Beef Quality Assurance -- Creston -- 12/18
All producers are invited to attend the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training in your area. Nebraska Extension has teamed up with local sponsors to schedule the training that will be a certification or recertification opportunity for cattle producers.
Date and Location
• December 18, 12:00 Noon, Creston, NE, Alice’s - Meal Provided
• Sponsors:
o Kent Feeds – Keith Paitz
o Rosendahl Farms, Seed and Feed
Rob Eirich, Nebraska Director of Beef Quality Assurance will be presenting BQA Best Management Practices, Animal Health & Antimicrobial Stewardship and the 2016 National Beef Quality Audit information. Beef Cattle Producers are committed to producing a quality, wholesome and safe beef product for consumers. These meetings will update producers on implementing BQA principles to ensure quality cattle care and handling.
All producers are encouraged to attend. There is a $20 fee to become BQA certified/recertified, which is valid for three year time period.
For more information contact your local sponsors or Rob Eirich, Nebraska Extension, 308-632-1230 or reirich2@unl.edu
RSVP for meal count to 402-564-4237.
NEBRASKA SOYBEAN DAY AND MACHINERY EXPO IS DEC. 13 IN WAHOO
The 2018 Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo will assist soybean producers in planning for growing season. The expo is 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Dec. 13 in the pavilion at the Saunders County Fairgrounds in Wahoo.
The expo opens with coffee, doughnuts and the opportunity to view equipment and exhibitor booths. Speakers start at 9 a.m. and include university researchers and specialists, Nebraska Soybean Checkoff representatives, soybean growers and private-industry representatives. Producers will be able to visit with representatives from seed, herbicide, fertilizer and equipment companies and view new farm equipment during a 30-minute break at 9:45 a.m.
David Kohl, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech University, is the featured speaker. Kohl’s domestic and global overview will provide perspective on the factors and transformative trends influencing customers’ financials. His session contrasts the best-management characteristics of the top 40 percent of producers with those of the bottom 30 percent.
Justin McMechan, crop protection and cropping systems specialist at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, will update growers on new and emerging soybean pests. The primary focus of the presentation will be on the observations and management of soybean orange gall midge, a new and potentially damaging soybean pest in eastern Nebraska. Information will also be provided on the expansion, scouting and management of Japanese beetles and Dectes stem borers.
Darwin Rader, international sales and marketing manager with Zeeland Farm Services, will give a presentation on growing and marketing specialty soybeans to increase profits. Ken Hellevang, extension engineer from North Dakota State University, will discuss managing soybeans in storage. The expo will also include an update on the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff.
A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.
Registration is available at the door on the day of the expo. Registration is free, but the Saunders County Soybean Growers Organization requests donations of one or more cans of nonperishable food to the food pantry.
For more information about the program or exhibitor details, call 800-529-8030 or email kglewen1@unl.edu. Information is also available at https://enre.unl.edu/nebraskasoyexpo.
The program is sponsored by Nebraska Extension, the Nebraska Soybean Board, the Saunders County Soybean Growers Organization and private industry.
Farmers and Ranchers Adopt Policy Positions, Elect State Leaders at Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention
Farmers and ranchers from across the state set Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) policy positions for the coming year and elected four individuals to the organization’s Board of Directors during the NEFB Annual Meeting and Convention held Dec. 2-4 in Kearney. NEFB is Nebraska’s largest general farming organization, representing the interests of farmers and ranchers who produce virtually every agricultural commodity in Nebraska.
“It’s clear property taxes remain a top priority for our members. We spent considerable time discussing the importance of solving our state’s property tax problem, but our delegates also covered a wide range of other policy issues that impact their operations,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.
Among the policy resolutions adopted was support for the continued availability and use of dicamba herbicide for use on dicamba tolerant crops. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released new label directions for dicamba use in response to concerns about dicamba drift. Delegates also shared support for continued education efforts on proper dicamba application.
Protections for farm and ranch operations were also addressed by the delegate body in calls for strengthening private property and nuisance laws for agriculture. The resolutions seek to ensure existing Nebraska farms and ranches would continue to have the flexibility to change their operations as needed into the future without loss of private property rights and nuisance protections.
“Delegates also supported a resolution to prevent plant-based and lab-produced protein makers from using the word ‘meat’ or other ‘meat’ related terms from describing their products. With the lab-produced protein products entering the market, our members felt it was important to protect the significant financial investments made by farmers and ranchers over the years in programs to market and promote meat products from the traditional harvesting of livestock,” said Nelson.
Several resolutions were also advanced for consideration by delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting and Convention in January.
“With all the advancements in technology, our members want to make sure there is appropriate oversight for these technologies when applied in the agriculture marketplace. Our members adopted resolutions encouraging enhanced oversight of block trading should those types of market exchanges be found to be problematic in the future. Delegates also supported the use of blockchain technology provided it is beneficial to agriculture and trade relations,” said Nelson.
Delegates also called for the U.S. to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The agreement would provide tremendous market access for Nebraska agriculture commodities into CPTPP member nations. In addition, delegates advanced resolutions urging the U.S. to work with its allied trade partners to pressure China to address unfair trade and business practices.
Resolutions seeking flexibility in regulations governing the acquisition and use of antibiotics by farmers and ranchers to treat sick livestock also advanced.
In addition to setting state and making national policy recommendations, delegates elected four individuals to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Mark McHargue of Central City was re-elected to the position of Nebraska Farm Bureau first vice president.
Dennis Beethe of Elk Creek was elected to represent the Southeast Region on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Beethe will represent members from Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Gage, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington counties.
Kevin Peterson of Osceola was elected to represent the Central Region on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Peterson will represent members from Boone, Buffalo, Butler, Colfax, Greeley, Hall, Howard, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Sherman, and Valley counties.
Lance Atwater of Ayr was elected to the Youth-At-Large position on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors. The Youth-At-Large position is charged with representing the Nebraska Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee on the state board of directors.
Nebraska plant scientist digs deeper into soybeans and soil bacteria
Nebraska plant scientist Marc Libault seeks to better understand soybeans and other legumes’ mutually beneficial relationship with the bacteria rhizobia.
If soybeans can take advantage of the air’s abundant supply of nitrogen, why does corn rely solely on nitrogen available in the soil? It’s no secret that soybeans have evolved a unique relationship with rhizobia, a common soil bacteria that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use. Yet much about this alliance is unknown.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln plant scientist Marc Libault seeks to better understand soybeans and other legumes’ mutually beneficial relationship with the bacteria rhizobia. His research could help lead to improving legumes’ efficiency at assimilating atmospheric nitrogen, called nitrogen fixation, and even to transferring the capability to other crops, such as corn. Greater efficiency and expanding nitrogen fixation beyond legumes could reduce the need for costly fertilizers.
“Biological nitrogen fixation is quite useful, especially in Nebraska, because it has the capability of really minimizing the use of nitrogen fertilizer,” said Libault, associate professor of plant biology. “Overuse of fertilizers can create massive water pollution from runoff into lakes and rivers.” Excessive nutrients cause plants and algae to proliferate, choking out fish and other organisms.
Although plants are surrounded by atmospheric nitrogen, a vital nutrient, they’re unable to use it directly. Rhizobia have the ability to convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, a form of nitrogen that plants can use to manufacture the molecular components they need to grow. To take advantage of rhizobia’s ability to fix nitrogen, legumes entice the bacteria to live inside, or infect, their roots, where the plants supply them with energy and other nutritional needs. In exchange, rhizobia produce ammonia stored inside nodules that develop on the roots. Other organisms, particularly certain trees, such as alders, also have evolved this symbiotic relationship with rhizobia.
Libault’s research focuses on the changes that take place inside the plant to initiate a rhizobial infection. Researchers have identified a complex chain of events that plants use to control the initial stage of infection. Libault’s team is elucidating a key component: identifying a set of plant genes important to coordinating the activation and timing of gene expression in root cells in response to rhizobia.
Proteins that target and bind to the genes Libault is after are known. So his team is employing a technique that uses the proteins as bait. After the proteins bind to the genes, they are able to isolate the genes from the rest of the genome and sequence their DNA. By identifying the genes, the team will be able to further investigate their role in establishing rhizobial infection.
This fundamental research is an important step toward one day improving plants’ ability to enhance their nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Better understanding nitrogen-fixing plants may also provide insight into how to genetically modify other crops, such as corn, to give them the ability to attract rhizobia and fix atmospheric nitrogen, Libault said.
Libault’s project is funded with an $573,573 Faculty Early Career Development Program award from the National Science Foundation, the prestigious award given to outstanding pre-tenure faculty. Libault received his CAREER award as a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma and is continuing this work at Nebraska.
Libault also researches how soybeans and sorghum respond to stress from increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and drought, both consequences of climate change.
Nebraska’s strong investment in researching crop production and plant-microbe interactions drew Libault to the university. He’s affiliated with the Center for Plant Science Innovation and the Center for Root and Rhizobiome Innovation.
Iowa State University to Lead Research to Increase Pig Survivability
A research project led by the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University seeks to increase pork producers’ profits by improving the survivability of their animals.
Jason Ross, the Lloyd L Anderson Professor and director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State, will lead the project that includes scientists from Iowa State, Kansas State University and Purdue University. The National Pork Board and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) are providing nearly $2 million for the five-year study.
“This project is a great example of industry leadership coming together to address emerging issues through university and industry research partnerships,” Ross said.
Across the pork industry, an estimated 30 to 35 percent of pigs born die before reaching the market, creating significant economic losses for farmers. Research indicates that mortality rates across all phases of production have been increasing, presenting a major challenge to animal wellbeing and sustainability.
“The members of the animal science and welfare committees of the National Pork Board recognize improving pig health, welfare and productivity are keys in extending pig survivability,” said Chris Hostetler, director of animal science for the National Pork Board. “While this project is slated to last five years, it is the vision of the committees that this effort will fundamentally shape the way pigs are raised to provide safe, wholesome pork far into the future.”
An interdisciplinary team of nutritionists, physiologists, veterinarians, well-being and behavior experts, geneticists, toxicologists, extension specialists and economists will examine the causes of mortality occurring on commercial swine farms.
“We know that improving survivability will increase the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the whole industry,” said Tim Kurt, FFAR’s scientific program director, “but solutions need to be economically feasible.”
“Increasing sow and piglet survivability is one of the most intractable issues facing the pork industry. While this is a clear animal welfare problem, it is also one of the most important productivity and economic issue for producers,” said Sally Rockey, FFAR’s executive director. “FFAR is pleased to be part of this important research that unquestionably will have a multitude of positive impacts.”
The project seeks a full understanding of the biological mechanisms that limit pig and sow survivability, how they interact and how they can be effectively improved.
The project’s overarching goal, through effective research and extension activities, is to improve swine survivability by 1 percent or more each year. Increasing the wean-to-finish survival of animals by 1 percent would represent an estimated gain in productivity of approximately 1.2 million pigs a year for the nation’s swine industry.
The research team objectives include:
Evaluate producers’ management attitudes and economics associated with improving survivability in U.S. swine production
Identify the causes of mortality on U.S. sow farms to support development and implementation of targeted strategies to maximize survivability
Define factors that influence wean-to-finish survivability and implement management strategies based on production-based research
Develop national extension, outreach and education resources and strategies to encourage adoption and implementation of management practices to improve survivability in pork production.
Another aspect of the project is the significant effort placed on training future industry leaders. This includes graduate students and staff, but is also expected to employ many undergraduate and veterinary students through internship programs.
Additional information on the project team, specific efforts and progress can be followed on the project website www.piglivability.org.
U.S. Beef Gains New Market Access in Morocco
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the government of Morocco has agreed to allow imports of U.S. beef and beef products into Morocco. 2018 is the first year that U.S. beef and poultry exporters have access to Morocco’s market under the terms of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Morocco opened its market to U.S. poultry in August, 2018.
“President Trump continues to prioritize the opening of new markets for U.S. agricultural products. New access to the Moroccan market for beef and beef products is an important step in ensuring that American farmers and ranchers can continue to expand their exports of U.S. agricultural products,” said Ambassador Lighthizer. “I welcome Morocco’s agreement to allow imports of U.S. beef and look forward to growing our shipments to Morocco.”
“Finding new markets for American agricultural products has been a priority for the Trump Administration from day one, and the opening of the Moroccan market is good news for our producers,” said Secretary Perdue. “American beef is the best in the world, and once Moroccans get a taste of it, they’ll surely want more.”
In 2017, the United States was the world’s third largest beef exporter, with global sales of beef and beef products valued at $7.3 billion. As of November 2018, U.S. exports of agricultural products to Morocco exceeded $512 million. Initial estimates indicate that Morocco would be an $80 million market for U.S. beef and beef products. Morocco had prohibited imports of U.S. beef.
Under the leadership of USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Amb. Gregg Doud and the direction of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Ken Isley, U.S. and Moroccan officials met to negotiate a health certificate and the terms for the import of U.S. high quality and standard quality beef into Morocco. Representatives also discussed improvements to the administration of Morocco’s wheat tariff-rate quota and other agriculture and SPS issues, and will continue this work through the agriculture and SPS subcommittees under the FTA.
NCBA Welcomes New Market Access for U.S. Beef in Morocco
Today President Kevin Kester issued the following statement in response to the announcement that U.S. beef gained new market access in Morocco:
“Open markets are the lifeblood of the U.S. cattle and beef industry. New access to Morocco is welcome news for producers and we are excited that Moroccan consumers can now enjoy high-quality U.S. beef. NCBA is grateful for the leadership President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer, and Ambassador Doud have shown on this issue. We look forward to working with them to continue tearing down trade barriers for U.S. beef in markets around the world.”
Weekly Ethanol Production for 11/30/2018
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production averaged 1.069 million barrels per day (b/d)—or 44.90 million gallons daily. That is up 21,000 b/d from the week before and the highest since the week before Labor Day. However, the four-week average for ethanol production remained unchanged at 1.056 million b/d for an annualized rate of 16.19 billion gallons.
Stocks of ethanol were 23.0 million barrels. That is up marginally from 22.9 million barrels the prior week.
There were zero imports recorded for the third week in a row. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of October 2018.)
Average weekly gasoline demand dropped 3.4% from the previous week to 8.877 million barrels (372.8 million gallons) daily. This is equivalent to 136.08 billion gallons annualized. Refiner/blender input of ethanol decreased 3.3% to 896,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.74 billion gallons annualized.
Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production increased to 12.04%.
RFA: US Ethanol Exports Surged 95%
U.S. ethanol exports surged from 89.9 million gallons in September to 175.4 million gallons in October, posting a 95% increase, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association.
Data showed Brazil bolstered imports of U.S. ethanol to 54.5 mg, up 49.1 mg, which represents 31% of U.S. export sales, while India purchased a record 29.1 mg or 17% of the total U.S. exports volume. On the other hand, Canada decreased its offtake by 12%, importing 30.7 mg or 18% of U.S. ethanol shipments in October.
According to RFA analysis, American producers shipped 91.4 mg of denatured fuel ethanol in October, a 35% increase and the highest volume on record. Despite a 7% decrease from the prior month, Canada retained a sizable lead as our top customer at 30.4 mg, or 31% of our export market for denatured product.
October exports of U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol were 79.7 mg, a more than 400% increase after dipping to 13.4 mg in September. Brazil accounted for more than half of the market, 41.5 mg or 52%, and India again took a record 24.6 mg for 31% of global sales of U.S. undenatured ethanol.
October sales of ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes backed off 54% from the prior month to 4.3 mg.
The United States imported 31.6 mg of undenatured ethanol from Brazil in October. This is the largest monthly volume to enter the United States in five years. Total year-to-date U.S. ethanol imports stand at 57.0 mg -- essentially all sourced from Brazil.
Responding to the Needs of Local Schools, USDA Publishes School Meals Final Rule
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today empowered local schools with additional options to serve healthy and appealing meals. A final rule on school meal flexibilities, to be published later this month in the Federal Register, increases local flexibility in implementing school nutrition standards for milk, whole grains, and sodium. Secretary Perdue said the final rule will deliver on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) promise, made in a May 2017 proclamation, to develop forward-thinking strategies that ensure school nutrition standards are both healthful and practical.
“USDA is committed to serving meals to kids that are both nutritious and satisfying,” said Perdue. “These common-sense flexibilities provide excellent customer service to our local school nutrition professionals, while giving children the world-class food service they deserve.”
The actions taken today will benefit nearly 99,000 schools and institutions that feed 30 million children annually through USDA’s school meal programs. This rule is part of USDA’s Regulatory Reform Agenda, developed in response to President Trump’s Executive Order to eliminate unnecessary regulatory burdens.
The Child Nutrition Programs: Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements final rule offers schools new options as they serve meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP) and other federal child nutrition programs. The rule:
- Provides the option to offer flavored, low-fat milk to children participating in school meal programs, and to participants ages six and older in the Special Milk Program for Children (SMP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP);
- Requires half of the weekly grains in the school lunch and breakfast menu be whole grain-rich;
- Provides more time to reduce sodium levels in school meals.
Perdue said schools have faced challenges serving meals that both are appetizing to students and meet the nutrition standards. “If kids are not eating what is being served, they are not benefiting, and food is being wasted,” said Perdue. “We all have the same goals in mind -- the health and development of our young people. USDA trusts our local operators to serve healthy meals that meet local preferences and build bright futures with good nutrition.”
“We will continue to listen to schools, and make common-sense changes as needed, to ensure they can meet the needs of their students based on their real-world experience in local communities,” said Perdue.
NMPF Applauds USDA Support for More Milk Options in School Meals
The National Milk Producers Federation commended Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for returning low-fat (1%) flavored milk as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. The final rule implementing regulatory changes needed to add low-fat flavored milk to more school menus and other nutrition programs serving children was announced today by the USDA and will be published later this month in the Federal Register.
“NMPF thanks Secretary Perdue for completing this step that will encourage milk consumption in schools,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the NMPF. “USDA’s own studies have shown that students drank less milk after low-fat chocolate milk was removed from schools. Returning low-fat flavored milk to school menus will help reverse this harmful trend. Milk has been an integral part of school meals since their beginning, and greater milk consumption equals better nutrition for America’s kids. The new rule is good news for schools, students and American dairy farmers.”
The final rule makes permanent the changes Secretary Purdue implemented last year to streamline the process by which schools can serve low-fat flavored milk. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture eliminated low-fat flavored milk as an option in school meal and a la carte programs, after which milk consumption in schools dropped. Students consumed 288 million fewer half-pints of milk from 2012-2015, even as public-school enrollments grew.
The USDA action will allow schools to offer low-fat flavored milk without requiring them to demonstrate either a reduction in student milk consumption or an increase in school milk waste, bureaucratic hoops that had limited their ability to offer low-fat flavored milk in the 2017/18 school year.
NMPF appreciates the bipartisan efforts of numerous members of Congress who advocated for this change, most notably Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) and Joe Courtney (D-CT).
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
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Wednesday December 5 Ag News
Three State Beef Conference Jan. 15-17, 2019
Area beef producers should make plans to attend the fifth annual Three-State Beef Conference Jan. 15, 16, and 17, 2019 with locations in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. The conference provides a forum of specialists from three of the United States’ leading beef cattle land-grant universities to discuss where one can reduce winter cow feed costs and improve management of those resources.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Reducing Cow Feed Costs Using Cropland.”
Participants will be able to engage in learning about opportunities to help lower the need for hay, the most common feed resource in winter cattle rations through alternative feed sources off cropland.
“Hay resources are in high demand and short supply this year, so discovering how to reduce winter feed costs highlights the need matched by this conference,” said Nebraska Extension Educator Kristen Ulmer. Ulmer will lead a conference session titled “Opportunities and management of corn residue for beef cattle.”
Additional topics and speakers for the conference include: "Using Annual Forages to meet late fall and early spring forage needs," Mary Drewnoski, beef systems specialist, Nebraska Extension; and "Silage as the primary winter feed for cows" Eric Bailey, beef nutrition specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
The same program will be delivered at each of the following locations:
JAN. 15: Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield, Iowa
JAN. 16: Andrew County Youth Building in Savannah, Missouri
JAN. 17: Otoe County Fair Center in Syracuse, Neb.
Registration will begin for each session at 5:30 p.m. with the program starting at 6 p.m.
The registration fee is $25 per person, and it includes a meal and copy of the conference proceedings. Preregistration is requested by Jan. 11, 2019 for meal-planning purposes.
To register for the Nebraska location, call Nebraska Extension in Otoe County at 402-269-2301 or email kristen.ulmer@unl.edu.
Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts Announce FIVE Youth Poster Contest Winners
The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) is excited to announce the state winners of the Natural Resources Districts (NRD) 2018 Poster Contest. The poster contest is connected to the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) yearly poster contest. It’s a fun way for students, K – 12 to use their imagination to design and draw a poster related to conserving our natural resources. This year, the poster contest theme used to inspire and teach our youth is “Watersheds: Our Water, Our Home.”
Congratulations to these five Nebraska student winners!
K - 1: Emma Lienemann from Dodge, NE – Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District
2 – 3: Luke Belina from Clarkson, NE – Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District
4 – 6: Naomi Busenitz from Nenzel, NE – Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District
7 – 9: Brooke Milam from Thedford, NE – Upper Loup Natural Resources District
10 – 12: Zoey Kreikemeier from West Point, NE – Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District
“This poster contest goes deeper than just kids drawing pretty pictures,” Erika Hill, public relations director of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts said. “It’s a way to get them thinking about what it truly means to conserve our natural resources and to learn about watersheds and other important parts of Nebraska’s resources. We hope they grow up with an interest in learning more and doing their part to continue creating a sustainable future for us all.”
Different grade levels are grouped together from Kindergarten through 12th grade. One local NRD winner is selected in every division. Each division is K-1; 2-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12. Those winners are sent to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts state competition. The state winners are then selected to compete at the national competition in Washington D.C. Next year’s 2019 poster contest theme is “Life in the Soil: DIG DEEPER.”
Typically, the NRDs send poster contest information out to area teachers who then introduce the poster contest to their classrooms and encourage their students to compete. If individual students want to participate outside of the classroom, you can submit them to your local natural resources district. All students, K – 12 are welcome to compete. Call Erika Hill at NARD at 402-471-7672 or email her at ehill@nrdnet.org to get signed up to participate next October.
Hormel Foods Finalizes Sale of Nebraska Processing Plant
Hormel Foods Corporation, Austin, Minn., announced it has completed the sale of its Fremont, Neb., processing facility to Wholestone Farms, LLC.
The transaction includes a processing facility and a multiyear agreement to supply pork raw materials to Hormel Foods.
The current Fremont plant management team and workforce will remain in place to ensure business continuity for all stakeholders.
The purchase price was $30 million in cash, subject to select inventory and administrative adjustments.
Hormel Foods is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 80 countries worldwide.
WholeStone Farms was established in 2017 to create and capture value in the pork supply chain. WholeStone Farms is owned by 220 members who are independent producers and farmers raising livestock and crops in the Upper Midwest. The members collectively farm nearly 400,000 acres of cropland, raise 12 million pigs a year, and share a vision to continue the legacy of family farming.
New ISU swine faculty member ready to apply industry research to work with Iowans
The newest swine faculty member at Iowa State University said she’s ready to combine her education and private industry research experiences to create a great experience for students and pork producers. Since her start date in early November, Laura Greiner has been refamiliarizing herself with Iowa State’s animal science department, faculty, staff and students, and is enthusiastic about this step in her career.
“I’m an Iowa State alum, receiving my undergraduate degree in animal science, and both my master’s and Ph.D. in animal nutrition under Dr. Tim Stahly,” she said. “After some post-doctoral work in microbiology at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, I went to work at Carthage Veterinary Clinic in Carthage, Illinois. I was director of research for 11 years, then nutrition director for two years.”
In her previous job, Greiner’s responsibilities were focused on research, with occasional swine farmer contacts and periodic teaching opportunities with U.S. and international interns and visitors. In her new position at Iowa State, she’ll build upon those experiences in developing and strengthening research, teaching and extension programs to benefit the pork industry.
“Having connections in the industry at all levels helps establish a research program by cultivating new ideas or addressing an issue together. Also, the network will allow me to connect students with others that may be able to talk to them or assist with an internship,” she explained. “Being connected to others brings the ability to share information and to learn what works and what needs work and to move the industry forward as one.”
Greiner describes the four main components of her Iowa State position.
“First, a major part of my responsibility will be focused on teaching undergraduates and aligning them with the swine industry. Second, I’ll also be working with swine producers in the State of Iowa to assist them with nutrition or other production questions they may have,” she said. “I will also have the ability to interact with the youth in the state to cultivate their passion for animals. And finally, I will be looking to conduct research that focuses on application of ideas into production programs with the focus being associated with sows and lactation.”
From growing up on a row crop/livestock family farm in central Illinois where she raised show pigs and was a 4-H member, through her educational and professional experiences, Greiner said she understands the agriculture industry and is ready to share her enthusiasm with colleagues, students and others.
“I’m excited to be back at Iowa State University and am looking forward to helping others in the swine industry. To me, a good day accomplished is one in which a producer will call or email me and let me know that their issue has been resolved,” she said. “Agriculture is such an important part of who I am, and I look forward to working with others who either share that passion or are curious to learn more about animals.”
Animal science department chair Dr. Don Beermann said Greiner’s career success and first-hand experiences make her well qualified to be an outstanding educator, researcher and extension leader at Iowa State.
“Dr. Greiner parlayed her undergraduate and graduate education at Iowa State into an outstanding career focused on practical swine production research and service to the industry,” Beermann said. “Her expertise in nutrition, immunology and best management practices will provide students the best informed, real-world understanding of current swine production systems.”
Iowa Pork Industry Center director and animal science associate professor Jason Ross echoed those comments.
“Laura comes with a significant amount of industry relationships and a credibility for conducting research that is relevant and applicable to the US pork producers,” he said. “That will strengthen both our research and extension efforts, and we’re excited that she’s part of our team.”
Dairy Webinar Asks If It's Time to Visit Your Lender
The I-29 Moo University is hosting a webinar Dec. 20 focused on preparing the information that lenders request. The "Improving Conversations with Your Lender" webinar will outline and explain the banking benchmarks and financial documents that lenders need to evaluate loans. The hour-long webinar is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and will include time at the end for questions.
In addition, the program will focus on improving enterprise expense breakdowns and identify available follow-up information.
Heather Gessner, extension livestock business management field specialist at South Dakota State University, will present the information. Gessner grew up on a diversified operation raising cattle and hogs, as well as corn, soybeans, oats and alfalfa. Since joining SDSU Extension in 2001, she has earned a national reputation providing farmers and ranchers with enterprise analysis, budget spreadsheets, marketing education and estate and transition planning, education and assistance.
There is no fee for the webinar, but an online registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/LenderConversationsI29MooU. Upon registration, a confirmation email containing information to join the meeting will be sent.
The I-29 Moo University is a consortium of extension dairy specialists from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Now in its 13th year, the consortium provides resources and education to enhance a sustainable dairy community along the I-29 corridor by focusing on best management practices, utilization of research-based expertise and resources, and ag-vocating the benefits of a vibrant dairy community.
For more information about this webinar or other I-29 Moo University programs contact Fred M. Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu.
Prices for Most Fertilizers Continue to Rise
With a couple of exceptions, retail prices for most fertilizers continued to rise the fourth week of November 2018, according to fertilizer sellers surveyed by DTN.
Six of the eight major fertilizers were slightly higher, but none had a significant price move compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $530 per ton, potash $369/ton, urea $409/ton, anhydrous $519/ton, UAN28 $246/ton and UAN32 $287/ton.
Two fertilizers were slightly lower from the previous month. DAP had an average price of $501/ton and 10-34-0 $457/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.44/lb.N, anhydrous $0.32/lb.N, UAN28 $0.44/lb.N and UAN32 $0.45/lb.N.
All eight of the major fertilizers are now higher compared to last year with prices shifting higher in recent months. UAN32 is 6% higher, potash is 8% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 13% higher, UAN28 is 14% more expensive, both DAP and MAP are 15% higher, urea is 20% more expensive and anhydrous is now 24% more expensive compared to last year.
Coalition Files Suit Against USDA on Factory Farms
A coalition of eight groups representing family farmers, sustainable agriculture advocates and concerned citizens throughout the country filed suit against the United States Department of Agriculture today. The suit aims to stop a USDA policy allowing industrial agriculture facilities to set up operations in communities without undergoing any review of their impact on local families or providing any notice of their planned operations to neighbors in the impacted areas.
The groups bringing the suit are Animal Legal Defense Fund, Association of Irritated Residents (Cal.), Citizens Action Coalition (Ind.), Dakota Rural Action (S.D.), Food & Water Watch, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, and White River Waterkeeper (Ark.)*
The USDA’s rule change, adopted in 2016 by its Farm Service Agency, grants exemptions from the usual process of notice, comment and oversight in cases where the government is providing taxpayer-subsidized loans to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) considered “medium-sized” by the USDA. Such facilities are authorized to hold nearly 125,000 chickens, 55,000 turkeys, 2,500 pigs, 1,000 beef cattle, or 700 dairy cows. By failing to review the financing for these facilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Trump Administration has helped cloak their planned operations in secrecy, preventing rural communities from obtaining information regarding the impact of these operations on local air and water quality. In so doing, the Administration promotes factory farms over family farms.
Today’s lawsuit alleges that both the rulemaking process, and the final rule now being implemented by the Trump Administration, violate NEPA and the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to provide adequate notice of the proposed rule change and refusing to clarify why medium-sized CAFOs should be provided this special treatment and automatically exempt. Between the rule’s implementation in August 2016 and December 2017, the government allowed 40 such operations in four Arkansas counties alone with no public comment or environmental assessment. During the same time frame, eight such operations in Iowa, housing nearly 20,000 pigs and generating as much untreated sewage as a town of 200,000 residents, were also allowed to escape any assessment or comment period.
“Responsible agricultural operations that are committed to being both good neighbors and good stewards of the communities in which they operate have nothing to fear from notice to the community and an assessment of their operations,” the coalition of groups in today’s lawsuit said. “This irresponsible change in the rules that have helped protect rural and small communities for decades is, instead, designed to protect polluters and undermine transparency. Small, family farms and their neighbors are disadvantaged while huge corporations are given a government green light to operate with impunity. That’s not only morally wrong; it’s clearly illegal, too. Though we represent a broad and diverse coalition of citizens and advocates from across the country, we are all alarmed at the impact of this change and share a common goal of ensuring USDA looks out for family farms and rural communities, and not just the interests of giant corporations.”
“Trump’s USDA has handed a gift to polluting factory farms in violation of federal law,” said Tarah Heinzen, staff attorney at Food & Water Watch. “Government agencies shouldn’t be handing taxpayer money to industrial agriculture operations without any public oversight, or any review into the considerable environmental impacts on the surrounding community.”
Come Hear Top Speakers at 24th Annual National Ethanol Conference
A former U.S. Senate Majority Leader. A top General Motors powertrain executive. A well-known energy economist. Co-hosts of a popular Showtime political documentary series. Come hear these and many other top speakers and experts at the 2019 National Ethanol Conference (NEC), which is now just a few months away. The NEC will be held in Orlando, Feb. 11-13, 2019.
The Renewable Fuels Association’s NEC is the ethanol industry’s most widely attended annual conference, drawing energy executives, agricultural leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders from around the globe. The full conference agenda has now been released, but here are highlights you don’t want to miss:
- RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper will open the 2019 conference with the annual State of the Industry report;
- Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Dan Nicholson, vice president of Propulsion Systems, General Motors, will discuss the need for high octane fuels and the pathway to get there;
- Noted petroleum expert Dr. Phillip Verleger will provide an outlook for the global liquid fuels market, which has been volatile and affected by geopolitical risks;
- Political pundits John Heilemann and Mark McKinnon, co-hosts of Showtime’s political documentary series “The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth,” will provide entertaining and engaging luncheon remarks about the current state of our political climate; and
- Home Service Oil Company Executive Vice President Bryan Goforth and Power Energy Corporation President Sam Odeh will speak on a panel about renewing retailer enthusiasm for ethanol blends.
At the 2018 NEC, about 1,000 industry leaders and professionals attended, representing 37 states, the District of Columbia, and 17 countries. The conference provides an unequaled opportunity to engage key decision makers and industry executives about the latest technologies and government policies affecting the industry today.
To register or for more information, visit www.nationalethanolconference.com.
Cage-free unit added to Mississippi State poultry department
A new poultry research facility at Mississippi State University is addressing the growing consumer and corporate demands for cage-free eggs.
To help address the need, Assistant Poultry Professor Pratima Adhikari is at the forefront of the issue, having led the vision for the newly constructed development that is part of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station at MSU. The facility gives university researchers and students opportunities to compare cage and cage-free egg production and quality, as well as bacterial diversity between these housing types.
“In just a few years, the bulk of the laying hen industry is likely going cage-free,” said Adhikari, who joined MSU in 2017. “We have to address questions that producers have about converting to cage-free production systems and bird health in a cage-free environment. Hen health will be the major issue while converting the production system to cage-free, and this should be addressed by implementing several management and feeding strategies in the facility.”
Currently, less than 16 percent of eggs are produced in a cage-free production environment. To meet demand, approximately 70 percent of the nation’s 320 million birds will need to be cage-free by 2025.
Mary Beck, head and professor in MSU’s Department of Poultry Science, said Adhikari is well positioned to contribute meaningful answers to questions poultry producers have about cage-free production systems.
“Dr. Adhikari brings a fresh, new perspective and innovative ideas to this important area of research for one of Mississippi’s most important agricultural commodities,” Beck said.
“I have wanted to build a cage-free facility since my arrival on campus, to better understand the differences in management between the cage and cage-free systems,” Adhikari said. “For instance, hens in the cage-free system have access to both indoor and outdoor facilities. I want to look at how that impacts management practices.”
Adhikari and graduate students plan to measure egg quality through different criteria, including weight, specific gravity (shell quantity compared to shell contents), shell thickness and weight, as well as the quality of the egg white, to see if there are significant differences based on housing type.
A total of 200 hens are divided between 12 new dual pens, with each about 12 by 5 feet inside and 24 by 5 feet outside with outdoor access. Current breeds housed are Hy-Line W-36 and Hy-Line Brown, and Adhikari said the brown ones are well-suited to cage-free systems, while the W-36 are better adapted to conventional cages with fewer cage-mates.
Another aspect of the new structure is the use of lighting, which is configured for hens to get 16 hours of light and eight hours of darkness to simulate what is found in a commercial setting. Each pen has nesting boxes on the wall, a perch, feeder and water line.
Daily, Adhikari’s graduate student and her two student workers record how many birds move from inside the building to the outside as a part of a behavior study. They also collect and count the eggs, and check the feeders.
“We plan on adjusting nutrition by supplementing these hens with different feed additives to see which additives produce a better egg quality,” Adhikari said.
Future plans include pullet cages for birds that have not reached laying age. Tampa Bay, Florida-based Alaso is supplying these cages, which will hold as many as 1,500 pullets and will be used for nutrition research trials. Also, Adhikari and other MSU scientists are collaborating with Mississippi-based Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the United States, on several studies.
The new structure adds to the current simulated commercial poultry laying house situated on the H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center, also known as South Farm, with hens in both conventional and enriched colony cages.
MSU’s Department of Poultry Science is one of only six degree-granting programs in the nation. Broilers is the largest Mississippi agricultural commodity with a value of $2.5 billion in production in 2017. For more information, visit www.poultry.msstate.edu.
MSU is the state’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Area beef producers should make plans to attend the fifth annual Three-State Beef Conference Jan. 15, 16, and 17, 2019 with locations in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. The conference provides a forum of specialists from three of the United States’ leading beef cattle land-grant universities to discuss where one can reduce winter cow feed costs and improve management of those resources.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Reducing Cow Feed Costs Using Cropland.”
Participants will be able to engage in learning about opportunities to help lower the need for hay, the most common feed resource in winter cattle rations through alternative feed sources off cropland.
“Hay resources are in high demand and short supply this year, so discovering how to reduce winter feed costs highlights the need matched by this conference,” said Nebraska Extension Educator Kristen Ulmer. Ulmer will lead a conference session titled “Opportunities and management of corn residue for beef cattle.”
Additional topics and speakers for the conference include: "Using Annual Forages to meet late fall and early spring forage needs," Mary Drewnoski, beef systems specialist, Nebraska Extension; and "Silage as the primary winter feed for cows" Eric Bailey, beef nutrition specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
The same program will be delivered at each of the following locations:
JAN. 15: Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield, Iowa
JAN. 16: Andrew County Youth Building in Savannah, Missouri
JAN. 17: Otoe County Fair Center in Syracuse, Neb.
Registration will begin for each session at 5:30 p.m. with the program starting at 6 p.m.
The registration fee is $25 per person, and it includes a meal and copy of the conference proceedings. Preregistration is requested by Jan. 11, 2019 for meal-planning purposes.
To register for the Nebraska location, call Nebraska Extension in Otoe County at 402-269-2301 or email kristen.ulmer@unl.edu.
Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts Announce FIVE Youth Poster Contest Winners
The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) is excited to announce the state winners of the Natural Resources Districts (NRD) 2018 Poster Contest. The poster contest is connected to the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) yearly poster contest. It’s a fun way for students, K – 12 to use their imagination to design and draw a poster related to conserving our natural resources. This year, the poster contest theme used to inspire and teach our youth is “Watersheds: Our Water, Our Home.”
Congratulations to these five Nebraska student winners!
K - 1: Emma Lienemann from Dodge, NE – Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District
2 – 3: Luke Belina from Clarkson, NE – Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District
4 – 6: Naomi Busenitz from Nenzel, NE – Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District
7 – 9: Brooke Milam from Thedford, NE – Upper Loup Natural Resources District
10 – 12: Zoey Kreikemeier from West Point, NE – Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District
“This poster contest goes deeper than just kids drawing pretty pictures,” Erika Hill, public relations director of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts said. “It’s a way to get them thinking about what it truly means to conserve our natural resources and to learn about watersheds and other important parts of Nebraska’s resources. We hope they grow up with an interest in learning more and doing their part to continue creating a sustainable future for us all.”
Different grade levels are grouped together from Kindergarten through 12th grade. One local NRD winner is selected in every division. Each division is K-1; 2-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12. Those winners are sent to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts state competition. The state winners are then selected to compete at the national competition in Washington D.C. Next year’s 2019 poster contest theme is “Life in the Soil: DIG DEEPER.”
Typically, the NRDs send poster contest information out to area teachers who then introduce the poster contest to their classrooms and encourage their students to compete. If individual students want to participate outside of the classroom, you can submit them to your local natural resources district. All students, K – 12 are welcome to compete. Call Erika Hill at NARD at 402-471-7672 or email her at ehill@nrdnet.org to get signed up to participate next October.
Hormel Foods Finalizes Sale of Nebraska Processing Plant
Hormel Foods Corporation, Austin, Minn., announced it has completed the sale of its Fremont, Neb., processing facility to Wholestone Farms, LLC.
The transaction includes a processing facility and a multiyear agreement to supply pork raw materials to Hormel Foods.
The current Fremont plant management team and workforce will remain in place to ensure business continuity for all stakeholders.
The purchase price was $30 million in cash, subject to select inventory and administrative adjustments.
Hormel Foods is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 80 countries worldwide.
WholeStone Farms was established in 2017 to create and capture value in the pork supply chain. WholeStone Farms is owned by 220 members who are independent producers and farmers raising livestock and crops in the Upper Midwest. The members collectively farm nearly 400,000 acres of cropland, raise 12 million pigs a year, and share a vision to continue the legacy of family farming.
New ISU swine faculty member ready to apply industry research to work with Iowans
The newest swine faculty member at Iowa State University said she’s ready to combine her education and private industry research experiences to create a great experience for students and pork producers. Since her start date in early November, Laura Greiner has been refamiliarizing herself with Iowa State’s animal science department, faculty, staff and students, and is enthusiastic about this step in her career.
“I’m an Iowa State alum, receiving my undergraduate degree in animal science, and both my master’s and Ph.D. in animal nutrition under Dr. Tim Stahly,” she said. “After some post-doctoral work in microbiology at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, I went to work at Carthage Veterinary Clinic in Carthage, Illinois. I was director of research for 11 years, then nutrition director for two years.”
In her previous job, Greiner’s responsibilities were focused on research, with occasional swine farmer contacts and periodic teaching opportunities with U.S. and international interns and visitors. In her new position at Iowa State, she’ll build upon those experiences in developing and strengthening research, teaching and extension programs to benefit the pork industry.
“Having connections in the industry at all levels helps establish a research program by cultivating new ideas or addressing an issue together. Also, the network will allow me to connect students with others that may be able to talk to them or assist with an internship,” she explained. “Being connected to others brings the ability to share information and to learn what works and what needs work and to move the industry forward as one.”
Greiner describes the four main components of her Iowa State position.
“First, a major part of my responsibility will be focused on teaching undergraduates and aligning them with the swine industry. Second, I’ll also be working with swine producers in the State of Iowa to assist them with nutrition or other production questions they may have,” she said. “I will also have the ability to interact with the youth in the state to cultivate their passion for animals. And finally, I will be looking to conduct research that focuses on application of ideas into production programs with the focus being associated with sows and lactation.”
From growing up on a row crop/livestock family farm in central Illinois where she raised show pigs and was a 4-H member, through her educational and professional experiences, Greiner said she understands the agriculture industry and is ready to share her enthusiasm with colleagues, students and others.
“I’m excited to be back at Iowa State University and am looking forward to helping others in the swine industry. To me, a good day accomplished is one in which a producer will call or email me and let me know that their issue has been resolved,” she said. “Agriculture is such an important part of who I am, and I look forward to working with others who either share that passion or are curious to learn more about animals.”
Animal science department chair Dr. Don Beermann said Greiner’s career success and first-hand experiences make her well qualified to be an outstanding educator, researcher and extension leader at Iowa State.
“Dr. Greiner parlayed her undergraduate and graduate education at Iowa State into an outstanding career focused on practical swine production research and service to the industry,” Beermann said. “Her expertise in nutrition, immunology and best management practices will provide students the best informed, real-world understanding of current swine production systems.”
Iowa Pork Industry Center director and animal science associate professor Jason Ross echoed those comments.
“Laura comes with a significant amount of industry relationships and a credibility for conducting research that is relevant and applicable to the US pork producers,” he said. “That will strengthen both our research and extension efforts, and we’re excited that she’s part of our team.”
Dairy Webinar Asks If It's Time to Visit Your Lender
The I-29 Moo University is hosting a webinar Dec. 20 focused on preparing the information that lenders request. The "Improving Conversations with Your Lender" webinar will outline and explain the banking benchmarks and financial documents that lenders need to evaluate loans. The hour-long webinar is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and will include time at the end for questions.
In addition, the program will focus on improving enterprise expense breakdowns and identify available follow-up information.
Heather Gessner, extension livestock business management field specialist at South Dakota State University, will present the information. Gessner grew up on a diversified operation raising cattle and hogs, as well as corn, soybeans, oats and alfalfa. Since joining SDSU Extension in 2001, she has earned a national reputation providing farmers and ranchers with enterprise analysis, budget spreadsheets, marketing education and estate and transition planning, education and assistance.
There is no fee for the webinar, but an online registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/LenderConversationsI29MooU. Upon registration, a confirmation email containing information to join the meeting will be sent.
The I-29 Moo University is a consortium of extension dairy specialists from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Now in its 13th year, the consortium provides resources and education to enhance a sustainable dairy community along the I-29 corridor by focusing on best management practices, utilization of research-based expertise and resources, and ag-vocating the benefits of a vibrant dairy community.
For more information about this webinar or other I-29 Moo University programs contact Fred M. Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu.
Prices for Most Fertilizers Continue to Rise
With a couple of exceptions, retail prices for most fertilizers continued to rise the fourth week of November 2018, according to fertilizer sellers surveyed by DTN.
Six of the eight major fertilizers were slightly higher, but none had a significant price move compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $530 per ton, potash $369/ton, urea $409/ton, anhydrous $519/ton, UAN28 $246/ton and UAN32 $287/ton.
Two fertilizers were slightly lower from the previous month. DAP had an average price of $501/ton and 10-34-0 $457/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.44/lb.N, anhydrous $0.32/lb.N, UAN28 $0.44/lb.N and UAN32 $0.45/lb.N.
All eight of the major fertilizers are now higher compared to last year with prices shifting higher in recent months. UAN32 is 6% higher, potash is 8% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 13% higher, UAN28 is 14% more expensive, both DAP and MAP are 15% higher, urea is 20% more expensive and anhydrous is now 24% more expensive compared to last year.
Coalition Files Suit Against USDA on Factory Farms
A coalition of eight groups representing family farmers, sustainable agriculture advocates and concerned citizens throughout the country filed suit against the United States Department of Agriculture today. The suit aims to stop a USDA policy allowing industrial agriculture facilities to set up operations in communities without undergoing any review of their impact on local families or providing any notice of their planned operations to neighbors in the impacted areas.
The groups bringing the suit are Animal Legal Defense Fund, Association of Irritated Residents (Cal.), Citizens Action Coalition (Ind.), Dakota Rural Action (S.D.), Food & Water Watch, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, and White River Waterkeeper (Ark.)*
The USDA’s rule change, adopted in 2016 by its Farm Service Agency, grants exemptions from the usual process of notice, comment and oversight in cases where the government is providing taxpayer-subsidized loans to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) considered “medium-sized” by the USDA. Such facilities are authorized to hold nearly 125,000 chickens, 55,000 turkeys, 2,500 pigs, 1,000 beef cattle, or 700 dairy cows. By failing to review the financing for these facilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Trump Administration has helped cloak their planned operations in secrecy, preventing rural communities from obtaining information regarding the impact of these operations on local air and water quality. In so doing, the Administration promotes factory farms over family farms.
Today’s lawsuit alleges that both the rulemaking process, and the final rule now being implemented by the Trump Administration, violate NEPA and the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to provide adequate notice of the proposed rule change and refusing to clarify why medium-sized CAFOs should be provided this special treatment and automatically exempt. Between the rule’s implementation in August 2016 and December 2017, the government allowed 40 such operations in four Arkansas counties alone with no public comment or environmental assessment. During the same time frame, eight such operations in Iowa, housing nearly 20,000 pigs and generating as much untreated sewage as a town of 200,000 residents, were also allowed to escape any assessment or comment period.
“Responsible agricultural operations that are committed to being both good neighbors and good stewards of the communities in which they operate have nothing to fear from notice to the community and an assessment of their operations,” the coalition of groups in today’s lawsuit said. “This irresponsible change in the rules that have helped protect rural and small communities for decades is, instead, designed to protect polluters and undermine transparency. Small, family farms and their neighbors are disadvantaged while huge corporations are given a government green light to operate with impunity. That’s not only morally wrong; it’s clearly illegal, too. Though we represent a broad and diverse coalition of citizens and advocates from across the country, we are all alarmed at the impact of this change and share a common goal of ensuring USDA looks out for family farms and rural communities, and not just the interests of giant corporations.”
“Trump’s USDA has handed a gift to polluting factory farms in violation of federal law,” said Tarah Heinzen, staff attorney at Food & Water Watch. “Government agencies shouldn’t be handing taxpayer money to industrial agriculture operations without any public oversight, or any review into the considerable environmental impacts on the surrounding community.”
Come Hear Top Speakers at 24th Annual National Ethanol Conference
A former U.S. Senate Majority Leader. A top General Motors powertrain executive. A well-known energy economist. Co-hosts of a popular Showtime political documentary series. Come hear these and many other top speakers and experts at the 2019 National Ethanol Conference (NEC), which is now just a few months away. The NEC will be held in Orlando, Feb. 11-13, 2019.
The Renewable Fuels Association’s NEC is the ethanol industry’s most widely attended annual conference, drawing energy executives, agricultural leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders from around the globe. The full conference agenda has now been released, but here are highlights you don’t want to miss:
- RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper will open the 2019 conference with the annual State of the Industry report;
- Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Dan Nicholson, vice president of Propulsion Systems, General Motors, will discuss the need for high octane fuels and the pathway to get there;
- Noted petroleum expert Dr. Phillip Verleger will provide an outlook for the global liquid fuels market, which has been volatile and affected by geopolitical risks;
- Political pundits John Heilemann and Mark McKinnon, co-hosts of Showtime’s political documentary series “The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth,” will provide entertaining and engaging luncheon remarks about the current state of our political climate; and
- Home Service Oil Company Executive Vice President Bryan Goforth and Power Energy Corporation President Sam Odeh will speak on a panel about renewing retailer enthusiasm for ethanol blends.
At the 2018 NEC, about 1,000 industry leaders and professionals attended, representing 37 states, the District of Columbia, and 17 countries. The conference provides an unequaled opportunity to engage key decision makers and industry executives about the latest technologies and government policies affecting the industry today.
To register or for more information, visit www.nationalethanolconference.com.
Cage-free unit added to Mississippi State poultry department
A new poultry research facility at Mississippi State University is addressing the growing consumer and corporate demands for cage-free eggs.
To help address the need, Assistant Poultry Professor Pratima Adhikari is at the forefront of the issue, having led the vision for the newly constructed development that is part of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station at MSU. The facility gives university researchers and students opportunities to compare cage and cage-free egg production and quality, as well as bacterial diversity between these housing types.
“In just a few years, the bulk of the laying hen industry is likely going cage-free,” said Adhikari, who joined MSU in 2017. “We have to address questions that producers have about converting to cage-free production systems and bird health in a cage-free environment. Hen health will be the major issue while converting the production system to cage-free, and this should be addressed by implementing several management and feeding strategies in the facility.”
Currently, less than 16 percent of eggs are produced in a cage-free production environment. To meet demand, approximately 70 percent of the nation’s 320 million birds will need to be cage-free by 2025.
Mary Beck, head and professor in MSU’s Department of Poultry Science, said Adhikari is well positioned to contribute meaningful answers to questions poultry producers have about cage-free production systems.
“Dr. Adhikari brings a fresh, new perspective and innovative ideas to this important area of research for one of Mississippi’s most important agricultural commodities,” Beck said.
“I have wanted to build a cage-free facility since my arrival on campus, to better understand the differences in management between the cage and cage-free systems,” Adhikari said. “For instance, hens in the cage-free system have access to both indoor and outdoor facilities. I want to look at how that impacts management practices.”
Adhikari and graduate students plan to measure egg quality through different criteria, including weight, specific gravity (shell quantity compared to shell contents), shell thickness and weight, as well as the quality of the egg white, to see if there are significant differences based on housing type.
A total of 200 hens are divided between 12 new dual pens, with each about 12 by 5 feet inside and 24 by 5 feet outside with outdoor access. Current breeds housed are Hy-Line W-36 and Hy-Line Brown, and Adhikari said the brown ones are well-suited to cage-free systems, while the W-36 are better adapted to conventional cages with fewer cage-mates.
Another aspect of the new structure is the use of lighting, which is configured for hens to get 16 hours of light and eight hours of darkness to simulate what is found in a commercial setting. Each pen has nesting boxes on the wall, a perch, feeder and water line.
Daily, Adhikari’s graduate student and her two student workers record how many birds move from inside the building to the outside as a part of a behavior study. They also collect and count the eggs, and check the feeders.
“We plan on adjusting nutrition by supplementing these hens with different feed additives to see which additives produce a better egg quality,” Adhikari said.
Future plans include pullet cages for birds that have not reached laying age. Tampa Bay, Florida-based Alaso is supplying these cages, which will hold as many as 1,500 pullets and will be used for nutrition research trials. Also, Adhikari and other MSU scientists are collaborating with Mississippi-based Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the United States, on several studies.
The new structure adds to the current simulated commercial poultry laying house situated on the H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center, also known as South Farm, with hens in both conventional and enriched colony cages.
MSU’s Department of Poultry Science is one of only six degree-granting programs in the nation. Broilers is the largest Mississippi agricultural commodity with a value of $2.5 billion in production in 2017. For more information, visit www.poultry.msstate.edu.
MSU is the state’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Tuesday December 4 Ag News
Ryan and Amy Musgrave Take Home Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award
Ryan and Amy Musgrave of Ong were named the recipients of the 2018 Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The award was given Dec. 4, at the Membership Recognition luncheon during the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 101st Annual Convention held Dec. 2-4 in Kearney, Nebraska.
Ryan and Amy Musgrave, of Clay County Farm Bureau, were recognized for their ongoing involvement and commitment to agriculture. Candidates for the award are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic, service, and community organizations.
Ryan enlisted in the Navy after high school, served four years, and went on two deployments. After the Navy, he received a diploma in welding. He has an 11-year old son, Dax, who is happy to be on the farm as he is involved with 4-H. Having another generation on their farm is important to the couple. Amy attended Oklahoma State and studied animal science and agricultural communications, earning a bachelor’s degree with a double major and a minor in agricultural economics. She went on to get her master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri. Aside from their full-time positions, they raise Angus and Simmental cattle, club lambs, and Boer goats.
Ryan works for a diversified grain and livestock operation and delivers wet distillers grains to various cattle operations in the Hastings area. Amy works as a statistician, assisting in the estimation and production of various United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports and works part-time at a local veterinary clinic as an office assistant.
“It is important to tell our agriculture story to anyone and everyone who will listen. I have been an Ag Pen Pal the last two years and we use our social media presence to highlight the treatment our animals receive. As a USDA employee, I can put out timely and accurate statistics to keep farmers and ranchers better informed of the current state of agriculture and markets. With our involvement in the local county fair with Ryan’s son, Dax, we are helping the next generation of farmers and ranchers get and stay involved in agriculture,” Amy said.
The Musgraves are involved in their Clay County Farm Bureau with Amy serving as president and Ryan as a board member. Within the next five years, their goals include being members of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, participating in the organizations Leadership Academy, making Clay County’s membership quota, and Ryan hopes to get on the Clay County Fair Board.
Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for the Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award. As Nebraska winners, the Musgraves will receive $500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2019 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana in January to compete in the contest at the national level.
Jason Perdue, Takes Home Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet Competition
York County Farm Bureau member, Jason Perdue of York is the winner of the 2018 Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet competition. The award was announced Dec. 4, at the “We Love Our Members” luncheon during the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 101st Annual Convention held Dec. 2-4 in Kearney.
Perdue received the top score of the contestants who advanced to the final round of the Discussion Meet contest. Rather than debating, contestants work to develop a solution to a problem being discussed, building on each other’s contributions. Competitors in the annual contest must be prepared to speak on several current agriculture-related topics; the selected question is announced a short time prior to the contest round. Perdue works for a family owned ag retail company that distributes crop protection products. He also raises corn and soybeans, has a small cattle herd, and is a contract poultry farmer. He serves as the York County Farm Bureau president and represents the At-Large position on the YF&R committee.
Perdue competed with three other contestants, Chris Niemann, Eleanor Aufdenkamp, and Brady Revels. Chris Niemann, is a fourth-generation farmer who grows corn, soybeans, and raises beef cattle on his family farm in Butler County near Dwight and serves on the Butler County Farm Bureau board. Eleanor Aufdenkamp is a second-year student at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NTCA) in Curtis, majoring in Agriculture Education. Her goals include becoming a high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. Aufdenkamp is heavily involved in her Collegiate Farm Bureau, livestock judging team, Collegiate Cattlemen, and NCTA Women in Ag. Brady Revels of Omaha is a Douglas County Farm Bureau board member and represents the Southeast Region on the YF&R Committee. He grew up on a family farm in Florida but relocated to Nebraska when his job as a sales representative for an animal health company moved him to Omaha. He helps coach several area FFA judging teams and volunteers with the Nebraska State Dairy Contest.
Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 can participate in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet competition. As a Nebraska winner, Perdue will receive $500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana in January to compete in the contest at the national level. For more information, visit www.nefb.org/yfr.
Boyd County Farm Bureau Couple Take Home NEFB’s Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award
Kyle and Tiffany Lechtenberg of Boyd County Farm Bureau were honored as Nebraska Farm Bureau's 2018 Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement in Agriculture Award winners at the Nebraska Farm Bureau 101st Annual Convention Tuesday, Dec. 4 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.
Farm Bureau members 18 to 35 years of age apply for the award. The Lechtenbergs were selected on the basis of performance in farm or ranch management, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles, and service to the community and Farm Bureau.
The Lechtenberg farm is near Butte, where Kyle grew up. They have diversified their farm, raising row crops, alfalfa, cattle, and managing a trucking business. Tiffany grew up with an agriculture background in Broken Bow as her family owns and operates Arrow Seed Company. Kyle earned two degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in agricultural economics and animal science. Tiffany earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and now works as a registered nurse in O’Neill. The couple married in 2009.
The main profit center of the Lechtenberg’s Farm, which has been named NorthView Family Farms, LLC, is a commercial alfalfa operation where they provide a custom hay brokering, harvesting, and hay hauling business. Having diversity in the operation allows the Lechtenbergs to purchase and/or produce additional commodities to sell at premium rates.
Kyle started farming and ranching in 2002, when he started a cow herd with his brother. In 2003, two additional brothers and his parents joined all their cattle assets together and named it Lechtenberg Cattle Company. In college, he then began working at a hay company, named Eagle Alfalfa. The owner asked Kyle if he would be interested in buying his commercial alfalfa business, and in 2008 Kyle purchased the Eagle Alfalfa company and merged it with Lechtenberg Cattle Company. At this point the only remaining partners in the company were Kyle and his parents, with Tiffany joining the business partnership after their marriage. Then in 2012, they rebranded their farm and renamed it NorthView Family Farms, LLC.
“Renaming the company has allowed us to pursue other diverse enterprise opportunities. Since the rebranding and setting a clear vision for our future, our farm has expanded to employ five full-time, and two to four seasonal employees along with multiple independent contractors,” Kyle said.
Setting marketing goals is important to the success of NorthView Family Farms, LLC. They recently launched a website to add value to both customers and land owners alike. They have an active Facebook page and send out monthly newsletters, customer letters, and pride themselves in building strong customer relationships.
“We are always planning for the future in our operation and are excited to find new ways to serve those in our community. We work diligently to find new opportunities, analyze those options, and plan for future growth and improvements. There’s no better feeling than knowing the work we are doing literally puts food on the table for both us as produces and for consumers all over the world,” Tiffany said.
The Lechtenbergs balance busy schedules with farm life, volunteer activities, and with Nebraska Farm Bureau. The Lechtenbergs have four children, Joycin, twins Addison and Austin and their youngest son Jackson. Both Kyle and Tiffany serve as the North Central representatives on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and they both serve on the Boyd County Farm Bureau board of directors. Tiffany is cofounder of a MOMS group at the Butte Community Bible Church. As winners of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award, the Lechtenbergs will receive a $500 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to the 2019 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana in January, where they will compete in the national contest.
Ricketts Announces Sherman County as Newest Nebraska Livestock Friendly County
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts designated Sherman County as Nebraska’s newest Livestock Friendly County (LFC). Sherman County, located in central Nebraska, is the 49th county in the state to apply for, meet the requirements, and receive the LFC designation. The Livestock Friendly County program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).
“By requesting and receiving the state’s Livestock Friendly County designation, Sherman County is building an environment that encourages livestock growth and keeps Nebraska’s agriculture industry strong,” said Governor Ricketts. “Sherman County’s LFC designation shows consumers and businesses around the world that the state is focused on agriculture and open to business.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sherman County had more than $114 million in agriculture receipts for the year 2012. Livestock sales accounted for $36 million, or 32 percent of the total value, with cattle and calf production as the largest livestock segment in the county. Crop production accounted for $78 million, or 68 percent of the total value. Major crops raised in Sherman County include corn, soybeans, and forages/hay.
“Sherman County is home to more than 400 farms and many other businesses with direct ties to agriculture,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “With the LFC designation, the people of Sherman County are making a strong statement of support for the livestock industry and all the benefits and growth that come with responsible livestock production.”
More than half of the counties in Nebraska have been designated Livestock Friendly. The complete list is on NDA’s website at: www.nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/livestock_friendly/.
Seminar Addresses Multigenerational Farm Transitions
Transitioning a farm from one generation to the next is a complicated matter. Not only should business and financial issues be considered, but potentially difficult conversations about when a transition should be made and the direction of the farm must take place.
The Returning to the Farm Seminar, offered by the Beginning Farmer Center through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is designed to help farmers start these conversations. The seminar will be held on Jan. 10-11 and Feb. 8-9, 2019 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. The four-day seminar provides an opportunity for families to begin developing a succession plan.
ISU Extension and Outreach’s Beginning Farmer Center works to help multigenerational farms understand what needs to be discussed and considered as a transition approaches.
“During the 24-year history of this seminar, attendees share two common themes,” said Dave Baker, director of the Beginning Farmer Center at Iowa State. “They are more prepared to actually start the conversation regarding transitioning the family farm and they are equipped with a progressive, seven-step system to use to prepare and put the transition in place.”
The seminar will cover topics including conflict resolution, goal setting, business analysis, estate planning, farm planning and farm management. It provides multigenerational farm families an opportunity to discuss how to live and work together as the farm business is passed from one generation to the next.
ISU Extension and Outreach specialists, as well as other industry experts, will present throughout the seminar.
Cost for the seminar is $450 for up to four participants. Each additional participant is $50. The registration fee is for all four days of the seminar and includes lunch each day and a Farm Savvy binder filled with worksheets, exercises and additional management resources. Part one of the seminar will be held Jan. 10-11 and the second part will take place Feb. 8-9.
Credit hours for ISU students
Iowa State students can earn up to two credit hours for attending the seminar with their family. There is no additional academic cost to students currently carrying a class load of 12 credits. Students and their family must attend all four days of the seminar and complete a business plan paper to receive credit.
CHS Reports Fiscal 2018 Net Income of $776 Million
CHS Inc.,the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, today reported net income of $775.9 million for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2018.
"Our fiscal 2018 results show the progress we are making on the priorities we set for CHS," said Jay Debertin, CHS president and chief executive officer. "Our year-over-year financial performance shows good improvement, our balance sheet is solid, and our relationships with cooperative owners are strong. The diverse CHS business platform allowed us to deliver improved earnings and enables us to return $150 million in cash patronage and equity redemptions to owners even as we navigated challenging market conditions."
Key financial highlights for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2018, include:
- Net income of $775.9 million, an increase of $704 million from the previous fiscal year.
- Consolidated revenues of $32.7 billion, a $646 million increase from the previous fiscal year.
- Pretax income of $671.2 million, an increase of $781 million from fiscal 2017.
- Energy gains driven by higher refinery margins and favorable crude oil discounts.
- Disposal of assets resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $234.9 million and a pretax gain of approximately $131.8 million. The cash proceeds were used to optimize debt levels.
- A tax benefit through revaluation of the company's U.S. net deferred tax liability as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017.
"As we move into fiscal 2019, we continue to build on the momentum and strong performance we started in fiscal 2018. This includes evolving and growing our core businesses in a changing marketplace and capitalizing on the value of this diverse organization to make CHS our owners' and customers' first choice," said Debertin. "We are focused on serving those who grow food to feed the world."
In October, CHS filed an 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announcing that it would restate its audited consolidated financial results for fiscal years 2015, 2016, 2017 and its unaudited consolidated financial results for the first three quarters of 2017 and 2018. The restatement was necessary to correct material misstatements related to valuation and accounting for certain rail freight contracts. The misstatements were discovered as a result of an investigation the company conducted through external counsel and under the oversight of the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors. Appropriate personnel actions were taken, based on the investigation's findings. All overstated non-cash values have been written off and appropriately reflected in the company's restated financial results. Additional information can be found in the form 10-K filed with the SEC.
Fiscal 2018 Segment Results: The following segments results have been reported for fiscal 2018:
ENERGY
The $391.0 million increase in Energy pretax earnings over fiscal 2017 reflects:
- Improved market conditions in the refined fuels business due to higher refinery margins and favorable crude oil discounts, which drove higher pretax earnings. These benefits were partially offset by planned maintenance activities at the company's Laurel, Montana, refinery.
- Gains of $65.9 million associated with the sale of the Council Bluffs pipeline and terminal and 34 Zip Trip stores located in the Pacific Northwest.
- An impairment charge of $32.7 million recorded during fiscal 2017 related to the cancellation of a capital project, which did not recur in fiscal 2018.
AG
The $344.4 million increase in Ag pretax earnings over fiscal 2017 reflects:
- Lower demand and uncertainties primarily associated with international trade, which resulted in decreased margins across multiple businesses in the Ag segment. These were partially offset by increased margins within the company's processing and food ingredients business.
- Significant reserve and impairment charges recorded in fiscal 2017 that did not recur in fiscal 2018, the most significant of which related to the bankruptcy-like proceedings of a Brazilian trading partner.
- Impairments of $26.3 million related to international investments that CHS has exited or is in the process of exiting.
NITROGEN PRODUCTION
The $9.0 million increase in Nitrogen Production pretax earnings versus fiscal 2017 reflects:
- Higher pretax income attributed to increased sale prices of urea and UAN, which are produced and sold by CF Nitrogen.
- A gain of $30.5 million in fiscal 2017 associated with an embedded derivative asset inherent in the agreement relating to CHS investment in CF Nitrogen. The gain was solely responsible for the income in Nitrogen Production in fiscal 2017, and there was no comparable gain in fiscal 2018.
The $36.9 million increase in Corporate and Other pretax earnings reflects:
A gain of $58.2 million related to the sale of CHS Insurance, which was partially offset by lower earnings from the company's investments in Ventura Foods, LLC and Ardent Mills, LLC and CHS Capital and CHS Insurance (as a result of its sale).
RFA Releases Updated Brochure Allowing Consumers to Track Latest Flex Fuel Models
More than 24 million vehicles on U.S. roads today are flex fuel vehicles (FFV), capable of running on fuel blends containing up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). Can your vehicle use a cleaner, higher octane flex fuel? The Renewable Fuels Association has updated its annual FFV brochure to help consumers find out. The brochure compiles the FFV models available in the current model year (MY2019), as well as previous years going back as far as MY1998.
According to the brochure, for MY2019, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury led the pack with 12 FFV models available, followed by General Motors with 11 FFV models available and FCA (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep) with five models. Additionally, automakers Mercedes-Benz offers two, while Nissan and Toyota each offer one. All of the data used in the brochure was collected directly from the automakers.
https://ethanolrfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/RFAConsumerChart_2019.pdf
“There are now approximately 4,500 retail stations throughout the country that offer E85 or other ethanol flex fuel blends, at least 500 more than last year and growing every week,” said RFA Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White. “This new brochure will help educate consumers about FFV availability, putting them in the driver’s seat when it comes to fuel choice. E85 is a cleaner, higher octane fuel and more consumers are gaining access to the fuel every year,” he added.
Consumers can locate E85 stations to fuel their FFVs at E85prices.com, and also view what pricing experiences other users have reported.
EPA, USDA Encourage Use of Market-based and Other Collaborative Approaches to Address Excess Nutrients
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a letter to state and tribal co-regulators that encourages increased engagement and a reinvigoration of state, tribal and federal efforts to reduce excess nutrients in waterways, with a focus on market-based and other collaborative approaches.
“Thanks to the hard work of states, tribes and stakeholders, the EPA and the USDA have made significant progress reducing excess nutrients in some watersheds. Now is the time to build on that success and leverage the market-based approaches that we know can lead to meaningful results across the country,” said David P. Ross, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water.
The EPA and the USDA are committed to working with states, tribes and stakeholders to identify watersheds and basins where market-based approaches can supplement traditional regulatory programs to promote meaningful reductions in excess nutrients and improved water quality. This could include providing technical and financial support and participating in problem solving at the local level to explore approaches including water quality credit trading, public-private partnerships, pay-for success, supply chain programs, and more.
“Voluntary conservation works,” said Bill Northey, Under Secretary for USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area. “Across the country, farmers are leading the way toward improved water quality by taking steps to decrease sedimentation and nutrient runoff from agricultural lands. But we know more can be done, and continue to look for partners to pursue innovative, market-based, and voluntary approaches that lead to cleaner water and a healthier agricultural sector.”
This renewed effort is part of a larger inter-Agency collaboration to better coordinate and focus federal resources on some of the nation’s most challenging water resource concerns, including addressing excess nutrients in waterways.
Soil Health Partnership Expands New Program to Grow Network and Data
Just in time for World Soil Day on December 5, the Soil Health Partnership announced it is expanding a pilot project to give more farmers access to the soil health network.
As the organization launches phase 2 of its pilot Associate Program, it will invite 75 farmers to enroll in 2019. This will enable more farmers to join SHP in its mission of using science and data to support farmers in adopting agricultural practices that improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the farm.
The economic component of soil health has taken on an increasing level of urgency during a difficult farm economy, said Shefali Mehta, executive director of the Soil Health Partnership.
“We’ve seen increasing demand from farmers who would like to join our network,” Mehta said. “Expanding the pilot phase of our Associate Program provides a great number of farmers with access to a scientific platform to evaluate soil health as part of a comprehensive management strategy.”
Joining the Associate Program during the pilot phase will give farmers access to no-cost soil health sampling and results. The program will provide data insights and reports on how making a change, like growing cover crops, impacts their soil.
“I strongly believe sustainability has to apply to farm economics, as well as the environment, and we’re seeing that economic need become increasingly critical,” Mehta said.
After enrolling 25 farms in the pilot program in 2018, phase 2 will bring the number of associate sites to 100. The SHP plans a full-scale launch of the Associate Program for 2020, when even more farmers can join.
A less-intensive version of the SHP’s 115 Full Partner sites enrolled in the long-term data project, Associate Program farmers will commit to a 2-year project enrollment. Yearly soil health testing will measure key metrics. Enrolled farmers will choose between the following three treatment options:
- Cover crop vs. no cover crop
- Tillage vs. less intrusive tillage, or no-till
- Nutrient management (comparison of different nutrient sources)
The program will also help SHP include more cropping systems and geographies, as well as strengthen the breadth and depth of data, Mehta said.
Farmers interested in learning more can visit the Soil Health Partnership website. https://www.soilhealthpartnership.org/
USDA Dairy Products October 2018 Production Highlights
Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.12 billion pounds, 3.0 percent above October 2017 and 6.1 percent above September 2018. Italian type cheese production totaled 471 million pounds, 3.5 percent above October 2017 and 4.4 percent above September 2018. American type cheese production totaled 433 million pounds, 0.7 percent above October 2017 and 3.9 percent above September 2018. Butter production was 144 million pounds, 0.3 percent below October 2017 but 7.0 percent above September 2018.
Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with October 2017)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 125 million pounds, down 13.6 percent.
Skim milk powder - 37.5 million pounds, up 44.5 percent.
Whey products (comparisons in percentage with October 2017)
Dry whey, total - 87.2 million pounds, up 8.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 85.4 million pounds, down 8.3 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 41.1 million pounds, up 0.9 percent.
Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with October 2017)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 60.5 million gallons, up 6.9 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 32.2 million gallons, down 6.7 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.85 million gallons, up 12.2 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.86 million gallons, down 7.1 percent.
General Session at Commodity Classic Promises to Inspire and Inform
The General Session at Commodity Classic is one of the most highly-rated experiences during the three-day farmer-driven event—and the 2019 version promises to be as well.
The 2019 Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, February 28 through Saturday, March 2 in Orlando, Fla.
Keynote speaker for Friday’s General Session will be Christine Cashen, known worldwide for her ability to entertain and energize audiences. Cashen will deliver a fast-paced, hilarious program on handling conflict and reducing stress—as well as tips on life, love, work and happiness.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has also been invited to speak.
The session will also include the nation’s commodity association leaders who will discuss the hottest issues facing the nation’s corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum producers. Additionally, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers will provide an update on their industry.
“The General Session is where the true spirit of Commodity Classic comes through,” said Wade Cowan, a Texas soybean farmer and co-chair of the 2019 Commodity Classic. “There is a strong sense of common purpose with a combination of inspiration, information and insight. You’re sure to leave the General Session with a smile on your face and your spirits soaring!”
Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. Commodity Classic is unlike any other agriculture event, featuring a robust schedule of educational sessions, a huge trade show featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.
Registration and housing for the 2019 Commodity Classic are now open. To register, reserve hotel rooms and sign up for email updates, visit CommodityClassic.com. Early bird discounts on registration end January 10, 2019.
Ryan and Amy Musgrave of Ong were named the recipients of the 2018 Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The award was given Dec. 4, at the Membership Recognition luncheon during the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 101st Annual Convention held Dec. 2-4 in Kearney, Nebraska.
Ryan and Amy Musgrave, of Clay County Farm Bureau, were recognized for their ongoing involvement and commitment to agriculture. Candidates for the award are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic, service, and community organizations.
Ryan enlisted in the Navy after high school, served four years, and went on two deployments. After the Navy, he received a diploma in welding. He has an 11-year old son, Dax, who is happy to be on the farm as he is involved with 4-H. Having another generation on their farm is important to the couple. Amy attended Oklahoma State and studied animal science and agricultural communications, earning a bachelor’s degree with a double major and a minor in agricultural economics. She went on to get her master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri. Aside from their full-time positions, they raise Angus and Simmental cattle, club lambs, and Boer goats.
Ryan works for a diversified grain and livestock operation and delivers wet distillers grains to various cattle operations in the Hastings area. Amy works as a statistician, assisting in the estimation and production of various United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports and works part-time at a local veterinary clinic as an office assistant.
“It is important to tell our agriculture story to anyone and everyone who will listen. I have been an Ag Pen Pal the last two years and we use our social media presence to highlight the treatment our animals receive. As a USDA employee, I can put out timely and accurate statistics to keep farmers and ranchers better informed of the current state of agriculture and markets. With our involvement in the local county fair with Ryan’s son, Dax, we are helping the next generation of farmers and ranchers get and stay involved in agriculture,” Amy said.
The Musgraves are involved in their Clay County Farm Bureau with Amy serving as president and Ryan as a board member. Within the next five years, their goals include being members of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, participating in the organizations Leadership Academy, making Clay County’s membership quota, and Ryan hopes to get on the Clay County Fair Board.
Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for the Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award. As Nebraska winners, the Musgraves will receive $500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2019 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana in January to compete in the contest at the national level.
Jason Perdue, Takes Home Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet Competition
York County Farm Bureau member, Jason Perdue of York is the winner of the 2018 Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet competition. The award was announced Dec. 4, at the “We Love Our Members” luncheon during the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 101st Annual Convention held Dec. 2-4 in Kearney.
Perdue received the top score of the contestants who advanced to the final round of the Discussion Meet contest. Rather than debating, contestants work to develop a solution to a problem being discussed, building on each other’s contributions. Competitors in the annual contest must be prepared to speak on several current agriculture-related topics; the selected question is announced a short time prior to the contest round. Perdue works for a family owned ag retail company that distributes crop protection products. He also raises corn and soybeans, has a small cattle herd, and is a contract poultry farmer. He serves as the York County Farm Bureau president and represents the At-Large position on the YF&R committee.
Perdue competed with three other contestants, Chris Niemann, Eleanor Aufdenkamp, and Brady Revels. Chris Niemann, is a fourth-generation farmer who grows corn, soybeans, and raises beef cattle on his family farm in Butler County near Dwight and serves on the Butler County Farm Bureau board. Eleanor Aufdenkamp is a second-year student at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NTCA) in Curtis, majoring in Agriculture Education. Her goals include becoming a high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. Aufdenkamp is heavily involved in her Collegiate Farm Bureau, livestock judging team, Collegiate Cattlemen, and NCTA Women in Ag. Brady Revels of Omaha is a Douglas County Farm Bureau board member and represents the Southeast Region on the YF&R Committee. He grew up on a family farm in Florida but relocated to Nebraska when his job as a sales representative for an animal health company moved him to Omaha. He helps coach several area FFA judging teams and volunteers with the Nebraska State Dairy Contest.
Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 can participate in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet competition. As a Nebraska winner, Perdue will receive $500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana in January to compete in the contest at the national level. For more information, visit www.nefb.org/yfr.
Boyd County Farm Bureau Couple Take Home NEFB’s Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award
Kyle and Tiffany Lechtenberg of Boyd County Farm Bureau were honored as Nebraska Farm Bureau's 2018 Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement in Agriculture Award winners at the Nebraska Farm Bureau 101st Annual Convention Tuesday, Dec. 4 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.
Farm Bureau members 18 to 35 years of age apply for the award. The Lechtenbergs were selected on the basis of performance in farm or ranch management, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles, and service to the community and Farm Bureau.
The Lechtenberg farm is near Butte, where Kyle grew up. They have diversified their farm, raising row crops, alfalfa, cattle, and managing a trucking business. Tiffany grew up with an agriculture background in Broken Bow as her family owns and operates Arrow Seed Company. Kyle earned two degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in agricultural economics and animal science. Tiffany earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and now works as a registered nurse in O’Neill. The couple married in 2009.
The main profit center of the Lechtenberg’s Farm, which has been named NorthView Family Farms, LLC, is a commercial alfalfa operation where they provide a custom hay brokering, harvesting, and hay hauling business. Having diversity in the operation allows the Lechtenbergs to purchase and/or produce additional commodities to sell at premium rates.
Kyle started farming and ranching in 2002, when he started a cow herd with his brother. In 2003, two additional brothers and his parents joined all their cattle assets together and named it Lechtenberg Cattle Company. In college, he then began working at a hay company, named Eagle Alfalfa. The owner asked Kyle if he would be interested in buying his commercial alfalfa business, and in 2008 Kyle purchased the Eagle Alfalfa company and merged it with Lechtenberg Cattle Company. At this point the only remaining partners in the company were Kyle and his parents, with Tiffany joining the business partnership after their marriage. Then in 2012, they rebranded their farm and renamed it NorthView Family Farms, LLC.
“Renaming the company has allowed us to pursue other diverse enterprise opportunities. Since the rebranding and setting a clear vision for our future, our farm has expanded to employ five full-time, and two to four seasonal employees along with multiple independent contractors,” Kyle said.
Setting marketing goals is important to the success of NorthView Family Farms, LLC. They recently launched a website to add value to both customers and land owners alike. They have an active Facebook page and send out monthly newsletters, customer letters, and pride themselves in building strong customer relationships.
“We are always planning for the future in our operation and are excited to find new ways to serve those in our community. We work diligently to find new opportunities, analyze those options, and plan for future growth and improvements. There’s no better feeling than knowing the work we are doing literally puts food on the table for both us as produces and for consumers all over the world,” Tiffany said.
The Lechtenbergs balance busy schedules with farm life, volunteer activities, and with Nebraska Farm Bureau. The Lechtenbergs have four children, Joycin, twins Addison and Austin and their youngest son Jackson. Both Kyle and Tiffany serve as the North Central representatives on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and they both serve on the Boyd County Farm Bureau board of directors. Tiffany is cofounder of a MOMS group at the Butte Community Bible Church. As winners of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award, the Lechtenbergs will receive a $500 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to the 2019 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana in January, where they will compete in the national contest.
Ricketts Announces Sherman County as Newest Nebraska Livestock Friendly County
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts designated Sherman County as Nebraska’s newest Livestock Friendly County (LFC). Sherman County, located in central Nebraska, is the 49th county in the state to apply for, meet the requirements, and receive the LFC designation. The Livestock Friendly County program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).
“By requesting and receiving the state’s Livestock Friendly County designation, Sherman County is building an environment that encourages livestock growth and keeps Nebraska’s agriculture industry strong,” said Governor Ricketts. “Sherman County’s LFC designation shows consumers and businesses around the world that the state is focused on agriculture and open to business.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sherman County had more than $114 million in agriculture receipts for the year 2012. Livestock sales accounted for $36 million, or 32 percent of the total value, with cattle and calf production as the largest livestock segment in the county. Crop production accounted for $78 million, or 68 percent of the total value. Major crops raised in Sherman County include corn, soybeans, and forages/hay.
“Sherman County is home to more than 400 farms and many other businesses with direct ties to agriculture,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “With the LFC designation, the people of Sherman County are making a strong statement of support for the livestock industry and all the benefits and growth that come with responsible livestock production.”
More than half of the counties in Nebraska have been designated Livestock Friendly. The complete list is on NDA’s website at: www.nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/livestock_friendly/.
Seminar Addresses Multigenerational Farm Transitions
Transitioning a farm from one generation to the next is a complicated matter. Not only should business and financial issues be considered, but potentially difficult conversations about when a transition should be made and the direction of the farm must take place.
The Returning to the Farm Seminar, offered by the Beginning Farmer Center through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is designed to help farmers start these conversations. The seminar will be held on Jan. 10-11 and Feb. 8-9, 2019 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. The four-day seminar provides an opportunity for families to begin developing a succession plan.
ISU Extension and Outreach’s Beginning Farmer Center works to help multigenerational farms understand what needs to be discussed and considered as a transition approaches.
“During the 24-year history of this seminar, attendees share two common themes,” said Dave Baker, director of the Beginning Farmer Center at Iowa State. “They are more prepared to actually start the conversation regarding transitioning the family farm and they are equipped with a progressive, seven-step system to use to prepare and put the transition in place.”
The seminar will cover topics including conflict resolution, goal setting, business analysis, estate planning, farm planning and farm management. It provides multigenerational farm families an opportunity to discuss how to live and work together as the farm business is passed from one generation to the next.
ISU Extension and Outreach specialists, as well as other industry experts, will present throughout the seminar.
Cost for the seminar is $450 for up to four participants. Each additional participant is $50. The registration fee is for all four days of the seminar and includes lunch each day and a Farm Savvy binder filled with worksheets, exercises and additional management resources. Part one of the seminar will be held Jan. 10-11 and the second part will take place Feb. 8-9.
Credit hours for ISU students
Iowa State students can earn up to two credit hours for attending the seminar with their family. There is no additional academic cost to students currently carrying a class load of 12 credits. Students and their family must attend all four days of the seminar and complete a business plan paper to receive credit.
CHS Reports Fiscal 2018 Net Income of $776 Million
CHS Inc.,the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, today reported net income of $775.9 million for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2018.
"Our fiscal 2018 results show the progress we are making on the priorities we set for CHS," said Jay Debertin, CHS president and chief executive officer. "Our year-over-year financial performance shows good improvement, our balance sheet is solid, and our relationships with cooperative owners are strong. The diverse CHS business platform allowed us to deliver improved earnings and enables us to return $150 million in cash patronage and equity redemptions to owners even as we navigated challenging market conditions."
Key financial highlights for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2018, include:
- Net income of $775.9 million, an increase of $704 million from the previous fiscal year.
- Consolidated revenues of $32.7 billion, a $646 million increase from the previous fiscal year.
- Pretax income of $671.2 million, an increase of $781 million from fiscal 2017.
- Energy gains driven by higher refinery margins and favorable crude oil discounts.
- Disposal of assets resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $234.9 million and a pretax gain of approximately $131.8 million. The cash proceeds were used to optimize debt levels.
- A tax benefit through revaluation of the company's U.S. net deferred tax liability as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017.
"As we move into fiscal 2019, we continue to build on the momentum and strong performance we started in fiscal 2018. This includes evolving and growing our core businesses in a changing marketplace and capitalizing on the value of this diverse organization to make CHS our owners' and customers' first choice," said Debertin. "We are focused on serving those who grow food to feed the world."
In October, CHS filed an 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announcing that it would restate its audited consolidated financial results for fiscal years 2015, 2016, 2017 and its unaudited consolidated financial results for the first three quarters of 2017 and 2018. The restatement was necessary to correct material misstatements related to valuation and accounting for certain rail freight contracts. The misstatements were discovered as a result of an investigation the company conducted through external counsel and under the oversight of the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors. Appropriate personnel actions were taken, based on the investigation's findings. All overstated non-cash values have been written off and appropriately reflected in the company's restated financial results. Additional information can be found in the form 10-K filed with the SEC.
Fiscal 2018 Segment Results: The following segments results have been reported for fiscal 2018:
ENERGY
The $391.0 million increase in Energy pretax earnings over fiscal 2017 reflects:
- Improved market conditions in the refined fuels business due to higher refinery margins and favorable crude oil discounts, which drove higher pretax earnings. These benefits were partially offset by planned maintenance activities at the company's Laurel, Montana, refinery.
- Gains of $65.9 million associated with the sale of the Council Bluffs pipeline and terminal and 34 Zip Trip stores located in the Pacific Northwest.
- An impairment charge of $32.7 million recorded during fiscal 2017 related to the cancellation of a capital project, which did not recur in fiscal 2018.
AG
The $344.4 million increase in Ag pretax earnings over fiscal 2017 reflects:
- Lower demand and uncertainties primarily associated with international trade, which resulted in decreased margins across multiple businesses in the Ag segment. These were partially offset by increased margins within the company's processing and food ingredients business.
- Significant reserve and impairment charges recorded in fiscal 2017 that did not recur in fiscal 2018, the most significant of which related to the bankruptcy-like proceedings of a Brazilian trading partner.
- Impairments of $26.3 million related to international investments that CHS has exited or is in the process of exiting.
NITROGEN PRODUCTION
The $9.0 million increase in Nitrogen Production pretax earnings versus fiscal 2017 reflects:
- Higher pretax income attributed to increased sale prices of urea and UAN, which are produced and sold by CF Nitrogen.
- A gain of $30.5 million in fiscal 2017 associated with an embedded derivative asset inherent in the agreement relating to CHS investment in CF Nitrogen. The gain was solely responsible for the income in Nitrogen Production in fiscal 2017, and there was no comparable gain in fiscal 2018.
The $36.9 million increase in Corporate and Other pretax earnings reflects:
A gain of $58.2 million related to the sale of CHS Insurance, which was partially offset by lower earnings from the company's investments in Ventura Foods, LLC and Ardent Mills, LLC and CHS Capital and CHS Insurance (as a result of its sale).
RFA Releases Updated Brochure Allowing Consumers to Track Latest Flex Fuel Models
More than 24 million vehicles on U.S. roads today are flex fuel vehicles (FFV), capable of running on fuel blends containing up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). Can your vehicle use a cleaner, higher octane flex fuel? The Renewable Fuels Association has updated its annual FFV brochure to help consumers find out. The brochure compiles the FFV models available in the current model year (MY2019), as well as previous years going back as far as MY1998.
According to the brochure, for MY2019, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury led the pack with 12 FFV models available, followed by General Motors with 11 FFV models available and FCA (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep) with five models. Additionally, automakers Mercedes-Benz offers two, while Nissan and Toyota each offer one. All of the data used in the brochure was collected directly from the automakers.
https://ethanolrfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/RFAConsumerChart_2019.pdf
“There are now approximately 4,500 retail stations throughout the country that offer E85 or other ethanol flex fuel blends, at least 500 more than last year and growing every week,” said RFA Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White. “This new brochure will help educate consumers about FFV availability, putting them in the driver’s seat when it comes to fuel choice. E85 is a cleaner, higher octane fuel and more consumers are gaining access to the fuel every year,” he added.
Consumers can locate E85 stations to fuel their FFVs at E85prices.com, and also view what pricing experiences other users have reported.
EPA, USDA Encourage Use of Market-based and Other Collaborative Approaches to Address Excess Nutrients
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a letter to state and tribal co-regulators that encourages increased engagement and a reinvigoration of state, tribal and federal efforts to reduce excess nutrients in waterways, with a focus on market-based and other collaborative approaches.
“Thanks to the hard work of states, tribes and stakeholders, the EPA and the USDA have made significant progress reducing excess nutrients in some watersheds. Now is the time to build on that success and leverage the market-based approaches that we know can lead to meaningful results across the country,” said David P. Ross, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water.
The EPA and the USDA are committed to working with states, tribes and stakeholders to identify watersheds and basins where market-based approaches can supplement traditional regulatory programs to promote meaningful reductions in excess nutrients and improved water quality. This could include providing technical and financial support and participating in problem solving at the local level to explore approaches including water quality credit trading, public-private partnerships, pay-for success, supply chain programs, and more.
“Voluntary conservation works,” said Bill Northey, Under Secretary for USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area. “Across the country, farmers are leading the way toward improved water quality by taking steps to decrease sedimentation and nutrient runoff from agricultural lands. But we know more can be done, and continue to look for partners to pursue innovative, market-based, and voluntary approaches that lead to cleaner water and a healthier agricultural sector.”
This renewed effort is part of a larger inter-Agency collaboration to better coordinate and focus federal resources on some of the nation’s most challenging water resource concerns, including addressing excess nutrients in waterways.
Soil Health Partnership Expands New Program to Grow Network and Data
Just in time for World Soil Day on December 5, the Soil Health Partnership announced it is expanding a pilot project to give more farmers access to the soil health network.
As the organization launches phase 2 of its pilot Associate Program, it will invite 75 farmers to enroll in 2019. This will enable more farmers to join SHP in its mission of using science and data to support farmers in adopting agricultural practices that improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the farm.
The economic component of soil health has taken on an increasing level of urgency during a difficult farm economy, said Shefali Mehta, executive director of the Soil Health Partnership.
“We’ve seen increasing demand from farmers who would like to join our network,” Mehta said. “Expanding the pilot phase of our Associate Program provides a great number of farmers with access to a scientific platform to evaluate soil health as part of a comprehensive management strategy.”
Joining the Associate Program during the pilot phase will give farmers access to no-cost soil health sampling and results. The program will provide data insights and reports on how making a change, like growing cover crops, impacts their soil.
“I strongly believe sustainability has to apply to farm economics, as well as the environment, and we’re seeing that economic need become increasingly critical,” Mehta said.
After enrolling 25 farms in the pilot program in 2018, phase 2 will bring the number of associate sites to 100. The SHP plans a full-scale launch of the Associate Program for 2020, when even more farmers can join.
A less-intensive version of the SHP’s 115 Full Partner sites enrolled in the long-term data project, Associate Program farmers will commit to a 2-year project enrollment. Yearly soil health testing will measure key metrics. Enrolled farmers will choose between the following three treatment options:
- Cover crop vs. no cover crop
- Tillage vs. less intrusive tillage, or no-till
- Nutrient management (comparison of different nutrient sources)
The program will also help SHP include more cropping systems and geographies, as well as strengthen the breadth and depth of data, Mehta said.
Farmers interested in learning more can visit the Soil Health Partnership website. https://www.soilhealthpartnership.org/
USDA Dairy Products October 2018 Production Highlights
Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.12 billion pounds, 3.0 percent above October 2017 and 6.1 percent above September 2018. Italian type cheese production totaled 471 million pounds, 3.5 percent above October 2017 and 4.4 percent above September 2018. American type cheese production totaled 433 million pounds, 0.7 percent above October 2017 and 3.9 percent above September 2018. Butter production was 144 million pounds, 0.3 percent below October 2017 but 7.0 percent above September 2018.
Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with October 2017)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 125 million pounds, down 13.6 percent.
Skim milk powder - 37.5 million pounds, up 44.5 percent.
Whey products (comparisons in percentage with October 2017)
Dry whey, total - 87.2 million pounds, up 8.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 85.4 million pounds, down 8.3 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 41.1 million pounds, up 0.9 percent.
Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with October 2017)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 60.5 million gallons, up 6.9 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 32.2 million gallons, down 6.7 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.85 million gallons, up 12.2 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.86 million gallons, down 7.1 percent.
General Session at Commodity Classic Promises to Inspire and Inform
The General Session at Commodity Classic is one of the most highly-rated experiences during the three-day farmer-driven event—and the 2019 version promises to be as well.
The 2019 Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, February 28 through Saturday, March 2 in Orlando, Fla.
Keynote speaker for Friday’s General Session will be Christine Cashen, known worldwide for her ability to entertain and energize audiences. Cashen will deliver a fast-paced, hilarious program on handling conflict and reducing stress—as well as tips on life, love, work and happiness.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has also been invited to speak.
The session will also include the nation’s commodity association leaders who will discuss the hottest issues facing the nation’s corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum producers. Additionally, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers will provide an update on their industry.
“The General Session is where the true spirit of Commodity Classic comes through,” said Wade Cowan, a Texas soybean farmer and co-chair of the 2019 Commodity Classic. “There is a strong sense of common purpose with a combination of inspiration, information and insight. You’re sure to leave the General Session with a smile on your face and your spirits soaring!”
Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. Commodity Classic is unlike any other agriculture event, featuring a robust schedule of educational sessions, a huge trade show featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.
Registration and housing for the 2019 Commodity Classic are now open. To register, reserve hotel rooms and sign up for email updates, visit CommodityClassic.com. Early bird discounts on registration end January 10, 2019.
Monday, December 3, 2018
Monday December 3 Ag News
Report Finds $1 Billion Hit to Nebraska from Retaliatory Tariffs, Farm Bureau Offers Path Forward on Trade
A new report from the Nebraska Farm Bureau shows retaliatory tariffs imposed by U.S. trading partners in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs have cut Nebraska farm level revenue between $700 million and $1 billion dollars in 2018. The report also shows the retaliatory tariffs have cost the state of Nebraska between $164 million and $242 million in lost labor income, in addition to the loss of 4,100 to 6,000 Nebraska jobs. In addition to identifying financial losses, the report “A Path Forward on Trade – Retaliatory Tariffs and Nebraska Agriculture,” also offers specific actions to eliminate retaliatory tariffs and secure long-term access for agriculture and other U.S. products into international markets.
“International trade is critical to agriculture. In most years the value of agriculture exports will equal roughly 30 percent of the total agriculture commodity receipts or sales for the state of Nebraska. Retaliatory tariffs make our U.S. products more expensive for international customers, meaning they buy less or buy from someplace else. This report provides a clear picture of how much we’ve lost due to those tariffs and the need to improve our trade relations,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.
The economic analysis in the report specifically examines the impacts of retaliatory tariffs on corn, soybeans, and hogs to the Nebraska economy. Beef is absent from the analysis as the major customers for U.S. beef like South Korea and Japan have not been subject to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs and therefore have not implemented retaliatory tariffs.
“Fortunately for Nebraska, U.S. beef exports are actually projected to exceed $8 billion in 2018, a record high. The continued strong demand for our beef helps mitigate the losses in other commodities,” said Jay Rempe, Nebraska Farm Bureau senior economist and co-author of the report.
Using June 1, 2018 cash prices at Hastings, Nebraska, the analysis found retaliatory tariffs dampened corn prices by 14 to 21 cents per bushel and soybean prices by 95 cents to $1.54 per bushel. Similarly, the analysis found Nebraska pork price reductions in the range of $17.81 to $18.80 per head due to the tariffs.
“The total loss in Nebraska farm revenues due to the retaliatory tariffs ranges from $695 million to $1.026 billion so far in 2018,” said Rempe. “That’s roughly 11 to 16 percent of the export values of Nebraska agriculture goods in 2017.”
In terms of the broader Nebraska economy, the analysis further shows that when direct farm losses are combined with the state’s labor income losses, the total economic loss to the state of Nebraska from retaliatory tariffs climbs between $859 million and $1.2 billion.
“To put a $1.2 billion loss into perspective, every person in the state of Nebraska would need to contribute $632 to cover that volume of lost dollars. That’s a significant hit to our state’s economy,” said Rempe.
The report also recommends specific actions to eliminate retaliatory tariffs and improve market access for agriculture and other U.S. goods. Those actions include:
Securing Congressional Approval and Finalization of the U.S., Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Elimination of U.S. Imposed Steel and Aluminum Tariffs.
Swift Action to Secure a Free Trade Agreement with Japan.
U.S. Inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) or Securing Bi-lateral Trade Agreements with CPTPP Nations.
Securing a Trade Agreement with the European Union.
Use of a Multi-National Approach with U.S. Trade Partners to Address China.
“These actions define a path forward in remedying the losses we’ve seen from the retaliatory tariffs imposed by our trading partners, but also present an opportunity to improve trade relations with our closest allies,” said Jordan Dux, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s director of national affairs and co-author of the report.
According to the report, finalization of the USMCA presents an opportunity to continue productive relations with the two largest consumers of Nebraska agricultural goods in Canada and Mexico. It also suggests the elimination of U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs will present an opportunity for the U.S. to get the most out of the USMCA agreement while opening the door for more positive trade relations with the European Union.
“Japan presents a major opportunity for Nebraska beef. However, because the U.S. is not a part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Nebraska beef producers stand to lose as part of that agreement has Japan lowering beef tariffs for CPTPP partner countries, like Canada. Nebraska beef producers will be at a major disadvantage in paying higher tariffs than our competitors unless the U.S. joins or secures similar bi-lateral agreements with these CPTPP member countries,” said Dux.
The report also suggests the collective actions open the door for a multi-lateral approach for the U.S. and its trading partners to push China on trade negotiations.
“By building a coalition with China’s neighbors and largest customers, the U.S. creates a path forward in trying to change China’s behavior when it comes to theft of intellectual property and failure of China to meet World Trade Organization rules and standards. China remains a major market for U.S. goods, especially soybeans. We need to hold China accountable and by using a multi-national approach improves our chances in moving China in the right direction,” said Dux.
NEFB: Progress Being Made on Property Taxes; Resolving Trade Issues Key to Agriculture’s Future
In his annual address at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson told more than 350 farmers and ranchers from across the state that progress is being made in efforts to address the state’s overreliance on property taxes, a situation that has led to Nebraska being one of the highest property tax states in the nation. In his remarks, Nelson also highlighted the importance of the United States resolving trade disputes that have limited market access for Nebraska agriculture commodities into international markets, which are critical to the future of agriculture.
“Making significant change to state tax policy is like turning an aircraft carrier. It takes time. It’s large, It’s cumbersome. It doesn’t turn on a dime. But we are turning the corner on property taxes. This issue is no longer headed in the wrong direction. It’s headed in the right direction,” said Nelson, Dec. 3.
Nelson told attendees that more and more state senators have heard from their constituents and understand the need and importance of fixing the property tax issue.
“There was a time, not too long ago, when I would testify at the Capitol or talk to senators about the problem of property taxes being used to fund the responsibilities of the state. It was obvious they didn’t understand the issue and showed little interest doing something about it. If you walk into the Capitol today, you would be hard pressed to find many senators who would say property taxes aren’t a major issue for their constituents,” said Nelson. “Much of that change has to do with the collective efforts of our members and organization to make those concerns known.”
According to Nelson, partnerships with other interests will be needed to secure the votes necessary to advance a property tax relief measure in the Legislature in the upcoming legislative session.
“We are working closely with the other agriculture groups in the state. We are working closely with our rural and urban senators. We are working closely with all those who can help us lower our state’s property tax burden. Nebraska Farm Bureau remains laser focused on resolving this issue,” said Nelson.
Nelson also pointed to Nebraska Farm Bureau’s work to promote trade at the national and international level as being key to the future for Nebraska agriculture.
“We must continue to push for greater market access and market opportunities for the crops and livestock we produce here in Nebraska. Nearly 96 percent of the world’s population resides outside the U.S. These are people whose incomes are rising and their desire and appetite for American and Nebraska produced farm goods is growing,” said Nelson. “For Nebraska agriculture to be successful we must develop new markets, lower trade barriers, encourage beneficial trade agreements, and capitalize new opportunities by building trust and being engaged in the markets that matter.”
Nelson noted that few things create more uncertainty and downward price pressure in agriculture, than trade disruptions.
“The retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. imposed steel and aluminum tariffs have made it difficult for many in agriculture over the past year. While there are certainly positives in the new deal recently signed between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and the deal to protect our interests in South Korea, it’s critical we continue to push forward with more trade agreements with our key partners, including the European Union and Japan; a nation whose appetite for Nebraska beef and Nebraska agriculture products only continues to grow,” said Nelson.
Nelson also pointed out that negotiation, not tariffs, provide the best path toward solving trade issues.
“There are plenty of competitors in the global market looking to displace American agriculture. Lost markets are difficult to recover. It can take years to do so; if it can be done at all,” said Nelson.
Nelson specifically spoke to the need to address trade issues with China, a country that has been the largest customer for U.S. soybeans and the third largest trading partner for Nebraska agriculture commodities and goods, in addition to the need for the U.S. to engage in improved trade relations with countries engaged in the new Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
“Clearly, issues with China must be addressed. Getting trade deals done with the European Union, Japan, and others, is the best way to apply more pressure to China and give us more leverage in negotiations,” said Nelson. “Furthermore, President Trump’s promise in pulling the U.S. out of Trans-Pacific Partnership was that we would get bilateral deals done with those potential customers. That must happen to ensure there is a bright future and opportunity for Nebraska farm and ranch families.”
Livestock and Crop Protection Clinic
Nebraska Extension Boone County will be hosting a Livestock and Crop Protection Clinic Monday, December 10, 2018, 9 a.m. – noon at the Casey’s Building, Boone County Fairgrounds, Albion.
Topics covered will include: Agronomy Pest and Disease updates, grazing cornstalks, nutrient requirements, alternative protein sources and energy sources.
The clinic is open to the public. Please register at 402-395-2158 by December 7th. Coffee and donuts will be provided.
NBC December Board meeting
The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Director's will meet at the Nebraska Beef Council office at 1319 Central Ave., Kearney, NE. on December 17, 2018 beginning at 11:00 a.m. CST. The NBC Board of Directors will review evaluations for FY-2017-2018 authorizations request. For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org.
REMOVE NET WRAP AND TWINE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Is twine or net wrap good feed? Obviously not, but it can cause health problems if animals eat too much of it.
Feeding hay is work. To lighten the work load feeding hay, we often take short cuts and leave some twine or net wrap on the bales. And whether we want them to or not, animals eat some of that twine.
A few years ago I shared with you information about the potential for twine to accumulate in the rumen of cattle and cause obstruction. Recent research at North Dakota State University has confirmed this risk and provided further information on what happens to twine when cattle eat it.
In a series of experiments, the North Dakota research first showed that neither plastic net wrap nor biodegradable twine get digested by rumen microbes. The old fashioned sisal twine, however, does get digested, although quite a bit more slowly than hay.
In another study net wrap was included in the ration fed to steers for an extended period of time. Then, 14 days before the steers were harvested the net wrap was removed from the feed to learn if the net wrap eaten earlier might get cleared out of the rumen and digestive system. Turns out it was still in the rumen even after 14 days.
So what should you do? First, remember that it doesn’t appear to be a health concern very often. And cows obviously are more at risk than feedlot animals. So, it might be wise to remove as much twine, especially plastic twine, as can be removed easily from bales before feeding. Twine in ground hay may be less of a problem since more of it is likely to pass completely through the animal.
Think about how shortcuts and work-reducing actions you take this winter might affect your animals. Then act accordingly.
Beef Conference Looks at Using Cropland to Reduce Feed Costs
Beef cattle producers and others in the beef industry who attend the Three-State Beef Conference will receive updates on current cow-calf and stocker topics from Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri extension beef specialists.
Erika Lundy, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said the program is designed to meet current needs of producers. The conference will be held on Jan. 15, 16 and 17, 2019.
“The 2019 conference will focus on reducing cow winter feed costs through optimizing the use of cropland," Lundy said. "Topics this year are especially timely considering the 2018 weather challenges, which limited opportunities for producers to harvest high-quality feedstuffs.”
Featured presenters are Dr. Mary Drewnoski and Kristen Ulmer, both from University of Nebraska—Lincoln and Dr. Eric Bailey from University of Missouri.
Drewnoski, beef systems specialist at UNL, will open the program with, “Filling in the gaps: using annual forages to meet late fall and early spring forage needs.” Following the evening meal, UNL extension beef systems educator Ulmer will speak on “Opportunities and management of corn residue for beef cattle.” Bailey, state beef nutritionist at MU will round out the program with his presentation, “Silage as the primary winter feed for beef cows.”
The conference is a traveling program, offered at three locations on different dates. At each site, registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program will start at 6 p.m. The registration fee is $25 per person and includes a meal and copy of the presentations. Preregistrations are appreciated by Friday, Jan. 11, to help with meal planning.
The Iowa location is the first session on Tuesday, Jan. 15 in Greenfield at the Warren Cultural Center, 154 Public Square. To register for this session, contact Kathy Rohrig at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office – Adair County at 641-743-8412 or krohrig@iastate.edu.
The Wednesday, Jan. 16 session is in Savannah, Missouri at 411 Court. The Nebraska session is Thursday, Jan. 17 at 620 1st Street, Syracuse, Neb.
The conference brochure has agenda information and a registration form... http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/events/3Statebrochure2019.pdf.
USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 513 million bushels in October 2018. Total corn consumption was up 3 percent from September 2018 but down 2 percent from October 2017. October 2018 usage included 92.0 percent for alcohol and 8.0 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.29 million bushels, up 17 percent from September 2018 and up 11 percent from October 2017. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 462 million bushels, was up 4 percent from September 2018 but down 2 percent from October 2017. Corn consumed in October 2018 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.6 percent and 9.4 percent respectively.
Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.98 million tons during October 2018, up 3 percent from September 2018 and up 1 percent from October 2017. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.35 million tons in October 2018, up 4 percent from September 2018 and up 1 percent from October 2017.
Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 282,713 tons during October 2018, down 4 percent from September 2018 and down 20 percent from October 2017. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 245,681 tons in October 2018, up 7 percent from September 2018 but down 19 percent from October 2017.
Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.49 million tons (183 million bushels) in October 2018, compared with 5.08 million tons (169 million bushels) in September 2018 and 5.28 million tons (176 million bushels) in October 2017. Crude oil produced was 2.13 billion pounds up 10 percent from September 2018 and up 6 percent from October 2017. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.57 billion pounds during October 2018 increased 7 percent from September 2018 but decreased 2 percent from October 2017.
Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 175,960 tons in October 2018, compared with 178,162 tons in September 2018 and 184,463 tons in October 2017. Canola crude oil produced was 146 million pounds down 4 percent from September 2018 and down 6 percent from October 2017. Canola once refined oil production at 132 million pounds during October 2018 was down 18 percent from September 2018 and down 9 percent from October 2017.
Cottonseed once refined oil production at 47.9 million pounds during October 2018 was up 11 percent from September 2018 but down 10 percent from October 2017.
Edible tallow production was 82.3 million pounds during October 2018, up 7 percent from September 2018 and up 13 percent from October 2017. Inedible tallow production was 320 million pounds during October 2018, down 3 percent from September 2018 but up 17 percent from October 2017. Technical tallow production was 111 million pounds during October 2018, up 2 percent from September 2018 and up 7 percent from October 2017. Choice white grease production at 105 million pounds during October 2018 increased 1 percent from September 2018 but decreased 4 percent from October 2017.
USMEF Statement on Developments at G-20 Summit
At the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed and the White House announced that the U.S. and China will enter negotiations on several key trade issues, including agricultural trade.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
USMEF supports the Trump administration’s efforts to finalize the USMCA and to continue seeking resolution of the metal tariffs dispute with Mexico and Canada, which resulted in retaliatory duties on U.S. pork and beef. U.S. meat exports have also become entangled in trade disputes with China, so it is encouraging to see the U.S. and China return to the negotiating table. Global demand for U.S. red meat is very strong, but exports cannot reach their full potential until the retaliatory duties imposed by Mexico, China and Canada are removed.
Buyers Show Strong Enthusiasm for U.S. Lamb’s Return to Japan
On Nov. 28, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) launched U.S. lamb’s return to the Japanese market with an educational seminar and tasting event that drew more than 200 chefs, importers, purveyors, trade media and other key food industry professionals to The Strings hotel in Tokyo.
Following the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States in December 2003, Japan was closed to U.S. lamb for nearly 15 years before reopening in July of this year. The USMEF event was designed to showcase the unique flavor profile and other positive attributes of U.S. lamb, introduce menu concepts featuring a variety of lamb cuts and connect suppliers with prospective customers.
“The turnout at the seminar was extremely impressive, and the enthusiasm was even more so,” said Greg Ahart, vice president of sales for Superior Farms. Ahart also serves on the American Lamb Board and the USMEF Executive Committee. “After a 15-year absence from the marketplace, seeing the amount of excitement and interest that was present in the room – both from the educational side, as well as when we proceeded to the presentation of products and the tasting – this event was truly something to be part of. I was completely blown away by the volume and genuineness of the interest expressed.”
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said U.S. lamb now has a long-awaited opportunity to capitalize on Japan’s strong demand for high-quality red meat products.
“The seminar and tasting confirmed that there is a lot of enthusiasm for the reentry of U.S. lamb into Japan,” Halstrom said. “We are in the midst of a ‘niku boom’ (meat boom) in Japan and there are many developing and emerging concepts, especially in the foodservice sector, for which high-quality U.S. lamb is a natural option.”
Ahart noted that the strong reputation and following U.S. pork and beef have established in Japan will provide positive momentum for U.S. lamb.
“The credibility that U.S. pork and beef have in this marketplace is very beneficial as we look at reintroducing lamb,” he explained. “Some of the more senior buyers in Japan have experience with U.S. lamb from before the market closure. But for the younger crowd at this event, which doesn’t have that historical knowledge, the reputation of the other two high-quality proteins really helps generate interest in American lamb.”
USMEF-Japan Director Takemichi Yamashoji also emphasized the need to attract younger customers, who will be a major focus of future USMEF tastings and promotions.
“There is an entire generation of Japanese consumers who have not tasted U.S. lamb,” he said. “USMEF wants to reach younger Japanese consumers and make them regular customers, so that U.S. lamb will be top-of-mind when they go out for fine dining.”
In addition to dishes that will be featured at high-end hotels and restaurants, Ahart added that the seminar was also an excellent venue for showcasing other lamb cuts that could gain traction in Japan.
“Lamb shanks and Denver ribs, which are comparable to short ribs, are examples of items that will have some applicability and interest in Japan as we build on the enthusiasm from the seminar,” Ahart said.
Japan’s imports of lamb and sheep meat are trending higher. Through October, imports in 2018 totaled 21,151 metric tons (up 11 percent from a year ago) valued at $171.2 million (up 20 percent and already a full-year record). Australian lamb currently holds about 60 percent market share, with New Zealand lamb capturing nearly 40 percent. Lamb and sheep meat enter Japan at zero duty.
Ontario Announces E15 Adoption As Soon As 2025
The U.S. ethanol industry applauds the release of the Province of Ontario’s Environment Plan, which includes a fuel requirement for conventional gasoline to be blended with 15 percent ethanol that could go in effect as early as 2025. Following this announcement, Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council, and Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) issued the following statement:
“As one of the largest markets for ethanol, this is a huge milestone for Canada and the people of Ontario. Ontario recognizes the important environmental, economic, and health benefits that ethanol provides and we look forward to seeing this plan become a reality by 2025.”
Last year, Growth Energy and the U.S. Grains Council submitted comments to the Canada’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, urging them to look beyond E10 at higher blends like E15, and welcomed the commitment from the Ontario Province to move from a 5 percent blend to a 10 percent ethanol fuel blend by 2020.
NBB Asks Commerce for Rigorous Review of Argentina’s Biodiesel Subsidies
Today, the National Biodiesel Board Fair Trade Coalition submitted comments for the record on how the U.S. Department of Commerce should conduct recently initiated changed circumstances reviews (CCRs) of U.S. duties on Argentine biodiesel imports. Commerce imposed countervailing duty (CVD) and antidumping (AD) duty orders in January and April 2018, following investigations that found massively subsidized and dumped biodiesel imports from Argentina had significantly injured U.S. biodiesel producers.
The Coalition’s comments state, “Commerce must conduct a rigorous, comprehensive review of all relevant facts since its CVD and AD investigations, and not limit its consideration to the limited facts and narrow time period showcased by the Government of Argentina ('GOA') in its requests for reviews.”
In the letter, the Coalition further urges Commerce to undertake reviews that are no less rigorous than its annual administrative review process, with appropriate periods of review, extensive fact-finding, and adherence to strict administrative procedures. The Coalition asks Commerce to review all of Argentina’s actions since January 2017 relating to the provision of below-market priced soybeans to the biodiesel industry through high export taxes. Commerce invited the comments following a November 19 meeting with National Biodiesel Board (NBB) representatives.
Kurt Kovarik, NBB’s Vice President of Federal Affairs, added, “Argentina has made more than a dozen changes to its subsidies since January 2017. In fact, throughout 2017 – even after Commerce completed its original investigation – Argentina continued to massively subsidize its biodiesel industry. Given this history, Commerce should understand that Argentina is very likely to provide new subsidies to its domestic biodiesel producers in the future. Any outcome from these new changed circumstances reviews should be based only on the record developed during the reviews.”
The letter further recommends that Commerce issue extensive questionnaires to the Government of Argentina and Argentina’s biodiesel industries, establish deadlines for each stage of the newly initiated reviews, and provide an opportunity for public input.
Mexico's Impact on Cattle on Feed Placements
Jared Geiser, Research Assistant & Brenda Boetel, Extension Economist
Dept of Ag Economics, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Mexico historically has been an important source of feeder cattle for U.S. cattlemen, with feeder calf imports of approximately 1 million head a year since the mid-1980s. Imports grew from 702,000 head in 2008 to their peak in 2012 at 1.44 million head. The largest portion of Mexican cattle imports typically enter the U.S. as feeder calves between 200-700 lbs. Lightweight calves are backgrounded to gain additional weight before entering U.S. feedlots. These Mexican feeder cattle contribute to cattle on feed placements at varying amounts throughout the year.
2018 feeder cattle imports from Mexico through the month of October total 898,000 head, a 5 percent increase over the same period in 2017. Feeder cattle imports over the last 5 years, have been highest in the months of November and December and typically drop off in January. Many of these lightweight calves are turned out in fall on wheat pasture for approximately 120 days before being pulled off and entering feedlots in March and April. Feeder cattle imports from Mexico reach a second smaller peak in March and April before dropping off to their yearly lows in the months of August and September.
U.S. cattle on feed placements through October are at 19.5 million head. Placements are down less than 1 percent for the same period in 2017. Cattle on feed placements have been at their lowest points in June and July over the last 5 years and have been at their highest in the month of October. This October followed the yearly pattern with the highest placements of 2018 to date, at 2.2 million head.
We estimate Mexican feeder cattle to account for approximately 5 percent of monthly cattle on feed placements over the last 5 years. Assuming a constant lag of 4 months between when the cattle are imported and when they are placed, Mexican feeder cattle make up the largest percentage of feedlot placements in the month of April, when overall placements are low. This lag time between importing and placement can vary depending on grass conditions and the weight cattle are placed; however even with varying lag times, spring still sees the greater percentage of Mexican placements. In April 2018 the percentage of cattle on feed placements made up by Mexican imports was as high as 11 percent (assuming a 4 month lag), the highest of any month since January 2014. Low cattle on feed placements in April 2018 coupled with high feeder cattle imports in December of 2017, contributed to the largest percentage of cattle on feed placements in the last 5 years.
With 2018 imports from Mexico on pace to be 5% over last year, and the traditionally large imports in November and December still coming, placements of Mexican feeder cattle will continue to contribute additional placements into 2019.
Secretary Perdue Names NRCS Chief
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Matthew J. “Matt” Lohr to serve as Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In his role, Lohr will provide leadership for NRCS and its mission to support America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in their voluntary conservation efforts through a network of over 3,000 offices in communities nationwide.
“Matt has committed his entire life to the betterment of agriculture,” Perdue said. “The knowledge and experience he brings to the table will help ensure our locally-led, science-based approach continues to offer farmers the conservation solutions needed to enhance their environment and commercial viability.”
Lohr, raised on a century farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, now owns and operates Valley Pike Farm, Inc., with his wife Beth and their six children. Prior to his appointment by the Trump Administration, Lohr held public office, serving in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2006-2010. In 2008, Lohr was awarded Legislator of the Year in honor of his work as an ambassador for economic and community development in Virginia. He then served as Virginia’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services from 2010 to 2013. More recently, Lohr worked as Knowledge Center Director for Farm Credit of the Virginias, a customer-owned financial cooperative that provides resources and education outreach to local farmers and the community. Since June 2017, he has been farming full-time on the family operation, which includes poultry, beef cattle, row crops, and sweet corn.
“I am honored and humbled to serve America’s agricultural industry in this new capacity,” Lohr said. “As a 5th generation farmer, I care deeply about conserving and protecting our most valuable agricultural resources. I look forward to the chance to lead this valuable agency and assist our producers nationwide with their conservation practices.”
NACD Applauds USDA’s NRCS Chief Appointment
Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue appointed Matthew Lohr to serve as Chief of the department’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
As Chief, Lohr will serve America’s producers and landowners in their conservation efforts to help them conserve, maintain and improve natural resources and the environment through a network of over 3,000 offices in communities nationwide.
“NACD welcomes this long anticipated announcement,” NACD President Brent Van Dyke said. “In addition to being raised on a farm, Matt Lohr has proven his commitment to agriculture and conservation through his nearly 30 years in leadership capacities. NRCS is a crucial partner in the federal, state and local government conservation partnership, and I applaud USDA for its diligence in appointing a strong leader.”
Lohr was raised on a farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, and as a fifth-generation farmer, he continues his family’s legacy with his wife Beth and their six children through their operation, Valley Pike Farm, Inc. In 2006, Lohr was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates and later served the state as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services from 2010 to 2013. Additionally, as a teenager, Lohr was elected vice president to lead the national FFA organization, a student organization of over 400,000 members.
“As a fellow Virginian, I am confident Lohr has the experience, passion and work ethic to lead NRCS and advance voluntary, locally-led conservation efforts in partnership with the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts,” NACD CEO Jeremy Peters said. “His extensive career as both a policymaker and a farmer gives him insight into effective program delivery and customer service working with landowners to implement conservation programs, to protect natural resources and to build sustainable conservation solutions.”
Lohr will take over for Leonard Jordan, who has been serving NRCS as the acting chief since 2017.
CWT Assisted Member Export Sales Top 6 Million Pounds
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) member cooperatives accepted 33 offers of export assistance from CWT that helped them capture contracts to sell 4.028 million pounds (1,827 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese, 1.340 million pounds (608 metric tons) of butter, and 705,479 pounds (320 metric tons) of whole milk powder. The product will be delivered during period December 2018 through May 2019.
The year-to-date CWT-assisted member cooperative sales have reached 66.412 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 15.859 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 38.671 million pounds of whole milk powder. These sales are the equivalent on a milkfat basis to 1.252 billion pounds of milk. Totals are adjusted for contract cancellations.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
A new report from the Nebraska Farm Bureau shows retaliatory tariffs imposed by U.S. trading partners in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs have cut Nebraska farm level revenue between $700 million and $1 billion dollars in 2018. The report also shows the retaliatory tariffs have cost the state of Nebraska between $164 million and $242 million in lost labor income, in addition to the loss of 4,100 to 6,000 Nebraska jobs. In addition to identifying financial losses, the report “A Path Forward on Trade – Retaliatory Tariffs and Nebraska Agriculture,” also offers specific actions to eliminate retaliatory tariffs and secure long-term access for agriculture and other U.S. products into international markets.
“International trade is critical to agriculture. In most years the value of agriculture exports will equal roughly 30 percent of the total agriculture commodity receipts or sales for the state of Nebraska. Retaliatory tariffs make our U.S. products more expensive for international customers, meaning they buy less or buy from someplace else. This report provides a clear picture of how much we’ve lost due to those tariffs and the need to improve our trade relations,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.
The economic analysis in the report specifically examines the impacts of retaliatory tariffs on corn, soybeans, and hogs to the Nebraska economy. Beef is absent from the analysis as the major customers for U.S. beef like South Korea and Japan have not been subject to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs and therefore have not implemented retaliatory tariffs.
“Fortunately for Nebraska, U.S. beef exports are actually projected to exceed $8 billion in 2018, a record high. The continued strong demand for our beef helps mitigate the losses in other commodities,” said Jay Rempe, Nebraska Farm Bureau senior economist and co-author of the report.
Using June 1, 2018 cash prices at Hastings, Nebraska, the analysis found retaliatory tariffs dampened corn prices by 14 to 21 cents per bushel and soybean prices by 95 cents to $1.54 per bushel. Similarly, the analysis found Nebraska pork price reductions in the range of $17.81 to $18.80 per head due to the tariffs.
“The total loss in Nebraska farm revenues due to the retaliatory tariffs ranges from $695 million to $1.026 billion so far in 2018,” said Rempe. “That’s roughly 11 to 16 percent of the export values of Nebraska agriculture goods in 2017.”
In terms of the broader Nebraska economy, the analysis further shows that when direct farm losses are combined with the state’s labor income losses, the total economic loss to the state of Nebraska from retaliatory tariffs climbs between $859 million and $1.2 billion.
“To put a $1.2 billion loss into perspective, every person in the state of Nebraska would need to contribute $632 to cover that volume of lost dollars. That’s a significant hit to our state’s economy,” said Rempe.
The report also recommends specific actions to eliminate retaliatory tariffs and improve market access for agriculture and other U.S. goods. Those actions include:
Securing Congressional Approval and Finalization of the U.S., Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Elimination of U.S. Imposed Steel and Aluminum Tariffs.
Swift Action to Secure a Free Trade Agreement with Japan.
U.S. Inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) or Securing Bi-lateral Trade Agreements with CPTPP Nations.
Securing a Trade Agreement with the European Union.
Use of a Multi-National Approach with U.S. Trade Partners to Address China.
“These actions define a path forward in remedying the losses we’ve seen from the retaliatory tariffs imposed by our trading partners, but also present an opportunity to improve trade relations with our closest allies,” said Jordan Dux, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s director of national affairs and co-author of the report.
According to the report, finalization of the USMCA presents an opportunity to continue productive relations with the two largest consumers of Nebraska agricultural goods in Canada and Mexico. It also suggests the elimination of U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs will present an opportunity for the U.S. to get the most out of the USMCA agreement while opening the door for more positive trade relations with the European Union.
“Japan presents a major opportunity for Nebraska beef. However, because the U.S. is not a part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Nebraska beef producers stand to lose as part of that agreement has Japan lowering beef tariffs for CPTPP partner countries, like Canada. Nebraska beef producers will be at a major disadvantage in paying higher tariffs than our competitors unless the U.S. joins or secures similar bi-lateral agreements with these CPTPP member countries,” said Dux.
The report also suggests the collective actions open the door for a multi-lateral approach for the U.S. and its trading partners to push China on trade negotiations.
“By building a coalition with China’s neighbors and largest customers, the U.S. creates a path forward in trying to change China’s behavior when it comes to theft of intellectual property and failure of China to meet World Trade Organization rules and standards. China remains a major market for U.S. goods, especially soybeans. We need to hold China accountable and by using a multi-national approach improves our chances in moving China in the right direction,” said Dux.
NEFB: Progress Being Made on Property Taxes; Resolving Trade Issues Key to Agriculture’s Future
In his annual address at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson told more than 350 farmers and ranchers from across the state that progress is being made in efforts to address the state’s overreliance on property taxes, a situation that has led to Nebraska being one of the highest property tax states in the nation. In his remarks, Nelson also highlighted the importance of the United States resolving trade disputes that have limited market access for Nebraska agriculture commodities into international markets, which are critical to the future of agriculture.
“Making significant change to state tax policy is like turning an aircraft carrier. It takes time. It’s large, It’s cumbersome. It doesn’t turn on a dime. But we are turning the corner on property taxes. This issue is no longer headed in the wrong direction. It’s headed in the right direction,” said Nelson, Dec. 3.
Nelson told attendees that more and more state senators have heard from their constituents and understand the need and importance of fixing the property tax issue.
“There was a time, not too long ago, when I would testify at the Capitol or talk to senators about the problem of property taxes being used to fund the responsibilities of the state. It was obvious they didn’t understand the issue and showed little interest doing something about it. If you walk into the Capitol today, you would be hard pressed to find many senators who would say property taxes aren’t a major issue for their constituents,” said Nelson. “Much of that change has to do with the collective efforts of our members and organization to make those concerns known.”
According to Nelson, partnerships with other interests will be needed to secure the votes necessary to advance a property tax relief measure in the Legislature in the upcoming legislative session.
“We are working closely with the other agriculture groups in the state. We are working closely with our rural and urban senators. We are working closely with all those who can help us lower our state’s property tax burden. Nebraska Farm Bureau remains laser focused on resolving this issue,” said Nelson.
Nelson also pointed to Nebraska Farm Bureau’s work to promote trade at the national and international level as being key to the future for Nebraska agriculture.
“We must continue to push for greater market access and market opportunities for the crops and livestock we produce here in Nebraska. Nearly 96 percent of the world’s population resides outside the U.S. These are people whose incomes are rising and their desire and appetite for American and Nebraska produced farm goods is growing,” said Nelson. “For Nebraska agriculture to be successful we must develop new markets, lower trade barriers, encourage beneficial trade agreements, and capitalize new opportunities by building trust and being engaged in the markets that matter.”
Nelson noted that few things create more uncertainty and downward price pressure in agriculture, than trade disruptions.
“The retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. imposed steel and aluminum tariffs have made it difficult for many in agriculture over the past year. While there are certainly positives in the new deal recently signed between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and the deal to protect our interests in South Korea, it’s critical we continue to push forward with more trade agreements with our key partners, including the European Union and Japan; a nation whose appetite for Nebraska beef and Nebraska agriculture products only continues to grow,” said Nelson.
Nelson also pointed out that negotiation, not tariffs, provide the best path toward solving trade issues.
“There are plenty of competitors in the global market looking to displace American agriculture. Lost markets are difficult to recover. It can take years to do so; if it can be done at all,” said Nelson.
Nelson specifically spoke to the need to address trade issues with China, a country that has been the largest customer for U.S. soybeans and the third largest trading partner for Nebraska agriculture commodities and goods, in addition to the need for the U.S. to engage in improved trade relations with countries engaged in the new Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
“Clearly, issues with China must be addressed. Getting trade deals done with the European Union, Japan, and others, is the best way to apply more pressure to China and give us more leverage in negotiations,” said Nelson. “Furthermore, President Trump’s promise in pulling the U.S. out of Trans-Pacific Partnership was that we would get bilateral deals done with those potential customers. That must happen to ensure there is a bright future and opportunity for Nebraska farm and ranch families.”
Livestock and Crop Protection Clinic
Nebraska Extension Boone County will be hosting a Livestock and Crop Protection Clinic Monday, December 10, 2018, 9 a.m. – noon at the Casey’s Building, Boone County Fairgrounds, Albion.
Topics covered will include: Agronomy Pest and Disease updates, grazing cornstalks, nutrient requirements, alternative protein sources and energy sources.
The clinic is open to the public. Please register at 402-395-2158 by December 7th. Coffee and donuts will be provided.
NBC December Board meeting
The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Director's will meet at the Nebraska Beef Council office at 1319 Central Ave., Kearney, NE. on December 17, 2018 beginning at 11:00 a.m. CST. The NBC Board of Directors will review evaluations for FY-2017-2018 authorizations request. For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org.
REMOVE NET WRAP AND TWINE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Is twine or net wrap good feed? Obviously not, but it can cause health problems if animals eat too much of it.
Feeding hay is work. To lighten the work load feeding hay, we often take short cuts and leave some twine or net wrap on the bales. And whether we want them to or not, animals eat some of that twine.
A few years ago I shared with you information about the potential for twine to accumulate in the rumen of cattle and cause obstruction. Recent research at North Dakota State University has confirmed this risk and provided further information on what happens to twine when cattle eat it.
In a series of experiments, the North Dakota research first showed that neither plastic net wrap nor biodegradable twine get digested by rumen microbes. The old fashioned sisal twine, however, does get digested, although quite a bit more slowly than hay.
In another study net wrap was included in the ration fed to steers for an extended period of time. Then, 14 days before the steers were harvested the net wrap was removed from the feed to learn if the net wrap eaten earlier might get cleared out of the rumen and digestive system. Turns out it was still in the rumen even after 14 days.
So what should you do? First, remember that it doesn’t appear to be a health concern very often. And cows obviously are more at risk than feedlot animals. So, it might be wise to remove as much twine, especially plastic twine, as can be removed easily from bales before feeding. Twine in ground hay may be less of a problem since more of it is likely to pass completely through the animal.
Think about how shortcuts and work-reducing actions you take this winter might affect your animals. Then act accordingly.
Beef Conference Looks at Using Cropland to Reduce Feed Costs
Beef cattle producers and others in the beef industry who attend the Three-State Beef Conference will receive updates on current cow-calf and stocker topics from Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri extension beef specialists.
Erika Lundy, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said the program is designed to meet current needs of producers. The conference will be held on Jan. 15, 16 and 17, 2019.
“The 2019 conference will focus on reducing cow winter feed costs through optimizing the use of cropland," Lundy said. "Topics this year are especially timely considering the 2018 weather challenges, which limited opportunities for producers to harvest high-quality feedstuffs.”
Featured presenters are Dr. Mary Drewnoski and Kristen Ulmer, both from University of Nebraska—Lincoln and Dr. Eric Bailey from University of Missouri.
Drewnoski, beef systems specialist at UNL, will open the program with, “Filling in the gaps: using annual forages to meet late fall and early spring forage needs.” Following the evening meal, UNL extension beef systems educator Ulmer will speak on “Opportunities and management of corn residue for beef cattle.” Bailey, state beef nutritionist at MU will round out the program with his presentation, “Silage as the primary winter feed for beef cows.”
The conference is a traveling program, offered at three locations on different dates. At each site, registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program will start at 6 p.m. The registration fee is $25 per person and includes a meal and copy of the presentations. Preregistrations are appreciated by Friday, Jan. 11, to help with meal planning.
The Iowa location is the first session on Tuesday, Jan. 15 in Greenfield at the Warren Cultural Center, 154 Public Square. To register for this session, contact Kathy Rohrig at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office – Adair County at 641-743-8412 or krohrig@iastate.edu.
The Wednesday, Jan. 16 session is in Savannah, Missouri at 411 Court. The Nebraska session is Thursday, Jan. 17 at 620 1st Street, Syracuse, Neb.
The conference brochure has agenda information and a registration form... http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/events/3Statebrochure2019.pdf.
USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 513 million bushels in October 2018. Total corn consumption was up 3 percent from September 2018 but down 2 percent from October 2017. October 2018 usage included 92.0 percent for alcohol and 8.0 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.29 million bushels, up 17 percent from September 2018 and up 11 percent from October 2017. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 462 million bushels, was up 4 percent from September 2018 but down 2 percent from October 2017. Corn consumed in October 2018 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.6 percent and 9.4 percent respectively.
Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.98 million tons during October 2018, up 3 percent from September 2018 and up 1 percent from October 2017. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.35 million tons in October 2018, up 4 percent from September 2018 and up 1 percent from October 2017.
Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 282,713 tons during October 2018, down 4 percent from September 2018 and down 20 percent from October 2017. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 245,681 tons in October 2018, up 7 percent from September 2018 but down 19 percent from October 2017.
Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.49 million tons (183 million bushels) in October 2018, compared with 5.08 million tons (169 million bushels) in September 2018 and 5.28 million tons (176 million bushels) in October 2017. Crude oil produced was 2.13 billion pounds up 10 percent from September 2018 and up 6 percent from October 2017. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.57 billion pounds during October 2018 increased 7 percent from September 2018 but decreased 2 percent from October 2017.
Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 175,960 tons in October 2018, compared with 178,162 tons in September 2018 and 184,463 tons in October 2017. Canola crude oil produced was 146 million pounds down 4 percent from September 2018 and down 6 percent from October 2017. Canola once refined oil production at 132 million pounds during October 2018 was down 18 percent from September 2018 and down 9 percent from October 2017.
Cottonseed once refined oil production at 47.9 million pounds during October 2018 was up 11 percent from September 2018 but down 10 percent from October 2017.
Edible tallow production was 82.3 million pounds during October 2018, up 7 percent from September 2018 and up 13 percent from October 2017. Inedible tallow production was 320 million pounds during October 2018, down 3 percent from September 2018 but up 17 percent from October 2017. Technical tallow production was 111 million pounds during October 2018, up 2 percent from September 2018 and up 7 percent from October 2017. Choice white grease production at 105 million pounds during October 2018 increased 1 percent from September 2018 but decreased 4 percent from October 2017.
USMEF Statement on Developments at G-20 Summit
At the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed and the White House announced that the U.S. and China will enter negotiations on several key trade issues, including agricultural trade.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
USMEF supports the Trump administration’s efforts to finalize the USMCA and to continue seeking resolution of the metal tariffs dispute with Mexico and Canada, which resulted in retaliatory duties on U.S. pork and beef. U.S. meat exports have also become entangled in trade disputes with China, so it is encouraging to see the U.S. and China return to the negotiating table. Global demand for U.S. red meat is very strong, but exports cannot reach their full potential until the retaliatory duties imposed by Mexico, China and Canada are removed.
Buyers Show Strong Enthusiasm for U.S. Lamb’s Return to Japan
On Nov. 28, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) launched U.S. lamb’s return to the Japanese market with an educational seminar and tasting event that drew more than 200 chefs, importers, purveyors, trade media and other key food industry professionals to The Strings hotel in Tokyo.
Following the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States in December 2003, Japan was closed to U.S. lamb for nearly 15 years before reopening in July of this year. The USMEF event was designed to showcase the unique flavor profile and other positive attributes of U.S. lamb, introduce menu concepts featuring a variety of lamb cuts and connect suppliers with prospective customers.
“The turnout at the seminar was extremely impressive, and the enthusiasm was even more so,” said Greg Ahart, vice president of sales for Superior Farms. Ahart also serves on the American Lamb Board and the USMEF Executive Committee. “After a 15-year absence from the marketplace, seeing the amount of excitement and interest that was present in the room – both from the educational side, as well as when we proceeded to the presentation of products and the tasting – this event was truly something to be part of. I was completely blown away by the volume and genuineness of the interest expressed.”
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said U.S. lamb now has a long-awaited opportunity to capitalize on Japan’s strong demand for high-quality red meat products.
“The seminar and tasting confirmed that there is a lot of enthusiasm for the reentry of U.S. lamb into Japan,” Halstrom said. “We are in the midst of a ‘niku boom’ (meat boom) in Japan and there are many developing and emerging concepts, especially in the foodservice sector, for which high-quality U.S. lamb is a natural option.”
Ahart noted that the strong reputation and following U.S. pork and beef have established in Japan will provide positive momentum for U.S. lamb.
“The credibility that U.S. pork and beef have in this marketplace is very beneficial as we look at reintroducing lamb,” he explained. “Some of the more senior buyers in Japan have experience with U.S. lamb from before the market closure. But for the younger crowd at this event, which doesn’t have that historical knowledge, the reputation of the other two high-quality proteins really helps generate interest in American lamb.”
USMEF-Japan Director Takemichi Yamashoji also emphasized the need to attract younger customers, who will be a major focus of future USMEF tastings and promotions.
“There is an entire generation of Japanese consumers who have not tasted U.S. lamb,” he said. “USMEF wants to reach younger Japanese consumers and make them regular customers, so that U.S. lamb will be top-of-mind when they go out for fine dining.”
In addition to dishes that will be featured at high-end hotels and restaurants, Ahart added that the seminar was also an excellent venue for showcasing other lamb cuts that could gain traction in Japan.
“Lamb shanks and Denver ribs, which are comparable to short ribs, are examples of items that will have some applicability and interest in Japan as we build on the enthusiasm from the seminar,” Ahart said.
Japan’s imports of lamb and sheep meat are trending higher. Through October, imports in 2018 totaled 21,151 metric tons (up 11 percent from a year ago) valued at $171.2 million (up 20 percent and already a full-year record). Australian lamb currently holds about 60 percent market share, with New Zealand lamb capturing nearly 40 percent. Lamb and sheep meat enter Japan at zero duty.
Ontario Announces E15 Adoption As Soon As 2025
The U.S. ethanol industry applauds the release of the Province of Ontario’s Environment Plan, which includes a fuel requirement for conventional gasoline to be blended with 15 percent ethanol that could go in effect as early as 2025. Following this announcement, Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council, and Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) issued the following statement:
“As one of the largest markets for ethanol, this is a huge milestone for Canada and the people of Ontario. Ontario recognizes the important environmental, economic, and health benefits that ethanol provides and we look forward to seeing this plan become a reality by 2025.”
Last year, Growth Energy and the U.S. Grains Council submitted comments to the Canada’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, urging them to look beyond E10 at higher blends like E15, and welcomed the commitment from the Ontario Province to move from a 5 percent blend to a 10 percent ethanol fuel blend by 2020.
NBB Asks Commerce for Rigorous Review of Argentina’s Biodiesel Subsidies
Today, the National Biodiesel Board Fair Trade Coalition submitted comments for the record on how the U.S. Department of Commerce should conduct recently initiated changed circumstances reviews (CCRs) of U.S. duties on Argentine biodiesel imports. Commerce imposed countervailing duty (CVD) and antidumping (AD) duty orders in January and April 2018, following investigations that found massively subsidized and dumped biodiesel imports from Argentina had significantly injured U.S. biodiesel producers.
The Coalition’s comments state, “Commerce must conduct a rigorous, comprehensive review of all relevant facts since its CVD and AD investigations, and not limit its consideration to the limited facts and narrow time period showcased by the Government of Argentina ('GOA') in its requests for reviews.”
In the letter, the Coalition further urges Commerce to undertake reviews that are no less rigorous than its annual administrative review process, with appropriate periods of review, extensive fact-finding, and adherence to strict administrative procedures. The Coalition asks Commerce to review all of Argentina’s actions since January 2017 relating to the provision of below-market priced soybeans to the biodiesel industry through high export taxes. Commerce invited the comments following a November 19 meeting with National Biodiesel Board (NBB) representatives.
Kurt Kovarik, NBB’s Vice President of Federal Affairs, added, “Argentina has made more than a dozen changes to its subsidies since January 2017. In fact, throughout 2017 – even after Commerce completed its original investigation – Argentina continued to massively subsidize its biodiesel industry. Given this history, Commerce should understand that Argentina is very likely to provide new subsidies to its domestic biodiesel producers in the future. Any outcome from these new changed circumstances reviews should be based only on the record developed during the reviews.”
The letter further recommends that Commerce issue extensive questionnaires to the Government of Argentina and Argentina’s biodiesel industries, establish deadlines for each stage of the newly initiated reviews, and provide an opportunity for public input.
Mexico's Impact on Cattle on Feed Placements
Jared Geiser, Research Assistant & Brenda Boetel, Extension Economist
Dept of Ag Economics, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Mexico historically has been an important source of feeder cattle for U.S. cattlemen, with feeder calf imports of approximately 1 million head a year since the mid-1980s. Imports grew from 702,000 head in 2008 to their peak in 2012 at 1.44 million head. The largest portion of Mexican cattle imports typically enter the U.S. as feeder calves between 200-700 lbs. Lightweight calves are backgrounded to gain additional weight before entering U.S. feedlots. These Mexican feeder cattle contribute to cattle on feed placements at varying amounts throughout the year.
2018 feeder cattle imports from Mexico through the month of October total 898,000 head, a 5 percent increase over the same period in 2017. Feeder cattle imports over the last 5 years, have been highest in the months of November and December and typically drop off in January. Many of these lightweight calves are turned out in fall on wheat pasture for approximately 120 days before being pulled off and entering feedlots in March and April. Feeder cattle imports from Mexico reach a second smaller peak in March and April before dropping off to their yearly lows in the months of August and September.
U.S. cattle on feed placements through October are at 19.5 million head. Placements are down less than 1 percent for the same period in 2017. Cattle on feed placements have been at their lowest points in June and July over the last 5 years and have been at their highest in the month of October. This October followed the yearly pattern with the highest placements of 2018 to date, at 2.2 million head.
We estimate Mexican feeder cattle to account for approximately 5 percent of monthly cattle on feed placements over the last 5 years. Assuming a constant lag of 4 months between when the cattle are imported and when they are placed, Mexican feeder cattle make up the largest percentage of feedlot placements in the month of April, when overall placements are low. This lag time between importing and placement can vary depending on grass conditions and the weight cattle are placed; however even with varying lag times, spring still sees the greater percentage of Mexican placements. In April 2018 the percentage of cattle on feed placements made up by Mexican imports was as high as 11 percent (assuming a 4 month lag), the highest of any month since January 2014. Low cattle on feed placements in April 2018 coupled with high feeder cattle imports in December of 2017, contributed to the largest percentage of cattle on feed placements in the last 5 years.
With 2018 imports from Mexico on pace to be 5% over last year, and the traditionally large imports in November and December still coming, placements of Mexican feeder cattle will continue to contribute additional placements into 2019.
Secretary Perdue Names NRCS Chief
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Matthew J. “Matt” Lohr to serve as Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In his role, Lohr will provide leadership for NRCS and its mission to support America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in their voluntary conservation efforts through a network of over 3,000 offices in communities nationwide.
“Matt has committed his entire life to the betterment of agriculture,” Perdue said. “The knowledge and experience he brings to the table will help ensure our locally-led, science-based approach continues to offer farmers the conservation solutions needed to enhance their environment and commercial viability.”
Lohr, raised on a century farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, now owns and operates Valley Pike Farm, Inc., with his wife Beth and their six children. Prior to his appointment by the Trump Administration, Lohr held public office, serving in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2006-2010. In 2008, Lohr was awarded Legislator of the Year in honor of his work as an ambassador for economic and community development in Virginia. He then served as Virginia’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services from 2010 to 2013. More recently, Lohr worked as Knowledge Center Director for Farm Credit of the Virginias, a customer-owned financial cooperative that provides resources and education outreach to local farmers and the community. Since June 2017, he has been farming full-time on the family operation, which includes poultry, beef cattle, row crops, and sweet corn.
“I am honored and humbled to serve America’s agricultural industry in this new capacity,” Lohr said. “As a 5th generation farmer, I care deeply about conserving and protecting our most valuable agricultural resources. I look forward to the chance to lead this valuable agency and assist our producers nationwide with their conservation practices.”
NACD Applauds USDA’s NRCS Chief Appointment
Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue appointed Matthew Lohr to serve as Chief of the department’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
As Chief, Lohr will serve America’s producers and landowners in their conservation efforts to help them conserve, maintain and improve natural resources and the environment through a network of over 3,000 offices in communities nationwide.
“NACD welcomes this long anticipated announcement,” NACD President Brent Van Dyke said. “In addition to being raised on a farm, Matt Lohr has proven his commitment to agriculture and conservation through his nearly 30 years in leadership capacities. NRCS is a crucial partner in the federal, state and local government conservation partnership, and I applaud USDA for its diligence in appointing a strong leader.”
Lohr was raised on a farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, and as a fifth-generation farmer, he continues his family’s legacy with his wife Beth and their six children through their operation, Valley Pike Farm, Inc. In 2006, Lohr was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates and later served the state as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services from 2010 to 2013. Additionally, as a teenager, Lohr was elected vice president to lead the national FFA organization, a student organization of over 400,000 members.
“As a fellow Virginian, I am confident Lohr has the experience, passion and work ethic to lead NRCS and advance voluntary, locally-led conservation efforts in partnership with the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts,” NACD CEO Jeremy Peters said. “His extensive career as both a policymaker and a farmer gives him insight into effective program delivery and customer service working with landowners to implement conservation programs, to protect natural resources and to build sustainable conservation solutions.”
Lohr will take over for Leonard Jordan, who has been serving NRCS as the acting chief since 2017.
CWT Assisted Member Export Sales Top 6 Million Pounds
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) member cooperatives accepted 33 offers of export assistance from CWT that helped them capture contracts to sell 4.028 million pounds (1,827 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese, 1.340 million pounds (608 metric tons) of butter, and 705,479 pounds (320 metric tons) of whole milk powder. The product will be delivered during period December 2018 through May 2019.
The year-to-date CWT-assisted member cooperative sales have reached 66.412 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 15.859 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 38.671 million pounds of whole milk powder. These sales are the equivalent on a milkfat basis to 1.252 billion pounds of milk. Totals are adjusted for contract cancellations.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
Weekend Ag News Update - Dec 2
Soybean Growers Relieved to Hear Positive Trade News from G20
The American Soybean Association (ASA) was pleased to hear positive reports from the G20 Summit Saturday night that President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have potentially agreed to deescalate the current trade friction by not raising tariffs further while negotiations continue. According to a White House statement, China has also agreed to purchase more U.S. agricultural and other products.
John Heisdorffer, a soybean grower from Keota, Iowa, and ASA president said, “This is the first positive news we’ve seen after months of downturned prices and halted shipments. If this suspension of tariff increases leads to a longer-term agreement, it will be extremely positive for the soy industry. We want to begin repairing damage done to our trade relations with China, which has been essential to successful soybean exports for years.”
Under the agreement reached on Saturday, tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods will not increase to 25 percent on January 1 from the current 10 percent level. Details have not been announced regarding the quantity of U.S. goods that China will purchase, but the White House statement indicated that purchases of ag products would begin immediately.
Trump and Xi struck the deal during a dinner Saturday night following the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The agreement apparently has a moratorium of 90 days for both sides to come to resolution on issues including technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and other concerns.
“During the 90-day negotiating period, ASA hopes to see China reopen its market to significant U.S. soybean imports as a key confidence-building step that will help restore our trade relationship,” Heisdorffer said. “This is an important opportunity to demonstrate positive momentum that will strengthen efforts on both sides to restore economic relations that are mutually beneficial.”
Statement Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson Regarding U.S., China Trade Negotiations
“Last night’s announcement that China will begin immediately to purchase more agricultural products from the United States, is welcome news to Nebraska farmers and ranchers.”
“It’s our hope that both countries will continue to work to get a long-term trade agreement in place in the next 90-days to avoid further escalation of retaliatory tariffs that have harmed U.S. agriculture.”
Tariffs Hurt the Heartland Statement on Agreement Delaying January 1st Tariff Increase
Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, the nationwide campaign against tariffs, released the following statement from campaign spokesman and former Congressman Charles Boustany on the announcement to hold off on upcoming tariff increases. Tariffs Hurt the Heartland is the largest campaign against the tariffs and includes over 150 of America's largest trade associations and ag commodity groups.
"Agreeing not to raise tariffs on American businesses, farmers and consumers is an encouraging first step. These tariffs are taxes that Americans pay, and avoiding a massive tax increase on January 1st is welcome news that must be followed up by rolling back the tariffs currently in place. Tonight’s announcement makes clear that the Administration has heard the stories of economic hardship from Americans who have been hurt by tariffs. Our campaign will continue to tell their stories as the Administration enters into this important negotiation period."
Farmers for Free Trade Statement on Announcement to Hold Off on January 1st Tariff Increases
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Angela Hofmann released the following statement today on the announced agreement to hold off on tariff increases on January 1st. Hofmann released the statement from the Illinois Farm Bureau Convention where she is talking to farmers and ranchers about the importance of trade and the impacts they have felt from the ongoing trade war.
“Any signal, even if temporary, that this trade war may de-escalate is welcome news for farmers. While farmers are cautiously optimistic about this development, they are also keenly aware that they are still subject to the existing painful retaliatory tariffs and lost markets that have hurt their recently harvested crops and income.”
“American farmers are results oriented and are hopeful that all parties will quickly resolve the trade war so they can regain markets that are decades in the making.
“In the months ahead, Farmers for Free Trade will continue traveling across the country to hear from farmers and to amplify their voices in Washington, D.C. The voices of American farmers have helped to create the pressure needed for any progress in easing trade tensions. Further progress will continue to require their stories and their advocacy.”
The American Soybean Association (ASA) was pleased to hear positive reports from the G20 Summit Saturday night that President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have potentially agreed to deescalate the current trade friction by not raising tariffs further while negotiations continue. According to a White House statement, China has also agreed to purchase more U.S. agricultural and other products.
John Heisdorffer, a soybean grower from Keota, Iowa, and ASA president said, “This is the first positive news we’ve seen after months of downturned prices and halted shipments. If this suspension of tariff increases leads to a longer-term agreement, it will be extremely positive for the soy industry. We want to begin repairing damage done to our trade relations with China, which has been essential to successful soybean exports for years.”
Under the agreement reached on Saturday, tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods will not increase to 25 percent on January 1 from the current 10 percent level. Details have not been announced regarding the quantity of U.S. goods that China will purchase, but the White House statement indicated that purchases of ag products would begin immediately.
Trump and Xi struck the deal during a dinner Saturday night following the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The agreement apparently has a moratorium of 90 days for both sides to come to resolution on issues including technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and other concerns.
“During the 90-day negotiating period, ASA hopes to see China reopen its market to significant U.S. soybean imports as a key confidence-building step that will help restore our trade relationship,” Heisdorffer said. “This is an important opportunity to demonstrate positive momentum that will strengthen efforts on both sides to restore economic relations that are mutually beneficial.”
Statement Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson Regarding U.S., China Trade Negotiations
“Last night’s announcement that China will begin immediately to purchase more agricultural products from the United States, is welcome news to Nebraska farmers and ranchers.”
“It’s our hope that both countries will continue to work to get a long-term trade agreement in place in the next 90-days to avoid further escalation of retaliatory tariffs that have harmed U.S. agriculture.”
Tariffs Hurt the Heartland Statement on Agreement Delaying January 1st Tariff Increase
Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, the nationwide campaign against tariffs, released the following statement from campaign spokesman and former Congressman Charles Boustany on the announcement to hold off on upcoming tariff increases. Tariffs Hurt the Heartland is the largest campaign against the tariffs and includes over 150 of America's largest trade associations and ag commodity groups.
"Agreeing not to raise tariffs on American businesses, farmers and consumers is an encouraging first step. These tariffs are taxes that Americans pay, and avoiding a massive tax increase on January 1st is welcome news that must be followed up by rolling back the tariffs currently in place. Tonight’s announcement makes clear that the Administration has heard the stories of economic hardship from Americans who have been hurt by tariffs. Our campaign will continue to tell their stories as the Administration enters into this important negotiation period."
Farmers for Free Trade Statement on Announcement to Hold Off on January 1st Tariff Increases
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Angela Hofmann released the following statement today on the announced agreement to hold off on tariff increases on January 1st. Hofmann released the statement from the Illinois Farm Bureau Convention where she is talking to farmers and ranchers about the importance of trade and the impacts they have felt from the ongoing trade war.
“Any signal, even if temporary, that this trade war may de-escalate is welcome news for farmers. While farmers are cautiously optimistic about this development, they are also keenly aware that they are still subject to the existing painful retaliatory tariffs and lost markets that have hurt their recently harvested crops and income.”
“American farmers are results oriented and are hopeful that all parties will quickly resolve the trade war so they can regain markets that are decades in the making.
“In the months ahead, Farmers for Free Trade will continue traveling across the country to hear from farmers and to amplify their voices in Washington, D.C. The voices of American farmers have helped to create the pressure needed for any progress in easing trade tensions. Further progress will continue to require their stories and their advocacy.”
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