NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 9 PERCENT
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.66 million cattle on feed on May 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 9 percent from last year. Placements during April totaled 420,000 head, up 6 percent from 2017. Fed cattle marketings for the month of April totaled 430,000 head, up 10 percent from last year. Other disappearance during April totaled 20,000 head, up 5,000 head from last year.
IOWA CATTLE ON FEED REPORT
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 730,000 head on May 1, 2018, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was down 1 percent from April 1, 2018 but up 7 percent from May 1, 2017. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 555,000 head on feed, down 3 percent from last month and down 6 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,285,000 head, down 2 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year.
Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during April totaled 80,000 head, a decrease of 25 percent from last month and down 16 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 34,000 head, down 11 percent from last month and down 17 percent from last year. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 114,000 head, down 21 percent from last month and down 16 percent from last year.
Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during April totaled 87,000 head, down 6 percent from last month but up 6 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 47,000 head, down 8 percent from last month and down 18 percent from last year. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 134,000 head, down 7 percent from last month and down 4 percent from last year. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 5,000 head.
United States Cattle on Feed Up 5 Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.6 million head on May 1, 2018. The inventory was 5 percent above May 1, 2017. This is the second highest May 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.
By State (1,000 hd - % May 1 '17)
Colorado .......: 940 98
Iowa .............: 730 107
Kansas ..........: 2,290 100
Nebraska ......: 2,660 109
Texas ............: 2,630 107
Placements in feedlots during April totaled 1.70 million head, 8 percent below 2017. Net placements were 1.63 million head. During April, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 320,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 230,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 415,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 445,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 205,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 80,000 head.
By State (1,000 hd - % April '17)
Colorado .......: 145 94
Iowa .............: 80 84
Kansas ..........: 380 90
Nebraska ......: 420 106
Texas ............: 385 84
Marketings of fed cattle during April totaled 1.80 million head, 6 percent above 2017. Other disappearance totaled 63,000 head during April, 5 percent below 2017.
By State (1,000 hd - % April '17)
Colorado .......: 150 120
Iowa .............: 87 106
Kansas ..........: 420 109
Nebraska ......: 430 110
Texas ............: 445 99
Heat Stress Resources
Temperatures are climbing it's a good reminder to take the appropriate precautions to keep your cattle herd safe and well.
Key Points to Reduce Heat Stress
- Supply access to abundant fresh water. For every 1,000 lb of weight, cattle can require at least 20 gallons of water per day when the ambient temperature is above 80°F.
- Provide sprinklers to wet pen floor. Use sprinklers with large droplet size to keep pen floor and mounds cool for cattle to rest on.
- Provide shade in pens. Shading has shown to reduce solar heat load by 5-10°F for cattle resting under it.
- Allow Airflow. Move cattle away from windbreaks and allow as much airflow through the pens as possible during high heat and humidity events.
- Process cattle in early mornings. If cattle need to be handled, it is recommended to do it during early mornings before 10:00 a.m..
Nebraska Extension BQA Heat Stress Resources HERE... https://bqa.unl.edu/heat-stress-resources.
Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients
The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) is pleased to announce it has awarded $54,200 in scholarships to students furthering their education goals in the 2018-2019 academic year.
“The Foundation strongly believes in the importance of a sound education for tomorrow’s industry leaders,” says Scott Knobbe, president of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation. “Due to the generosity of many donors and the success of our Retail Value Steer Challenge fundraising project, the Foundation is able to provide this funding to these outstanding students to aid in their academic career.”
The 2018 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship was awarded to Hannah Esch of Unadilla. This premier scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship that was established in 2014 to support outstanding junior, senior or graduate level Nebraska resident students enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a beef industry related degree. Esch will be a junior this fall at the University of Nebraska pursuing an Animal Science degree, with minors in the Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars and Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship programs.
In addition to the Beef State Scholarship, the Foundation awarded 41 additional scholarships to the following students:
Chase Albers, Wisner – $1,200 Todd Ricenbaw Memorial Scholarship
Jayde Atkins, Broken Bow – $1,000 West Central Affiliate Scholarship
Mckenzie Beals, Friend – $1,200 Bill Heller Memorial Scholarship
Mekenzie Beattie, Sumner – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Sheldon Beierman, Albion – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Colten Bergt, Amherst – $1,200 Martin Viersen Range Management Memorial Scholarship
Emmet Caldwell, Edgar – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Corey Conway, Campbell – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Kailey Conway, Campbell – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Cassidy Curtis, Royal – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Payton Flower, Scottsbluff – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Austin Freeman, Pierce – $1,200 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit Scholarship
Neleigh Gehl, Ericson – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Kathlyn Hauxwell, McCook – $1,200 Ron and Shirley Huss Scholarship
Colin Ibach, Sumner – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Devin Jakub, Brainard – $1,200 Bill Pullen Scholarship
Marissa Kegley, Kearney – $1,200 Col. Melvin Huss Memorial Scholarship
Sarah Kesterson, Bridgeport – $1,200 Donavan Yoachim Memorial Scholarship
Eric Klitz, West Point – $1,200 Bill Briggs Family Memorial Scholarship
Felicia Knoerzer, Elwood – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Malina Lindstrom, Elm Creek – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Jason Line, Miller – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Kelsey Loseke, Blair – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Shayln Miller, Norfolk – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Amanda Most, Ogallala – $1,200 Frank and Shirley Sibert Scholarship
Krista Ott, Wisner – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Kelsey Phillips, Mullen – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Jason Rainforth, Scribner – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Ralston Ripp, Kearney – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Jessica Rudolph, Gothenburg – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Alyssa Schmale, Carroll – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Ryan Schroeder, Lincoln – $1,200 Vance Uden Memorial Scholarship
Hannah Settje, Raymond – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Renae Sieck, Martell – $1,200 Vance Uden Memorial Scholarship
Isaac Stallbaumer, Oconto – $1,200 Cattlemen’s Open Scholarship
Colton Thompson, Eustis – $1,200 Clarence and Lois Jean Hartmann Scholarship
Emilye Vales, DeWitt – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Logan Van Anne, Gering – $1,200 Jim & Helen Gran Scholarship
Wesley Wach, Wauneta – $1,200 Robert F. Lute II Memorial Scholarship
Maverick Widdowson, Kearney – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Elizabeth Yrkoski, Fullerton – $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
All scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting in Grand Island, Thursday, June 7, during the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Lunch.
NFBF taking applications for NRRF Scholarship
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is now accepting applications for the Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation Scholarship in Honor of Max & Eric Brown. This is a great opportunity for a non-traditional student!
Criteria:
- Must be 25 years old or older.
- Be legal residents of the United States.
- Show demonstrated commitment to the future of the industry of agriculture and rural communities in Nebraska.
- Be enrolled in post-secondary education institutions in Nebraska including, but not limited to - community college, technical school, or training programs.
Applications are due June 1.
Apply here: https://nefbfoundation.org/images/FOUndation/PDFs/2017-Application-Rural_Radio_Foundation_Scholarship.pdf
Iowa to Mark 5th Anniversary of Nutrient Reduction Strategy
A broad cross section of Iowa political, agricultural and community leaders will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy at 10:30 a.m. on May 29 at the Iowa State University BioCentury Research Farm, 1327 U Ave. near Boone.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Bill Ehm, Environmental Services Division Administrator for the Iowa DNR, Hongwei Xin, Interim Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and Assistant Dean for Research with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University, and EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford will speak at 11 a.m. to attendees.
The event is to celebrate the many farmers, landowners, communities, business, stakeholders and partners that have helped support the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy over the past five years and share the vision for the Strategy over the next 5 years and beyond.
Aspiring Iowa Ag Leaders Embark on Mission to Japan and Vietnam
Members of the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development (I-LEAD) program Class 8 traveled to Japan and Vietnam on an international trade mission in March to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the global food system and to develop a deeper admiration for the views of U.S. agriculture’s international customers. The mission served as the capstone event as Class 8 wraps up their two-year program. Iowa Corn is now accepting applications for I-LEAD Class 9 at http://www.iowacorn.org/ilead. Iowa Corn developed the I-LEAD program in recognition that the future of Iowa agriculture depends on developing leaders who have a passion for agriculture.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” stated ILEAD Class 8 Member TJ Page. “I would absolutely recommend it to anyone. I grew both personally and professionally from the experience. During the mission, we discovered how important agriculture is to each of these countries and what they import and export with the United States. We saw first-hand the work of U.S. Grains Council and the U.S. Meat Export Federation and how it translates back from the Iowa Corn Promotion Board’s investments.”
I-LEAD Class 8 began their journey in Vietnam with a briefing from a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) representative about the importance of Vietnam to U.S. agriculture exports. Page said you could tell that Vietnam is a market ready to expand. “Outside China, it is one of the fastest growing economies, with additional economy prosperity, there will come an even greater need for protein. It is estimated that by the year 2050, Vietnam’s population will increase by 40 million and currently 60 percent of family income in Vietnam goes to food. They buy food daily and there is very little cold storage. There is also a huge market potential for U.S. ethanol. The sheer number of mopeds in South Vietnam was amazing. They cause 30 percent more emissions than a standard vehicle, and you see people wearing masks because of the air pollution. That’s a fantastic opportunity for cleaner-burning ethanol.”
Vietnam buys about $3 billion in U.S. agriculture products every year. Many expect that number to increase as the country’s population increases and the citizens gain more wealth. Vietnam has signed onto Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), so this will put the U.S. at a possible disadvantage with other competing countries importing to Vietnam.
The class toured the Interflour port to see where bulk ships of imported grains offload into Vietnam. Vietnam buys about 8 million metric tons of corn and 1.2 million metric tons of DDGS every year. The class also visited an ethanol plant outside of Ho Chi Min City. In 2007, Vietnam passed an E5 ethanol mandate but has been in a trial period until 2018. The class also had dinner with grain buyers from Vietnam. They discussed the opportunities and challenges the grain buyers face when importing corn.
“The mission provided class members the opportunity to meet with grain buyers and explore the region’s food, feed and fuel needs,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association Director Roger Wuthrich, a farmer from Bloomfield. “We gained insights about their ethanol industry and opportunities to increase ethanol blends.”
Next, I-LEAD Class 8 traveled to Tokyo, Japan which currently has the 3rd largest GDP in the world, and a population of 130 million people. However, due to aging citizens, the population is expected to decrease to 90 million people by 2060. Japan also has a very open trade policy with trade agreements with many of America’s agricultural competing countries.
“We can learn a lot from Japan’s culture, the respect they convey to one another and the cleanliness of their cities,” explained Page. “History and culture are extremely important to the Japanese. It was important for us to get an understanding of the culture before meeting with Japanese companies.”
The class explored the AEON supermarket to understand how corn and meat products are sold in stores. Page said Japan shoppers recognize U.S. products on the store shelves and will pay more for quality products. He said U.S. products have a good reputation for quality there.
They then traveled to Yamanashi Prefecture and had a courtesy call with the Vice Governor. Following a typhoon that hit Japan in 1959, Iowa sent over hogs and corn to help the citizens of Yamanashi. The citizens, grateful for the aid, formed a sister-state relationship with Iowa which has lasted ever since. The class learned about this relationship on their visit.
One of the final stops in Japan included a tour of an agricultural high school. Half of the high school graduates will attend college and the other half will enter the workforce. “When team members showed the students photos of their farms, they were amazed at the size of their operations. We were impressed by their high-tech classrooms and their student-run ice cream shop business,” said Page.
While on the mission, class members blogged about their experience, you can view their blog at http://www.iowacornstalk.com/.
SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES AGRICULTURAL FUNDING BILL
The Senate Appropriations Committee this week approved the fiscal 2019 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill on a 31-0 vote. The legislation provides $145.1 billion in funding for fiscal 2019 – which begins Oct. 1 – to support federal agriculture, conservation and nutrition programs, $6.1 billion above the president’s budget request. Among the departments the measure funds are the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The Senate committee approval comes after the House Committee on Appropriations approved its version of the bill last week.
Expo Offers Information on Manure
North Dakota livestock producers and custom animal manure applicators will have a chance to improve their knowledge of manure nutrient use during the 2018 North American Manure Expo.
North Dakota State University Extension has teamed up with South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension and regional partners to host the event, which will be Aug. 15-16 at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, S.D.
"The North American Manure Expo will be a great opportunity for producers and custom applicators to learn about topics such as using manure as a crop fertilizer, nutrient management planning, soil health and water quality," says Mary Berg, Extension livestock environmental management specialist at NDSU's Carrington Research Extension Center.
The program will include a trade show; a manure agitation demonstration; a pump school; and educational sessions on topics including manure spreader calibration, manure-spreading equipment, water quality impacts of manure application during the winter, manure pit safety, spill prevention and response, and the economic value of manure as it relates to soil health. Participants also may take tours on moving manure on dairies, manure management systems and swine manure storage.
The expo is free of charge, but organizers encourage those planning to attend to preregister. The tours cost $20 and registration is required. Details are here... http://www.manureexpo.org/.
Dairy Farmers Have Until June 1 to Apply for Improved Safety Net under Dairy MPP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds dairy farmers of the June 1 deadline to enroll in the improved Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy). Many producers will see payments in early June, depending on the coverage they elect.
The program protects dairy producers by paying them based on the difference between the national all-milk price and the national average feed cost. The 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act made several changes to the safety net program to provide better protections for dairy producers from shifting milk and feed prices.
“MPP-Dairy is an important, improved safety net tool for the dairy industry,” said Bill Northey, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. “We encourage all dairy producers to carefully weigh their options and make their way to one of our 2,100 FSA county offices nationwide to discuss signing up for the program before the June 1 deadline.”
Updates include:
- Calculation of the margin period is monthly rather than bi-monthly.
- Covered production is increased to 5 million pounds on the Tier 1 premium schedule, and premium rates for Tier 1 are substantially lowered.
- An exemption from paying an administrative fee for limited resource, beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged producers. Dairy operators enrolled in the previous 2018 enrollment period that qualify for this exemption under the new provisions may request a refund.
Signup for 2018 will be retroactive to Jan. 1, of this year. Margins for February and March 2018 have already been announced and payments for those months, along with potential payments for April, will be issued in June based on producer elections.
All dairy operations must make new coverage elections for 2018, even if the operation was enrolled during the previous 2018 signup period. Dairy producers should use the MPP-Dairy Decision Tool for support in making related enrollment decisions.
All dairy operations interested in MPP-Dairy coverage must sign up during the enrollment period and submit form CCC-782 to FSA to enroll. Dairy operations may still “opt out” by not submitting a form.
For more information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/dairy.
Dairy Outlook Report Continues to See Optimism for the Future
Just in time for summer, dairy producers are slowly starting to reap the benefits of good domestic sales and stronger exports. That's the assessment of Dr. Bob Cropp with the University of Wisconsin-Extension. In his monthly Dairy Situation and Outlook report, the professor emeritus said May is already experiencing increases in dairy product prices after exports set a record high in March on a total volume basis surpassing the previous record set in early 2014.
"If these dairy product prices can hold, average May prices compared to April on the CME could average about 4 cents per pound higher for butter, about 14 cents for cheddar barrels, four cents for 40-pound cheddar blocks, eight cents for nonfat dry milk, and three cents dry whey," Cropp noted. "As a result the May Class III price would be near $15.25 compared to $14.47 in April the low of $13.40 back in February. The May Class IV price would be near $14.45 compared to $13.48 in April and the low of $12.87 back in February."
His summary further stated that the price of butter, cheese, nonfat dry milk and dry whey remain lower than and competitive with world market prices. But milk prices are expected to strengthen and possibly top out in October or November.
"The degree of strength will continue to depend upon the level of milk production and dairy exports," he said. "The summer weather, quality of forages harvested and the condition of the corn and soybean crop that will impact feed costs will have a bearing on milk production this summer, fall and into winter."
Meanwhile, the USDA's recent April milk production report also shed some positive news for milk prices. Compared to April 2017, milk production was just 0.6-percent higher and milk cow numbers declined by 2,000 head from the month earlier. Cropp has been saying for months that milk production will need to slow down if prices are going to catch its footing again.
All told, the retired professor says the Class III milk price could reach near $16 by June and reach even higher in July and beyond. Cropp further expects dairy margins to improve, but that depends on what feed prices do over the remainder of the year.
U.S. Ethanol Exports Running Above Year-Ago Levels
For the 2017/18 marketing year, U.S. year-to-date exports of corn-based ethanol reached approximately 982 million gallons, up 16 percent from the past year, according to the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service.
Although Brazil imposed a 20 percent tariff (40 million gallons per quarter) on imports of U.S. ethanol at the beginning of the marketing year, it has not affected demand as expected.
Brazil continued as the top importer of U.S. ethanol, with 348 million gallons, up 13 percent from last year.
U.S. exports of ethanol to China, currently the fourth largest importer of U.S. ethanol, reached 77 million gallons, up 57 percent compared to last year.
Year-to-date exports of ethanol to Europe and South Korea are also up compared to the same time last year.
New Study: ‘Efforts to Limit HPO Would Increase Risks to Farmers’
Just before the U.S. House of Representatives was set to vote on a Farm Bill amendment that would’ve crippled crop insurance, a Kansas State University economist sent key policymakers a note alerting them to a new study that shed light on the negative impact of reducing revenue insurance coverage.
The study he circulated was not produced by Kansas State, but its contents were so timely and so significant, that he felt compelled to help its authors at the University of Illinois spread the word.
That paper, by Illinois professors Gary Schnitkey and Jonathan Coppess, examined how farmers use revenue crop insurance tools like the Harvest Price Option (HPO) to help them forward contract their commodities.
“Recent criticism of crop insurance suggests that amendments could be placed in the Farm Bill to curtail HPO coverage,” the authors wrote. “As a result, understanding farmers pre-harvest hedging activities is important.”
Very little information existed about how farmers use these kinds of techniques, so Schnitkey and Coppess began their work with a survey of Midwest growers.
“Survey results indicate that farmers use what can be termed prudent hedging strategies prior to harvest for marketing their crops,” the authors explained. In fact, the survey found that 84% of Midwest farmers hedged a portion of their anticipated crop.
The study succinctly explained how it works:
Pursuant to a forward contract, a farmer agrees to deliver grain to a country elevator or processor at some point in the future, often near harvest time, but based on futures market prices at the time of the contract. This legally-binding contract locks in the price for the delivered grain as a hedge against lower prices at the time of delivery. While advantageous to the farmer in terms of protecting against lower prices, it also comes with risks that prices will increase, often as a result of lower yields for the crop nationally. In extreme situations, a farmer with significant yield losses may not have enough bushels to fulfill the contractual obligations and will need to purchase bushels to make delivery; bushels purchased in such a situation could well be at a higher price than the farmer contracted.
And that’s where HPO comes in. Farmers pay more for the insurance option. It indemnifies losses at harvest-time prices rather than planting-time prices, enabling farmers to purchase enough commodity off the open market to fulfill their forward contract.
Without access to HPO, as some agricultural opponents are advocating, farmers would reduce pre-harvest hedging, the study found, and introduce even more risk into farming. This is particularly troubling considering the survey also found that the farmers who most use these techniques also report to obtain the bulk of their families’ incomes from the farm.
“In other words, those impacted the most by this policy change (eliminating HPO) are those who most rely on farming for their family income,” the study concluded. “Congressional efforts to limit HPO would increase risks to farmers.”
Lawmakers in the House overwhelmingly defeated the amendment designed to harm crop insurance, though it still needs to pass the Farm Bill. The Senate is slated to begin its Farm Bill deliberations soon, where critics are again expected to attack HPO and other components of farmers’ primary risk management tool.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Thursday May 24 Ag News
Coalition Focuses on Protecting Nebraska Water Users
The Lower Platte River Basin Coalition, which includes all seven Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) in the Loup, Elkhorn, and Lower Platte River Basins, and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) has, after several years of work, adopted and now initiated implementation of a voluntary basin-wide water management plan that sets criteria for managing new water development in the Lower Platte River (basin). The jointly-developed plan implements goals and objectives that work to protect the existing domestic, agricultural, and industrial water uses in the Basin. The Coalition partners worked to use the best available science to evaluate the balance of supply and demands in the Basin that begins in Nebraska’s water-rich sandhills and ends at the confluence of the Platte and Missouri Rivers, covering more than 25,000 square miles, or nearly one-third of Nebraska.
This unique Basin provides water for irrigation that sustains the area’s agricultural economy, drinking water for more than half of Nebraska’s residents, as well as other important industrial and instream water demands.
“This proactive partnership worked to voluntarily develop a plan for the future conjunctive management of the groundwater and surface water systems in this important river basin,” Russell Callan, General Manager, Lower Loup NRD, said. “Nebraska’s locally-driven groundwater management system, through NRDs, is a unique and strong approach for our state. This comprehensive basin-wide plan is another example of local and state jurisdictional entities working in partnership to protect all of Nebraska’s water users, protecting lives, Nebraskans’ property and our economic future, Callan said
For more than 45 years, locally-elected NRD boards have successfully worked to address local groundwater quantity and quality management challenges. Water managers have recognized that what occurs in the sandhills of the upper portions of the Loup and Elkhorn Basins impacts the Lower Platte River Basin near Lincoln and Omaha’s water supplies in the lower portion of the Basin. Likewise, changes in a variety of water demands in the lower part of the Basin can impact the upper portion of the Basin. This Basin planning effort improves the collaboration between groundwater and surface water jurisdictions and managers across the whole Basin and establishes a framework for continually assessing impacts and identifying opportunities for more efficient uses of Nebraska’s water. The plan also encourages local NRD and stakeholders to work together with the state to consistently gather and share data, apply technical analyses that will be used for long-term monitoring, and establish benchmarks to maintain water sustainability across the entire Basin.
“The fact that seven locally elected boards with varying local priorities were able to voluntarily sit down with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and develop a plan that works to protect all water uses now and for the future, as a foundation to grow our economy, while also ensuring our most precious natural resource is protected, is a valuable outcome for all water users in the state,” said Jeff Fassett, Director of NeDNR.
Results from the water balance study that was developed by the Coalition indicated that, on an average annual basis, supply in the Basin exceeds the existing demands. Recognizing the opportunity this presents, but also wanting to be always aware of periodic droughts and protective of the long-term sustainability of the Basin’s water supply, the Coalition partners developed a measured, incremental approach to allowing additional new uses. The adopted plan developed targets for allowable development at no more than 10% of the current identifiable long-term average excess waters during the first five-year increment of the plan. It is up to each local NRD board, along with NeDNR, to determine if and how they want to allow for the development of any new groundwater and surface water uses. The plan also lays out a process for annual collection and reporting of important data that will be used to monitor the plan’s implementation. Each member will report to the Coalition annually on any new water uses and their associated streamflow depletions or projects developed to mitigate streamflow depletions.
“While this first increment uses the best science available today, an incremental approach ensures we will continue to use the best available science,” Mike Sousek, General Manager, Lower Elkhorn NRD, said. “We want Nebraskans to benefit from the available excess water, but we also want to avoid a situation where we exceed the available secure and reliable water supplies. This careful, incremental approach and annual reporting will allow us to continually assess changes, adapt, and adjust as needed to ensure existing users are protected,” Sousek said.
While the long-term historic Basin streamflows highlight the overall positive balance in the Basin, unfortunately, much of the identified usable supplies occurs during the non-peak water use season, or fall and winter months, when demands for the excess water are much less. But to water managers in the Basin, this average excess supply represents an opportunity for implementing more effective management strategies going forward.
“This plan is a proactive approach to address sound water management, which is the number one priority in the world,” said John Winkler, General Manager, Papio-Missouri River NRD. “By capturing and storing some of the water during the non-peak period, those flows can be retimed for delivery during the peak demand periods, not only helping to meet demands during times of drought or when dry conditions warrant, but also mitigating flood potential during extreme excess flow events,” Winkler said.
Other efforts by the Lower Platte South, Lower Platte North, and Papio-Missouri River NRDs, in partnership with the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD), the Lincoln Water System, and NeDNR are looking at opportunities to further address drought periods and when peak demands overlap periods when streamflows are at their lowest.
“The Basin-Wide Plan is really a step forward for everyone in the Basin,” Paul Zillig, General Manager, Lower Platte South NRD, said. “In conjunction with our own drought mitigation planning, the plan allows for potential upstream development, while protecting existing and future municipal, industrial, and instream water demands downstream.”
Ricketts Welcomes Indonesia’s Consul General to Nebraska
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts welcomed Indonesia’s Consul General, Rosmalawati Chalid. Ms. Chalid serves as the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Chicago.
“Nebraska and Indonesia not only share important trade relationships, but also partner to address global challenges related to food shortage, water conservation, and land use,” said Governor Ricketts. “The State of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska will continue working together to deepen our trade and research ties.”
Nebraska exported around $82 million in products to Indonesia in 2016, over three-quarters of which were agricultural or food-related, such as beef, soybeans, and animal feed. Indonesia has the world’s fourth-highest population, which is expected to increase to 322 million by 2050, giving Nebraska products great growth opportunities. The population’s consumption of beef, for example, is anticipated to double.
Consul General Chalid expressed her country’s desire to deepen the trade and investment relationships between Indonesia and Nebraska.
"Indonesia would like to develop more strategic trade partnerships with Nebraska, as well as seek potential products for export and import cooperation on both sides,” the Consul General said.
During the visit, Ms. Chalid invited Nebraska business leaders to attend an upcoming international trade conference.
“To familiarize themselves with Indonesia’s best products, as well as to explore trade and investment opportunities and establish networking with Indonesian business leaders, I would like to invite Nebraska businesses to attend the 33rd Trade Expo Indonesia on October 24-28, 2018,” the Consul General said.
Nebraska and Indonesia share a history of collaboration. With half of Indonesia covered in pristine natural forests, its government is committed to maximizing local agricultural yields to support the growing population, while minimizing impacts to the environment. Nebraska’s agricultural expertise has been valuable to this effort.
In 2016, Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture recruited researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), led by agronomist Patricio Grassini, to deploy a cutting edge technique used in countries around the world to increase crop production. The “Global Yield Gap Atlas,” developed by UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR), can estimate gaps between crop potential and actual yields on a given piece of land, based on soil and water conditions. This helps researchers identify regions with the greatest potential for crop intensification. It can also help governments gain a better understanding of quantities of food that can be grown at home, versus amounts that need to be imported. Today, the Atlas is being used in at least 15 Indonesian provinces to intensify rice and corn production.
In 2016, researchers from Indonesia’s Agency for Agriculture Research and Development visited Lincoln for a six-week agricultural training program, learning about techniques such as crop modeling and soil analysis, and interacting with farmers and equipment manufacturers to gain firsthand experience.
“The research partnerships that have evolved between Indonesia and Nebraska have been invaluable in our efforts to ensure a sustainable, secure food system to support our growing population, while safeguarding our environment,” said Chalid. “They have also helped all parties involved gain more expertise working together to solve problems that impact the world as a whole.”
Following a meeting with Governor Ricketts and a press conference, Ms. Chalid and her delegation visited with representatives from IANR, LI-COR Biosciences, and the U.S. Grains Council. Topics centered on strengthening the trade and agricultural partnerships between Indonesia and Nebraska.
Record High Pork Production for April
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.28 billion pounds in April, up 8 percent from the 3.97 billion pounds produced in April 2017.
Beef production, at 2.12 billion pounds, was 8 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.64 million head, up 7 percent from April 2017. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,334 pounds.
Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 4 percent above April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 42,800 head, up 10 percent from April 2017. The average live weight was down 12 pounds from last year, at 245 pounds.
Pork production totaled 2.14 billion pounds, up 8 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.99 million head, up 7 percent from April 2017. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 287 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was up 8 percent from April 2017. Sheep slaughter totaled 181,000 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, up 9 pounds from April a year ago.
By State (million lbs - % April '17)
Nebraska ........: 635.6 107
Iowa ...............: 630.5 111
Kansas ............: 453.4 110
January to April 2018 commercial red meat production was 17.4 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2017. Accumulated beef production was up 4 percent from last year, veal was up 1 percent, pork was up 5 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 4 percent.
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SUSPENDS GRAIN DEALER LICENSE OF REDWOOD COMMODITIES GROUP OF MISSION, KANSAS
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has immediately suspended the grain dealer license for The Redwood Commodities Group, LLC of Mission, Kansas. As a result of this action, Redwood Commodities Group is forbidden to operate as a grain dealer within Iowa until further order of the Department and must surrender any grain dealer certificates to the Department.
The suspension is based upon the company’s failure to file the required information with the Grain Warehouse Bureau in accordance with Iowa Code 203. The Redwood Group’s license was suspended in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 203. A hearing on the Department’s action is set for June 25, 2018.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Grain Warehouse Bureau regulates and examines the financial solvency of grain dealers and grain warehouse operators. The functions of the Bureau include: warehouse licensing, warehouse examination, grain dealer licensing and grain dealer examinations.
Farm And Ethanol Plant Tours Highlight Biofuel Opportunities For Asian Buyers, Regulators
Following the Ethanol Summit of the Asia-Pacific held this week in Minneapolis, visitors from more than 17 countries in Asia and Oceania are touring the U.S. Midwest to learn how the U.S. ethanol industry developed and helps meet the country’s – and the world’s – biofuels goals.
Four teams of producers, traders, government officials and business people are in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin, hosted by state corn organizations and local ethanol facilities, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), which works to develop overseas demand for U.S. feed grains and their products, like ethanol.
Their visits follow the Summit activities, hosted with Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association, that offered participants access to high-level U.S. ethanol industry members and extensive information on how ethanol is used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), improve air quality, and provide economic benefits to ethanol stakeholders.
“We appreciate our state partners hosting these important groups of high-level officials from Asia so they have a better understanding of our ethanol story in the U.S.,” said Deb Keller, U.S. Grains Council Chairman and Iowa farmer. “Allowing these representatives to see the entire ethanol value chain – from farmers to industry – will give them a clearer idea of how ethanol contributes meaningfully to the environmental, human health and economics benefits of those who use them.”
The post-Summit tours provide an on-the-ground experience including stops at gas stations, feedlots, farms and, of course, ethanol plants.
A team including participants from China, Korea and Taiwan is visiting Iowa; a team including participants from India, Bangladesh and the Philippines is visiting Kansas; a team with participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam is visiting Nebraska; and a team with participants from Australia, Myanmar, Pakistan and New Zealand is visiting Wisconsin.
“The U.S. Grains Council has been working with many of our Asian partners for years, and while there are occasional trade hurdles to surpass, each understands how important open and ongoing trade efforts are, especially regarding ethanol,” said Keller. “We appreciate just how helpful our Asian partners are in developing the ethanol markets in this region of the world,” said Keller.
The U.S. Grains Council is working strategically in international ethanol market development with partners including Growth, RFA, corn state checkoffs and others in the U.S. ethanol industry. This builds on nearly 60 years of work in overseas offices building demand for U.S. corn, sorghum and barley growers as well as ethanol and DDGS producers.
“The combination of global presence, market access and market development works to ensure this long-standing partnership between the United States and our Asian trading partners is here to stay,” said Keller.
Senior Administration Officials to Address Pork Producers at World Pork Expo
Ambassador Gregg Doud, chief agricultural negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and Greg Ibach, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, will address investors of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) at World Pork Expo on June 6 and 7. Under Secretary Ibach speaks on June 6; Ambassador Doud speaks on June 7. Hosted by NPPC in Des Moines, Iowa each year, World Pork Expo is the world’s largest pork sector gathering of its kind.
“We are honored to have Ambassador Doud and Under Secretary Ibach join us at World Pork Expo,” said Jim Heimerl, a pork producer from Johnstown, Ohio and president of the National Pork Producers Council. “We look forward to hearing from two senior Trump administration officials who play a major role in setting policy and creating export opportunities at a time when U.S. pork’s growth prospects have never been greater.”
Ambassador Doud’s confirmation as USTR’s chief agricultural negotiator on March 1, 2018, was widely supported by pork producers and other American farmers. He previously served as president of the Commodity Markets Council and was a senior aide to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Ambassador Doud grew up on a farm in Kansas.
Mr. Ibach’s confirmation on October 26, 2017, as USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs was also widely supported by American agriculture. He is responsible for facilitating domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and ensuring the health of animals and plants. He oversees the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. A farmer from Nebraska, Mr. Ibach previously served as Nebraska’s Director of Agriculture.
House to Vote Again on Farm Bill on June 22
The House on passed a resolution that action on the farm bill "may continue to be postponed through the legislative day of Friday, June 22, 2018."
The resolution follows the House's failure to pass the farm bill last Friday and the introduction of a motion to reconsider the bill. A roll call vote on Friday was interrupted, but the measure to postpone action was included in a rule on other legislation.
House leadership's plan to bring up the farm bill for another vote appears to be dependent on the resolution of conflict among House Republicans over how to handle the immigration issue. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway, R-Texas, said he is staying on the sidelines of the immigration battle but watching it closely, Politico reported.
Meanwhile, the Food and Environment Reporting Network said today that Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., told a Bloomberg reporter that the markup on the committee's farm bill will be June 6.
A Roberts spokesperson said no date has been set, but Roberts said last week he hopes that he and Senate Agriculture Committee ranking member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., can make a joint announcement this week on a date for the markup of a bipartisan bill.
H-2A Agricultural Worker Visa Modernization Joint Cabinet Statement
Secretary Acosta, Secretary Nielsen, Secretary Perdue, and Secretary Pompeo
When President Trump addressed the American Farm Bureau Federation in January of this year, he reminded the audience that his commitment to our farmers has been clear since the day his Administration began: “From that day on, we have been working every day to deliver for America’s farmers just as they work every single day to deliver for us.”
In keeping with that commitment, our Departments are working in coordination to propose streamlining, simplifying, and improving the H-2A temporary agricultural visa program – reducing cumbersome bureaucracy and ensuring adequate protections for U.S. workers.
The Trump Administration is committed to modernizing the H-2A visa program rules in a way that is responsive to stakeholder concerns and that deepens our confidence in the program as a source of legal and verified labor for agriculture – while also reinforcing the program’s strong employment and wage protections for the American workforce. In addition, by improving the H-2A visa program and substantially reducing its complexity, the Administration also plans to incentivize farmers’ use of the E-Verify program to ensure their workforce is authorized to work in the United States.
As the agencies tasked with administering or facilitating the H-2A visa program, and thus closest to farmer and labor stakeholders, the Departments of State, Agriculture, Labor, and Homeland Security are embarking on a process to modernize the H-2A visa program by clarifying and improving the regulations governing the program. We look forward to delivering a more responsive program soon.
Sorghum Checkoff Announces Leadership Sorghum Class IV
The Sorghum Checkoff is pleased to announce the members of Leadership Sorghum Class IV. Leadership Sorghum is a program hosted by the Sorghum Checkoff designed to develop the next generation of sorghum leaders and advocates.
“The success of any industry lies within its ability to create leaders,” said Verity Ulibarri, Sorghum Checkoff Chairwoman. “With the growing population and demand for agricultural products, we need producers to promote our industry in a positive, well-informed way, and Leadership Sorghum serves this purpose.”
Fourteen farmers from five states have been selected to participate in the program’s fourth class:
Auden Aranda - Keyes, Oklahoma
John Bergkamp - Garden Plain, Kansas
Jon Berning - Scott City, Kansas
Dustin Borden - Gruver, Texas
Michael Brooks - Walsh, Colorado
Matthew Davis - Manhattan, Kansas
Jaden DeVore - Cheney, Kansas
Jace Gibbs - Dighton, Kansas
David Junker - McCook, Nebraska
Larry Kendig - Osborne, Kansas
Kevin Pshigoda - Perryton, Texas
Cole Rohr - Quinter, Kansas
Tony Watson - Healy, Kansas
Matthew Winters - Canyon, Texas
“Leadership Sorghum benefits the sorghum industry by developing leaders for tomorrow and prepares the producer to advocate on a local, regional and national platform,” said Shelee Padgett, Leadership Sorghum program director. “Producer leaders are essential to moving our industry forward, and we are excited for the opportunity to work with Class IV so they can become better equipped to advocate for their operation and our industry.”
Through both hands-on and classroom-style education, participants will gain an understanding of how sorghum moves through the value chain, how checkoffs and interest groups interact on behalf of the industry and what the future holds for the crop. Leadership Sorghum also provides professional development training and networking opportunities. For more information about the Leadership Sorghum program, visit www.LeadSorghum.com.
IGC Shaves Down 2017-2018 Global Grain Forecast
The International Grains Council (IGC) said Thursday that it has trimmed its forecast for global grain production in 2017-2018 to 2,091 million metric tons due to lower expected soybean production.
The new forecast is a decrease of 2 million tons from the previous 2,093 million-ton forecast and a 2.3% drop from the previous season's record 2,139 million tons, the IGC said.
The IGC raised its 2018-2019 production forecast, upping last month's estimate by 1 million tons to 2,089 million tons. That figure would mark a second season of declining production after 2016-2017's record high. The IGC data revealed that an increase in corn and rice forecasts outweighed reduced soybean and wheat predictions.
Driving the fall in the 2017-2018 global grain forecast was a 3 million-ton drop in expected soybean production, now seen at 336 million tons. Corn forecasts shed 2 million tons to 1,044 million tons and the IGC's rice estimate rose by 2 million tons to 488 million tons. The report said estimated wheat production remained at 758 million tons.
Bushel Announces $7M Investment
Bushel™ today announced a $7 million private investment round to accelerate its patent-pending digital platform for the grain industry.
The funding was led by private investors in the agriculture and software industries. The investment will be used to expand Bushel’s reach; accelerate new features, research and development and customer success; and continue evaluating strategic acquisition opportunities.
Nearly a year following its launch in June 2017, Bushel has expanded its footprint from ten pilot locations in North Dakota to more than 400+ elevator and ethanol plant locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. More than 20,000 growers have access to Bushel-powered apps today.
"This investment will allow us to continue the acceleration of Bushel’s product roadmap, while continuing to onboard and serve grain facilities on the Bushel platform,” said Jake Joraanstad, Bushel CEO and co-founder. “Our vision for Bushel is to be the number one digital platform for the grain industry that strengthens, and makes more efficient, the relationship between grain buyers and growers.”
Bushel has been adopted by many of the leading grain elevators, cooperatives and ethanol plants in the U.S. and Canada, including Landus Cooperative, Agtegra and Flint Hills Resources. These companies provide branded versions of Bushel’s mobile platform to growers so they can access real-time information on scale tickets, contract settlements, cash-bids and more. Growers are quickly adopting Bushel because it is a free, convenient and efficient way to do business online with their trusted grain buyers.
“Over the last two decades software for grain facilities has not changed much,” said Ryan Raguse, Bushel chairman and co-founder. “Our Bushel platform embarked on a journey to change that. Our software feels easy to use because it was thoughtfully designed and built by highly collaborative software engineers, designers, and a team full of people who understand the fundamentals of farming.”
Bushel incorporates a wide variety of technologies to power the robust, efficient and scalable digital platform. The incorporated technologies allow fragmented systems to better interact, a secure cloud-based infrastructure, an API to scale for an evolving and expanding ecosystem and best-in-class communication capabilities.
Bushel’s last funding round raised $1.5 million in June 2017 through private investors. In December 2017, Myriad Mobile acquired Omaha-based iNet Solutions Group, including their FarmCentric agribusiness platform. Just last week, Bushel launched eSignature capabilities within the Bushel platform as a premium feature add-on. Myriad Mobile’s custom software development division will continue to provide ongoing strategy, design and development services, with a particular interest in agriculture-based client work.
Brookside Agra Establishes Product Protocol for Safe, Odor-free Composting of Animal Carcasses
With increasing concerns over ground water contamination, aesthetics and expenses associated with traditional burying, burning and pick-up of animal carcasses, today's animal farmers are turning to a more acceptable, cost-effective method of carcass disposal -- composting.
Turning the carcasses of poultry, swine, horses, cattle and other animals into a rich humus that can be used/sold as a fertilizer or soil amendment has become a profitable solution for many animal farmers; the downside is the strong odors, insects and varmints that can accompany carcass composting.
Brookside Agra has formulated an all-natural solution with its Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate™ and composting protocol. Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate is an innovative, all-natural proprietary liquid blend of stable, highly active microorganisms, enzymes and bio-stimulants that degrade ammonia ions, amines, hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans. When mixed with water and applied to animal carcasses, Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate works to increase the activity rate of both naturally occurring and bio augmented microbes to:
- Remove 95% of odor within three days
- Absorb odors until bacteria can digest organics
- Reduce composting time by 30-50%
- Reduce ammonia emission by 50% within minutes
- Control hazardous gases
- Help meet discharge parameters
- Eliminate fruit fly and mosquito larvae
Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate is also safe and effective for eliminating odors and controlling insects and varmint in swine buildings, poultry houses, manure piles, pet runs, food processing areas, garbage holding areas, processing plants, barns, trailers and more. Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate is recognized on the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list which is approved by the FDA and AAFCO.
Brookside Agra has developed an effective, simple protocol for using Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate to compost animal carcasses. A video explaining the process can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2_bysyZoXY.
The Lower Platte River Basin Coalition, which includes all seven Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) in the Loup, Elkhorn, and Lower Platte River Basins, and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) has, after several years of work, adopted and now initiated implementation of a voluntary basin-wide water management plan that sets criteria for managing new water development in the Lower Platte River (basin). The jointly-developed plan implements goals and objectives that work to protect the existing domestic, agricultural, and industrial water uses in the Basin. The Coalition partners worked to use the best available science to evaluate the balance of supply and demands in the Basin that begins in Nebraska’s water-rich sandhills and ends at the confluence of the Platte and Missouri Rivers, covering more than 25,000 square miles, or nearly one-third of Nebraska.
This unique Basin provides water for irrigation that sustains the area’s agricultural economy, drinking water for more than half of Nebraska’s residents, as well as other important industrial and instream water demands.
“This proactive partnership worked to voluntarily develop a plan for the future conjunctive management of the groundwater and surface water systems in this important river basin,” Russell Callan, General Manager, Lower Loup NRD, said. “Nebraska’s locally-driven groundwater management system, through NRDs, is a unique and strong approach for our state. This comprehensive basin-wide plan is another example of local and state jurisdictional entities working in partnership to protect all of Nebraska’s water users, protecting lives, Nebraskans’ property and our economic future, Callan said
For more than 45 years, locally-elected NRD boards have successfully worked to address local groundwater quantity and quality management challenges. Water managers have recognized that what occurs in the sandhills of the upper portions of the Loup and Elkhorn Basins impacts the Lower Platte River Basin near Lincoln and Omaha’s water supplies in the lower portion of the Basin. Likewise, changes in a variety of water demands in the lower part of the Basin can impact the upper portion of the Basin. This Basin planning effort improves the collaboration between groundwater and surface water jurisdictions and managers across the whole Basin and establishes a framework for continually assessing impacts and identifying opportunities for more efficient uses of Nebraska’s water. The plan also encourages local NRD and stakeholders to work together with the state to consistently gather and share data, apply technical analyses that will be used for long-term monitoring, and establish benchmarks to maintain water sustainability across the entire Basin.
“The fact that seven locally elected boards with varying local priorities were able to voluntarily sit down with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and develop a plan that works to protect all water uses now and for the future, as a foundation to grow our economy, while also ensuring our most precious natural resource is protected, is a valuable outcome for all water users in the state,” said Jeff Fassett, Director of NeDNR.
Results from the water balance study that was developed by the Coalition indicated that, on an average annual basis, supply in the Basin exceeds the existing demands. Recognizing the opportunity this presents, but also wanting to be always aware of periodic droughts and protective of the long-term sustainability of the Basin’s water supply, the Coalition partners developed a measured, incremental approach to allowing additional new uses. The adopted plan developed targets for allowable development at no more than 10% of the current identifiable long-term average excess waters during the first five-year increment of the plan. It is up to each local NRD board, along with NeDNR, to determine if and how they want to allow for the development of any new groundwater and surface water uses. The plan also lays out a process for annual collection and reporting of important data that will be used to monitor the plan’s implementation. Each member will report to the Coalition annually on any new water uses and their associated streamflow depletions or projects developed to mitigate streamflow depletions.
“While this first increment uses the best science available today, an incremental approach ensures we will continue to use the best available science,” Mike Sousek, General Manager, Lower Elkhorn NRD, said. “We want Nebraskans to benefit from the available excess water, but we also want to avoid a situation where we exceed the available secure and reliable water supplies. This careful, incremental approach and annual reporting will allow us to continually assess changes, adapt, and adjust as needed to ensure existing users are protected,” Sousek said.
While the long-term historic Basin streamflows highlight the overall positive balance in the Basin, unfortunately, much of the identified usable supplies occurs during the non-peak water use season, or fall and winter months, when demands for the excess water are much less. But to water managers in the Basin, this average excess supply represents an opportunity for implementing more effective management strategies going forward.
“This plan is a proactive approach to address sound water management, which is the number one priority in the world,” said John Winkler, General Manager, Papio-Missouri River NRD. “By capturing and storing some of the water during the non-peak period, those flows can be retimed for delivery during the peak demand periods, not only helping to meet demands during times of drought or when dry conditions warrant, but also mitigating flood potential during extreme excess flow events,” Winkler said.
Other efforts by the Lower Platte South, Lower Platte North, and Papio-Missouri River NRDs, in partnership with the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD), the Lincoln Water System, and NeDNR are looking at opportunities to further address drought periods and when peak demands overlap periods when streamflows are at their lowest.
“The Basin-Wide Plan is really a step forward for everyone in the Basin,” Paul Zillig, General Manager, Lower Platte South NRD, said. “In conjunction with our own drought mitigation planning, the plan allows for potential upstream development, while protecting existing and future municipal, industrial, and instream water demands downstream.”
Ricketts Welcomes Indonesia’s Consul General to Nebraska
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts welcomed Indonesia’s Consul General, Rosmalawati Chalid. Ms. Chalid serves as the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Chicago.
“Nebraska and Indonesia not only share important trade relationships, but also partner to address global challenges related to food shortage, water conservation, and land use,” said Governor Ricketts. “The State of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska will continue working together to deepen our trade and research ties.”
Nebraska exported around $82 million in products to Indonesia in 2016, over three-quarters of which were agricultural or food-related, such as beef, soybeans, and animal feed. Indonesia has the world’s fourth-highest population, which is expected to increase to 322 million by 2050, giving Nebraska products great growth opportunities. The population’s consumption of beef, for example, is anticipated to double.
Consul General Chalid expressed her country’s desire to deepen the trade and investment relationships between Indonesia and Nebraska.
"Indonesia would like to develop more strategic trade partnerships with Nebraska, as well as seek potential products for export and import cooperation on both sides,” the Consul General said.
During the visit, Ms. Chalid invited Nebraska business leaders to attend an upcoming international trade conference.
“To familiarize themselves with Indonesia’s best products, as well as to explore trade and investment opportunities and establish networking with Indonesian business leaders, I would like to invite Nebraska businesses to attend the 33rd Trade Expo Indonesia on October 24-28, 2018,” the Consul General said.
Nebraska and Indonesia share a history of collaboration. With half of Indonesia covered in pristine natural forests, its government is committed to maximizing local agricultural yields to support the growing population, while minimizing impacts to the environment. Nebraska’s agricultural expertise has been valuable to this effort.
In 2016, Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture recruited researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), led by agronomist Patricio Grassini, to deploy a cutting edge technique used in countries around the world to increase crop production. The “Global Yield Gap Atlas,” developed by UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR), can estimate gaps between crop potential and actual yields on a given piece of land, based on soil and water conditions. This helps researchers identify regions with the greatest potential for crop intensification. It can also help governments gain a better understanding of quantities of food that can be grown at home, versus amounts that need to be imported. Today, the Atlas is being used in at least 15 Indonesian provinces to intensify rice and corn production.
In 2016, researchers from Indonesia’s Agency for Agriculture Research and Development visited Lincoln for a six-week agricultural training program, learning about techniques such as crop modeling and soil analysis, and interacting with farmers and equipment manufacturers to gain firsthand experience.
“The research partnerships that have evolved between Indonesia and Nebraska have been invaluable in our efforts to ensure a sustainable, secure food system to support our growing population, while safeguarding our environment,” said Chalid. “They have also helped all parties involved gain more expertise working together to solve problems that impact the world as a whole.”
Following a meeting with Governor Ricketts and a press conference, Ms. Chalid and her delegation visited with representatives from IANR, LI-COR Biosciences, and the U.S. Grains Council. Topics centered on strengthening the trade and agricultural partnerships between Indonesia and Nebraska.
Record High Pork Production for April
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.28 billion pounds in April, up 8 percent from the 3.97 billion pounds produced in April 2017.
Beef production, at 2.12 billion pounds, was 8 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.64 million head, up 7 percent from April 2017. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,334 pounds.
Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 4 percent above April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 42,800 head, up 10 percent from April 2017. The average live weight was down 12 pounds from last year, at 245 pounds.
Pork production totaled 2.14 billion pounds, up 8 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.99 million head, up 7 percent from April 2017. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 287 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was up 8 percent from April 2017. Sheep slaughter totaled 181,000 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, up 9 pounds from April a year ago.
By State (million lbs - % April '17)
Nebraska ........: 635.6 107
Iowa ...............: 630.5 111
Kansas ............: 453.4 110
January to April 2018 commercial red meat production was 17.4 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2017. Accumulated beef production was up 4 percent from last year, veal was up 1 percent, pork was up 5 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 4 percent.
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SUSPENDS GRAIN DEALER LICENSE OF REDWOOD COMMODITIES GROUP OF MISSION, KANSAS
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has immediately suspended the grain dealer license for The Redwood Commodities Group, LLC of Mission, Kansas. As a result of this action, Redwood Commodities Group is forbidden to operate as a grain dealer within Iowa until further order of the Department and must surrender any grain dealer certificates to the Department.
The suspension is based upon the company’s failure to file the required information with the Grain Warehouse Bureau in accordance with Iowa Code 203. The Redwood Group’s license was suspended in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 203. A hearing on the Department’s action is set for June 25, 2018.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Grain Warehouse Bureau regulates and examines the financial solvency of grain dealers and grain warehouse operators. The functions of the Bureau include: warehouse licensing, warehouse examination, grain dealer licensing and grain dealer examinations.
Farm And Ethanol Plant Tours Highlight Biofuel Opportunities For Asian Buyers, Regulators
Following the Ethanol Summit of the Asia-Pacific held this week in Minneapolis, visitors from more than 17 countries in Asia and Oceania are touring the U.S. Midwest to learn how the U.S. ethanol industry developed and helps meet the country’s – and the world’s – biofuels goals.
Four teams of producers, traders, government officials and business people are in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin, hosted by state corn organizations and local ethanol facilities, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), which works to develop overseas demand for U.S. feed grains and their products, like ethanol.
Their visits follow the Summit activities, hosted with Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association, that offered participants access to high-level U.S. ethanol industry members and extensive information on how ethanol is used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), improve air quality, and provide economic benefits to ethanol stakeholders.
“We appreciate our state partners hosting these important groups of high-level officials from Asia so they have a better understanding of our ethanol story in the U.S.,” said Deb Keller, U.S. Grains Council Chairman and Iowa farmer. “Allowing these representatives to see the entire ethanol value chain – from farmers to industry – will give them a clearer idea of how ethanol contributes meaningfully to the environmental, human health and economics benefits of those who use them.”
The post-Summit tours provide an on-the-ground experience including stops at gas stations, feedlots, farms and, of course, ethanol plants.
A team including participants from China, Korea and Taiwan is visiting Iowa; a team including participants from India, Bangladesh and the Philippines is visiting Kansas; a team with participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam is visiting Nebraska; and a team with participants from Australia, Myanmar, Pakistan and New Zealand is visiting Wisconsin.
“The U.S. Grains Council has been working with many of our Asian partners for years, and while there are occasional trade hurdles to surpass, each understands how important open and ongoing trade efforts are, especially regarding ethanol,” said Keller. “We appreciate just how helpful our Asian partners are in developing the ethanol markets in this region of the world,” said Keller.
The U.S. Grains Council is working strategically in international ethanol market development with partners including Growth, RFA, corn state checkoffs and others in the U.S. ethanol industry. This builds on nearly 60 years of work in overseas offices building demand for U.S. corn, sorghum and barley growers as well as ethanol and DDGS producers.
“The combination of global presence, market access and market development works to ensure this long-standing partnership between the United States and our Asian trading partners is here to stay,” said Keller.
Senior Administration Officials to Address Pork Producers at World Pork Expo
Ambassador Gregg Doud, chief agricultural negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and Greg Ibach, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, will address investors of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) at World Pork Expo on June 6 and 7. Under Secretary Ibach speaks on June 6; Ambassador Doud speaks on June 7. Hosted by NPPC in Des Moines, Iowa each year, World Pork Expo is the world’s largest pork sector gathering of its kind.
“We are honored to have Ambassador Doud and Under Secretary Ibach join us at World Pork Expo,” said Jim Heimerl, a pork producer from Johnstown, Ohio and president of the National Pork Producers Council. “We look forward to hearing from two senior Trump administration officials who play a major role in setting policy and creating export opportunities at a time when U.S. pork’s growth prospects have never been greater.”
Ambassador Doud’s confirmation as USTR’s chief agricultural negotiator on March 1, 2018, was widely supported by pork producers and other American farmers. He previously served as president of the Commodity Markets Council and was a senior aide to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Ambassador Doud grew up on a farm in Kansas.
Mr. Ibach’s confirmation on October 26, 2017, as USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs was also widely supported by American agriculture. He is responsible for facilitating domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and ensuring the health of animals and plants. He oversees the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. A farmer from Nebraska, Mr. Ibach previously served as Nebraska’s Director of Agriculture.
House to Vote Again on Farm Bill on June 22
The House on passed a resolution that action on the farm bill "may continue to be postponed through the legislative day of Friday, June 22, 2018."
The resolution follows the House's failure to pass the farm bill last Friday and the introduction of a motion to reconsider the bill. A roll call vote on Friday was interrupted, but the measure to postpone action was included in a rule on other legislation.
House leadership's plan to bring up the farm bill for another vote appears to be dependent on the resolution of conflict among House Republicans over how to handle the immigration issue. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway, R-Texas, said he is staying on the sidelines of the immigration battle but watching it closely, Politico reported.
Meanwhile, the Food and Environment Reporting Network said today that Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., told a Bloomberg reporter that the markup on the committee's farm bill will be June 6.
A Roberts spokesperson said no date has been set, but Roberts said last week he hopes that he and Senate Agriculture Committee ranking member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., can make a joint announcement this week on a date for the markup of a bipartisan bill.
H-2A Agricultural Worker Visa Modernization Joint Cabinet Statement
Secretary Acosta, Secretary Nielsen, Secretary Perdue, and Secretary Pompeo
When President Trump addressed the American Farm Bureau Federation in January of this year, he reminded the audience that his commitment to our farmers has been clear since the day his Administration began: “From that day on, we have been working every day to deliver for America’s farmers just as they work every single day to deliver for us.”
In keeping with that commitment, our Departments are working in coordination to propose streamlining, simplifying, and improving the H-2A temporary agricultural visa program – reducing cumbersome bureaucracy and ensuring adequate protections for U.S. workers.
The Trump Administration is committed to modernizing the H-2A visa program rules in a way that is responsive to stakeholder concerns and that deepens our confidence in the program as a source of legal and verified labor for agriculture – while also reinforcing the program’s strong employment and wage protections for the American workforce. In addition, by improving the H-2A visa program and substantially reducing its complexity, the Administration also plans to incentivize farmers’ use of the E-Verify program to ensure their workforce is authorized to work in the United States.
As the agencies tasked with administering or facilitating the H-2A visa program, and thus closest to farmer and labor stakeholders, the Departments of State, Agriculture, Labor, and Homeland Security are embarking on a process to modernize the H-2A visa program by clarifying and improving the regulations governing the program. We look forward to delivering a more responsive program soon.
Sorghum Checkoff Announces Leadership Sorghum Class IV
The Sorghum Checkoff is pleased to announce the members of Leadership Sorghum Class IV. Leadership Sorghum is a program hosted by the Sorghum Checkoff designed to develop the next generation of sorghum leaders and advocates.
“The success of any industry lies within its ability to create leaders,” said Verity Ulibarri, Sorghum Checkoff Chairwoman. “With the growing population and demand for agricultural products, we need producers to promote our industry in a positive, well-informed way, and Leadership Sorghum serves this purpose.”
Fourteen farmers from five states have been selected to participate in the program’s fourth class:
Auden Aranda - Keyes, Oklahoma
John Bergkamp - Garden Plain, Kansas
Jon Berning - Scott City, Kansas
Dustin Borden - Gruver, Texas
Michael Brooks - Walsh, Colorado
Matthew Davis - Manhattan, Kansas
Jaden DeVore - Cheney, Kansas
Jace Gibbs - Dighton, Kansas
David Junker - McCook, Nebraska
Larry Kendig - Osborne, Kansas
Kevin Pshigoda - Perryton, Texas
Cole Rohr - Quinter, Kansas
Tony Watson - Healy, Kansas
Matthew Winters - Canyon, Texas
“Leadership Sorghum benefits the sorghum industry by developing leaders for tomorrow and prepares the producer to advocate on a local, regional and national platform,” said Shelee Padgett, Leadership Sorghum program director. “Producer leaders are essential to moving our industry forward, and we are excited for the opportunity to work with Class IV so they can become better equipped to advocate for their operation and our industry.”
Through both hands-on and classroom-style education, participants will gain an understanding of how sorghum moves through the value chain, how checkoffs and interest groups interact on behalf of the industry and what the future holds for the crop. Leadership Sorghum also provides professional development training and networking opportunities. For more information about the Leadership Sorghum program, visit www.LeadSorghum.com.
IGC Shaves Down 2017-2018 Global Grain Forecast
The International Grains Council (IGC) said Thursday that it has trimmed its forecast for global grain production in 2017-2018 to 2,091 million metric tons due to lower expected soybean production.
The new forecast is a decrease of 2 million tons from the previous 2,093 million-ton forecast and a 2.3% drop from the previous season's record 2,139 million tons, the IGC said.
The IGC raised its 2018-2019 production forecast, upping last month's estimate by 1 million tons to 2,089 million tons. That figure would mark a second season of declining production after 2016-2017's record high. The IGC data revealed that an increase in corn and rice forecasts outweighed reduced soybean and wheat predictions.
Driving the fall in the 2017-2018 global grain forecast was a 3 million-ton drop in expected soybean production, now seen at 336 million tons. Corn forecasts shed 2 million tons to 1,044 million tons and the IGC's rice estimate rose by 2 million tons to 488 million tons. The report said estimated wheat production remained at 758 million tons.
Bushel Announces $7M Investment
Bushel™ today announced a $7 million private investment round to accelerate its patent-pending digital platform for the grain industry.
The funding was led by private investors in the agriculture and software industries. The investment will be used to expand Bushel’s reach; accelerate new features, research and development and customer success; and continue evaluating strategic acquisition opportunities.
Nearly a year following its launch in June 2017, Bushel has expanded its footprint from ten pilot locations in North Dakota to more than 400+ elevator and ethanol plant locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. More than 20,000 growers have access to Bushel-powered apps today.
"This investment will allow us to continue the acceleration of Bushel’s product roadmap, while continuing to onboard and serve grain facilities on the Bushel platform,” said Jake Joraanstad, Bushel CEO and co-founder. “Our vision for Bushel is to be the number one digital platform for the grain industry that strengthens, and makes more efficient, the relationship between grain buyers and growers.”
Bushel has been adopted by many of the leading grain elevators, cooperatives and ethanol plants in the U.S. and Canada, including Landus Cooperative, Agtegra and Flint Hills Resources. These companies provide branded versions of Bushel’s mobile platform to growers so they can access real-time information on scale tickets, contract settlements, cash-bids and more. Growers are quickly adopting Bushel because it is a free, convenient and efficient way to do business online with their trusted grain buyers.
“Over the last two decades software for grain facilities has not changed much,” said Ryan Raguse, Bushel chairman and co-founder. “Our Bushel platform embarked on a journey to change that. Our software feels easy to use because it was thoughtfully designed and built by highly collaborative software engineers, designers, and a team full of people who understand the fundamentals of farming.”
Bushel incorporates a wide variety of technologies to power the robust, efficient and scalable digital platform. The incorporated technologies allow fragmented systems to better interact, a secure cloud-based infrastructure, an API to scale for an evolving and expanding ecosystem and best-in-class communication capabilities.
Bushel’s last funding round raised $1.5 million in June 2017 through private investors. In December 2017, Myriad Mobile acquired Omaha-based iNet Solutions Group, including their FarmCentric agribusiness platform. Just last week, Bushel launched eSignature capabilities within the Bushel platform as a premium feature add-on. Myriad Mobile’s custom software development division will continue to provide ongoing strategy, design and development services, with a particular interest in agriculture-based client work.
Brookside Agra Establishes Product Protocol for Safe, Odor-free Composting of Animal Carcasses
With increasing concerns over ground water contamination, aesthetics and expenses associated with traditional burying, burning and pick-up of animal carcasses, today's animal farmers are turning to a more acceptable, cost-effective method of carcass disposal -- composting.
Turning the carcasses of poultry, swine, horses, cattle and other animals into a rich humus that can be used/sold as a fertilizer or soil amendment has become a profitable solution for many animal farmers; the downside is the strong odors, insects and varmints that can accompany carcass composting.
Brookside Agra has formulated an all-natural solution with its Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate™ and composting protocol. Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate is an innovative, all-natural proprietary liquid blend of stable, highly active microorganisms, enzymes and bio-stimulants that degrade ammonia ions, amines, hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans. When mixed with water and applied to animal carcasses, Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate works to increase the activity rate of both naturally occurring and bio augmented microbes to:
- Remove 95% of odor within three days
- Absorb odors until bacteria can digest organics
- Reduce composting time by 30-50%
- Reduce ammonia emission by 50% within minutes
- Control hazardous gases
- Help meet discharge parameters
- Eliminate fruit fly and mosquito larvae
Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate is also safe and effective for eliminating odors and controlling insects and varmint in swine buildings, poultry houses, manure piles, pet runs, food processing areas, garbage holding areas, processing plants, barns, trailers and more. Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate is recognized on the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list which is approved by the FDA and AAFCO.
Brookside Agra has developed an effective, simple protocol for using Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate to compost animal carcasses. A video explaining the process can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2_bysyZoXY.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Wednesday May 23 Ag News
Sasse Introduces Livestock Haulers Legislation
Today, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse led a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act. Currently, overly strict trucking regulations from the Department of Transportation require mandatory rest time that put livestock at risk, especially during summer or winter months. Senator Sasse’s bipartisan legislation would give American agriculture the flexibility to safely transport livestock.
“Nebraska’s economy runs on agriculture," said Senator Sasse. "Our ranchers and haulers are professionals who make the well-being of livestock their top priority and that includes safe transportation. The Department of Transportation’s current regulations endanger livestock during hot summers and cold winters — which Nebraskans know well — causing significant stress on the animals and concern for the drivers. This bipartisan bill is good for our ranchers, good for our haulers, and good for our livestock.”
Background:
On December 18, 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) required commercial vehicle drivers to install an electronic logging device (ELD) in their truck to track compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) rules. FMCSA exempted livestock haulers from this requirement until March 18, 2018 and a congressional delay has extended it through September 30, 2018.
Currently, for livestock and insects, HOS rules require that haulers turn on their ELD after they cross a 150-air mile radius of the origin of their load (such as cattle). After crossing a 150-air mile radius, haulers must start tracking their on-duty time and can only drive 11 hours before taking a mandatory 10-hour rest time.
The inflexibility of these regulations will be costly for haulers and place the well-being and welfare of insects, cattle, hogs, and other livestock at risk. Current law does not allow flexibility for livestock and insects to reach their destination given the vast geography of production and processing facilities, most often spanning from coastal states to the Midwest. Extended stops for a hauler, which would be necessitated by these HOS regulations, are especially dangerous for livestock during summer or winter months; high humidity and winter temperatures with below freezing windchills cause significant stress on livestock.
The Transporting Livestock Across America Safely (TLAAS) Act addresses these problems and eases the burden of these far-reaching HOS and ELD regulations for haulers of livestock or insects.
Specifically, the Sasse legislation:
- Provides that HOS and ELD requirements are inapplicable until after a driver travels more than 300-air miles from their source. Drive time for HOS purposes does not start until after 300-air mile threshold.
- Exempts loading and unloading times from the HOS calculation of driving time.
- Extends the HOS on-duty time maximum hour requirement from 11 hours to a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 18 hours of on-duty time.
- Grants flexibility for drivers to rest at any point during their trip without counting against HOS time.
- Allows drivers to complete their trip – regardless of HOS requirements – if they come within 150-air miles of their delivery point.
- After the driver completes their delivery and the truck is unloaded, the driver will take a break for a period that is 5 hours less than the maximum on-duty time (10 hours if a 15-hour drive time).
Sasse was joined by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), John Hoeven (R-ND), Doug Jones (D-AL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Jon Tester (D-MT).
Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding Sen. Sasse Bill to Address Livestock Transport
“On behalf of the members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau I want to thank Sen. Ben Sasse for introducing the ‘Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act.’ Today, livestock haulers are forced to operate under strict regulations that fail to recognize the unique needs that exist in the transport of live animals, including bees. In many instances, these regulations force drivers to have animals on trucks longer than necessary, needlessly exposing them to the elements in winter and summer months. Sen. Sasse’s legislation will drive needed changes to ensure our transportation regulations reflect the ideals of modern livestock farming and transport that are founded in the principals of reducing animal stress.”
“This is an important issue as livestock and agriculture production are major contributors to Nebraska’s local and state economies and the ability to transport livestock in timely and safe manners plays a major role in the success of Nebraska’s livestock sector.”
“We are fortunate to have both of our senators working to address this long-standing issue. Sen. Deb Fischer has also been very active in working with the Trump Administration to address our concerns through the regulatory process. We appreciate the work of both Sen. Fischer and Sen. Sasse to provide a one-two punch of both regulatory and legislative solutions to provide flexibility to farmers, ranchers, and truckers who have long struggled to operate within the current regulatory framework.”
NCBA Applauds Introduction of Legislation Addressing Hours of Service Changes for Livestock Haulers
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association today applauded the introduction of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely (TLAAS) Act, saying it would reform federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules in a way that ensures animal welfare, highway safety, and the well-being of livestock haulers. The bill was introduced today by U.S. Sens. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Jerry Moran of Kansas, John Hoeven of North Dakota, Jon Tester of Montana, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Marco Rubio of Florida, Tina Smith of Minnesota, Pat Roberts of Kansas, and Rand Paul of Kentucky.
“The current Hours of Service rules for livestock haulers present big challenges for our industry and can often jeopardize the health and well-being of livestock,” said NCBA President and fifth-generation California rancher Kevin Kester. “Hauling livestock is inherently different than hauling products like paper towels or bottles of water. Live cattle can’t simply be left unattended in a trailer – especially in very hot or cold weather – for extended periods of time, and this bill takes that into account. Senator Sasse deserves a lot of credit for his leadership on this issue, and we thank all of the original cosponsors who stepped up to show their support for livestock haulers and cattle producers across this country.”
Livestock haulers are scheduled to have to start using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their driving times and distances on Oct. 1, 2018. Under current rules, they would be required to turn on their ELDs after crossing out of the 150-air-mile radius from their loading point, after which they can only drive for 11 hours before taking a mandatory 10-hour break.
The TLAAS Act takes into full consideration the fact that there are living and breathing animals on the trailer that must be kept moving, and that they must get to their destination as quickly and as safely as possible. This bill provides for more drive time for livestock haulers, as well as granting the flexibility for drivers to rest at any point during the trip without the break counting against HOS time. This bill also allows for another 150 air mile exemption on the back end of a livestock haul to account for the wait time that occurs when unloading live animals.
“Given the unique nature of livestock hauling – often very long distances between cow-calf operations and feedlots or processing facilities – and the fact that we’re transporting live animals that must be treated humanely – this legislation is vitally important and I think it strikes a balance coupled with common sense for everybody involved,” Kester added. “I hope Congress will pass this bill as quickly as possible so we can have this issue resolved before the ELD mandate for livestock haulers goes into effect on Oct.1.”
WELLMAN PARTICIPATES IN TRADE MISSION TO CHINA, HIS FIRST AS NDA DIRECTOR
Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman is currently attending his first international trade mission as NDA director. Wellman is part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade mission to Southern China, May 21-25, 2018. The trade mission trip, led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, includes government ag leaders and representatives from many agribusiness companies and organizations.
“Southern China is a major import hub and a growing market for U.S. agricultural products,” said NDA Director Wellman. “Like Nebraska-led trade missions, USDA trade missions open doors and deliver results for farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.”
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff members living in China helped arrange meetings between trade mission delegates and representatives of companies in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Guangdong Province, where Guangzhou and Shenzhen are located, is the largest province in all of China in terms of population, GDP, retail and e-commerce sales.
“Consumers around the world want to know more about their food and Nebraska agriculture,” said Wellman. “This trade mission is an excellent chance to interact with consumers and agribusiness leaders in Southern China, show them the quality ag products that the state has to offer, and learn first-hand about potential opportunities and strategies for boosting Nebraska’s ag exports to that region.”
In 2016, total agricultural exports from Nebraska to China equaled an estimated $1.43 billion. That includes Nebraska’s top five ag export items to China: soybeans and soybean products; hides and skins; distillers grains; ethanol; and sorghum.
Wellman stressed the importance of growing Nebraska’s ag exports and commodities in China citing recent increases in beef and pork exports to the country.
Less than a year ago in June, 2017, a Nebraska delegation went to Beijing and Shanghai to celebrate the arrival of Nebraska beef into China for the first time in 14 years. In 2017, beef exports from Nebraska to China were $17.5 million, and Nebraska’s share of the U.S. beef exports to China was 56.6 percent, according to the USDA Global Agricultural Trade System.
Nebraska pork exports to China are increasing, as well. In 2017, pork exports to China were $15.7 million, up 24 percent from the previous year.
“The key to export success is building on existing relationships and creating new opportunities in international marketplaces,” said Wellman. “Being a part of a U.S. trade mission is beneficial too, as opening world markets and keeping them open depend a lot on trade agreements and protocols negotiated at the federal level.”
During this trade mission, the USDA will host several events to promote U.S. agricultural products. During the scheduled business meetings, there will be opportunities for the group to discuss demand and learn more about Chinese inspection procedures and processes.
“I’d like to thank Gov. Ricketts and his administration for continuing to encourage global trade and the opportunities it creates for Nebraska ag producers and agribusiness leaders to sell their products to the world,” said Wellman.
Groundwater Levels Rise 0.87 Feet on the Average in the Upper Big Blue NRD
During April-May 2018, the NRD measured 542 observation wells throughout the District and then averaged the data of all these wells. Overall, the spring 2018 average measurement for the groundwater level change shows a rise of 0.87 feet from last spring. The findings show that the spring 2018 average groundwater level is 3.89 feet above the “Allocation Trigger.” As a result, there will be no allocation restrictions for the 2019 irrigation season.
The District goal is to hold the average groundwater level at, or above the 1978 level. In 2005, the District average groundwater level reached the “Reporting Trigger” initiating groundwater users to report annual groundwater use to the District and to certify their irrigated acres. If the District average level falls below the 1978 level (“Allocation Trigger”), groundwater allocation will begin.
Observation wells are measured in the spring of each year, allowing the water table to rebound from the previous irrigation season. The observation wells measured are uniformly distributed and represented geographically throughout the District to provide an accurate profile of the District average. Each well measured is assigned an area of the District based on distances to other measured wells. This method of averaging is called the Thiessen
polygon method, and gives the average groundwater level change calculation a weighted average. For more information, please visit www.upperbigblue.org or call (402) 362-6601.
Registration Open for Midwest U.S.-Japan Conference in Omaha
Registration is open until Aug. 29 for the 50th Annual Conference of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association (MWJA) being held Sept. 9-11 in Omaha.
MWJA and its partner organization -- the Japan Midwest-U.S. Association -- are the preeminent organizations dedicated to promoting economic relationships between the Midwestern U.S. and Japan. MWJA's U.S. member states include Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.
The annual conference is considered to be the pinnacle forum for discussions about Japanese/Midwest economic relations. The conference alternates each year between Tokyo and a Midwestern city.
Registration for the conference can be accessed at www.midwest-japan.org/.
Approximately 400 dignitaries, diplomats and corporate executives are expected to be in attendance this year. This includes Governor Pete Ricketts; the governors of Midwestern states and Japanese prefectures; American and Japanese cabinet secretaries; and other government and corporate officials. Top representatives from numerous Japanese companies -- including Kawasaki, Marubeni, Toshiba, Kikkoman, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi and others -- will also be in attendance.
The conference is being held at the Hilton Omaha. Along with multiple speakers and plenary sessions, highlights will include a welcome luncheon at Kaneko -- Omaha's internationally renowned arts and cultural center, founded by Japanese ceramics artist Jun Kaneko -- and a farm-to-table themed banquet featuring Nebraska beef and produce.
A 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner by Kawasaki Heavy Industries will be held at Durham Museum on Sept. 10, with an Anniversary Cocktail Reception featuring Heritage Railcars by Union Pacific.
The conference website, which includes a full event schedule, can be found at www.midwest-japan.org.
More information about this year's event can be obtained through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's (DED) Daniel Jackson at 402-802-5317 or daniel.jackson@nebraska.gov. For questions concerning registration, contact DED's Lori Shaal at 402-471-3780 or lori.shaal@nebraska.gov.
Hiland Dairy Launches New Ice Cream Packaging Along with Three New Flavors
Made with fresh, pure milk from local Hiland Dairy farmers, Hiland Ice Cream is a timeless treat synonymous with summertime. And, to celebrate summer, Hiland Dairy is introducing three new ice cream flavors of its premium ice cream:
Hiland Time Traveler — Inspired by the revolutionary new Time Traveler roller coaster at Silver Dollar City, billed as the world's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster. The new ice cream flavor features French silk ice cream spun with marshmallow bonbons, chocolate flakes and thick fudge sauce.
Caramel Waffle Cone — Caramel ice cream with milk chocolate swirls and fudge covered waffle cone pieces.
Cherry Chocolate Chunk — Cherry-flavored ice cream with pieces of real cherries and chocolate chunks.
All three new premium flavors are available in 48-ounce and 16-ounce containers and are available at retail locations where Hiland Dairy products are sold.
In addition to the new flavors, Hiland Dairy is introducing new packages that feature crisp graphics with light blue backgrounds. More importantly, Hiland redesigned the packaging in response to consumer and grocer requests for more food label transparency and less packaging waste.
"The new packages align with our improved transparency in food labeling, which we began implementing earlier this year with double labels on our milk products," said Rick Beaman, vice president, Hiland Dairy.
"We also wanted our ice cream packaging to create less consumer waste in landfills, and that's part of our commitment to sustainability and preserving the planet for future generations," Beaman said. "And, as we celebrate 80 years of Hiland Dairy, we thought a new ice cream package would help celebrate our longevity."
USDA Invests $256 Million in Water Infrastructure in Rural Communities -- Nebraska Receives $2.7 Million
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $256 million in 81 projects to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas in 35 states.
“No matter what zip code you live in, infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity,” Hazlett said. “Through strong partnerships, USDA is ensuring that rural communities have the modern, reliable infrastructure they need to prosper.”
The City of Randolph, Nebraska is the recipient of $2,760,000 that will widen the Middle Logan Creek channel through town and replace the bridges that are constructed over this channel. This project will help move most of the city out of the flood plain. Moving the city out of the flood plain will rid the city of the cumbersome regulations and allow the city to develop further economically. The flood plain has limited the city's ability to attract residents and businesses since flood plain regulations restrict how buildings are constructed, and flood insurance for these properties can be expensive. Being in a flood plain also limits assistance from other federal and state economic development programs. Additional funding is provided in the amount of $8,521,884 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with contributions from the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District, $1,970,156; Cedar County, $120,000; and Pierce County, $75,000.
The recently enacted Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Omnibus spending bill includes a significant boost in financial support for water and wastewater projects. It provides $5.2 billion for USDA loans and grants, up from $1.2 billion in FY 2017. It also directs Agriculture Secretary Perdue to make investments in rural communities with the greatest infrastructure needs.
In addition to funding in the 2018 Omnibus bill, President Trump has proposed a $200 billion infrastructure investment that allocates 25 percent ($50 billion) to rural projects.
The loans and grants Hazlett announced today are being awarded through USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The funds can be used to finance drinking water, storm water drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.
Darling Acquires Protein Conversion, Used Cooking Oil Business
Darling Ingredients Inc., Irving, Texas, announced that is has acquired substantially all of the assets of Kruger Commodities, Inc. including protein conversion facilities in Hamilton, Mich., and Tama, Iowa, along with a protein blending operation and used cooking oil collection business in Omaha, Neb., to support its low carbon fuel initiative at Diamond Green Diesel.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to add the Kruger Commodities operations to Darling's global platform," said Randall C. Stuewe, Darling chairman and CEO. "This long established, family owned business is a natural fit to the Darling network and will help us to better serve our customers and growing feedstock demand from Diamond Green Diesel, our low carbon fuel facility located in Norco, La."
Darling is a global developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients, creating a wide range of ingredients and customized specialty solutions for customers in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, pet food, feed, industrial, fuel, bioenergy and fertilizer industries.
With operations on five continents, the company collects and transforms all aspects of animal by-product streams into useable and specialty ingredients, such as gelatin, edible fats, feed-grade fats, animal proteins and meals, plasma, pet food ingredients, organic fertilizers, yellow grease, fuel feedstocks, green energy, natural casings and hides. The company also recovers and converts recycled oils (used cooking oil and animal fats) into valuable feed and fuel ingredients, and collects and processes residual bakery products into feed ingredients.
In addition, the company provides environmental services, such as grease trap collection and disposal services to food service establishments and disposal services for waste solids from the wastewater treatment systems of industrial food processing plants. The company sells its products domestically and internationally and operates within three industry segments: Feed Ingredients, Food Ingredients and Fuel Ingredients.
Fertilizers Continue Mostly Higher
According to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the second week of May 2018, prices continue to be mostly higher. There appeared to be signs over the last few months that prices may be turning lower, with multiple fertilizers having lower prices, but so far this trend has not developed.
Like last week, seven of the eight major fertilizer were higher in price compared to last month, although none were up a substantial amount. MAP had an average price of $505/ton, potash $354/ton, 10-34-0 $439/ton, anhydrous $510/ton, UAN28 $241/ton and UAN32 $276/ton.
The remaining fertilizer was slightly lower in price compared to the previous month. DAP had an average price of $483/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.31/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.
Six of the eight major fertilizers are now higher compared to last year with prices pushing higher in recent months. Both 10-34-0 and anhydrous are now up 1%, potash is 4% higher, urea is 5% more expensive, MAP is 7% higher and DAP is 11% more expensive compared to last year.
The remaining two fertilizers are lower in price compared to a year prior. UAN32 is 2% lower while UAN28 is 3% less expensive, looking back a year.
Growth Energy Issues Statement on Marathon EPA Waiver Application
Today, Marathon Petroleum Corp, one of the largest refining companies in the United States, requested a "hardship waiver" from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exempt one of its facilities from its requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard. In response to this request, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement.
"Two of the largest corporations in the country are set to create an oil monopoly, and they are still expecting ‘small refiner’ handouts. This is what happens when EPA regulators are permitted to ignore the president’s commitments to rural communities. These waivers have already siphoned billions away from farm families to enrich some of the world’s largest oil companies as well as a few well-connected investors like Carl Icahn. Those gallons need to be restored and American consumers need immediate, year-round access to E15."
Statement from Chuck Grassley, Iowa Senator
“That an oil company making billions of dollars in profits even thinks it has a shot at receiving a ‘hardship’ waiver proves how broken this process is. The statutory volume obligation for conventional biofuels is 15 billion gallons annually. That’s what Congress intended. That’s the spirit of the law. That’s what President Trump promised. Any changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard have to fix this embarrassing loophole and guarantee 15 billion gallons of ethanol actually get blended.”
Statement from Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council
“This is the theatre of the absurd. Marathon wants a small refinery hardship waiver at the very moment it is seeking to become the nation’s largest refiner by acquiring Andeavor for $23 billion. The federal government should be protecting consumers by scrutinizing mergers like this instead of handing out dividends to multibillion dollar oil companies seeking to monopolize critical energy sectors. Marathon is giving it a shot because Scott Pruitt is doing everything he can to line refiners’ pockets even if it means making a mockery of the President’s commitments to rural America.”
Growth Energy Releases Statement on Upcoming RFS Meeting Between EPA, USDA
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in advance of Thursday’s meeting between the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture to discuss the president’s plan to preserve U.S. biofuel production:
“We’re pleased the USDA is taking up the president’s call to action and pressing for an immediate E15 fix, before the start of the summer driving season. As Secretary Perdue has noted, a flood of illegitimate waivers from the EPA has resulted in 'demand destruction' for U.S. farmers at a time when rural communities can least afford it. Even petroleum giants like Marathon are now expecting ‘small refinery’ handouts.
“Regulators should, instead, focus on the president’s plan to reallocate lost biofuel gallons that were siphoned away by EPA waivers. President Trump promised to protect statutory targets under the RFS, and we support Secretary Perdue’s efforts to ensure the EPA upholds that commitment to rural families.
“There is no reason to delay action or attach unrelated gimmicks designed to benefit a few refinery owners. EPA Administrator Pruitt should stand by his word in 2017, when he vowed not to pursue an export scheme that would cannibalize demand for U.S. biofuels, destroy farm income, and spark retaliatory tariffs against the entire fuel and farm supply chain.
Today, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse led a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act. Currently, overly strict trucking regulations from the Department of Transportation require mandatory rest time that put livestock at risk, especially during summer or winter months. Senator Sasse’s bipartisan legislation would give American agriculture the flexibility to safely transport livestock.
“Nebraska’s economy runs on agriculture," said Senator Sasse. "Our ranchers and haulers are professionals who make the well-being of livestock their top priority and that includes safe transportation. The Department of Transportation’s current regulations endanger livestock during hot summers and cold winters — which Nebraskans know well — causing significant stress on the animals and concern for the drivers. This bipartisan bill is good for our ranchers, good for our haulers, and good for our livestock.”
Background:
On December 18, 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) required commercial vehicle drivers to install an electronic logging device (ELD) in their truck to track compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) rules. FMCSA exempted livestock haulers from this requirement until March 18, 2018 and a congressional delay has extended it through September 30, 2018.
Currently, for livestock and insects, HOS rules require that haulers turn on their ELD after they cross a 150-air mile radius of the origin of their load (such as cattle). After crossing a 150-air mile radius, haulers must start tracking their on-duty time and can only drive 11 hours before taking a mandatory 10-hour rest time.
The inflexibility of these regulations will be costly for haulers and place the well-being and welfare of insects, cattle, hogs, and other livestock at risk. Current law does not allow flexibility for livestock and insects to reach their destination given the vast geography of production and processing facilities, most often spanning from coastal states to the Midwest. Extended stops for a hauler, which would be necessitated by these HOS regulations, are especially dangerous for livestock during summer or winter months; high humidity and winter temperatures with below freezing windchills cause significant stress on livestock.
The Transporting Livestock Across America Safely (TLAAS) Act addresses these problems and eases the burden of these far-reaching HOS and ELD regulations for haulers of livestock or insects.
Specifically, the Sasse legislation:
- Provides that HOS and ELD requirements are inapplicable until after a driver travels more than 300-air miles from their source. Drive time for HOS purposes does not start until after 300-air mile threshold.
- Exempts loading and unloading times from the HOS calculation of driving time.
- Extends the HOS on-duty time maximum hour requirement from 11 hours to a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 18 hours of on-duty time.
- Grants flexibility for drivers to rest at any point during their trip without counting against HOS time.
- Allows drivers to complete their trip – regardless of HOS requirements – if they come within 150-air miles of their delivery point.
- After the driver completes their delivery and the truck is unloaded, the driver will take a break for a period that is 5 hours less than the maximum on-duty time (10 hours if a 15-hour drive time).
Sasse was joined by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), John Hoeven (R-ND), Doug Jones (D-AL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Jon Tester (D-MT).
Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding Sen. Sasse Bill to Address Livestock Transport
“On behalf of the members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau I want to thank Sen. Ben Sasse for introducing the ‘Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act.’ Today, livestock haulers are forced to operate under strict regulations that fail to recognize the unique needs that exist in the transport of live animals, including bees. In many instances, these regulations force drivers to have animals on trucks longer than necessary, needlessly exposing them to the elements in winter and summer months. Sen. Sasse’s legislation will drive needed changes to ensure our transportation regulations reflect the ideals of modern livestock farming and transport that are founded in the principals of reducing animal stress.”
“This is an important issue as livestock and agriculture production are major contributors to Nebraska’s local and state economies and the ability to transport livestock in timely and safe manners plays a major role in the success of Nebraska’s livestock sector.”
“We are fortunate to have both of our senators working to address this long-standing issue. Sen. Deb Fischer has also been very active in working with the Trump Administration to address our concerns through the regulatory process. We appreciate the work of both Sen. Fischer and Sen. Sasse to provide a one-two punch of both regulatory and legislative solutions to provide flexibility to farmers, ranchers, and truckers who have long struggled to operate within the current regulatory framework.”
NCBA Applauds Introduction of Legislation Addressing Hours of Service Changes for Livestock Haulers
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association today applauded the introduction of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely (TLAAS) Act, saying it would reform federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules in a way that ensures animal welfare, highway safety, and the well-being of livestock haulers. The bill was introduced today by U.S. Sens. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Jerry Moran of Kansas, John Hoeven of North Dakota, Jon Tester of Montana, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Marco Rubio of Florida, Tina Smith of Minnesota, Pat Roberts of Kansas, and Rand Paul of Kentucky.
“The current Hours of Service rules for livestock haulers present big challenges for our industry and can often jeopardize the health and well-being of livestock,” said NCBA President and fifth-generation California rancher Kevin Kester. “Hauling livestock is inherently different than hauling products like paper towels or bottles of water. Live cattle can’t simply be left unattended in a trailer – especially in very hot or cold weather – for extended periods of time, and this bill takes that into account. Senator Sasse deserves a lot of credit for his leadership on this issue, and we thank all of the original cosponsors who stepped up to show their support for livestock haulers and cattle producers across this country.”
Livestock haulers are scheduled to have to start using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their driving times and distances on Oct. 1, 2018. Under current rules, they would be required to turn on their ELDs after crossing out of the 150-air-mile radius from their loading point, after which they can only drive for 11 hours before taking a mandatory 10-hour break.
The TLAAS Act takes into full consideration the fact that there are living and breathing animals on the trailer that must be kept moving, and that they must get to their destination as quickly and as safely as possible. This bill provides for more drive time for livestock haulers, as well as granting the flexibility for drivers to rest at any point during the trip without the break counting against HOS time. This bill also allows for another 150 air mile exemption on the back end of a livestock haul to account for the wait time that occurs when unloading live animals.
“Given the unique nature of livestock hauling – often very long distances between cow-calf operations and feedlots or processing facilities – and the fact that we’re transporting live animals that must be treated humanely – this legislation is vitally important and I think it strikes a balance coupled with common sense for everybody involved,” Kester added. “I hope Congress will pass this bill as quickly as possible so we can have this issue resolved before the ELD mandate for livestock haulers goes into effect on Oct.1.”
WELLMAN PARTICIPATES IN TRADE MISSION TO CHINA, HIS FIRST AS NDA DIRECTOR
Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman is currently attending his first international trade mission as NDA director. Wellman is part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade mission to Southern China, May 21-25, 2018. The trade mission trip, led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, includes government ag leaders and representatives from many agribusiness companies and organizations.
“Southern China is a major import hub and a growing market for U.S. agricultural products,” said NDA Director Wellman. “Like Nebraska-led trade missions, USDA trade missions open doors and deliver results for farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.”
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff members living in China helped arrange meetings between trade mission delegates and representatives of companies in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Guangdong Province, where Guangzhou and Shenzhen are located, is the largest province in all of China in terms of population, GDP, retail and e-commerce sales.
“Consumers around the world want to know more about their food and Nebraska agriculture,” said Wellman. “This trade mission is an excellent chance to interact with consumers and agribusiness leaders in Southern China, show them the quality ag products that the state has to offer, and learn first-hand about potential opportunities and strategies for boosting Nebraska’s ag exports to that region.”
In 2016, total agricultural exports from Nebraska to China equaled an estimated $1.43 billion. That includes Nebraska’s top five ag export items to China: soybeans and soybean products; hides and skins; distillers grains; ethanol; and sorghum.
Wellman stressed the importance of growing Nebraska’s ag exports and commodities in China citing recent increases in beef and pork exports to the country.
Less than a year ago in June, 2017, a Nebraska delegation went to Beijing and Shanghai to celebrate the arrival of Nebraska beef into China for the first time in 14 years. In 2017, beef exports from Nebraska to China were $17.5 million, and Nebraska’s share of the U.S. beef exports to China was 56.6 percent, according to the USDA Global Agricultural Trade System.
Nebraska pork exports to China are increasing, as well. In 2017, pork exports to China were $15.7 million, up 24 percent from the previous year.
“The key to export success is building on existing relationships and creating new opportunities in international marketplaces,” said Wellman. “Being a part of a U.S. trade mission is beneficial too, as opening world markets and keeping them open depend a lot on trade agreements and protocols negotiated at the federal level.”
During this trade mission, the USDA will host several events to promote U.S. agricultural products. During the scheduled business meetings, there will be opportunities for the group to discuss demand and learn more about Chinese inspection procedures and processes.
“I’d like to thank Gov. Ricketts and his administration for continuing to encourage global trade and the opportunities it creates for Nebraska ag producers and agribusiness leaders to sell their products to the world,” said Wellman.
Groundwater Levels Rise 0.87 Feet on the Average in the Upper Big Blue NRD
During April-May 2018, the NRD measured 542 observation wells throughout the District and then averaged the data of all these wells. Overall, the spring 2018 average measurement for the groundwater level change shows a rise of 0.87 feet from last spring. The findings show that the spring 2018 average groundwater level is 3.89 feet above the “Allocation Trigger.” As a result, there will be no allocation restrictions for the 2019 irrigation season.
The District goal is to hold the average groundwater level at, or above the 1978 level. In 2005, the District average groundwater level reached the “Reporting Trigger” initiating groundwater users to report annual groundwater use to the District and to certify their irrigated acres. If the District average level falls below the 1978 level (“Allocation Trigger”), groundwater allocation will begin.
Observation wells are measured in the spring of each year, allowing the water table to rebound from the previous irrigation season. The observation wells measured are uniformly distributed and represented geographically throughout the District to provide an accurate profile of the District average. Each well measured is assigned an area of the District based on distances to other measured wells. This method of averaging is called the Thiessen
polygon method, and gives the average groundwater level change calculation a weighted average. For more information, please visit www.upperbigblue.org or call (402) 362-6601.
Registration Open for Midwest U.S.-Japan Conference in Omaha
Registration is open until Aug. 29 for the 50th Annual Conference of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association (MWJA) being held Sept. 9-11 in Omaha.
MWJA and its partner organization -- the Japan Midwest-U.S. Association -- are the preeminent organizations dedicated to promoting economic relationships between the Midwestern U.S. and Japan. MWJA's U.S. member states include Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.
The annual conference is considered to be the pinnacle forum for discussions about Japanese/Midwest economic relations. The conference alternates each year between Tokyo and a Midwestern city.
Registration for the conference can be accessed at www.midwest-japan.org/.
Approximately 400 dignitaries, diplomats and corporate executives are expected to be in attendance this year. This includes Governor Pete Ricketts; the governors of Midwestern states and Japanese prefectures; American and Japanese cabinet secretaries; and other government and corporate officials. Top representatives from numerous Japanese companies -- including Kawasaki, Marubeni, Toshiba, Kikkoman, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi and others -- will also be in attendance.
The conference is being held at the Hilton Omaha. Along with multiple speakers and plenary sessions, highlights will include a welcome luncheon at Kaneko -- Omaha's internationally renowned arts and cultural center, founded by Japanese ceramics artist Jun Kaneko -- and a farm-to-table themed banquet featuring Nebraska beef and produce.
A 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner by Kawasaki Heavy Industries will be held at Durham Museum on Sept. 10, with an Anniversary Cocktail Reception featuring Heritage Railcars by Union Pacific.
The conference website, which includes a full event schedule, can be found at www.midwest-japan.org.
More information about this year's event can be obtained through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's (DED) Daniel Jackson at 402-802-5317 or daniel.jackson@nebraska.gov. For questions concerning registration, contact DED's Lori Shaal at 402-471-3780 or lori.shaal@nebraska.gov.
Hiland Dairy Launches New Ice Cream Packaging Along with Three New Flavors
Made with fresh, pure milk from local Hiland Dairy farmers, Hiland Ice Cream is a timeless treat synonymous with summertime. And, to celebrate summer, Hiland Dairy is introducing three new ice cream flavors of its premium ice cream:
Hiland Time Traveler — Inspired by the revolutionary new Time Traveler roller coaster at Silver Dollar City, billed as the world's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster. The new ice cream flavor features French silk ice cream spun with marshmallow bonbons, chocolate flakes and thick fudge sauce.
Caramel Waffle Cone — Caramel ice cream with milk chocolate swirls and fudge covered waffle cone pieces.
Cherry Chocolate Chunk — Cherry-flavored ice cream with pieces of real cherries and chocolate chunks.
All three new premium flavors are available in 48-ounce and 16-ounce containers and are available at retail locations where Hiland Dairy products are sold.
In addition to the new flavors, Hiland Dairy is introducing new packages that feature crisp graphics with light blue backgrounds. More importantly, Hiland redesigned the packaging in response to consumer and grocer requests for more food label transparency and less packaging waste.
"The new packages align with our improved transparency in food labeling, which we began implementing earlier this year with double labels on our milk products," said Rick Beaman, vice president, Hiland Dairy.
"We also wanted our ice cream packaging to create less consumer waste in landfills, and that's part of our commitment to sustainability and preserving the planet for future generations," Beaman said. "And, as we celebrate 80 years of Hiland Dairy, we thought a new ice cream package would help celebrate our longevity."
USDA Invests $256 Million in Water Infrastructure in Rural Communities -- Nebraska Receives $2.7 Million
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $256 million in 81 projects to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas in 35 states.
“No matter what zip code you live in, infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity,” Hazlett said. “Through strong partnerships, USDA is ensuring that rural communities have the modern, reliable infrastructure they need to prosper.”
The City of Randolph, Nebraska is the recipient of $2,760,000 that will widen the Middle Logan Creek channel through town and replace the bridges that are constructed over this channel. This project will help move most of the city out of the flood plain. Moving the city out of the flood plain will rid the city of the cumbersome regulations and allow the city to develop further economically. The flood plain has limited the city's ability to attract residents and businesses since flood plain regulations restrict how buildings are constructed, and flood insurance for these properties can be expensive. Being in a flood plain also limits assistance from other federal and state economic development programs. Additional funding is provided in the amount of $8,521,884 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with contributions from the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District, $1,970,156; Cedar County, $120,000; and Pierce County, $75,000.
The recently enacted Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Omnibus spending bill includes a significant boost in financial support for water and wastewater projects. It provides $5.2 billion for USDA loans and grants, up from $1.2 billion in FY 2017. It also directs Agriculture Secretary Perdue to make investments in rural communities with the greatest infrastructure needs.
In addition to funding in the 2018 Omnibus bill, President Trump has proposed a $200 billion infrastructure investment that allocates 25 percent ($50 billion) to rural projects.
The loans and grants Hazlett announced today are being awarded through USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The funds can be used to finance drinking water, storm water drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.
Darling Acquires Protein Conversion, Used Cooking Oil Business
Darling Ingredients Inc., Irving, Texas, announced that is has acquired substantially all of the assets of Kruger Commodities, Inc. including protein conversion facilities in Hamilton, Mich., and Tama, Iowa, along with a protein blending operation and used cooking oil collection business in Omaha, Neb., to support its low carbon fuel initiative at Diamond Green Diesel.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to add the Kruger Commodities operations to Darling's global platform," said Randall C. Stuewe, Darling chairman and CEO. "This long established, family owned business is a natural fit to the Darling network and will help us to better serve our customers and growing feedstock demand from Diamond Green Diesel, our low carbon fuel facility located in Norco, La."
Darling is a global developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients, creating a wide range of ingredients and customized specialty solutions for customers in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, pet food, feed, industrial, fuel, bioenergy and fertilizer industries.
With operations on five continents, the company collects and transforms all aspects of animal by-product streams into useable and specialty ingredients, such as gelatin, edible fats, feed-grade fats, animal proteins and meals, plasma, pet food ingredients, organic fertilizers, yellow grease, fuel feedstocks, green energy, natural casings and hides. The company also recovers and converts recycled oils (used cooking oil and animal fats) into valuable feed and fuel ingredients, and collects and processes residual bakery products into feed ingredients.
In addition, the company provides environmental services, such as grease trap collection and disposal services to food service establishments and disposal services for waste solids from the wastewater treatment systems of industrial food processing plants. The company sells its products domestically and internationally and operates within three industry segments: Feed Ingredients, Food Ingredients and Fuel Ingredients.
Fertilizers Continue Mostly Higher
According to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the second week of May 2018, prices continue to be mostly higher. There appeared to be signs over the last few months that prices may be turning lower, with multiple fertilizers having lower prices, but so far this trend has not developed.
Like last week, seven of the eight major fertilizer were higher in price compared to last month, although none were up a substantial amount. MAP had an average price of $505/ton, potash $354/ton, 10-34-0 $439/ton, anhydrous $510/ton, UAN28 $241/ton and UAN32 $276/ton.
The remaining fertilizer was slightly lower in price compared to the previous month. DAP had an average price of $483/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.31/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.
Six of the eight major fertilizers are now higher compared to last year with prices pushing higher in recent months. Both 10-34-0 and anhydrous are now up 1%, potash is 4% higher, urea is 5% more expensive, MAP is 7% higher and DAP is 11% more expensive compared to last year.
The remaining two fertilizers are lower in price compared to a year prior. UAN32 is 2% lower while UAN28 is 3% less expensive, looking back a year.
Growth Energy Issues Statement on Marathon EPA Waiver Application
Today, Marathon Petroleum Corp, one of the largest refining companies in the United States, requested a "hardship waiver" from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exempt one of its facilities from its requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard. In response to this request, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement.
"Two of the largest corporations in the country are set to create an oil monopoly, and they are still expecting ‘small refiner’ handouts. This is what happens when EPA regulators are permitted to ignore the president’s commitments to rural communities. These waivers have already siphoned billions away from farm families to enrich some of the world’s largest oil companies as well as a few well-connected investors like Carl Icahn. Those gallons need to be restored and American consumers need immediate, year-round access to E15."
Statement from Chuck Grassley, Iowa Senator
“That an oil company making billions of dollars in profits even thinks it has a shot at receiving a ‘hardship’ waiver proves how broken this process is. The statutory volume obligation for conventional biofuels is 15 billion gallons annually. That’s what Congress intended. That’s the spirit of the law. That’s what President Trump promised. Any changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard have to fix this embarrassing loophole and guarantee 15 billion gallons of ethanol actually get blended.”
Statement from Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council
“This is the theatre of the absurd. Marathon wants a small refinery hardship waiver at the very moment it is seeking to become the nation’s largest refiner by acquiring Andeavor for $23 billion. The federal government should be protecting consumers by scrutinizing mergers like this instead of handing out dividends to multibillion dollar oil companies seeking to monopolize critical energy sectors. Marathon is giving it a shot because Scott Pruitt is doing everything he can to line refiners’ pockets even if it means making a mockery of the President’s commitments to rural America.”
Growth Energy Releases Statement on Upcoming RFS Meeting Between EPA, USDA
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in advance of Thursday’s meeting between the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture to discuss the president’s plan to preserve U.S. biofuel production:
“We’re pleased the USDA is taking up the president’s call to action and pressing for an immediate E15 fix, before the start of the summer driving season. As Secretary Perdue has noted, a flood of illegitimate waivers from the EPA has resulted in 'demand destruction' for U.S. farmers at a time when rural communities can least afford it. Even petroleum giants like Marathon are now expecting ‘small refinery’ handouts.
“Regulators should, instead, focus on the president’s plan to reallocate lost biofuel gallons that were siphoned away by EPA waivers. President Trump promised to protect statutory targets under the RFS, and we support Secretary Perdue’s efforts to ensure the EPA upholds that commitment to rural families.
“There is no reason to delay action or attach unrelated gimmicks designed to benefit a few refinery owners. EPA Administrator Pruitt should stand by his word in 2017, when he vowed not to pursue an export scheme that would cannibalize demand for U.S. biofuels, destroy farm income, and spark retaliatory tariffs against the entire fuel and farm supply chain.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Tuesday May 22 Ag News
AFAN Announces its Individualized One-on-One Resource for Ag Producers Considering Expansion or Relocation
AFAN is making an enhanced resource available to agriculture producers who are considering expanding or relocating their livestock operations in Nebraska. This service provides individualized help that walks producers through the many, often complicated, steps required to gain approvals for moving or expanding their operations by connecting the producer with the organizations and resources to accomplish their goals.
One-on-One, headed by Will Keech, AFAN’s Director of Livestock Development, provides person-to-person assistance navigating a range of critical issues. Keech will help you navigate Nebraska’s state and county regulations, such as zoning restrictions, which often vary from state to state and county to county.
AFAN can assist you throughout the process, from opening discussions to the necessary paperwork. AFAN can offer guidance on site selection, financing and construction. Keech will help you open lines of communication with state agencies, agriculture groups, and the communities in which you are interested in building. And AFAN can be an advocate for producers throughout the entire county planning/zoning approval process.
“One-on-One draws upon AFAN’s network of partners and specialized resources to provide this individualized support,” says Kristen Hassebrook, AFAN’s Executive Director. “Will Keech provides the upfront expertise in this process and helps producers connect with the right research, financial, and legal experts to help them navigate successfully through the approval process.”
Producers interested in setting up a One-on-One consultation for their operations are to contact Will Keech at 402-326-8232 or at willk@a-fan.org.
A TALE OF TWO REGIONS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
East versus west. Wet versus dry. Looks like we are starting this year with very different conditions depending on where you live.
If you pay any attention to weather reports, you probably have noticed that we Nebraskans are experiencing two very different worlds of weather. Much of the Sandhills as well as the Panhandle have received relatively abundant precipitation this spring, certainly enough to give pastures a good start. Unfortunately, much of southern and eastern Nebraska are dry and getting drier.
Why is this important? I think it’s important for you to realize this when you read or listen to farm and ranch advice – advice in magazines, in newspapers, even on the radio like from me. Most advice assumes certain kinds of growing conditions. Advice for good moisture locations usually isn’t suitable for dry areas and recommendations dealing with drought rarely optimize production where rainfall is good.
I know you recognize this difference, but sometimes when advice is given it isn’t all that clear what weather conditions are required for that advice to be useful. For example, I often discuss fertilizing grasses during spring but sometimes I don’t comment much on fertilizing relative to spring soil moisture conditions. That advice assumes that moisture will be adequate to take advantage of the potential growth stimulation by the fertilizer. So – the advice is good for folks in areas with adequate moisture but should be ignored or at least modified if you are in drought.
This kind of confusion or apparently misleading advice is likely to continue until either all of us are in full drought or the entire region is back to good moisture.
Until then, only use the advice that fits your conditions.
Losey Honored as Nebraska Young Dietitian of Year
Audra Losey, Nebraska Extension educator in Douglas-Sarpy counties accepted, the Young Dietitian of the Year award by the Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year award recognizes the competence and activities of younger dietitians in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and their continued participation in Academy affairs.
Audra has served in a leadership role with NAND and most currently serves as the Nebraska House of Delegates representative. Audra also demonstrates leadership in her position with Nebraska Extension. She leads the NAP SACC Go program in Douglas and Sarpy counties. NAP SACC stands for Go Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for childcare, a program designed to promote healthy child development by supporting healthy eating physical activity for children with childcare providers. NAP SACC improved the policies, practices, and overall environment of childcare.
NEBRASKA CHICKEN AND EGGS
All layers in Nebraska during April 2018 totaled 7.76 million, down from 8.25 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Nebraska egg production during April totaled 192 million eggs, down from 203 million in 2017. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,472 eggs, compared to 2,455 eggs in 2017.
IOWA CHICKEN & EGGS
Iowa egg production during April 2018 was 1.31 billion eggs, down 3 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The average number of all layers on hand during April 2018 was 56.6 million, down slightly from last month but up 3 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for April were 2,322, down 2 percent from last month and down 3 percent from last year.
April Egg Production Up 1 Percent
United States egg production totaled 8.79 billion during April 2018, up 1 percent from last year. Production included 7.65 billion table eggs, and 1.14 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.06 billion were broiler-type and 79.6 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during April 2018 totaled 386 million, up 3 percent from last year. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,277 eggs, down 2 percent from April 2017.
All layers in the United States on May 1, 2018 totaled 385 million, up 3 percent from last year. The 385 million layers consisted of 322 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 59.3 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.46 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on May 1, 2018, averaged 75.8 eggs per 100 layers, down 1 percent from May 1, 2017.
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 12 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2018 totaled 58.9 million, up 12 percent from April 2017. Eggs in incubators totaled 56.6 million on May 1, 2018, up 17 percent from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 215 thousand during April 2018, down 12 percent from April 2017.
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 1 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2018 totaled 803 million, up 1 percent from April 2017. Eggs in incubators totaled 691 million on May 1, 2018, up 4 percent from a year ago.
Leading breeders placed 7.71 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during April 2018, up 9 percent from April 2017.
Crop Rotation Changes May Impact Manure Management Plans
As June approaches, some northern areas of the state have experienced delays in corn planting due to a cold spring that turned wet. Producers considering changes to crop rotation, should pay attention to the impact it has on manure management plans.
The Iowa Administrative Code only allows a maximum of 100 pounds N per acre manure application on ground to be planted to soybean. However, it does allow fields that had liquid manure applied at rates intended for growing corn to be switched to soybean on or after June 1 with no penalty of over-application of manure nitrogen. Thus if a field planned for corn has not been planted and will be switched to soybean, this can be done. Producers should document the changes in crop rotation, application methods and other changes in their annual manure management plans.
Given it has been a wet spring in some areas, nutrient management and specifically, nitrogen loss may be top of mind. Livestock producers with Iowa DNR manure management plans are reminded if they have already applied the maximum nitrogen rate to the field, they can’t apply additional sources of nitrogen unless the need is confirmed by the use of a Late Spring Nitrate Test. This test measures nitrate-N concentration at the 0-12 inch depth.
Results can be interpreted by the ISU Extension and Outreach publication “Use of the Late-Spring Soil Nitrate Test in Iowa Corn Production” (CROP 3140), which considers both the original fertilizer source and the amount of rain that occurred in May (excessive is more than five inches in May). When adding extra nitrogen, be sure to document soil sample results and reference the publication to interpret the test results in management plans.
While fall provided favorable application conditions, and periods in March were favorable, producers should plan ahead if not as much manure as normal is applied in the spring. Having a plan in place will help prevent potential issues from turning into problems. Keep an eye on storage, and have a plan for needed action.
Iowa Corn Farmers Host Ethanol Summit of the Asia Pacific Tour Trade Team
Following the Ethanol Summit of the Asia-Pacific in Minneapolis this week the U.S. Grains Council will hold post Summit tours for participants to be able to see the full production and value of U.S. ethanol. One such team will be arriving in Iowa this week to see U.S. corn and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) production and supply. The delegation will consist of high-level government and industry representatives from Korea, Taiwan, China, and Singapore. They will visit corn farms, ethanol plants, feed mills, fuel retailers, elevators and co-ops.
The Asia-Pacific region represents substantial market potential for increased U.S. ethanol exports. While current ethanol usage remains low, it’s the fastest growing fuel consuming region in the world. Air quality concerns required these countries to look to blending more ethanol into their fuel supply for its high octane and low-carbon advantages in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving air quality.
On Thursday, May 24 the team will tour the Absolute Energy ethanol plant in St. Ansgar, Iowa. From there, they will visit the farm of Iowa Corn Promotion Board Director Chris Edgington, a farmer from St. Ansgar who raises corn and soybeans, and operates a swine finishing operation. The next stop will be the Hansen Ag Learning Center at Iowa State University in Ames where they will learn about the latest DDGS research with Dr. John Patience.
Other stops will include the Iowa Corn office where the team will receive an overview of the organization and a briefing on Iowa’s ethanol industry, the Magellan Fuel Terminal in Pleasant Hill, Key Coop Agronomy and Feed Mill Center in Grinnell, and the family farm of Iowa Corn Promotion Board Director Roger Zylstra, a farmer from Lynnville who raises corn and soybeans, finishing hogs and cattle.
USDA Cold Storage April 2018 Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers on April 30, 2018 were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 3 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 5 percent from the previous month and up 9 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 9 percent from last month and up 93 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on April 30, 2018 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 9 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 7 percent from last month and up 5 percent from April 30, 2017.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on April 30, 2018 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 3 percent from April 30, 2017. Butter stocks were up 12 percent from last month and up 5 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks on April 30, 2018 were down 7 percent from last month and down 24 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 9 percent from last month and down 6 percent from a year ago.
Farmers Union Urges Immediate Action on E15 Waiver
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delay in allowing year-round use of E15 gasoline threatens harm to markets for family farmers, according to National Farmers Union (NFU). NFU President Roger Johnson today wrote to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, urging EPA to immediately institute a waiver for summertime sales of E15.
Johnson noted that year-round use of E15 would have significant benefits for farmers, the economy, energy independence, and the environment. Currently, an arbitrary restriction on use of E15 in summer months is limiting the amount of ethanol that can be blended into the nation’s transportation fuel supply. Yet while EPA has been actively working on allowing year-round use of E15 since October 2017, and President Donald Trump committed to allowing an E15 waiver earlier this year, EPA has yet to take any action or provide any time table as to when a waiver can be expected. This delay in issuing a waiver is threatening to upend any potential benefits of a waiver in the upcoming summer months of 2018.
“It is now May, and the summer restrictions on E15 for this year are looming with no apparent movement from EPA on this issue,” said Johnson in his letter to Administrator Pruitt. “Year-round use of E15 is not a new issue for EPA; this has long been supported by the biofuels industry and agriculture. We urge you to act in an expedited manner to follow President Trump’s direction to allow the use of E15 this summer.”
Johnson noted that farmers are currently facing severe economic difficulties, and that recent actions by EPA, such as granting numerous small refinery exemptions with little information to the public, have exacerbated these difficulties by undermining the Renewable Fuel Standard and demand for higher blends of ethanol. Johnson said a waiver on E15 is an important first step to mitigating these issues and moving the country towards use of higher blends of ethanol, like E30.
“Farmers have worked hard to build value-added markets,” he said. “The RFS and E15 provide significant economic opportunities for farmers facing increasing uncertainty and loss of demand. EPA must provide appropriate signals to the market, and this Administration must follow through on its promises.”
FSA County Committee Nominations Launch June 15
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages America’s farmers and ranchers to nominate candidates to lead, serve and represent their community on their local county committee. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept nominations for county committee members beginning Friday, June 15, 2018.
Producers across the country are already serving on committees where they play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of FSA, making important decisions on programs dealing with disaster and conservation, emergencies, commodity price loan support, county office employment and other agricultural issues.
“Our county committees make decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally to best serve the needs of agriculture in their community,” said Acting FSA Administrator Steve Peterson. “We strongly encourage all eligible producers to visit their local FSA office today to find out how to get involved in their county’s election. There’s an increasing need for representation from underserved producers, which includes beginning, women and other minority farmers and ranchers.”
Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated farmers and ranchers serve on FSA county committees, which consist of three to 11 members and meet once a month, or as needed. Members serve three-year terms.
Producers can nominate themselves or others. Check your local USDA service center to see if your local administrative area is up for election this year. Organizations, including those representing beginning, women and minority producers, may also nominate candidates to better serve their communities. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program and reside in the area where the election is being held.
To be considered, a producer must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nomination forms for the 2018 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2018. Visit farmers.gov for more information.
Membership Advocacy Is the Foundation of a Strong Organization
National Corn Growers Association has been around for – decades but when it comes to membership this farmer-led, and driven, organization is reinventing itself every day. With so many issues and outside forces impacting corn growers a strong collective voice is more important today than ever.
That’s why NCGA will be hosting a new, interactive program that will focus on member advocacy on July 25-27, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While some of the foundational recruiting methods haven’t changed, our target grower population has changed dramatically, according to Mike Shelby, NCGA association and membership services manager.
“As a grassroots advocacy group, numbers still count and when you are a shrinking part of the population, we need every farmer to join and weigh in on the issues including the next generation. So, we must ask ourselves what motivates a millennial grower to belong to a trade association today? How do we market to a younger, and more diverse grower population?” Shelby said.
That discussion will be paired with a communications training with a focus on social media and grassroots training. Getting to a busy target audience like farmers requires the right motivation and articulating the value proposition of membership, Shelby noted.
“This much we know, if we want to reach the next generation of grower-members, we need to build the next generation of ambassadors to reach them,” Shelby said. “And that’s a fundamental challenge we will tackle because it is critical to a successful future for every corn farmer and their family.”
To find out more about this opportunity, please contact the membership manager at your state corn association. Or, membership questions can be directed to Mike Shelby at shelby@ncga.com.
Argentina Grain Workers Obey Government Order to End Strike
Crushing plant workers in Argentina said on Friday they would obey a government order to lift a strike and enter mediation as soon as they received it.
The labor ministry on Friday ordered a "mandatory reconciliation" that would end the strike, which started on Thursday to protest lay-offs earlier this year by global grains trader Cargill, reports Reuters.
"We always abide by these resolutions, when it arrives we will do so," said Marco Pozzi, secretary for one of the unions that participated in the strike.
U.S.-based Cargill has faced several walk-offs since January after it laid off dozens of workers in an effort to restructure and reduce costs at some of its operations in Argentina, the world's No. 1 exporter of soyoil and meal.
Cargill said in a statement on Friday that it had replaced the workers with new employees that had identical contracts. It denied that working conditions had deteriorated.
AFAN is making an enhanced resource available to agriculture producers who are considering expanding or relocating their livestock operations in Nebraska. This service provides individualized help that walks producers through the many, often complicated, steps required to gain approvals for moving or expanding their operations by connecting the producer with the organizations and resources to accomplish their goals.
One-on-One, headed by Will Keech, AFAN’s Director of Livestock Development, provides person-to-person assistance navigating a range of critical issues. Keech will help you navigate Nebraska’s state and county regulations, such as zoning restrictions, which often vary from state to state and county to county.
AFAN can assist you throughout the process, from opening discussions to the necessary paperwork. AFAN can offer guidance on site selection, financing and construction. Keech will help you open lines of communication with state agencies, agriculture groups, and the communities in which you are interested in building. And AFAN can be an advocate for producers throughout the entire county planning/zoning approval process.
“One-on-One draws upon AFAN’s network of partners and specialized resources to provide this individualized support,” says Kristen Hassebrook, AFAN’s Executive Director. “Will Keech provides the upfront expertise in this process and helps producers connect with the right research, financial, and legal experts to help them navigate successfully through the approval process.”
Producers interested in setting up a One-on-One consultation for their operations are to contact Will Keech at 402-326-8232 or at willk@a-fan.org.
A TALE OF TWO REGIONS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
East versus west. Wet versus dry. Looks like we are starting this year with very different conditions depending on where you live.
If you pay any attention to weather reports, you probably have noticed that we Nebraskans are experiencing two very different worlds of weather. Much of the Sandhills as well as the Panhandle have received relatively abundant precipitation this spring, certainly enough to give pastures a good start. Unfortunately, much of southern and eastern Nebraska are dry and getting drier.
Why is this important? I think it’s important for you to realize this when you read or listen to farm and ranch advice – advice in magazines, in newspapers, even on the radio like from me. Most advice assumes certain kinds of growing conditions. Advice for good moisture locations usually isn’t suitable for dry areas and recommendations dealing with drought rarely optimize production where rainfall is good.
I know you recognize this difference, but sometimes when advice is given it isn’t all that clear what weather conditions are required for that advice to be useful. For example, I often discuss fertilizing grasses during spring but sometimes I don’t comment much on fertilizing relative to spring soil moisture conditions. That advice assumes that moisture will be adequate to take advantage of the potential growth stimulation by the fertilizer. So – the advice is good for folks in areas with adequate moisture but should be ignored or at least modified if you are in drought.
This kind of confusion or apparently misleading advice is likely to continue until either all of us are in full drought or the entire region is back to good moisture.
Until then, only use the advice that fits your conditions.
Losey Honored as Nebraska Young Dietitian of Year
Audra Losey, Nebraska Extension educator in Douglas-Sarpy counties accepted, the Young Dietitian of the Year award by the Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year award recognizes the competence and activities of younger dietitians in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and their continued participation in Academy affairs.
Audra has served in a leadership role with NAND and most currently serves as the Nebraska House of Delegates representative. Audra also demonstrates leadership in her position with Nebraska Extension. She leads the NAP SACC Go program in Douglas and Sarpy counties. NAP SACC stands for Go Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for childcare, a program designed to promote healthy child development by supporting healthy eating physical activity for children with childcare providers. NAP SACC improved the policies, practices, and overall environment of childcare.
NEBRASKA CHICKEN AND EGGS
All layers in Nebraska during April 2018 totaled 7.76 million, down from 8.25 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Nebraska egg production during April totaled 192 million eggs, down from 203 million in 2017. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,472 eggs, compared to 2,455 eggs in 2017.
IOWA CHICKEN & EGGS
Iowa egg production during April 2018 was 1.31 billion eggs, down 3 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The average number of all layers on hand during April 2018 was 56.6 million, down slightly from last month but up 3 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for April were 2,322, down 2 percent from last month and down 3 percent from last year.
April Egg Production Up 1 Percent
United States egg production totaled 8.79 billion during April 2018, up 1 percent from last year. Production included 7.65 billion table eggs, and 1.14 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.06 billion were broiler-type and 79.6 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during April 2018 totaled 386 million, up 3 percent from last year. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,277 eggs, down 2 percent from April 2017.
All layers in the United States on May 1, 2018 totaled 385 million, up 3 percent from last year. The 385 million layers consisted of 322 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 59.3 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.46 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on May 1, 2018, averaged 75.8 eggs per 100 layers, down 1 percent from May 1, 2017.
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 12 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2018 totaled 58.9 million, up 12 percent from April 2017. Eggs in incubators totaled 56.6 million on May 1, 2018, up 17 percent from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 215 thousand during April 2018, down 12 percent from April 2017.
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 1 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2018 totaled 803 million, up 1 percent from April 2017. Eggs in incubators totaled 691 million on May 1, 2018, up 4 percent from a year ago.
Leading breeders placed 7.71 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during April 2018, up 9 percent from April 2017.
Crop Rotation Changes May Impact Manure Management Plans
As June approaches, some northern areas of the state have experienced delays in corn planting due to a cold spring that turned wet. Producers considering changes to crop rotation, should pay attention to the impact it has on manure management plans.
The Iowa Administrative Code only allows a maximum of 100 pounds N per acre manure application on ground to be planted to soybean. However, it does allow fields that had liquid manure applied at rates intended for growing corn to be switched to soybean on or after June 1 with no penalty of over-application of manure nitrogen. Thus if a field planned for corn has not been planted and will be switched to soybean, this can be done. Producers should document the changes in crop rotation, application methods and other changes in their annual manure management plans.
Given it has been a wet spring in some areas, nutrient management and specifically, nitrogen loss may be top of mind. Livestock producers with Iowa DNR manure management plans are reminded if they have already applied the maximum nitrogen rate to the field, they can’t apply additional sources of nitrogen unless the need is confirmed by the use of a Late Spring Nitrate Test. This test measures nitrate-N concentration at the 0-12 inch depth.
Results can be interpreted by the ISU Extension and Outreach publication “Use of the Late-Spring Soil Nitrate Test in Iowa Corn Production” (CROP 3140), which considers both the original fertilizer source and the amount of rain that occurred in May (excessive is more than five inches in May). When adding extra nitrogen, be sure to document soil sample results and reference the publication to interpret the test results in management plans.
While fall provided favorable application conditions, and periods in March were favorable, producers should plan ahead if not as much manure as normal is applied in the spring. Having a plan in place will help prevent potential issues from turning into problems. Keep an eye on storage, and have a plan for needed action.
Iowa Corn Farmers Host Ethanol Summit of the Asia Pacific Tour Trade Team
Following the Ethanol Summit of the Asia-Pacific in Minneapolis this week the U.S. Grains Council will hold post Summit tours for participants to be able to see the full production and value of U.S. ethanol. One such team will be arriving in Iowa this week to see U.S. corn and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) production and supply. The delegation will consist of high-level government and industry representatives from Korea, Taiwan, China, and Singapore. They will visit corn farms, ethanol plants, feed mills, fuel retailers, elevators and co-ops.
The Asia-Pacific region represents substantial market potential for increased U.S. ethanol exports. While current ethanol usage remains low, it’s the fastest growing fuel consuming region in the world. Air quality concerns required these countries to look to blending more ethanol into their fuel supply for its high octane and low-carbon advantages in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving air quality.
On Thursday, May 24 the team will tour the Absolute Energy ethanol plant in St. Ansgar, Iowa. From there, they will visit the farm of Iowa Corn Promotion Board Director Chris Edgington, a farmer from St. Ansgar who raises corn and soybeans, and operates a swine finishing operation. The next stop will be the Hansen Ag Learning Center at Iowa State University in Ames where they will learn about the latest DDGS research with Dr. John Patience.
Other stops will include the Iowa Corn office where the team will receive an overview of the organization and a briefing on Iowa’s ethanol industry, the Magellan Fuel Terminal in Pleasant Hill, Key Coop Agronomy and Feed Mill Center in Grinnell, and the family farm of Iowa Corn Promotion Board Director Roger Zylstra, a farmer from Lynnville who raises corn and soybeans, finishing hogs and cattle.
USDA Cold Storage April 2018 Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers on April 30, 2018 were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 3 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 5 percent from the previous month and up 9 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 9 percent from last month and up 93 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on April 30, 2018 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 9 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 7 percent from last month and up 5 percent from April 30, 2017.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on April 30, 2018 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 3 percent from April 30, 2017. Butter stocks were up 12 percent from last month and up 5 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks on April 30, 2018 were down 7 percent from last month and down 24 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 9 percent from last month and down 6 percent from a year ago.
Farmers Union Urges Immediate Action on E15 Waiver
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delay in allowing year-round use of E15 gasoline threatens harm to markets for family farmers, according to National Farmers Union (NFU). NFU President Roger Johnson today wrote to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, urging EPA to immediately institute a waiver for summertime sales of E15.
Johnson noted that year-round use of E15 would have significant benefits for farmers, the economy, energy independence, and the environment. Currently, an arbitrary restriction on use of E15 in summer months is limiting the amount of ethanol that can be blended into the nation’s transportation fuel supply. Yet while EPA has been actively working on allowing year-round use of E15 since October 2017, and President Donald Trump committed to allowing an E15 waiver earlier this year, EPA has yet to take any action or provide any time table as to when a waiver can be expected. This delay in issuing a waiver is threatening to upend any potential benefits of a waiver in the upcoming summer months of 2018.
“It is now May, and the summer restrictions on E15 for this year are looming with no apparent movement from EPA on this issue,” said Johnson in his letter to Administrator Pruitt. “Year-round use of E15 is not a new issue for EPA; this has long been supported by the biofuels industry and agriculture. We urge you to act in an expedited manner to follow President Trump’s direction to allow the use of E15 this summer.”
Johnson noted that farmers are currently facing severe economic difficulties, and that recent actions by EPA, such as granting numerous small refinery exemptions with little information to the public, have exacerbated these difficulties by undermining the Renewable Fuel Standard and demand for higher blends of ethanol. Johnson said a waiver on E15 is an important first step to mitigating these issues and moving the country towards use of higher blends of ethanol, like E30.
“Farmers have worked hard to build value-added markets,” he said. “The RFS and E15 provide significant economic opportunities for farmers facing increasing uncertainty and loss of demand. EPA must provide appropriate signals to the market, and this Administration must follow through on its promises.”
FSA County Committee Nominations Launch June 15
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages America’s farmers and ranchers to nominate candidates to lead, serve and represent their community on their local county committee. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept nominations for county committee members beginning Friday, June 15, 2018.
Producers across the country are already serving on committees where they play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of FSA, making important decisions on programs dealing with disaster and conservation, emergencies, commodity price loan support, county office employment and other agricultural issues.
“Our county committees make decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally to best serve the needs of agriculture in their community,” said Acting FSA Administrator Steve Peterson. “We strongly encourage all eligible producers to visit their local FSA office today to find out how to get involved in their county’s election. There’s an increasing need for representation from underserved producers, which includes beginning, women and other minority farmers and ranchers.”
Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated farmers and ranchers serve on FSA county committees, which consist of three to 11 members and meet once a month, or as needed. Members serve three-year terms.
Producers can nominate themselves or others. Check your local USDA service center to see if your local administrative area is up for election this year. Organizations, including those representing beginning, women and minority producers, may also nominate candidates to better serve their communities. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program and reside in the area where the election is being held.
To be considered, a producer must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nomination forms for the 2018 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2018. Visit farmers.gov for more information.
Membership Advocacy Is the Foundation of a Strong Organization
National Corn Growers Association has been around for – decades but when it comes to membership this farmer-led, and driven, organization is reinventing itself every day. With so many issues and outside forces impacting corn growers a strong collective voice is more important today than ever.
That’s why NCGA will be hosting a new, interactive program that will focus on member advocacy on July 25-27, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While some of the foundational recruiting methods haven’t changed, our target grower population has changed dramatically, according to Mike Shelby, NCGA association and membership services manager.
“As a grassroots advocacy group, numbers still count and when you are a shrinking part of the population, we need every farmer to join and weigh in on the issues including the next generation. So, we must ask ourselves what motivates a millennial grower to belong to a trade association today? How do we market to a younger, and more diverse grower population?” Shelby said.
That discussion will be paired with a communications training with a focus on social media and grassroots training. Getting to a busy target audience like farmers requires the right motivation and articulating the value proposition of membership, Shelby noted.
“This much we know, if we want to reach the next generation of grower-members, we need to build the next generation of ambassadors to reach them,” Shelby said. “And that’s a fundamental challenge we will tackle because it is critical to a successful future for every corn farmer and their family.”
To find out more about this opportunity, please contact the membership manager at your state corn association. Or, membership questions can be directed to Mike Shelby at shelby@ncga.com.
Argentina Grain Workers Obey Government Order to End Strike
Crushing plant workers in Argentina said on Friday they would obey a government order to lift a strike and enter mediation as soon as they received it.
The labor ministry on Friday ordered a "mandatory reconciliation" that would end the strike, which started on Thursday to protest lay-offs earlier this year by global grains trader Cargill, reports Reuters.
"We always abide by these resolutions, when it arrives we will do so," said Marco Pozzi, secretary for one of the unions that participated in the strike.
U.S.-based Cargill has faced several walk-offs since January after it laid off dozens of workers in an effort to restructure and reduce costs at some of its operations in Argentina, the world's No. 1 exporter of soyoil and meal.
Cargill said in a statement on Friday that it had replaced the workers with new employees that had identical contracts. It denied that working conditions had deteriorated.
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