and a portion of the $35,000 matching fund money. Local chapters are using their money for a variety of innovative projects in their communities and schools. The following chapters were recognized for their outstanding efforts and participation in the “I Believe” campaign.
Ravenna
Oakland Craig
Litchfield
Central
Heartland
McCool Junction
Elgin
West Holt
Shelby-Rising City
O’Neill
State Officer Jessica Rudolph gave her retiring address entitled “The World Needs Your Love” during the second general session. She encouraged listeners to take care of themselves in order to serve others. Jessica encouraged the audience to “Feed yourself and give your love to the world.”
The Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award was presented to Mr. Dana Anderson of Aurora for his outstanding dedication as an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor. A student commented on Mr. Anderson’s leadership helping students through grief as the chapter tragically lost a member.
The keynote speaker was the 2017-2018 National FFA Southern Region Vice President Gracie Furnish. She encouraged listeners to find the opportunities that come when we are told “no.”
The 2018 NE FFA Convention wraps up Friday in Lincoln.
GRAZING WINTER SMALL GRAINS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Small grains planted last fall are greening up and may be ready to graze in a few weeks. This spring, let’s make sure these pastures are productive and safe.
Did you look ahead and plant rye or triticale or even wheat last fall to use as early pasture this spring? If so, you soon will be rewarded. Before long these fields will be ready to graze.
These small grain pastures will relieve you from feeding hay, get your animals out onto clean green grass, and produce excellent gains. They’ll also help you wait longer before turning onto your other pastures, giving them a chance to have good growth before grazing.
To maximize grazing from small grain pastures, wait until grass is 4 to 8 inches tall before starting to graze. Then stock heavily enough to maintain plant height between 6 and 12 inches. To accomplish this, either adjust the number of animals according to grass growth or sub-divide the pasture into smaller paddocks and graze rotationally. I also like to provide some good grass hay in these lush pastures to help stabilize the animal’s digestive system. Grass stands, soils, fertility, and moisture all will affect stocking rate, so adjust stock numbers for your conditions. With careful management and proper stocking, you could graze all the way to mid-June.
One concern when grazing small grain pasture is grass tetany. Tetany is more common in lactating cows than in dry cows or young stock. Reduce tetany risk by starting to feed magnesium oxide supplements mixed with salt, molasses, or grain at least a couple weeks before starting to graze. Monitor consumption carefully and adjust the mixture so cattle consume about one-quarter pound of magnesium oxide per cow each week.
Small grain pastures can be convenient and profitable. Just use good management to optimize production and prevent livestock losses.
PLAN HERBICIDE USE FOR LATER ANNUAL FORAGES
Got your herbicides selected for your corn, beans, and other crops? Better double check if a cover crop, pasture, or hay planting is a possibility during the next year and a half.
Many of our biggest success stories with forage and pasture crops recently have come from using annual forages. No matter when you could use something to graze, including winter, an annual forage could be found that would work well if managed properly.
Many times a small grain like oats or rye fit our needs. Other times it’s been a brassica like turnips, forage rape, or radishes. Once in a while we’ve used millets.
But there have been frustrations. One of the biggest frustrations has been herbicide limitations. Many forages are affected by herbicide carryover, such as from atrazine. Often we identify a cover crop or a forage to plant but the risk of failure is too high due to herbicides. This problem isn’t limited to annual forages, either. Perennial grasses and alfalfa also are sensitive to herbicide carryover.
Legal restrictions on replanting and crop rotations also cause herbicide limitations. With many herbicides it may be okay to plant a cover crop, but that cover crop cannot be used legally as a forage.
So, is this important to you? Do you want to fly rye or turnip seed into your standing corn later this year for extra fall pasture? How about planting triticale this fall or oats next spring? Or maybe irrigated pasture or alfalfa?
These options may not be available if you use many common herbicides. So keep you options open. Rethink your herbicide plans. Maybe you can control weeds and maintain the flexibility to plant any forage just by making a small change in the herbicides you use now.
Then you, too, can build a success story from annual forages.
Putting the Tools to Use: Buying Your Next Bull webinar
Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 7 p.m. CT
The fourth and final webinar in the genetics webinar series puts all of the genetic concepts covered in the first three seminars to work as attendees go to a virtual bull sale and select the best bull from a sale catalog for two distinct production scenarios. Participants will receive a sale catalog via email and must decide which bull to purchase for each scenario, and then compare results with all of the other participants on the webinar. Leading the discussion will be Matt Spangler, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Extension Beef Genetics Specialist at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and Bob Weaber, Ph.D., Professor and Beef Extension Specialist, at Kansas State University, and the entire eBEEF team will join in the discussion.
If you missed the last three webinars in this 4-part genetics series which focused on EPDs and Indexes be sure to find the link at WWW.NCBA.ORG.
IOWA FARMERS NEED ACCESS TO CHINA FOR CORN IN ALL FORMS
ICGA PRESIDENT MARK RECKER
Our state has enjoyed a long-standing and prosperous relationship with China. Iowa corn farmers have worked for decades to support fair and open trade practices because we understand that trade is a two-way street. Yet, we have operated in a tense trade policy environment with China for several years and have worked hard to diversify our customer base to create new demand for U.S. corn in all forms.
The retaliatory actions by China did not come unexpectedly. No one doubted China would punch back with tariffs. The imposition of tariffs on U.S. ag exports will make American farmers less competitive at a time when Iowa farmers already anticipate another year of diminished income.
Our message to President Trump and his administration remains decidedly clear. We cannot lose this market. Iowa’s farm families must not be collateral damage in a trade dispute. The impact of these potential tariffs does not hurt just one agricultural sector or commodity but threatens the whole industry and Iowa stands at the epicenter.
Corn farmers continue to maintain constant engagement with the Administration and our trade partners in China. We remain committed to working long-term in the China marketplace. We do have a window of opportunity to reach a mutually beneficial trade position with China before the deadline for the tariffs nears. We need the administration to understand the implications for agriculture and to come to the negotiating table with China. We need policies that give farmers consistent access to markets and a level global playing field.
Some animal viruses may survive in imported feed ingredients
A journey over land and sea may not keep animal diseases away.
Researchers from South Dakota State University, Pipestone Veterinary Services in Minnesota and Kansas State University found that seven of the 11 animal viruses tested can potentially survive the transglobal journey from Asia or Europe to the United States in at least two commonly imported feed ingredients. The scientists examined virus survivability in 11 imported feed ingredients and products by replicating the environmental conditions in shipping containers.
“The findings of this study show that feed biosecurity should be a major priority for pork producers and ultimately, the livestock industry,” said assistant professor Diego Diel, DVM who led the SDSU team. Scott Dee, DVM, director of research at Pipestone Veterinary Services, said, “For the first time, we have data to support that certain feed ingredients are risk factors for moving viruses between farms and around the world. ”Diel and his team at the South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory assessed the ability of 10 viruses to survive the 37-day journey from Beijing, China, to Des Moines, Iowa. One postdoctoral researcher, three research associates and a microbiologist worked on the project.
Kansas State University, which has a Level 3 biosecurity laboratory, evaluated the ability of African swine fever virus to survive the 30-day trip from Warsaw, Poland, to Des Moines.
In previous work, Dee and ADRDL researchers discovered that porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can survive the simulated trip from Beijing to Des Moines in five feed ingredients—vitamin D, lysine, choline and organic and conventional soybean meal. That National Pork Board-funded research led to this larger study, which is supported by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC). The study results are published in the March 20 issue of PLOS ONE at http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0194509.
Paul Sundberg, DVM, SHIC executive director, said, “This is foundational research. Dr. Diel and Dr. Dee identified a new avenue through which we may be transporting pathogens around the country and the world.” The researchers are now looking for cost-effective ways to mitigate this risk through continuing support from SHIC.
Identifying high-risk ingredients
Dee worked with a colleague at the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Sciences to expand the list of ingredients beyond those in the PEDV study. The researchers added soy cake and dried distillers grain solids (DDGS), moist and dry dog food, and moist cat food. The use of feline calici virus and canine distemper as surrogate viruses further supported inclusion of these ingredients, he explained.
Because the U.S. also imports sausage casings, a product of pork origin, from Asia, the researchers added this product to the most recent study.
“We’re in a global economy; people and products are moving around the world,” Sundberg said. More than 47,000 tons of imported feed ingredients arrived in San Francisco from China in 2016, according to the International Trade Commission Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Six viruses survived in conventional soybean meal, while only two did so in organic soybean meal. Though the researchers don’t know what accounts for this difference, Diel said preliminary analysis showed the organic soybean meal had a higher fat content and lower protein content.
Conventional soybean meal is treated with hexane, while the organic soybean meal was not, Dee explained. Because of the processing method used, the organic meal tested had a high fat content and lower protein level. “Those ingredients with higher protein levels seemed to be more conducive to virus survival,” he said.
Four viruses survived in soy oil cake, which is imported from China in the largest quantities of any of the ingredients evaluated. Only two viruses survived in DDGS, which ranks second among imported ingredients.
Four viruses survived in sausage casings. The amount of this processed product returning to the United States has quadrupled from 2012 to 2016.
Pinpointing key viruses
Due to the inability to work with certain target pathogens, surrogate viruses were used to study closely related and structurally similar viruses. For foot-and-mouth disease, Senecavirus A was studied. For classical swine fever, bovine virus diarrhea was reviewed. For pseudorabies virus, bovine herpes virus-1 was the surrogate. For nipah virus, canine distemper virus was substituted. For swine vesicular disease, research focused on porcine sapelovirus. And for vesicular exanthema virus, feline calicivirus was the surrogate.
“Certain ingredients seem to provide an ideal matrix for virus survival, and our study identified some of the high risk combinations of viruses and ingredients,” Diel explained. The SDSU team found viable Senecavirus A, the surrogate for foot-and-mouth disease, survived in all the ingredients except organic soybean meal. In addition, porcine sapelovirus, a surrogate for swine vesicular disease, survived in all ingredients except DDGS and choline.
African swine fever survived in eight ingredients. It was the only virus that survived the simulated trip without a feed matrix. Furthermore, when Iowa State researchers analyzed virus half-life, they found that meal African swine fever was most stable of the three viruses in conventional soybean.
The researchers also found that PRRSV can be added to PEDV as a pathogen circulating among swine in the United States that can survive the simulated trip from China and it did so in conventional soybean meal and DDGS. “That was really surprising because PRSSV is quite unstable,” Dee said.
“Though the original goal was to assess potential for transboundary movement, there are also implications for pathogen transport at the regional or national level,” Diel said.
“This research gives us a model to uncover potential pathways for pathogen transport,” Sundberg said. “Publishing the research in a peer-reviewed journal is extremely important. We want scientists to scrutinize it, repeat it and give constructive criticism. This underscores the importance and the credibility of the results and increases confidence in the outcomes.”
Dee said agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have shown interest.
“We all need to consider the implications of this research and then to understand if this potential transport could lead to transmission to animals and what we need to do next,” Sundberg said. “We must work together with government agencies and the feed industry to protect U.S. meat protein agriculture.”
Saturated Buffers Topic of Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar about the latest research, installation standards and best management practices for saturated buffers on April 18 at 12 p.m.
Saturated buffers are the newest edge-of-field practice for removing nitrate from tile-drained fields. Dan Jaynes, research soil scientist with the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (USDA-ARS), will share the latest research and installation standards for saturated buffers. The presentation will provide a brief overview of the practice, share research results from several saturated buffers and cover some of the recent changes in the practice standard.
"Saturated buffers are an inexpensive and effective practice for removing nitrate from tile drainage when properly located and designed," said Jaynes. Jaynes has spent the past 20 years researching both in-field and edge-of-field practices for reducing the loss of nitrate from tile drained corn fields while maintaining yields and soil health.
The Iowa Learning Farms webinar series takes place on the third Wednesday of the month. To watch, go to https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/ shortly before 12 p.m. on April 18 and log in through the "guest" option. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the ILF website for watching at any time at www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.
CHS reports a net income of $346.7 million for the first half of fiscal 2018
CHS Inc. (NASDAQ: CHSCP, CHSCO, CHSCN, CHSCM, CHSCL), the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, today reported net income of $346.7 million for the first half of its 2018 fiscal year (six-month period ended Feb. 28, 2018), compared to net income of $223.7 million for the same time period a year ago.
Consolidated revenues for the first half of fiscal 2018 were $14.9 billion, down from $15.4 billion for the first half of fiscal 2017. Pretax income was $185.0 million and $249.1 million for the first half of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.
"CHS made meaningful progress in the first half of fiscal year 2018 as we continue to position CHS for higher performance," said CHS President and CEO Jay Debertin. "The global environment for our businesses serving agriculture remains challenged and we continue to drive towards our priorities of better efficiency, strengthening relationships, and a more focused business portfolio. We have more work to do and we are seeing improvement that will make us a stronger company."
For the second quarter of fiscal 2018 (Dec. 1, 2017 through Feb. 28, 2018), CHS reported net income of $166.7 million compared with earnings of $14.6 million for the same period in fiscal 2017. Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 were $6.9 billion, down from $7.3 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.
Results for the quarter were attributed to:
Increased margins at the Company's refineries.
Decreased volumes and margins within the Ag segment.
A significant tax benefit recorded during the quarter related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
For the first half of fiscal 2018, reporting segment results include:
Energy
Energy generated pretax income of $122.1 million during the first half compared to $86.6 million during the same period last year.
The $35.5 million increase reflects improved market conditions in the company's refined fuels business, primarily driven by wider manufacturing margins in our refining operation.
Ag
The Ag segment, which includes domestic and global grain marketing and crop nutrients businesses, renewable fuels, local retail operations and processing and food ingredients, generated pretax income of $43.6 million for the six months ending Feb. 28, 2018. That compares to $99.9 million for the same period the previous fiscal year.
The $56.3 million decrease was primarily the result of a decline in grain and oilseed volumes in the grain marketing and country operations businesses, and lower prices across the majority of the Ag sub-segments.
Nitrogen Production
This segment is comprised of the Company's investment in CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC (CF Nitrogen) and generated pretax income of $10.2 million during the first half of fiscal 2018 compared to $32.4 million during the same time in fiscal 2017.
The $22.3 million decrease in earnings was primarily due to a gain in fiscal 2017 of $29.1 million associated with an embedded derivative asset that did not reoccur in fiscal 2018. This was partially offset by improved prices on urea, produced by CF Nitrogen.
Corporate and Other
This category is primarily comprised of the company's wheat milling joint venture (Ardent Mills), its investment in Ventura Foods, LLC (Ventura Foods) and its financing, hedging and insurance operations. Corporate and Other generated pretax income of $9.1 million in the first half of 2018 compared to $30.2 million for the same period of fiscal 2017.
The $21.1 million decrease was due to reduced interest revenue from the company's financing business resulting from the sale of loans receivable and lower earnings from our investment in Ventura Foods.
NCGA Grant Supports State Educational Events for Beef Producers
The National Corn Growers Association is stepping up to support the education of U.S. beef producers in states around the country. The assistance is being provided through a grant program offered to state affiliates of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association that conduct Cattlemen’s Education Series events.
The Cattlemen’s Education Series is a collaborative effort to advance grassroots education on topics that improve cattle production efficiency, profitability and sustainability. The partnership builds on other successful programs currently in NCBA’s Producer Education portfolio, such as Stockmanship & Stewardship, Cattlemen’s College and the Cattlemen’s Webinar Series. The Cattlemen’s Education Series provides grants for state affiliates to host timely and relevant education sessions for their local members.
“Corn plays an important role in the cattle industry, and NCGA is excited about this opportunity to help enhance cattle operations through the Cattlemen’s Education Series,” according to Bruce Peterson, chairman of NCGA’s Feed Fuel and Industrial Action Team. “Partnering with NCBA on this project will not only provide a benefit to cattle producers, it will also provide an opportunity to share research on the value corn and corn based feed ingredients provide within feed rations. The series demonstrates the importance of collaboration within agriculture, as it allows corn farmers to directly support and interact with their cattle industry peers.”
NCBA state affiliates will be eligible to apply for grants ranging in value from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on a variety of factors, including event participation and membership numbers. Topics eligible for grants will be developed as a partnership between NCBA and NCGA.
US Ethanol Exports Record High in Feb.
Ethanol exports from the United States reached a record high in February of 218.7 million gallons, up 148% from January, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, with the trade group citing the record after reviewing government statistics. The previous record high was reached in December 2011.
For the fourth consecutive month, Brazil was the top destination market for U.S. ethanol exports, which reached a record high of 103.2 million gallons.
China was the second-largest destination point, importing 33.1 million gallons of U.S. ethanol in February, which is a 22-month high.
Canada took in the third most ethanol exported by the United States at 22.0 million gallons, and Singapore was fourth with 14.8 million gallons.
For the first two months of 2018, U.S. ethanol exports were up 18% from a year ago.
U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 14,550.8 metric tons in February, up 80% from a year ago. Canada was the top destination in February, taking 49% of U.S. exports while Peru was second with 25%. So far in 2018, U.S. exports of biodiesel are up 104% from a year ago.
U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 835,707 metric tons in February, down 22% from a year ago. Mexico was the top export destination again in February, accounting for 22% of the total and followed by Vietnam, South Korea, and Thailand. The first two months of distillers grains exports were down 14% in 2018 from a year ago.
ASA Welcomes USDA Announcement on Plant Breeding Innovations
The American Soybean Association (ASA) registered strong support of a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it has no plans to regulate plants that could be developed through traditional breeding techniques, including genome editing. ASA President John Heisdorffer, a farmer from Keota, Iowa, issued the following statement on Tuesday:
“ASA commends Secretary Perdue and USDA for their decision to clarify that plant breeding innovations will be treated in a similar manner as plants developed through traditional breeding methods. This science-based approach encourages innovation and economic development. Farmers, small agribusinesses, researchers, and others will have the exciting opportunity to pursue new and advanced ways to grow our food, fight plant pests and disease, reduce reliance of fertilizers and other resources, and respond to consumer demands to reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment.
“It will also facilitate the development of new and beneficial crop traits by reducing the cost and time required to bring products to the marketplace. This, in turn, will give a boost to continuing efforts to meet the food needs of the world’s growing population, estimated to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.
“At the same time, making the regulatory process more predictable for new technologies will require close coordination between APHIS and EPA and FDA, the agencies that share responsibility under the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology, to prevent any bottlenecks. This decision also will require the federal government to take a lead role in working with other countries to ensure that they adopt science-based regulatory systems that are consistent with that of the U.S. This effort must be a top priority for the administration and pursued without delay to bring about a coherent international regulatory environment in which these gene-edited commodities will not face unnecessary hurdles in the global supply chain.
“We appreciate USDA’s role in the regulation of biotechnology and Secretary Perdue’s confirmation that plant breeding innovations, which can be developed through traditional breeding techniques, are separate and distinct in both the science and risk to plant health. By taking this science- and risk-based approach, it allows USDA to focus its time and resources on those plant varieties that actually could pose a risk to plant health.
“Consumer interest in how their food is produced continues to evolve, and it is important that we evolve similarly to meet those needs, and that our rules and regulations reflect that trend. ASA stands ready to participate in efforts by the administration to move ahead with this initiative in the coming weeks and months.”
USGC Releases Online 2017 Year In Review
The past year included opportunities and challenges for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff, membership and partners. The Council has worked to capture a collection of market stories that illustrate how exports in 2017 reflect shifting dynamics in world markets and global policy and is now presenting these online with its annual year in review.
The new microsite - https://grains.org/2017-annual-report/ - includes information on worldwide initiatives as well as specific activities related to corn, sorghum, barley, distiller’s dried grains with solubes (DDGS) and ethanol.
For example, Mexico set a new record for U.S. corn imports as the top buyer, and the story of developing an integrated market between U.S. barley and Mexican beer was one of the year’s most popular. These successes were achieved in spite of significant uncertainty as modernization talks began for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and as Mexico’s buyers began considering alternative grain suppliers.
The Council worked to resolve a major trade disruption in Vietnam, while at the same time focusing on helping end-users around the world determine how to best incorporate U.S. DDGS into their rations. Efforts led to significant sales diversification with a total of 54 countries buying the ethanol co-product.
Additionally, as a result of the Council’s active global engagement and the competitiveness of U.S. ethanol, nearly 1.4 billion gallons were exported worldwide to 76 countries, an all-time record. Through the successful Ethanol Summit of the Americas, the Council connected domestic stakeholders with government and industry representatives, forming connections already yielding results.
These successes, and more described on the microsite, are a result of the Council’s work to support U.S. producers and agribusinesses by identifying short-term market opportunities and building long-term demand for U.S. coarse grains and co-products, aided by an intense focus on trade policy issues. These efforts are supported by the Council’s diverse membership that provides critical support by helping identify issues, provide valuable information and implement solutions.
View the full 2017 year in review at https://grains.org/2017-annual-report/.
Smithfield Foods Announces Partnership with Anuvia™ Plant Nutrients to Develop and Market Bio-Based Sustainable Fertilizer Products
Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Anuvia™ Plant Nutrients are pleased to announce a new partnership to create sustainable fertilizer from renewable biological materials collected from manure treatment systems at Smithfield’s hog farms. This project is part of Smithfield Renewables, the company’s new platform dedicated to unifying and accelerating its carbon reduction and renewable energy efforts.
The project reuses organic matter found in hog manure to create a commercial-grade fertilizer that is higher in nutrient concentration than the original organic materials. Farmers are able to better manage nutrient ratios while using less fertilizer by applying precisely what they need for optimal plant growth. Because Anuvia’s products contain organic matter, nutrient release is more controlled, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.
Anuvia will utilize remnant solids from Smithfield that accumulate over time at the bottom of the anaerobic lagoons, basins designed and certified to treat and store the manure on hog farms. Anuvia, which specializes in the transformation of organic materials into enhanced efficiency fertilizer products, will manufacture and sell these commercial-grade fertilizer products to farmers nationwide.
“Through Smithfield Renewables, we are aggressively pursuing opportunities to reduce our environmental footprint while creating value,” said Kraig Westerbeek, senior director of Smithfield Renewables. “Along with projects that transform biogas into renewable natural gas, this is another example of how we are tackling this goal on our hog farms.”
“This is the beginning of a partnership based on a shared vision that will positively impact livestock and crop production,” says Amy Yoder, Anuvia Plant Nutrients CEO. “Our proprietary manufacturing process which converts organic waste into novel bio-based plant nutrients is both environmentally friendly and sustainable. Our products reduce leaching and put organic matter back in the soil. Our process is a prototype for a circular economy as we reclaim organic waste, convert and reuse on cropland. This relationship provides a new sustainable way for Smithfield to return its remnant solids back to the land for use on the crops grown to feed the hogs. The impact of this is extremely significant for hog production and the livestock industry. We look forward to helping achieve both Smithfield’s and Anuvia’s environmental goals.”
Company-owned and contract hog farms in North Carolina will participate in this project. Smithfield will collect and begin the process by de-watering the waste solids before providing the remnants to Anuvia. Once acquired, Anuvia will pick-up and transport the material to their processing plant to create the fertilizer.
CWT-Assisted Cheese, Butter Sales Contracts Total 13.5 Million Pounds in March
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) assisted member cooperatives in securing 78 contracts last month to sell 10.64 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 2.92 million pounds of butter to customers in Africa, Asia, Central America and the Middle East. The product will be shipped to customers in 12 countries in five regions of the world during the months of March-June 2018.
These contracts bring the 2018 total of the CWT-assisted product sales contracts to 29.19 million pounds of cheese, up 23% from the first three months of 2017, and 5.61 million pounds of butter, up 293%. These transactions will move the equivalent of 395.46 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis overseas.
Helping CWT member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share through the Export Assistance program in the long-term expands the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price. CWT is preparing more detailed education materials for member use as they discuss the future role of the program.
2018 Enrollment for MPP Dairy Safety Net Program Will Open from April 9-June 1
Following an Agriculture Department announcement that it would re-open the enrollment period for the dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP), NMPF encouraged producers to review the new coverage options available under the improved program, which will open for sign up on April 9 and close June 1.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on April 3 that it would re-open the sign-up period, and encouraged producers to take a second look at the new program since it had been revised under the Bipartisan Budget Act passed by Congress in February. NMPF thanked Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for the agency’s prompt implementation of a re-opened sign-up period and other much-needed changes to the MPP.
According to USDA, dairy producers must select new coverage for 2018, even if they enrolled during the previous sign-up period last fall. Coverage choices made this spring for calendar year 2018 will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2018. All dairy operations desiring coverage must sign up during the eight-week enrollment period. USDA also announced that dairy producers can participate in either MPP or the Livestock Gross Margin program for dairy (LGM-Dairy), but not both.
The changes to the MPP were part of a larger dairy package that was included in the disaster spending bill passed by Congress two months ago. The provisions included increasing the first tier of covered production from four million pounds to the first five million pounds of a farm’s annual milk production history, and reducing the supplemental coverage premium rates on the first tier. The disaster package also lifted the $20 million annual cap on all livestock insurance, including the Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) program. This change will enable USDA to develop additional dairy risk management programs that can be provided to producers.
USDA’s web tool allows dairy farmers to quickly and easily combine unique operation data and other variables to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections. NMPF’s Future for Dairy website also offers informative resources and tools to help farmers determine the best insurance options for their operations.
USDA Dairy Products February 2018 Production Highlights
Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 982 million pounds, 4.2 percent above February 2017 but 10.5 percent below January 2018. Italian type cheese production totaled 424 million pounds, 4.3 percent above February 2017 but 10.6 percent below January 2018. American type cheese production totaled 397 million pounds, 6.1 percent above February 2017 but 8.5 percent below January 2018. Butter production was 169 million pounds, 4.7 percent above February 2017 but 7.4 percent below January 2018.
Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with February 2017)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 159 million pounds, up 12.1 percent.
Skim milk powder - 36.5 million pounds, down 8.9 percent.
Whey products (comparisons in percentage with February 2017)
Dry whey, total - 89.4 million pounds, up 14.6 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 86.8 million pounds, up 2.3 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 39.9 million pounds, up 10.7 percent.
Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with February 2017)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 55.5 million gallons, down 5.8 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 35.2 million gallons, up 3.5 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.88 million gallons, up 6.4 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 4.62 million gallons, down 9.8 percent.
NCGA Statement on PES Bankruptcy Settlement
The following is a statement from North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), on yesterday’s Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) Bankruptcy Settlement, granted by a federal Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.
“The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is extremely disappointed in the bankruptcy court’s ruling, allowing PES to waive the majority of its obligation under the RFS. This settlement is not acceptable and completely undermines the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). This settlement negotiated is just another example of how the Agency is willing to dismantle the RFS. This settlement rewards corporations, such as the $12 billion Carlyle Group, which should be liable for PES’ RFS obligations, at the expense of farmers. Farmers are entering their fifth year of low prices and net farm losses and can’t afford reducing demand for ethanol, as corn is the primary feedstock used in the production of conventional biofuel. As EPA’s actions continue to chip away at the RFS, farmers continue to ask President Trump to remember his promise to rural America and farmers and to keep the integrity of the RFS.”
NGFA partners with OSHA to launch 'Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention Awareness Week'
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are launching a major safety outreach effort, the "Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention Awareness Week" from April 9-13, to help raise awareness about grain bin engulfment hazards, provide education and training, and convey safety best practices.
Made possible by the NGFA-OSHA Alliance in collaboration with Grain Elevator and Processing Society, the stand-up week will promote grain bin safety on both farms and at commercial grain handling facilities.
Kick-Off Event and Press Conference in Adrian, Mo.:
The week will formally kick off with an event and press conference on Monday, April 9 at 1 p.m. Central at the Scoular grain facility located at 15 Quail Run in Adrian, Mo., near Kansas City. The event will feature Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt, as well as a reading of the Governor of Missouri's Proclamation on Grain Bin Safety by Anna Hui, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. NGFA Executive Committee Chairman John Heck, senior vice president of Scoular, Omaha, Neb., will host and moderate the event.
Webinar:
The week continues with a free webinar on April 10 that provides an overview of the material available on OSHA's engulfment prevention website. From April 11-13, NGFA will issue information for safety briefings on such topics as grain bin entry, mechanical hazards and grain engulfment.
Background and more information:
Engulfment in grain is one of the leading types of fatalities inside a grain bin; however, there are numerous OSHA and industry resources available to assist in preventing future incidents. During the Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention Awareness Week, employers and their employees are encouraged to emphasize effective grain-bin safety practices to protect workers and ways to reduce injuries and prevent fatalities resulting from engulfment.
Companies may participate by providing a focused activity or toolbox talk on topics such as lock-out/tag-out, walk down, fall prevention, permitting or other prevention measures. These events are to provide information to workers about hazards, protective methods, and the company's safety policies, goals and expectations, while also serving as an opportunity to receive feedback from employees. During these events, employers may be able to conduct site activities, such as employee training, hazard hunts, audits of prevention measures, corrections of identified hazards, and a review of lock-out/tag-out and engulfment-prevention measures and procedures. Participating companies will be encouraged to fill out information about their safety activities on this website, which provides training materials and a certificate of participation to demonstrate involvement in the engulfment-prevention initiative.
The NGFA has provided several resources, including Safety Tip Sheets, guidance documents and training videos for companies wishing to become involved in the "Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention" campaign on the campaign website. The material also is available on the Safety section of the NGFA website.
droughtmonitor.unl.edu
With a blocking ridge of high pressure anchored over the Southwest, a series of cold fronts tracked across the eastern two-thirds of the Nation. The fronts, however, slowed their southeastward advance across the South and Southeast, and after picking up Gulf moisture, produced numerous and widespread showers and thunderstorms with heavy precipitation (more than 2 inches) from the southern Great Plains northeastward into the northern Appalachians. This was similar to the weather pattern back in mid- to late February when the lower Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys were deluged. Lighter precipitation also occurred across the northern halves of the Rockies and Plains, the upper Midwest, Great Lakes region, western New England, the central Gulf Coast States, and along the Pacific Northwest Coast. Little or no precipitation fell on the remainder of the Far West, Southwest, southern halves of the Rockies and High Plains, western Corn Belt, along the eastern Gulf and Atlantic Coasts, and most of Alaska. Weekly temperatures averaged below normal in the northern Rockies, northern and central Plains, Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and Carolinas, and above-normal in the Far West, Southwest, southern Plains, along the Gulf Coast, and in northern New England. In Alaska, readings were much-above normal in western and northern sections and near to below normal in southern and eastern portions. Most of Hawaii and Puerto Rico observed showery weather.
Midwest
Light to moderate precipitation (0.5-1.5” liquid equivalence) fell across central Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and the UP of Michigan, increasing the snow cover in the region and decreasing the short-term deficiencies. With most tools out to 6-months showing near or wet conditions, D0 was removed from central and southeastern Wisconsin and part of the UP of Michigan, but left where the same indices showed D0-D1. The small D0-D1 in northern Minnesota was dry, but is covered under a blanket of snow with frozen ground and will be reassessed once conditions thaw. Elsewhere, southern Iowa and northern and western Missouri had lingering drought, and some of these locations received 0.5-1 inches of precipitation. With moderate to heavy precipitation occurring in mid-February and lighter amounts during March, this week’s additional precipitation was enough to erase deficits at 90-days and create short-term surpluses. Accordingly, D0 was removed from southwestern and along the northern Missouri D0 edge, along with a small area of D1 improved to D0 in northeastern Missouri. Elsewhere in the Midwest, there was no prior dryness or drought, and 2018’s wet pattern continued this week.
High Plains
The persistent fall and winter pattern of above-normal precipitation and subnormal temperatures continued this week across Montana, Wyoming, and the western Dakotas, building up the existing snow cover and gradually providing additional relief from long-term drought. In eastern Montana, SPIs out to 9-months were wet except in the extreme northeastern part of the state (Daniels and Sheridan counties) where D2 lingered. Similarly in extreme western Dakotas and northeastern Wyoming, additional precipitation allowed for a slight nudge of the D0-D2 areas to the east (improvement). However, since this drought goes back to 12-15 months ago, it will take more precipitation to remove these long-term deficits (6-10 inches) and subsoil impacts where D1 and D2 are currently depicted, hopefully during the upcoming wet season (April-July). In central and eastern North Dakota where the drought was short-term, snow totals of 1-2” in the central and 4-6” in the east added to 90-day surpluses. Even though soil moisture conditions are less than desired (ground barely frozen at 4” depth), 90-day percent of normal precipitation has shown significant improvement. Therefore, some D1 was improved to D0 in central parts of the state while D0 was erased from eastern areas. In Nebraska, moderate snows fell across southern sections of the state, but D0 was kept as subsoil dryness lingered due to frozen ground earlier in the year that limited infiltration of melting snow or rain. As conditions thaw and additional storms occur, infiltration should increase. Farther south in Kansas, little or no precipitation meant another week of growing deficits, and based upon indices going out to a year, D3 conditions were common in central and northeastern portions of the state; therefore D3 was expanded northeastward.
Looking Ahead
During April 5-9, 2018, unseasonably heavy precipitation (2-6 inches) is expected in western sections of Washington, Oregon, and the northern half of California, plus the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, with lesser amounts in the remainder of the Northwest and northern and central Rockies. Unfortunately, a sharp cutoff of precipitation (dry) is forecast for southern California, southern Nevada, and much of Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas. Light precipitation (less than half an inch) is predicted across the northern half of the Plains, Midwest, and southern Great Plains, with greater totals (1-3 inches) in the lower Mississippi Valley, Southeast, mid-Atlantic, and New England. Temperatures will average above-normal west of the Rockies, southern Texas, and Florida, and below-normal east of the Rockies except along the Gulf Coast.
For the ensuing 5 days (April 10-14), odds favor above-median precipitation for much of the Far West, northern thirds of the Rockies and Plains, Midwest, lower Mississippi Valley, New England, and southern Florida, with sub-median totals in the Southwest and south-central High Plains, Southeast, and northern Alaska. Chances for sub-median temperatures are likely across the northern half of the Nation, but especially in the upper Midwest and along the Northeast Coast. A tilt toward above-median readings are expected in the Southwest, southern Rockies, southern half of the Plains, southern Florida, and southern Alaska.
Sasse on Trump's Trade War
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who represents one of the most pro-trade states in the country, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s new $100 billion of tariffs.
“Hopefully the President is just blowing off steam again but, if he's even half-serious, this is nuts. China is guilty of many things, but the President has no actual plan to win right now. He’s threatening to light American agriculture on fire. Let’s absolutely take on Chinese bad behavior, but with a plan that punishes them instead of us. This is the dumbest possible way to do this.”
Midwest Dairy Elects Leadership
Allen Merrill, a dairy farmer from Parker, South Dakota, was re-elected chairman of Midwest Dairy during the organization’s annual meeting held in conjunction with the Western Dairy Forum in Phoenix, Arizona.
Elections for the Corporate board officer team also were held. Charles Krause, Buffalo, Minnesota, was re-elected first vice chairman; Dan Hotvedt, Decorah, Iowa, was elected second vice chairman; Lowell Mueller, Hooper, Nebraska, was re-elected secretary; and Barb Liebenstein, Dundas, Minnesota, was elected treasurer.
New members elected by their Divisions to the Midwest Dairy Corporate board include:
Kevin Buss, Hutchinson, Minnesota;
Karen Kasper, Owatonna, Minnesota;
Rita Mosset, Linton, North Dakota; and
Annelies Seffrood, Summit, South Dakota.
Division board officers and new members include:
Iowa Division
Chairman – Dan Hotvedt, Decorah;
Vice Chairman – Bruce Brockshus, Ocheyedan;
Secretary – Jonna Schutte, Monona; and
Treasurer – Larry Shover, Delhi.
Kelly Cunningham, Atlantic; Stephanie Dykshorn, Trenton; Madison Roth, Wayland; and Matt Schelling, Orange City; were seated as new members of the Iowa Division board.
Nebraska Division
Chairman – Marry Temme, Wayne;
Vice Chairman – Joyce Racicky, Mason City; and
Secretary/Treasurer – Deb Eschliman, Ericson.
Jodi Cast, Beaver Crossing, was seated as a new member of the Nebraska Division board.
Day 2 NE FFA Convention
The 90th Nebraska FFA Convention second general session took place on April 5, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with state officer Lydia Vinton serving as the session chairperson.
The keynote address was presented by Leslie McCuiston, the 2017 Pig Farmer of the Year. She shared a message of how becoming a leader doesn’t simply begin when we receive a title. “Look at leadership a little differently. Sit next to the kid who doesn’t have anyone to sit with at lunch,” she told the audience.
Nebraska FFA then welcomed state officers from the Illinois, North Carolina, Kansas, and Iowa associations to give remarks.
Many chapters were recognized for their programming in the areas of growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are judged by a series of questions on the quality of innovativeness of ideas and accomplishing pre-determined goals. These awards are sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Association of Natural Resource Districts, and Frank Fleecs.
State officer Isabelle Stewart from the Lakeview FFA Chapter gave her retiring address entitled “Find the Good” during the second general session, sharing her inspiring story about choosing to find joy in challenging situations. She remarked, “How can we be the good? It can be as simple as telling someone the good that we see in them.”
Afternoon session
The 90th Nebraska FFA Convention third general session took place on April 5, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with State Officer Hailey Coufal serving as the session chairperson.
Nebraska FFA welcomed Dr. Mark Balschweid on behalf of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to give remarks. Dr. Balschweid shared information about experiences that the ALEC department provides students preparing for careers in the human side of agriculture.
Ag Champions Recognition
The Nebraska Corn Board sponsors the Ag Champions program, which encourages FFA members to become advocates for agriculture. This year, FFA members created digital platforms to share an agricultural topic of their choosing. Each of the six winners will receive a $500 scholarship for their advocacy efforts. Students recognized were:
Kylie Gana, Norris
Tayte Jussel, O’Neill
Justin Henzlik, North Bend
State Officer Kelli Mashino gave her retiring address entitled “Your Sun Will Still Shine” during the third general session. She encouraged all to learn, accept, and own what happens when our perfect vision is ruptured. “We must own who we are and be proud of it,” Kelli encouraged.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau recognizes two outstanding Teachers and Advisors each year as the Nebraska Farm Bureau Teacher and Advisor of the Year Award recipients. Teachers receiving this award have displayed outstanding leadership in their school and community, influenced students to purposefully begin their SAE programs, and create a learning community through relationships with other teachers, community members, students and industry leaders. The 2018 Nebraska Farm Bureau Teacher and Advisor of the Year Award recipients are Casey Carriker of the Central agricultural education program, and Ashton Bohling of the Auburn agricultural education program.
Evening session
The 90th Nebraska FFA Convention fourth general session took place on April 5, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with State Officer Brock Vetick serving as the session chairperson.
Nebraska FFA welcomed Governor Ricketts to give remarks. Governor Ricketts shared information about the importance of agriculture to Nebraska, and the role of FFA members in the future of agriculture. “Agriculture is how we are going to grow our state, and you are part of agriculture,” he shared.
I Believe in the Future of Ag
Corporate sponsors have partnered with the Nebraska FFA Foundation for the 2016-17 I Believe in the Future of Agriculture campaign. In response to their challenge, FFA chapters raised $343,402.72 at the local level. I Believe sponsors have offered up to $35,000 in matching funds. As part of this program, local supporters can donate to their local FFA chapter through the Nebraska FFA Foundation. The designated chapter will receive 100% of the money and a portion of the $35,000 matching fund money. Local chapters are using their money for a variety of innovative projects in their communities and schools. The following chapters were recognized for their outstanding efforts and participation in the “I Believe” campaign.
Ravenna
Oakland Craig
Litchfield
Central
Heartland
McCool Junction
Elgin
West Holt
Shelby-Rising City
O’Neill
State Officer Jessica Rudolph gave her retiring address entitled “The World Needs Your Love” during the second general session. She encouraged listeners to take care of themselves in order to serve others. Jessica encouraged the audience to “Feed yourself and give your love to the world.”
The Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award was presented to Mr. Dana Anderson of Aurora for his outstanding dedication as an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor. A student commented on Mr. Anderson’s leadership helping students through grief as the chapter tragically lost a member.
The keynote speaker was the 2017-2018 National FFA Southern Region Vice President Gracie Furnish. She encouraged listeners to find the opportunities that come when we are told “no.”
The 2018 NE FFA Convention wraps up Friday in Lincoln.
GRAZING WINTER SMALL GRAINS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Small grains planted last fall are greening up and may be ready to graze in a few weeks. This spring, let’s make sure these pastures are productive and safe.
Did you look ahead and plant rye or triticale or even wheat last fall to use as early pasture this spring? If so, you soon will be rewarded. Before long these fields will be ready to graze.
These small grain pastures will relieve you from feeding hay, get your animals out onto clean green grass, and produce excellent gains. They’ll also help you wait longer before turning onto your other pastures, giving them a chance to have good growth before grazing.
To maximize grazing from small grain pastures, wait until grass is 4 to 8 inches tall before starting to graze. Then stock heavily enough to maintain plant height between 6 and 12 inches. To accomplish this, either adjust the number of animals according to grass growth or sub-divide the pasture into smaller paddocks and graze rotationally. I also like to provide some good grass hay in these lush pastures to help stabilize the animal’s digestive system. Grass stands, soils, fertility, and moisture all will affect stocking rate, so adjust stock numbers for your conditions. With careful management and proper stocking, you could graze all the way to mid-June.
One concern when grazing small grain pasture is grass tetany. Tetany is more common in lactating cows than in dry cows or young stock. Reduce tetany risk by starting to feed magnesium oxide supplements mixed with salt, molasses, or grain at least a couple weeks before starting to graze. Monitor consumption carefully and adjust the mixture so cattle consume about one-quarter pound of magnesium oxide per cow each week.
Small grain pastures can be convenient and profitable. Just use good management to optimize production and prevent livestock losses.
PLAN HERBICIDE USE FOR LATER ANNUAL FORAGES
Got your herbicides selected for your corn, beans, and other crops? Better double check if a cover crop, pasture, or hay planting is a possibility during the next year and a half.
Many of our biggest success stories with forage and pasture crops recently have come from using annual forages. No matter when you could use something to graze, including winter, an annual forage could be found that would work well if managed properly.
Many times a small grain like oats or rye fit our needs. Other times it’s been a brassica like turnips, forage rape, or radishes. Once in a while we’ve used millets.
But there have been frustrations. One of the biggest frustrations has been herbicide limitations. Many forages are affected by herbicide carryover, such as from atrazine. Often we identify a cover crop or a forage to plant but the risk of failure is too high due to herbicides. This problem isn’t limited to annual forages, either. Perennial grasses and alfalfa also are sensitive to herbicide carryover.
Legal restrictions on replanting and crop rotations also cause herbicide limitations. With many herbicides it may be okay to plant a cover crop, but that cover crop cannot be used legally as a forage.
So, is this important to you? Do you want to fly rye or turnip seed into your standing corn later this year for extra fall pasture? How about planting triticale this fall or oats next spring? Or maybe irrigated pasture or alfalfa?
These options may not be available if you use many common herbicides. So keep you options open. Rethink your herbicide plans. Maybe you can control weeds and maintain the flexibility to plant any forage just by making a small change in the herbicides you use now.
Then you, too, can build a success story from annual forages.
Putting the Tools to Use: Buying Your Next Bull webinar
Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 7 p.m. CT
The fourth and final webinar in the genetics webinar series puts all of the genetic concepts covered in the first three seminars to work as attendees go to a virtual bull sale and select the best bull from a sale catalog for two distinct production scenarios. Participants will receive a sale catalog via email and must decide which bull to purchase for each scenario, and then compare results with all of the other participants on the webinar. Leading the discussion will be Matt Spangler, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Extension Beef Genetics Specialist at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and Bob Weaber, Ph.D., Professor and Beef Extension Specialist, at Kansas State University, and the entire eBEEF team will join in the discussion.
If you missed the last three webinars in this 4-part genetics series which focused on EPDs and Indexes be sure to find the link at WWW.NCBA.ORG.
IOWA FARMERS NEED ACCESS TO CHINA FOR CORN IN ALL FORMS
ICGA PRESIDENT MARK RECKER
Our state has enjoyed a long-standing and prosperous relationship with China. Iowa corn farmers have worked for decades to support fair and open trade practices because we understand that trade is a two-way street. Yet, we have operated in a tense trade policy environment with China for several years and have worked hard to diversify our customer base to create new demand for U.S. corn in all forms.
The retaliatory actions by China did not come unexpectedly. No one doubted China would punch back with tariffs. The imposition of tariffs on U.S. ag exports will make American farmers less competitive at a time when Iowa farmers already anticipate another year of diminished income.
Our message to President Trump and his administration remains decidedly clear. We cannot lose this market. Iowa’s farm families must not be collateral damage in a trade dispute. The impact of these potential tariffs does not hurt just one agricultural sector or commodity but threatens the whole industry and Iowa stands at the epicenter.
Corn farmers continue to maintain constant engagement with the Administration and our trade partners in China. We remain committed to working long-term in the China marketplace. We do have a window of opportunity to reach a mutually beneficial trade position with China before the deadline for the tariffs nears. We need the administration to understand the implications for agriculture and to come to the negotiating table with China. We need policies that give farmers consistent access to markets and a level global playing field.
Some animal viruses may survive in imported feed ingredients
A journey over land and sea may not keep animal diseases away.
Researchers from South Dakota State University, Pipestone Veterinary Services in Minnesota and Kansas State University found that seven of the 11 animal viruses tested can potentially survive the transglobal journey from Asia or Europe to the United States in at least two commonly imported feed ingredients. The scientists examined virus survivability in 11 imported feed ingredients and products by replicating the environmental conditions in shipping containers.
“The findings of this study show that feed biosecurity should be a major priority for pork producers and ultimately, the livestock industry,” said assistant professor Diego Diel, DVM who led the SDSU team. Scott Dee, DVM, director of research at Pipestone Veterinary Services, said, “For the first time, we have data to support that certain feed ingredients are risk factors for moving viruses between farms and around the world. ”Diel and his team at the South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory assessed the ability of 10 viruses to survive the 37-day journey from Beijing, China, to Des Moines, Iowa. One postdoctoral researcher, three research associates and a microbiologist worked on the project.
Kansas State University, which has a Level 3 biosecurity laboratory, evaluated the ability of African swine fever virus to survive the 30-day trip from Warsaw, Poland, to Des Moines.
In previous work, Dee and ADRDL researchers discovered that porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can survive the simulated trip from Beijing to Des Moines in five feed ingredients—vitamin D, lysine, choline and organic and conventional soybean meal. That National Pork Board-funded research led to this larger study, which is supported by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC). The study results are published in the March 20 issue of PLOS ONE at http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0194509.
Paul Sundberg, DVM, SHIC executive director, said, “This is foundational research. Dr. Diel and Dr. Dee identified a new avenue through which we may be transporting pathogens around the country and the world.” The researchers are now looking for cost-effective ways to mitigate this risk through continuing support from SHIC.
Identifying high-risk ingredients
Dee worked with a colleague at the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Sciences to expand the list of ingredients beyond those in the PEDV study. The researchers added soy cake and dried distillers grain solids (DDGS), moist and dry dog food, and moist cat food. The use of feline calici virus and canine distemper as surrogate viruses further supported inclusion of these ingredients, he explained.
Because the U.S. also imports sausage casings, a product of pork origin, from Asia, the researchers added this product to the most recent study.
“We’re in a global economy; people and products are moving around the world,” Sundberg said. More than 47,000 tons of imported feed ingredients arrived in San Francisco from China in 2016, according to the International Trade Commission Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Six viruses survived in conventional soybean meal, while only two did so in organic soybean meal. Though the researchers don’t know what accounts for this difference, Diel said preliminary analysis showed the organic soybean meal had a higher fat content and lower protein content.
Conventional soybean meal is treated with hexane, while the organic soybean meal was not, Dee explained. Because of the processing method used, the organic meal tested had a high fat content and lower protein level. “Those ingredients with higher protein levels seemed to be more conducive to virus survival,” he said.
Four viruses survived in soy oil cake, which is imported from China in the largest quantities of any of the ingredients evaluated. Only two viruses survived in DDGS, which ranks second among imported ingredients.
Four viruses survived in sausage casings. The amount of this processed product returning to the United States has quadrupled from 2012 to 2016.
Pinpointing key viruses
Due to the inability to work with certain target pathogens, surrogate viruses were used to study closely related and structurally similar viruses. For foot-and-mouth disease, Senecavirus A was studied. For classical swine fever, bovine virus diarrhea was reviewed. For pseudorabies virus, bovine herpes virus-1 was the surrogate. For nipah virus, canine distemper virus was substituted. For swine vesicular disease, research focused on porcine sapelovirus. And for vesicular exanthema virus, feline calicivirus was the surrogate.
“Certain ingredients seem to provide an ideal matrix for virus survival, and our study identified some of the high risk combinations of viruses and ingredients,” Diel explained. The SDSU team found viable Senecavirus A, the surrogate for foot-and-mouth disease, survived in all the ingredients except organic soybean meal. In addition, porcine sapelovirus, a surrogate for swine vesicular disease, survived in all ingredients except DDGS and choline.
African swine fever survived in eight ingredients. It was the only virus that survived the simulated trip without a feed matrix. Furthermore, when Iowa State researchers analyzed virus half-life, they found that meal African swine fever was most stable of the three viruses in conventional soybean.
The researchers also found that PRRSV can be added to PEDV as a pathogen circulating among swine in the United States that can survive the simulated trip from China and it did so in conventional soybean meal and DDGS. “That was really surprising because PRSSV is quite unstable,” Dee said.
“Though the original goal was to assess potential for transboundary movement, there are also implications for pathogen transport at the regional or national level,” Diel said.
“This research gives us a model to uncover potential pathways for pathogen transport,” Sundberg said. “Publishing the research in a peer-reviewed journal is extremely important. We want scientists to scrutinize it, repeat it and give constructive criticism. This underscores the importance and the credibility of the results and increases confidence in the outcomes.”
Dee said agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have shown interest.
“We all need to consider the implications of this research and then to understand if this potential transport could lead to transmission to animals and what we need to do next,” Sundberg said. “We must work together with government agencies and the feed industry to protect U.S. meat protein agriculture.”
Saturated Buffers Topic of Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar about the latest research, installation standards and best management practices for saturated buffers on April 18 at 12 p.m.
Saturated buffers are the newest edge-of-field practice for removing nitrate from tile-drained fields. Dan Jaynes, research soil scientist with the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (USDA-ARS), will share the latest research and installation standards for saturated buffers. The presentation will provide a brief overview of the practice, share research results from several saturated buffers and cover some of the recent changes in the practice standard.
"Saturated buffers are an inexpensive and effective practice for removing nitrate from tile drainage when properly located and designed," said Jaynes. Jaynes has spent the past 20 years researching both in-field and edge-of-field practices for reducing the loss of nitrate from tile drained corn fields while maintaining yields and soil health.
The Iowa Learning Farms webinar series takes place on the third Wednesday of the month. To watch, go to https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/ shortly before 12 p.m. on April 18 and log in through the "guest" option. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the ILF website for watching at any time at www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.
CHS reports a net income of $346.7 million for the first half of fiscal 2018
CHS Inc. (NASDAQ: CHSCP, CHSCO, CHSCN, CHSCM, CHSCL), the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, today reported net income of $346.7 million for the first half of its 2018 fiscal year (six-month period ended Feb. 28, 2018), compared to net income of $223.7 million for the same time period a year ago.
Consolidated revenues for the first half of fiscal 2018 were $14.9 billion, down from $15.4 billion for the first half of fiscal 2017. Pretax income was $185.0 million and $249.1 million for the first half of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.
"CHS made meaningful progress in the first half of fiscal year 2018 as we continue to position CHS for higher performance," said CHS President and CEO Jay Debertin. "The global environment for our businesses serving agriculture remains challenged and we continue to drive towards our priorities of better efficiency, strengthening relationships, and a more focused business portfolio. We have more work to do and we are seeing improvement that will make us a stronger company."
For the second quarter of fiscal 2018 (Dec. 1, 2017 through Feb. 28, 2018), CHS reported net income of $166.7 million compared with earnings of $14.6 million for the same period in fiscal 2017. Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 were $6.9 billion, down from $7.3 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.
Results for the quarter were attributed to:
Increased margins at the Company's refineries.
Decreased volumes and margins within the Ag segment.
A significant tax benefit recorded during the quarter related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
For the first half of fiscal 2018, reporting segment results include:
Energy
Energy generated pretax income of $122.1 million during the first half compared to $86.6 million during the same period last year.
The $35.5 million increase reflects improved market conditions in the company's refined fuels business, primarily driven by wider manufacturing margins in our refining operation.
Ag
The Ag segment, which includes domestic and global grain marketing and crop nutrients businesses, renewable fuels, local retail operations and processing and food ingredients, generated pretax income of $43.6 million for the six months ending Feb. 28, 2018. That compares to $99.9 million for the same period the previous fiscal year.
The $56.3 million decrease was primarily the result of a decline in grain and oilseed volumes in the grain marketing and country operations businesses, and lower prices across the majority of the Ag sub-segments.
Nitrogen Production
This segment is comprised of the Company's investment in CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC (CF Nitrogen) and generated pretax income of $10.2 million during the first half of fiscal 2018 compared to $32.4 million during the same time in fiscal 2017.
The $22.3 million decrease in earnings was primarily due to a gain in fiscal 2017 of $29.1 million associated with an embedded derivative asset that did not reoccur in fiscal 2018. This was partially offset by improved prices on urea, produced by CF Nitrogen.
Corporate and Other
This category is primarily comprised of the company's wheat milling joint venture (Ardent Mills), its investment in Ventura Foods, LLC (Ventura Foods) and its financing, hedging and insurance operations. Corporate and Other generated pretax income of $9.1 million in the first half of 2018 compared to $30.2 million for the same period of fiscal 2017.
The $21.1 million decrease was due to reduced interest revenue from the company's financing business resulting from the sale of loans receivable and lower earnings from our investment in Ventura Foods.
NCGA Grant Supports State Educational Events for Beef Producers
The National Corn Growers Association is stepping up to support the education of U.S. beef producers in states around the country. The assistance is being provided through a grant program offered to state affiliates of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association that conduct Cattlemen’s Education Series events.
The Cattlemen’s Education Series is a collaborative effort to advance grassroots education on topics that improve cattle production efficiency, profitability and sustainability. The partnership builds on other successful programs currently in NCBA’s Producer Education portfolio, such as Stockmanship & Stewardship, Cattlemen’s College and the Cattlemen’s Webinar Series. The Cattlemen’s Education Series provides grants for state affiliates to host timely and relevant education sessions for their local members.
“Corn plays an important role in the cattle industry, and NCGA is excited about this opportunity to help enhance cattle operations through the Cattlemen’s Education Series,” according to Bruce Peterson, chairman of NCGA’s Feed Fuel and Industrial Action Team. “Partnering with NCBA on this project will not only provide a benefit to cattle producers, it will also provide an opportunity to share research on the value corn and corn based feed ingredients provide within feed rations. The series demonstrates the importance of collaboration within agriculture, as it allows corn farmers to directly support and interact with their cattle industry peers.”
NCBA state affiliates will be eligible to apply for grants ranging in value from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on a variety of factors, including event participation and membership numbers. Topics eligible for grants will be developed as a partnership between NCBA and NCGA.
US Ethanol Exports Record High in Feb.
Ethanol exports from the United States reached a record high in February of 218.7 million gallons, up 148% from January, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, with the trade group citing the record after reviewing government statistics. The previous record high was reached in December 2011.
For the fourth consecutive month, Brazil was the top destination market for U.S. ethanol exports, which reached a record high of 103.2 million gallons.
China was the second-largest destination point, importing 33.1 million gallons of U.S. ethanol in February, which is a 22-month high.
Canada took in the third most ethanol exported by the United States at 22.0 million gallons, and Singapore was fourth with 14.8 million gallons.
For the first two months of 2018, U.S. ethanol exports were up 18% from a year ago.
U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 14,550.8 metric tons in February, up 80% from a year ago. Canada was the top destination in February, taking 49% of U.S. exports while Peru was second with 25%. So far in 2018, U.S. exports of biodiesel are up 104% from a year ago.
U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 835,707 metric tons in February, down 22% from a year ago. Mexico was the top export destination again in February, accounting for 22% of the total and followed by Vietnam, South Korea, and Thailand. The first two months of distillers grains exports were down 14% in 2018 from a year ago.
ASA Welcomes USDA Announcement on Plant Breeding Innovations
The American Soybean Association (ASA) registered strong support of a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it has no plans to regulate plants that could be developed through traditional breeding techniques, including genome editing. ASA President John Heisdorffer, a farmer from Keota, Iowa, issued the following statement on Tuesday:
“ASA commends Secretary Perdue and USDA for their decision to clarify that plant breeding innovations will be treated in a similar manner as plants developed through traditional breeding methods. This science-based approach encourages innovation and economic development. Farmers, small agribusinesses, researchers, and others will have the exciting opportunity to pursue new and advanced ways to grow our food, fight plant pests and disease, reduce reliance of fertilizers and other resources, and respond to consumer demands to reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment.
“It will also facilitate the development of new and beneficial crop traits by reducing the cost and time required to bring products to the marketplace. This, in turn, will give a boost to continuing efforts to meet the food needs of the world’s growing population, estimated to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.
“At the same time, making the regulatory process more predictable for new technologies will require close coordination between APHIS and EPA and FDA, the agencies that share responsibility under the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology, to prevent any bottlenecks. This decision also will require the federal government to take a lead role in working with other countries to ensure that they adopt science-based regulatory systems that are consistent with that of the U.S. This effort must be a top priority for the administration and pursued without delay to bring about a coherent international regulatory environment in which these gene-edited commodities will not face unnecessary hurdles in the global supply chain.
“We appreciate USDA’s role in the regulation of biotechnology and Secretary Perdue’s confirmation that plant breeding innovations, which can be developed through traditional breeding techniques, are separate and distinct in both the science and risk to plant health. By taking this science- and risk-based approach, it allows USDA to focus its time and resources on those plant varieties that actually could pose a risk to plant health.
“Consumer interest in how their food is produced continues to evolve, and it is important that we evolve similarly to meet those needs, and that our rules and regulations reflect that trend. ASA stands ready to participate in efforts by the administration to move ahead with this initiative in the coming weeks and months.”
USGC Releases Online 2017 Year In Review
The past year included opportunities and challenges for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff, membership and partners. The Council has worked to capture a collection of market stories that illustrate how exports in 2017 reflect shifting dynamics in world markets and global policy and is now presenting these online with its annual year in review.
The new microsite - https://grains.org/2017-annual-report/ - includes information on worldwide initiatives as well as specific activities related to corn, sorghum, barley, distiller’s dried grains with solubes (DDGS) and ethanol.
For example, Mexico set a new record for U.S. corn imports as the top buyer, and the story of developing an integrated market between U.S. barley and Mexican beer was one of the year’s most popular. These successes were achieved in spite of significant uncertainty as modernization talks began for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and as Mexico’s buyers began considering alternative grain suppliers.
The Council worked to resolve a major trade disruption in Vietnam, while at the same time focusing on helping end-users around the world determine how to best incorporate U.S. DDGS into their rations. Efforts led to significant sales diversification with a total of 54 countries buying the ethanol co-product.
Additionally, as a result of the Council’s active global engagement and the competitiveness of U.S. ethanol, nearly 1.4 billion gallons were exported worldwide to 76 countries, an all-time record. Through the successful Ethanol Summit of the Americas, the Council connected domestic stakeholders with government and industry representatives, forming connections already yielding results.
These successes, and more described on the microsite, are a result of the Council’s work to support U.S. producers and agribusinesses by identifying short-term market opportunities and building long-term demand for U.S. coarse grains and co-products, aided by an intense focus on trade policy issues. These efforts are supported by the Council’s diverse membership that provides critical support by helping identify issues, provide valuable information and implement solutions.
View the full 2017 year in review at https://grains.org/2017-annual-report/.
Smithfield Foods Announces Partnership with Anuvia™ Plant Nutrients to Develop and Market Bio-Based Sustainable Fertilizer Products
Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Anuvia™ Plant Nutrients are pleased to announce a new partnership to create sustainable fertilizer from renewable biological materials collected from manure treatment systems at Smithfield’s hog farms. This project is part of Smithfield Renewables, the company’s new platform dedicated to unifying and accelerating its carbon reduction and renewable energy efforts.
The project reuses organic matter found in hog manure to create a commercial-grade fertilizer that is higher in nutrient concentration than the original organic materials. Farmers are able to better manage nutrient ratios while using less fertilizer by applying precisely what they need for optimal plant growth. Because Anuvia’s products contain organic matter, nutrient release is more controlled, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.
Anuvia will utilize remnant solids from Smithfield that accumulate over time at the bottom of the anaerobic lagoons, basins designed and certified to treat and store the manure on hog farms. Anuvia, which specializes in the transformation of organic materials into enhanced efficiency fertilizer products, will manufacture and sell these commercial-grade fertilizer products to farmers nationwide.
“Through Smithfield Renewables, we are aggressively pursuing opportunities to reduce our environmental footprint while creating value,” said Kraig Westerbeek, senior director of Smithfield Renewables. “Along with projects that transform biogas into renewable natural gas, this is another example of how we are tackling this goal on our hog farms.”
“This is the beginning of a partnership based on a shared vision that will positively impact livestock and crop production,” says Amy Yoder, Anuvia Plant Nutrients CEO. “Our proprietary manufacturing process which converts organic waste into novel bio-based plant nutrients is both environmentally friendly and sustainable. Our products reduce leaching and put organic matter back in the soil. Our process is a prototype for a circular economy as we reclaim organic waste, convert and reuse on cropland. This relationship provides a new sustainable way for Smithfield to return its remnant solids back to the land for use on the crops grown to feed the hogs. The impact of this is extremely significant for hog production and the livestock industry. We look forward to helping achieve both Smithfield’s and Anuvia’s environmental goals.”
Company-owned and contract hog farms in North Carolina will participate in this project. Smithfield will collect and begin the process by de-watering the waste solids before providing the remnants to Anuvia. Once acquired, Anuvia will pick-up and transport the material to their processing plant to create the fertilizer.
CWT-Assisted Cheese, Butter Sales Contracts Total 13.5 Million Pounds in March
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) assisted member cooperatives in securing 78 contracts last month to sell 10.64 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 2.92 million pounds of butter to customers in Africa, Asia, Central America and the Middle East. The product will be shipped to customers in 12 countries in five regions of the world during the months of March-June 2018.
These contracts bring the 2018 total of the CWT-assisted product sales contracts to 29.19 million pounds of cheese, up 23% from the first three months of 2017, and 5.61 million pounds of butter, up 293%. These transactions will move the equivalent of 395.46 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis overseas.
Helping CWT member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share through the Export Assistance program in the long-term expands the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price. CWT is preparing more detailed education materials for member use as they discuss the future role of the program.
2018 Enrollment for MPP Dairy Safety Net Program Will Open from April 9-June 1
Following an Agriculture Department announcement that it would re-open the enrollment period for the dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP), NMPF encouraged producers to review the new coverage options available under the improved program, which will open for sign up on April 9 and close June 1.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on April 3 that it would re-open the sign-up period, and encouraged producers to take a second look at the new program since it had been revised under the Bipartisan Budget Act passed by Congress in February. NMPF thanked Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for the agency’s prompt implementation of a re-opened sign-up period and other much-needed changes to the MPP.
According to USDA, dairy producers must select new coverage for 2018, even if they enrolled during the previous sign-up period last fall. Coverage choices made this spring for calendar year 2018 will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2018. All dairy operations desiring coverage must sign up during the eight-week enrollment period. USDA also announced that dairy producers can participate in either MPP or the Livestock Gross Margin program for dairy (LGM-Dairy), but not both.
The changes to the MPP were part of a larger dairy package that was included in the disaster spending bill passed by Congress two months ago. The provisions included increasing the first tier of covered production from four million pounds to the first five million pounds of a farm’s annual milk production history, and reducing the supplemental coverage premium rates on the first tier. The disaster package also lifted the $20 million annual cap on all livestock insurance, including the Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) program. This change will enable USDA to develop additional dairy risk management programs that can be provided to producers.
USDA’s web tool allows dairy farmers to quickly and easily combine unique operation data and other variables to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections. NMPF’s Future for Dairy website also offers informative resources and tools to help farmers determine the best insurance options for their operations.
USDA Dairy Products February 2018 Production Highlights
Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 982 million pounds, 4.2 percent above February 2017 but 10.5 percent below January 2018. Italian type cheese production totaled 424 million pounds, 4.3 percent above February 2017 but 10.6 percent below January 2018. American type cheese production totaled 397 million pounds, 6.1 percent above February 2017 but 8.5 percent below January 2018. Butter production was 169 million pounds, 4.7 percent above February 2017 but 7.4 percent below January 2018.
Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with February 2017)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 159 million pounds, up 12.1 percent.
Skim milk powder - 36.5 million pounds, down 8.9 percent.
Whey products (comparisons in percentage with February 2017)
Dry whey, total - 89.4 million pounds, up 14.6 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 86.8 million pounds, up 2.3 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 39.9 million pounds, up 10.7 percent.
Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with February 2017)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 55.5 million gallons, down 5.8 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 35.2 million gallons, up 3.5 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.88 million gallons, up 6.4 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 4.62 million gallons, down 9.8 percent.
NCGA Statement on PES Bankruptcy Settlement
The following is a statement from North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), on yesterday’s Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) Bankruptcy Settlement, granted by a federal Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.
“The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is extremely disappointed in the bankruptcy court’s ruling, allowing PES to waive the majority of its obligation under the RFS. This settlement is not acceptable and completely undermines the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). This settlement negotiated is just another example of how the Agency is willing to dismantle the RFS. This settlement rewards corporations, such as the $12 billion Carlyle Group, which should be liable for PES’ RFS obligations, at the expense of farmers. Farmers are entering their fifth year of low prices and net farm losses and can’t afford reducing demand for ethanol, as corn is the primary feedstock used in the production of conventional biofuel. As EPA’s actions continue to chip away at the RFS, farmers continue to ask President Trump to remember his promise to rural America and farmers and to keep the integrity of the RFS.”
NGFA partners with OSHA to launch 'Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention Awareness Week'
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are launching a major safety outreach effort, the "Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention Awareness Week" from April 9-13, to help raise awareness about grain bin engulfment hazards, provide education and training, and convey safety best practices.
Made possible by the NGFA-OSHA Alliance in collaboration with Grain Elevator and Processing Society, the stand-up week will promote grain bin safety on both farms and at commercial grain handling facilities.
Kick-Off Event and Press Conference in Adrian, Mo.:
The week will formally kick off with an event and press conference on Monday, April 9 at 1 p.m. Central at the Scoular grain facility located at 15 Quail Run in Adrian, Mo., near Kansas City. The event will feature Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt, as well as a reading of the Governor of Missouri's Proclamation on Grain Bin Safety by Anna Hui, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. NGFA Executive Committee Chairman John Heck, senior vice president of Scoular, Omaha, Neb., will host and moderate the event.
Webinar:
The week continues with a free webinar on April 10 that provides an overview of the material available on OSHA's engulfment prevention website. From April 11-13, NGFA will issue information for safety briefings on such topics as grain bin entry, mechanical hazards and grain engulfment.
Background and more information:
Engulfment in grain is one of the leading types of fatalities inside a grain bin; however, there are numerous OSHA and industry resources available to assist in preventing future incidents. During the Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention Awareness Week, employers and their employees are encouraged to emphasize effective grain-bin safety practices to protect workers and ways to reduce injuries and prevent fatalities resulting from engulfment.
Companies may participate by providing a focused activity or toolbox talk on topics such as lock-out/tag-out, walk down, fall prevention, permitting or other prevention measures. These events are to provide information to workers about hazards, protective methods, and the company's safety policies, goals and expectations, while also serving as an opportunity to receive feedback from employees. During these events, employers may be able to conduct site activities, such as employee training, hazard hunts, audits of prevention measures, corrections of identified hazards, and a review of lock-out/tag-out and engulfment-prevention measures and procedures. Participating companies will be encouraged to fill out information about their safety activities on this website, which provides training materials and a certificate of participation to demonstrate involvement in the engulfment-prevention initiative.
The NGFA has provided several resources, including Safety Tip Sheets, guidance documents and training videos for companies wishing to become involved in the "Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention" campaign on the campaign website. The material also is available on the Safety section of the NGFA website.
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