Thursday November 02 Ag News

 UNL faculty continue leadership in creation of national ag data network

A team of University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty is set to carry forward the third phase of a multidisciplinary initiative to create a network of national ag data repositories. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved funding for the project, in which UNL faculty are taking the lead nationally in coordinating a wide range of academic institutions and ag stakeholders.

The project aims to create a secure cyber framework, supported by appropriate policy and regulations, to enable efficient producer access to precision-ag data assembled by ag equipment, sensors, drones and satellites. That data currently exist separately on a wide range of software platforms.

The planned repository, called the National Agricultural Producers Data Cooperative, would enable producers to retrieve and use the data for maximum efficiency, profitability and environmental sustainability. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently issued a $957,350 two-year grant for the initiative’s third round of funding.

The first phase involved building a community of specialists and stakeholders, and the second phase saw the launch of pilot projects to begin addressing technical and regulatory complications. The third phase expands on those projects and enlarges the pool of academic and private-sector collaborators, says Jennifer L. Clarke, a UNL professor of statistics and food science and technology and director of the university’s Quantitative Life Sciences Initiative.

Ag producers’ needs provide the central guidance for the project. "It’s critical for this project to put producers first," says Clarke, who has a lead role in the NIFA-funded initiative. "It’s crucial that they drive what we develop and how it’s governed and managed."

Stakeholders provided guidance through a survey at the project’s national conference in May at Nebraska Innovation Campus. The project also is soliciting input through a survey sent to stakeholders this fall. A white paper of framework recommendations based on stakeholder input will be released this November.

Additional Husker faculty members with key duties for the ag data initiative are Joe Luck, precision agriculture and biological systems engineering; Laura Thompson, ag extension and farm research; Matt Spangler, beef genetics; Scout Calvert, University Libraries; Hongfeng Yu, advanced cyberinfrastructure and high-performance computing; and Trenton Franz, hydrology and water management.

The project’s ongoing work has shown that in many cases there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. The NIFA-funded initiative is building in part on work begun in 2014 by the Agricultural Data Coalition, for example. "There are already existing parts of infrastructure and existing initiatives that we can leverage," Clarke says. "There is a lot of expertise in the community that we can leverage."

At the same time, the project involves a range of complex challenges. "It’s a complicated space from the standpoint of data ownership and cybersecurity," Clarke says, "so we’re trying to keep those front and foremost."

Tackling the array of issues requires multidisciplinary partnerships. "We need to be on top of a very broad spectrum of things. It requires expertise across multiple areas," Clarke says. "Collaborations are absolutely essential in covering not just science but also policy and ownership issues."

Artificial intelligence issues are receiving increasing national attention, and the ag data project will include them. "It’s good for the public to know we understand the promise of AI but also that we need to be using it responsibly," Clarke says. "So, the project is aware and is proposing input on the use of AI in ag."

UNL beef herds will play an important role in one part of the project as researchers develop strategies to improve management of beef genetics data. That work will be in partnership with two federal repositories, the USDA’s Animal Germplasm Resources Information Network and the Bovine Genome Database, and with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center, Nebraska.

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, Nebraska’s senior senator, has provided important support in advocating for continued USDA funding of the initiative, Clark says.



Registration Open for 2023 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention and Trade Show

Today, Nebraska Cattlemen announced registration is available online for the 2023 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention and Trade Show. This year’s event will take place at Younes Conference Center South in Kearney, Neb. from Dec. 6-8.

“Every year, hundreds of Nebraska Cattlemen members and allied industry representatives gather to elect new leadership, shape policy for the upcoming year, and hear from experts about current industry issues,” said Steve Hanson, president of Nebraska Cattlemen. “We look forward to seeing everyone in Kearney as we work together to protect our livelihoods and keep the cattle community strong.”

From carbon credits and extreme weather to Farm Bill updates, attendees will have many opportunities to learn about current events throughout the entirety of Convention. In addition to council and policy committee meetings, attendees will want to check out the trade show in the Crystal Ballroom, as it will be filled industry partners and companies on Wednesday and Thursday.

Further, on Thursday night the annual NC Awards Banquet will honor this year’s Hall of Fame, Industry Service, and Friend of the Foundation award recipients. Following the Awards Banquet, TopShelf Country will be performing live during the banquet dance.

The final day of Convention will kick off with a market outlook presentation by Jeff Stolle, Nebraska Cattlemen’s vice president of marketing. Convention will conclude with the Annual Business Meeting and a Board of Directors meeting.

To read the full 2023 Annual Convention and Trade Show schedule and to register, please visit www.nebraskacattlemen.org/convention-trade-show. Early registration will be available through Thursday, Nov. 30.



ICGA Supports Transparency of Fertilizer Industry

The Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) has developed language to be added to the Farm Bill that would review competition and transparency of the fertilizer industry. The drafted language would mandate an assessment by the USDA of the pricing practices used by fertilizer companies and the effects of the price increase on both farmers and consumers.

“Over recent years, input costs for farmers have gone up again and again and were crucial topics at grassroots events led by ICGA,” said Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove and Iowa Corn Growers Association President. “This assessment would provide transparency of the fertilizer market and help us understand why these increases in price are reoccurring.”

ICGA is hopeful, with the support of Senator Grassley and Ernst, this language will make it into the Farm Bill, as it would provide the USDA with a framework of variables to start a comprehensive study and review of the fertilizer industry and Congress with adequate information on the exertion of market power by companies within the industry.

“By being an ICGA member, I know my voice is being heard when it comes to legislation like the Farm Bill which can directly impact my farm,” added Riessen. To become a member of ICGA and for more information on policy development, visit iowacorn.org/join.



Winter Feeding Workshops Planned for Cattle Feeders

The dry growing conditions of 2022 and 2023 have led to supply and quality issues of hay and other forages in some areas of the state. Cattle producers may be faced with a short supply of hay, corn silage with the potential for nitrates and poor pastures that resulted in stored hay being fed most of the summer. Unfortunately, tight hay supplies will likely lead to higher prices later in the winter feeding period, according to Denise Schwab, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Beef cattle in snow.

"Controlling feed cost while meeting all of the cow’s nutrient requirements requires knowledge of both the feed supply and the animal’s requirements," she said. "Extension beef specialists have developed a series of workshops to help producers plan for their beef cow winter feeding programs."

At each location, beef specialists will discuss the current hay situation, the impacts of the dry conditions on forage quality, potential toxicity concerns, and balancing cow rations in late gestation and early lactation. Topics and speakers will vary by location, so check with the site you wish to attend for information specific to that location. The series flyer has location-specific information for all sites.

Workshop dates, times and locations are as follows. Preregister by calling the host county extension office at the phone number listed for that site.

November
    Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., Turner Hall, Postville, 563-425-3331.
    Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., North Iowa Fair 4-H Center, Mason City, 641-231-1711.
    Nov. 28, 6 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Marion County office, Knoxville, 641-842-2014.
    Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m., Lohff-Schumann Community Center, Holstein, 712-225-6196.
    Nov. 29, 1 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, Spencer, 712-262-2264.
    Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m., NERF Borlaug Center, Nashua, 641-231-1711.
    Nov. 30, 1:30 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Tama County office, Toledo, 641-484-2703.

December
    Dec. 4, 6 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Lucas County office, Chariton, 641-774-2016.
    Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Jones County office, Monticello, 319-465-3224.
    Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Dallas County office, Adel, 515-993-4281.
    Dec.12, 6 p.m., Clarke County Fair and Event Center, Osceola, 641-342-3316.
    Dec.13, 3 p.m., Humboldt Vet Clinic, Humboldt, 641-923-2856.

All cattle producers are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact your local ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist.

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from ISU Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.



The Andersons Marathon Holdings Joins RFA as Newest Producer Member

The Renewable Fuels Association is proud to welcome its newest producer member, The Andersons Marathon Holdings LLC. The company, formed by The Andersons Inc. and Marathon Petroleum Corporation, owns four ethanol biorefineries in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Iowa, with a combined production capacity of approximately 475 million gallons of fuel annually. Joining the RFA board to represent the company is Dan Short, Fuels and Low Carbon Policy Manager for Marathon Petroleum.

“Through their joint efforts in the renewable fuels industry over the past two decades, The Andersons and Marathon have successfully demonstrated the powerful synergies between agriculture and energy,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Together, The Andersons and Marathon have always been on the leading edge when it comes to the production and marketing of low-carbon, renewable ethanol. We are proud to welcome The Andersons Marathon Holdings to our membership and we are excited to continue our work together to expand opportunities for sustainable liquid fuels.”



ACE Supports Legislation to Require EPA to Adopt GREET Model

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), along with Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) reintroduced the Adopt GREET Act, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its outdated lifecycle modeling for ethanol and biodiesel, specifically by adopting the latest Argonne National Lab’s Greenhouse Gas and Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Model. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement:
 
“We appreciate Reps. Johnson, Craig, Smith and Pocan for leading the reintroduction of legislation, which will ensure the global gold-standard modeling tool for lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions will be used to properly value corn ethanol’s carbon footprint when establishing future regulations impacting biofuels. Enactment of this bipartisan bill will ensure ethanol plays a significant role in decarbonizing the transportation sector.

“ACE is focused on helping farmers and ethanol producers maximize their low carbon investments, and while no model can fully replicate real-world activities, GREET is equipped with the best available science on lifecycle GHG emissions of transportation fuels and technologies because the assumptions and estimates used in GREET are under constant peer review and updates to the model occur annually.”

The Senate companion, S. 3055, is led by Senators Thune (R-SD.) and Klobuchar (D-MN).



 Grower Groups Cheer Court’s Defense of Science-based Regulation in Chlorpyrifos Ruling

Agriculture groups are applauding a ruling from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals that upholds sound science by throwing out the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule that essentially banned the use of chlorpyrifos, a product farmers use to protect their crops from insects and other pests. The decision, in which the court found EPA disregarded its own scientists’ findings by ending numerous uses of chlorpyrifos they determined were safe, vacates the rule and restores agricultural uses of the tool.

Daryl Cates, soybean farmer from Illinois and American Soybean Association president said, “Today’s ruling is a win for agriculture and science-based regulation. Federal agencies cannot be permitted to ignore their own science at the expense of America’s farmers. This ruling will restore safe, effective uses of a tool needed by many growers to protect crops from damaging pests and help preserve an affordable food supply.”

The agriculture groups brought a lawsuit against the agency in February 2022 seeking to restore farmers’ ability to use this tool to protect crops. The groups highlighted that, in EPA’s own records, agency career scientists have found at least 11 high-benefit, low-risk agricultural uses of chlorpyrifos that can be maintained safely.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, "AFBF applauds the court’s recognition that EPA failed to follow its own standards when it took an important crop protection tool away from farmers. Growing safe and nutritious food for families across America is the top priority of farmers, and science tells us this tool is safe. Today’s decision sends a message to EPA that it must use sound science when drafting rules.”

“Without chlorpyrifos last year, our growers experienced much higher costs fighting pests. They had to use multiple pesticides applied multiple times with inadequate effectiveness. This court’s ruling supports science-based decisions. It allows our industry to safely use this product to protect our fragile plants and keep our farmers economically viable,” said Nate Hultgren, president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association.

Growers are eager to have uses of chlorpyrifos restored for the 2024 growing season. Many producers have suffered with the loss of the tool during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, with many needing to spray more pesticides to control an increasing number of pests. Other farmers lost the only effective tool they had to protect their crops from certain economically damaging pests.

Chris Bardenhagen, Cherry Marketing Institute crop management specialist, said, "Chlorpyrifos is our only effective tool for fighting borer pests in cherry orchards, which build up in the trunks and can kill a tree over a short number of years. EPA had previously determined use of this essential product on our trees and the growers’ application methods are safe; this court decision simply ensures EPA will follow its own determination before greater tree loss problems occur.”

The groups also look forward to engaging with EPA during the chlorpyrifos registration review process to ensure critical and safe uses of the tool can be retained in the years to come.



AFBF Celebrates Court Order that EPA Follow Science

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals granted a major victory to farmers today when it ruled the Environmental Protection Agency must base its decisions on sound science and the law. The court was clear that EPA failed to follow the law when it revoked chlorpyrifos tolerances – effectively banning the pesticide. The American Farm Bureau Federation was one of several agriculture organizations that sued EPA, asserting the agency ignored scientific evidence that proved the pesticide’s safety.

“AFBF appreciates the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals for recognizing that the Environmental Protection Agency failed to follow the law when it revoked the use of chlorpyrifos,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers are committed to growing safe and nutritious food, and they use science to guide decisions on how to manage pests and insects. Today’s decision sends a message to EPA that it, too, must use sound science when drafting rules.”



In Big Win for Corn Growers, Commerce Significantly Lowers Duties on Phosphate Fertilizers

The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced it was lowering duties placed on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco from 19.97% to 2.12%. The decision comes after the agency conducted an administrative review of the duties, which is performed annually by retroactively examining the price of shipments and other factors.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), which has been a vocal opponent of the duties, applauded the decision, calling it a big win for corn growers.

“This victory was made possible by corn growers across the country who spoke out against these duties as they faced skyrocketing fertilizer prices and product shortages at the behest of The Mosaic Company,” said NCGA President Harold Wolle. “While the best duty on fertilizers is no duty at all, we are nonetheless thrilled that corn growers bearing the brunt of these tariffs will feel financial relief thanks to this decision.”

The issue stems from a decision by Commerce in 2020 that favored a petition by the U.S.-based Mosaic to impose duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. Mosaic had claimed that unfairly subsidized foreign companies were flooding the U.S. market with fertilizers and selling the products at extremely low prices.

Soon after the decision, NCGA launched an aggressive campaign that called on Commerce to reverse the decision and for Mosaic to withdraw its request for tariffs. Over the past three years, NCGA has led the charge to raise concerns by filing an amicus brief, sending a letter to the White House, and informing Members of Congress about the impact.

In October of this year, the National Corn Growers Association – along with 62 other agricultural groups, including state corn grower organizations – sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo calling on her to consider the current difficulties faced by farmers as she recalculates duties on phosphate fertilizer imported from Morocco. That letter and previous actions by corn growers culminated in today’s decision.

In a separate matter, in September, Commerce was ordered by the U.S. Court of International Trade to reconsider the duty rate calculation because of flaws found in Commerce’s analysis. A decision on that matter is expected on Dec. 13.



 Soy Growers' Advocacy Efforts Pay Off as Phosphate Fertilizer Duties Slashed

The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced a significant reduction in duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco, decreasing them significantly from 19.97% to just 2.12%.

The American Soybean Association President Daryl Cates, a soybean farmer from Illinois, welcomed this news, stating, “The Commerce Department’s determination comes after years of engagement by the American Soybean Association in which the soy industry has voiced opposition to duties imposed on phosphate fertilizer imports. Soybean farmers across the country have made their voice heard: These tariffs on fertilizer have had a direct impact on the bottom line of farmers. We appreciate Commerce’s recognition of this impact and its subsequent lowering of duties, and we will continue to advocate against harmful tariffs.”

This issue traces back to a Commerce Department decision in 2020 that favored a petition by the U.S.-based Mosaic company to impose duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. Mosaic contended that unfairly subsidized foreign companies were inundating the U.S. market with fertilizers, selling them at exceptionally low prices. ASA took action in March 2021, filing comments with the International Trade Commission to oppose duties being placed on phosphate imports from Morocco and Russia. These comments were submitted in collaboration with the National Corn Growers Association and the National Cotton Council. In response to these duties, ASA led other grower groups in an amicus brief to the Court of International Trade, requesting the CIT remand the duties on phosphate imports from Morocco back to ITC and Commerce for recalculation. That suit was remanded earlier this fall, and ASA awaits that reevaluation later this year.

In October of this year, ASA along with its 26 affiliated state soybean associations united with fellow stakeholders in U.S. agriculture to voice concerns regarding the impact of phosphate fertilizer duties. In a letter addressed to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, these organizations underscored the necessity of reevaluating of these duties, emphasizing their broader implications for American farmers.



Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

As drought conditions persist across much of cattle country, farmers and ranchers are at a pivotal juncture in the cattle industry’s landscape. What impact does this prolonged dry spell have on the nation’s herd numbers? When will heifer retention begin? How will industry dynamics influence the spring bull sale season?

Heavy on the minds of those in the cattle business, there is no crystal ball. But there are historical patterns and data to help make decisions today.

Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, gave a comprehensive update of the ongoing drought’s impact during the 2023 Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Drought Influences on Herd Numbers
Cow-calf producers particularly affected by the ongoing drought encompass states like Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.

"We have seen a change in the weather pattern moving from a La Niña weather pattern to an El Niño," Blach says. "But our central southern plains region is still struggling with some terribly dry areas, particularly from Kansas, south."

While there is some herd rebuilding in the central and northern plains, 2023 is still anticipated to be a year marked by herd liquidation. Blach says he expects a surge in heifer retention over the next 12 to 24 months, supporting a strong demand for high-quality bulls in the forthcoming spring bull sale season.

Cow-Calf Segment’s Focus on Quality and Profitability
For the commercial cow-calf segment, quality remains paramount, despite the high value of feeder cattle. Recent years have witnessed elevated input costs, including hay and grain, driving up production expenses.

According to Blach, due to the drought, most cow-calf producers are forced to only operate at a 60 to 75% stocking rate. However, with the recent decrease in hay and grain prices, it is likely to lower the cost of gain.

"When we look at the grid premiums on what producers are getting paid for, we are going to have the biggest grid premiums in the history of our industry this year," Blach says.

As reported in March 2022, premiums paid by packers to producers for brand-qualifying cattle totaled $182 million annually, or $3.5 million per week. This significant increase in grid premiums further emphasizes the outlook for producers in the beef industry, as they are set to receive record-high payments for their cattle.

Increased pressure in the industry looks to establish a more sustainable and profitable environment for cow-calf producers, who have endured several years of limited profitability. Their economic viability is pivotal to ensuring a stable supply chain for the entire cattle industry.

Blach emphasizes the importance of quality genetics.

"The market is going to sort out the best genetics from the ones that are not quite there yet," he says. "So, I think producers need to understand that the market has become very focused on finding the genetics that will help individual commercial producers hit that final target levels for grid premiums."

Beef Demand and Retail Prices
As the industry navigates these intricate dynamics, there’s another critical component that comes into focus— the redefined landscape of beef demand and its intertwined relationship with retail prices.

"Beef demand remains strong," he affirms, adding, "And the market wants high quality beef."

We have seen a slight erosion in sales at high-end white tablecloth restaurants, while casual dining and bar-restaurant businesses continue to show strength in sales. This indicates that there is likely some trade-down taking place as consumer budgets are pinched.

At the retail level, there has been an advertising slow-down in beef features or weekly specials offered to consumers. This is largely attributed to retailers’ narrower profit margins resulting from the surge in fed cattle and wholesale market prices.

"As retail margins have been squeezed, it’s being reflected in less ad feature activity," Blach says. "We see the beef industry has lost 3% of the total ad space year-to-date, 1% compared to the five-year average."

Remarkable Progress
From past to present, Blach acknowledges the remarkable success of CAB in the past two decades.

"When you go back over time in the ‘80s and '90s, it was a flip of the coin for consumers buying a steak on whether it was going to be a good eating experience or a poor one," he says. "We’re currently not in that same business with quality grade having improved from about 50% Choice and Prime to 83% Choice and Prime, largely due to leadership from CAB and others in industry focusing on quality."

Today, a substantial portion of beef produced falls into the Choice and Prime categories, yielding significant grid premiums for producers.

"CAB is a high-quality, tremendous eating experience that people are willing to pay for," Blach says.

As farmers and ranchers look to a herd rebuild, the importance of genetic decisions and cattle production remain ever-important for driving retail beef demand.



Mission To Germany, Poland Builds On Council’s Bioethanol Efforts In EU

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff traveled to Germany and Poland last week to expand support for bioethanol within the European Union (EU) and explore potential markets in the region. Pictured from left to right are Isabelle Ausdal, USGC manager of ethanol policy and economics; Adam Stepien, director general, Polish Association of Oil Producers; and Mackenzie Boubin, USGC director of global ethanol export development.

In the 2022/2023 marketing year, the European Union (EU) emerged as the second-largest market for U.S. bioethanol, and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is continuously working at the EU Commission- and member-state levels to build alliances and increase awareness of bioethanol and its benefits in the region. Last week, the Council conducted a mission to Germany and Poland, aiming to expand support for bioethanol within the EU and explore potential markets in area.

This mission comes at a time when individual member- state countries are becoming more vocal about the challenges and barriers associated with meeting EU Commission-level policies such as the hotly debated phase out of the new sales of combustion engines by 2035 and the implementation of the newest Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III), while some member countries are still struggling to implement the previous RED II. In Leipzig, Germany, Council staff participated in the 7th Business Meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Technology Collaboration Platform’s (TCP) Task 39 on biofuels, where member countries and USGC met to discuss joint projects coming in the next three-year term.

“The IEA plays a crucial role in promoting energy security, offering data and analysis, providing policy guidance and fostering international collaboration on renewable energy. USGC values its science-based partnership with the IEA and looks forward to continuing our contributions to showcase the need for biofuels to achieve and exceed climate goals into 2050 and beyond,” said Isabelle Ausdal, USGC manager of global ethanol policy and economics.

In Warsaw, Poland, the Council initiated discussions with policy officials and local stakeholders to gain insights into the bioethanol market and policy dynamics and increase awareness of bioethanol within the region. Poland has sold E5 since 2011, and in May 2023, Poland's parliament took a significant step forward in its commitment to renewable energy by unanimously approving amendments to its energy legislation to mandate the use of E10-blended gasoline nationwide starting in January 2024. Additionally, in July 2023, Poland made a significant move by filing an appeal with the European Court of Justice to challenge recent EU legislation aimed at phasing out the sale of new internal combustion engine cars by 2035. Poland had been the sole dissenting vote against these targets, arguing that because the regulation impacts member states' energy mixes, it should have required a unanimous decision.

“Exploring markets like Poland and continuing work with the IEA enhances the Council’s role in global bioethanol promotion while it serves as the trusted and passionate ambassador for free and fair trade between the U.S. bioethanol industry and stakeholders around the world,” Ausdal said.



Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Final Rule Publishes in Federal Register

On October 25, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack previewed the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) final rule. Today, the OLPS final rule has published in the Federal Register.

The final rule establishes clear, strong and consistent standards for organic livestock and poultry production, levels the playing field for organic livestock farmers, ranchers and businesses and promotes fairer, more competitive markets for their products.

OLPS outlines more consistent standards in these six areas:
    Outdoor space.
    Indoor and outdoor living conditions.
    Poultry stocking densities.
    Preventative health care practices.
    Physical alterations and euthanasia.
    Transport, handling, and slaughter.

View the OLPS Final Rule https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic-livestock-and-poultry-standards

On Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 1:00pm Eastern, NOP will hold an informational webinar to provide an overview of the changes this rule makes to the USDA organic regulations and how they may impact organic farms and businesses.

Webinar Details:
    Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 1:00pm, Eastern Time
    Zoom link: https://www.zoomgov.com/s/1601705879
    Join by phone: US: +1 669 254 5252  or +1 551 285 1373  or +1 646 828 7666  or +1 646 964 1167  or +1 669 216 1590  or +1 415 449 4000
    Webinar ID: 160 170 5879
    International numbers available: https://www.zoomgov.com/zoomconference?m=MTYwMTcwNTg3OQ.aIj2tqAC0OfSYm7tzmoJSelqu347rr0B
    Or an H.323/SIP room system:
    H.323: 161.199.138.10 (US West) or 161.199.136.10 (US East)
    SIP: 1601705879@sip.zoomgov.com



CF INDUSTRIES' NET SALES DOWN 41%, EARNINGS DOWN 50%: $1.25 BILLION

CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF), a leading global manufacturer of hydrogen and nitrogen products, today announced results for the first nine months and third quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Highlights
*First nine months 2023 net earnings of $1.25 billion(1), or $6.42 per diluted share, EBITDA(2) of $2.15 billion, and adjusted EBITDA(2) of $2.17 billion

*Third quarter 2023 net earnings of $164 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, EBITDA of $372 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $445 million

*Trailing twelve months net cash from operating activities of $2.86 billion and free cash flow(3) of $1.96 billion

*Agreement with POSCO Holdings, Inc., to evaluate a joint venture to construct a low-carbon clean ammonia plant at CF Industries' Blue Point Complex in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, United States, along with long-term low-carbon clean ammonia offtake into South Korea

*Repurchased 1.9 million shares for $150 million during the third quarter of 2023

"The CF Industries team continues to execute well," said Tony Will, president and chief executive officer, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. "Global nitrogen industry fundamentals remain favorable and forward energy curves suggest attractive margin opportunities for the foreseeable future.

"As a result, we expect to continue to drive strong cash generation, underpinning our ability to create long-term shareholder value through disciplined investments in growth opportunities and returning substantial capital to shareholders."



Secretary Vilsack Highlights USDA’s Commitment to Future Generations in Agriculture

Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed students, agricultural educators, and guests at the opening session of the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo before signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the organization formalizing a partnership to prepare more students for careers in food, agricultural science, natural resources, and related fields.

In his remarks, Secretary Vilsack shared USDA’s vision to secure the future of American agriculture and opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that farms of all sizes have the opportunity to succeed. This starts by transforming our agriculture system to one that lifts up small and mid-sized farms, strengthens local rural economies, and enhances our food security and safety to create value and opportunity for all producers and communities.

While at the convention, Secretary Vilsack and Scott Stump, chief executive officer of the National FFA Organization, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the Department’s commitment to youth in agriculture.

“Yesterday, I joined President Biden on a family farm in Minnesota to highlight how the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments are bringing new revenue to farms, increased economic development in rural towns and communities, and more opportunity throughout the country,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Visiting the National FFA Convention as my second stop on the Administration’s Investing in Rural America Event Series was a natural choice. Today’s youth will help create tomorrow’s food system, one that encourages all producers to succeed. The MOU signed today comes at a key time to strengthen USDA’s involvement with the National FFA Organization and its valuable education mission. Through our partnership, we will continue working together to prepare young people to pursue careers in agriculture.”

“At National FFA, we are preparing our students to be tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture,” said Scott Stump, chief executive officer of the National FFA Organization. “We are very appreciative of Secretary Vilsack’s dedication to agricultural education and FFA. It is why we were honored to present him with the Honorary American FFA Degree. Through this MOU that we are signing today, USDA helps us continue growing the next generation of leaders as the industry continues to evolve. Together, we can engage today’s youth and empower them to fill the needs in the agriculture talent pipeline. We look forward to our partnership and the ability to share our ideas with USDA.”

Under the newly signed MOU, USDA commits to building awareness of the reach and importance of agriculture across multiple fields and disciplines, as well as communicating available USDA internship opportunities to the National FFA Organization members and alumni. USDA will also identify areas where a student or youth perspective may benefit USDA programs and resources and engage with FFA to provide such representation.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the largest student-led organization in the nation, the National FFA Organization operates on local, state, and national levels. Under the MOU, the National FFA Organization agrees to attract, educate, inspire, and equip students with the tools needed to succeed. Approximately 70,000 FFA members and supporters are attending the convention.

This partnership builds on USDA’s many partnerships to find solutions to the challenges facing rural and underserved communities and connect those communities to the education, tools, and resources available to them through USDA programs and initiatives. Learn more about USDA’s work to support youth in agriculture at the Youth in Agriculture web page.

At the convention, Secretary Vilsack was also awarded the Honorary American FFA Degree. This award is bestowed upon individuals who have provided exceptional service on a national level to agriculture, agricultural education, or FFA. He also participated in a roundtable discussion with a group of young leaders in agriculture from across the country.



American Angus Association offers internship opportunities

In a world full of opportunity, internships allow students to take a trial-run of potential career paths. The American Angus Association® is excited to announce five internship positions for the summer of 2024. These 10-week internship programs provide an immersive, hands-on experience, encouraging students to grow professionally as they dip their toes into the workforce.

"What makes an internship at Angus so unique is that the Angus family believes in your ability to achieve a level of high success from day one," said Brooklyn Botterman, 2023 events and junior activities intern. "I respect and admire this level of trust in an internship and believe it allowed me to reach my full potential while interning this summer. The professional and personal growth that is acquired during your time with Angus is invaluable."

Internships allow students to gain industry-relevant knowledge and refine their skills, but the value of networking and working alongside the team at the Association will likely prove just as worthwhile. The summer 2024 internship experience will be filled with Angus cattle, tasty beef and a staff eager to share their expertise.

The five internships being offered are:
Angus MediaSM – Marketing: This position will provide valuable experience in email marketing, graphic design, digital advertising, social media content creation and data analytics. The intern will work alongside an experienced team to develop skills and contribute to real cattle producers’ marketing campaigns and success. Applicants should demonstrate an excitement and passion for Association work and the cattle industry. Previous management or oversight of business social media accounts is preferred.

Angus MediaSM – Publications: This writing-intensive opportunity offers the chance to join a multi-media effort, which includes the Angus Journal® print publication and the AJ Daily electronic newsletter, as well as the Angus Journal’s website and social media presence. The internship can be tailored to the intern’s strengths, but many duties can be anticipated, including traveling to industry events. Experience in news and feature writing, editing and photography are strongly suggested.

Communications: From feature stories to video scripts, photography, graphic design and more, the communications intern will truly gain broad agricultural communications experience. Applicants should have strong writing and design skills and have completed coursework in news and feature writing, editing and design. Experience in photography, video and social media is preferred.

Events & Junior Activities: The intern will assist in planning and executing youth events hosted by the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA), including preparation, correspondence and coordination for junior shows and events. Applicants should be self-starters, detail-oriented and outgoing with the ability to work well with others. Livestock and event planning experience is preferred, but not required. Travel to the 2024 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference and other events is expected.

Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®): Students pursuing their master’s degree or Ph.D. in animal breeding and genetics are encouraged to apply for the AGI summer internship. The intern will have the opportunity to work with one of the world’s largest beef genomic databases. The internship will focus on research that involves data analysis, therefore candidates should have experience in analyzing animal breeding data sets and genomic data.

For more information and a full description of each internship opportunity, visit angus.org/careers. Students who wish to apply should submit their resume, cover letter and references by December 1.

If students prefer to spend their summer on the ranch, the Angus Foundation is accepting applications for the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program internship. The Talon internship program provides college-aged students the unique opportunity to spend their summer on an Angus operation. Interns gain extensive ranching knowledge while enhancing their skills as advocates for the beef industry. Students interested in participating in the program can learn more at bit.ly/AngusFoundationTalonProgram, and should also apply by December 1.



Merck Animal Health Announces Availability of SEQUIVITY® IAV-S NA for Swine Influenza

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced that SEQUIVITY® IAV-S NA (Swine Influenza Vaccine, N1 and N2, RNA Particle) vaccine is commercially available as part of its swine product portfolio. The company received license approval for the vaccine from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2022.

The SEQUIVITY IAV-S NA vaccine is the first commercial vaccine that uses only the influenza neuraminidase (NA) surface antigen to vaccinate pigs against influenza strains H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2. The NA RNA particles in the vaccine are produced using the innovative SEQUIVITY platform technology from Merck Animal Health that previously has been used to target existing and emerging swine pathogens.

“Merck Animal Health is excited to bring this important innovation to our customers as it demonstrates our mission to bring forward solutions to solve swine disease challenges and improve animal health,” said Channing Sebo-Decker, D.V.M., swine technical services veterinarian, Merck Animal Health. “The SEQUIVITY IAV-S NA vaccine represents a novel technological advancement and creates a new tool for influenza control programs.”

The frozen vaccine is mixed with Microsol Diluvac Forte® adjuvant at point of use. Pigs can be vaccinated as early as three days of age followed by a booster three weeks later. The duration of the immunity against the H1N1 subtype is at least 12 weeks post-booster dose. The licensing trials demonstrated that the vaccine was safe and significantly reduced IAV-associated lung lesions and nasal shedding against five challenge strains from the H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 subtypes.

SEQUIVITY IAV-S NA vaccine is available in 50-dose and 250-dose presentations.



Red Trail Energy Partners with Puro.earth to Generate Voluntary Carbon Removal Credits
Contact RPMG for Purchase Inquiries

Red Trail Energy (RTE), a North Dakota bioethanol plant operator, will be the first and largest proven production facility in the U.S. to bring high-quality, third-party verified, carbon dioxide (CO2) removal credits from bioethanol CO2 capture and storage to the voluntary carbon market. The credits are expected to be certified through carbon removal standard and registry Puro.earth to ensure key environmental and carbon accounting criteria are met.

The CO2 Red Trail Energy sequesters from the fermentation process at their plant in Richardton will be available as removal credits to help proactive firms achieve their long-term sustainability or carbon net-zero targets. There will be an initial offering of credits in the coming weeks. Interested counterparties can purchase the credits in a Request for Proposal (RFP) for prompt and future offtakes through Red Trail Energy’s marketing firm Renewable Products Marketing Group (RPMG).

One of the first bioenergy facilities in the U.S. with carbon capture and storage technology (BECCS), RTE began capturing the estimated annual output of 180,000 metric tons of CO2 directly from the fermentation process in 2022. The CO2 is stored locally in a state-certified Class VI well approximately 6,500 ft directly beneath the facility into the Broom Creek Formation.

Red Trail’s project is anticipated to be certified through Puro.earth’s Geologically Stored Carbon methodology as net-negative, verified, and audited by a third-party for life cycle analysis. The Puro.earth issued CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs) will indicate 1,000+ years of carbon sequestration providing the key environmental criteria of permanence and additionality. For traceability and transparency, CORCs are issued in the Puro Registry where their complete lifecycle is recorded, from issuance to retirement, as emphasized by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (IC-VCM) and International Carbon Reduction and Offsetting Accreditation (ICROA).

Red Trail Energy’s successful project launch has been years in development and is a historic milestone in the race to a sustainable, carbon-neutral future using carbon dioxide removal technology and provides a proven, immediate solution to combat the worse impacts of climate change.

Wednesday November 01 Ag News

Nebraska Beef Council Educates Family Consumer Science Programs Across State & Country

The American Association of Family Consumer Sciences Fall Leadership Workshop put beef on center stage. Mitch Rippe, Nebraska Beef Council Director of Nutrition and Education, was a presenter at the workshop held in Washington D.C. Rippe said he was the only agricultural commodity representative at the conference where educators and administrators from 27 states were present.

“They realize they can connect with their local state beef councils, and find lessons to take back to their local chapters and classrooms, whether that’s beef in the classroom, educational materials, or grant programs,” said Rippe.   

According to Rippe, approximately 80% of state beef councils across the U.S. work with FCS programs in some capacity. Hands on relationships with FCS programs are a vital part of consumer education and can lead to shopping and cooking lessons for how to properly prepare beef.

“The biggest lesson they do is brown ground beef, which is awesome because they are doing the foundational components of cooking,” said Rippe. “From there, they can build on using different cuts of steak or roasts and unique preparation methods. But just getting the foundational opportunity is an impactful experience for them.”

Across Nebraska, Rippe stays in touch with local FCS chapters throughout the school year, both in high schools and colleges, providing resources and occasional workshops. Most recently, he visited Chadron State College and presented to a foundational nutrition class.

“We do a unique preparation method with a reverse sear that doesn’t require the usual equipment for grilling or cooking, in case students are in an apartment or dorm,” said Rippe. “We talk a lot about nutrition components, but we always tie that back into giving students a hands-on experience working with some type of beef cut.”

 For more information and to learn more about the Nebraska Beef Council, visit www.nebeef.org.



‘Ag SmartMoney Week’ offers free webinars, workshops for ag producers to improve management skills

Ag SmartMoney Week, a series of programs focused on providing education, information, tools and training for Nebraska agricultural producers to better manage and improve their operations, will be co-hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability the week of Nov. 6-10.

The series will include three in-person workshops across the state and seven online webinars covering topics related to risk management, estate and transition planning, land leasing and rental rates, human resources and technology.

The week is being produced through a collaboration of higher education, businesses, financial institutions, not-for-profits and government agencies. Sponsoring organizations include UNL’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s College of Business and Technology, Wahoo State Bank and MNB Bank.

Ag SmartMoney Week Schedule
Monday, Nov. 6
    Noon CT: Current Trends in Nebraska Land Values, Cash Rents and Lease Considerations for 2024 (Virtual Webinar)
    6 p.m. CT: Cash Flow Budgeting (Virtual Webinar)

Tuesday, Nov. 7
    Noon CT: Sharpening Your Grain Marketing Skills (Virtual Webinar)

Wednesday, Nov. 8
    Noon CT: Dust Off Your Checkbook Register (Virtual Webinar)
    1 p.m. MT: Introduction to Schedule F, Tax Planning for Farms and Ranches (Scottsbluff)
    7 p.m. CT: Calculating Annual Cow Costs (Virtual Webinar)

Thursday, Nov. 9
    Noon CT: Working Capital: What is it and Why is it Important? (Virtual Webinar)
    1 p.m. MT: Introduction to Schedule F, Tax Planning for Farms and Ranches (Kimball)
    7 p.m. CT: Preparing Income Statements and Balance Sheets for Annual Loan Renewal (Kearney)

Friday, Nov. 10
    Noon CT: Preparing Your Cost of Production for 2024 Using Enterprise Budgeting and the Agricultural Budget Calculator Program (Virtual Webinar)

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required for each event. More information and registration can be found on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/smartmoney.



Iowa Pork adds Cook to "Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon" NIL initiative with Cyclone players
    
The Iowa Pork Producers Association’s viral “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” marketing initiative with Iowa State football players is adding a new element: Linebacker Alec Cook. Through an NIL (name, image, likeness) deal, Cook joins fellow Cyclones Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann, and Caleb Bacon, encouraging Iowans to purchase pork products, and of course cook more ham and bacon.

A new 30 second video featuring the five players launched on Wednesday and will be used in ads on social media.

The Iowa Pork Producers’ original social media post featuring a photo of Purchase, Moore, Hamann, and Bacon with several pounds of ham and bacon has received more than 2.6 million views on X (formerly Twitter) and the initiative quickly garnered statewide and national media attention. Raygun has sold hundreds of Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon t-shirts and Iowa Pork has given away nearly 9,000 posters featuring the original photo.

“We are so overjoyed with the great success of the “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” campaign and love that we’re able to encourage people to Cook Moore Hamann Bacon as well,” said Iowa Pork Producers Association President Trish Cook, a pig farmer from Buchanan County. “We had hoped it would go viral and it did in a very big way. Supporting these players and the We Will Collective has been a rewarding experience, and we’re helping the food pantries in their hometowns with donations of delicious and nutritious Iowa pork.”

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is donating $4,000 worth of pork to food pantries in the hometowns of Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann and Caleb Bacon, on behalf of each player. Caleb Bacon presented the Lake Mills Food Shelf in Lake Mills, Iowa with their donation on October 21.

As part of this new phase of the initiative, an additional $1,000 worth of pork will be provided for each food pantry, as well to Alec Cook’s selection, the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha. That totals $9,000 worth of pork, equating to 12,000 servings, to help fight food insecurity in each player’s hometown.

“Thank you to Iowa pork producers for giving us the chance to use our last names to promote the swine industry,” said Alec Cook, a redshirt freshman linebacker from Omaha. “It was a lot of fun to work together while also helping out our local communities.”

Iowa is the number one state in the nation for pork production and nearly 150,000 Iowans are employed by the pork industry.

Another new video, featuring an additional Cyclone football player, will be added to the “Purchase/Cook Moore Hamann Bacon” initiative very soon. Stay tuned.



Registration open for Iowa Farm Bureau's 105th annual meeting

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation will host its 105th annual meeting on Dec. 5-6 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines, providing members with crucial updates on farm policy and agricultural trends.

“Annual meeting is an energizing event that sets the tone for the year ahead,” says Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau president. “It’s a time set aside to recognize county Farm Bureau accomplishments, reconnect with fellow farmers from every corner of Iowa and learn new insights to keep family farms moving into the future.”

Keynoting the event is Will Bowen, author of international bestseller, "A Complaint Free World,” and founder of the global Complaint Free? movement, which has reached more than 15 million people worldwide. Bowen has been featured on Oprah, Forbes, The Today Show and more to address the psychology of complaints and the power of shifting toward more productive thoughts.

Educational breakout sessions will feature industry experts. R.J. Layher, director of government affairs at the American Farm Bureau, will update members on legislation impacting family farms. David Widmar, an agricultural economist with Agriculture Economics Insights, will discuss the future of the agriculture industry, focusing on automation, market trends and strategies to navigate uncertainty. Dr. Christopher Pudenz, economics and research manager at the Iowa Farm Bureau, will present an ag economic outlook.

Award recognitions will include Outstanding County Farm Bureaus, Distinguished Service to Ag, Ag Leaders Institute graduates, Farm Bureau Community Partnership Awards and Young Farmer Leadership Awards. Young farmers, ages 18 to 35, are also encouraged to participate in the Discussion Meet, a cooperative-style dialogue on ag issues. Winners will be announced during the young farmer evening reception, Dec. 5, and the first-place winner will represent Iowa at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Salt Lake City, UT in 2024.

To view the full agenda and to register, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/annualmeeting.  



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production - Sept 2023

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 478 million bushels in September 2023. Total corn consumption was down 2 percent from August 2023 but up 10 percent from September 2022. September 2023 usage included 92.0 percent for alcohol and 8.0 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 5.38 million bushels, up 9 percent from August 2023 and up 20 percent from September 2022. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 430 million bushels, was down 3 percent from August 2023 but up 12 percent from September 2022. Corn consumed in September 2023 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.0 percent and 8.0 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.70 million tons during September 2023, down 5 percent from August 2023 but up 5 percent from September 2022. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.31 million tons in September 2023, up 1 percent from August 2023 and up 5 percent from September 2022.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 246,782 tons during September 2023, down 4 percent from August 2023 but up 3 percent from September 2022. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 196,264 tons in September 2023, down 5 percent from August 2023 but up 2 percent from September 2022.

Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.24 million tons (175 million bushels) in September 2023, compared with 5.07 million tons (169 million bushels) in August 2023 and 5.03 million tons (168 million bushels) in September 2022. Crude oil produced was 2.08 billion pounds up 3 percent from August 2023 and up 4 percent from September 2022. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.73 billion pounds during September 2023 increased 1 percent from August 2023 and increased 4 percent from September 2022.

Flour Milling Products
All wheat ground for flour during the third quarter 2023 was 231 million bushels, up 4 percent from the second quarter 2023 grind of 222 million bushels but down 3 percent from the third quarter 2022 grind of 237 million bushels. Third quarter 2023 total flour production was 107 million hundredweight, up 4 percent from the second quarter 2023 but down 3 percent from the third quarter 2022. Whole wheat flour production at 4.61 million hundredweight during the third quarter 2023 accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the third quarter 2023 was 1.68 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the third quarter 2023 was 1.58 million hundredweight.



Anhydrous Again Leads Most Retail Fertilizer Prices Higher

Average retail prices for all but one fertilizer were higher during the third week of October 2023 compared to last month, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Prices for seven of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to last month, with one up significantly, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.

The only fertilizer price that was up considerably was anhydrous, which was 8% higher compared to a month prior. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $825 per ton. Six other fertilizers were just slightly higher than last month. DAP had an average price of $713/ton, MAP $799/ton, urea $574/ton, 10-34-0 $610/ton, UAN28 $360/ton and UAN32 $418/ton.

One fertilizer was just slightly lower in price compared to last month. Potash had an average price of $507/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.50/lb.N, UAN28 $0.64/lb.N and UAN32 $0.65/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. MAP is 19% lower, 10-34-0 is 20% less expensive, DAP is 23% lower, urea is 31% less expensive, both UAN28 and UAN32 are 38% lower, potash is 41% lower and anhydrous is 42% less expensive compared to a year prior.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/27/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 27, ethanol production scaled up 1.2% to an 11-week high of 1.052 million b/d, equivalent to 44.18 million gallons daily. Output was 1.2% more than the same week last year and 1.3% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.1% to 1.033 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.84 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks receded 1.8% to 21.0 million barrels, which is the smallest weekly volume since the close of 2021. Stocks were 5.5% less than the same week last year and 1.9% below the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, sank 1.9% to 8.70 million b/d (133.33 bg annualized). Demand was 0.4% more than a year ago but 2.8% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slid 0.7% to 902,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.83 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.3% less than a year ago but 0.7% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 69,000 b/d (2.9 million gallons/day), which is 6.2% more than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the sixth consecutive week.



Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry Leaders Call on Biden Administration to Immediately Recognize Argonne GREET Model

As President Biden kicks off a series of events focused on rural investment, 70 industry leaders covering nearly the entire supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – including major airlines – called on the Biden Administration to unleash progress in de-carbonizing aviation by recognizing the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne GREET model under Section 40B(e) of the Inflation Reduction Act.

In an open letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the authors explain that “our ability to attract investment and build out U.S. SAF capacity will depend on how the program determines credit eligibility and valuation.” The default model for evaluating SAF misses key aspects of de-carbonization, including “climate smart and regenerative feedstock practices” supported by the IRA.

Fortunately, the IRA explicitly allows for the use of “any similar methodology” for determining SAF credit eligibility and valuation. As the letter explains, the Argonne GREET model “incorporates the latest biorefining and feedstock production efficiencies.” It accounts for “every aspect of the ‘full fuel lifecycle’” — from “land use changes” to “all stages of fuel and feedstock production and distribution.” Argonne GREET clearly meets statutory requirements, and unlike any new approach that would invite further delay, it is well-settled, durable, and updated regularly.

The authors note: “With the right market signals, we can de-carbonize aviation and spur a new wave of U.S. innovation and clean energy jobs. However, modeling uncertainty today is a multiyear development problem due to the buildout schedules of SAF production facilities.” Section 40B of the IRA cannot be implemented or used effectively if bio-innovators do not urgently receive clarity and certainty on this issue.

The administration should immediately recognize Argonne GREET and provide the certainty that will support long-term planning and investment in a more sustainable future for aviation.



Apply Today to Become Beef Spokesperson

The Beef Checkoff-funded Trailblazers program is seeking applications for its next class of beef advocates. Trailblazers, developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, takes advocacy to the next level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths.

“Over the past two years, the Trailblazers program has proven to be a dynamic and effective program for advocates seeking to develop their skillset, while building an inter-connected community of elite advocates from across the country,” said Chandler Mulvaney, director of grassroots advocacy and spokesperson development at NCBA. “If you are an advocate and seeking a chance to be empowered on your advocacy journey, apply today, and help safeguard the work of cattle farmers and ranchers.”

The Trailblazers program is looking for new spokespeople to participate in a year-long hands-on program designed to train, equip, and empower beef advocates. Selected candidates receive training to become expert communicators, excel in media interviews and understand how to build confidence in beef related practices when talking to consumers.

Each year, 10 new Trailblazers are selected to create a tight-knit community that works together to find solutions to social and practical issues impacting the beef community. Throughout the year, Trailblazers receive advanced in-person and virtual training from subject matter experts, learning how to effectively engage on various social media platforms, interact with the media, and enhance public speaking skills. Upon completion of the program, Trailblazers serve as industry spokespeople and inform beef advocates at the local and state levels on advocacy, media, and spokesperson best practices.

“My favorite part of being a Trailblazer has been the networking and relationship building with people who are as passionate about the cattle and beef communities as I am,” said Kacy Atkinson of Wyoming. “Not only will you develop a supportive group of friends and cheerleaders you will find invaluable, but the program will also connect you to people within the community that will serve as mentors and resources, willing to help you meet the goals you have for yourself and push you to grow to become an even better advocate.”

Applications will be accepted through December 8 and selected participants will be notified mid-January, upon completing the review process. Applicants must be 21 years of age, have completed their Masters of Beef Advocacy certification, and provide at least two references with their online application. To apply, visit the website https://my.reviewr.com/s2/site/Trailblazers2023 and for more information, contact Chandler Mulvaney at cmulvaney@beef.org.


 

Republicans urge new House speaker to pass farm bill

House Republicans called on newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson to pass the 2023 Farm Bill, as congressional leaders warn an extension of the agricultural spending package may be necessary to avoid wreaking havoc on the food system.

“The Farm Bill is a critical agenda item that must be addressed this Congress,” a group of 61 Republicans wrote to Johnson the day after he was chosen Speaker. “We urge you and the Conference at-large to be united in ensuring swift passage of a strong Farm Bill that is written by farmers, for farmers.”

Last week, Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow said turmoil in the House will mean “we will need an extension” on the farm bill. Negotiators have also struggled to bridge the two sides of the political aisle, as Democrats and Republicans remain apart on funding priorities in the farm bill.

Johnson’s election ended three weeks of chaos that prevented lawmakers from conducting legislative business. However, farm bill consideration has stalled as lawmakers scramble to keep the government funded ahead of a Nov. 17 deadline and look to reach agreements on other Biden administration priorities, including war aid to Israel and Ukraine.

Congress also still needs to pass spending bills for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies.

Pushing consideration of the farm bill into next year could have implications for lawmakers up for re-election in 2024. More than 92% of planted acres in the U.S. are represented by Republicans, members noted in the letter to Johnson.

“Simply put, farm and food security is national security,” the letter said. ”[T]he farm safety net, including commodity support programs and crop insurance, provides farmers and ranchers the foundation they need to manage risk, pass their farm or ranch down to the next generation, and continue producing the highest quality, lowest cost food, fuel, fiber, and forestry products in the world.”



USDA Announces November 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for November 2023, which are effective Nov. 1, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.      

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans  
FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine.  For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.     

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for November 2023 are as follows:      
    Farm Operating Loans(Direct): 5.375% 
    Farm Ownership Loans(Direct): 5.500%  
    Farm Ownership Loans(Direct, Joint Financing): 3.500% 
    Farm Ownership Loans(Down Payment): 1.500% 
    Emergency Loan(Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%   

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.   

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans 
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.      

Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed): 6.500%
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:  
        Three-year loan terms: 4.875%
        Five-year loan terms: 4.750%
        Seven-year loan terms: 4.750%
        Ten-year loan terms: 4.750%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 4.750%
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans(15 years): 4.875%  



Growth Energy Urges Washington State to Clarify “Biofuels” Definition, Fully Embrace Bioethanol’s Emissions Benefits

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, today urged regulators in Washington state to clarify their definition of “biofuels” under the state’s Cap-and-Invest program in a way that allows them to “maximize the use of bioethanol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

In a letter to Washington state’s Department of Ecology, Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley highlighted the proven emissions benefits of bioethanol while debunking myths about biofuels and the impact of their production on land use and food prices.

“Today’s bioethanol represents a nearly 50 percent reduction in GHG emissions compared to gasoline. And as readily available technologies such as carbon sequestration and climate-smart agriculture practices are adopted, ethanol can continue to improve toward net zero,” said Bliley. “For instance, by using the latest science on indirect land use change value (ILUC) rather than outdated and flawed data, the impact of ILUC on ethanol’s carbon intensity is closer to 4 gCO2e/MJ.2 This is a nearly 80% reduction from out-of-date models being used.”

Regarding concerns about biofuels’ impact on food production, Bliley noted that “our industry produces both food and fuel, and that the production of bioethanol “results in a wide variety of co-products, perhaps the most significant of which is high-quality animal feed that contributes directly to the production of chicken, beef, pork, and other nutritious food.”

“Specifically, one bushel of corn produces 2.8 gallons of bioethanol as well as 17-18 pounds of distillers dried grains (DDGS), a highly nutritious animal feed. Our industry produces nearly 40 million tons of animal feed per year. That feed is supplied to food producers here in the U.S. and around the world. Additionally, the renewable CO2 from bioethanol production is also critical for meat processing, beverage carbonation, and water treatment,” Bliley added in the letter. “Additionally, as discussed previously relative to land use, farming practices like crop intensification and cover cropping have significantly improved the yield of all crops, further negating the impact of biofuel production on food crops. As the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and numerous others have noted, yields have (and continue to) climbed more than 700 percent while acreage has remained unchanged for the last century.”

Tuesday October 31 Ag News

Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors Approves Dump Trailer Purchase, Discuss Upcoming Open Houses

At their monthly Board meeting on October 26, 2023, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors approved the purchase of a 14’ Dump Trailer for use at Maskenthine Recreation Area.

Tyler Warren, Recreation Area Superintendent, presented the received bids to the Directors and explained that staff was recommending the bid from DB Trailer Sales. Because of their local manufacturing, DB Trailer Sales stood out from the competition. Dimensions inside the trailer are 14’Lx82”W. There is a 7’x20’ roll up mesh tarp, barn door/spreader gate, and ramps are included.

Open House Meetings Planned for the North Fork Elkhorn River Flood Risk Reduction Plan
Brian Bruckner, LENRD General Manager, reminded Directors of the upcoming open houses for the North Fork Elkhorn River Flood Risk Reduction Plan. The North Fork Elkhorn River watershed spans approximately 242,563 acres and includes the communities of Foster, Magnet, McLean, Osmond, Pierce, Plainview, and Wausa. The meetings are being hosted by the LENRD in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The first meeting will be held on Monday, November 6th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Osmond City Hall, 413 N. State Street, Osmond, NE. The second meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 8th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Pierce County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 622 N. Brown Street, Pierce, NE 68767.

No formal presentations are planned; however, both LENRD and JEO Consulting Group representatives will be present to help explain the project and answer questions. The purpose of the open houses is to provide an overview of the project and collect input regarding flood-related experiences and concerns within the watershed.  As each meeting will feature the same information, community members are invited to attend the meeting that is most convenient or works best for their schedules.

Status Update on Search for New Production Well for Logan East Rural Water System (RWS) and Possible Funding Options to Connect the Village of Craig
Shawn Blahak, Logan East RWS Manager, provided a status update on the search for a new production well for the Logan East RWS. In an effort to find a location for an additional production well, Blahak explained that he has been trying to secure locations for additional sampling on irrigation wells. Doing this will help identify potential areas to secure a spot for additional test/monitoring wells. Adding an additional production well will not only be a benefit for the Logan East RWS but will also solve a Manganese issue for the Village of Craig.

To provide additional context, General Manager Brian Bruckner explained that staff is currently exploring grants to assist with bearing the costs of the project. “Through the Emergent Contaminants and Socially Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program (EC-SDC) there is an opportunity to receive some substantial grant funds to help bear the costs of hooking up Craig; potential costs for a well; potential costs for a transmission line; and potential costs for a storage tank.”

When exploring the option of applying for the grant, the historical nitrate levels in the current Logan East RWS production wells caught the attention of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). Though nitrate level trends have been within the range that is acceptable for public water systems, a change in the way the wells are sampled would lead one to believe that they have recently taken a steep increase. The system currently has three wells and a blended sample from the three wells was once submitted to gather data. About two years ago, the process changed and requires individual sampling of each well, even though all three of the wells are used in a series to maintain system demands. Though the Logan East RWS does not utilize any form of treatment for the water, the raw product that they deliver to their customers is safe for consumption.

Moving forward, District and Water System Staff will be working with the Logan East Advisory Committee and Board of Directors to develop a long-term plan to avoid compliance issues due to elevated groundwater nitrates.  This effort will not only provide a possible solution for the Village of Craig but will ensure the long-term success and viability of the Logan East Rural Water System as a whole.

This was a non-voting item.

Application Cutoff for Natural Resource Conservation Funds Approaching – November 17th
In a monthly report provided by Robin Sutherland, NRCS/USDA District Conservationist, she gave a reminder of the November 17th cutoff for EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) applications.

Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply now for funding available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Individuals interested in applying for these conservation programs may do so at any time, but applications need to be submitted by November 17th to be considered for Fiscal Year 2024 funding.

For more information about conservation programs and other assistance available, contact your local NRCS field office or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/NE

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of the Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local district can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.



TESTING HAY
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

While we as producers do all we can in season to store up quality hay, nutrient value in hay can change drastically from year to year.  Even in the same field cut at a similar time, annual swings of 5% crude protein content and 10% TDN are not uncommon.  With crop residues like cornstalk bales, we may have a smaller swing in nutrient differences, but a drop from 5% CP to 3% can have a big impact on supplement strategies and need. When it comes time to feed this winter, knowing what quality hay you have can mean the difference between over or underfeeding hay and/or supplement. Ultimately, differences can affect the bottom line as well as have negative consequences for herd health and fertility.

Testing hay isn’t hard, it just takes a bit of time and planning.  The first step is to get a quality hay probe.  Next, divide your hay into lots, bales that were harvested from the same field under similar conditions.

Sample 15-20 bales per lot, using the probe on the side that will capture the most layers.  For round bales, sample from the rounded side; for squares, sample the shorter front or back end.  Mix these samples from a lot together in a bucket and take out a quart sized Ziploc bag worth.  Label the final sample with the hay type, lot number, and producer name and address and store in a cool, dry place until you can send it to your lab of choice for analysis.  To avoid your sample sitting in the mail, ship during the first part of the week so the lab can begin processing before the weekend shutdown.

Testing hay can take a bit of time, but accurately knowing the value of forages this winter can save money and help when it’s time to make decisions about providing supplemental feed.  If you haven’t done so yet, now’s the time to test before winter sets in.



HPAI Confirmed in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Buena Vista County
 
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Buena Vista County, Iowa.

The affected site is a commercial turkey flock.

Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F.



Iowa Corn is a Proud Supporter of Pork

As we round out Porktober, Iowa Corn is proud to celebrate its support of the pork industry. Pigs are the top livestock consumer of corn grown here in Iowa and generate economic and nutritious benefits for all Iowans. Through continued partnerships with organizations like the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), Iowa Corn can continue to expand markets and educate consumers on corn-fed products.

“Iowa is number one in both pork and corn production in the country, which makes these two commodities an economic driving force throughout the state,” said Mike Ver Steeg, a corn and pork producer from Inwood, Iowa and the Iowa Corn Animal Agriculture and the Environment Committee Vice Chair. “Iowa Corn invests with our partners to ensure pork is a part of the plate here in Iowa, the U.S., as well as the global table. As farmers, we put an emphasis on the work we do together to add value to the commodities we grow and produce.”

By investing in programs such as USMEF, Iowa Corn works to expand markets for red meat exports. In 2022, USMEF shows beef and pork exports accounted for 503.4 million bushels of U.S. corn usage, which equated to a market value of $3.4 billion and provided an economic impact of $1.01 of bushel value to corn (at an average corn price of $6.75 per bushel).

“Iowa Corn’s mission is to increase long-term profitability for Iowa’s corn farmers and the market development programs in collaboration with our livestock partners does just that.” To learn more about the red meat exports’ value to corn visit usmef.org.



Registration Open for Integrated Crop Management Conference

The Integrated Crop Management Conference is set for Dec. 4-5 in a new location: The Meadows Events Center at Prairie Meadows in Altoona. The conference provides crop production professionals new information, research updates and the tools to prepare for 2024.

Now in its 34th year, the annual event is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This year’s conference features 35 workshops to choose from.

“The ICM Conference has always been a great opportunity for farmers, industry, ag retailers, agronomists and educators to network with each other and interact with their university specialists,” said Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We are excited to offer a great program full of new information to prepare for 2024, including a strong slate of invited speakers.”

Speakers and discussion topics
    Doug Jones, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will share updates on the EPA’s Endangered Species Act and pesticide efforts, as well as participate in a panel discussion to answer further questions.
    Dennis Bowman, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will share information on how drones are transforming aerial agriculture applications.
    Daniel Kaiser, University of Minnesota, will provide a Minnesota view of iron deficiency chlorosis in soybean.
    Alex Lindsey, Ohio State University, will share how early planting dates affect crop stands.
    Brian McCornack, Kansas State University, will give updates on an insect pest currently on the move.
    Dan Quinn, Purdue University, will review the effects of wildfire smoke and heat stress on corn.
    Aaron Hager, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will discuss better weed control in 2024.

“We are particularly excited to host representatives from the EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to hear more about the EPA’s plans for meeting their Endangered Species Act obligations,” said Meaghan Anderson, extension field agronomist. “The panel discussion will be valuable for all attendees who apply pesticides or work with farmers who do in order to prepare for inevitable changes to labeling.”

Additional topics include weather and crop market outlooks, equipment and technology management, climate resilience, soil moisture status, conservation practices, farmland values, and weed and crop disease management updates.

The conference is approved for up to 14 continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers. The program is also approved for Iowa commercial pesticide applicator continuing education in categories 1A, 1B, 1C and 4 for 2023.

To register, visit the ICM Conference website at www.aep.iastate.edu/icm. Pre-registration is required to attend. Early registration is $250 and ends at midnight, Nov. 17. After Nov. 17, the fee increases to $300, and registrations will be accepted until midnight, Nov 27. No registrations will be accepted at the door.

For registration questions, contact ANR Program Services at anr@iastate.edu or 515-294-6429.




CME Announces Resetting of Price Limits for Grain, Oilseeds

Effective Oct. 31, for trade date Nov. 1, 2023, the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (CME) will reset price limits for grain, oilseed and lumber futures, according to a recent news release.

"This is the second of the two price limit resets in 2023 that is stipulated by the variable price limits mechanism pursuant to each product's respective Rulebook Chapter," stated the news release.

Corn futures price limit will go from 45 cents per bushel to 35 cents, with extended price limit at 55 cents. Oats futures price limit will go from 25 cents per bushel to 30 cents, with extended price limit at 45 cents.

Soybean futures price limit will go from $1.05 per bushel to 95 cents, with extended price limit at $1.45. Soybean oil futures price limit will stay at 40 cents per pound, with extended price limit at 60 cents. Soybean meal futures price limit will go from $30 per ton to $25, with extended price limit at $40.

Chicago wheat futures and Kansas City wheat futures price limit will go from 60 cents per bushel to 50 cents, with extended price limit at 75 cents. All other price limits affected can be found in the link below.

In 2014, CME Group put a new percentage-based daily price limit procedure in CBOT grain and oilseeds products, including corn, soybeans, CBOT wheat, Kansas City wheat, soybean meal, soybean oil, oats and rough rice.

CME noted, "The new methodology is a more flexible, transparent and market based price-limit setting mechanism. It would allow price limits to expand under high prices, but also allow price limits to retract when prices fall."

Basically, the new variable price limit mechanism will allow higher limits when prices are high and lower limits when prices are low. "The new variable price-limit mechanism resets price limits in each of the CBOT grain and oilseed futures contracts every six months, with the first reset date being on the first trading day in May," according to the CME.



Harvest Prices for 2023 Crop Insurance

The average daily close of the December corn futures contract was $4.88 during October, while the November soybean contract was $12.84 per bushel.

The averages are an important piece of price discovery that underpins many crop insurance policies, which use the higher of either the harvest price or the spring projected price to calculate indemnity payments. The projected prices are an average of the new-crop futures contracts' closes during February. They came in at $5.91 per bushel of corn and $13.76 per bushel of soybeans.

For corn, this breaks a three-year streak of higher corn prices at harvest.

USDA estimates it cost $5.13 to raise a bushel of corn in 2023, compared to $12.53 per bushel of soybeans. USDA will release cost of production estimates for 2024 in mid-November.



September Prices Received Index Down 2.9 Percent

The September Prices Received Index 2011 Base (Agricultural Production), at 122.6, decreased 2.9 percent from August and 7.1 percent from September 2022. At 113.9, the Crop Production Index was down 4.2 percent from last month and 11 percent from the previous year. The Livestock Production Index, at 133.1, decreased 0.9 percent from August, and 2.6 percent from September last year. Producers received lower prices for corn, hogs, soybeans, and lettuce during September, but higher prices for broilers, milk, grapes, and broccoli. In addition to prices, the volume change of commodities marketed also influences the indexes. In September, there was decreased marketing of cattle, wheat, cotton, and peaches and increased monthly movement for soybeans, corn, dry beans, and apples.

Crop production: The September index, at 113.9, is 4.2 percent lower than August and 11 percent lower than September 2022. The grain & oilseed and vegetable & melon index decreases more than offset the other crop and fruit & tree nut index increases.

Grain and oilseed: The September index, at 96.3, is down 5.9 percent from August and 18 percent from September 2022.

Feed grain: The September index, at 87.7, decreased 9.2 percent from last month and 26 percent from a year ago. The corn price, at $5.21 per bushel, is down 52 cents from last month and $1.88 from September 2022.

Food grain: At 101.6, the index for September decreased 1.5 percent from the previous month and 15 percent from a year ago. The September price for all wheat, at $7.07 per bushel, is 28 cents lower than August and $1.71 lower than September 2022. The September price for rice, at $16.60 per cwt, is $2.60 lower than August and $1.10 lower than September 2022.

Oilseed: At 105.6, the index for September decreased 6.1 percent from August and 7.0 percent from September 2022. The soybean price, at $13.20 per bushel, is 90 cents lower than August and $1.00 lower than September a year earlier.

Other crop: The September index, at 117.3, is up 4.9 percent from the previous month but down 11 percent from September 2022. The all hay price, at $204.00 per ton, is down $5.00 from August and $44.00 from September 2022. At 76.3 cents per pound, the price for upland cotton is 0.1 cents lower than August and 9.6 cents lower than September 2022.

Livestock production: The index for September, at 133.1, decreased 0.9 percent from the previous month and 2.6 percent from September a year earlier. Meat animal index decreases more than offset dairy and poultry & egg index increases.

Meat animal: At 142.4, the September index decreased 3.5 percent from the previous month but increased 17 percent from a year earlier. At $64.90 per cwt, the September hog price is $8.80 lower than August and $8.90 lower than a year earlier. The September beef cattle price of $181.00 per cwt is $1.00 lower than the previous month but $38.00 higher than September 2022.

Dairy: The index for September, at 104.5, is up 6.6 percent from the previous month but down 13 percent from September a year ago. The September all milk price of $21.00 per cwt is $1.30 higher than August but $3.10 lower than September 2022.

Poultry and egg: At 137.8, the September index increased 2.4 percent from August but decreased 27 percent from September 2022. The September broiler price, at 66.4 cents per pound, is 4.2 cents higher than August but 6.9 cents lower than a year ago. The September market egg price, at 94.5 cents per dozen, is 15.5 cents lower than August and $1.67 lower than September 2022. At 82.0 cents per pound, the September turkey price is 2.0 cents lower than the previous month and 38.0 cents lower than September 2022.

Food Commodities: The index, at 131.2, decreased 2.2 percent from the previous month and 3.6 percent from September 2022.

September Prices Paid Index Up 0.1 Percent
The September Prices Paid Index for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW), at 138.8, is up 0.1 percent from August 2023 but unchanged from September 2022. Higher prices in September for feeder cattle, feeder pigs, diesel, and nitrogen more than offset lower prices for feed grains, complete feeds, concentrates, and hay & forages.



High School Seniors, Apply Now for Soy Scholarship

Strong agriculture leaders are vital to the sustainability and growth of our industry, and the American Soybean Association wants to provide a student interested in agriculture with a college scholarship as they begin their education.

The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000, one-time award presented to a high school senior who plans to pursue agriculture as an area of study at any accredited college or university in the 2024-25 academic year. The scholarship is managed by ASA and made possible through a grant by BASF Corporation.

“ASA is grateful for its longstanding partnership with BASF and proud to invest in the future farmers, scientists, teachers, and other careers in agriculture that drive the industry forward,” ASA President Daryl Cates (IL) said. “Agriculture has a significant role to play in sustainably feeding a growing world population, shaping climate policies, and many other ways we support and provide for people here at home and around the globe. Supporting education is imperative to industry advancement, and we applaud the dedicated young people who are interested in this challenge.”

ASA and BASF have recognized and rewarded students for their hard work and interest in agriculture through the Soy Scholarship since 2008.

“BASF is pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with ASA to support talented students committed to solving the challenges facing the future of agriculture,” said Scott Kay, vice president, U.S. Agricultural Solutions North America. “Our industry needs students passionate and interested in meeting the demands of a growing planet, and BASF is thrilled to invest in these students’ future.”

The scholarship is awarded in $3,500 increments (one per semester) for the 2023-24-school year. The student must be a child or grandchild of a current state soybean association/ASA member, maintain successful academic progress and remain in good standing with the college or university to receive the full amount of the scholarship. High school seniors may apply online Oct. 31-Dec. 31, 2023. Click here to apply.

A committee of soybean grower-leaders will select the ASA BASF Scholarship recipient. The award winner will be announced this winter.



Registration is Now Open for USDA’s 100th Agricultural Outlook Forum

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the opening of registration for the 100th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum. This landmark event, titled “Cultivating the Future,” will be held in person at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va., on February 15-16, 2024. All Forum sessions will also be livestreamed on a virtual platform.

“As we reflect on a century of agricultural progress, we’re not just celebrating our achievements, we're also preparing for an even better future,” said Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack.

“The 2024 Forum underscores USDA’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the sector and serves as a platform for bringing together minds dedicated to advancing America’s agriculture.”

The 2024 Forum program will feature a keynote address by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a presentation on the outlook for agricultural markets and trade by USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer, a plenary panel of distinguished guest speakers, and 30 breakout sessions covering a wide range of timely agricultural, food market, and environmental issues. More than a hundred experts from government, industry, and academia will share insights on topics such as commodity and food price outlooks, U.S. and global agricultural trade developments, agricultural innovations, climate change, and the bioeconomy.

The in-person event will also feature exhibit booths from agencies across USDA highlighting their missions and activities.

Future Leaders Program
The Future Leaders in Agriculture program is an academic competition focused on identifying college students from land-grant colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, who have the skills and experience to be tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture. This year, 20 students in agriculture-related fields of study (15 undergraduate students and five graduate students) will be selected to participate in this program in Washington, D.C. The program will include meetings with leaders from across USDA and agricultural staff on Capitol Hill, networking opportunities with fellow student participants and USDA staff, and full participation in the 2024 Agricultural Outlook Forum. All transportation, lodging, meals, and conference registration fees are covered for the students selected. Apply today.

About USDA’s Outlook Forum
USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum began in 1923 as a way to disseminate USDA data and analyses to farmers, so they had the tools to understand markets and make informed production decisions. Over time, the event has evolved into a unique platform where key stakeholders from the agricultural sector in the United States and around the world come together every year to discuss current and emerging topics and trends in the sector.

The Agricultural Outlook Forum, organized by USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist together with other USDA agencies, is independent of commercial interests and aims to facilitate information sharing among stakeholders and generate the transparency that supports more, better, and fairer markets for producers and consumers alike.



Hefty Seed Company Selects Meristem’s Patented BIO-CAPSULE™ Technology

Meristem Crop Performance Group, LLC (www.MeristemAg.com) and Hefty Seed Company (www.HeftySeed.com) today announced a strategic alliance and supply agreement focused on increasing the impact of beneficial biologicals on crop production and return on investment (ROI) for American farmers.

“Hefty Seed Company’s stellar reputation for bringing the best in crop inputs and agronomic advice to help farmers make the most of every crop is second to none,” says Mitch Eviston, Founder and CEO of Meristem Crop Performance, in announcing the alliance. “We are thrilled to be selected as a Hefty Seed Company go-to-market partner for delivering beneficial biologicals to their customers through our patented BIO-CAPSULE™ Technology.”

With this new alliance, Hefty Seed will gain access to Meristem’s patented BIO-CAPSULE for the delivery of its proprietary blend of microbes and micronutrients. This agreement is a first of its kind for the technology.

“Finding a way to deliver biology, along with micronutrients and other bio-stimulants, in a talc delivery system to our customers is one of our key areas for growth,” says Matt Thompson, Hefty Naturals Brand Manager. “It is very easy to damage living biology with micronutrients and other bio-stimulants, and by keeping the biology away from any potential harm until the grower needs it, it increases consistency of the product’s performance.”

Thompson explained that as growers upgrade planters, fewer and fewer are investing in in-furrow capabilities.

“Using the BIO-CAPSULE to deliver our yield-improving products opens our customers to a new avenue to use these products,” he says. “This is an extremely exciting partnership for our customer base that will continue to advance the Hefty Naturals portfolio.”



 AGCO Reports Third-Quarter Results

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, reported its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. Net sales for the third quarter were approximately $3.5 billion, an increase of 10.7% compared to the third quarter of 2022. Excluding favorable foreign currency translation of 3.5%, net sales in the quarter increased 7.2% compared to the third quarter of 2022. Reported net income was $3.74 per share for the third quarter of 2023, and adjusted net income (1) , which excludes restructuring expenses, transaction-related costs and costs related to a completed divestiture, was $3.97 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $3.18 per share and adjusted net income (1) , which excluded restructuring expenses, of $3.18 per share for the third quarter of 2022.

“Robust demand for our technology-rich products, driven by healthy crop production, favorable farm economics and an improving supply chain, generated record third quarter results,” stated Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The continued success of our Farmer-First strategy, focused on growing our precision ag business, globalizing a full-line of our Fendt branded products and expanding our parts and service business, is generating strong growth in these margin-rich businesses and helping position AGCO for another record year.”

“Furthering our Farmer-First mindset, we recently announced the planned acquisition of Trimble’s ag assets and technologies through the formation of a joint venture with Trimble. We believe that this transaction, when combined with our existing solutions, will strengthen our precision ag leadership position and create a global leader in mixed-fleet precision ag. This transaction should significantly enhance AGCO’s technology stack with disruptive technologies that cover every aspect of the crop cycle, which ultimately helps us better serve farmers no matter what brand they use and accelerates AGCO’s strategic transformation,” Hansotia added.

Third Quarter Highlights
Net sales for the first nine months of 2023 were approximately $10.6 billion, an increase of 21.2% compared to the same period in 2022. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of 0.7%, net sales for the first nine months of 2023 increased 21.9% compared to the same period in 2022. For the first nine months of 2023, reported net income was $11.10 per share, and adjusted net income (1) , which excludes restructuring expenses, transaction-related costs, costs related to a completed divestiture and an estimated cost of participation in a Brazilian income tax amnesty program, was $11.77 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $7.58 per share, and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses, impairment charges and other related items, of $7.95 per share, for the first nine months of 2022.