Thursday May 6 Ag News

 New Beef Passport Program Launches in Nebraska
 
The Nebraska Beef Council has launched the Good Life Great Steaks Beef Passport program highlighting over 40 Nebraska restaurants that serve outstanding beef.
 
The beef passport program urges people to visit participating restaurants this summer where they can order beef menu items, earn stamps and be entered to win prizes. Participants earning at least one stamp will be eligible for beef grilling prize packages with those acquiring at least 11 stamps eligible for the grand prize of $500 in beef and a Cabela’s cooler. The goal of the program is to highlight Nebraska’s beef industry while helping support local restaurants throughout the state.
 
“Nebraska is known for raising high quality beef and we have amazing local restaurants where you can get an outstanding beef meal,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council. “Some are well-known restaurants in our larger cities but there are many hidden gems in the small towns across the state. We hope this passport program encourages people to travel this summer and visit places they’ve never been before to taste the great beef Nebraska has to offer.”
 
Those interested in the beef passport program are encouraged follow along on social media by joining the Good Life Great Steaks Nebraska Beef Passport group on Facebook. Members can gain access to additional information about the featured restaurants, share their photos and experiences with other members and even become eligible to win additional prize give-a-ways throughout the summer.
 
Passports are free and can be obtained at www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org or from any of the participating restaurants. The deadline for submitting stamped passports is September 10. All winners will be notified by September 30.
 
For additional information, visit www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org or contact the Nebraska Beef Council office at 1-800-421-5326.



Nebraska Beef Council May Board Meeting

The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors will have a virtual meeting at the NBC office in Kearney, NE, located at 1319 Central Ave. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 beginning at 1:00 p.m. CDT.  For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org



2021 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Midyear Meeting

Join us in-person June 9th and 10th for our 2021 Annual Midyear Meetings!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9
All Wednesday events at Fremont Golf Club (2710 N. Somers Ave – Fremont, NE)
Please note: attendees must follow current state, local, and facility Covid-19 requirements.

7:30 am   NC Board of Directors Meeting

11:00 am   NC Midyear Golf Tournament – Midyear Registration is required.
This annual event will once again be a four-person scramble with registration beginning at 11:00 am.  Fremont Golf Club is an 18 hole course and registration will be limited to 144 players.  Register as an individual or identify your own four-person team.  Cart and lunch will be provided for all players.

11:30 am   NC Midyear Area Attractions Tour – Midyear Registration is required.
Meet at Fremont Golf Club at 11:30 am where a lunch will be provided for all tour guests.  The tour bus will leave and return to Fremont Golf Club.  Enjoy an afternoon of touring local businesses.
    Lincoln Premium Poultry
    Hansen – Mueller
    Merritt Trailers, Inc.
    Valmont Industries, Inc.

6:00 pm   NC Midyear Welcome Reception – Midyear Registration is required.

Enjoy an evening of food and drink with neighbors and fellow NC Cattlemen members

THURSDAY, JUNE 10
All Thursday events at Midland University
Please note: attendees must follow current state, local, and facility Covid-19 requirements.

7:00 am   Registration Open

8:00 am   Brand and Property Rights / Natural Resource and Environment Committee Joint Meeting
The Brand and Property Rights and Natural Resources and Environment Committees will meet jointly with a presentation on the Conservation Goals of the Biden Administration and Its Effects on Property Rights.

8:45 am   Brand and Property Rights Committee Meeting
The Brand and Property Rights Committee individual meeting will include discussion on Brand Legislation for 2021 and 2022 and an update from the Nebraska Brand Committee.

8:45 am   Natural Resource and Environment Meeting
The  Natural Resources and Environment Committee individual meeting have a discussion on Proposed Water Management Areas and Nitrates in Drinking Water programs at local NRD’s.

10:15 am   Education and Research Committee Meeting
The Education and Research Committee will include updates from Northeast Community College, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, Southeast Community College and the University of Nebraska.  In addition, Chandler Mulvaney with NCBA will discuss the Masters of Beef Advocacy and Sarah Smith with the Nebraska Department of Education will discuss the  Farm to School Program Act.

10:15 am   Taxation Committee Meeting
The Taxation Committee will have a Federal Tax Update including the Biden Administration plans and pending Federal Legislation.  In addition, a Nebraska State Senator panel to discuss the 2021 Legislative efforts, LB 1107 and plans for the 2022 Session will occur.  Invited State Senators include Senator Curt Friesen, Senator Tom Briese and Senator Steve Erdman.

12:30 pm   Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Lunch
During the annual NC Foundation lunch, leaders will discuss the Foundation’s activities and programs, announce the winners of the 2021 Retail Value Steer Challenge and recognize the recipients of the 2021 NCF Youth Scholarships.  In addition, a formal recognition of the 2020 Friend of the Foundation will occur.

2:00 pm   Animal Health and Nutrition Committee Meeting
The Animal Health and Nutrition Committee will have a discussion on Rendering Challenges and Solutions, Changes in Attitudes within APHIS and RFID Use along with an update of the 2021 Legislative Session.    

2:00 pm   Marketing and Commerce Committee Meeting
The NC Marketing and Commerce Committee will include a discussion on Nebraska Legislative bills on improving broadband access, a report on the efforts of NCBA’s Live Cattle Marketing Working Group and Regional Triggers Subgroup to voluntarily increase regional negotiated trade levels in the fed cattle market towards research-supported robust levels, and an update on federal legislative efforts on the fed cattle price discovery and transportation fronts including Senator Fischer’s Cattle Market Transparency Act and HAULS Act.

2:00 pm   NCW Consumer Education and Promotion Committee Meeting
The NCW Consumer Education and Promotion Committee meeting will have updates from the Nebraska Beef Council and discussion on Beef Advocacy efforts with UNL Youth Meat Animal Extension Assistant Professor Brianna Buseman and NCBA Director of Grassroots Advocacy & Spokesperson Development Chandler Mulvaney.

4:00 pm   General Session/Reception
Make sure to attend the General Session & Reception which will wrap up this year’s Midyear Meeting.  Enjoy a drink and hors d’oeuvres and hear from NCBA President Jerry Bohn and former Nebraska Governor, US Secretary of Agriculture and Nebraska US Senator Mike Johanns.  In addition, a formal recognition of the 2020 Industry Service Award and Hall of Fame recipients will occur.
Registration is open online NOW until June 4th. After June 4th you may register on-site only!

More Information: https://nebraskacattlemen.org/events/nebraska-cattlemen-midyear-meeting/.



Nebraska Coalition Unites Against Tax Hikes Threatening Family Farms, Businesses, Communities

A Nebraska-based coalition has formed in opposition to Washington, D.C., tax hikes that could threaten family farms, businesses, and communities. Members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation joined leaders from the NE Chamber and the Nebraska Farm Bureau to launch “Nebraskans for Tax Truth”, Thursday, May 6. The coalition will focus on ensuring Nebraskans know the truth about how tax hikes would impact Nebraskans in light of proposals floated by President Joe Biden and other members of congress. Discussions in Washington, D.C., have centered around ramping up capital gains, estate (death taxes), and corporate taxes. Coalition partners say raising taxes in these areas would have far-reaching impacts that not only threaten Nebraska’s family businesses and primary economic sectors, but Nebraskans who rely on those businesses for employment. Coalition representatives will look to grow the coalition and partners over the next few months heading into Congressional tax discussions targeted for late summer and early fall. The coalition urged individual Nebraskans to learn more and sign the coalition’s petition in support of common-sense tax policies, particularly post-pandemic, by visiting the coalition’s website at www.nebraskansfortaxtruth.org. 

Coalition Partner Quotes:
“President Biden wants to raise the capital gains tax to the highest level in history and force American businesses and their customers to pay the highest combined corporate tax rate in the developed world. I am proud to support the creation of Nebraskans for Tax Truth. This coalition will highlight how these extreme tax increases would be devastating for Nebraska’s families, ag producers, and economy as a whole.” – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, Member of Senate Agriculture Committee

“President Biden’s efforts to tax and spend — and then tax and spend more — aren’t what we need right now. Our state is built of small businesses and the policies coming down from Washington are downright scary for a bunch of Nebraska’s small businesses and family-run farm and ranch operations. Instead, the Administration should be finding more trade markets and cutting red tape — so we can keep feeding the world.”  – U.S. Senator Ben Sasse

“The decision before us is whether we stand with the American farm family, allow the inter-generational capacity to grow food, and a vibrant ecosystem of rural life, or watch as large corporations and trust-funds gobble up more land all because of tax considerations.” – Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE -1), Ranking Member, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

“As I have visited farms and ranches across Nebraska these past four months, I hear strong concerns from our state’s ag producers about the possible loss of both the stepped-up basis and the assessment of tax capital gains upon the sale of an asset in the tax code. I will continue to oppose such efforts in Congress and joined my colleagues Reps. Smith and Fischbach in sending a letter to House Leadership opposing the administration’s proposals for these changes.” – Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2)

“I appreciate the work Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and small businesses are doing to highlight the damage the onslaught of tax increase proposals coming from the Biden Administration would do to our economy. We have seen how successful competitive tax policy can be when it rewards job creation and job opportunity. Raising tax rates, punishing family businesses, and taking dollars out of the pockets of hardworking Americans is the last thing we need right now.” – Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3)

“The proposed White House tax hikes will hit Nebraska’s food and goods-producing sectors hard – our top two job creators across the state. Several other family-owned businesses, key sectors, and the investments that fuel startups and grow jobs for all Nebraskans would suffer too. You get less of what you tax more. It’s hard to understand how policymakers could consider curbing American competitiveness just when what America needs most is to move people back into work and rebuild our post-pandemic economy.” – Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President

“Today 97 percent of all U.S. farms are family owned and operated. These are multi-generational family operations. Increasing taxes on generational transfers of through increased capital gains and estate taxes can permanently damage these family businesses. No farm or ranch should be broken up or forced to sell because of a government tax burden. A family members death shouldn’t be viewed by the government as a way to get a share of a family’s business. That’s what these tax hikes will do regardless how Washington D.C. tries to spin it. We’ll do everything in our power to stop it.” – Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau President

Nebraskans for Tax Truth is a coalition of individuals and organizations united in opposition to federal tax increases and committed to making sure Nebraskans know the truth about how Washington, D.C., tax hikes would harm Nebraska family farms, businesses, and communities.



CARRYING CAPACITY AND CROSS FENCES
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

As we prepare for spring planting, don't put away your electric fence just yet.  It can be a useful tool to stretch your pasture this summer.

Electric fence is the easiest and cheapest way to increase utilization in summer pastures.  Dividing pastures with an electric cross fence encourages cattle to graze pastures more completely.  By increasing uniform consumption across a pasture, grazing time in the pasture can be extended, resulting in a longer recovery period following grazing.  This time off allows plants to regrow and can improve their health and vigor.  With high pasture rent and rumors of a hot, dry summer, stretching grass a bit early may pay off in the long run.

Temporary electric fence won’t replace the role permanent fencing options like traditional barbed wire and, high-tensile electric fencing systems still hold.  However, the low cost and easily moveable nature of temporary fence make it invaluable for a cross fencing tool.  This is especially true if you already have electric fencing your animals respect.  Being able to change paddock size on the go is a benefit permanent fence installations don’t provide.  Additionally, using fencing equipment you already have provides an inexpensive opportunity to experiment with where you might eventually place a more permanent cross fence.

The electric fence that keeps your cows on stalks during winter can give you this inexpensive opportunity to try some cross fencing where you have been reluctant to try it before. More grass, might be the result.



Farmers invited to participate in inaugural East Campus Discovery Days and Farmer’s Market

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking farmers to participate in the inaugural East Campus Discovery Days and Farmer’s Market, which will take place on three Saturdays this summer.  

The events will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14 and will feature a farmer’s market, as well as live music, food trucks, family activities and much more.  

“Hosting a farmer’s market on East Campus will be an incredible addition to all of the other amazing things happening on campus”, said Jessie Brophy, director of external engagement for IANR. “This new series of events present a wonderful opportunity to connect Nebraska’s farmers and producers with our community members to provide access to locally produced nutritious food.”

There is no participation cost or stall fee for those who participate. Participation is expected all three Saturdays. More information and application materials may be found at https://discoverydays.unl.edu/vendors.  

More information on East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market is available online at https://discoverydays.unl.edu, with more information to be added as vendors and activities are finalized. For questions or additional information, contact Jessie Brophy at jbrophy3@unl.edu or Kirstin Taylor at ktaylor21@unl.edu.  



UNIVERSITY RECEIVES $1.5M RANCHLAND FOR EDUCATION, RESEARCH, OUTREACH

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis announced the university has received a gift of 2,147 acres of ranchland in northeast Hayes County. David Scholz and his late wife, Sandra “Sande” Scholz, made the gift valued at nearly $1.5 million through the University of Nebraska Foundation for education and research purposes.

“Through this extremely generous donation, David and Sande Scholz are giving NCTA students access to the kinds of hands-on, experiential education that is impossible to replicate in a classroom,” said Mike Boehm, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “This gift represents the ultimate laboratory for NCTA students, and their experience will be richer — and Nebraska’s agricultural workforce will be stronger — as a result.”

A portion of the gifted land was originally acquired by Frank B. and Mabel (Wray) Leu in 1902 through the Homestead Act. Over the years, the Leu family, including Frank B. Leu’s siblings, acquired adjacent land for cattle ranching and dryland farming.

Sande (Clark) Scholz, a Husker alumna, was granddaughter to Frank and Mabel Leu and lived on the ranch for a time in her early childhood. She had good memories of time with her grandparents on the ranch, even after moving to North Platte, where she attended school. She inherited the Leu property through the estate of her mother, Grayce (Leu) Clark.

In honor and recognition of the Leu family’s pioneering spirit and longtime care of the land, the university will seek approval of its Board of Regents to name it the Frank B. and Mabel Leu Memorial Ranch.

“It was a special property to Sande because of her grandparents,” said David Scholz, a Husker alumnus who lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. “We discussed that using the land for educational purposes would be a way to honor her grandparents and the many others of that generation who settled in Western Nebraska — the ranchers who pioneered there and worked so hard.”

NCTA Dean Larry Gossen said: “On behalf of our campus community in Curtis and the surrounding region, we are excited to honor the wishes of David and Sande Scholz by preserving the Leu family’s ranching history as an outdoor learning laboratory emphasizing range management and beef cattle production. The educational opportunities this gift provides NCTA and our Aggie students are significant.”

Scholz said it’s rewarding to know the ranch will now be used as an educational facility to help students learn various aspects of ranching, including caring for cattle, keeping ranchlands, managing healthy and productive pastureland and more.

“Both Sande and I believe in education and particularly vocational education,” Scholz said. “And in talking with the university over the years, we discussed that a lot of young people who are interested in farming and ranching don’t necessarily come from this background, so they don’t have an opportunity to grow up and learn on a ranch or a farm. By enabling the university to have the ranch for use in their teaching curriculum, it gives students an opportunity to learn so many aspects of ranching.”

NCTA has plans in partnership with the University of Nebraska Foundation to raise funds for enhancements at the Frank B. and Mabel Leu Memorial Ranch. This could include a meeting facility for students, guests and faculty, as well as improvements needed for the care of livestock animals.

About Frank B. and Mabel (Wray) Leu
Frank B. and Mabel (Wray) Leu were married in 1901 and first lived in Danbury, Nebraska. They were parents to three boys and two girls. Their daughter, Grayce (Leu) Clark, was the mother of Sande (Clark) Scholz.

The Leus valued education and made certain their children attended the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis, which is now NCTA. Their children went on to attend other schools of higher education in Nebraska, including the University of Nebraska.

Frank B. Leu was born in Saunders County in 1877 and died in North Platte in 1975. Mable Leu was born in Culbertson in 1881 and died in North Platte in 1957.

About David and Sande (Clark) Scholz
David and Sande Scholz met while attending Nebraska. Sande studied psychology and social work and graduated in 1963. David studied electrical engineering and graduated in 1964. The two then moved to New York to attend graduate school at Columbia University, where Sande received a Master of Social Work and David received a Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor.

The couple married in 1965 and moved to the Chicago area, where they established their careers and raised their sons, Brian and Daniel.

David enjoyed a long career with Commonwealth Edison, the electric power company serving Chicago and northern Illinois. Sande served as a social worker for various organizations, including the Institute for Juvenile Research and Illinois Children’s Home and Aid Society. She later spent many years as a social worker with the River Forest, Illinois, school system. She died in 2019 at age 78.



14th Annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference Registration is Open

Registration is now open for the 14th Annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference that will be held on Monday, November 8, and Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska.
 
The conference is a two-day event bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders from Nebraska and across the country to share the latest information and innovations in wind and solar development.  Past years' conferences have seen over 300 attendees to hear from and network with wind and solar industry experts and leaders.
 
In addition to general sessions and workshops, the conference features a tradeshow with 35 to 40 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in technology and development.  The tradeshow includes interactive and educational displays from exhibitors, including governmental agencies, nonprofits, and a wide range of professional service and product providers related to wind and solar development.
 
The conference planning committee consists of volunteers from state agencies, farmer and rancher organizations, public power utilities, the renewable energy industry, and academia working together to present accurate and objective information about all aspects of wind and solar development.  Attendees include private sector developers, public officials, landowners, environmental and wildlife interests, public utilities, and the public at large.
 
"We look forward to holding an in-person conference this year," said John Hansen, Conference Chair. "There has been tremendous progress in both wind and solar development the past two years.  While our enormous wind and solar energy potential remains constant, state and national issues that impact renewable energy development are ever-changing.  Our unique conference brings together top-notch speakers, outstanding exhibitors, and a diverse set of stakeholders to help us build the path forward for wind and solar energy development."
 
Early bird registration is open now until October 8 and is $125.  Registration through the end of October is $175. As of November 1, registration is $225 through the day of the conference.  Student registration is discounted to $65 with a limited number of scholarships available.

A room block is available at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel at $113 per night (includes free parking) until October 18 or until full.

More information and past presentations are available on the conference website at www.nebraskawsc.com.



Agronomy Workshop and Certified Crop Advisor Training to be Offered

Carbon markets and weed management strategies in soybeans will be the featured topics at an upcoming Agronomy Workshop and Crop Advisor Training to be offered from 8 a.m. to noon on June 16.

The training is targeted toward farmers, certified crop advisors, agribusiness professionals and independent crop consultants. It will feature the following four sessions that participants will rotate through: carbon markets, the science of carbon markets, integrated weed management strategies in soybeans and soybean herbicide programs.

“We are excited to be offering this workshop face-to-face this year,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “We’ve got some in-field demonstrations that participants will be able to check out and also have a chance to visit with different experts including Chad Hart, professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist at Iowa State, and Marshall McDaniel, assistant professor in agronomy at Iowa State.”

There will be one hour of soil and water management continuing education units, one hour of crop management CEUs and two hours of pest management CEUs for certified crop advisor.

There is a $50 registration fee, which includes lunch. Pre-registration is required by June 9 and can be completed at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/serf-cca or by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office at 316-653-4811. No walk-ins will be accepted. Class size is limited to 60 participants.

The Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm is located at 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville, Iowa. To reach the farm, follow U.S. Highway 218 one and three-quarters of a mile south of Crawfordsville, then two miles east on County Road G-62, then three-quarters of a mile north. Signs will be posted near the farm.

This training is being held by ISU Extension and Outreach and the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association.

For more information, contact Rebecca Vittetoe at 319-653-4811, or rka8@iastate.edu; or Virgil Schmitt at 563-263-5701 or vschmitt@iastate.edu.



U.S. Grains Council To Hold Hybrid 61st Annual Board Of Delegates Meeting In Des Moines

While international travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have required the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) to postpone its 61st Annual Board of Delegates meeting in Calgary, Canada, until 2023, USGC Chairman Jim Raben announced this week that the 2021 summer meeting will be moved to Des Moines, Iowa, July 28-30.

“My theme of Building Relationships, Building Trade has taken on new meaning during the pandemic and in how we accomplish these tasks to keep trade moving around the world,” Raben said. “The Council has decided to offer its 61st Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in a hybrid format – so attendees can choose either an in-person or virtual experience.”

Registration for the event will open the week of May 17, and the Council will offer a virtual townhall meeting on May 12 at 9:00AM Eastern Time to go through what attendees can expect from the Council’s first-ever hybrid meeting and to answer questions about it. Council staff continue to work on the details of the agenda.

“In Des Moines, the Council will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s continued guidance of masking and social distancing as a precautionary measure and will require adherence by all in-person attendees,” Raben said. “The Council’s goal is to keep you as safe as possible while continuing to offer the caliber of programming you’ve come to expect from us.”



World Pork Expo’s Seminars Educate on Latest Pork Insights

Professionals in the pork industry will be the first to have access to the latest production and management strategies at this year’s World Pork Expo. This year’s line-up of PORK Academy and Business Seminars gives producers the opportunity to learn more about topics such as sustainability, data, industry collaborations, nutrition and more.

Visitors can find these seminars, networking opportunities, the world’s largest pork trade show and more at the 2021 World Pork Expo, presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), taking place June 9-11 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.

“These seminars provide a fantastic opportunity for all pork professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest information and insights available,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “The Expo is truly a can’t miss event for those who are interested in how they can improve their own operations with the newest technology.”
 
More than 10 Business Seminars to Choose From
This year’s line-up includes a variety of sessions including multi-part panel discussions and Q&A opportunities. All Business Seminars take place in the Varied Industries Building. Here’s the schedule of events:

Wednesday, June 9:
    8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. — The evolution and revolution of the swine tech ecosystem.  Driving business and production results with a software platform via connections, collaboration, and analytic insights, sponsored by MetaFarms.
    9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. — Learn firsthand how MetaFarms and Industry Affiliates are helping producers get the upper edge through the MetaFarms Production Gateway highlighting our AgView integration with the National Pork Board.
    10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. — How to use analytics to control costs, uncover opportunities, and create a successful data culture within your organization — sponsored by MetaFarms.
    11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. — Understand how the technology of today and tomorrow has practical uses in production systems. MetaFarms asks some of our forward-thinking customers to share how they are leveraging technology to identify issues using analytics, formulate plans to fix these issues and lastly, determine if their solution was successful.

Cost Effective Strategies for Sustainability in Pork Production: A four-part panel discussion for producers, sponsored by the National Pork Board and IFF Danisco Animal Nutrition.
    1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Understanding Sustainability. What are the Benchmarks for Producers Outlined by the National Pork Board and the USDA? Land use, water consumption, energy consumption, carbon emissions and more; what’s been accomplished and what lies ahead?
    2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Tools for Producers: What You Feed Your Pigs Can Impact Manure Management. Listen as our panelists discuss manure management practices that influence quality, application, environmental footprint and more.
    3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Nutrition and Sustainability: Driving feed strategies to meet environmental stewardship and cost efficiency goals; options to put you in the driver’s seat.
    4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Sustainability: Effectively Communicating Your Story. Science and soundbites for producers.

Big Ideas In Pork: Whether it’s big ideas or innovative thinking you’re looking for at this year’s World Pork Expo, Cargill-Provimi is pleased to bring you topics and experts to tackle the big challenges and the solutions needed to help pork producers, and our communities, thrive.
    1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Rethinking Methane: Animal Agriculture’s Path to Climate Neutrality
    2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Disruption: Technology and the Pork Systems of the Future

Thursday, June 10: Learn the latest about sow health, performance and care presented and sponsored by Zoetis.
    10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. — Becoming Vaccinologists: Critical Vaccination Training for Caregivers
    1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. — Successful Sow Health Through Individual Sow Care
    3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. — Improve Treatment Outcomes With Individual Pig Care Training

And don’t forget this year’s can’t miss PORK Academy events. Included with admission, attendees can participate in 6 free sessions. Presented by the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff, the PORK Academy seminars give producers a deeper understanding of their checkoff investments.

There’s still time to register to join thousands of pork industry professionals at this summer’s hottest event. Learn more about the 2021 World Pork Expo by visiting our website. All the details including registration, daily event schedules, hotel availability and more are available online at www.worldpork.org.



 African Swine Fever Virus Vaccine Candidate Now Produced in a Cell Line

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) today announced that an African Swine Fever Virus vaccine candidate has been adapted to grow in a cell line, which means that those involved in vaccine production will no longer have to rely on live pigs and their fresh cells for vaccine production.

“This opens the door for large-scale vaccine production, which is a valuable tool for the possible eradication of the virus,” said senior ARS scientist Dr. Manuel Borca.

African Swine Fever is known to cause virulent, deadly outbreaks in wild and domestic swine, causing widespread and lethal outbreaks in various countries in Eastern Europe and throughout Asia.

African Swine Fever is not a threat to humans and cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans. However, outbreaks have led to significant economic losses and pork shortages on local and global scales.

No commercial vaccines are currently available to prevent the virus from spreading.  There have not been any outbreaks in the United States, but it’s estimated that a national outbreak could cost at least $14 billion over two years, and $50 billion over 10 years.

This discovery, highlighted in the Journal of Virology, overcomes one of the major challenges for manufacturing of an African Swine Fever Virus vaccine. The newly developed vaccine, grown in a continuous cell line — which means immortalized cells that divide continuously or otherwise indefinitely — has the same characteristics as the original vaccine produced with fresh swine cells.

“Traditionally we used freshly isolated swine cells to produce vaccine candidates and this constitutes a significant limitation for large-scale production” said senior ARS scientist Dr. Douglas Gladue. “But now we can retain the vaccine characteristics while simultaneously replicating the vaccine in lab-grown cell cultures. We no longer have to rely on gathering fresh cells from live swine.”

The continuous cell line vaccine candidate was tested in a commercial breed of pigs and determined to be safe, protecting pigs against the virus. No negative effects were observed.

This research was supported in part by an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some of the scientific personnel were part of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center Research Participation Program, administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. All animal studies were performed at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, following a protocol approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.



CME Group to Permanently Close Most Open Outcry Trading Pits; Eurodollar Options Pit will Remain Open

CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, today announced that it will not reopen its physical trading pits that were closed last March due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Eurodollar options pit, which was reopened last August, will remain open, allowing these contracts to continue to trade in both open outcry and electronic venues.

CME Group also announced that, subject to regulatory review, it will delist its full-size, floor-based S&P 500 futures and options contracts following the expiration of the September 2021 contracts on September 17, 2021. Open interest that remains after the delisting will be migrated into the E-mini S&P 500 futures and options contracts that are available electronically on CME Globex.  All individual trading positions will be converted into the corresponding E-mini S&P 500 contracts with the matching expiration date and strike price for options at the current 1:5 ratio.  



Biden-Harris Administration Outlines “America the Beautiful” Initiative

Today the Biden-Harris administration outlined a vision for how the United States can work collaboratively to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation. The recommendations are contained in a report released today (PDF, 540 KB) outlining a locally led and voluntary nationwide conservation goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

The report calls for a decade-long effort to support locally led and voluntary conservation and restoration efforts across public, private, and Tribal lands and waters in order to create jobs and strengthen the economy’s foundation; tackle the climate and nature crises; and address inequitable access to the outdoors.

The report, submitted to the National Climate Task Force, was developed by the U.S. Departments of the Interior, Agriculture and Commerce, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality. It outlines eight principles that should guide the nationwide effort, including a pursuit of collaborative approaches; a commitment to supporting the voluntary conservation efforts of farmers, ranchers, and fishers; and honoring of Tribal sovereignty and private property rights.

“The President’s challenge is a call to action to support locally led conservation and restoration efforts of all kinds and all over America, wherever communities wish to safeguard the lands and waters they know and love,” write Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory in the report. “Doing so will not only protect our lands and waters but also boost our economy and support jobs nationwide.”

Based on feedback gathered in the Administration’s first 100 days, the report identifies six priority areas for the administration’s early focus, investments, and collaboration:
    Creating more parks and safe outdoor opportunities in nature-deprived communities.
    Supporting Tribally led conservation and restoration priorities.
    Expanding collaborative conservation of fish and wildlife habitats and corridors.
    Increasing access for outdoor recreation.
    Incentivizing and rewarding the voluntary conservation efforts of fishers, ranchers, farmers, and forest owners.
    Creating jobs by investing in restoration and resilience projects and initiatives, including the Civilian Climate Corps.

The Biden-Harris administration is already taking steps to support outdoor recreation and equitable access to the outdoors:
    In late April, USDA expanded the Conservation Reserve Program by offering new incentives, higher rental rates, and more focused attention on sensitive lands with a goal of enrolling 4 million acres and capturing 3.6 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in this voluntary conservation program.
    This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal for the largest expansion in recent history of hunting and sport fishing opportunities for game species across 2.1 million acres at 90 national wildlife refuges and on the lands of one national fish hatchery.
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced the expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, nearly tripling the size of the sanctuary and protecting 14 reefs and banks that are habitat for recreationally important fish.
    In the coming days, the National Park Service will announce $150 million in funding for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, which helps build parks in underserved communities.
    NOAA is working in partnership with the State of Connecticut to create a living classroom for education, research, and recreation by designating a National Estuarine Research Reserve in Long Island Sound. The final designation paperwork is expected by January 2022, which will make it the 30th estuary reserve in the national system.

To help measure and track progress toward the nation’s first conservation goal, the report calls for the establishment of an interagency working group, led by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and NOAA in partnership with other land and ocean management agencies. The working group will develop the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas, a tool that will better reflect the voluntary contributions of farmers, ranchers, forest owners and private landowners; the contributions of fishery management councils; and other existing conservation designations on lands and waters across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private lands and waters across the nation.

In line with Executive Order 14008, the agencies developed the recommendations after hearing from Tribal leaders, governors and their staff, Members of Congress and their staff, county officials, state elected officials, state fish and wildlife agencies, leaders on equity and justice in conservation policy, environmental advocacy organizations, hunting and fishing organizations, regional fisheries management councils, farming and ranching organizations, trade associations, forestry representatives, outdoor recreation businesses and users, the seafood industry, and others.

The report recommends additional dialogue with key partners – including states and Tribes - to inform early collaborative conservation efforts and the development of the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas.

“This report is only the starting point on the path to fulfilling the conservation vision that President Biden has outlined,” says the report. “Where this path leads over the next decade will be determined not by our agencies, but by the ideas and leadership of local communities. It is our job to listen, learn, and provide support along the way to help strengthen economies and pass on healthy lands, waters, and wildlife to the generations to come.”



 Fischer Statement on Biden Administration’s 30x30 Principles Outline

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) released the text of its “America the Beautiful” initiative, which outlined principles regarding the Biden administration’s proposal for the federal government to conserve at least 30% of the nation’s land and water resources by 2030, known as “30x30”:

“Despite the lofty principles in this report, we are still nowhere closer to understanding how the administration would accomplish them. While the administration has made efforts recently to take into account feedback from land owners, farmers, and ranchers, this should have been done prior to announcing the proposal in January. Nebraskans are worried about this proposal and information as to how these principles will be implemented must be provided. I will work to ensure Nebraskans have a seat at the table throughout this process, and that their personal property rights are protected.”

More information:
On January 27, 2021 President Biden signed an executive order directing the Secretary of the Interior to develop a plan to conserve at least 30% of the lands and waterways in the U.S. by the year 2030. Today’s report released by the DOI outlines the principles of that 30x30 plan.

Senator Fischer has long been an opponent of the federal government expanding its control over land and water resources. She joined her colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden in March expressing concerns over the proposed 30x30 initiative’s potential impact on private land owners.  She voted against confirming Interior Secretary Deb Haaland because of Haaland’s support of 30x30 and her unwillingness to provide details on the proposal when asked during her confirmation process.”



Ricketts Slams “Vague” 30 x 30 Report from Biden-Harris Administration Agencies

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following the release of a new report by the Biden-Harris Administration on their 30 x 30 plan.  

“Nebraskans have rightly been concerned about President Biden’s radical climate agenda and his 30 x 30 plan,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “To date, his plans have been long on lofty goals and short on details, which has fueled speculation and concern.  Today’s report provides few new details and more vague platitudes and goals—and it’s not good.”

“Nebraskans should not be deceived by the report’s ‘America the Beautiful’ branding.  This rollout includes the endorsements of a wide array of environmental lobbying groups while mainstream agriculture stakeholders continue to be cut out of the process.”

“While the report states that 30 x 30 will include voluntary private measures, at least in part, this reassurance is not enough.  If the Biden Administration really believed that voluntary measures worked, they would leave conservation efforts to the states and private landowners instead of pursuing a national strategy that imposes goals written by federal bureaucrats.”

“As President Biden’s 30 x 30 plan begins to evolve and take shape, my administration will work to stop any interference with our rights that arises.  I encourage Nebraskans to be on the lookout in their community for potential federal interventions or other attempts to make land less available.  Together, we can push back on federal overreach and protect our way of life.”



Conserving and Restoring the America the Beautiful Report Known as 30X30
Mark McHargue, President,  NE Farm Bureau

In response to the Conserving and Restoring the America the Beautiful report also known as 30X30, Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) President Mark McHargue said “The Biden administration has again talked a big game but has provided very few real details as to how they plan to implement the 30x30 concept. The report released by the administration claims they want to focus on voluntary conservation efforts and will respect private property rights, and that’s a good thing. At the same time, NEFB will be watching this effort very carefully to ensure that those principals are upheld. Any effort to upend private land ownership or expand perpetual easements will be swiftly opposed by our organization.”



30x30 Report Big on Ideas, Short on Details

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report, also known as 30x30:

“AFBF appreciates that the report acknowledges concerns we have raised and recognizes the oversized contributions of farmers and ranchers to conservation while feeding the world. That recognition must carry through implementation. The report is a philosophical document that emphasizes important principles such as incentive-based voluntary conservation, protecting personal and property rights and continued ranching on public lands, but it lacks specifics. I had several positive conversations with Secretary Vilsack about 30x30 and we will work with him and his colleagues to ensure the details live up to promises made to protect American agriculture.”



NCBA and PLC Pleased To See Ranchers and Farmers' Input Adopted In 30x30 Guidelines

Today, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) recognized the inclusion of agricultural producers' recommendations in the Biden administration's conservation goals report. The report details the administration's approach to conserving 30 percent of the nation's land and waters by the year 2030 — an initiative previously called 30x30 and now dubbed "America the Beautiful." The report lays out a 10-year roadmap for conservation that includes many of the priorities that are most important to cattle and sheep producers, including the protection of private property rights, learning from successful working lands management, and leveraging the expertise of ag producers for the benefit of lands, wildlife, and all land users.

"We are pleased to see USDA and DOI incorporate many of the recommendations of America's farmers and ranchers into this conservation plan. This is a productive starting point that builds on the input of a diverse array of stakeholders — and moving forward, our focus will be on holding the administration and federal agencies to it," said Kaitlynn Glover, NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director. "Over the next decade, livestock producers will continue doing what they've done for generations — manage their lands in a way that promotes conservation and good environmental outcomes, and share that expertise with federal agencies."

"If you want to see successful examples of protecting open spaces, improving the health and resiliency of public lands, and balancing durable conservation with multiple use, look no further than American cattle and sheep producers," added Glover. "We look forward to continuing our dialogue with the administration to make sure that the agencies implementing 30x30 leverage the expertise of our producers and reward them for their good work on the ground."

One of the report's six initial recommendations for the "America the Beautiful" initiative focuses specifically on agricultural producers. NCBA and PLC have been in constant and proactive communication with the administration to make sure the White House understands the vital role ag producers play in safeguarding our natural landscapes. The report includes recommendations to:
    Incentivize voluntary conservation efforts and provide new sources of income for American farmers, ranchers, and foresters
    Improve the effectiveness of relevant USDA conservation programs through the 2023 Farm Bill
    Support the voluntary conservation efforts of private landowners
    Leverage public-private partnerships and voluntary measures to improve targeted populations of wildlife
    Create jobs in rural America that support science-driven stewardship and conservation efforts

NCBA and PLC have long advocated for conservation policy that is based on science and fact, not emotion or political rhetoric. Livestock producers have an excellent story to tell on conservation, climate, and environmental issues:
    Direct emissions from cattle account for only two percent of the United States' overall greenhouse gas emissions.
    Livestock grazing significantly improves soil health, increasing the capacity of grasslands to sequester carbon out of the atmosphere.
    The U.S. cattle and beef industry has had the lowest greenhouse gas emissions intensity in the world since 1996.
    Between 1961 and 2018, the U.S. beef industry reduced emissions by more than 40 percent through continued sustainability efforts and improved resource use.
    Last year, corn going to feed beef cattle represented only 7 percent of all the harvested corn grain in the United States.



NCGA Statement on America the Beautiful Initiative

President Biden released a report today detailing their vision for the “America the Beautiful” initiative. The report contains recommendations outlining what it describes as locally-led, voluntary efforts to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

“We’re pleased to learn of the emphasis on voluntary conservation measures,” said National Corn Growers Association President John Linder. “NCGA has long advocated that voluntary conservation efforts are the best ways to deliver sustainable results on the farm. And we conveyed that to the Administration in a conversation with them about their 30x30 initiative last month. We’re glad they listened and will continue sharing our views with them as this process unfolds,” concluded Linder.



Farmers Union Encouraged that Agriculture is Incorporated into Biden Administration's Conservation Principles

The Biden administration today released a report providing more details on how it plans to meet its earlier goal to conserve at least 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030. Entitled “America the Beautiful,” the 22-page document outlines principles that should guide those efforts, several of which pertain to agriculture. More specifically, it indicates that conservation work should recognize and support farmers’ contributions to environmental stewardship as well as include them in conversations about how best to protect our natural resources.

Because farmers and ranchers steward about 44 percent of the United States’ landmass, National Farmers Union (NFU) maintains that it is absolutely essential that agriculture is incorporated into broader conservation endeavors. In a statement today, the organization’s president Rob Larew said he was pleased that the administration’s report takes the sector’s important role into account and that he looks forward to working with them to develop the principles into a fully fleshed-out plan.

“Farmers Union members care deeply about protecting the natural resources that support their livelihoods. When the administration first announced its plans to conserve 30 percent of the nation’s land, however, we had a lot of questions about what that might mean for agriculture. After sharing those concerns with the administration, we are heartened that our feedback was taken seriously and incorporated into the final principles.

“Today’s report understands the valuable work that family farmers are already doing to improve soil, water, and air quality and commits to advancing that work in the future. We are glad to have clarity on the matter and look forward to continued collaboration with the administration to ensure these principles are followed.”



National FFA Organization Continues to Support the Next Generation of Leaders

FFA awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to 974 recipients, thanks to the generosity of 309 sponsors and donors.

More than 4,656 students applied online for the scholarships, with many applicants being considered for multiple awards. The scholarships were available to students pursuing two-year or four-year degrees, or vocational certification or specialized training programs. The average recipient had a GPA of 3.77 on a 4.0 scale.

This year marks the 37th year for the scholarship program, which began in 1984 with 16 scholarships offered. Since then, more than $50 million have been awarded in scholarship funds through the National FFA Organization.

The selection process considers the whole student, including FFA involvement, work experience, supervised agricultural experience, community service, leadership skills, academics and financial need.

“We know that our FFA members are the next generation of leaders who will change the world,” said Michele Sullivan, senior manager of local engagement for the organization. “These scholarships are just one more way to support them on the next steps in their educational journeys.”

A list of recipients is available on the FFA scholarship webpage at FFA.org/Scholarships. Recipients are listed first by the states where their high schools are located and then alphabetically by student first name.

Information regarding the 2022 FFA Scholarships program will be available on the scholarship website beginning Nov. 1, 2021.



Ranch Group Warns of Impending Perfect Storm

The live cattle supply chain from which beef is produced is multi-segmented. The largest and most widespread segment – in terms of number of market participants – are cow/calf producers that maintains mother cows and produces new calves each year. The next largest segment by market participants is the yearling segment in which cattle farmers and ranchers prepare yearling-age cattle for the final and smallest segment by volume of producers, the feeding segment. This last segment feeds cattle to harvest weight and sells them directly to the beef packer that produces beef. Though they are few, some ranchers are involved in all segments and sell beef directly to consumers.

For the past six years the cattle market has been erratic, marked by falling cattle prices while wholesale and retail beef prices have climbed to historically high levels.

The brunt of the market’s chronic dysfunction has impacted the smallest segment the most – the feeding segment that sells directly to the beef packer. The larger segments of cow/calf producers and yearling operators, though their prices have also fallen, have been somewhat insulated from the more severe market shocks experienced by cattle feeders.

According to R-CALF USA leaders, that is about to change. Escalating corn prices mean the cost of feeding cattle has increased significantly and cattle feeders who are already suffering severe losses due to the erratic fed cattle market will likely need to buy their inputs at a much lower price to stay in business, by offering less to cow/calf producers and yearling operators for their cattle.

“This could be the perfect storm,” said Kansas rancher and R-CALF USA board member Kyle Hemmert, adding, “The severe market shocks that cattle feeders have been experiencing for years are about to be pushed to cow/calf producers and yearling operators in the form of much lower prices.”

Iowa cattle feeder and R-CALF USA board member Eric Nelson agrees with Hemmert and explains there are two classes of cattle feeders: the majority who sell cattle in the open market or contracts linked to open market prices, and the minority insulated from the open market through some type of cost-sharing arrangements with the beef packers.

“It is the family-sized independent cattle feeder that is most impacted by the depressed market. If cattle feeders with cost-sharing arrangements hold lighter-weight cattle prices above what rising feed costs can support, then we will lose an untold number of independent cattle feeders from our industry. And, if lighter-weight cattle prices are not held up, then cow/calf and yearling operators will experience the full wrath of the dysfunctional market.”

South Dakota cow calf, yearling, cattle feeder and R-CALF USA director Brett Kenzy said the outcome of either of these scenarios could wipe out large segments of the domestic live cattle supply chain. He also explained that it is becoming increasingly difficult for independent cattle feeders to obtain credit without price protection through hedging, which itself is difficult when fed cattle prices persist in moving opposite the direction that market fundamentals would suggest.    

“If we lose more independent cattle feeders because the cost-sharing feedlots hold lighter-weight cattle prices up, then cow/calf producers and yearling operators will soon have too few buyers to maintain a competitive industry. But if lighter-weight cattle prices are not held above what the current dysfunctional market conditions will support, we’ll soon drive many cattle farmers and ranchers out of business.”

“We can’t fix this ourselves,” Kenzy added. “Congress or the Department of Justice must step in to immediately fix the broken fed cattle market because that’s the market that drives our entire industry.”

R-CALF USA is supporting what it calls two triage measures: The swift passage of the Grassley/Tester bill (S.949) that will restore competition in the fed cattle market by requiring packers to purchase at least 50% of their cattle in the open cash market and the reinstatement of mandatory country of origin labeling for beef to restore competition for beef produced from U.S. cattle.



NGFA’s 125th annual convention celebrates ‘Transforming America’s Harvest’

During the National Grain and Feed Association’s (NGFA) 125th annual convention on June 2-4, top agribusiness leaders will celebrate 125 years of “Transforming America’s Harvest” at The Broadmoor, in Colorado Springs, Colo. Virtual attendance and registration is available for the full convention to those unable to attend in person.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to safely gather our association members and industry leaders. We have a tremendous line up of speakers who are business leaders and will address the many opportunities and challenges affecting the grain, feed, processing and export markets,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “NGFA has seen many changes in its 125 years. This year will be no different as we offer, for the first time, a virtual attendance option for convention.”

This year’s convention will focus on celebrating the important role NGFA’s member companies perform in transforming the American farmer’s bounty into safe, nutritious, sustainable and affordable human and animal food. Founded in 1896, NGFA has been proud to represent and provide services for grain, feed and related commercial businesses for 125 years. During this 125th annual convention, NGFA will celebrate “Transforming America’s Harvest” with speakers and virtual events that focus on the future of the industry and how to best position it to continue enhancing the growth and economic performance of U.S. agriculture in a global, open market environment.

All attendees gain entry to NGFA’s custom convention platform with access to live speaker presentations, session recordings, Ag Village exhibitor materials and virtual meeting rooms, as well as online networking with NGFA staff and other attendees.

The convention begins with a “Transportation and Technology Open Forum” on June 2 featuring:

•    Charley Moore, senior vice president agriculture sales at Trinity Rail;
•    Martin Oberman, chairman of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board;
•    Jeff Schreiner, CEO of Roger LLC; and
•    Tracy Zea, president and CEO of Waterways Council Inc.

Convention general sessions on June 3-4 will focus on international trade, sustainability and conservation, and the strategic outlook for the grain, feed, processing and export industry and U.S. agriculture. Confirmed speakers include:

•    JoAnn Brouillette, managing partner and president of Demeter LP and chairman of the NGFA Board of Directors;
•    Kathryn Farmer, president and CEO of BNSF;
•    Thomas Halverson, president and CEO of CoBank;
•    David MacLennan, CEO of Cargill; and
•    Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms, Inc.
•    More speakers to be announced.

For those attending at The Broadmoor, all health and safety precautions to address COVID-19 as mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state of Colorado will be deployed during the convention on June 2-4, 2021, with The Broadmoor and the NGFA enforcing all social distancing, sanitizing and mask-wearing protocols.



Frame the Future: Growth Energy Kicks Off 2021 Executive Leadership Conference

Today, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest ethanol trade association, began its 12th Annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC), where the top ethanol industry leaders and innovators will participate in panel discussions, networking, and charity events.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor kicked off the event with a speech that framed the future of biofuels by addressing three key priorities to drive biofuel demand: building out access to higher blends nationwide, positioning biofuels as a climate solution in policy discussions, and expanding consumer awareness of biofuel, as well as highlighting how Growth Energy is working with the new Biden Administration to make these a priority.

“Our industry was built by individuals who know what it means to control their own destiny – to be the architects of their own fate. Over this last year, we have seen how resilient this community can be in the face of extraordinary adversity. Now, we’re going to show the world what this industry can do when the fight is no longer just about survival, but about framing a better, stronger, low-carbon future fueled by homegrown energy,” Skor said in her opening remarks.

Prior to the official event kick off, dozens of participants attended the second annual Technical Forum, where panelists spoke on low-carbon technologies, protein prospects, and ethanol markets.

During the ELC general session, industry experts will present on topics ranging from global opportunities for expanded ethanol use, E15 activities in the states, the latest in carbon research, and emerging co-product markets. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker, Joe Theismann, a former quarterback for the Washington Football Team and award-winning ESPN analyst.

Following panel discussions, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan will give a virtual, live address to attendees, followed by a fireside chat with CEO Emily Skor on how the agency will approach the Renewable Fuel Standard and how biofuels can help decarbonize the transportation sector.  

Conference attendees will also hear from U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and recorded addresses from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and a bipartisan list of Members of Congress.



CNH Industrial Reports 1Q Revenues

CNH Industrial reports record first quarter. Consolidated revenues of $7.5 billion (up 37% compared to Q1 2020), net income of $425 million, adjusted diluted EPS of $0.32, and adjusted EBIT of Industrial Activities of $545 million (up $693 million), with strong performance from all segments year over year. Industrial Activities net cash of $0.6 billion at March 31, 2021, with free cash flow seasonally negative by $0.4 billion.

In North America, tractor demand was up 53% for tractors under 140 HP, and up 15% for tractors over 140 HP; combines were up 17%. In Europe, tractor and combine demand were up 20% and 14%, respectively.

Significant increase in demand for tractors and combines was also noted in Rest of World.

Net sales were up 35%, mainly due to higher industry demand, better mix, favorable price realization and reduced destocking actions.

Adjusted EBIT was $399 million, with Adjusted EBIT margin at 13.1%.

The $375 million increase was driven by higher volumes, favorable mix, positive price realization and improved income from non-consolidated joint ventures. Higher raw material and freight costs partially offset favorable product cost and quality performances.

Wednesday May 5 Ag News

Ricketts Proclaims “Beef Month” & Highlights Beef Passport Dining Program

This morning, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed May as “Beef Month” in Nebraska at Misty’s Steakhouse in downtown Lincoln.  He was joined by Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman, Nebraska Beef Council Chairman George Cooksley, and Nebraska Cattlemen President William Rhea III.  At the ceremony, the Governor encouraged Nebraskans to take part in the 2021 Good Life Good Steaks Beef Passport program organized by the Nebraska Beef Council.

“Nebraska has long been known as the Beef State,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “Our cattle industry grows Nebraska by generating over $10 billion in cash receipts each year.  The new Beef Passport program gives Nebraskans the opportunity to support our ranchers by dining on delicious cuts of Nebraska beef.”

Through the Beef Passport program, Nebraskans can qualify for prize drawings by dining at 41 participating restaurants across the state that serve premium Nebraska beef.  Diners will receive a stamp on their passport for each restaurant they visit.  Stamps can be collected now through September 7, 2021.  To order a passport, see a list of participating restaurants, and get information on program rules and prizes, go to www.goodlifegreatsteaks.org.

“The beef community is the heart of Nebraska,” said William H. Rhea III, President of the Nebraska Cattlemen.  “With a continued focus on conservation and care, Nebraska farmers and ranchers are laser focused on enriching the land and caring for their animals.  The Beef State is an unmatched leader in delivering high-quality beef to those who love it, with the best people in the business each step along the way.  On behalf of Nebraska Cattlemen members, we thank Governor Ricketts for once again declaring May as ‘Beef Month’ and hope everyone celebrates with beef today—and every day.”

Nebraska ranks first in the nation for commercial cattle slaughter, second for beef exports, and second for all cattle on feed.  In 2019, beef was Nebraska’s number two agricultural export behind soybeans.  Nebraska has 22 million acres of rangeland and pastureland, about half of which are in the Sandhills.



Quarterly webinar will cover cash rental rates, landlord-tenant issues and drought concerns across Nebraska

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics will continue its live webinar series, Land Management Quarterly, on May 17 at noon.

Since 2019, the series has offered management advice and insight for Nebraska landowners, agricultural producers and others with interest in crop or grazing land along with related properties across the state.

The May 17 webinar will cover 2021 cash rental rates and land values in Nebraska, critical communication issues between landlords and tenants and address growing drought concerns across the state. The presentation will also include an “ask the experts” session, offering participants the chance to get live 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.

“Rising drought concerns and higher commodity prices over the last month have placed an immense amount of uncertainty on those involved with agricultural land,” Jansen said. “This webinar will address this uncertainty when developing equitable cash rents and considerations for developing an effective lease arrangement that accounts for drought conditions.”

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

Registration is free at https://agecon.unl.edu/landmanagement. Questions may be submitted on the site ahead of time. The recording will be available the following day, along with recordings from the entire series.



Smith, Fischbach Lead Over 130 House Colleagues In Opposing Stepped-Up Basis Repeal and Capital Gains Death Tax

Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) today led more than 130 of their House of Representatives colleagues in sending a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy opposing the Biden Administration’s proposal to repeal stepped-up basis from the tax code and require payment of capital gains taxes at death.

“Small businesses, farms, and ranches are the lifeblood of America, creating jobs and economic opportunity across our country,” said Rep. Smith. “Protecting stepped-up basis across generations and ensuring capital gains taxes are only collected upon the sale of an asset are vital to ensuring local, family-owned businesses remain local, family-owned businesses, supporting and creating jobs in their home communities. Our focus should be on tax policies which encourage small businesses to create jobs; not on punitive taxes which could force families out of business.”

“President Biden’s plan to eliminate stepped-up basis and assess capital gains taxes at death would be devastating for the agricultural economy and would have a disproportionate effect on rural districts like the one I represent,” said Rep. Fischbach. “Without a step-up in basis, the next generation of farmers and ranchers will absorb massive tax increases just to continue their family farm. I cannot and will not support a tax plan that pads the federal coffers at the expense of America’s farmers, and I urge President Biden and House Democrats to reconsider his proposal.”

“America’s farmers and ranchers rely on the stepped-up basis tax provision to pass their farms on to their children,” said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “Eliminating it could force families to take out costly loans or sell their land bit by bit just to pay the taxes. We urge Congress to leave the stepped-up basis tax provision untouched to ensure a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice helps the next generation of farmers to thrive.”

“Nebraska’s farm and ranch families truly appreciate the efforts of Congressman Smith, Congresswoman Fischbach, and the over 130 members of the House who signed onto this important letter clearly stating their support for continuing stepped-up basis,” said Mark McHargue, President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. “The elimination of this important tax provision is simply another attempt to make death a taxable event. No farmer, rancher, business owner, or family should be forced to sell parts of their business or any asset just to pay the federal government. We believe this sends a powerful message to all of those in Washington who are pushing for tax increases that will harm family farms, ranches, and businesses which provide jobs and support Nebraska communities.”

“Minnesota Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Representatives Fischbach and Smith’s leadership on raising concerns with any attempt to repeal stepped up basis and taxing capital gains at death,” said Kevin Paap, President of the Minnesota Farm Bureau. “Eliminating the stepped-up basis would lead to more consolidation of agriculture and several family-owned farms would be forced out of business because of the increased tax liability. Stepped-up basis helps pass family farms on to the next generation and should be preserved.”

“ASA has long advocated for needed improvements to infrastructure vital to agriculture’s success in the years ahead,” said Kevin Scott, President of the American Soybean Association and farmer from South Dakota. “Yet, progress cannot come at the very expense of those trying to abettor our American economy—the farmers who work every day to assure our crops stay competitive on the global market.  We have grave concerns over elimination of stepped up basis or any changes to the basis process that are not thoughtful as to the real repercussions on our U.S. farm families.”

“Repealing stepped-up basis is not a free lunch for those looking to generate tax revenue and would have significant consequences in the multifamily marketplace,” said Doug Bibby, President of the National Multifamily Housing Council. “Absent stepped-up basis, heirs could inherit an apartment property with a small amount basis and possibly sizeable debt. If they are taxed immediately, the resulting depreciation recapture and capital gains taxes could exceed their ability to pay without selling the asset. Even if funds to pay tax are available, heirs may have little left over to invest in and maintain the property, which could negatively impact the available affordable housing stock.”

Under current law, when a home, small business, or farm is passed on to the next generation, our tax code allows for stepped-up basis, ensuring the inheritor is only responsible for the increased value of an asset from the time they acquired it and not for gains which benefited a previous generation. The tax code also recognizes the only appropriate time to tax capital gains is upon the sale of an asset, as any effort to tax unrealized gains would necessitate the sale of assets which would otherwise continue to be utilized to create jobs and economic opportunity.



EFFICIENCY IS KEY TO PROFIT ON STOCKER CATTLE
Connor Biehler, Beef Systems Asst. Extension Educator

This spring as the grass continues to green up yearling cattle will find their way to the pastures of the great plains for summer grazing. Cattle are stocked on grass pasture this time of year due to its additional nutritive quality that equates to gains prior to entering the feedlot. One economically justifiable way to make stocker cattle more efficient on grass is by administering implants. Utilization of implants in stocker cattle can increase average daily gain by 5-20%, improve feed efficiency by 5-15%, and improve lean tissue deposition by 5-12%.

            Implants are natural or synthetic hormones released into the blood that increase growth hormone secretion in cattle. Naturally occurring hormones include estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, whereas synthetic hormones are analogs of the natural hormones with greater activity. Depending upon brand and product, implants vary in dosage level and payout period (lifespan of active ingredient). The potency of an implant must correlate with the energy level of the diet. High potency implants should be used for cattle on high energy, feedlot diets. Stocker cattle on grass are not consuming the energy content that is equivalent to the greater dosages of high-potency implants, thus do not require high dosage implants.

Implant strategies should be selected based on potency – for terminal cattle on grass, only use implants that are approved for grazing cattle. Multiple brands and varieties that contain active ingredients either singularly or in various combinations are available on the market. The proper implant should be tailored to the production goals of the cattle. Spring green-up through the summer provides sufficient energy to support protein deposition for the increasing gains that would be expected from a moderately-potent implant. Meaning that a lower potency implant may not offer the best return on your dollar when forage quality is at its highest early in the summer. Adversely, later in the summer, or in years with moderate to severe drought conditions, nutrient intake may decline due to quality of forage, and a moderately-potent implant could lack the capability to function to its fullest abilities.

            The payout for common implants compatible for stocker cattle is usually around 100 days, although some can payout much longer. Summer grazing usually lasts around 120 days. If cattle are implanted when they are processed going onto summer pasture, there will be about a 20-day period where the implant is no longer paying out. Forage quality and quantity are decreasing at this time so one option for producers would be to not re-implant when quality and quantity of forage begin to dwindle because cattle are not going to meet the nutrient requirements for the implants to be as efficient as they possibly could be. The cost of implanting along with the time and effort it takes to gather the cattle might not be worthwhile when weighing the options.    

For more information on Nebraska Beef Extension or implanting cattle on grass pasture reach me at my office (402) 624-8007 or follow my twitter page @BigRedBeefTalk for more information on Nebraska Beef Extension.



Record-Breaking Performance for U.S. Beef and Pork Exports in March

U.S. red meat exports ended the first quarter on a very high note, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), with March beef and pork exports each posting the highest monthly value on record. Pork exports and shipments of beef muscle cuts also set new volume records in March.

Beef exports totaled 124,808 metric tons (mt) in March, up 8% from a year ago and the second largest of the post-BSE era. Export value broke the $800 million mark for the first time at $801.9 million, up 14% year-over-year. Beef muscle cut exports set new monthly records for both volume (98,986 mt, up 13% from a year ago) and value ($718.3 million, up 17%). For the first quarter, beef exports pulled even with last year's pace at 333,348 mt, valued at $2.12 billion. For beef muscle cuts, first quarter exports increased 4% to 262,914 mt, valued at $1.9 billion (up 5%).

March highlights for U.S. beef included record exports to China, Honduras and the Philippines and strong results in South Korea, Chile and Colombia.

March pork exports were record-large at 294,724 mt, up 1% from last year's strong total, and set a new value record at $794.9 million (up 4%). Pork muscle cuts also set new monthly records for both volume (247,660 mt, up 2% from a year ago) and value $689.2 million (up 4%). For the first quarter, pork exports were 7% below last year's pace in both volume (782,620 mt) and value ($2.07 billion). Pork muscle cuts followed a similar trend at 659,420 mt (down 7%), valued at $1.79 billion (down 8%).

March pork exports were led by strong performances in Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and Central America, including new records in Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Exports were also record-large to the Dominican Republic for the second consecutive month.

"It's very gratifying to see such an outstanding breakout month for U.S. beef and pork exports," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "Exports were off to a respectable start in 2021, considering the logistical and labor challenges the industry is facing and ongoing restrictions on the foodservice sector in many key markets. While these obstacles are not totally behind us, the March results show the situation is improving and the export totals better reflect the strong level of global demand for U.S. red meat."

While muscle cuts certainly drove March export growth, Halstrom was also encouraged by a rebound in shipments of beef and pork variety meat.

"The tight labor situation at the plant level has been especially hard on variety meat volumes," Halstrom said. "But March variety meat exports matched last year's performance for pork and were the largest of 2021 on the beef side. It's important that the capture rate for variety meat continues to improve, as this is a critical component of the export product mix."

March exports of U.S. lamb were up 54% from a year ago to 1,089 mt, valued at $1.5 million (up 22%). For the first quarter, export volume increased 64% from a year ago to 3,268 mt, but value was down 4% at $4.3 million. Lamb variety meat exports were led by strong demand in Mexico, while lamb muscle cuts increased to the Dominican Republic, Bermuda and Canada.



Lawmakers Seek Level Playing Field for U.S. Pork Producers in Vietnam

More than 70 U.S. lawmakers sent a letter today to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai seeking her support for enhanced Vietnamese market access for U.S. pork. Vietnam represents a tremendous opportunity for U.S. pork exports, and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) appreciates the tremendous support for one of its top trade priorities.

“We thank the lawmakers, led by Reps. Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), for their support in recognizing the importance of the Vietnamese market to U.S. pork producers,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “Vietnam represents a significant opportunity for U.S. hog farmers, yet we’re hamstrung by unjustified tariff and non-tariff barriers, allowing global competitors to take advantage of the supply shortfall.”

Vietnam’s domestic pork production industry is struggling with African swine fever, yet unwarranted tariff and non-tariff barriers restrict the United States from supplying this major pork-consuming nation with affordable, high-quality pork, explained the letter to Tai. “Domestic pork producers need a level playing field to compete in this critical market, particularly after being devastated by trade retaliation and the global pandemic,” the letter noted.

Last year, Vietnam took an initial step forward in addressing the U.S. pork tariff disadvantage when, from July-December 2020, it temporarily reduced its Most Favored Nation tariff rates from 15 percent to 10 percent for frozen U.S. pork products. As a result, U.S. pork exports doubled during that timeframe, compared to the first half of the year. “The surge in exports during the tariff reprieve, coupled with Vietnam’s growing population and cultural preference for high-quality pork, demonstrates that the United States is barely scratching the surface of its export potential to Vietnam,” the letter added.



Premier Cattle Industry Education Experience Heading to Tennessee

Tune in to Tennessee for the 28th annual Cattlemen’s College, Aug. 9-10, which kicks off the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn. Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis, brings thought-provoking, stimulating sessions that can help generate better returns for operations.

“We’ve designed Cattlemen’s College with the producer in mind and have created the best education experience available based on past attendee feedback,” said Josh White, executive director of producer education & sustainability with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Our goal is to offer a variety of topics and feature the best speakers, providing great value for producers.”

The event includes two days of learning, idea sharing and networking. In addition to Monday’s “producer’s choice” sessions which provide a preview of Tuesday’s educational experience, risk management is the headlining topic. Sessions will focus on the basics of business risk and tools and resources available for producers as well as a deep dive into Livestock Risk Protection and diversification.

The Zoetis Demonstration Arena features a live animal genomics demonstration where tradition collides with innovation and genetic insights are envisioned to help better inform decisions to enhance production efficiency throughout the beef supply chain. Monday concludes with an evening reception offering an opportunity for everyone to gather with friends and reconnect.

This year’s event features cutting-edge topics and top industry leaders such as Tuesday’s keynote speaker, Dr. Jayson Lusk from Purdue University who will discuss industry impacts from COVID-19 and keeping beef at the center of the plate. There will be 18 sessions and six educational tracks to choose from including making better decisions for better outcomes, cattle breeding & selection, maintaining a healthy herd, practical nutrition, sustainability and hot topics such as preparing for activist threats.

More than 1,000 people attend this popular event each year, but for those not attending the Cattle Industry Convention in person, a new virtual option of Cattlemen’s College will be available for 2021, combining selected live sessions and recordings for participants to view at home. Whether participating in person or experiencing the event virtually, all sessions will be recorded and available for registered attendees to watch at any time in the future.

Registration begins June 1, 2021. Look for the Education Package, which offers the best value. For more information, visit https://convention.ncba.org/.  

“Make plans to arrive early in Tennessee and kick off your convention experience with Cattlemen’s College, we can’t wait to see you there,” said White.



Fertilizer Prices Stall

While prices for all eight of the major fertilizers were higher at the end of April compared to a month earlier, none were significantly higher, which DTN designates as 5% or more. It's the second week in a row prices showed more muted moves higher after several months of rising sharply.

For the fourth week of April 2021, DAP had an average price of $629/ton, MAP $703/ton and potash $433/ton, about a 1% increase in prices. Urea, at $513/ton, and 10-34-0, at $613/ton, were each up 2%. The average retail price of UAN28 increased 3% to $350/ton, while anhydrous and UAN32 were each up 4%, at $710/ton and $391/ton, respectively.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.56/lb.N, anhydrous $0.43/lb.N, UAN28 $0.62/lb.N and UAN32 $0.61/lb.N.

With retail fertilizer prices moving higher over recent months, all fertilizers are now higher in price from a year ago.  Potash is now 17% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 31% higher, urea is 33% more expensive, UAN32 40% higher, anhydrous is 44% more expensive, UAN28 is 48% higher, DAP is 52% more expensive and MAP 62% is higher compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 4/30/2021

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending April 30, ethanol production expanded 0.7%, or 7,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 952,000 b/d, equivalent to 39.98 million gallons daily. Production was 59.2% above the same week last year when the effects of the pandemic were reflected but was 8.1% below the same week in 2019. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 0.6% to 945,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.49 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks saw the first upturn in seven weeks, growing 3.6% to 20.4 million barrels. However, this is 20.2% below a year-ago and 9.0% below this time in 2019. Inventories built across all regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, ticked down 0.1% to 8.86 million b/d (135.89 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 33.0% above a year ago but was 3.9% below the same week in 2019.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol increased 0.8% to 887,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.60 bg annualized. This was 49.1% above a year ago but was 3.5% below 2019.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the twentieth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of March 2021.)



New Analysis from DOE Researchers Confirms Ethanol’s Low-Carbon Benefits

The carbon footprint of corn ethanol shrunk by 23% between 2005 and 2019 as farmers and ethanol producers adopted new technologies and improved efficiency, according to a new analysis published in the academic journal Biofuels Bioproducts and Biorefining by scientists at the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory. By 2019, the researchers found, corn ethanol was reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 44-52% compared to gasoline.

The researchers also determined that corn ethanol alone reduced transportation-related GHG emissions by nearly 550 million metric tons between 2005 and 2019. These findings are consistent with other research published earlier this year, which found corn ethanol offers an average GHG savings of 46% and the use of all biofuels (i.e., ethanol, renewable diesel, biodiesel, biogas, etc.) between 2008 and 2020 reduced GHG emissions by 980 million metric tons.

“Our study shows that while the corn ethanol industry has experienced significant volume expansion, it has reduced the GHG intensity of corn ethanol through improved US corn farming and ethanol biorefinery operations. Corn yield has increased, and chemical and energy use intensities of corn farming have decreased. In ethanol biorefineries, ethanol yield has increased, and energy use has decreased significantly,” according to the researchers. “Biofuels, including corn ethanol, can play a critical role in the U.S. desire for deep decarbonization of its economy.”

Commenting on the new research, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “This new study from the experts at Argonne National Laboratory adds to a growing body of scientific evidence that proves today’s corn ethanol is playing a major role in decarbonizing our nation’s transportation fuels and combatting climate change. The researchers found that modern corn ethanol cuts GHG emissions by half compared to gasoline and underscored that the contribution of land-use change to total emissions is estimated to be relatively small, based on real-world experience and empirical data, compared to the levels that had been theorized toward the beginning of the timeframe examined. Continuous improvements in farming and biofuel production technology have helped establish ethanol as a true low-carbon fuel that is available here and now to clean up our nation’s liquid fuels. And, as acknowledged by these researchers, those improvements will continue; with the adoption of new and emerging technologies, we expect corn ethanol can be a net carbon-neutral or carbon-negative fuel by the end of this decade.

"We encourage the White House and Environmental Protection Agency to consider the findings of this study as they examine policy and regulatory opportunities for reducing carbon pollution. We also urge EPA to incorporate the Argonne results and other recent research as the agency considers updating its 12-year old GHG analysis of ethanol and other renewable fuels.”

The Argonne researchers attribute the improvement in corn ethanol’s GHG performance to efficiency gains in every phase of the fuel’s production lifecycle between 2005 and 2019, including:
    A 15% increase in corn yield per acre;
    A 7% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer use per bushel of corn;
    An 18% reduction in potash fertilizer user per bushel of corn;
    A 14% reduction per bushel in farming energy use;
    A 6.5% increase in ethanol yield; and
    A 24% reduction in ethanol plant energy use.

“The reduction in the 58 gCO2e/MJ CI of corn ethanol in 2005 to 45 g/MJ in 2019 (plus the LUC value of 7.4 g/MJ) provides significant GHG emission reductions compared to the CI of 93 gCO2e/MJ for the US average petroleum gasoline blendstock,” the study concludes.



ACE Commends Argonne Scientists for Providing Further Evidence Demonstrating Why Ethanol Must Be Part of the Climate Solution

Today, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) welcomed more scientifically credible evidence provided by Department of Energy Argonne National Lab scientists that explicitly states, “Corn ethanol plays an important role in enhancing energy security and the rural economy while contributing to decarbonizing the transportation sector in the USA.”

The new study shows a significant decrease in carbon intensity (CI) from 58 to 45 gCO2e/MJ of corn ethanol (a 23 percent reduction) over the past 15 years — from 2005 to 2019 — thanks to improvements occurring in corn farming and within ethanol facilities. The displacement of gasoline by corn ethanol on an energy‐equivalent basis from 2005 to 2019 has resulted in a cumulative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of 544 MMT CO2e, according to the researchers. The analysis finds that “ethanol plants have reduced ethanol production emissions by 30 percent (or 11 gCO2e/MJ) over the 15‐year period, mainly by reducing the energy inputs per unit of ethanol produced. Corn farming reduced chemical and energy input intensities, which contributes to a 17 percent reduction in farming‐related emissions (4.9 gCO2e/MJ).”

Further, the study authors note that “there has been a growing interest in further reducing the overall CI of crop‐based biofuels by cutting down the GHG emissions of biofuel feedstock, which correlates significantly with agronomic practices and chemical and energy inputs in individual farms. Proposals are being made about incentivizing low‐carbon biofuel feedstocks in U.S. fuel regulatory programs to promote sustainable farming practices. This will offer further opportunities to advance the sustainability of farming and reduce biofuel CIs.”

ACE CEO Brian Jennings responded to the study findings in the following statement:

“ACE commends the scientists who contributed to this important research regarding the low carbon benefits of corn ethanol. The evidence is mounting that agriculture and ethanol can and should be part of the solution to significantly reduce GHG emissions, both in the immediate future and long term.

“When modelers provide credit for soil carbon sequestration, corn ethanol will approach net-negative emissions territory. Further, with the adoption of carbon capture and sequestration, ethanol will be the only transportation energy source that can credibly say it has the ability to reach net-negative carbon intensity in the future.”



RFA Hails EPA’s Decision to Cooperate with GAO on Small Refinery Exemption Investigation

The Renewable Fuels Association today praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its decision to provide requested information to the Government Accountability Office related to small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. In today’s Federal Register, EPA announced it will provide the GAO with “…all documents, information, and data related to all small refinery exemption petitions received by EPA from the start of the RFS program through the present.”

In 2019, then-Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) and 11 other members of the House Biofuels Caucus formally requested that GAO investigate the previous administration’s secretive process for reviewing and deciding small refinery exemption petitions. GAO announced in January 2020 that it would conduct the requested investigation, and in May 2020 the organization asked EPA to provide information related to small refinery exemptions. However, EPA under the previous administration refused to turn over the requested information to GAO, despite three separate requests.

“Today’s announcement that EPA will cooperate with the GAO investigation is a win for transparency and accountability,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We applaud the new leadership at EPA for providing the requested information to GAO, and we thank Administrator Regan for taking another important step toward restoring the integrity of the RFS program. RFA also is grateful to the bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by former Rep. Abby Finkenauer and Rep. Cindy Axne, who requested this investigation nearly two years ago and wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Ethanol producers look forward to the results of GAO’s investigation and believe it will shine much-needed light on the previous EPA’s dark and secretive management of the exemption program.”

Cooper also noted that RFA sued the previous administration’s EPA for its failure to properly respond to Freedom of Information Act requests filed by RFA and others. RFA’s FOIA requests sought agency records regarding small refinery exemptions—similar to those now being provided to GAO.

On the legislative front this year, the RFS Integrity Act, H.R. 1113, sponsored by Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) and the CLEAN Future Act, H.R. 1512, sponsored by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), each includes provisions that set a deadline for annual submission of petitions to extend small refinery exemptions and increase transparency by making certain information from those petitions subject to public disclosure.  



During Days of Advocacy, Farmers Union Members Advocate Immediate Climate Action

As climate change poses an increasingly serious threat to farmers’ livelihoods and global food security, a group of National Farmers Union (NFU) members will be discussing meaningful legislative solutions with their elected representatives.

“Farmers are no stranger to big challenges, but climate change is the biggest, most complex test the agriculture sector has ever confronted. We all need to work swiftly, boldly, and cooperatively to rein in this crisis – a fact that an ever-growing contingent of legislators and administration officials is coming to realize,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “While we’re really encouraged by the strong, bipartisan support for climate action, we want to ensure these efforts take farmers’ unique needs and interests into account. That’s why these meetings are so critical; after hearing directly from farmers about their experiences, our lawmakers will be better positioned to develop effective climate policy.”

During virtual meetings with members of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees this week and next, participating Farmers Union members will push for voluntary, incentive-based programs and market initiatives that help operations of all types and sizes implement climate-friendly practices and install on-farm renewable energy systems. To ensure such programs are executed smoothly, they will also promote robust funding for technical assistance. Read the full list of policy recommendations here. Additionally, participants and other Farmers Union members will sit down with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials to learn more about the administration’s climate initiatives.

“Between sequestering carbon in the soil, reducing on-farm greenhouse gas emissions, and producing renewable energy, there is a lot that farmers are already doing to mitigate and adapt to climate change,” Larew said. “There’s even more they could be doing, but these practices are often time, money, and skill intensive. The policies we’re advocating this week are intended to help eliminate those barriers and make climate-smart agriculture as accessible as possible.”

The attendees of these days of advocacy sit on NFU’s Climate Change Policy Advisory Panel (CCPAP), through which they advise the organization’s climate-related legislative work, educational programming, outreach, and communications. Other Farmers Union members will have an opportunity to contribute by calling or writing letters to their legislators.



DMC Margin Rises in March
NMPF

The March margin under the federal Dairy Margin Coverage Program rose $0.24/cwt above February’s to $6.46/cwt, with forecast for future margin’s indicating that February may have been the year’s low.

The March U.S. average all-milk price was $17.40/cwt, $0.30/cwt higher than in February, while the DMC March calculated feed cost was just $0.06/cwt higher than February’s. On a per hundredweight of milk basis, a higher corn price in March was almost entirely offset by a lower cost of soybean meal. The March payment for $9.50/cwt DMC program coverage is $3.04/cwt. On an annualized basis, the DMC program will have already paid the equivalent of $2.17/cwt for coverage at $9.50/cwt during the first quarter of 2021 alone.

Current futures prices indicate that the DMC program margins going forward may remain below $9.50/cwt until late summer, as rising milk prices compete with higher costs for corn and hay. USDA reported that 164.7 billion pounds of production history, or 79.4 percent of the total, was enrolled in the 2021 DMC program, with an estimated $223 million in payments for disbursement as of April 19.

CWT-Assisted Dairy Product Export Sales Top 10 Million Pounds in April
In April, CWT members secured 46 contracts to sell 2.7 million pounds of American-type cheese, 1.1 million pounds of butter, 3.4 million pounds of anhydrous milkfat (AMF), 2.3 million pounds of whole milk powder (WMP), and 1.1 million pounds of cream cheese. These products are going to customers in Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, North Africa, and Oceania. They will be shipped April through September 2021.

These sales bring the total 2021 CWT-assisted dairy product exports to 14.5 million pounds of cheese, 9.9 million pounds of butter, 7.1 million pounds of anhydrous milkfat, 15.7 million pounds of whole milk powder, and 5.5 million pounds of cream cheese. Member cooperatives have captured sales contracts that will move overseas the equivalent of 706.8 million pounds of milk in 2021.

As dairy farmers work to recover from a challenging 2020, doing what is necessary to strengthen and maintain milk prices is a must. The key for both dairy farmers and dairy cooperatives in 2021 is dairy exports. CWT provides a means to move domestic dairy products to overseas markets by helping to overcome certain disadvantages such as the domestic/global price gap and shipping costs.



Dairy Farmers to Seek Emergency USDA Hearing on Class I Mover Reform

NMPF’s Board of Directors voted April 23 to request an emergency USDA hearing on a Federal Milk Marketing Order proposal to restore fairness for farmers in the Class I fluid milk price mover. The endorsement of the board, which represents dairy farmers and cooperatives nationwide, followed approval April 16 from the organization’s Executive Committee.

The NMPF plan would ensure that farmers recover lost revenue and establish more equitable distribution of risk among dairy farmers and processors. The current mover, adopted in the 2018 farm bill, was intended to be revenue neutral while facilitating increased price risk management by fluid milk bottlers. But the new Class I mover contributed to disorderly marketing conditions last year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and cost dairy farmers over $725 million in lost income.

NMPF’s proposal would help recoup the lost revenue and ensure that neither farmers nor processors are disproportionately impacted by future significant price disruptions.

    “As the COVID-19 experience has shown, market stresses can shift the mover in ways that affect dairy farmers much more than processors. This was not the intent of the Class I mover formula negotiated within the industry,” said Randy Mooney, the dairy farmer chairman of NMPF’s Board of Directors. “The current mover was explicitly developed to be a revenue-neutral solution to the concerns of fluid milk processors about hedging their price risk, with equity among market participants a stated goal.

    “Dairy farmers were pleased with the previous method of determining Class I prices and had no need to change it, but we tried to accommodate the concerns of fluid processors for better risk management. Unfortunately, the severe imbalances we’ve seen in the past year plainly show that a modified approach is necessary. We will urge USDA to adopt our plan to restore equity and create more orderly marketing conditions,” Mooney said.

While the current Class I mover was designed to improve the ability of fluid milk handlers to hedge milk prices using the futures market, it was also expected to be revenue-neutral compared to the formula it replaced. But that has not been the case. The significant gaps between Class III and IV prices that developed during the pandemic exposed dairy farmers to losses that were not experienced by processors, showing the need for a formula that better accounts for disorderly market conditions.

NMPF’s proposal would modify the current Class I mover, which adds $0.74/cwt to the monthly average of Classes III and IV, by adjusting this amount every two years based on conditions over the prior 24 months, with the current mover remaining the floor. NMPF’s request will be to limit the hearing specifically to proposed changes to the mover, after which USDA would have 30 days to issue an action plan that would determine whether USDA would act on an emergency basis​. NMPF plans to formally submit its proposal to USDA this month.



FFAR Grant Builds Supply Chains for Environmentally Beneficial Crops

Summer crops such as wheat, rice and corn can be profitable for farmers, but post-harvest farmland is unproductive for several months during the off season. This farmland can accumulate a variety of water-related challenges, including soil nutrient loss and erosion and precipitation runoff. However, continuous living cover crops can prevent these challenges. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is awarding a $1,997,454 grant to the University of Minnesota to develop models for sustainable supply chains that create markets for crops farmers can grow between seasons.

“While popular cover crops can be used as food or as inputs in other products, there may not be large markets for these crops,” explained FFAR Executive Director Dr. Sally Rockey. “FFAR hopes to increase the use of cover crops – and reap the environmental benefits – by creating a sustainable market with consistent buyers for these crops.”

Planting continuous living cover crops, such as intermediate wheatgrass, winter camelina, pennycress, winter barley and hybrid hazelnut, has several environmental benefits. These perennials—which do not require replanting—and winter-hardy annual crops decrease fertilizer runoff to surface and groundwater and increase farmland’s ability to absorb and hold rainfall. Croplands that better retain water can reduce soil erosion and prevent downstream flooding of cities and infrastructure. However, farmers are often hesitant to plant these crops because most are not widely used commercially, making farming and supply chain logistics risky or cost prohibitive.

“By preserving soil health and improving water management, continuous living cover crops are already valuable to growers,” said Dr. Jeff Rosichan, director of FFAR’s Crops of the Future Collaborative. “In addition to these environmental benefits, this research will provide growers with greater financial incentives to use continuous living cover crops.”

University of Minnesota researchers, led by Dr. Nicholas Jordan, are working with cross-sector partners to develop and scale sustainable supply chains for several cover crops. Sustainable supply chains link on-farm crop production to end-use markets in economically, environmentally and socially beneficial ways. Researchers are running six regional pilot projects to determine appropriate crops for various sites and growing conditions. This research is examining potential markets, water management needs and other environmental and social benefits of perennials and cover crops. The multilevel strategy will lead to larger supply and demand systems for a wider adoption of the crops.

The project involves engagement between growers, end-user companies, water-management and environmental stakeholders and others. The planning process is identifying how to integrate production with post-production supply chain infrastructure and will connect farmers with private-sector firms interested in purchasing continuous living cover crops for commercial use.

“Robust supply chains that link supply to demand are key to farmers’ adoption of continuous living cover crops and to realizing the environmental and economic benefits that these crops offer,” said Dr. Jordan. “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to research new supply-chain development strategies for these crops.”

Matching funds are being provided by Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Cargill, Friends of the Mississippi River, Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, McKnight Foundation, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, NORI, Pipeline Foods, The Land Institute and Walton Family Foundation for a total $3,997,423 investment.