Monday June 3 Ag News

Ricketts Proclaims June as Dairy Month in Nebraska

On Saturday, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed June as Dairy Month in Nebraska during a ceremony at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.  Dairy Month is celebrated in Nebraska each June to highlight the importance of Nebraska’s dairy farmers to agriculture and the state’s economy.

“Dairy farmers in Nebraska make significant contributions to our state’s economic growth as well as high-quality milk for our families.  Thanks to their good work, Nebraska is a top-ten state in both production and revenue per dairy cow,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Our state’s plentiful feed supplies and abundant water resources, along with our pro-agriculture policies, make Nebraska an ideal home for dairies.”

Nebraska is a net exporter of milk, sending two million pounds out of state each day.  Thanks to the state’s central location, milk produced locally can reach almost every corner of the continental United States within two days.  Nebraska’s cow numbers are up 7% since 2014, and dairy farmers anticipate additional growth in the coming years.

Kris Bousquet of the Nebraska State Dairy Association (NSDA) touted the state as a great place for dairy processors to do business.  “A processor who comes to Nebraska will have immediate access to milk produced right here, and dairy farmers will be thrilled to reduce their transportation costs in the process,” he said.  “The next dairy processor to stake a claim in Nebraska is going to have the pick of the litter in terms of location and the opportunity to connect with dairy farmers.”

A team of organizations have joined forces to lead the state’s Grow Nebraska Dairy initiative.  These include the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Public Power District, the University of Nebraska, the NSDA, and the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska.

“Nebraska is a great place to milk cows,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman.  “We have abundant, high-quality feed and water resources that lead to a top-ten level of milk production per cow.  Nebraska is ready to grow and add value to our agricultural products through the dairy sector.”



Dairy Farmers of America Turns Social Currency into Real Milk Money

Kicked off on World Milk Day, June 1, and throughout the month of June, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) will help raise awareness and provide relief towards the summer nutrition gap felt by nearly 18 million students who rely on school lunch programs across the country— almost twice the population of New York City. To do this, DFA is rallying around the power of social media and the support of celebrity chef Christina Tosi to share out this message and raise donations based on social actions. For each social post during the month of June, using #GiveMilkMoney, DFA will donate one gallon of milk, through its DFA Cares Foundation, to kids in need through Feeding America food banks across the country.

“DFA is made up of hardworking family farm-owners and employees who understand the power dairy has towards helping those in need and its nutritional benefits,” said Kristen Coady, vice president of communications at DFA. “As a dairy cooperative and an industry, we have a responsibility to help nourish the communities we are a part of and this #GiveMilkMoney initiative aims to do just that.”

As part of the effort to close the summer nutritional gap, DFA is bringing new meaning to social currency by donating one gallon of milk for every social post using #GiveMilkMoney. To bring the #GiveMilkMoney movement alive in DFA’s hometown of Kansas City, custom milk money ATMs and a family friendly pop-up experience were located in the River Market in Kansas City, Mo. Traditionally seen as vehicles to receive, these customized ATMs were converted into the ultimate giving machines that allowed users to donate with their social currency and encourage their friends to donate through an automated tweet and retweet. After donating with their social currency, participants received a free bowl of milk and cereal to further enjoy the goodness of dairy.

World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognize the importance of milk as a global food. It has been observed on June 1 each year since 2001. The day is intended to provide an opportunity to bring attention to activities that are connected with the dairy sector.

To join the #GiveMilkMoney movement and enable DFA to donate milk, simply post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #GiveMilkMoney and DFA will donate up to 10,000 gallons of milk. For more information on how to help, visit, GiveMilkMoney.com. 



Wheat, Pulse, and Double Crop Field Day, June 18 at ENREC near Mead

A more diverse crop rotation can play a fundamental role in managing yield limiting factors, increase resilience to extreme weather, and distribute workload. Join Nebraska Extension on Tuesday, June 18 for the Eastern Nebraska Wheat, Pulse, and Double Crop Field Day. The field day will be held at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead located at 1071 County Road G in Saunders County.

The program starts at 9:00 am and runs to 4:00 in the afternoon in Tuesday, June 18. Registration starts at 8:30 with coffee and donuts served. In the morning, there will be short presentations on winter wheat, pulses, and double crop production in eastern Nebraska including a panel discussion with some local producers. Lunch will be catered by Parker’s Smokehouse. In the afternoon, attendees will head out for plot tours and demos.

The event is free to attendee thanks to grants and sponsors. We do ask you pre-register by Friday, June 14, online at http://croptechcafe.org/wheatpulsefieldday/ or call the Dodge County Extension Office at 402-727-2775 to ensure we have enough food for all.

Speakers and topics for the first morning session on winter wheat include:
·       Nebraska Wheat Board Update from Royce Schaneman, Executive Director of Nebraska Wheat
·       The Word on Wheat with Dr. Nathan Mueller, Cropping System Educator
·       UAV or Drone Work in Wheat with Dr. Yeyin Shi, Ag Information Systems Engineering Assistant Professor

Speakers and topics for the second morning session on pulses include:
·       The Pulse on Peas by Alex Rosa and Sam Koeshall, UNL Graduate Students
·       Double Cropping Short Season Crops and Forages after Field Peas with Dr. Mary Drewnoski and Alex Rosa
·       Eating Wheat and Pulse Products: Health Benefits with Beth Nacke, Registered Dietician
·       Eastern Nebraska wheat, pulse, and double crop grower panel

After lunch, plot tours and demonstrations run from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Tours and demonstrations include:
·       Pulse crop variety trial walk-through and discussion
·       Double crop Q and A
·       Winter wheat variety trial walk-through and discussion
·       Wheat diseases ID and discussion
·       Nitrogen and sulfur fertilization study
·       Drone and sensor demo in wheat

Again to get pre-registered for the Eastern Nebraska Wheat, Pulse Crop, and Double Crop Field Day this on Tuesday, June 18 near Mead, please call the Dodge County Extension Office at 402-727-2775 or pre-register online at http://croptechcafe.org/wheatpulsefieldday/ .




Pilot Project Will Assist Nebraska Farmers in Addressing Ephemeral Gullies on Highly Erodible Land

Nebraska is one of five states selected by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to take part in a pilot project that will provide financial assistance to farmers to address ephemeral gullies on highly erodible land.

State Conservationist Craig Derickson said there is an application deadline of July 19, 2019, for the $2 million available in Nebraska through the pilot project. He said priority will be given to applicants with tracts that were selected for conservation compliance reviews in the past two years and received variances to address ephemeral gully erosion.

Since the passage of the 1985 Farm Bill, farmers have been required to control erosion on fields that are classified as highly erodible. Each spring, NRCS conducts compliance reviews on a random selection of highly erodible fields to determine if erosion has been adequately controlled. A non-compliance ruling can affect benefits that farmers receive from USDA agencies, including Conservation Reserve Program payments and Price Loss Coverage. If erosion control issues are identified during compliance reviews, farmers may be given variances, which provide time for farmers to make adjustments and install needed conservation practices.

Ephemeral gullies are those areas in cropland fields where small gullies appear after heavy rains. Discing an ephemeral gully leaves nutrient-rich topsoil vulnerable to erosion. Fixing the gullies with conservation practices protects productivity and water quality and allows farmers with highly erodible land to continue receiving USDA benefits.

Derickson said the pilot project will provide cost-share funding to farmers to implement conservation practices such as cover crops, crop rotation, no-till, contour farming, buffer strips, terraces, waterways and others.

“Our advice to a farmer with an ephemeral gully is to ‘fix it, don’t disc it.’ Work with your local NRCS staff to develop conservation alternatives that will address your erosion issue,” Derickson said. “As a natural resources agency we are dedicated to working with farmers and ranchers to figure out ways for them to produce agricultural products in ways that are both economical to them while protecting the resources. This pilot provides us with additional funding to do that.”

Other states involved in the pilot project are Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. For more information or to apply for assistance contact the NRCS office serving your county. NRCS offices can be found in the phone book under “U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture,” or online at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.



USDA Invites Farmers to Join Acreage Reporting Pilot Project

Producers in 19 Nebraska counties are being asked to consider participating in a pilot project to test their ability to use precision ag data for reporting acreage to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies.

Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Nancy Johner and USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) Regional Director Collin Olsen have announced the agencies are looking for producers to test the transfer of data collected by their planting equipment as part of a streamlining initiative. The data will be processed by an approved third-party provider and transmitted directly to FSA and RMA as part of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI).

Acreage crop reporting is an important step farmers and ranchers take to be eligible for many USDA programs and services, such as federal crop insurance administered by RMA and farm programs administered by FSA. The acreage reporting date for spring-planted crops is July 15, 2019.

“An increasing number of producers are using precision ag technology in their field equipment,” said Johner. “It’s logical to use the data gathered by that equipment in a way that saves the producer and our office time and paperwork. It’s information they are going to share with us anyway for program compliance purposes.”

The Nebraska FSA county offices participating in the pilot include Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes-North Sioux, Frontier, Furnas, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Kearney, Keith, Kimball, Lincoln, Morrill, Perkins, Phelps, Red Willow, Saline, Sheridan and Webster.

“Farmers still will have to visit their participating FSA county office and also work with their crop insurance agent to validate transmitted data, sign the final acreage reports and provide any additional information,” said Olsen. “By helping test this pilot now, we will continue to improve and streamline the process and ensure farmers in the future can spend more time farming and less time filling out paperwork.”

Producers located in the pilot project counties who are interested in participating should contact their FSA county office. For more information on ACRSI visit www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/initiatives/acrsi/index.



RFA Congratulates Husker Ag LLC on Hitting One-Billion Gallon Milestone

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) on May 30th congratulated member company Husker Ag LLC, as it recently produced its one-billionth gallon of ethanol.  The Plainview, Nebraska facility began production in 2003 and expanded its production capacity in 2007. Today, the company produces more than 300,000 gallons of ethanol per day.

“All of us at RFA congratulate Husker Ag on this momentous achievement,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Husker Ag’s investors, board, and staff should be very proud of the many positive impacts they have made on the Plainview community. The company supports dozens of good jobs, adds value to locally grown crops, and plays an important role in providing consumers with cleaner and more affordable fuels at the pump.”

Seth Harder, Husker Ag’s general manager and an RFA board member, commented, “I couldn’t be more proud of the work that the staff has delivered over the last three years to achieve the goals set forth by the Board of Directors to increase gallons, improve our yield and lower our energy per gallon. Hitting the billion-gallon mark is just the type of milestone achievement that commemorates all our hard work. I’m very proud to have been a part of this company since 2002.”

Husker Ag President Robert Brummels added, “Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors and the owners of the company, we are very grateful to the employees for their hard work and commitment to the company.  We are happy that we have provided the owners of the company with a great return on the dollars they invested in Husker Ag.  We are proud that we have provided the local corn producers with a better price for their grain than they might have had without a local end user of corn and we thank them for their patronage.  We are grateful to the local livestock producers for buying the distillers grain.  We are delighted that we have provided local motorists with a clean burning environment friendly fuel, that decreases the cost of filling the tank.  We look forward to many more years of being an economic stimulus to northeast Nebraska.”



Ricketts Proclaims “Detasselers’ Recognition Day” in Nebraska

This morning, Governor Pete Ricketts was joined by Nebraska Corn Board Executive Director Kelly Brunkhorst and detasselers from throughout the state to proclaim June 3, 2019, as Detasselers’ Recognition Day in Nebraska.

“For generations, thousands of Nebraskans have found summer work as detasselers,” said Governor Ricketts.  “These jobs help young Nebraskans save for college and teach them the value and reward of hard work.  That’s why seed corn detasseling contractors in Nebraska have waiting lists of hundreds of Nebraskans willing to work the fields.  I’d like to thank detasselers for working hard to help grow Nebraska agriculture.  I'd also like to thank seed corn companies, like Corteva and Syngenta, that have committed to hire Nebraskans to fill the detasseling jobs here in our state.”

“Seed corn companies that hire Nebraskans to detassel their fields provide tremendous financial and learning opportunities to our state,” said Julie Bohlen, co-founder of S&J Detasseling.  “Summer jobs in detasseling are an important source of income for high school students who are saving for college and for college students with tuition bills to pay.  These jobs are also a terrific way for young Nebraskans to develop character traits like cooperation and fortitude.”

Each summer, more than 7,000 Nebraskans work as detasselers, performing indispensable seasonal labor for seed companies.  They rise early to work in the cornfields and spend long hours in the summer heat to ensure that the cross-pollinating process yields a pure seed.  For students and schoolteachers, detasseling is a welcome source of summer employment and a great way to earn income.  For many Nebraskans, detasseling is their first job and serves as a formative, character-building experience.  Detasselers learn the value of hard work, the importance of teamwork, and skills in leadership.  Detasseling also connects the residents of small towns and cities with Nebraska’s farmers, helping more Nebraskans build ties to the state’s #1 economic industry—agriculture.

Detasselers are typically busiest during July, though crews are already out roguing fields in some locations.



Use of Gender-Selected Semen in Beef Cattle
Steve Neimeyer – NE Extension Educator 

The use of new technologies by the beef industry usually lags its development by researchers. An example of this would be gender-selected semen. The incorporation of this or any new technology is dictated by its necessity and positive economic advantage. Semen sorted for a specific gender (sexed semen) became commercially available in 2003 for dairy cattle but did not have significant use by the industry until 2006. On the other hand, the number of sires with sexed semen available for the beef industry was still 0 (zero) in 2007 but increased to 70 in 2011. The delayed use of gender-sorted semen by the beef industry may be related to the perceived economic return. For the dairy industry the economic benefit for heifer calves over bull calves is huge; however, in the beef industry gender differences in economic return exist but are not as dramatic. Therefore, for the beef industry to adapt this technology more knowledge is need how to capture economic returns from incorporating it.

First it is important to highlight that calves born from gender-selected semen will have similar production traits as their herd mates from conventional semen. For example: birth weight, calving ease, calf vigor, calf health, weaning weight, and mortality rates before weaning do not differ between calves from gender-selected and conventional semen. Second, with recent improvements in this technology conception rates with gender-selected semen are typically between 80% to 95% of conventional semen, in other words if AI conception rates are 60% with conventional semen, with gender-selected semen you would expect conception rates to be between 48% to 57%. One thing to be aware of to get the best possible conception rates is cows that exhibit estrus prior to AI have greater conception rates compared to cows that do not exhibit estrus behavioral. So, the use of gender-selected semen only in animals that exhibit estrus prior to AI will result in greater conception rates. Another method is the delay insemination of nonestrus cows to 20 hours after an injection of GnRH.

Even though gender differences are not as large in the beef industry as they are in the dairy industry, gender-selected semen has many applications which will depend on the herd. In commercial beef cattle a strategy would be to use gender-selected semen to produce replacement heifers. This strategy would start by selecting cows with desired maternal traits, such as age at sexual maturity, milk yield, fertility, maternal behavior, adaptation to the environmental challenges, and longevity. These animals would then be inseminated with gender-selected semen from sires with similar maternal traits. An advantage of this strategy would be the production of top replacement heifers and increasing the rate of genetic change in the herd. In addition, there would be a decrease in the number of steers produced from maternal sires. This benefits the herd as these steers often have decreased performance when compared to steers from terminal sires. When the number of cows to be inseminated with gender-selected semen is achieved the remaining cows can be inseminated to terminal sires knowing these calves will not be kept as replacement heifers. It also brings the opportunity to utilize different breeds, without affecting the herd’s genetic. Similar with herd bulls, since no heifers are expected to be retained from those animals a sire with terminal characteristics or different breed may be used. Another alternative, would be inseminate the remaining females with male selected semen from terminal sires, increasing the proportion of steers produced from terminal sires in the herd. Overall, the inclusion of gender-selected semen can bring economic advantages to the beef industry. However, there are situation in which the use of gender-selected semen can negatively impact the economic return of a herd too. If only female selected semen is used to inseminate the entire herd; this will optimize the selection of replacement heifers but the proportion of male:female calves will shift from an approximately 50:50 to a greater number of females what could affect economic returns due to lower prices for heifers sold to slaughter. If only male selected semen is used to inseminate the entire herd; this will optimize the genetic performance of steer calves for slaughter but removes any genetic benefit of AI on the future of the herd as replacement heifers can only be selected from calves born from the clean-up bull. Thus, the use of gender-selected semen in a beef herd has the opportunity to benefit the overall performance and future of the herd, but care must be given to implement this technology correctly.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund Opens Second Round of Assistance Helping Farmers, Ranchers, and Rural Communities

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund has opened a second round of distributions. Applications are welcome and encouraged from new and repeat applicants.

The Disaster Relief Fund has collected more than $2.5 million, with 100 percent of the funds going to help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The application process can be completed online at www.nefb.org/disaster. Farm Bureau membership is not required to apply for or receive assistance.

Both new applicants and prior recipients who wish to be considered for additional assistance should complete the updated application form.

“During this second round, we will be asking for more detailed information to help us better evaluate remaining needs and where our fund can help the most,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.

For assistance accessing the online application, call (402) 421-4747.

“I want to say thank you to all of the individuals, organizations, and companies who have contributed to the fund. Your generosity has helped hundreds of people all around Nebraska. We continue to seek financial donations to meet the growing number of requests coming into the Disaster Relief Fund,” said Steve Nelson, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau.

To donate, apply for assistance, or access other disaster resources, visit www.nefb.org/disaster.



 SMITH VOTES FOR DISASTER RELIEF BILL

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation to provide assistance for presidentially declared disasters, including the March 2019 “bomb cyclone” which struck Nebraska. This vote came after the Senate recently voted in favor of this bill, and will now be sent to the President’s desk.

“I am glad we were able to come together and provide much needed relief to areas of our country, including Nebraska, which have been so devastated by natural disasters. We can now push further ahead with recovery efforts. Thousands of Nebraskans were affected by blizzards, rain, wind, and flooding, and this is another step as we rebuild.”



Growth Energy, Casey’s General Store Announce Accelerated E15 Store Openings Thanks to Approval of Year-Round Sales of E15

Today, Growth Energy and Casey’s General Stores announced that Casey’s will expand its E15 offering to more than 60 new sites this summer across their footprint following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of E15 year-round. E15, known the consumers as Unleaded 88, is a fuel with 15 percent ethanol and is approved for all cars 2001 and newer. In their statements, Casey’s and Growth Energy attributed this rapid expansion to the lifting of an outdated regulation that now allows American drivers to access the cleaner, more affordable biofuel all year-round.

“The summertime E15 restrictions have been a major concern for us for a long time and would typically slow down our E15 expansion,” said Casey’s Director of Fuels Nathaniel Doddridge. “Now that we know we can provide our guests with a consistent experience at the fuel pump year-round, we are expanding E15 at a faster pace to stay ahead of our competition.”

“Growth Energy has relentlessly led the fight on year-round E15 to grow the ethanol marketplace and give all drivers access to a cleaner, engine smart fuel,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We are thrilled that Casey’s will be rolling out E15 at dozens of new sites this summer, and know from conversations with retailers all over the country that they will soon be joined by others who’ve been waiting for this day.”

E15 is currently sold at 1,807 stations in 31 states. To learn more about Growth Energy’s work to unlock access to E15 year-round, visit GrowthEnergy.org/E15.



Free Webinar Helps Fuel Marketers, Others Understand E15

Now that the EPA has approved E15 for year-round use in conventional gasoline markets, the Renewable Fuels Association will host a webinar to help retailers and others in the supply chain learn how this decision impacts the marketplace and how retailers can now engage in year-round sales. The webinar will be at no cost to participants and all are welcome to join. Participants will learn all about efforts to educate consumers on E15.

The one-hour webinar will take place starting at 10 a.m. CT Thursday, June 6. Click here to register.... https://ethanolrfa.org/2019/06/free-webinar-helps-fuel-marketers-others-understand-e15/. 

“Fuel blenders and retailers have been waiting nine years for year-round approval of E15 and it has finally arrived,” said Robert White, RFA’s Vice President of Industry Relations. “It is time to help those interested in offering E15 understand the final rulemaking, what it takes to offer E15 and assist them through the process.”

E15 already has a proven track record for saving drivers money at the pump and reducing emissions, and today’s action will ensure that more Americans are able to enjoy those benefits. Year-round E15 will also provide a badly needed long-term demand boost for our industry and America’s farmers, who face several daunting challenges today.

E15 Facts:
-    American drivers have travelled more than 8 billion hassle-free miles on E15 without a single reported problem since it was first commercially introduced in 2012.
-    More than 93 percent of the vehicles on the road today are legally approved by EPA to use E15.
-    E15 typically sells for 3-10 cents per gallon less than E10 gasoline, saving drivers money with each fill-up.
-    E15 reduces both greenhouse gas emissions and tailpipe pollution compared to conventional gasoline. According to a review of available studies, E15’s benefits “…include a reduction in cancer risk from vehicle exhaust and evaporative emissions [and] a reduction in the potential to form ozone or photochemical smog…”



USDA:  Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.15 million tons (172 million bushels) in April 2019, compared with 5.38 million tons (179 million bushels) in March 2019 and 5.15 million tons (172 million bushels) in April 2018. Crude oil produced was 1.99 billion pounds down 5 percent from March 2019 but up 1 percent from April 2018. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.46 billion pounds during April 2019 increased 3 percent from March 2019 and increased 2 percent from April 2018.

Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 493 million bushels in April 2019. Total corn consumption was down slightly from March 2019 and down 1 percent from April 2018. April 2019 usage included 91.3 percent for alcohol and 8.7 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.69 million bushels, up 7 percent from March 2019 and up 19 percent from April 2018. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 440 million bushels, was up slightly from March 2019 but down 1 percent from April 2018. Corn consumed in April 2019 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.7 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for June 2019

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation today announced interest rates for June 2019, which are effective June 1-June 30, 2019. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for June is 2.375 percent, same as it was in May.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during June is 3.375 percent, same as it was in May.  Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for June are as follows: 2.250 percent with three-year loan terms, same as it was in May; 2.250 percent with five-year loan terms, down from 2.375 percent in May; 2.375 percent with seven-year loan terms, down from 2.500 percent in May; 2.500 percent with 10-year loan terms, same as in May; and 2.500 percent with 12-year loan terms, same as in May.



Farm Service Agency County Committee Nominations Open June 14

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting nominations for county committee members on Friday, June 14, 2019. Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate.

“I encourage America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest stewards to nominate candidates to lead, serve, and represent their community on their county committee,” FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce said. “There’s an increasing need for diverse representation including underserved producers, which includes beginning, women and minority farmers and ranchers.”

Committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Their input is vital on how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues.”

Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agricultural community serving on FSA county committees. The committees are made of three to 11 members and typically meet once a month. Members serve three-year terms. Producers serving on our FSA county committees play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the agency.

Producers should visit their local FSA office today to find out how to get involved in their county’s election. Check with your local USDA service center to see if your local administrative area is up for election this year. Organizations, including those representing beginning, women and minority producers, also may nominate candidates.

To be considered, a producer must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nomination forms for the 2019 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2019.

Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 4, 2019. Read more to learn about important election dates.



National FFA Organization’s Washington Leadership Conference Instills Importance of Growth, Leadership, Community Service

For the past fifty years,  FFA members from across the country converge on Washington, D.C.,  in the summer to evaluate their personal skills and interests, develop leadership talent and create service plans that will make a difference in their communities.

This year is no different. Created in 1969 and held annually, the conference begins June 4 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. More than 2,300 students are registered for the 2019 Washington Leadership Conference, the second-largest student experience that the National FFA Organization hosts each year.

FFA members can attend the conference during one of seven weeks through July 27.  They will spend the week under the guidance of professionals, counselors and FFA staff. In workshops, seminars and small groups, members will focus on identifying and developing their personal strengths and goals while undergoing comprehensive leadership training that will help them guide their local FFA chapters. The capstone of the event will be a civic engagement activity where participants apply what they have learned to a hands-on activity.

Members will also analyze the needs of their communities, develop wide-ranging and high-impact community service initiatives and implement their plans with the help of their FFA chapters upon return home. Students in recent years have promoted agricultural literacy; brought attention to abuse; collected and distributed shoes to individuals in Haiti; created a hunger awareness plan and more.

FFA members will experience the history of the nation's capital and tour landmarks including the Washington Monument, the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol, among others. Members will also have an opportunity to participate in congressional visits during the week.

The 2019 Washington Leadership Conference is sponsored by title sponsors CSX and Farm Credit and weekly sponsors Bayer, Syngenta, General Mills, Merck Animal Health, Growth Energy and Nutrien. For more information, visit FFA.org/WLC. 



ASA President Joins Corteva Agriscience™ at NYSE Opening Bell Ceremony

American Soybean Association (ASA) President Davie Stephens joined Corteva Agriscience™ at 9:30 a.m. EST today for the opening bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to mark the company’s official launch.

“It’s an honor to join Corteva this morning for such a storied and famed tradition as the NYSE bell-ringing ceremony,” said ASA President and Kentucky soybean grower Davie Stephens.

“Companies like Corteva provide tools and solutions for farmers as we strive to maximize yields and profitability while reinforcing commitments to sustainable agriculture practices. U.S. soybean producers are the best in the world at producing the safest, most nutrient-filled and affordable soybeans, which is why I’m proud to join Corteva for their official independent business launch today.”

Corteva Agriscience is now trading as an independent, pure-play global agriculture leader, following the successful separation from DowDuPont on June 1, 2019. Corteva is a leader uniquely positioned to drive growth with world-class innovation, deep customer relationships, and innovative solutions across seed, crop protection and digital that farmers need to maximize yield and profitability.

Friday May 31 Ag News

Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation Urges Nebraskans to Utilize Nebraska Rural Response Hotline Assistance Program

The Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation wants rural Nebraskans impacted by floods and blizzards to know that $500 grants are still available from the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline.  The grants are funded by Farm Aid, NeFU Foundation, and other donors.  For grant applications, call the Hotline at: (800) 464-0258.

If you or someone you know got hurt by the flood or blizzard and could use a little help, call the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline. Their experienced and professional staff will help callers find the kind of assistance they need. The $500 grants are simple to apply for.  The application can be filled out over the phone, and the assistance is provided in confidence.

“First established in 1984, the Hotline is the longest continuously operating farm crisis hotline in the nation.  It is staffed by Legal Aid of Nebraska, administered by Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska, and partners with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to provide a wide range of services from mental health counseling, bookkeeping, financial counseling, legal services, and food assistance. The Council that oversees the Hotline is made up of members of the farm and faith community,” said John Hansen, who serves as NeFU Foundation Secretary and also secretary for the Rural Response Council.   

“Our NeFU Foundation continues to receive donations from around the nation intended to help Nebraska farm and ranch families hurt by the late blizzard and unprecedented spring flooding. For example, the Midwest Insurance Agency agents stepped up and donated $10,000 in supplies and cash. The Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska donated $2,500 to help families in their time of need. We received over $2,000 from a church in Alabama, and $900 from a tattoo parlor in Omaha. The diversity of the response is truly amazing. We absorb the administrative costs so that every dollar received is used to support flood and blizzard relief efforts.  For folks wanting to support our relief efforts, they can visit our website at www.nebraskafarmersunion.org or send checks to NeFU Foundation at 1305 Plum Street, Lincoln, NE 68502. We are asking folks to help spread the word about this program for farmers and ranchers who got clobbered by either the late blizzard or the floods,” Hansen said.

Hansen noted that in addition to the assistance available at the Hotline, the Nebraska Farm Bureau has established a Disaster Relief Fund to help support cleanup and rebuilding efforts and is available at:  www.nefb.org/disaster .  The Nebraska Cattlemen assistance program just closed applications.  All three programs do not require memberships in their organization to receive assistance. “Everyone is pitching in and helping everyone, which is the way it should be in a time of natural disaster.  For people wanting the most recent updates on rural flood relief services, programs, and activities call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Hotline at 800-831-0550 or go to their website at:  http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/ ” Hansen concluded.



Control of Glyphosate-Resistant Marestail with Post-Emergence Herbicides in Corn and Soybean
Amit Jhala - NE Extension Weed Management Specialist

With early spring flooding and continued cool-wet weather, early spring burndown and/or pre-emergence herbicide applications for control of marestail were not possible or may have been less effective than expected in many areas.

Even in fields where 2,4-D and/or other burndown herbicides such as paraquat were applied for control of winter annual weeds, wet cloudy weather has reduced the efficacy of these herbicides. This has resulted in marestail control escapes from early burndown herbicides. Additionally, due to continuous rain, corn and soybean planting were delayed in many fields, providing an extended opportunity for marestail growth and establishment.

Even after planting, many corn and soybean fields may have been too wet for a pre-emergence herbicide application. As a result, post-emergence herbicides are the only option for control of marestail. Studies show that most marestail plants emerge during fall and survive the winter by forming basal rosettes; however, significant spring and early summer emergence has also been observed in Nebraska.

Glyphosate applied alone will not be effective for control of glyphosate-resistant marestail in glyphosate-resistant corn and soybean; however, there are several post-emergence herbicide options for corn and a limited number for soybean.

Control in Corn
For post-emergence control of glyphosate-resistant marestail in corn, dicamba-based herbicides and glufosinate (such as Liberty® only for Liberty Link Corn®) atrazine are effective options. Control options for marestail in corn include:
-    Acuron or Resicore can be applied early post-emergence when corn is less than 12 inches tall and marestail is less than 4 inches. Other herbicides such as Realm Q or Capreno + atrazine also can be considered.
-    DiFlexx is a formulation of dicamba with CSI safener. It can be applied at a rate of 10 to 12 fl oz/acre up to V10 corn. It will provide better corn safety.
-    Diflexx DUO is a premix of DiFlexx and Laudis and can provide effective control of marestail.
-    Status is a premix of dicamba and diflufenzopyr and can be applied to corn up to 36 inches tall or V10 stage. It may provide about 80% control, depending on size of marestail.
-    Clarity can be applied up to 16 oz/acre. Apply broadcast up to the five-leaf stage or 8-inch corn. Apply 8 oz/acre or less broadcast or as a directed spray up to 36 inches tall or 15 days before tassel emergence, whichever occurs first.
-    Corn more than about 8 inches tall is more sensitive to dicamba, but use of a directed spray will reduce the risk of injury.
-    Liberty can be applied only to Liberty Link corn. It is a contact herbicide, so effective spray coverage is required. (Use a spray volume of a minimum 20 gallons per acre and medium size spray droplets). Liberty can be tank-mixed with DiFlexx to improve marestail control in Liberty Link corn.
-    Hornet is a combination of clopyralid and flumetsulam. It can provide up to 80% control, depending on size of marestail.

Control in Soybean
Effective post-emergence herbicides are very limited in soybean for control of glyphosate-resistant marestail because several glyphosate-resistant marestail populations are also resistant to ALS-inhibiting herbicides such as Pursuit, Raptor, Classic, Scepter, etc.
-    If marestail is not ALS inhibitor-resistant, then FirstRate can provide about 60-80% control, depending on height of marestail at the time of application.
-    Reflex, Flexstar, Harmony SG, Marvel, and Torment also may be good options.
-    If Liberty Link soybean is planted, a post-emergence application of Liberty may be effective; however, Liberty can only be applied before Liberty Link soybean starts flowering. Follow application recommendations listed above for greater efficacy.
-    New dicamba formulations (FeXapan/Engenia/XtendiMax) can be applied in dicamba-resistant (Roundup Ready 2 Xtend) soybean. Specific nozzle and tank-mixing instructions should be followed.
-    Tavium, a new premix of dicamba and S-metolachlor, can be applied post-emergence (up to V4 soybean growth stage or within 45 days after planting, whichever comes first) in Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybean.

For other herbicide options, refer to 2019 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska (EC 130).

Always read the herbicide label before applying.



Nebraska Soybean Board names Hoxmeier as Communications Coordinator

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is pleased to announce the hiring of Thomas Hoxmeier as the Communications Coordinator.

In his position, Hoxmeier will handle various roles for the NSB such as public relations, website updates, multichannel advertising, social media and promotional campaigns. He will also manage the NSB quarterly magazine, SoybeaNebraska, as well as other ag-related communications and marketing projects to promote the Nebraska soybean industry.

Hoxmeier grew up on a farm outside of Orleans, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May of 2019 with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. While in school, he interned with University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Rural Futures Institute and the Nebraska Corn Board. Hoxmeier has a strong communications and design background with experience in updating websites, writing for print, social media, photography and video.

“Agriculture’s strategic messaging has always been a passion of mine beginning from the farm and developing even further through college,” said Hoxmeier. “I am excited to work for Nebraska’s soybean farmers and creatively contribute to the checkoff’s future.”

“On behalf of our staff, we welcome Tom to be a part of the soybean checkoff team,” said Victor Bohuslavsky, NSB’s Executive Director. “His past experiences should serve him well in the Communications Coordinator position.”



Iowa Farm Bureau spices up Iowa State Fair Grand Concourse with 56th Annual Cookout Contest

It comes as no surprise the number one holiday for outdoor grilling is the Fourth of July, with 87 percent of Americans lighting up the barbecue. The second most popular grilling day? If you ask Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and the hundreds who will line the main concourse for free samples, it’s their annual Cookout Contest held each year at the Iowa State Fair.

This year’s 56th contest, held Tues., Aug. 13 during Farm Bureau Day, will bring dozens of chefs and a crowd of on-lookers to the fair to see who will be crowned ‘top chef.’ All competitors must win their county contests to get a chance to compete at the statewide scale, vying for cash, prizes and the honor of being named the Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest champion. The winner of the youth division can even win a new gas grill donated by the Iowa Propane Gas Association, valued at more than $1,000. To find a local qualifying contest and rules for entry, visit https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Article/Iowa-Farm-Bureau-Cookout-Contest.

“We know why this event is so popular each year—because it’s not just state fair-goers who enjoy hearty meat dishes. Our Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index survey shows that 9 in 10 Iowa grocery shoppers eat real meat weekly and prefer it to plant-based alternatives,” says Craig Hill, IFBF president and longtime Iowa hog farmer. “When they’re looking for quality products, they seek out taste, and that’s what this contest is about—celebrating our Iowa farmers who bring nutritious, tasteful food to our dinner tables.”

In this fiery hot competition, Iowans compete in the categories of beef (excluding brisket), lamb, pork, poultry, turkey or a “specialty” food class, such as fish or goat.  They can also compete in the combo division, which must include two or more meats. And for those who don’t mind too many cooks in the kitchen, there is also a team category, and grillers with culinary knowledge may want to compete in showmanship.

For more information on how to enter a local cookout competition, contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit www.iowafarmbureau.com for a list of participating counties, dates and locations.



June Dairy Month Open Houses Planned Across Iowa

Iowans of all ages will have the chance to experience modern dairy farming this June, as the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team celebrates dairy month across the state.

Youth and adults can tour dairy barns, including a farm that uses robotic milking machines, visit a kid-friendly area to meet calves and learn about agriculture – all while having have face-to-face conversations with farmers and others from the dairy industry.

Iowa’s Dairy Center, located near Calmar, will hold the 10th annual Breakfast on the Farm June 22, with activities for the whole family, such as hand-milking a cow, a cow inflatable, corn pools and a petting zoo. Dairy foods will be available at this and other locations.

“Our purpose is to celebrate dairy food and the abundance of high quality, safe dairy products that Iowans produce every day, at reasonable prices for consumers,” said Leo Timms, Morrill Professor and extension dairy specialist at Iowa State.

Timms said today’s consumers are often removed from the farm, especially from dairy farms, and open houses offer a way to provide an educational, transparent experience.

“The open houses give everybody a better understanding of the principles and practices we use on modern dairies, as it relates to animal wellbeing, environmental care and product quality and safety,” he said.

Dairy is the fifth largest agricultural business in Iowa, generating $4 billion a year in economic activity, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The state is 12th in the nation for milk production, with about 1,200 dairy farms, of which 99 percent are family-owned.

June Open Houses
    June 12, 4-8 p.m. Western Iowa Dairy Alliance Open House, J&S Dairy, John and Sharon VanderWaal, 4244 Garfield Ave, Maurice, Iowa.
    June 14, 7 a.m.-noon. ISU Dairy Farm Open House and Ag Discovery Center, 52470 260th St., near Ames.
    June 22, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Breakfast on the Farm at Iowa’s Dairy Center, 1527 Hwy 150 South, near Calmar.

The open houses are held in partnership with the Midwest Dairy Association, Iowa State Dairy Association, Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation, Northeast Iowa Community College and various agriculture and commodity group sponsors and supporters in the local communities.

Visitors are asked to take precautions and follow biosecurity policies if they have been at another livestock operation. Those who have recently returned from a trip abroad are asked to wait five days before visiting farms with animals. Visitors are asked to change clothing and footwear if going from farm to farm and to refrain from bringing any food items to the farm.



EPA Delivers On President Trump’s Promise To Allow Year-Round Sale Of E15 Gasoline And Improve Transparency In Renewable Fuel Markets

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed the final action that would remove the key regulatory barrier to using gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol (E15) during the summer driving season and reform the renewable identification number (RIN) compliance system under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program to increase transparency and deter price manipulation. Taken together, these steps follow through on the Trump Administration’s commitment to responsible environmental protection that promotes energy independence, regulatory reform, and increasing the use of biofuels to give consumers more choices, while supporting American farmers.

“Following President Trump’s directive, today’s action expands the market for biofuels and improves the RFS program by increasing transparency and reducing price manipulation,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “As President Trump promised, EPA is approving the year-round sale of E15 in time for summer driving season, giving drivers more choices at the pump.”

With today’s action, EPA is finalizing regulatory changes to apply the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver that currently applies to E10 during the summer months so that it applies to E15 as well. This removes a significant barrier to wider sales of E15 in the summer months, thus expanding the market for ethanol in transportation fuel.

EPA is also finalizing regulatory changes to reform certain elements of the RIN compliance system of the RFS program to increase transparency and deter price manipulation in the RIN market. The reforms include requirements for public disclosure if a party’s RIN holdings exceed certain thresholds and additional data collections to improve EPA market monitoring capability. These new reforms will also help EPA continue to gather the information needed to decide whether further action is needed to ensure stability in the RIN market.

To further strengthen confidence in the RFS program, EPA will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Internal Revenue Service to promote collaboration and support efforts to prevent against RIN and blender tax credit fraud.

More information is available here: https://www.epa.gov/renewable-fuel-standard-program/final-rulemaking-modifications-fuel-regulations-provide-flexibility. 



Secretary Perdue Statement on Final E-15 Rule

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule on E-15:

“I appreciate President Trump’s steadfast support for our patriotic farmers and for his commitment to expand the sale of E15 and unleash the full potential of American innovation and ingenuity as we continue to demonstrate our rightful place as the world’s leader in agricultural and energy production,” said Secretary Sonny Perdue. “This move to approve the year-round use of E15 in time for the summer driving season provides consumers with more choices when they fill up at the pump, driving demand for our farmers and improving the air we breathe. While the Trump Administration and USDA are expanding the ethanol market in the United States, we continue to fight for more export markets in Brazil, Mexico, China, and other countries across the globe. I applaud Administrator Andrew Wheeler for moving expeditiously to finalize this important E15 rule.”



NCGA: Year-Round E15 a Win-Win for Farmers and Consumers

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today celebrated the Trump Administration completing actions to allow for year-round sales of 15 percent ethanol blends or E15.

“Corn farmers have been long-time advocates of higher blends of ethanol such as E15, touting its benefits to both the farmer and the consumer,” NCGA President Lynn Chrisp said. “Farmers are facing some tough times which makes this announcement particularly welcome. We thank President Trump for following through on his promise to rural America and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and supporters in Congress for their outspoken commitment to year-round E15.”

The final rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) eliminates the outdated barrier that required retailers in many areas of the country to stop selling E15 during the summer months by allowing E15 to receive the same summer volatility adjustment EPA permits for E10.

Higher blends of renewable fuels such as E15 reduce fuel prices for drivers by three to ten cents per gallon and result in lower emissions, improving air quality and providing greater greenhouse gas reductions. Blending additional ethanol replaces some of the most harmful components in gasoline, and cleaner ethanol results in 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline.

NCGA submitted comments to EPA in April to press the need to finalize the rulemaking to ensure there would not be an interruption in E15 sales between June and September. The comments also cautioned EPA against finalizing proposed Renewable Identification Number (RIN) market rule changes that would be counterproductive to greater biofuels blending supported by the E15 rule. NCGA agrees with EPA’s focus on transparency and market data in the final rule and the decision not to finalize proposals that would work against biofuels blending.

NCGA’s comments also highlighted the impact of EPA’s expansive Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers to large, profitable refineries, which have taken a toll on farmers by undercutting the RFS and reducing corn demand. Since early 2018, EPA has granted 53 RFS exemptions to refineries for the 2016 and 2017 RFS compliance years totaling 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons of renewable fuel.  EPA currently has 39 waiver petitions pending for the 2018 RFS compliance year.

“While corn farmers are immensely grateful that the barrier to year-round E15 has been lifted, we won’t be able to reap the full benefits if EPA continues to allow oil companies to avoid blending biofuels in accordance with the RFS,” Chrisp said.



 Sasse Statement on E-15 Year-Round Rule Change

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final E-15 (Reid Vapor Pressure) rule to allow for year-round gasoline to be blended above E-10 to E-15. Sasse has been a co-sponsor of legislation supporting the sale of year-round E-15.

“This is a common-sense rule change, and a good move that benefits Nebraska. The EPA's old rule tied the hands of our ethanol producers with unnecessary red tape. This is great news that helps hard-working corn growers and Nebraskans at the pump.”



SMITH STATEMENT ON YEAR-ROUND SALES OF E15

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement praising President Trump’s rule to allow the year-round sale of E15 in accordance with legislation introduced by Smith:

“President Trump’s announcement today is the culmination of an effort years in the making. The uninterrupted sale of E15 gives consumers consistency in their fuel tank and farmers consistency in their production. I have long championed the year-round sale of E15, and I am grateful to the President for getting this done.

“Last year, Nebraska sold more ethanol than ever before. Giving consumers the choice to buy E15 during the summer months, can only be a good thing. This is a huge win for Nebraska.”

Smith previously introduced legislation which would have required EPA to use its existing authority to provide a year-round waiver for the sale of E15, as announced today by President Trump.



Nebraska Corn praises year-round E15 as a win for farmers and consumers

The Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association applauded the Trump Administration for completing necessary actions that allow for year-round sales of E15, a 15% ethanol blend. Prior to today’s ruling by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sales of E15 were limited during summer months. By eliminating outdated restrictions, consumers have a greener, less expensive choice at the pump throughout the entire year.

“E15 is approved for any vehicle model year 2001 and newer,” said Tim Scheer, farmer from St. Paul and District 5 Director of the Nebraska Corn Board. “This makes up over 90% of all vehicles on the road today. Additionally, E15 is the most widely tested fuel ever. Well over 4 billion miles have been driven on E15. It’s just a great performing, higher octane fuel that saves consumers money.”

There are many benefits of using E15. On average, consumers can save three to ten cents per gallon and also result in lower emissions, which improve overall air quality. In fact, a recent study by the USDA showed greenhouse gas emissions from corn-based ethanol are up to 43% lower than traditional gasoline. Additionally, because ethanol is locally produced, the industry supports local farmers and the rural economy.

“For years, the Nebraska Corn Board has partnered with retail fuel stations to help support infrastructure development,” said Scheer. “We want stations interested in offering higher blends of ethanol, like E15, to have financial and promotional support to provide more choices to consumers. I see today’s decision by the EPA as a positive step towards making E15 much more widely adopted by retailers and consumers.”



Ricketts Thanks President Trump for Year-Round E15

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had issued a new rule authorizing the year-round sale of E15.  In September 2018, Governor Ricketts had joined President Donald J. Trump to announce the commencement of the rulemaking process to approve year-round E15.

“Thank you to President Trump, Administrator Wheeler, and the EPA for delivering on their promise to approve E15 by the summer driving season.  Promises made, promises kept!” said Governor Ricketts.  “As the summer driving season kicks off, consumers now have the option to choose a fuel that’s cheaper for them and better for our state’s environment and economy.  Increased demand for ethanol will also be a boon to our state’s corn farmers during a time of low commodity prices.”

“The Nebraska Ethanol Board commends the EPA for fulfilling the administration‘s promise to put out a rule before summer driving season that allows for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15,” said Sarah Caswell, the board’s administrator.  “This rule change, in concert with complementary policies and regulations that help incentivize infrastructure investments, is a vital step forward for the increased demand and use of higher blends of ethanol throughout the country.  In a favorable regulatory environment, we are confident that the new rule will lead to greater demand for Nebraska ethanol, which in turn will benefit the nation’s economy, environment, and public health.  It will also help our farmers, producers, and retailers.  This is a day to celebrate!”

Currently, E15 can be marketed September 16th through April 30th.  This final rule from the EPA allows E15 to be sold all year long.

“E15 is approved for any vehicle model year 2001 and newer,” said Tim Scheer, farmer from St. Paul and District 5 Director of the Nebraska Corn Board.  “This makes up over 90% of all vehicles on the road today.  Additionally, E15 is the most widely tested fuel ever.  Well over 4 billion miles have been driven on E15.  It’s a great performing, higher octane fuel that saves consumers money.”

Nebraska produces the second-most ethanol among U.S. states.  Over 1,400 rural Nebraskans work directly in ethanol production, and the state’s ethanol output has reached record highs of 2.2 billion gallons per year.  Expanding the market for ethanol will likely raise production even more.

The State of Nebraska is successfully working to introduce greater volumes of higher ethanol blends—E15, E30, and E85—into the nation’s fuel supply to save consumers money, benefit the environment, and create more opportunity for Nebraska’s farm families.  In a few days, on June 3rd, the State will start an EPA-approved program to study the use of locally sourced E30 in conventional state-owned vehicles.  The research on these vehicles’ mileage and maintenance needs will help demonstrate that E30 can both reduce consumers’ costs and contribute to a cleaner environment.

The State is also investing in the distribution network of higher ethanol blends.  Through participation in the USDA’s Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership program, Nebraska doubled the number of blender pumps in the state in just two years, from 2016 through 2018.  Nebraska now has flex fuel pumps at more than 100 locations, giving drivers expanded access to high-content ethanol fuels.



Statement by Steve Nelson, Regarding Announcement of Year-Round E-15

“We greatly appreciate the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action to fulfill the administration’s promise to allow year-round E15 ethanol sales. Ethanol is a vital component of Nebraska’s economy. Our ethanol sector has experienced extensive expansion over the years, making Nebraska the second largest ethanol producing state in the country.”

“Today’s announcement is a positive step forward, on our country’s renewable fuels policy and is an important one for our farm families who are working through the challenges of a slowed agriculture economy. Anything that expands the markets to ethanol and helps build new demand for Nebraska grown grains is good news.”



Iowa Farmers Welcome Year-Round E15 Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released today the final rule allowing E15 to be sold to 2001 and newer vehicles year-round across the country. The rule allows drivers to fuel up with the cleanest, lowest cost, homegrown fuel.

“Year-round E15 has been a top priority for the Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA), and we are happy to see the EPA recognize and follow through with President Trump’s promise on E15. The rule provides consumers uninterrupted access to E15 across the country so they can take advantage of this higher octane, more environmentally-friendly fuel,” says Curt Mether, President of ICGA and farmer near Logan.  “The summer driving season is here and having access to E15 during this time is a step in the right direction for Iowa corn farmers and drivers.”

“We’ve advocated for the passing of E15 for a long time, and it’s satisfying to finally have an end result to a rule ICGA and its members are passionate about market access for homegrown ethanol fuels,” Mether shared.  “We’ve advocated for the passing of E15 for a long time, and it’s satisfying to finally have an end result with a rule ICGA members are passionate about providing market access for homegrown ethanol fuels,” Mether shared.

E15, often marketed at the pump as Unleaded88, is a fuel blend containing 15 percent ethanol and is approved for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles. These vehicles make up roughly 90 percent of the vehicles on the road today and E15 is often sold at a three to ten cent discount to Super Unleaded E10. Before the finalized rule, the outdated Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) regulations forced fuel retailers to restrict sales of E15 to flex fuel vehicles (FFV) only from June 1 to September 15, the peak driving season. Since that regulation is now lifted, motorists can access E15 year-around.

“While we’re happy to see E15 now available for consumers year-round, if the EPA continues to hand out hundreds of millions of gallons worth of Small Refinery Exemptions under the RFS, any potential near-term benefit provided by this rule will be swiftly gutted by the onslaught of that demand destruction,” added Mether. “Simply put, the damage that can be done unilaterally by the EPA through SREs has the potential to far outweigh any benefit this rule provides to Iowa farmers and consumers. We need President Trump to keep the EPA in alignment with his promises on ethanol.”



Trump Administration Keeps E15 Promise

Today EPA released the final rule to make year-round E15 a reality, fulfilling a key campaign promise made to Iowa voters by President Trump.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said the final rule provides a reasonable, intellectually-consistent, legally-defensible solution for year-round E15 access.

“The Iowa biofuels community thanks President Trump for delivering on his promise to allow consumers year-round access to E15.” Shaw said. “This is positive news for rural Iowa at a time when we can really use it. E15 will provide an immediate boost for ethanol demand and the long-term potential is quite significant. As a lower-cost, cleaner-burning fuel, E15 has been in high demand where it has been available.”

The petroleum industry has vowed for years to sue the EPA over the E15 rule.

“The key for this rule is not just that it approves year-round E15, but that it does so based on the best science and legal precedents that will survive the Big Oil onslaught in court. The petroleum industry has tried everything to stop this day from coming. It’s no surprise they don’t want to compete with E15, which is lower-cost, cleaner, and higher-octane.”

IRFA also expressed appreciation that the final rule did not include demand destroying provisions camouflaged as so-called RIN reforms.

“The last thing rural America needs right now is a rule that would be one step forward, but two steps back,” said Shaw. “Some of the proposed RIN changes would have undermined the entire RFS. We urge President Trump to ensure those proposals remain, as President Reagan would say, on the ash heap of history, and that they not be resurrected in the future.”

Overhanging the E15 and RIN rule are 39 small refinery exemption (SRE) requests to the 2018 RFS levels.

“If granted, these SREs would rip the heart out of the RFS,” added Shaw. “Not just because of the destroyed gallons, but because they are simply unjustified given the current market conditions. Today we thank President Trump for fulfilling his E15 promise. Yet if in the coming weeks, the Trump Administration grants these SREs, it will break his other promise to biofuels supporters – to protect the RFS. We are sincerely thankful for today’s action that will create tens of millions of gallons of immediate demand for ethanol, but all of this will mean nothing if unjustified SREs gut hundreds of millions of gallons of demand. The fact is, to grant hardship waivers when RINs can be purchased for less than 10 cents is completely unjustifiable under the law, and we are calling on President Trump to ensure his EPA denies the 2018 SRE requests.” 



RFA Applauds Final Rule Allowing Year-Round E15

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today welcomed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule allowing retailers to sell gasoline containing 15% ethanol (E15) year-round. Today’s action fulfills President Trump’s promise to eliminate the summertime prohibition on E15, a fuel that offers lower cost, reduced emissions, and higher octane.

In the nine years since EPA first approved the use of E15, RFA has worked tirelessly to remove the costly and unnecessary regulatory barrier that prevented retailers in most of the country from selling the fuel during the busy summer driving season. RFA has long advocated for an administrative resolution to this antiquated barrier and was highly encouraged last fall when President Trump directed EPA to act on its regulatory authority to solve the problem.

In response to today’s announcement, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper issued the following statement:

“The ethanol industry thanks President Trump for personally championing this critical regulatory reform that will enhance competition, bolster the rural economy, and provide greater consumer access to cleaner, more affordable fuel options. We have always agreed with the President’s assertion that the outdated summertime prohibition on E15 was ‘unnecessary’ and ‘ridiculous.’

“E15 already has a proven track record for saving drivers money at the pump and reducing emissions, and today’s action will ensure that more Americans are able to enjoy those benefits. Year-round E15 will also provide a badly needed long-term demand boost for our industry and America’s farmers, who face a number of daunting challenges today.

“We are cognizant, however, that the promise of today’s E15 announcement could be undermined if EPA continues its unprecedented assault on the RFS with indiscriminate small refinery hardship waivers. Against the intent of Congress, EPA has been granting RFS exemptions to refiners without requiring them to demonstrate their claimed ‘hardship’ is somehow connected to the RFS. The demand destruction caused by EPA’s waivers must end. We urge the President to build upon the momentum of today’s announcement by reining in EPA’s abuse of the small refiner exemption program.”



America’s Biofuel Leaders Celebrate Final Approval for Year-Round E15

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest association of ethanol producers and supporters, today celebrated final action by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allowing American drivers to fuel up with E15, a fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol, all year-round. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said the final rule will benefit drivers and farmers alike.

“We are grateful to President Trump for delivering on his promise to unleash the power of E15 all year-long,” said Skor. “The approval of year-round E15 is an incredible milestone for the biofuels industry, and the result of over a decade of hard work by Growth Energy, our members, our congressional champions, and folks all across rural America who made their voices heard.

“With year-round E15, retailers will have the regulatory certainty they need to offer American drivers a cleaner, more affordable fuel choice throughout the year. This action also means savings for American motorists at the pump and a sorely needed market for farmers who are facing a devastating economic downturn. We estimate this one change will generate over a billion new gallons of ethanol demand in the next five years. Over time, demand for E15 could boost the market for American grain by an additional two billion bushels.

“We appreciate the EPA’s efforts to get this rule over the finish line in time for the summer driving season. We will continue our work with the agency to ensure that the market for biofuels remains strong, and that means upholding the targets set by Congress and ensuring American drivers continue to benefit from true competition at the pump.”

Over the last decade, Growth Energy has worked with top fuel retailers, like Sheetz, to expand options for American motorists. Today, E15 is sold at more than 1,800 locations in 31 states, with many more expected in the months and years ahead.

“This fix provides major regulatory relief for all retailers seeking to offer lower-cost, higher-octane options at the fuel pump,” said Mike Lorenz, Executive Vice President for Sheetz. “For too long, retailers had to pay millions to retool and relabel pumps each summer and fall, which creates needless confusion for drivers. Now our customers will have uninterrupted, year-round access to E15 and a chance to save money during the busy summer travel season.”



ACE grateful EPA has finally cut the RVP red tape, enabling retailers to offer E15 to their customers year-round

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its finalized rule extending the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver to E15 during the summer months to allow its sale year-round and modifying Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credit trading:

“EPA’s rule means U.S. retailers finally have the opportunity to offer E15 to their customers year round as the peak summer driving season kicks off this weekend. We’re grateful EPA kept the President’s promise to get the rulemaking done on time and we will work to ensure retailers understand their hands are no longer tied by red tape preventing them from offering a lower priced, higher octane E15 fuel to their customers all year starting this summer. For the ethanol industry and farmers, this means greater market access — more ethanol demand over the long term as additional retailers begin offering E15.

“We’re also grateful EPA considered the comments ACE and many others made in opposition to sweeping and unnecessary reforms to the way RIN credits are handled under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Had EPA gone forward with the so-called RIN reforms, it would have dulled the upside benefit of E15 year-round.

“Finally, speaking of dulling the upside benefit of E15 year-round, as we have repeatedly cautioned, EPA’s ongoing mismanagement of the RFS through blanket small refinery exemptions (SREs) needs to stop. The net effect of E15 year-round with 2.61 billion gallons worth of SREs that aren’t reallocated means we’re still in the hole when it comes to ethanol demand through the RFS. EPA is currently sitting on nearly 40 requests for refinery waivers from the 2018 compliance year. We discourage EPA from erasing any benefit of today’s rule by granting more waivers at a time when rural America can least afford it.”



NBB Welcomes E15 Rule

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule to enable year-round E15 sales and thanked President Trump for following through on his pledge to finalize the rule by June 1. NBB supports EPA's ongoing efforts to increase transparency in the RIN market and appreciates the agency's commitment to fully vet reforms that could disrupt the RIN market.

Kurt Kovarik, NBB's Vice President of Federal Affairs, stated, "We thank President Trump for following through on his promise to support the biofuel industry. The regulatory change to allow year-round E15 sales will open the fuel market to additional ethanol use. However, the action does not expand the market for homegrown biodiesel. To expand market access for all renewable fuels, EPA must increase the annual volumes for advanced biofuels, such as biodiesel, and end its practice of granting retroactive small refinery exemptions.

"NBB and its members applaud EPA's efforts to increase transparency in the RIN market. We support the agency's decision to defer final action on other reforms as it evaluates their potentially harmful impact to the biofuel market.

"NBB will continue to press EPA to stop granting retroactive small refinery exemptions without any mechanism to ensure the annual volumes are met. Retroactive small refinery exemptions have destroyed demand for more than 360 million gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel over the past year. Efforts to expand the renewable fuel market will be ineffective as long as EPA continues to undercut demand through small refinery exemption"s."



NFU Applauds Year-Round Use E15, Urges Further Investments in Biofuels

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued a final rule that will permit year-round sale of gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, also known as E15. The rule’s finalization comes just in time to allow for summertime use of E15 this year, but does not extend to higher blends of ethanol, such as E30.

Because mid-level blends of ethanol both offer significant environmental benefits as well as play an important role in bolstering farmers’ incomes by creating new markets, National Farmers Union (NFU) has long advocated for policies that facilitate their use. In a statement issued today, NFU President Roger Johnson reiterated the organization’s earlier support for the rule and urged EPA to further expand biofuel use.

“While family farmers contend with slumping commodity prices and an overwhelming corn glut, it is of the utmost importance that we continue to implement policies that address both problems. Biofuels, which establish new uses and markets for agricultural products, are an obvious solution, and we are pleased that EPA is recognizing their potential by allowing for year-round sales of E15.

“However, E15 is just one step in lifting farm prices and using up excess corn supply. Now EPA should take full advantage of all the benefits higher-level ethanol blends offer by expanding the use of E30 fuel, which is consistent with the statute and this country’s energy policy. Not only would this support family farmers, but it would also create new jobs and economic growth in rural communities, lower fuel prices for American drivers, improve air quality, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, we strongly urge policymakers to remove regulatory barriers and to invest in research, development, and infrastructure that encourage the production and distribution of American-grown biofuels.”



American Farm Bureau Applauds Year-Round E15 Rule
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“Removing outdated barriers and regulations is a commitment that this Administration continues to make good on. As our country has worked on breaking our dependency on foreign oil, our farmers have played a major role in helping us become more energy independent. After years of declining farm income, opening up markets to additional fuel choices for consumers helps create new demand that farmers desperately need. While we applaud today’s announcement to allow year-round E15 sales, we look forward to working with the Environmental Protection Agency to address the harm caused by the Small Refinery Exemptions, which have negatively impacted demand for our homegrown renewable fuels.”



AFBF Pleased with USMCA Progress
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall:

“The administration’s submitting the Statement of Administration Action on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to Congress is good news for U.S. farmers and ranchers. This notice means that we are one step closer to locking in vital market opportunities developed with our North American neighbors and expanding further on the gains we’ve made over the past three decades.

 “The USMCA will provide new market access for dairy and poultry products and maintains the zero-tariff platform on most ag products. It includes provisions for improved health and safety standards that will reduce trade-distorting practices. It also contains measures that address cooperation, information sharing and other trade rules among the three nations related to agricultural biotechnology and gene editing. We still have work to do in some areas, such as addressing the timing of import surges from Mexico to ensure they do not harm our domestic fruit and vegetable sectors. However, we need to secure the gains that are in front of us today. 

“The SAA begins a 30-day period after which the administration may submit implementing legislation for the USMCA to be considered by Congress. It is an important step toward a vote on the agreement.

“The USMCA is a hard-fought win for agriculture and we commend the administration for its efforts to solidify two of our most vital trade relationships. We now call on Congress to ratify the deal.”



NPPC Appeal: Let's Move Forward with USMCA, Leave Tariffs at Zero

In response to President Trump's plan to impose five percent tariffs on all Mexican imports as of June 10, 2019, David Herring, president of the National Pork Producers Council and a pork producer from Lillington, North Carolina, issued the following statement:

"We appeal to President Trump to reconsider plans to open a new trade dispute with Mexico. American pork producers cannot afford retaliatory tariffs from its largest export market, tariffs which Mexico will surely implement. Over the last year, trade disputes with Mexico and China have cost hard-working U.S. pork producers and their families approximately $2.5 billion.

"Let's move forward with ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, preserving zero-tariff pork trade in North America for the long term; complete a trade agreement with Japan; and resolve the trade dispute with China, where U.S. pork has a historic opportunity to dramatically expand exports given the countries struggle with African swine fever.

"We hope those members of Congress who are working to restrict the administration's trade relief programs take note. While these programs provide only partial relief to the damage trade retaliation has exacted on U.S. agriculture, they are desperately needed. We need the full participation of all organizations involved in the U.S. pork supply chain for these programs to deliver their intended benefits."

For most of the last year, U.S. pork producers have lost $12 per hog due to trade retaliation by Mexico, which was lifted last week, according to Iowa State University Economist Dermot Hayes. Dr. Hayes projects that the U.S. pork producers will lose the entire Mexican market, one that represented 20 percent of total U.S. pork exports last year, if they face protracted retaliation. As of April 1, 2019, the value of U.S. pork exports to Mexico were down 28 percent from the same period last year. 



NCGA Statement: Rethink New Tariffs on Mexican Imports

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Lynn Chrisp made the following statement in response to tweets from President Trump announcing tariffs on all Mexican imports beginning June 10, in an effort to stop illegal immigration.

“NCGA strongly urges the President to rethink applying new tariffs to Mexican goods and to reconsider using tariffs to address non-trade issues. Mexico is the top customer for U.S. corn. Corn farmers want to continue working with the Administration and Congress to ratify the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and pursue new trade agreements. The recent deal to lift steel and aluminum tariffs on Mexico and Canada was an important breakthrough for USCMA but new tariffs threaten to reverse that progress. Amid a perfect storm of challenges in farm country, we cannot afford the uncertainty this action would bring.”

Mexico was the top market for U.S. corn in 2017/2018, with corn and corn product exports valued at $3.3 billion. Corn exports to Mexico reached a record high of 15.7 million tons (618 million bushels), up nearly 13 percent from 2016/2017. Mexico was also the top buyer of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), purchasing 2.13 million tons in 2017/2018 – up 3 percent year-over-year.



Statement from U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Tom Sleight on Tariffs on Mexican Imports:

“At such a critical time for U.S. farmers, new talk of tariffs on Mexican products challenges the complex relationship we have with the top international buyer of U.S. grains and related products. We agree continued negotiations are the correct path to ensure stability in our markets, particularly as South American corn becomes a viable option for Mexican customers. As this political and market situation develops, we will remain in close touch with our stakeholders here at home and in Mexico to help maintain the stability of our longstanding partnership."



Statement from ICGA President Curt Mether on President Trump’s Detrimental Announcement of Mexican Tariffs

In light of President Trump’s tweet regarding his announcement of tariffs on all Mexican imports, the trade hits keep coming on Iowa corn farmers. Yesterday, President Trump tweeted he will declare a five percent tariff on Mexican imports beginning June 10 that will gradually climb higher over the coming months to force Mexico to address border issues.  

With the recent positive announcement related to dropping steel and aluminum tariffs this is not the news we want to hear as Mexico is our top market for U.S. corn. In 2017/2018, corn and corn product exports to Mexico were valued at $3.3 billion. Corn exports to Mexico reached 618 million bushels, 15.7 million tons, up nearly 13 percent from 2016/2017. Add in U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGs), an additional 2.13 million tons of corn bushels are exported to our neighbors.

The Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) policy established by our members outlines that we oppose tariffs and embargos as a means to change trade policy and supports working with other countries for free trade. Therefore, we work to defend this policy, and we need trade wars to stop for some type of certainty to the marketplace. ICGA will continue to advocate for free trade including the passage of USMCA and a positive trade resolution with China. 



Wheat Industry: Tariffs as Political Weapons Cause Collateral Damage

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are shocked and dismayed by President Donald Trump’s unilateral step to impose a five percent tariff on all Mexican goods imported by the United States. This action threatens to undermine approval of the U.S-Mexico-Canada Agreement and puts crucial wheat demand in Mexico at great risk.

“We respectfully ask the Administration not to implement these new tariffs. The potential fallout for farmers would be like struggling to survive a flood then getting hit by a tornado,” said Chris Kolstad, Chairman of USW and a wheat farmer from Ledger, Mont.

Bad feelings abounded in Mexico after the President publicly threatened to withdraw from NAFTA and imposed duties because certain Mexican products were called national security risks to the United States. Their government and industries, including flour millers, set out to broaden their supply sources. In 2018, Mexico increased its total wheat imports significantly, but U.S. wheat imports actually declined that year.

“With progress on the USMCA — most recently cancellation of the steel and aluminum tariffs — our customers in Mexico have been importing more U.S. wheat,” Kolstad said. “In a very disheartening coincidence, our organization is holding a conference next week with our Mexican customers partly to remind them how important they are to us. Of course, the cost of the conference is funded by the Agricultural Trade Promotion program that was awarded because U.S. wheat farmers proved they were being hurt by retaliatory tariffs.”

“We call on the President to rescind this threat immediately,” said Ben Scholz, President of NAWG and a wheat farmer from Lavon, Tex. “We’ve been hit by low prices; we’ve been hit by rain and flooding that is hurting what was an excellent wheat crop; and now we’ve been hit again by the actions of our own government. We need to end indiscriminate use of tariffs now, one way or another.”



NMPF Urges the President to Throw Away Possible New Tariffs Against Mexico
From National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern:

“Senator Chuck Grassley is right: Border security issues are border security issues, and trade issues are trade issues. New tariffs against Mexico are unlikely to secure the border, but judging from reaction on Capitol Hill, they may very well jeopardize the chances of passing the USMCA, a key White House priority and one that’s crucial for future agricultural prosperity.

“For dairy farmers, renewed turmoil with Mexico also threatens gains made earlier this month, when Mexico dropped retaliatory tariffs against U.S. cheese. Re-escalating trade tensions only harms farmers further, just when they were seeing glimmers of hope.”

NMPF estimates that producers have lost at least $2.3 billion in revenues through March due to higher tariffs against U.S. dairy, which has lowered milk prices for all producers.



Joint Statement by National Grain and Feed Association and North American Export Grain Association on Potential Imposition of U.S Tariffs on Mexico

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s May 30 announcement that he intends to impose escalating tariffs on Mexico starting June 10 in response to illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border.

“As organizations that strongly and unequivocally support speedy ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the NGFA and NAEGA commend the Trump administration for forwarding the draft Statement of Administrative Action to Congress on May 30, thereby clearing another important procedural step to eventual congressional consideration of the accord.

“But we are concerned about the prospect of the imposition of new U.S. tariffs against Mexico. The imposition of such tariffs unquestionably will jeopardize ratification of this crucial trade accord that would bring about more normalized and predictable two-way trade with the United States’ top trading partners, which is vitally important to U.S. agriculture, the American economy and job creation, particularly given the current trade disruptions with China.

“We strongly urge U.S. and Mexican officials to immediately begin good-faith discussions to urgently arrive at mutually agreeable steps to restore desperately needed confidence and certainty to agriculture and other industries and job-creators that depend upon vibrant trade and efficient supply chains that benefit North American and global consumers.” 



NGFA recommends changes to FDA’s draft VFD guidance

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) made several recommendations to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its draft Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) guidance in a statement submitted to the agency on May 28.

FDA made the draft guidance available on March 27 to provide the agency’s current thinking on responsibilities associated with all parties involved with VFD orders – veterinarians, VFD feed distributors (e.g., feed mills) and clients (i.e., owners or other caretakers of food-producing animals). The document expanded upon a previous FDA VFD guidance issued in September 2015 by adding 53 new questions and answers and revising 14 others. The new and revised questions and answers address a wide range of issues that have emerged as a result of the increased use of the VFD process.

The VFD regulations establish requirements for authorizing the use of animal drugs in or on feed that require the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. FDA’s updated VFD rule went into effect Oct. 1, 2015, and the agency’s implementation of policies to promote the judicious use of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals was completed Jan. 1, 2017. Based upon FDA’s policies, all production uses (e.g., growth promotion) of medically important antimicrobials approved for use in the feed or drinking water of food-producing animals were eliminated, and such drugs now only can be used for therapeutic purposes under veterinary oversight.

In its statement, NGFA commended FDA for updating the guidance with valuable information for all parties covered by the VFD regulations. However, NGFA also made recommendations for several questions and answers in the draft guidance where it believes further consideration by FDA is warranted before final guidance is issued. Among NGFA’s recommendations were that FDA:  

•    In situations where a grams-per-ton level is not provided by approval, conditional approval, or index listing for the VFD drug, allow the veterinarian to state dosage (e.g., milligram-per-head-per-day) on the VFD order instead of the grams-per-ton level of the drug in the medicated feed so that the client has flexibility to choose the most appropriate treatment product.

•    Further clarify that distributors and clients need not store electronic VFDs using computer systems that are compliant with FDA’s onerous 21 CFR part 11 requirements associated with electronic records and electronic signatures.

•    Revise FDA’s current interpretation so as to recognize the VFD distributor to be the party that the client first approaches to fill the VFD order, regardless of whether such party takes physical possession of the VFD feed.

•    Eliminate FDA’s suggestion that the expiration date for medicated feed, when not indicated on the label, generally is three months from the date of manufacture.  Instead, the NGFA recommended that the feed manufacturer be contacted about the shelf life of the product.

•    While evaluating distributor compliance, not place an undue inspectional emphasis on attempting to evaluate whether a “reasonable” quantity of VFD feed was distributed, since the VFD regulations do not require distributors to forecast and maintain records on how much feed is anticipated to be associated with each VFD order.



Raise Your Milk Glasses, America: NMPF Shares the Facts on World Milk Day - June 1

The National Milk Producers Federation is pointing out some key facts about U.S. dairy in observance of World Milk Day on June 1 and the National Dairy Month that follows.

The state of the industry
-    Total domestic consumption of milk has risen four of the past five years and reached a record in 2018.
-    While per-capita milk U.S. consumption has declined, consumption of non-fluid dairy products such as cheese have increased, with butter last year at its highest per-capita consumption in more than 50 years.
-    U.S. dairy export volumes reached a record in 2018, increasing 9 percent over the prior year despite stiff trade winds. The value of U.S. exports was $5.59 billion, 2 percent more than the prior year, despite trade disturbances that to date have cost farmers at least $2.3 billion in revenues.

Sustainability and animal welfare
-    The U.S. dairy industry contributes approximately two percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—the lowest average GHG intensity of milk production worldwide.
-    Fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy are roughly equal in greenhouse-gas emissions.
-    Through the leadership of NMPF’s National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, which includes 98 percent of the U.S. milk supply, U.S. dairy producers are the first livestock animal care program in the world to be recognized for its animal welfare standards. FARM gained that recognition last year from the International Organization for Standardization, founded by the UN.

Consumer choice
-    Milk is consumers’ dominant choice compared compared to plant-based competitors. In a typical week, U.S. consumers buy more than 65 million gallons of milk, compared to about 6 million gallons of plant-based beverages. Milk also costs about 40 percent less, according to consumer sales and pricing data.
-    Milk is a key source of nine essential nutrients crucial to a healthy diet.

And, finally …
-    Milk is the product of a lactating animal, per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s unenforced rules.

“As World Milk Day is celebrated globally, remember some key facts,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “Dairy has faced economic hardships these past few years, but hard-working producers stand strong behind a high-quality product. Thank a dairy farmer on World Milk Day, for feeding America and the world.”