Monday February 8 Ag News

 Online discussion set for agriculture educators

Agriculture educators in Nebraska are invited to “Seed Starting & School Growing Chit Chat.” This free, online event is hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

This informal discussion is set for Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. The workshop will be facilitated by John Porter, urban agriculture program coordinator at Nebraska Extension.

“As we move into the spring season, participants are invited to share ideas and resources on activities they’re incorporating into their greenhouses and classrooms,” said Justin Carter, project associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “Join us to learn more about what’s happening in school agriculture programs across the state.”

Students are invited to attend the event alongside agricultural educators.

Registration is required; sign up at cfra.org/events. For more information, contact Carter at justinc@cfra.org or 402.237.5082.

This event is funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm to School grant.



PVC February Meeting

The next meeting of the Platte Valley Cattlemen will be February 15, 2021, at Wunderlich’s.  This is the Ladies Night program, so bring your bride along for supper.

Social hour will start at 6:00pm. 143 Vintage (Samantha Wietfeld) and Backyard Boutique (Jennifer Dicke) are sponsoring the social hour. The meal will be at 7:00pm, and Columbus Sales Pavilion, Travis Bock, will sponsor the meal.

The speaker for the night will be Crystal Klug who will be speaking about the 2021 Cattlemen’s Ball. She will talk about activities and entertainment that is planned for the Ball on June 4th and 5th.

Nicole Saafeld will also be there during social hour with samples  of brewed beers, wine and liquor she has to offer at Cork & Barrel in Columbus.

They look forward to seeing you on Feb. 15, 2021 at Wunderlich’s in Columbus.



ICGA Welcomes Introduction of House Study Bill 185 to Expand Ethanol Opportunities

Today, the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) welcomes the introduction of HSB 185.  This bill, proposed by Governor Reynolds, creates more opportunities and markets within Iowa for corn-based ethanol including significant funding for biofuels infrastructure, as well as an E10 standard.

ICGA President Carl Jardon made the following statement.
“The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) thanks Governor Reynolds for her efforts on pushing ethanol into the future of Iowa giving all consumers the opportunity to select a clean-burning, cost-effective fuel at the pump,” said Carl Jardon, farmer from Randolph, Iowa. “Iowa is the nation’s leader in corn and ethanol production, and ICGA will continue to be proactive on this bill to see it through the finish line as it is a top priority for Iowa’s corn farmers.”



Iowa Pork Producers Association Being Led by Southwest Iowa Pig Farmer

Dennis Liljedahl, a second-generation pig farmer from Essex, is the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). The change in leadership followed the IPPA annual meeting on Jan. 26. Liljedahl, who had served as president-elect in 2020, replaces Mike Paustian of Walcott. Paustian now holds the past president position on the IPPA Board of Directors. Both will serve one-year terms in those roles.
 
Liljedahl has been a member of the IPPA Board of Directors since 2016, when he was elected by pig farmers in his area to represent them as the District 5 Director. He became a member of the executive committee in 2018. He has served on several IPPA committees and has been chairman of two - the public relations and research committees. He has also represented IPPA on two Iowa trade missions, one to China in 2017 and one to South Korea and Taiwan in 2019.
 
Other changes on the IPPA board include:
    a new president-elect, who is Kevin Rasmussen of Goldfield. He formerly represented District 2 on the board.
    Trish Cook, Winthrop, continues as the NE Region director and adds responsibilities as the vice president of resources.
    Kyler Oswald, Coon Rapids, is the new District 5 director. He was elected by those in his district to fill the position that Curtis Meier, Clarinda, held as an interim director for the past 10 months.
    Aaron Juergens, Carroll, was elected by those in Districts 5 and 6 as the SW Region director. He replaces Jason Hocker of Audubon, whose term had expired.
    Jeff Johnson, Dunkerton, will fill the Allied position role. The board of directors elected Johnson to fill the term previously held by Stan Cavner, Iowa Falls.
    Ben Schmaling, Prescott, will fill one of the two Stakeholder positions on the board. Schmaling replaces Jarrod Bakker of Dike, whose term had expired.
    An interim director for District 2 will be appointed by the board at their March meeting.

 The board oversees leadership and direction for all IPPA Pork Checkoff programs, public policy and general direction of the organization.



Land Sales Up 53% at Farmers National Company
Randy Dickhut, Senior Vice President - Real Estate Operations, Farmers National Company

The value of land sold by Farmers National Company from October, 2020 through January, 2021 was up 53% over the average of the past three years! The total number of acres of land sold by Farmers National Company agents increased 50% over the three year average!
 
There are a number of factors that propelled the increase in sales for the company during this four month period which is normally a peak sales time for farms. The first would be that Farmers National Company's extensive network of agents across the grain belt and southern plains brings local land market knowledge to the forefront when sellers need a trusted advisor to sell their property. The diversity of land sales handled by Farmers National Company including farms, ranches, recreational, timber, and development type properties, comes into play when sellers are looking for someone to market and sell their land.
 
Market factors are also propelling land sales. As previously mentioned, demand to own land of all types has increased since the onset of Covid-19. With the continued lower supply of land for sale on the market, increased demand is driving prices higher, especially for good cropland. Farmers who are currently more optimistic in their outlook along with investors seeking a safe, long term real estate investment are both helping propel the farmland market. Investor interest in timber land has increased too as well as individuals looking for a small tract of land for personal or recreational use.
 
Calls from buyers and sellers come in daily at Farmers National Company. Interest in land and ag land in particular grew in 2020. Looking ahead, if nothing unexpected happens to challenge the current land market, land prices will continue to firm up in 2021.



IPPA Delegates Support Swine Health and Marketing Proposals

The past year of living through COVID-19 has made everyone aware of what pork producers have known for some time. There are severe negative economic impacts and movement constraints that come with a foreign disease entering the U.S.
 
That's why county delegates at the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) annual meeting on Jan. 26 in Des Moines supported two resolutions that would build a more efficient system for managing swine health incidents.
 
The first was a resolution asking Iowa pig farmers to record and maintain their pig movement records with both the source premises and destination premises identification numbers (PIN or Prem ID) in a format that would be readily available to send to the Iowa state veterinarian in the event of a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak.
 
Quickly sharing that information with the state vet would help state and federal animal health officials make decisions about animal movement, a key to both containing the disease as well as keeping the food supply chain operational.
 
The second resolution dealing with swine health supported a two-year pilot project to develop and demonstrate a U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (USSHIP). USSHIP would initially focus on African swine fever and classical swine fever.
 
With delegate support, IPPA became the first organization to support the pilot program. The move also assured that pig farmers would have a seat at the table as the plan - which will use the 85-year-old National Poultry Improvement Plan as a model - for biosecurity, testing, and traceability is put together. The pilot program will involve discussions with farmers, packers, swine veterinarians, and state and federal animal health officials.
 
Swine health issues, especially as they are related to FADs, would have an immediate and possible long-term impact on U.S. pork export markets, which is where one-third of pork produced in the U.S. goes. In the event of a FAD, it's been shown time and again that countries around the world close their borders to products coming from countries reporting the FAD.
 
County delegates also gave their support to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) pork cutout contract that was launched in November 2020. The pork carcass cutout estimates the wholesale value of meat in a hog. As another marketing tool, the delegates supported that IPPA, along with the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council work with CME to provide education on the contract for farmers.
 
The fourth action taken by delegates was to delay increasing the Strategic Investment Program (SIP) rate. SIP is a voluntary program and is completely separate from the Pork Checkoff. SIP supports non-checkoff programs at both the state and national level.
 
Last year, IPPA members voted to increase the SIP rate from 10 cents per $100 of value per hog marketed to 20 cents per $100 of value, and to have that go into place on July 1, 2021. The resolution passed this year would delay that increase to July 1, 2022.
 
The SIP proposal, as well as the one to support educational efforts on the CME pork cutout contract, have both been forwarded to delegates that will attend the National Pork Forum in March.



Man Sentenced to Prison for Grain Blending Scheme

A former manager of a grain cooperative in Sioux Center, Iowa who directed employees to blend oats into soybeans has been sentenced to three months in federal prison.

60-year-old Calvin Diehl of Aberdeen South Dakota received the prison term after a June 9, 2020 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.

In a plea agreement, Diehl admitted he was the Assistant General Manager at a federally licensed grain warehouse that is headquartered in Sioux Center.

In July 2015, Diehl said he agreed with others to defraud the U.S. government.

The fraud involved blending lower value oats into soybeans and then selling the mixture as soybeans. During the fraud, the individuals involved also made false statements and executed false certificates to USDA inspectors, layered soybeans on top of oats in both storage bins and trucks to deceive USDA inspectors and customers about the quality and quantity of the grain, and made false entries and adjustments in reports provided to the grain warehouse’s bank.

In March 2017, one of Diehl’s subordinates instructed a warehouse manager in Worthing, South Dakota, to blend more oats with soybeans. As a result, approximately 30 truckloads of what were supposed to be soybeans were “spiked” with oats. After the customer happened to discover the badly “slugged” or “spiked” loads, one of the customer’s managers called Diehl and told him to stop blending oats into soybeans.

The manager warned Diehl that “someone can go to jail for this.” Diehl feigned surprise, apologized, and falsely promised that the practice would not happen in the future.

However, Diehl continued to blend oats into soybeans and sell them to the same customer.

In late March 2017, the USDA conducted a pre-planned inspection of the cooperative. During the inspection, the cooperative’s Sanborn, Iowa location manager called Diehl and stated that he had oats visible because he was mixing oats with soybeans in open view.

Diehl instructed the Sanborn location manager to cover up the oats by putting soybeans on top of the oats in order to hide the oats from the USDA inspectors.

After learning of the conspiracy, the USDA conducted a search of grain bins at the cooperative’s various locations in Iowa and South Dakota. Of the estimated 87,996 bushels of grain in the bins at these locations, the bins actually contained only 34,354 bushels of soybeans even though all of these bins had been certified as soybeans.



2020 Pork Exports Shatter Previous Records; December Beef Exports Outstanding

U.S. pork exports reached nearly 3 million metric tons (mt) in 2020, topping the 2019 record by 11%, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork export value also climbed 11% to a record $7.71 billion. Exports set new annual records in China/Hong Kong, Central America, Vietnam and Chile, and achieved strong fourth quarter growth in Japan and Mexico.

U.S. beef exports finished 2020 lower year-over-year, falling 5% in both volume (1.25 million mt) and value ($7.65 billion). But beef exports finished the year with very strong momentum, with fourth quarter volume up 4.5% from 2019 and posting one of the best months on record in December. Beef exports to China were record-large in 2020 and a new volume record was also achieved in Taiwan.

"Obviously the surge in demand from China, especially in the first half of 2020, was a driving force behind the record performance for U.S. pork exports," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "But China was not the only success story in 2020, as exports achieved growth in a broad range of markets. Diversifying export markets is a top priority for USMEF and the U.S. industry, and that strategy paid dividends - especially in the fourth quarter, when exports to China/Hong Kong were down 9% from 2019 but shipments to the rest of the world nearly offset that slowdown."

Beef exports were heavily impacted by foodservice restrictions in many major markets but trended higher late in the year, bolstered by very strong retail and holiday demand.

"Consumers across the world responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by seeking high-quality products they could enjoy at home, and U.S. beef and pork definitely met this need," Halstrom said. "We expect these retail and home-delivery demand trends to continue even as sit-down restaurant dining recovers, creating robust opportunities for U.S. red meat export growth."

December pork exports totaled 259,654 mt, down 8% from the very large year-ago volume, with value down 10% to $687.2 million. December muscle cut exports were also down 8% at 219,224 mt, valued at $590.2 million (down 11%). For the full year, pork muscle cut exports were record-large at 2.51 million mt, up 15% from 2019, valued at a record $6.67 billion (up 12%).

December beef exports totaled 119,892 mt, up 8% from December 2019 and the largest in nearly 10 years. Export value was $744 million, up 9% from a year ago and the second highest total on record. December exports of beef muscle cuts were the second largest ever at 93,941 mt, climbing 11% year-over-year in both volume and value ($659.8 million). For 2020, beef muscle cut exports were down 2% year-over-year at 976,953 mt and fell 5% in value to $6.77 billion.

U.S. lamb exports reached a record 20,045 mt in 2020, up 27% year-over-year, though export value fell 9% to $23.8 million. Export growth was led by leading market Mexico, where volume climbed to 18,927 mt (up 38%) valued at $17.4 million (up 25%).



CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD ELECTS NEW OFFICERS AT 2021 WINTER MEETINGS

Cattle producers Hugh Sanburg, Norman Voyles, Jr. and Jimmy Taylor are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB). This officer team is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff throughout 2021.

Sanburg, Voyles and Taylor were elected by their fellow Beef Board members during their 2021 Winter Meetings, held virtually this year. Sanburg, the 2020 vice chair, will now serve as the CBB’s chair, while Voyles will transition from his role as the 2020 secretary-treasurer to become the 2021 vice chair. Taylor is the newest member of the officer team, taking on Voyles’s former responsibilities as secretary-treasurer.

2021 Chair Hugh Sanburg hails from Eckert, Colo., where he and his brother are managing partners of their primarily horned Hereford cow-calf operation, accompanied by a Registered Hereford operation to complement the commercial herd. Sanburg graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a degree in mining engineering in 1983 before moving back to the home ranch in Western Colorado. For the past 30-plus years, Sanburg has been an active member of the Colorado Farm Bureau, serving on various boards. He is also a member of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and is a past chair of the Gunnison Basin Roundtable. In 2020, Sanburg received Colorado Farm Bureau’s Service to Ag Award.

“As I begin my tenure as CBB chair, the beef industry continues to face many challenges,” Sanburg said. “2020 was certainly a difficult year for many beef producers, but I’m optimistic 2021 holds better days for all of us. The CBB is a group of everyday producers who take time away from their operations, and in the coming year, we will do our absolute best to advance the beef industry, make informed decisions and encourage Checkoff contractors to execute programs and initiatives that accomplish our primary goal – driving demand for beef.”

Vice Chair Norman Voyles, Jr. owns and operates a seventh-generation grain and livestock farm near Martinsville, Ind. with his brother Jim and son Kyle. Voyles received a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Purdue University and a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition from the University of Nebraska. Voyles is a member of the Morgan County (Ind.) Beef Cattle Association and the Indiana Cattlemen’s Association. He’s a member of the Indiana Farm Bureau and a past member of the Farm Service Agency board of directors and the Morgan County Fair board.

Secretary-Treasurer Jimmy Taylor and his wife Tracy run a commercial Angus herd near Cheyenne, Oklahoma consisting of approximately 600 females on 12,000 acres. Their ranching efforts have earned them the 2011 Certified Angus Beef Commitment to Excellence Award and the 2013 Oklahoma Angus Association Commercial Breeder of the Year. The use of artificial insemination, proper nutrition, genomics and other new technologies play a large role in obtaining the operation’s goal: to create a good eating experience for the consumer. Taylor has also served on several local and state boards.

“We’re all very pleased to once again have such a strong leadership team to guide the CBB throughout the coming year,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “These gentlemen have given so much time and energy to the beef industry over the years, and their experience as both leaders and cattle producers will serve the CBB well. Hugh, Norm and Jimmy fully understand the beef industry’s current challenges, as well as the many opportunities, and I know they will use their knowledge and expertise to help the CBB and the Beef Checkoff reach new levels of success in 2021.”

To learn more about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.



ACE Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Availability of Higher Ethanol Blends

Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) reintroduced The Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act, bipartisan legislation to create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program at the United States Department of Agriculture and streamline regulatory requirements to help fuel retailers sell higher blends of ethanol.

Specifically, the legislation would authorize $500 million over five years for USDA biofuel infrastructure grants and direct the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize a proposed rule to repeal E15 labeling requirements. The bill would also direct EPA to finalize provisions from the same proposed rule to allow certain existing Underground Storage Tanks to store higher blends of ethanol.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement of support:

“Senators Klobuchar and Ernst are demonstrating the kind of bipartisan leadership necessary to ensure biofuels play a leading role in helping the U.S. achieve net-zero emissions by midcentury. While electric vehicles (EVs) are getting a lot of attention lately, experts conclude EVs alone will fail to reach President Biden’s goal of net-zero emissions in the U.S. by 2050, and that increased use of biofuels will be required to help address the emissions gap. A recent study by Harvard validates what ACE has been saying for years; today’s corn ethanol is nearly 50 percent cleaner than gasoline. This vital legislation would ensure infrastructure parity for biofuels and EVs and help ethanol continue to be part of the solution to climate change.”



RFA Thanks Senators for Efforts to Expand Ethanol Infrastructure

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) for reintroducing bipartisan legislation that would create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program and ease certain restrictions that currently discourage retailers from offering cleaner, greener ethanol blends to consumers.
 
“We thank Senators Klobuchar and Ernst for their determined efforts to drive investment in our nation’s renewable fuels infrastructure,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “If enacted, this legislation would greatly expand the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol in the marketplace, resulting in cleaner air, lower fuel prices and a more vibrant rural economy. We know retailers want to offer smarter fuel options to their customers, but antiquated regulatory burdens often prevent them from moving ahead. This legislation would ensure that overly restrictive provisions are streamlined or removed, allowing small businesses across the nation to provide cleaner and more affordable options to American drivers.”
 
The Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act would authorize $500 million over 5 years for infrastructure grants for fuel retailers. The bill also directs EPA to finalize a proposed rule to repeal pump labeling requirements that confuse and deter drivers from using E15, a blend of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol. Finally, the legislation directs EPA to finalize provisions from the same proposed rule to allow certain existing underground storage tanks to store higher blends of ethanol.



RFA Releases Statistical Reports on 2020 Ethanol, Distillers Grains Exports

The Renewable Fuels Association today released two reports summarizing 2020 U.S. ethanol and distillers grains export and import data. These annual reports provide industry advocates, policymakers, the media and the general public with the latest information on the important role U.S. ethanol and distillers grains play on the world stage.

“Exports continued to be a major demand driver for the U.S. ethanol industry in 2020, even as producers coped with the impacts of a global pandemic and ongoing trade wars,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “As these reports show, the value of our industry’s exports approached $5 billion in 2020, making a significant contribution our nation’s balance of trade and underscoring the growing worldwide need for low-carbon, high-octane fuel and high-protein animal feed. U.S. ethanol producers should be proud of the positive impact they had on the lives of millions of consumers around the globe in 2020.”

The export/import trade summary report on ethanol provides annual and monthly data on U.S. ethanol exports, highlighting the fact that more than 1.334 billion gallons—10 percent of the ethanol produced in the United States—were exported in 2020. While this is 9 percent lower than 2019, it remains the fourth largest export volume in history. This ethanol, valued at $2.33 billion, was shipped to 90 countries on six continents. Canada was the top export destination, taking in nearly a quarter of U.S. ethanol exports, followed by Brazil and India.

The United States brought in less than 200 million gallons of ethanol imports, meaning the industry remained a net exporter by a large margin in 2020. Maps depicting the leading ports of entry and departure for U.S. ethanol imports and exports are offered in the reports, as are figures showing the annual economic value of U.S. ethanol exports.

The second report released today covers U.S. exports of distillers grains, a high-protein co-product of dry mill ethanol production used in livestock and poultry feed, which totaled 10.958 million metric tons in 2020, a slight improvement on 2019 and the seventh straight year these exports exceeded 10 million metric tons. A record high share of total U.S. distillers grains production—38 percent—was  exported in 2020. Mexico remained the top destination for U.S. distillers grains, representing 16 percent of total shipments, followed by Vietnam and South Korea. U.S. distillers grains exports had an aggregate value of $2.33 billion in 2020, the fifth highest on record.



Klobuchar Introduces Sweeping Bill to Promote Competition and Improve Antitrust Enforcement

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the lead Democrat on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, introduced sweeping new legislation today to reinvigorate America’s antitrust laws and restore competition to American markets. The Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act will give federal enforcers the resources they need to do their jobs, strengthen prohibitions on anticompetitive conduct and mergers, and make additional reforms to improve enforcement.

“Competition and effective antitrust enforcement are critical to protecting workers and consumers, spurring innovation, and promoting economic equity. While the United States once had some of the most effective antitrust laws in the world, our economy today faces a massive competition problem. We can no longer sweep this issue under the rug and hope our existing laws are adequate,” said Senator Klobuchar. “The Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act is the first step to overhauling and modernizing our laws so we can effectively promote competition and protect American consumers.”

This bill is cosponsored by Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust and Commerce Committee members Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).

Many industries are consolidating as large mergers and acquisitions increase and big companies buy out upstart rivals before they can become a competitive threat. Harmful exclusionary practices by dominant companies – such as refusals to deal with rivals, restrictive contracting, and predatory pricing – squelch competition. U.S. antitrust law enforcement against powerful firms has lagged efforts in other developed countries, particularly when it comes to enforcement against the dominant digital platforms and other large corporations. To remedy these longstanding issues, the Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act will:

1. Increase Enforcement Resources
For years, enforcement budgets at the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and Federal Trade Commission have failed to keep pace with the growth of the economy, the steady increase in merger filings, and increasing demands on the agency's resources. To enable the agencies to fulfill their missions and protect competition by bringing enforcement actions against the richest, most sophisticated companies in the world, this bill would authorize increases to each agency’s annual budget.

2. Strengthen Prohibitions Against Anticompetitive Mergers
The bill would restore the original intent of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, which was designed to stop anticompetitive mergers in order to address competitive problems in their “incipiency” before they ripened and caused harm. As the law stands today due to court decisions, enforcers can block only the most egregious acquisitions, which has allowed many harmful mergers to escape scrutiny. To remedy this, the Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act will:
-    Update the legal standard for permissible mergers. The bill amends the Clayton Act to forbid mergers that “create an appreciable risk of materially lessening competition” rather than mergers that “substantially lessen competition,” where “materially” is defined as “more than a de minimus amount.” By adding a risk-based standard and clarifying the amount of likely harm the government must prove, enforcers can more effectively stop anticompetitive mergers that currently slip through the cracks. The bill also clarifies that mergers that create a monopsony (the power to unfairly lower the prices a company it pays or wages it offers because of lack of competition among buyers or employers) violate the statute.
-    Shift the burden to the merging parties to prove their merger will not violate the law. Certain categories of mergers pose significant risks to competition, but are still difficult and costly for the government to challenge in court. For those types of mergers, the bill shifts the legal burden from the government to the merging companies, which would have to prove that their mergers do not create an appreciable risk of materially lessening competition or tend to create a monopoly or monopsony. These categories include:
-        Mergers that significantly increase market concentration
-        Acquisitions of competitors or nascent competitors by a dominant firm (defined a 50% market share or possession of significant market power)
-        Mega-mergers valued at more than $5 billion

3. Prevent Harmful Dominant Firm Conduct
Decades of flawed court decisions have weakened the effectiveness of Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act to prevent anticompetitive conduct by dominant companies. The bill creates a new provision under the Clayton Act to prohibit “exclusionary conduct” (conduct that materially disadvantages competitors or limits their opportunity to compete) that presents an “appreciable risk of harming competition.”

4. The legislation would establish a new, independent FTC division to conduct market studies and merger retrospectives.

5. Implement Additional Reforms to Enhance Antitrust Enforcement
The Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act will also implement a series of reforms to seek civil fines for antitrust violations, study the effect of past mergers, strengthen whistleblower protections, and more.



Fed Cattle and Feeder Cattle Divergence
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept of Ag and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

The current outlook communications for the cattle and beef markets in 2021 are commonly optimistic –bullish. The underlying market fundamentals support this position. On feed number are currently high and will moderate through the remainder of the year with smaller placements and smaller calf numbers. Further, the currently very large carcass weights will shrink into the spring as winter weather has its impact. Similar optimistism is often offered for feeder cattle and calves but I believe this is a tenuous perspective. Rather, I believe cow-calf producers should look hard at Livestock Revenue Protection (LRP) insurance. My outlook communications discussed to potential for returning to normal seasonal patterns and opportunities this year. For cow-calf producers that involves diversifying and making some sales in the spring and early summer with fed cattle and beef price rallies. I am concerned that this year may playout more like last year. In 2020, selling opportunities evaporated through March. If the current changes to feed costs persists then we may be in for a repeat.

The February WASDE report will be released this week and the first look at USDA grain acreage forecasts will be offered at the Agricultural Outlook Forum at the end of next week. This information will update us on the tightness of corn and soybean stocks and possible acreage relief with this crop year. Regardless, stocks are considerably tighter than what was anticipated as of last fall. And even with the substantial increases in corn and soybean futures prices for nearby contracts the current corn basis across the central and southern plains remains strong – the cash activity and price levels have followed the futures rally. In this setting, these increases are not temporary but rather permanent. And permanent for cattle feeding cost-of-gains. Even crude oil is participating with the March contract – the contract that was negative in 2020 – rallying from the low-$40s to the mid-$50s.

Bullish moves for fed cattle are in the works but those for feeder cattle and calves are far more limited. What do the technicals say? I believe the technicals will reveal first to market watchers any slowing or stopping of the changes to feed costs. And I see none currently.

Grains first: corn and soybean contracts all show multiple and strong uptrends in place. Soybeans showed a 5-day retreat to the steepest trend line in January. That trend holds and holds across the contract spectrum. It holds for contracts of the current crop year and holds for contracts of the next harvest. The picture is the same for corn with the exception that the retreat to the trend line – which held – was 7 days. New crop beans are $11.60 and new crop corn is $4.50. This feed cost perspective and the cattle supply picture is very different from the prior three years. And these grain markets are offering no sell signals.



Thompson Statement on Agriculture Democrats Release of Partisan Reconciliation Measure
 
Today, House Agriculture Committee Republican Leader Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement after Democrats released the Agriculture Committee’s portion of the FY21 budget reconciliation bill:

"Democrats unveiled their $16 billion bill which was drafted behind closed doors, placing secrecy over solutions. The package is neither timely, nor targeted, and will fall devastatingly short of delivering direct relief for the agriculture industry and farm families. I implore my colleagues across the aisle to work with us to more thoroughly review resources and needs to better provide support.”



Chairman Scott Announces House Agriculture Subcommittee Chairs for the 117th Congress

Today, following the House Agriculture Committee’s Democratic Caucus organizational meeting, Chairman David Scott of Georgia announced the election of the Chairs of the Committee’s six Subcommittees:
    Jim Costa of California will Chair the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture
    Abigail Spanberger of Virginia will Chair the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry
    Jahana Hayes of Connecticut will Chair the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations
    Antonio Delgado of New York will Chair the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit
    Cheri Bustos of Illinois will Chair the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
    Stacey Plaskett of the Virgin Islands will Chair the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research

“Each of these Members is well suited to take on the task of the very important issues facing their Subcommittees,” said Chairman Scott. “I look forward to working with each of them to continue advancing the work of the Committee and serving our consumers, food and fiber producers, and rural communities during this critical time.”



Ranch Group Files Opening Brief in RFID Case

Today in the Wyoming federal district court, Harriet Hageman, Senior Litigation Counsel for the New Civil Liberties Alliance, filed an opening brief related to R-CALF USA’s Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In addition to R-CALF USA, Wyoming ranchers Tracy and Donna Hunt and South Dakota ranchers Kenny and Roxy Fox are plaintiffs in the case.

In April 2019, the USDA’s veterinary subagency, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), issued a mandate to U.S. cattle producers to use radio frequency identification (RFID) eartags on all adult cattle moved interstate beginning January 2023. The mandate included a requirement that cattle producers register their premises with the government.

R-CALF USA and the other rancher-plaintiffs sued on the grounds the mandate was unlawful and it undermined existing law that allows cattle producers to choose among various lower-cost technologies, including metal eartags, when moving cattle interstate. Just weeks after the lawsuit was filed, APHIS withdrew its mandate.

But the original case alleged that APHIS also violated another law, the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), which requires federal agencies to follow certain protocols when establishing and utilizing advisory committees to ensure both government transparency and a balanced perspective among advisory committee members.

The opening brief addresses the plaintiffs’ FACA claims and contends that since late 2017, APHIS established and utilized two unlawful advisory committees to assist it in transitioning the U.S. cattle industry to exclusively use RFID eartags when moving adult cattle interstate, and to reduce cattle-producer opposition to the agency’s plan.  

The latest brief points out that defendants (USDA and APHIS) have never asserted that they followed lawful protocols and achieved balance on the advisory committees, but that they instead argue that they neither established nor utilized either the Cattle Traceability Working Group (CTWG), formed in late 2017; or its successor, the Producers Traceability Council (PTC), formed in early 2019.

The opening brief states that the defendants’ denials are disingenuous, citing to scores of emails, working papers, meeting minutes, news releases, and an APHIS strategy paper as evidence the agency both established the two advisory committees and then utilized them up to October of 2019, which was when the plaintiffs first filed their lawsuit against APHIS’s mandatory RFID plan.   

According to the opening brief, plaintiff Kenny Fox was invited to serve on the CTWG until several members complained the CTWG was unable to reach consensus to push forward with an RFID requirement. Consequently, the PTC was formed by excluding Fox and others who opposed a mandatory RFID system from its membership. Yet, the same APHIS officials who served on the CTWG continued to serve on the PTC, as did eartag manufacturing representatives and other RFID advocates.

R-CALF USA and the other plaintiffs are seeking an injunction from the court barring APHIS from using the advice and work products it received from the advisory committees as the agency forges ahead to deny cattle producers the choice to use various low-cost technologies as authorized in current law.

Friday February 5 Ag News

Over 500 students attend district livestock judging contest at Northeast Community College

The Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex at Northeast Community College in Norfolk was the site of the District II, III, and IV FFA District Livestock Judging Contest recently. Five-hundred-twenty contestants from 46 schools participated in the event held over three-days this year.

Michael Roeber, agriculture/livestock judging instructor at Northeast, said several changes were made this year due to the pandemic.

“In order to limit numbers in the facility at a given time, each of the three districts participated on separate days, with District 2 competing on Thur., Jan. 28, District 3 on Tue., Feb. 2, and District 4 on Thur., Feb. 4.  The District 4 contest also had to deal with late starts by many schools due to the snow and wind taking place,” he said. “Additional pandemic protocols included each school being assigned a time to begin their competition, with team members from a school being kept together in their own group away from contestants from other schools.”

Teams could have up to eight members, with the top four scores counted. Roeber said the top 25% in each division in each district qualify for the State Livestock Evaluation contest, which will be held virtually on April 1st, with the state results being announced the following week during the virtual Nebraska State FFA Convention.

There were approximately 25 faculty members, staff and students from Northeast Community College who assisted in conducting the contest.

Individual and team results include:
District 2 Seniors
Individual: 1st - R.J. Bayer, Howells-Dodge; 2nd - Colby Bolton, Cross County.
Team: 1st - Columbus Lakeview (Zach Anderson, Makiaya De La Cruz, Alex Hinze, Abigail Lutjelusche, Ella Meyer, Eli Osten, Carly Schaad, and Emily Schaad. 2nd - Howells-Dodge (Justin Bayer, R.J. Bayer, Levi Belina, Regan Burenheide, Gavin Nelson, Blake Sindelar, and Brittin Sindelar).

District 2 Juniors
Individual: 1st - Tara Hambleton, Leigh; 2nd - Barrett Walahoski, Raymond Central.
Team: 1st - 1st Columbus Lakeview (Blake Anderson, Emma Anderson, Madisen Greisen, Adyson Groteluschen, MaKenna Lutjelusche, Niels Schmidt, Kyle Olmer, and Gunnar Wolfe).
2nd - Leigh-Clarkson (Dylan Brabec, James Grotelueschen, Taya Hambleton, Dylan Higby, Jacob Martensen, Jordan Noonan, and Dalton Zulkoski).

District 3 Seniors
Individual: 1st - Kendra Loseke, Blair; 2nd - Logan Buhrman, Wisner-Pilger.
Team: 1st - Blair (Trinity Back, Callie Landauer, Kendra Loseke, Dalton Nielsen, Baydun Read, Tyler Thompson, and Wyatt Wiemer.) 2nd - West Point (Lance Ditloff, Rachel Groth, Kaleb Hasenkamp, Cole Hutchinson, Anna Karnopp, Ethan Kreikmeier, Evie Schlickbernd, and Levi Schiller.)

District 3 Juniors
Individual: 1st - Emma Heller, Wisner-Pilger; 2nd - Jacie Bonneau, Pender.
Team: 1st Wisner-Pilger (Addisyn Albers, Danika Alexander, Cameryn Bellar, Emma Heller, Owen Heller, Jocelyn Russman, Braxton Siebrandt, and Trey Stewart). 2nd - Pender (Jacie Bonneau, Rylie Bonneau, Kendra Burns, Matthew Ferris, Logan Mosser, Colton Sanderson, Kylie Sturek, and Lillie Timm).

District 4 Seniors
Individual: 1st - Christen Curtis, Creighton; 2nd Jacie Painter, Norfolk.
Team: 1st - Crofton (Connor Arens, Lauren Buschkamp, Tom Burbach, Brooklynn Fiscus, Tuff Foxhoven Tucker Goeden, Jayden Jordan, and Stran Sage). 2nd - Battle Creek (Dylan Amick, Becca Arkfeld, Elly Kurpgeweit, Keisha Nelson, Ashlynn Schwartz, Jenna Ruge).

District 4 Juniors
Individual: 1st - Levi Cronk, Summerland; 2nd Blair Jordon, Crofton.
Team: 1st - Crofton (Josie Anthony, Emma Bilka, Garret Buschkamp, April Guenther, Blair Jordan, Madisen Petersen, Megan Tramp, and Ty Tramp). 2nd - Battle Creek (Brayton Croghan, Jeret Hassler, Dane Kilday, Justine Kurpgeweit, Trinity Lutt, Quintin Uehling, and Ryan Zohner).



Extension webinar seeks to help ag producers better understand costs of production

A Nebraska Extension webinar on Feb. 11 at noon will feature a panel discussion aimed at helping farmers and ranchers to better manage costs of production.

The webinar will focus on where to find cost-of-production information, characteristics of profitable operations and areas to reduce costs without sacrificing productivity. It is the second installment in a series that seeks to help agricultural producers to better understand their financial positions.

Panelists will include Nebraska Extension Educators Glennis McClure, Aaron Berger and Austin Duerfeldt, as well as Tina Barrett, program manager at Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.

The webinar is presented as part of the Agricultural Economics Extension Farm and Ranch Management weekly series.

Registration is free at farm.unl.edu/webinars.

 

Private Pesticide Training Offered by Zoom

Nebraska Extension in Northeast and North-central Nebraska will be offering four private pesticide applicator trainings by Zoom in March and April. Each one will have a different agricultural area of focus. The areas to be focused on are corn, soybean, pasture and wheat/alfalfa.  

A few different steps will be required to attend these trainings.
1)    Preregistration will be required. Register at the following links:
        March 1 at 6 p.m. — Corn  https://go.unl.edu/patmarch1
        March 8 at 6 p.m. — Soybean  https://go.unl.edu/patmarch8
        March 25 at 1 p.m. — Pasture  https://go.unl.edu/patmarch25
        April 9 at 9 a.m. — Wheat/Alfalfa   https://go.unl.edu/patapril9
2)    Training materials will need to be picked up at a County Extension Office prior to training.
3)    Nebraska Department of Agriculture paper will need to be filled out and submitted when training materials are picked up.
4)    The training fee of $50 will need to be paid when training materials are picked up.
5)    Attend and participate in the training session for which you are registered.

No certification will be initiated unless all five steps are completed. Individuals outside of the Northeast and North-central regions are welcome to attend, but they should contact their local extension office first to see if training materials are available.  

Each training will offer individuals the opportunity to pick one of the special topics. Those being offered are:

March 1 — Corn
    Tar Spot and Bacterial Leaf Streak  
    Western Corn Rootworm  
    Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp  

March 8 — Soybean
    Frogeye Leaf Spot, Soybean Cyst Nematode, White Mold  
    Soybean Gall Midge  
    Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp

March 25 — Pasture
    Thistle ID and Management  
    Pocket Gophers & Prairie Dogs  
    Grasshopper Management

April 9 — Wheat/Alfalfa
    Fungicides and Wheat  
    Insecticides in Alfalfa  
    Weed Management in Alfalfa

For questions regarding the trainings, contact one the organizers below:
    Aaron Nygren, Nebraska Extension in Colfax County; by email or 402-352-3821  
    Wayne Ohnesorg, Nebraska Extension in Madison County; by email or 402-370-4040  
    Mitiku Mamo, Nebraska Extension in Dixon County; by email or 402-584-2234  
    Melissa Bartels, Nebraska Extension in Butler County; by email or 402-367-7410  
    Amy Timmerman, Nebraska Extension in Holt County; by email or 402-336-2760  
    Troy Ingram, Nebraska Extension in Valley County; by email or 308-754-5422



Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum 2021
Thursday, March 25, 1 to 4:30 p.m.  | Friday, March 26, 9 a.m. to noon

The Nebraska Ethanol Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska invite you to the 16th annual Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum. A diverse group of ethanol producers and others integrally involved in production, technology, policymaking and marketing of biofuels and its co-products from across the country will participate in this virtual event. An agenda will be made available soon.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Registration is complimentary for this year's Forum. Early Bird Registration (through March 1) includes free sponsor swag mailed to you!  Register here... https://ethanol.nebraska.gov/events/http-ethanol-nebraska-gov-wp-content-uploads-2021-01-forum-2021-sponsors-1-png/.  



PRIME Class V Applications EXTENDED

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) has extended the application period for the PRIME Program. The PRIME Program is a continuing education opportunity for young or beginning producers who are interested in learning more about agronomic, business, innovations and marketing that will benefit their operations. Over the course of a year, participants will come together for three seminars to learn and discuss new ideas that can be incorporated into their own operations. We know the past year has been a difficult one for many and we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be involved in this program. It is a great way for young and beginning farmers to get their feet wet with the association and network with like minded growers from across the state.

“Providing opportunities to further education and involvement is one of our core missions,” said Andy Jobman, president of NeCGA. “The PRIME Program is one opportunity for members to focus on the agronomics and business aspects of their operations. I look forward to welcoming the fifth class into this great program.”

The first session will be in March, with dates to be determined by the participants. During this first session participants will have the opportunity to participate in the Nebraska Ag Tour. During the summer session participants will take part in a day trip to St. Louis where they will tour the Mel Price Locks & Dam. The final session will be in conjunction with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association Annual Meeting. Applications for the PRIME Program can be found here. The applications are due by Friday, February 19. All costs to participate in the program are covered for those that are 3-year members of the Association. If applicants are not members, the fee is $190 (the cost of a 3-year membership).

The PRIME Program is made possible with funding from our presenting partners, Northwestern Mutual and Farm Credit Services, along with the Nebraska Corn Board. For more information about the PRIME Program, please visit https://necga.org/prime-program/.

Please share with anyone you think may be interested! They DO NOT have to be members to apply.



FLAGship Program Applications Now Available!

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is now accepting applications for the sixth class of the Future Leaders in Agriculture Scholarship (FLAGship) Program https://necga.org/flagship-program/. The FLAGship Program is a scholarship program intended for future agricultural leaders in Nebraska. The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) will award up to 5 $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors or college freshman who are continuing their education in the state of Nebraska. Three of the scholarships are set aside strictly for those students pursuing a degree directly related to agriculture. Two of the scholarships are open to non-agricultural degree-seeking students.

To be eligible for this scholarship students must be a member of NeCGA or the son/daughter of a NeCGA member. The application for the FLAGship Program must include one letter of recommendation, a current resume (not to exceed one page), as well as proof that the student is continuing their education in the state. Applicants are also asked to explain how they will advocate for agriculture in their future careers as well as what issues they feel the ag industry is currently facing. Applications must be postmarked by March 5, 2021, or emailed to mwrich@necga.org.



Cultivate Your Future at the 2021 Inaugural Nebraska Hemp Conference and Trade Show
 
Through a collaborative effort, several Nebraska agricultural growers, businesses and organizations are partnering to host a virtual conference in March to focus on growing the industrial hemp industry in the Midwest. Join researchers and Nebraska Extension professionals from throughout the state and region for research-based education focused on “Growing Industrial Hemp in Nebraska."

Organizers anticipate that 350 people will attend the 2021 Inaugural Nebraska Industrial Hemp Conference and Trade Show, a virtual two-day conference held on Thursday, March 25th, and Friday, March 26th, 2021. Planners intend to make this an annual event. The conference will bring together industry experts who will provide proven agronomic practices and insights to help growers make the best decisions for their farms. Several prominent speakers from around the country will be on-hand to discuss different types of hemp (CBD/Floral, Fiber, and Grain), trends across the US, growing practices, pest and disease control, harvest and post-harvest practices, nutrient management, as well as legal and banking considerations and policy news.

In addition to these educational offerings, a new segment will be added, “Building the Industrial Hemp supply-chain in Nebraska.” It will be a networking opportunity for growers, suppliers, processors, brokers, local businesses, and area organizations. The goal is to support the expansion of supply and demand networks in the region by encouraging inter-business coalitions between event attendees and businesses to strategize and find creative opportunities for outside partnerships.

The conference is sponsored in part by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Midwest Hop Producers, LLC. Conference proceeds will support further industrial hemp research and education.
Registration, agenda, sponsorships, and other details will be available on February 9, 2021 at GrowNebraskaHemp.com.



Thompson Announces Republican Agriculture Subcommittee Leadership for 117th Congress
 
Today, House Agriculture Committee Republican Leader Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) announced the subcommittee Ranking Members for the 117th Congress.

“Rural America faces tremendous challenges—from addressing the COVID and opioid crises and preventing supply chain disruptions to expanding economic development opportunities. This is an extraordinarily talented group of members to lead our subcommittees and I look forward to working with them," said Republican Leader Thompson.

Ranking Members and assignments for the 117th Congress are as follows:
Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08) will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit, R&D, and Broadband.

Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.

Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
 
Rep. Dr. Jim Baird (IN-04) will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research.

Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.



Iowa Water Summary: January Precipitation, Temps Higher than Average

While January is usually the driest month of the year, last month saw above-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures across the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Temperatures averaged 4 degrees above normal for the month, with 1.27 inches of precipitation, 0.35 inches above normal. However, abnormal dryness and drought conditions remained generally unchanged through January. Under the snow, the shallow soils are dry enough that there is the potential for drought issues later this spring.

"Despite the abundance of snow in January, there is concern over dry soils in western parts of the state," said Tim Hall, DNR's coordinator of hydrology resources. "A dry spring could be problematic for parts of the state. A virtual meeting is planned for March 4 to discuss conditions in more detail."

Staff from the Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey will provide current information and projections for potential drought conditions in Iowa at the meeting, to be held online from 1 to 3 p.m. Additional meeting information is available at www.iowadnr.gov/WaterSummaryUpdate.

Temperatures in January were unseasonably warm, on average 23.6 degrees or 4.2 degrees above normal. Northwestern Iowa experienced the warmest conditions, where positive departures of up to seven degrees were reported in the monthly averages. Stations in eastern Iowa reported average temperatures one to three degrees warmer than normal.

Streamflow conditions across most of the state remain normal. Flows in the Des Moines River basin continue to be below normal.

For a thorough review of Iowa's water resource trends, go to iowadnr.gov/WaterSummaryUpdate.

The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.



Iowa Legislators to Announce New Bill Stopping Factory Farms Statewide

On Tuesday, Iowa state legislators will announce new legislation to establish a statewide moratorium on factory farms. The announcement comes amidst overwhelming public support for a moratorium. According to the organizers, 63% of Iowa voters stand behind legislation to stop factory farm expansion and corporate monopolies in our food system, and recent polling suggests that these numbers have only surged in rural communities. Nationally, 88% of young rural voters and 82% of independent rural voters support moratoriums on factory farms.

Since the first introduction of a factory farm moratorium in 2017, the Iowa legislature has failed to rise to the urgency of the moment. As constituent demand mounts, Iowa bill sponsors Rep. Art Staed and Sen. Pam Jochum will speak Tuesday on the bold moves necessary from colleagues to stop factory farms. Family farmer Barb Kalbach, and local environmental activists from Food & Water Watch and Sierra Club will also speak on the urgency of this moratorium.

Following the event, impacted citizens will hold a virtual rally in support of the factory farm moratorium. Rural community leaders, farmers, and impacted Iowans will share frontline experiences with the factory farm industry, including how corporate agriculture has ravaged and divided rural communities, created a breeding ground for public health concerns, and created long-lasting damage to our environment.

This event is a joint effort of concerned citizens represented by Food & Water Watch, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Iowa Citizens for Responsible Agriculture, Iowa Alliance for Responsible Agriculture, Iowa Farmers Union, Poweshiek CARES, and the Sierra Club.



Iowa Farm Couples Can Enjoy a Weekend Getaway This Spring

Couple holding hands while walking in autumn countryside, by michaeljung/stock.adobe.comAMES, Iowa – In response to high levels of both personal and financial farm stress, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering three “Farm Couple Getaways” aimed at farmers wanting to take advantage of activities to improve farm family communication, work on farm or family goal setting or farm transitioning, or who would just like a weekend away to discuss farm and family issues.

The first getaway will be held Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27 at Best Western Plus in Dubuque. The dates and locations for the other getaways are as follows:                                            
    Friday and Saturday, April 9-10, at Lake Shore Center at Okoboji in Milford.
    Friday and Saturday, April 16-17, at Hotel Winneshiek in Decorah.      

The getaways run from 12:30 p.m. on the first day to 3:15 p.m. on the second day. There is no cost to attend, as food, lodging and other expenses are being paid for by sponsorships. However, there is a $50 per couple deposit to hold each reservation, refundable on the second day of the event.

“Past Farm Couple Getaways have proven to be beneficial to farm couples. They are a productive and delightful time to discuss items of importance to help farms and families be successful,” said Larry Tranel, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Each getaway will consist of 10 farm couples and the extension facilitators. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, due two weeks prior to each session. Registration brochures for the various sites can be obtained from select ISU Extension and Outreach county offices, or from dairy specialists.

Jenn Bentley can be reached at jbentley@iastate.edu or at the Winneshiek County office at 563-382-2949; Fred Hall, at fredhall@iastate.edu or the Sioux County office at 712-737-4230; and Larry Tranel, at tranel@iastate.edu or the Dubuque County office at 563-583-6496.

The Farm Couple Getaways statewide gold sponsor is the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, with other local sponsors recognized at each local event. More information is available in the event brochure for Eastern or Western Iowa at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteam/farm-couple-getaways.




Iowa Farm Bureau shares insights from the "Fill Your Freezer" contest

For some Iowans, the decision to serve their family real meat is based on its unique ability to strengthen their immune systems, and for others, it’s the nutritional value and health benefits found exclusively in animal protein. There are many reasons Iowans flock to the meat case, and now 106 lucky winners from each of Fareway’s Iowa locations will receive a $200 gift card for meat from the Iowa Farm Bureau’s “Fill Your Freezer” contest.

The month-long contest was part of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat. initiative, which showcases the nutritional benefits of meat and the innovation of Iowa livestock farmers who raise it.

The 2020 Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index® shows that 95 percent of Iowa households eat meat at least weekly and 96 percent consume dairy at least weekly, while 9 in 10 see animal-based proteins such as milk (91 percent) and meat (90 percent) as healthy options.  During a time of heightened awareness of health and wellbeing, the survey revealed that nearly 9 in 10 Iowa grocery shoppers (87 percent) are likely to purchase food based on its ability to strengthen their immune systems. The survey also found that 70 percent of Iowa grocery shoppers say they are likely to increase their consumption of meat and poultry upon learning that zinc helps immune systems function properly and that meat and poultry provide the majority of the zinc in Americans’ diets.   

“Iowa farmers strive to provide consumers with a variety of real animal protein options that are not only healthy and fit into a variety of budgets, but are also sustainable,” said Craig Hill, IFBF president. “In fact, the U.S. is the world leader in sustainable livestock production. All of agriculture accounts for around 10 percent of total U.S. GHG emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By contrast, transportation accounts for 28 percent of GHG emissions and electricity accounts for nearly 27 percent. With technology available today, agriculture is on a trajectory to reduce its GHG emissions by 50 percent.”



Highlights from the February 2021 Farm Income Forecast
USDA Economic Research Service - Feb 5, 2021

Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast to decrease $9.8 billion (8.1 percent) to $111.4 billion in 2021. In inflation-adjusted 2021 dollars, net farm income is forecast to decrease $12 billion (9.7 percent) in 2021 after increasing $37.8 billion (44.2 percent) in 2020 to its highest level since 2013. Despite this decline, 2021 net farm income would be 21 percent above its 2000-19 average of $92.1 billion.

After increasing a forecasted $27.3 billion in 2020, net cash farm income is forecast to decrease $7.9 billion (5.8 percent) to $128.3 billion in 2021. Inflation-adjusted net cash farm income is forecast to decrease $10.4 billion (7.5 percent) from 2020 and would be 15.3 percent above its 2000-19 average ($111.3 billion). Net cash farm income encompasses cash receipts from farming as well as farm-related income, including Government payments, minus cash expenses. It does not include noncash items—including changes in inventories, economic depreciation, and gross imputed rental income of operator dwellings—reflected in the net farm income measure above.

Cash receipts are forecast to increase in 2021, but lower direct Government farm payments are expected to drive most of the decline in both net income measures. Cash receipts for all commodities are forecast to increase $20.4 billion (5.5 percent) to $390.8 billion (in nominal terms) in 2021. Total animal/animal product receipts are expected to increase $8.6 billion (5.2 percent) with increases in receipts for cattle/calves, hogs, and broilers. Total crop receipts are expected to increase $11.8 billion (5.8 percent) from 2020 levels following higher receipts for soybeans and corn. Direct Government farm payments are forecast at $25.3 billion in 2021, a decrease of $21 billion (45.3 percent) in nominal terms. The expected decrease is because of lower supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance for COVID-19 relief in 2021 relative to 2020.

Also contributing to the 2021 decline in net income are higher production expenses. Total production expenses, including operator dwelling expenses, are forecast to increase $8.6 billion (2.5 percent) to $353.7 billion (in nominal terms) in 2021. Most of this reflects higher spending on feed, fertilizer, and labor.

Farm business average net cash farm income is forecast to decrease $6,100 (6.2 percent) to $91,800 per farm in 2021. Farm businesses in all resource regions are forecast to see declines in net cash farm income except the Heartland. When farm businesses are categorized by commodity specialization, most see average net farm income fall in 2021. The exceptions are farms specializing in wheat, corn, soybeans, and hogs.

Farm sector equity is forecast up by $47.8 billion (1.8 percent) to $2.74 trillion (in nominal terms) in 2021. Farm assets are forecast to increase by $57.4 billion (1.8 percent) to $3.18 trillion in 2021, reflecting anticipated increases in the value of real estate assets held by the sector. Farm debt is forecast to increase by $9.6 billion (2.2 percent) to $441.7 billion (in nominal terms), led by an expected 3.1-percent rise in real estate debt. The farm sector debt-to-asset ratio is expected to rise slightly from 13.84 percent in 2020 to 13.89 percent in 2021. Working capital, which measures the amount of cash available to fund operating expenses after paying off debt due within 12 months, is forecast to decrease 12 percent from 2020. When adjusted for inflation, farm sector equity and assets in 2021 are relatively unchanged from 2020.

Median Income of Farm Operator Households Forecast to Rise in 2020, Remain Flat in 2021
Total median farm household income is forecast to increase to $86,086 in 2020 and then remain relatively flat in 2021 at $86,917. That is a nominal increase of 3.6 percent (a 2.5 percent increase after inflation) between 2019 and 2020, and a 1 percent increase (a 0.9 percent decline after inflation) in 2021. The forecast rise in 2020—continued from 2019—is notable because it counters the trend from 2015 through 2018 of declining median farm household income.

Farm households typically receive income from both farm and off-farm sources. Median farm income earned by farm households is forecast to increase in 2020 to $767 from $296 in 2019, and then decline to $495 in 2021. The positive median farm income in 2019, and that forecasted for 2020 and 2021, is notable as median farm income earned by farm households was negative each year between 1996 and 2018. The increase in median farm income is partly because of increases in supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance program payments. In 2020 and 2021, programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, and the latest COVID-19 aid package outlined in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, are forecast to provide financial relief to those affected by the global pandemic. As in previous years, many farm households rely on off-farm income: the median is forecast to increase in 2020, up 1.5 percent to $69,784, and to continue to rise by 2.3 percent in 2021 to $71,407, making it the highest median off-farm income since 2014. Since farm and off-farm income are not distributed identically for every farm, median total income will generally not equal the sum of median off-farm and median farm income.



Statement by Matt Herrick, Director of Communications, on Latest USDA Farm Income Forecast and December Export Data

The farm income forecast and export data released today reflect a growing need to ramp up our focus on expanding existing markets to create new opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers at home and abroad. New market opportunities will ensure our producers are not so reliant on government support or the whims of a handful of trading partners. Ultimately, the data released today demonstrates growing export strength and a rebound in cash receipts for farmers—two positive stories owed largely to growing confidence in our economy. We need to build on that confidence moving forward by using the Department’s resources to invest in developing new income sources in local and regional food systems; to open competition and ensure fairer markets for producers of all sizes and backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and other farmers of color; and to put American farmers in the lead on climate solutions that create new streams of income while leading the world in sustainably produced food. All of these elements are necessary to create a more resilient food system and stronger rural economies built to withstand a pandemic or other future disruption.



February Pork Webinar: U.S. Pork Exports and Market Update

The next Checkoff-hosted webinar for pork producers features expert insights and analysis on the 2020 year-end export data, scheduled to be released today. Analysts include Brett Stuart, economist and founding partner of Global AgriTrends, as well as Dr. Clay Eastwood from the National Pork Board.

In addition, Dr. Steve Meyer, economist with Partners for Production Agriculture, will provide a market update.  

Webinar: U.S. Pork Exports and Market Update
Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 1:30 p.m. CST
Click to Register https://pork.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_M7RdjlKgQ4agMo2JfqfwuA.  



Kansas Cattleman and Veteran Jerry Bohn Becomes New NCBA President

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today concluded its virtual Winter Business Meeting with the election of Jerry Bohn, a cattle producer from Wichita, Kan., as NCBA president.

Bohn, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, has been a part of the cattle industry his entire life. Bohn has had an expansive career in the cattle industry since his early days of custom grazing cattle with his family in Flint Hills, to his time on Kansas State University’s award-winning livestock judging team, and eventually serving 34 years as the manager of Pratt Feeders, a commercial cattle feeding operation in his home state of Kansas. He has also dedicated his time as a leader for several state-level associations, using his expertise and experiences to mentor the next generation of industry advocates.

“As I look forward to this year as NCBA president, I have immense pride for the cattle industry and our dues-paying members that help to make this the leading cattle organization representing U.S. producers,” said Bohn. “Becoming president is my greatest honor and opportunity to give back to the industry that made me who I am today and for that I am forever grateful.”

Bohn’s term as president along with a new officer team was approved by NCBA’s board of directors. Don Schiefelbein of Minnesota was named president-elect, Todd Wilkinson of South Dakota was elected vice president. Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division and Nebraska cattle producer Buck Wehrbein was elected policy vice chair. Clay Burtrum of Oklahoma and Brad Hastings of Texas were elected as chair and vice chair of the NCBA Federation Division, respectively.

"I have heard quite a few producers in the past year say if you want to get something done in Washington, D.C. in agriculture, you better do it with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, or it is not going to get done. This is the greatest testament to the grassroots power of our members and state affiliates. It is why I am so proud to represent NCBA as President and it is the reason I get up every day, ready to fight for the American producer."



NCBA Works to Improve Business Climate for Cattle Producers with 2021 Policy Priorities

Today, the executive committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) approved the organization’s top 2021 policy priorities with a continued focus on advocating for a business climate that increases opportunities for producer profitability.

“There is no doubt the past year has been difficult for cattle producers and it’s crucial that we work to implement sound policy and focus our attention on the legislative and regulatory areas that will give U.S. cattle producers the most added value,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn. “I am looking forward to collaborating with volunteer leadership, state affiliates and stakeholders across the country to tackle the most pressing issues facing our industry.”

NCBA’s policy priorities for the coming year demonstrate several pressing issues facing farmers and ranchers, including:
-    Price discovery and transparency in cattle markets is a concern for NCBA members and is a priority for the organization along with ongoing COVID-19 recovery efforts.
-    NCBA will continue to ensure that all alternative plant-based or cell-grown protein products are labeled truthfully and their ingredients are fully represented.
-    NCBA is committed to protecting those in the cattle industry while strengthening the beef supply chain to meet the growing demand for U.S. beef. The removal of non-tariff barriers to increase worldwide markets for U.S. beef will also remain a priority for the organization.

NCBA remains committed to working closely with Congress and the Biden Administration to emphasize the U.S. cattle industry is the global model for sustainable beef production and its commitment to environmental stewardship, along with engaging on the regulatory policies, including the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), that promote stability and continuity for cattle producers that face uncertainty every day.

“This framework of policy priorities is one of the most important documents approved each year. It provides direction to our staff guidance for meeting the needs of our members. The focus on improving the business climate for producers hits especially close to home for me, because I was born into the cattle business and I want to do my part, defending our industry and legacy – not just for the multi-generational producers but also newer producers that might only have a few calving seasons or sale barn trips under their belts.”



USDA Extends General Signup for Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General Signup period, which had previously been announced as ending on Feb. 12, 2021. USDA will continue to accept offers as it takes this opportunity for the incoming Administration to evaluate ways to increase enrollment. Under the previous Administration, incentives and rental payment rates were reduced resulting in an enrollment shortfall of over 4 million acres. The program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for 10 to 15 years for land devoted to conservation purposes, as well as other types of payments.

Before the General CRP signup period ends, producers will have the opportunity to adjust or resubmit their offers to take advantage of planned improvements to the program.

“The Conservation Reserve Program provides a tremendous opportunity to address climate change both by retiring marginal cropland and by restoring grasslands, wetlands, and forests,” said Robert Bonnie, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary. “CRP has a 35-year track record of success beyond just climate benefits, by providing income to producers, improving water quality, reducing erosion, and supporting wildlife habitat and the hunting and fishing opportunities that go along with it. By extending this signup period, we’ll have time to evaluate and implement changes to get this neglected program back on track.”

As one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States, CRP provides both economic and conservation benefits by taking land out of agricultural production. Program successes include:
    Sequestering in soils and plants over 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), or about the same amount that the entire state of Delaware emits annually.
    Preventing more than 2 billion tons of soil from being blown away by wind erosion over the life of currently enrolled acres.
    Reducing phosphorous reaching streams by almost 85 million pounds, nitrogen by nearly 450 million pounds, and sediment by over 160 million tons in 2020 alone.
    Creating more than 2.3 million acres of restored wetlands while protecting more than 177,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, enough to go around the world seven times.
    Establishing over a half million acres of dedicated pollinator habitat and nearly 15 million more acres of diverse plantings that provide forage for pollinators.
    Increasing populations of ducks and other game birds, prairie chickens, and such grassland songbirds as Baird’s Sparrow. CRP in the Northern Great Plains supports an estimated 8.6% of the grassland bird population.
    Increasing habitat that supports economic opportunities, such as job creation, related to hunting and fishing activities.

This signup for CRP gives producers an opportunity to enroll land for the first time or re-enroll land under existing contracts that will be expiring Sept. 30, 2021. All interested producers, including those on Indian reservations and with trust lands, are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for more information.



Global U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Export Pace Slows at Year End
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Assoc.
    
The official numbers are in and they confirm that, despite the pandemic and trade barriers, the U.S. ethanol industry exported 1.33 billion gallons in 2020—the fourth-largest volume on record.
 
American shipments of ethanol slowed in December by 2% to 111.3 million gallons (mg). Exports to Canada shrank 35% to 22.9 mg, equivalent to just 21% of global shipments for the month. However, exports surged to South Korea (up 89% to 12.9 mg) and China (up 45% to 12.5 mg, its largest U.S. ethanol draw since March 2018). Hong Kong entered the market essentially for first time with a hefty purchase of 10.5 mg. Shipments to Brazil fell 43% from November as the tariff rate quota expired and all shipments from the U.S. became subject to a 20% tariff. Other larger markets included Colombia (7.0 mg), the Netherlands (5.7 mg), the United Kingdom (5.6 mg), the Philippines (5.5 mg), and India (5.3 mg).
 
The U.S. imported 20.7 mg of ethanol from Brazil, up 7% from November.
 
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—declined 9% in December to a seven-month low of 842,738 metric tons (mt). However, U.S. exports strengthened to our largest customer, with sales to Mexico up 11% to 155,823 mt. Demand for U.S. DDGS also jumped in South Korea, rising 34% to 119,315 mt. Those markets, together with Vietnam (101,642 mt, down 21%), Indonesia (99,145 mt, up 18%), Turkey (54,956 mt, down 54%), China (43,260 mt, up 37%), Morocco (a 15-month high of 34,089 mt), and Canada (30,416 mt, down 18%), accounted for three-fourths of our export market in December. Notably, U.S. DDGS exports to Thailand dropped 56% to a 22-month low of 12,980 mt.



Despite Pandemic and Trade Barriers, U.S. Ethanol Exports Top 1.3 Billion Gallons in 2020

U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.33 billion gallons in 2020, down 9 percent from 2019 and the lowest volume since 2016, according to official government statistics released today. Still, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, exports were a relative bright spot in 2020, as the annual volume was the fourth-highest on record and nearly one out of every 10 gallons of U.S. ethanol produced last year was exported.

“COVID-19 and protectionist trade barriers created enormous headwinds for ethanol in the international market in 2020,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “But the U.S. ethanol industry again rose to the challenge and supplied more than 1.3 billion gallons of clean, green renewable fuel to customers across the globe. American ethanol continues to play a crucial role in helping nations around the world reduce consumer fuel costs, cut harmful tailpipe pollution, and meet decarbonization commitments under the Paris climate agreement. We are especially encouraged to see that China finally re-entered the market in December, importing nearly 13 million gallons of U.S. ethanol. We enter 2021 on solid footing and the industry is optimistic about the prospects for meaningful growth in ethanol exports.”

Canada remained as the top market during 2020, receiving 326 million gallons, or almost one-quarter of the total. Shipments to Canada in 2020 were only 1.5 percent lower than the volumes exported there in 2019. Brazil received 200 million gallons of U.S. ethanol in 2020, down 40 percent from 2019 due to constant uncertainty surrounding import tariffs. India was the third-leading market, with 190 million gallons. While overall export volumes were down from 2019 levels, shipments to several key markets increased. India, the European Union, Mexico, and Nigeria all imported more U.S. ethanol in 2020 than in 2019.



 Now Accepting Applications for Valent, ASA Ag Voices of the Future Program for College Students

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is now accepting applications for the Valent Ag Voices of the Future program, which will be held July 19-22, 2021, in conjunction with the summer ASA Board meeting and Soy Issues Forum in Washington, D.C. The Ag Voices of the Future program is for students interested in improving their understanding of major agricultural policy issues, the importance of advocacy and careers that can impact agricultural policy. Class size is limited and students must be at least 18 years old to apply.

Bonus Opportunity through Agriculture Future of America
Through a partnership ASA and Valent have with collegiate organization Agriculture Future of America (AFA), two students from the 2021 Ag Voices of the Future program will also have the opportunity to win the following:
• $1,600 academic scholarship
• Complimentary registration (includes hotel stay) for the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference in Nov., 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri.
• Up to $500 for reimbursement of travel expenses to the AFA Leaders Conference

Application Process
To apply for the ASA and Valent Ag Voices of the Future program, and be considered for a scholarship to the AFA Leaders Conference, students should visit the Ag Voices of the Future webpage of the ASA website, click on the green “Apply Now” button, and submit their online application by March 10. To make sure students are considered for the Ag Voices of the Future program, they should check the box that reads, “I have an interest in agriculture policy and would like to be considered for the ASA and Valent Ag Voices of the Future Program (July 19-21, in Washington, D.C.), as well as receiving an AFA Leader and Academic Scholarship.” If a student has already applied for the AFA Leaders Conference, they can still modify their application to include checking the box for the Ag Voices of the Future program.  Here's the link to register... https://soygrowers.com/education-resources/grower-education/leadership-development-programs/ag-voices-of-the-future/.  

Thursday February 4 Ag News

 PSC Issues important reminders for Grain Producers and Dealers

The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to remind producers and dealers of the importance of familiarizing themselves with Nebraska Grain laws when it comes to grain dealers.

It is important for a producer/seller to ensure they are working with a grain dealer licensed to do business in the state of Nebraska. A list of grain dealers licensed in Nebraska can be found on the Grain Department page of the PSC website. If a grain dealer is not licensed in Nebraska and the producer sells grain to that dealer, the producer will have no protection under Nebraska law.

The PSC reminds grain dealers state law (§75-903.) requires them to hold a Nebraska license in order to do business with producers/sellers from Nebraska.

Under the Grain Dealer Act if a producer/seller wants to ensure their transactions with a grain dealer are covered by the grain dealer’s security posted with the PSC, they must demand payment within 15 days of completion of their contract with the dealer. Producers/sellers who choose not to demand payment within 15 days after completion of their contract will be unsecured creditors of that dealer and forfeit any protection from the grain dealer’s security.

Information for grain dealers, producers/sellers and grain warehouses can be found on the Grain Department page of the PSC website https://psc.nebraska.gov/. Questions can be emailed to psc.grain@nebraska.gov



Ag land management webinar to explore cash rental rates, new property tax credit

The Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will continue its webinar series, “Land Management Quarterly,” on Feb. 15 at noon.

Started in 2019, the series offers management advice and insight for Nebraska landowners, agricultural producers and others interested in properly managing agricultural land.

The February episode will examine trends and methods for setting cash rents, the new property tax income credit for Nebraska, and considerations for updating agricultural rental arrangements for 2021. The interactive sessions may be attended live. They conclude with an “Ask the Experts” session, offering participants the chance to get answers to their land or lease questions.

The webinars are led by Jim Jansen and Allan Vyhnalek, who are both in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance and land economics, as well as the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Vyhnalek is a farm succession and farmland management extension educator.

“Land is one of Nebraska’s most critical assets,” said Jansen. “This webinar series will help those with a vested interest in land to better understand the financial and human forces reshaping the rural agricultural landscape.”

2021 Land Management Quarterly webinar dates are:
    Feb. 15, noon
    May 17, noon
    Aug. 16, noon
    Nov. 15, noon

Registration is free at agecon.unl.edu/landmanagement. The recording will be available the following day, along with recordings from the entire series.



Fischer Announces Committee Assignments for 117th Congress

Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced her committee assignments for the 117th Congress. She will serve on the following Senate committees:
-        Armed Services
-        Commerce, Science, and Transportation
-        Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
-        Rules and Administration
-        Select Committee on Ethics

“Committee assignments have been announced for the 117th Congress. I will continue my work for Nebraskans on my four committees: Armed Services, Commerce, Agriculture, and Rules. I have also been appointed to the Ethics Committee by my colleagues, and I thank them for their confidence that I will serve with integrity and fairness while promoting high ethical standards in the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Fischer.



IRFA Thanks Governor Reynolds, Secretary Naig for Recognizing Biofuels’ Role in Iowa’s Economic Recovery

Today Governor Kim Reynolds released the final report from her Economic Recovery Advisory Board, which was tasked with helping chart a path forward for economic revival in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following Statement:

“IRFA members are grateful to Governor Reynolds for her vision in creating the Economic Recovery Advisory Board to further spark Iowa’s economic recovery and job growth. A special thanks is also needed for Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig in light of his diligent work with the Agriculture Working Group. IRFA agrees with Governor Reynolds and Secretary Naig that biofuels play an important role in Iowa’s economy and it is a priority to work toward greater access to higher blends of biofuels offering consumers less expensive, cleaner burning fuel options at the pump. Implementing these recommendations will boost farm income, create jobs, lower consumer costs and clean the air we breathe.”



RFA Thanks Senators for Urging Swift EPA Action on Small Refinery Waivers

A bipartisan group of 15 senators is urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take immediate action to end the abuse of small refinery exemptions and restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard. In a letter to EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida, the senators asked the agency to review three small refinery waivers issued by the previous administration just hours before the inauguration of President Joe Biden. “If these waivers do not meet the three-part test laid out in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals then we urge you to immediately reverse them and deny the refiners’ waiver requests,” the senators wrote.

The letter also urges EPA to implement, on a nationwide basis, the Tenth Circuit Court’s decision limiting small refinery exemptions. “Because the Tenth Circuit decision is the most definitive legal pronouncement to date regarding EPA’s small refinery waiver authority, we encourage the Agency to adhere to that decision for the purposes of deciding all pending exemption petitions during the pendency of the Supreme Court’s review of the decision,” according to the letter. Finally, the letter encourages EPA to swiftly issue the proposed 2021 renewable volume obligations and move forward with a recent E15 streamlining proposal.

“We thank this bipartisan group of renewable fuel supporters for their determined efforts to put the RFS back on track and expand the market for ethanol,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We agree with the senators that EPA must adhere to recent court decisions regarding the RFS and stay within its statutory authority. When properly implemented, the RFS is an incredibly powerful tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, slashing harmful tailpipe pollution, enhancing national energy security, and supporting the rural economy.”

Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) led the letter, which was also signed by Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Thune (R-SD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roger Marshall (D-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Josh Hawley (R-MO).



Senate Shows Support for Ethanol

On Wednesday, Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, led a letter signed by 13 other farm-state Senators to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to highlight the “pressing concern of restoring integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and to alert you to pressing policy decisions that the Administration must make to bring regulatory certainty to the transportation fuels sector of the economy.”

Also, Wednesday, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., along with Klobuchar, reintroduced the Adopt GREET Act, legislation that would require the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel.

“This bill will ensure EPA uses the most recent science and data to accurately measure the greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits of ethanol,” said NCGA President John Linder, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “The Department of Energy’s GREET model clearly shows ethanol is a key carbon reduction solution, resulting in significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. Corn farmers thank Senator Thune and Senator Klobuchar for their leadership and look forward to working together to enact this legislation and take steps to advance greater use of low-carbon ethanol.”

Earlier in the week, during his Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee confirmation hearing, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack expressed his support for expanding the use of higher blends of biofuels.

"General Motors, Ford — they're not going to stop producing cars with internal combustion engines, so we need an alternative fuel source to complement electric. Over a long period of time, we're going to need both. We're going to promote biofuels octane capacity. One way to do that is to promote higher-blend biofuels used in higher-efficiency new engines,” Vilsack told the Committee.

In his confirmation hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, EPA nominee Michael Regan pledged his support for ethanol and agriculture. “You have my commitment that we will take a look at the RFS program and we will introduce some transparency into that program,” Regan told the Committee.

NCGA appreciates the continued advocacy and support for renewable fuels from members of the U.S. Senate and looks forward to a productive relationship with both Vilsack and Regan upon their Senate confirmation.



STC releases “Top 20 Innovations for Rural Bridge Replacement and Repair”

Rural roads and bridges serve as the initial link in the overall supply chain – allowing the soybeans and grain produced on a farm to be eventually consumed by both domestic and international customers. Of the bridges in the country classified as deficient and, in many cases, subject to closures or restricted access, a significant percentage are located in rural areas.

“Our nation’s rural bridges serve as the initial step in a lengthy journey to the ultimate customer,” explains Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC). “Unfortunately, the region of the country in which bridge conditions are most severe – rural areas – also happen to be the region in which available funding to improve these conditions is stagnant or on the decline. The concern remains that if this starting line for farmers is not well-maintained, soybeans and grain will not effectively reach the finish line in delivering to our customers.”

Given the significance of this need and the limited resources to address it, a potential response by bridge owners is to simply close or restrict access to existing bridges or hope federal, state, or local government will be willing and able to supply the necessary revenue. While pursuing increased investment is appropriate and closing or placing restrictions on certain rural bridges may be prudent, increased energy and attention must be devoted to addressing the cost side of the equation and making existing tax dollars stretch further.

In the effort to promote more cost-effective approaches to replacing and repairing rural bridges without compromising safety, the STC has released the report, “The Top 20 Innovations for Rural Bridge Replacement and Repair.” The report features the following ten rural bridge replacement and ten rural bridge repair innovations.  

Bridge Replacement Innovations
    Railroad Flat Car Bridges
    Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil – Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS)
    Vibratory H-Piling Drivers
    Buried Soil Structures
    All Steel Piers
    Galvanized H-Piling
    Press Brake Tub Girders
    Galvanized Steel Beams
    Prestressed Precast Double Tees
    Precast Inverted Tee Slab Span Bridges

Bridge Repair Innovations
    Piling Encasements
    Concrete Pier Piling Repairs
    Driving Piling through Decks
    Epoxy Deck Injections
    Deck Overlays with Type O Concrete and Plasticizers
    Deck Patching
    Thin Polymer Concrete Overlays
    Penetrating Concrete Sealers
    Spot Cleaning Painting Steel Beams
    Concrete Overlay on Adjacent Box Beams

“Many of the innovative concepts featured in this report can result in a 50% or greater cost savings for rural counties,” says Jonathan Miller, a soybean farmer from Island, Kentucky, and chairman of the Soy Transportation Coalition. “This can easily result in replacing a bridge for $100,000 to $150,000 compared to the prevailing method of $250,000 to $400,000. Farmers understand with their own operations that simply spending our way out of a problem will rarely be successful. We also need to embrace innovative ways to save our way out of a problem. This approach that works so well on the farm also applies to maintaining and improving our infrastructure.”

In order to select the featured innovative concepts, the STC assembled a group of 13 bridge engineers and experts (listed below) from the 13 states that comprise the organization. Three engineers served as principal analysts for the project with the remaining ten engineers or experts serving as advisory committee members.

The innovative concepts for bridge replacement and repair featured in the project are not an exhaustive and comprehensive catalog. Numerous other innovative concepts exist and are worthy of being explored. The goal of the principal analysts and advisory committee members was to highlight a relatable number of innovative concepts that 1.) Will provide initial or lifecycle cost savings, 2.) Have been validated by a credible engineering entity or organization, and 3.) Are accessible in a large section of rural America. The featured bridge replacement and repair concepts reflect the broad consensus of the principal analysts and advisory committee members. Readers should not assume the bridge replacement and repair concepts featured in the above list are in complete alignment with the lists of each individual principal analyst or advisory committee member.

A document highlighting the innovate bridge replacement and repair concepts, expected cost and time savings, and links to validating research can be accessed at www.soytransportation.org.

Principal Analysts:
    Indiana: Pat Conner, P.E. (Lead Engineer, Asset Management, Local Technical Assistance Program at Purdue University)
    Iowa: Brian Keierleber, P.E. (County Engineer, Buchanan County, Iowa; President of the National Association of County Engineers – 2017-2018)
    North Dakota: Kelly Bengtson, P.E. (Bridge and Pavement Engineer – Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University)

Advisory Committee Members:
    Illinois: Duane Ratermann, P.E. (County Engineer, Knox County, Illinois; President of the National Association of County Engineers – 2015-2016; President of the Illinois Association of County Engineers – 2019-2020)
    Kansas: Calvin Reed, P.E. (Director of Engineering and Design – Kansas Department of Transportation)
    Kentucky: Duane Campbell, P.E. (County Engineer, Boyle County, Kentucky; President of the Kentucky Association of County Engineers and Road Supervisors)
    Michigan: Dave Juntunen, P.E. (former Bridge Engineer – Michigan Department of Transportation; Bridge Management Practice Lead – The Kercher Group)
    Minnesota: Dave Conkel, P.E. (State Aid Bridge Engineer – Minnesota Department of Transportation)
    Missouri: Derin Campbell, P.E. (former County Engineer, Boone County, Missouri; Project Manager – Allstate Consultants, LLC)
    Nebraska: Josh Steelman, P.E. (Associate Professor, Civil Engineering – University of Nebraska)
    Ohio: Warren Schlatter, P.E. (County Engineer, Defiance County, Ohio)
    South Dakota: Andrew Peterson (Field Services Manager – Local Technical Assistance Program at South Dakota State University)
    Tennessee: Matt Cate, P.E. (Director, Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program – University of Tennessee)



USDA Dairy Products December 2020 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.13 billion pounds, 0.5 percent above December 2019 and 2.6 percent above November 2020.  Italian type cheese production totaled 485 million pounds, 0.3 percent above December 2019 and 5.9 percent above November 2020.  American type cheese production totaled 461 million pounds, 1.0 percent above December 2019 and 2.9 percent above November 2020.  Butter production was 206 million pounds, 11.8 percent above December 2019 and 18.7 percent above November 2020.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with December 2019)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 205 million pounds, up 24.1 percent.
Skim milk powder - 40.9 million pounds, down 36.9 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with December 2019)
Dry whey, total - 81.7 million pounds, up 2.3 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 96.6 million pounds, up 3.2 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 43.2 million pounds, up 0.2 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with December 2019)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 52.4 million gallons, up 11.4 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 29.1 million gallons, up 3.7 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.76 million gallons, up 34.4 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 2.83 million gallons, down 3.1 percent.



Land O’Lakes Sustainability Business Truterra Launches TruCarbon, the First Farmer-Owned Carbon Program
 
Truterra, LLC, the sustainability business and subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of America’s largest farmer-owned cooperatives, today announced the launch of TruCarbon, a transformational new carbon program that will help farmers generate and sell carbon credits to private sector buyers. TruCarbon represents the first and only farmer-owned carbon program in the U.S. that is designed to provide both the best experience for farmers and a novel approach for carbon credit buyers to incentivize change at scale.
 
TruCarbon offers buyers carbon credits that are created using leading soil and conservation science, and precision data and verification methods. The program offers farmers a streamlined experience, making it easier for them to develop and sell carbon credits so that they can focus on crop production and caring for the land. Through the TruterraTM Insights Engine data platform, the new TruCarbon program provides farmers and their trusted ag retailer advisors a powerful soil health planning suite of tools to help them decide what is best for their business while optimizing their fields’ carbon credit potential. TruCarbon also maximizes the value and return for farmers with premium carbon credit value.
 
“TruCarbon is proof positive in our belief at Land O’Lakes that farmers and agriculture solve big problems – serving as the economic engine in rural communities, feeding a growing world, and now helping to address a changing climate,” said Beth Ford, CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc. “TruCarbon is providing farmers new opportunities to be recognized and rewarded for their stewardship, creating new revenue opportunities for farm families as they adopt soil health practices and increasing the focus on carbon storage in crop fields. It’s through innovative approaches such as TruCarbon that our farmer cooperative system can help ensure that farmers’ businesses are profitable, our rural communities are resilient, and the land, air and water are healthy for future generations.”
 
TruCarbon is launching with Microsoft as its first secured buyer to purchase carbon in 2021, which will help meet the company’s ambitious commitment to be carbon negative by 2030. For this initial launch, participating farmers may receive $20 per ton of carbon with payments this summer for this first tranche of credits. Qualifying farmers may be compensated for carbon sequestration retroactively up to five years based on the soil health practices they adopted in prior growing seasons. For maximum farmer convenience, Truterra will handle soil testing and other activities designed to ensure maximum credit quality and value. Farmers can begin the information and enrollment process by visiting https://www.truterraag.com/CarbonSurvey.
 
“TruCarbon is like no other offering on the market because it is built with the farmer at the center, backed by the most cutting-edge technology platform on the market. That means that companies and others looking to buy trusted carbon credits can connect with farmers and support the adoption of more sustainable practices on farms across the country,” said Jason Weller, Vice President, Truterra. “We are excited to be able to bring this program to farmers through our trusted network of ag retailers, offering a competitive price and streamlined experience so that they can stay focused on farming and their stewardship.”  
 
“The science is clear,” said Dr. Wayne Honeycutt, CEO of the Soil Health Institute, which is collaborating with Truterra on TruCarbon metrics and soil sampling protocols. “Storing more carbon in soils not only benefits a farmer’s bottom line, but also improves water quality and helps fight climate change. Farmers who adopt soil health practices build drought resilience, reduce erosion and minimize nutrient losses. All of us at the Soil Health Institute are excited to work with Truterra on this project because it will help achieve these on-farm and environmental benefits at scale.”
 
Current and future carbon efforts will leverage Truterra’s best-in-class sustainability platform, the Truterra™ Insights Engine, along with agronomic expertise and the
trusted advisor network of Land O’Lakes agriculture retailers to connect and support farmers as they adopt soil health practices and generate carbon credits.  

Farmers and their ag retailers use the Truterra™ Insights Engine to measure and track their on-farm practices and model new practice changes such as cover crops and no-till based on environmental impact and profitability, so that farmers are equipped to take advantage of carbon markets and additional ecosystem services markets as they emerge.

For more information about TruCarbon and how to get involved, visit: https://www.truterraag.com/Carbon.



Beef Tenderness Research Identifies Factors Influencing Eating Quality

There is nothing like biting into a nice juicy steak where the savory flavors burst in your mouth, but if that meat is tough to chew the experience may be a disappointment.

In the case of beef, all cuts are not created equal in terms of tenderness.

To learn more, Kansas State University meat scientists, with the support of beef checkoff funding, studied three cuts of beef looking at how fat content, muscle structure and aging influence tenderness.

"There is not a single biochemical trait (tenderness contribution factor) that can be used to predict tenderness for all beef cuts," said Michael Chao, K-State meat science researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry.

The study focused on three cuts -- the striploin (also known as New York Strip), tri-tip and heel.

"Tenderness is very much driven by the individual cut. For example, with the striploin overall tenderness is strongly influenced by lipid (fat) content, but heel overall tenderness is largely influenced by aging time," Chao said.

With a better understanding of how each cut needs to be managed, the beef industry can pass along that information to consumers, said Chao.

For example, cuts with extensive muscle fiber shortening may be stretched while beef that has a poor aging response should not be aged, said Chao. He added that some cuts with high connective tissue need to be prepared with a moist-heat cooking method.

"It is more important than ever to find markers to assist the industry and consumers to determine the ideal tenderness management techniques to ensure a consistent eating quality of beef," Chao said.

These research results are included in the proceedings for the virtual 2021 Cattlemen's Day planned for March 5. To learn more, go to, www.asi.k-state.edu/cattlemensday.



University Products LLC Comments on AG News America's Recent Survey Showing Preferences and Strategies to Help Ward-Off Anaplasmosis in U.S. Cattle – Including Prevention via Anaplasmosis Vaccine

University Products, LLC recently noted a survey of ranchers and farmers detailing the most-preferred strategies for helping control the spread of anaplasmosis in U.S. herds. Anaplasmosis is a blood disease carried by parasites that infects red blood cells and causes severe anemia and death, representing a major annual financial loss to ranchers and the beef industry. University Products, LLC is the maker and distributor of a bovine anaplasmosis vaccine successfully tested and deployed since 2000.

Respondents to the anaplasmosis survey fell into three main categories: 78% chose vaccination as a main strategy to deploy, 14% chose chlortetracycline (CTC) treatments, 5% chose testing, and 3% chose other. CTC is a broad-spectrum antibiotic usually given in a variety of feeding levels and is used in beef cattle, non-lactating dairy cattle, and sheep. CTC has traditionally been the medical treatment of choice, often deployed as a preventative or after cattle are already infected and begin to show signs of disease. CTC cannot be used in every cattle-producing country however, and recent antibiotic resistance, updated FDA regulations, and consumer trends in the agricultural industry are also beginning to shift producers away from consistent antibiotic use as a preventative measure.

Respondents noted the cost per head for vaccination was in the range of $7 to $9, while CTC-use was reported at $20 to $24 per head. Costs involving testing varied by lab and test used. Vaccination is clearly the most preferred and affordable strategy for a wide majority of respondents, who also stated that they preferred it for a single, important reason: it eliminated the threat of anaplasmosis in the treated animal altogether. While respondents using the other two methods continued to experience significant cattle loss, despite using CTC or testing.

The vaccine developed by Dr. Gene Luther, D.V.M., Ph.D. for University Products has already been FDA-approved for experimental use and has been widely used with almost no side effects or adverse reactions reported.



The National Institute for Animal Agriculture Announces Rebrand

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA), a non-profit advocating for animal agriculture, has announced a rebrand to reflect the organization’s new strategic vision to be the leading resource for the animal agriculture industry and provides value to all stakeholders involved in providing safe and healthy food for the world.

The new logo utilizes clean straight lines and features a green horizon, signifying the organization’s future thinking. In addition to a new logo, website (animalagriculture.org) and membership portal, NIAA has updated the vision, mission and guiding principles that lead the organization’s endeavors and programming. The rebrand reaffirms the commitment to producers and organizations that serve animal agriculture.

“The rebrand is more than a cosmetic update. The board has taken this opportunity to evolve our vision, mission and guiding principles to reflect the many changes we’ve seen in animal agriculture since our inception in 2000,” said Kevin Maher, NIAA Chairman of the Board. “We believe our new strategic direction will lead our organization today and into the coming decades.”

The updated mission of NIAA is to convene animal agriculture experts and allies in collaborative settings to explore, discuss, learn, and develop knowledge that fosters interdisciplinary cooperation for the improvement and continuous progress of animal agriculture.

NIAA’s Guiding Principles:
    We facilitate dialogue within the animal agriculture industry on the most relevant and emerging issues affecting animal agriculture.
    We convene the leading experts and agriculture producers to deliver science‐based, reliable, and trusted perspectives on the industry’s most challenging topics.
    We educate stakeholders and serve as a resource to support the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of animal agriculture.
    We are a resource for supply chain and thought‐leading consumers.
    We lean in on tough issues.

To learn more about the organization, membership and programming, visit www.animalagriculture.org.



Bayer's $2B Liability Fund Deal

Bayer AG is trying again to contain its liability over claims that its popular Roundup weedkiller causes cancer, unveiling Wednesday a $2 billion proposal to pay farmers and gardeners who try to blame the company for illnesses in the future.

The German company and plaintiffs' lawyers said they would seek a U.S. District Court judge's permission for a compensation program that would pay between around $5,000 and $200,000 each to future plaintiffs who contract non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup.

Bayer has been battling litigation over Roundup's safety since acquiring Monsanto Co., the weedkiller's manufacturer, in 2018. After three California juries found in favor of sick plaintiffs, Bayer agreed last June to pay up to $9.6 billion to settle existing Roundup cases. It continues to deny any link between the product and cancer.

That deal, however, didn't prevent more plaintiffs from coming forward in the future. An earlier proposal to create a panel of scientific experts whose conclusions on Roundup's safety would bind future litigants didn't pass muster with a federal judge, and Bayer has been working with plaintiffs' lawyers since July on a revision.

The new proposed class action covers those who haven't yet hired a lawyer to pursue a Roundup claim. If approved by the court, individuals who believe Roundup caused their non-Hodgkin lymphoma can apply for a settlement from a $1.33 billion pot of money, with the offers dependent on age, health, proof of Roundup use and other factors. Those who opt out can still pursue litigation on their own, with the prospect of convincing a jury to award higher, punitive damages not available to class members. The settlement fund will last four years, with the option to extend it after that.

"It's really about options, and it's really about choice," said Elizabeth Cabraser, an attorney for the plaintiffs. "I think it's a great option that offers predictability and transparency for people who don't want to wait, who want to be compensated."

Roundup continues to be sold for commercial farming and consumer gardening use with no changes to its formulation or label. Wednesday's deal includes a proposal to place on Roundup's label a link to a website with information on the disputed science behind the safety of glyphosate, the weedkiller's active ingredient.

The Environmental Protection Agency must sign off on the change. The EPA has previously said Bayer can't include a cancer-warning label on the product because the agency concluded the science didn't back up such a claim.

Bayer told investors in November that it was setting aside another $750 million to resolve the future Roundup cases, bringing the total to the $2 billion detailed Wednesday. In addition to the compensation fund, the money will go toward health programs to help potential plaintiffs be monitored for non-Hodgkin lymphoma; grants for research on NHL treatments; a science panel that will reach nonbinding conclusions on glyphosate's safety; and fees to plaintiffs' attorneys, who will be providing some free legal services for those applying for compensation.

The company is still completing settlements with lawyers who have existing Roundup clients. In November, Bayer said it had reached deals with 88,500 of the roughly 125,000 claims in that camp.

Bayer continues to pursue appeals in the three cases that went to trial. In October, California's highest court declined to hear an appeal in the first jury verdict, though lower courts slashed the award to groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson to $20.4 million, from an initial $289.2 million.



AGCO Reports Fourth Quarter Results

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and solutions, reported net sales of approximately $2.7 billion for the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of approximately 8.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Reported net income was $1.78 per share for the fourth quarter of 2020, and adjusted net income (3) , which excludes restructuring expenses and a gain on sale of an investment, was $1.54 per share. These results compare to reported net loss of $1.17 per share and adjusted net income, which excludes non-cash impairment charges, restructuring expenses and a tax gain, of $0.94 per share for the fourth quarter of 2019. Excluding favorable currency translation impacts of approximately 1.4%, net sales in the fourth quarter of 2020 increased approximately 6.7% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.

Net sales for the full year of 2020 were approximately $9.1 billion, which is an increase of approximately 1.2% compared to 2019. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of approximately 1.8%, net sales for the full year of 2020 increased approximately 3.0% compared to 2019. For the full year of 2020, reported net income was $5.65 per share, and adjusted net income (3) , which excludes non-cash impairment charges, restructuring expenses and a gain on sale of an investment, was $5.61 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $1.63 per share and adjusted net income, which excludes non-cash impairment charges, restructuring expenses and certain tax charges and gains, of $4.44 per share for 2019.

Fourth Quarter Highlights
    Reported fourth quarter regional sales results (1) : Europe/Middle East (“EME”) 13.7%, North America (10.2)%, South America 21.1%, Asia/Pacific/Africa (“APA”) 2.1%
    Constant currency fourth quarter regional sales results (1)(2)(3) : EME 7.7%, North America (10.3)%, South America 52.7%, APA (3.8)%
    Fourth quarter regional operating margin performance: EME 11.9%, North America 2.0%, South America 5.9%, APA 10.6%
    Full-year adjusted operating margins (3) improved to 7.0% in 2020 compared to 5.9% in 2019
    Generated approximately $896.5 million in cash flow from operations and approximately $626.6 million in free cash flow (3) in 2020
    Full-year earnings forecast for 2021 in a range from $7.00 to $7.25 per share
(1) As compared to fourth quarter 2019.
(2) Excludes currency translation impact.
(3) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures in appendix.

“The AGCO team delivered strong operational results leveraging improving markets to produce sales and earnings growth in the fourth quarter,” stated Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our focused execution allowed us to overcome supply chain difficulties and maintain production levels, while reducing company and dealer inventories, which contributed to significant cash flow generation. I would like to thank all our employees for their extraordinary efforts to support our dealers and customers under challenging conditions. Our improved results allowed us to maintain our investments in premium technology, sustainable smart farming solutions and enhanced digital capabilities. AGCO’s exceptional product line continues to be well-received by our customers as evidenced by a strong year-end order board. Looking forward to 2021, we are forecasting sales and earnings growth as industry conditions trend positively and we position AGCO for future success.”