Thursday January 26 Ag News

 Farm Credit Services of America Returns $341 Million in Cash-Back Dividends

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) is returning $341 million of its 2022 net income to farmers and ranchers in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Cash-back dividend checks were mailed January 26, 2023, and will be in the hands of the customer-owners shortly.

FCSAmerica is a financial cooperative that, for the past 19 years, has shared its success through its cash-back dividend program. FCSAmerica has returned more than $2.9 billion to eligible customer-owners since 2004.

This is money that has gone into the pockets of local farmers and ranchers to invest in their operations and families and to spend in their communities.

“The benefit of our cash-back dividends grows exponentially with every investment our customer-owners make in their businesses and community,” said Mark Jensen, CEO and president of FCSAmerica. “Cash-back dividends are an important part of sharing our success with our customer-owners and supporting rural communities.”

This year’s cash-back dividend is equal to 100 basis points – or a return of 1% of a customer’s eligible daily 2022 balance with FCSAmerica. In Iowa, this equates to a 2022 payout of $124.5 million. This puts the total net income returned to Iowa farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses in the past 19 years at $1.2 billion.

The share of the 2022 cash-back dividend going to Nebraska customer-owners is $112.9 million for a 19-year total of nearly $906 million. South Dakota and Wyoming customer-owners have been mailed $56.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively, in 2022 cash-back dividends. Since 2004, FCSAmerica has returned a total of $561.5 million to South Dakota and nearly $68 million to Wyoming.

Customers whose cash-back dividends are distributed to locations outside FCSAmerica’s service territory are not included in the state-by-state totals.  

The Board of Directors for FCSAmerica also has approved a cash-back dividend to be paid from the cooperative’s 2023 net earnings, the amount of which will be determined in December.



Cuming Co Feeders Spring Events

Save the date for the Cuming County Feeders membership social Monday, February 20 at Indian Trails in Beemer.  Doors open at 6pm with a dinner & social time. Do not need to be a member to attend. And mark your calendar for the NEW banquet date, March 25th in West Point.



Schuyler Teacher Surprised with Teacher of the Year Award for Bringing Agriculture into the Classroom

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation surprised Schuyler Elementary School teacher Ann Sobota with the 2023 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year award at a school assembly on Jan. 26.  The award is given to outstanding teachers that incorporate agriculture into their classroom through innovative ideas and lessons.

“Ann Sobota is a dedicated teacher who incorporates yearlong learning with Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom. Her active participation makes her a great fit to be awarded for integrating agriculture into core classroom learning. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is pleased to honor her,” said Courtney Shreve, director of outreach education.

Sobota, a kindergarten teacher at Schuyler Elementary School, has been teaching for seven years. She participates in the Ag Pen Pal Program and Classroom Visits and was awarded a field trip grant for her classroom to take a trip to a dairy farm this spring.

“I’m so excited to take my students to the dairy farm this spring. This will be the first time visiting an actual dairy farm! Most of my students have never seen a dairy cow up close before and have never seen how we get milk from them,” said Sobota. “The field trip will also be a great way for my students to see the technology that goes into getting milk. It will definitely be an experience for everyone to remember for the rest of their lives.”

Sobota also participates in Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom’s Classroom Visits. During these visits a professional educator comes into the classroom and teaches a grade-specific, hands-on lesson where students learn agriculture is their source of food, clothes, and shelter.

“My students have really loved the lesson, Apples Inside and Out. The students are super engaged and excited throughout this Nebraska agriculture lesson because they are able to put what they just learned into some real-life experiences,” said Sobota.

Sobota’s class also participated in the Ag Pen Pal program where they are paired with a Nebraska farmer to exchange letters.  Sobota’s students love looking at the pictures that they receive from their pen pal.

Sobota will receive an expense-paid trip to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, an accurate agriculture book bundle featuring 12 books and corresponding literature guides, and a $250 cash prize. The conference, held June 26-29, 2023, in Orlando, FL, brings educators together from all over the United States to learn how to use agricultural concepts to effectively teach core subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies. The conference features recognition for Teacher of the Year honorees, educational workshops, traveling workshops to agribusinesses and research facilities, and farm tours.



Extension offering financial record-keeping course for farmers and ranchers

The next session of “Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options,” Nebraska Extension’s four-part record-keeping course, will be held virtually from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Central time on Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Participants should plan on attending each of the four workshop dates. The course requires participants to have an internet connection.

This course is designed to help farmers and ranchers understand their current financial position and how big decisions like large purchases, new leases or changes in production will affect their bottom line. Participants will work through the financial statements of a case study farm, watching pre-recorded videos, completing assignments, and participating in video chats. Upon completion of this program, participants will have a better understanding of how financial records can be used to make decisions and confidently discuss their financial position with their family, business partners, and lenders.

The course fee is $20 per participant and class size is limited to 20 people. Registration will close Feb. 1 and may be completed on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2020-70028-32728.



Nebraska Cattlemen Selects Priority Bills for the First Half of the 108th Legislative Session

Yesterday, during their annual Legislative Committee meeting, Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) selected three priority bills, LB783, LB242, and LB243, and took positions on eighty-nine pieces of legislation for the first half of the 108th Nebraska Unicameral legislative session

Jerry Kuenning, Chair of the NC Legislative Committee stated, “One of our most important jobs as Nebraska Cattlemen leadership is to support policies to protect Nebraska’s beef cattle producers. After a thorough review process, we have selected three priority bills, in accordance with Nebraska Cattlemen policy, that reinforce the dire need for property tax reform in our state. Property tax reform is critical for rural vitality, and we look forward to working with our state legislators to leave a better Nebraska for future generations of producers.”

LB783 brought forth by Senator Dave Murman (District 38) aims to eliminate community college districts’ ability to levy property taxes beginning in FY2026-27.

Further, Senator Tom Briese (District 41) introduced LB242 and LB243 to change existing legislation and provide additional property tax relief. LB242 seeks to change provisions of the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive Act, by removing the 5% allowable growth percentage cap and setting the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive at $1 billion for 2024. Senator Briese’s LB243 sets the minimum amount of relief granted under the Property Tax Credit Act at $700 million for 2024.

Background
Nebraska Cattlemen played a key role in the adoption of the largest tax relief package ever in the history of Nebraska, LB873, during the 107th Legislative Session. Specifically, the $205 million in property tax relief involving community colleges was a direct result of the work NC completed last winter in the Nebraska Cattlemen Taxation working group. Property tax relief remains one of Nebraska Cattlemen’s utmost priorities for the first half of the 108th legislative session.



Smith Named Trade Subcommittee Chair

Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) was named Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee. Smith released the following statement:

“American consumers and producers are being forced to the sidelines of the global economy because of the Biden administration’s failure to put forward a proactive trade agenda. Trade has the potential to lower costs for American families, level the playing field for American products abroad, and expand opportunities for American small businesses.

“As chair of the Trade Subcommittee, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure we use every trade tool at our disposal to tackle supply chain and inflation crises, open new markets for American producers, and hold both our trading partners and bad actors accountable. We must also immediately reauthorize MTB and GSP. Considering each program’s broad, bipartisan support, there is no excuse for further delay in getting this done.

“Trade has never been more important to consumers and producers – it’s past time for our work to reflect that importance.”
 
Smith, a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, also serves on the Health as well as Work and Welfare Subcommittees. He served as Ranking Member of the Trade Subcommittee in the 117th Congress. Additionally, he previously chaired the Subcommittee on Human Resources and was Ranking Republican on the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures.



Impact of Irrigation Technologies on Water Use

When investing in new irrigation technologies (e.g., cost-share programs), it is important to understand what the benefits are for both the producer and the watershed. The various components of the water cycle help explain how changes at the field scale impact water resources at the watershed scale. Consumptive use of water is a particularly important topic for making this connection; however, consumptive use tends to be a difficult concept to grasp.

A new NebGuide addresses this need by providing a clear presentation of the topic of consumptive use in the context of irrigated crop production. In the NebGuide, guidelines are given for determining whether a new irrigation technology that may reduce water withdrawals for irrigation will also reduce consumptive use of water, resulting in more water stored in the watershed, available to other water users or for later use.

The new extension publication, “Impact of Irrigation Technologies on Water Use,” is available online at https://bit.ly/3XTOCqG.

The NebGuide was reviewed by Xin Qiao, Chuck Burr and Aaron Nygren.



Farm Bureau Reminds Nebraskans to Claim Their Property Tax Relief During Tax Season

Nebraska Farm Bureau is reminding Nebraskans to claim their property tax relief through the state’s refundable income tax credit. The refundable income tax credit is considered property tax relief as the credit is based on property taxes paid to K-12 schools and community colleges. Nebraskans who paid property taxes on real property in 2022 are eligible to claim a credit equal to 30 percent of the property taxes paid to both K-12 schools and community colleges when they file Nebraska income taxes.

“Nebraska Farm Bureau was a strong advocate for the legislation that created the refundable credit for property taxes paid to K-12 schools. We were equally strong proponents for the legislation that passed last year establishing a similar credit for property taxes paid to community colleges,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president. “Farm Bureau is working to provide tax relief and we don’t want Nebraskans to miss out on claiming their refund, particularly when it’s worth nearly a third of the taxes they paid to schools and community colleges. Nebraska property taxpayers could see thousands of dollars in tax relief.”

To claim the credit, Nebraskans need to include Form PTC 2022 when they file their income taxes, which can be found on the Nebraska Department of Revenue website. Those who haven’t claimed the credit for property taxes paid to K-12 schools in 2020 or 2021 can still do so using the PTCX Forms. Nebraska Farm Bureau has made it easy by setting up webpage with a step-by-step video to help Nebraskans fill out the correct forms to claim the refundable income tax credit. The page can be accessed by visiting www.nefb.org/taxcredit. Nebraska Farm Bureau recommends seeking guidance from a tax professional or the Nebraska Department of Revenue for specific questions on the tax credit. More background on the credit can be found on their website.

Nebraskans can also help protect the property tax relief provided by the state by encouraging their peers serving on local government and school boards to hold the line on spending, particularly in areas where property valuations have climbed significantly, creating a windfall that allows those entities to collect more property taxes.

“Controlling spending at the local level is key to reducing property taxes and preventing erosion of the property tax relief the Legislature has provided through the tax credit for property taxes,” said McHargue. “We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Jim Pillen, the Legislature, and local elected leaders to provide property tax relief for Nebraskans.”



 FSA Reminds Producers of ARC/PLC Commodity Crop Safety Net Enrollment for 2023 Production Season
 
Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding producers now is the time to make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year. The signup period is open through March 15, 2023, and producers are encouraged to begin working with their USDA county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office now to complete the process.

Producers can learn about the ARC and PLC options during a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Cathy Anderson, production and compliance programs chief for the Nebraska Farm Service Agency, and Brad Lubben, extension policy specialist in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics, will present and share information relevant for producers, ag professionals and ag stakeholders.

Registration for the webinar is free and can be found at cap.unl.edu/webinars.

ARC and PLC are key USDA safety-net programs that help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops.

“Safety-net programs like ARC and PLC are designed to help producers mitigate some of the financial stressors associated with crop production. I encourage farmers to evaluate their program elections and enroll for the 2023 crop year,” said Nebraska FSA State Executive Director John Berge.

ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guaranteed level. PLC provides income support payments on historical base acres when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its reference price.

Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.

Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC on a crop-by-crop basis, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2023 crop year. Although election changes for 2023 are optional, enrollment (signed contract) is required for each year of the program. If a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm, it will be necessary to sign a new contract for the farm by the March 15th deadline if a 2023 election change is desired.

If an election is not submitted by the deadline of March 15, 2023, the election defaults to the current election for crops on the farm from the prior crop year.

All program participants are encouraged to review their previous program elections, Berge said.



Christie Wiebbecke Selected as Senior Director of Research for the Iowa Soybean Association's Research Center for Farming Innovation
 
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) welcomes Christie Wiebbecke, Ph.D., as the senior director of research for ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI). After nearly two decades in research and development with an emphasis in soybean breeding, Christie assumes leadership of the nationally recognized research team.
 
“I am thrilled to join ISA’s RCFI serving Iowa farmers,” says Wiebbecke. “After spending most of my career focused on genetics and varietal selection, I am excited to champion on-farm research and implementation efforts of the RCFI team enhancing the capabilities of Iowa soybean operations to improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability.”
 
An Iowa native, Wiebbecke received her Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Iowa State University and Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Breeding from Iowa State University.
 
Wiebbecke began her career as a teacher, sharing her passion for learning, science and agriculture with students. She then channeled her efforts on research and development, focusing on soybean breeding for more than 16 years, including a decade spent as a soybean breeder developing new varieties for farmers. Most recently, Christie served as a soybean technical product manager with Corn States—Bayer’s commercial licensing organization.
 
“We are so excited to have Christie join the ISA team as she assumes overall leadership of our research and conservation programs and projects,” says Kirk Leeds, ISA CEO. “ISA continues to provide real world answers and solutions to the research challenges that Iowa’s soybean farmers are facing. Christie will lead a team focused on using the best information possible to help farmers improve agronomic performance while enhancing and expanding conservation practices.”
 
Wiebbecke was named to the position following the May 2023 retirement of Ed Anderson, Ph.D., who will continue to serve soybean farmers in a contractual role as executive director of the North Central Soybean Research Program.
 
To get involved with ISA research, visit iasoybeans.com.



Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to offer free, educational programs

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will host three educational programs during the month of February. Tanner Lawton, ICA member services manager said each program will include a meal, educational sessions, a trade show, and an industry update from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council.

“We felt it was important to bring more educational opportunities to your backyard this year. Each forum will feature guest speakers talking about a variety of industry topics and a trade show with vendors ready to share their newest products and technologies to help make your operation more efficient and profitable,” he said.

On Feb. 7, in Guthrie Center, Iowa, Dr. Lee Schulz, Iowa State University Livestock Economist, will provide attendees with a Cattle Market Outlook while Randie Culbertson, Cow-Calf Specialist at Iowa State University, will discuss practices and preparations to consider implementing this year.

In Cascade, Iowa, on Feb. 8, Stockguard will discuss the importance of preparing and protecting your operation from declines in market practices for financial stability. Carl Babler will also provide a Cattle Market Outlook update.

The final Cattle Producer Forum in February will be held on Feb. 23 in Royal, Iowa. Attendees can count on a Cattle Market Outlook update from Zach Tindall with Producers Livestock.

All events begin at 5 p.m.

Producers can register to attend by calling 515-296-2266. Registration is not required, but appreciated. Walk-ins are welcome. Non-members are encouraged to attend for $20.

February 7, 2023
Guthrie Co. Fairgrounds
Community Building
408 W State St., Guthrie Center, IA

February 8, 2023
Legion Hall
301 Jackson St. NE, Cascade, IA

February 23, 2023
The Great Hall of Royal
300 1st Ave., Royal, IA

If you can’t make it in February, there are three other opportunities during March. More details for these forums will be available soon.

March 1, 2023
Washington Co. Extension Office
2223 250th St., Washington, IA

March 21, 2023
Keystone Turner Hall
91 2nd Ave., Keystone, IA

March 28, 2023
Newton Fore Seasons
6232 Hwy S74 S, Newton, IA



Iowa Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a farmer or forestland owner who is improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2023 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Iowa, the award is presented with state partners: Conservation Districts of Iowa, Farmers National Company, and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Given in honor of renowned conservation Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac”, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

The application deadline is July 1, 2023. Applications can be emailed to Award@sandcountyfoundation.org. Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.   

The recipient receives $10,000, and their conservation success story will be featured in a video and in other outreach. The recipient will be announced at The Big Soil Health Event in December. Last year’s inaugural recipient of the award was Pinhook Farm of Clarinda.

“It’s critical we continue to recognize and life up the Iowa farmers and ranchers who are prioritizing conservation on their working lands,” said Sally Worley, Practical Farmers of Iowa Executive Director. “PFI is proud to support the Iowa Leopold Conservation Award and its commitment to conservation in agriculture.”

“The landowner plays a critical role in the conservation of America’s farmland resources. Sustainable practices not only benefit the local environment and community, but also improves the quality and value of the land as an asset for the current owner, and future generations,” said Clayton Becker, Farmers National Company President. “This is why Farmers National Company is honored to sponsor this prestigious award recognizing hard work and a commitment to conservation.”

“The conservation ethic inspired by Aldo Leopold is very strong in Iowa. He was born and raised in Iowa where he learned to love the land. That same land is now loved and preserved by many other great conservationists,” said John Whitaker, Conservation Districts of Iowa Executive Director.

“Recipients of this award are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The Iowa Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Farmers National Company, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Sand County Foundation, Soil Regen, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nancy and Marc DeLong, Iowa Corn, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, and Iowa Farmers Union.   



Summit Panel Will Explore Ethanol Markets Beyond Vehicles

When most people think of ethanol use, they think of cars, SUVs and other light-duty vehicles. However, interest in cleaner, greener and cheaper alternatives to fossil fuels is opening up new markets. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit has brought together a panel of experts to share their work to unlock these alternative uses for ethanol.

The Beyond Vehicles: New Opportunities for Ethanol panel will include:  
    Lindsay Fitzgerald, Vice President of Government Relations for Gevo, Inc, a company working to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from ethanol.
    Dr. BJ Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of ClearFlame Engine Technologies, whose advances are unlocking heavy-duty engines for ethanol.
    John Rosenfeld, Vice President Commercial/Strategic for Proteum Energy, who is working on an ethanol-to-hydrogen pathway.
    Moderator: Grant Menke, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and former Vice President of Market Development for the Iowa Corn Promotion Board.

“While ethanol is poised to remain the premier low carbon fuel for light-duty vehicles for decades to come, emerging market opportunities highlight exciting growth opportunities that could boost the farm economy,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “These experts will shed some light on their technologies specifically and on the exciting future of new ethanol uses in general.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit is taking place on February 7 at the Community Choice Convention Center at the Iowa Events Center. Attendance is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register to attend and learn more, visit IowaRenewableFuelsSummit.org.



First-of-Its-Kind Research Identifies $400 Million in Unrealized Soybean Value

In some instances, two heads are better than one. For a new multi-regional research effort, five organizations put their heads together to achieve full genetic yield potential of the soybean. A new partnership, the first of its kind in more than 40 years, aims to increase soybean flower and pod retention. This unrealized value could bring $50 per acre or $400 million in economic return for U.S. soybean farmers.

The collaborative focus will test how heat and drought impact flower bud retention. Flower production dictates the final pod number and, ultimately, yield in soybeans. The Atlantic Soybean Council, Mid-South Soybean Board, North Central Soybean Research Program, Southern Soybean Research Program and United Soybean Board all agree this is a priority issue impacting the entire industry.

“Farmer-leaders across the major soybean regions came together and asked: ‘What roadblocks do we face, and how can we combine research dollars to make the most impact?’” said Suzanne Shirbroun, president of the North Central Soybean Research Program and Iowa farmer. “While we all farm differently across the country, we also share common challenges. Together we can focus on one large-scale research objective to reduce a major deterrent that limits productivity.”

Although flower retention is a leading cause of soybean yield loss in the U.S., no organized effort exists to address it. Farmers experience about 30% of flower loss under favorable conditions and up to 80% under drought and heat stress.

Texas Tech University, in collaboration with Kansas State University, the University of Missouri and the University of Tennessee, will lead the research on this national effort. At the helm, Principal Investigator Krishna Jagadish at Texas Tech University will compile data from dryland, irrigated, severe drought and heat stress growing conditions. In total, 250 diverse genotypes with publicly available whole genome resequencing data will be assessed over the span of this three-year farmer investment.

“The collaboration and alignment of research priorities among our farmers enable advancement of groundbreaking collaboration by regional soybean research groups,” said Keenan McRoberts, Ph.D., United Soybean Board vice president of strategic alignment. “This partnership and the resulting collaborative investment could improve the future of soybean production. It has the potential to strengthen soybean resiliency, increase productivity and bring economic returns back to the farm.”

Understanding the genetic diversity of flower loss opens the door to untapped yield potential in soybeans. The novel phenotyping system, which detects expressions of the various genotypes, will:
    Capture genetic variation across cultivars.
    Identify molecular switches to enhance flower and pod retention.
    Help develop advanced breeding lines. Ultimately, the goal is to increase flower and pod retention by 20% to 30%. That in turn could enhance yields by 10% to 15%.

“Partnering on research of this magnitude is especially important as we continue to experience challenging weather events,” said Shirbroun. “This is one example of how we can invest checkoff dollars collectively that benefits soybean farmers across 30-plus states.”



 Exports Buoy Dairy as Inflation Erodes Domestic Demand

Retail dairy product price inflation continued to affect domestic commercial use of milk during the September–November period, even as inflation itself rose more slowly than in previous months. U.S. dairy exports that are on track to set a new calendar-year record as a percent of U.S. milk solids production, at about 18 percent, helped buttress prices against the domestic-use decline. The national average milk price continues its gradual decline from the all-time high it achieved in May, while still remaining at historically high levels. Stocks of butter and cheese continue to drop, but so do their prices as well.

Price-feed cost margins under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program remained well above the $9.50/cwt maximum coverage level in November, but forecasts indicate the margin will soon drop below this level for well into the summer.

VIEW FULL REPORT https://www.nmpf.org/exports-buoy-dairy-as-inflation-erodes-domestic-demand/.  




American Dairy Coalition announces 2023 federal policy priorities, action plan

American Dairy Coalition, a grassroots dairy farmer-led organization with diverse geographic representation, announced federal policy priorities and an action plan for 2023.
 
“Our ongoing efforts have been focused on raising awareness of short- and long-term challenges, collaborating with experts to understand these challenges, proposing practical solutions, and engaging dairy farmers to have a strong independent producer voice at the table on issues of dairy markets and policy,” said Laurie Fischer, ADC CEO.
 
Milk Pricing
 One key short-term priority is to see the Class I milk price ‘mover’ returned to its previous ‘higher of’ formula in the 2023 Farm Bill.
 
“The 2018 Farm Bill made the change away from the ‘higher of’ to a ‘simple average’ with a 74-cent adjuster without hearings and without producer referendum. We want to see an equally quick path to change it back,” said Fischer. “We understand this change was intended to be revenue-neutral, but producers ended up being harmed by how it affected their milk checks and risk management strategies, especially during periods of market stress and volatility when they have the most risk to manage.”
 
For the long-term, ADC seeks a national Farm Bill hearing on the sustainability of Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO).
 
“The systemic issues of declining fluid milk sales and declining FMMO participation create instability and uncertainty for dairy farmers. The FMMO system is the only structure for price discovery, market transparency, payment oversight, and other services in an increasingly less competitive, less transparent, and globally significant dairy market, where farmers have fewer milk buyer options and more demands being placed on their farm business practices,” Fischer said.
 
Nutrition Innovation
 Declining Class I fluid milk sales and declining overall FMMO participation have accelerated during the decade since 2012, when federal nutrition policies removed whole and 2% milk options from schools and other nutrition programs.
 
Class I fluid milk sales are what the FMMO system is based on, and Class I milk processors are the only ones required to be regulated by the FMMO.
 
“In our webinars and discussions with experts, we see Class I sales are now below 20% of total U.S. milk production. This decline and the Class I pricing change together create conditions for massive de-pooling of milk,” Fischer pointed out, citing data showing federal and state milk marketing order participation fell from a high of 85 to 95% prior to 2012, to 60% in 2021.
 
“Fluid milk has been under attack. We want to see federal policies prioritize nutrient density and release the vice-grip of fat restrictions while restoring truth and integrity in the labeling of milk and dairy products vs. non-dairy alternatives so consumers are able to make informed choices for themselves and their families,” she said.
 
ADC supports restoring whole milk in federal nutrition programs like National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and WIC. This includes exempting nutrient-dense foods like whole milk from the fat limits the Dietary Guidelines impose on nutrition programs and dairy checkoff promotions.
 
“We believe pilot programs to get whole white and whole chocolate milk options back into schools would empower children to make healthy choices, to choose milk they will enjoy and therefore benefit from, and improve the next generation performance of the fluid milk category,” she said.
 
Conservation and Climate
“Cows are also under attack, and ADC is standing up for them as dairy farmers face increased public and private scrutiny of methane emissions. In today’s ‘net-zero’ world -- with the complications of climate targets and data tracking -- it is critical that public and private policies reflect the truth: Cows are not cars,” said Fischer.
 
“An enormous error is being made in calculating the global warming potential of cow belches using a calculation that greatly overstates their impact. Cow biology is part of a natural cycle that has been going on since the beginning of time. If we don’t get this fundamental methane calculation correct -- using GWP-star instead of GWP100 -- farmers will find themselves constantly trying to make up for the natural biology of their cows, even though this belched methane is not new. It is continually recycled through the air, plants, cattle, and the nutrient-dense milk and dairy foods they produce,” Fischer notes.
 
This methane, this carbon equivalent, is short-lived, not long-lived. It is existing carbon that is recycled, not previously sequestered carbon being extracted.
 
“Cattle truly are recyclers and upcyclers, and dairy farmers are essential food producers that are closest to nature as the bottom rung of the vital food production ladder. It is essential that sustainability initiatives be voluntary and incentive-based, not punitive. It’s essential that farmer access to capital and markets not hinge on climate targets, that farmers get credit for what they are already doing, that they be recognized as leaders and have the ability to retain control and ownership of their data and achievements as part of their own farm’s footprint -- no matter how those credits may be counted within or outside of the supply chain,” Fischer added.
 
American Dairy Coalition is ready to collaborate on these and other priorities so that all sectors of the dairy industry can successfully manage their businesses producing vital milk and dairy foods and getting them from farm to table in a hungry, dynamic changing world.



National FFA Organization Selected to Participate in the Advancing Racial Equity Community of Practice Initiative

The National FFA Organization is excited to announce its participation in a new community of practice with other nonprofit organizations focused on advancing racial equity. Over the next six months, leaders in the National FFA Organization will work with The Bridgespan Group to strengthen their approach to advancing racial equity internally and externally. The Advancing Racial Equity Community of Practice, led by The Bridgespan Group, is funded by the Walmart Foundation.

“We believe FFA and agricultural education is a place for all,” said Scott Stump, CEO of the National FFA Organization. “By partnering with other nonprofits through this initiative, we can expand our capacity to seek and promote inclusion and diversity in our membership, leadership, and staff to reflect the belief of the FFA in the value of all human beings.”

 The National FFA Organization is participating in the cohort alongside nine organizations: American Red Cross, Center for the Future of Arizona, Education Design Lab, Goodwill Industries International, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Team Rubicon, The Recycling Partnership, Winrock International, and World Wildlife Fund.  

The Walmart Foundation is providing philanthropic funding to the National FFA Organization. The funding will assist in supporting the National FFA Organization to collaborate with others to share best practices and learnings on their work to prioritize equity.

“We can make a greater impact when we come together to support each other’s journeys to advance racial equity,” said Kirstie Sims, Senior Director, Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity. “We heard from many nonprofit organizations we work with, at varying sizes and points in their racial equity journey, that they wanted to learn and share best practices, knowledge and challenges with others. The Bridgespan Group’s leadership of the Advancing Racial Equity Community of Practice provides that space.”    



Growth Energy Applauds DOE Investment in Biofuels Projects

Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Energy's announcement that it would allocate $118 million to expand the production of biofuels:

“The funds awarded today by the DOE will undoubtedly accelerate the innovations taking place at U.S. ethanol plants, opening new opportunities for low-cost, low-carbon energy. As the president has said, we simply can't get to net-zero by 2050 without biofuels. Today's announcement shows that DOE remains committed to that mission. We're excited to see new technologies scaled up with these funds, particularly the work underway at Marquis, Inc., a Growth Energy member slated to receive $8 million for a project that combines CO2 with low-carbon hydrogen to create a new production stream of extra-low-carbon ethanol, slashing emissions by at least 70% or more compared to petroleum-based alternatives.
 
Growth Energy applauds the Biden administration for delivering another powerful demonstration of ethanol’s role in our clean energy future."



USDA Issues First National Hemp Report

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced today the issuance of the first edition of the new weekly National Hemp Report (pdf). The free and publicly available National Hemp Report (https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/fvhemp.pdf) provides unbiased, timely, and accurate data to help industry stakeholders make business decisions.

The National Hemp Report contains retail advertised prices of hemp products nationally and by region, along with volumes and cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) values of hemp imports into the United States. The report will be issued every Wednesday.

“USDA has recognized the hemp industry’s need for timely market information,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The National Hemp Report will equip stakeholders with weekly price and volume information to help guide smart business decisions.”

Retail advertised prices for hemp are currently available as part of the National Retail Report-Specialty Crops. This new report will be the first-time movement volumes or CIF values of hemp commodities will be published by USDA Market News. It is also the first Market News report dedicated solely to this new commodity group. The National Hemp Report will expand in the future to include additional market information pending ongoing industry engagement.

The National Hemp Report, along with other Market News reports and data, is available on the AMS Specialty Crops Market News web page. You can reach the report through the Hemp Production webpage. You can also subscribe to receive the report through the USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System (ESMIS). Additionally, the National Hemp Report is available on My Market News and through the USDA Market News App. The free app is available in both iOS and Android versions and may be downloaded through the Apple and Google Play stores.

Wednesday January 25 Ag News

 Nebraska Cattlemen Announces Laura Field as Executive Vice President

Today, the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Board of Directors announced Laura Field will begin serving as NC’s Executive Vice President on March 1, 2023. Laura is a decade long citizen of Nebraska who hails from a rural community in Texas. She is a sixth-generation member of a purebred seedstock cattle operation on the Texas gulf coast and has worked in agricultural policy and government affairs for almost twenty years.  

President of Nebraska Cattlemen, Steve Hanson, stated, “Laura’s extensive experience advocating for the beef industry will greatly benefit our members and she will undoubtedly strengthen our organization. We look forward to Laura’s arrival and are excited to work alongside her to serve Nebraska’s beef cattle producers.”

Laura Field said, "I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to work alongside Nebraska cattle producers. The strengths of the Nebraska beef industry are many, and Nebraska Cattlemen is uniquely suited to represent the interests of the various sectors of cattle production by finding common ground in advancing solutions to meet the needs of all beef producers. Growing up in a ranching family, I am excited to serve those I have long admired; the men, women, youth and families who comprise this great industry."

Laura spent ten years as a partner in a government affairs firm in Denver, Colorado before moving to Nebraska and working as the Vice President of Government Affairs for Nebraska Cattlemen. While at NC, she worked with leadership and membership to help advance the state legislative agenda for the association. She then served as Legislative Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). Laura has extensive beef industry experience including working in livestock production, industry infrastructure expansion efforts, marketing, water and natural resources policy, and agriculturally focused tax reform efforts.

Laura holds a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Education from Texas Tech University and a Master of Agriculture degree from Colorado State University.

She and her husband Tom live just north of Lincoln and are proud of the three young couples and a rising set of 10-year-olds that comprise their family.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Governor Jim Pillen’s State of the State Address

“Nebraska Farm Bureau supports the governor’s vision and his efforts to say 'no' to overspending and shrink state government. We continue to support the governor’s focus on giving money back to Nebraskans via historic property and income tax cuts. We also appreciate him recognizing that Nebraska’s valuation system of property for tax purposes is a concern and must be addressed.”

“Governor Pillen’s pledge to have the state take on more responsibility for funding our public schools is a step in the right direction. Our policy set by members line up with the vision the governor has to reduce the property and income tax burdens on Nebraskans. We endorsed Governor Pillen because of his promise to lower taxes and slow government spending and we applaud his efforts to make this happen.”



U.S. Custom Harvesters to Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Annual Convention
 
U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. (USCHI) will celebrate its 40th anniversary as an organization that serves the custom harvesting industry at their Annual Convention in Omaha, Nebraska, February 2-5, 2023.
 
The Annual Convention will host more than 600 members from across the country and will showcase a 146,000 square foot tradeshow, combine clinics, forage clinics, state meetings, women’s and kids’ events, a children’s safety day, entertainment from Big Time Grain Company and speakers, including social influencer and advocate for agriculture, Farm Babe (Michelle Miller). Mike Less - Farmhand Mike will also attend the convention.

“USCHI’s Annual Convention is the yearly capstone for our organization. It’s a chance for our organization to connect members with machinery and equipment manufacturers and gather to discuss what’s happening in the industry – from inflated costs to new legislation that will affect our workforce,” said JC Schemper, USCHI board president. “This year kicks off the 40th year of our organization representing custom harvesters. The convention will provide educational opportunities for policy solutions, technology advancements, and more within the industry.”

The trade show will feature sponsors such as AGCO Corporation, Case IH, CLAAS of America, John Deere, Pipe Ag, MACDON Industries, JCB North America, INSPRO - a Marsh McLennan agency, and more to demonstrate the newest equipment and technology to USCHI members and harvest crews.
 
In addition to the program, the board of directors will promote and elect new leaders for the organization. JC Schemper, current president, will move to an advisor role, while David Misener rises to President. Paul Paplow is running for Vice President and Mark Anderson, Nick Dietrick, Pat Farris, and Mychal Neumiller are running for the two open board seats.



Webinars Presented by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska

Herd Liquidation Impacts to Beef Cattle and Feedlot Operations
Feb 2, 2023 12:00 PM
Elliott Dennis, Assistant Professor, UNL Agricultural Economics
The 2023 Cattle Inventory is released at the end of January. We’ll review the numbers, discuss where herd liquidation has occurred, and how this will impact inventory and, ultimately, prices in 2023 and 2024.


Farm Program Safety Net Options: ARC and PLC in 2023
Feb 7, 2023 12:00 PM
Cathy Anderson, production and compliance programs chief, Nebraska Farm Service Agency
and Brad Lubben, extension policy specialist, UNL

Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding producers that now is the time to make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year. The signup period is open through March 15, 2023, and producers are encouraged to begin working with their USDA county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office now to complete the process.

ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guaranteed level. PLC provides income support payments on historical base acres when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its reference price.

Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC on a crop-by-crop basis, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2023 crop year. Although election changes for 2023 are optional, enrollment (signed contract) is required for each year of the program. If a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm, it will be necessary to sign a new contract for the farm by the March 15th deadline if a 2023 election change is desired.

This webinar will cover these options for producers and explain the details of each election possibility.


Producer Perspectives: Farm and Ranch Transition and Succession
Feb 9, 2023 12:00 PM
Allan Vyhnalek, Succession and Transition Educator, Nebraska Extension

Nebraska Extension educator Allan Vyhnalek interviewed two families in 2022. One is transitioning his operation to neighbors and the other family is succeeding the operation and has three active generations working the operation. Learn about how these families handle each situation and gain insight on transition and succession from Nebraska producers going through the process, as well as Vyhnalek, who draws on his four decades of experience working with Nebraska producers through extension.


Agricultural Land Management Quarterly
Feb 20, 2023 11:00 AM
Jim Jansen, Agricultural Economist, Nebraska Extension
and Allan Vyhnalek, Farm and Ranch Succession and Transition Educator, Nebraska Extension

Offered since 2019, the quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season.

The February webinar will examine methods for setting cash rents, flex lease alternatives and considerations for updating agricultural rental arrangements for 2023. It will include an “Ask the Experts” session, offering participants the chance to get answers to their land or lease questions.


The Growing Climate Solutions Act
Mar 9, 2023 12:00 PM
Dave Aiken, Agricultural Law and Water Law Specialist, Nebraska Extension

The Growing Climate Solutions Act became law in December 2022. The act will provide significantly more transparency in the ag carbon credit market. Individuals or companies offering ag carbon market services will be able to register with USDA in 2024 and be listed on a national USDA ag carbon market registry. The webinar will offer an overview of the legislation and what it means for agriculture.


The Growing Role of Government in Livestock Markets
Mar 16, 2023 12:00 PM
Brad Lubben, Associate Professor and Extension Policy Specialist, UNL
and Elliott Dennis, Assistant Professor and Extension Livestock Economist, UNL.

Since 2008 when livestock was given its first major title in the 2008 Farm Bill, the federal government has continued to provide more assistance to livestock producers. This assistance includes new federal programs, changes to existing programs, and an increasing amount of ad-hoc payments. We will describe the history of the growth of government in livestock markets, provide an overview of all the available programs for livestock producers, and discuss whether this new role is ultimately a net benefit to producers.

To register for any of these webinars, follow this link: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 



Trish Cook is First Woman to Lead Iowa Pork Producers
    
A Buchanan County pig farmer, Trish Cook, is the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). The change in leadership took place following the IPPA annual meeting on Jan. 24.

Cook is the first woman to be president of IPPA, but she points out that leadership in agriculture always depends on teamwork, whether that’s on the farm or in the board room. “The things that are important to me are the things that are important to ALL pork producers,” she said as she took the gavel.

“In pork production we depend on teamwork. My husband, Aaron, and I work as a team. I will work as a team with the board, county organizations, and the staff.  I look forward in representing all of Iowa’s pork producers as we address the challenges and opportunities ahead."

Cook, who had served as president-elect in 2022, replaces Kevin Rasmussen of Goldfield. Rasmussen now holds the past president position on the IPPA Board of Directors. Both Cook and Rasmussen will serve one-year terms in their new roles.

The Cook family owns and operates their family farm near Winthrop, which includes a farrow-to-finish operation, as well as corn and soybeans. Trish is a 27-year member of the Buchanan County Pork Producers and served on the IPPA board since 2019, when she joined as the Northeast Region Director. She has served on several IPPA committees, and participated in the Iowa Pork Leadership Academy and the National Pork Producers Council‘s Pork Leadership Institute. Cook has an accounting degree from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Iowa.

Other changes on the IPPA board include:
    Selecting a new president-elect, who is Matt Gent of Wellman. He formerly served as Region 8 director on the IPPA board. An interim director for that position will be appointed by the board at their March meeting.
    Lance Heuser, Manson, is the new District 2 director. He replaces Rod Leman who has moved out of the district.
    Tim Schmidt, Hawarden, was elected as the Northwest Region Director.
    Dominic Hogan, Monticello, was elected to serve as the Northeast Region Director.
    Haley Kerr, Burlington, was elected as the Southeast Region Director.

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



HPAI Confirmed in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Buena Vista County

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

The affected site is a commercial turkey flock.

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

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



New report outlines producer experiences with the Conservation Stewardship Program

A survey of participants in the Midwest shows the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is making strides in providing financial and technical assistance for producers to maintain agricultural production on their land and simultaneously address resource concerns with conservation practices.

Results of the survey, conducted in spring 2022, are part of a new report, released today by the Center for Rural Affairs.

“Producing a Sustainable Future: Producers’ Feedback on the Nation’s Leading Conservation Program,” authored by Kelsey Willardson, policy associate for the Center, includes feedback from 421 farmers and ranchers in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Kansas.

“Participants provided key insights into how CSP has helped enhance their operations,” Willardson said. “They offered feedback on interpretation of soil test data, additional practice options they’d like to see available, and how the program can better serve their operation.”

Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, CSP allows producers to implement conservation methods while keeping their land productive.

According to the survey, CSP has enhanced many aspects of farming operations, as indicated by the following:
    Nearly 79% of respondents identified the program’s ability to improve the affordability of conservation practices, which is a common barrier for producers not in a working lands conservation program.
    More than 70% of participants said the program improved or is improving the financial health of their operations.
    About 77% of respondents said that CSP-supported conservation efforts have improved or are improving their soil health.

Feedback also showed there are areas in need of improvement within the program. According to the survey:
    Under 50% of respondents reported that CSP has or is helping them understand the nutrient levels in their fields, which shows there’s a need for NRCS to expand its support services for soil testing and data interpretation.
    More than 58% of respondents believe there should be more practices, also known as enhancements, from which to choose. Nearly 75% believe they should be able to expand on previous practices in their renewal contract.

Additionally, respondents said the program becomes less accessible after the first five-year contract has been renewed. The renewal process, according to their feedback, was more difficult than their initial CSP contract and would like to see this change.

Overall, survey respondents were happy with the program, saying it has increased their awareness of the health of their fields and pastures and, in some instances, allowed them to implement conservation on land they otherwise would not have.

Continued funding and support for CSP from Congress in the next farm bill will help agriculture operations implement and continue conservation efforts that are improving soil quality and protecting priority resources, Willardson said.

To read and download “Producing a Sustainable Future: Producers’ Feedback on the Nation’s Leading Conservation Program,” visit cfra.org/publications.



NEBRASKA MILK PRODUCTION

Milk production in Nebraska during the October-December 2022 quarter totaled 356 million pounds, up 1% from the October-December quarter last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of milk cows was 57,000 head, 1,000 head less than the same period last year.

October-December Milk Production up 1.0 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the October - December quarter totaled 56.0 billion pounds, up 1.0 percent from the October - December quarter last year. The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.41 million head, 4,000 head less than the July - September quarter, but 27,000 head more than the same period last year.

December Milk Production up 0.9 Percent
Milk production in the 24 major States during December totaled 18.1 billion pounds, up 0.9 percent from December 2021. November revised production, at 17.4 billion pounds, was up 1.1 percent from November 2021. The November revision represented a decrease of 49 million pounds or 0.3 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate. Production per cow in the 24 major States averaged 2,032 pounds for December, 8 pounds above December 2021. The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major States was 8.92 million head, 38,000 head more than December 2021, but 9,000 head less than November 2022.

Iowa: Milk production in Iowa during December 2022 totaled 496 million pounds, up 6 percent from the previous December according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during December, at 239,000 head, was unchanged from last month but up 14,000 from December 2021. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,075 pounds, down 5 pounds from last December.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/20/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 20, ethanol production ticked up 0.4% to 1.012 million b/d, equivalent to 42.50 million gallons daily. Production was 2.2% lower than the same week last year but 0.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.3% to 952,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.59 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks swelled 7.2% to a 42-week high of 25.1 million barrels. Stocks were 2.5% more than a year ago and 5.1% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 1.1% to 8.14 million b/d (124.82 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 4.3% less than a year ago and 6.9% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 0.5% to 830,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.72 bg annualized. Net inputs were 4.4% more than a year ago but 0.7% below the five-year average.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the seventh consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of November 2022.)



USDA Cold Storage December 2022 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 11 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 16 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 16 percent from last month and up 66 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on December 31, 2022 were up 7 percent from the previous month and up 23 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 25 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 35 percent from last month and up 14 percent from December 31, 2021.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on December 31, 2022 were up 1 percent from the previous month and up slightly from December 31, 2021. Butter stocks were up 8 percent from last month and up 9 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 5 percent from last month but up 22 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 5 percent from last month and down slightly from a year ago.



Retail Fertilizer Prices Fall to Lowest Level in 15 Months

Most average retail fertilizer prices were lower the third week of January 2023, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Prices have moved considerably lower in recent weeks. Seven of the eight major fertilizers are lower in price compared to last month. Of these seven, the prices of six fertilizers were significantly lower, which DTN designates as a change of 5% or more.

Both potash and anhydrous were down 9% compared to last month. Potash had an average price of $721 per ton, while anhydrous had an average price of $1,238/ton. Both UAN28 and UAN32 were down 7% compared to last month. UAN28 had an average price of $536/ton, while UAN32 was $634/ton. Urea was 6% less expensive, and MAP was 5% lower. Urea had an average price of $712/ton, while MAP was at $865/ton.

One fertilizer was just slightly lower in price compared to a month earlier. DAP had an average price of $859/ton.

One fertilizer was slightly higher in price compared to last month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $755/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.77/lb.N, anhydrous $0.76/lb.N, UAN28 $0.96/lb.N and UAN32 $0.99/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower compared to one year ago. DAP is 1% lower, 10-34-0 is 6% less expensive, both MAP and UAN32 are 7% lower, UAN28 is 8% less expensive, potash is 11% lower, anhydrous 14% less expensive and urea is 22% lower compared to a year prior.



Commodity Classic Announces Main Stage Line-Up for 2023

The nation’s leading agriculture experts and well-known personalities will be featured on the Main Stage during the 2023 Commodity Classic held March 9-11 in Orlando.

The Main Stage, presented by Successful Farming® and Commodity Classic, is located right on the trade show floor. Presentations are scheduled during trade show hours, and highlights of the Main Stage line-up for 2023 include:
    Strategies for Success: Where’s the Market Going? with Farm Credit and Kluis Commodity Advisors
    Cashing In On Carbon with Garth Boyd of Context Network, sponsored by Truterra
    How to Make the Most Success with XtremeAg, sponsored by FMC Corporation
    Bring Soil Health to Life, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited
    Generation Next: A Retiring Couple’s Journey to Find a Successor to the Family Farm, presented by Syngenta

“The Main Stage is where growers can find valuable information they need to improve their farming operation,” said 2023 co-chair Kenny Hartman, an Illinois farmer and NCGA member. “Commodity Classic also features a robust schedule of over 30 educational sessions and a huge trade show with the latest technology, equipment, and innovation. You can also experience top-notch entertainment and the opportunity to network with thousands of progressive farmers from across the nation.”

Registration and housing for the 2023 Commodity Classic is available at CommodityClassic.com. Please check the Commodity Classic website for full schedule of events and additional details. Session updates can also be found on Facebook and Twitter at @ComClassic.



Farmers, ranchers sought for study about how they balance children and work  

Farm and ranch parents know how challenging it can be to balance children and work, especially when child care options (paid or unpaid) are limited. These challenges can have consequences for the farm business, the safety of children, and the well-being of the family as a whole. To better understand farm and ranch families’ lived realities balancing children and work, researchers at the National Farm Medicine Center and The Ohio State University are asking farmers to share their experiences through a new national survey.

“We recognize that farmers often feel over-surveyed and have limited time and energy this time of year” said Florence Becot, Ph.D., an associate research scientist at the National Farm Medicine Center and affiliate of the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. “However, we also know that decisions are being made by local, state and national policymakers without a good grounding in the realities faced by actual farm families.”

The survey is especially timely, Becot said, because this is a Farm Bill year, and some farm organizations and policy makers are debating if affordable child care in rural areas should become a priority.

“This is the first nationwide comprehensive survey focused on the realities of farmers and ranchers raising children”, said Shoshanah Inwood, Ph.D., an associate professor at The Ohio State University. The survey asks farmers not only about their child care and schooling arrangements but also about how their decisions are connected to farm safety, the economic viability of their farm business, and their household finances.

“Over the years the U.S. Department of Agriculture has invested significant resources to recruit and retain the next generation of farmers,” Inwood said. “Yet these programs and resources rarely consider or take into account the child care needs of farm and ranch families, despite evidence of child care challenges dating back to the 1980s.”

As one Ohio farm parent told Becot and Inwood during a focus group last year: “If America wants farmers, we need help with child care.”

The survey will provide important information about what solutions could look like. The results of the survey will be available later in the year and will be shared with farmers, farm organizations, state agencies, and policy makers.

Farm and ranch families can respond to the survey online through this link: https://redcap.link/Survey2_FarmersRaisingChildren. They can also request a paper survey by contacting Becot (becot.florence@marshfieldresearch.org; 715-389-9379).

Tuesday January 24 Ag News

Goes Joins Nebraska Beef Council Board

Mark Goes, a former livestock educator at Southeast Community College and cattle rancher from Odell, has been elected to the Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors in 2023. Goes will represent fellow beef producers in the council's eighth district including Seward, Lancaster, Otoe, Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Saline, Gage, Johnson, Nemaha, Webster, Nuckolls, Thayer, Jefferson, Pawnee and Richardson counties. Goes will replace outgoing board member Gregg Wiedel from Hebron.

“I have always been an advocate of the Beef Checkoff,” said Goes. “If I can leverage $1 on an animal to help promote and market my livelihood, which is meat, animal protein production in the form of beef, then I want to do what I can personally to help promote it too.”

Current board members Rosemary Vinton Anderson of Whitman, Jim Ramm of Atkinson,  and Michele Cutler of Elsie will each begin second terms representing their respective districts in 2023. Board members may serve a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms.

Officers for the Nebraska Beef Council Board were also elected to serve in 2023 including: George Cooksley of Anselmo as chair; Jeff Rudolph of Gothenburg as Vice Chair; Michele Cutler of Elsie as Treasurer; and Ivan Rush of Scottsbluff as Secretary.

For more information and a complete list of the Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors, visit www.nebeef.org.



Nebraska Cattlemen Supports Confirmation of Sherry Vinton for Director of Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Today, after giving his official testimony to the Nebraska Legislature Agriculture Committee, Nebraska Cattlemen President Steve Hanson released the following statement in support of Sherry Vinton to serve as Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture:

“Sherry Vinton has first-hand experience in our industry and knows the grit, commitment, and sacrifice it takes to be a successful cattle producer. Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to support Sherry, as her background and service to the beef cattle industry and knowledge of farming will allow her to work with all scopes and sectors of our industry.” He continued, “Sherry understands the issues facing Nebraska agriculture and we look forward to working alongside her to keep the Beef State thriving.”

FULL TESTIMONY
*As prepared
Good afternoon, Chairman Halloran, and members of the Agriculture Committee. My name is Steve Hanson, I serve as the President of Nebraska Cattlemen and a fourth-generation cattle producer from Elsie. Nebraska Cattlemen supports Sherry Vinton to be the Director of Agriculture.

Sherry’s background and service to the beef cattle industry and knowledge of farming, make us confident in her ability to work with all scopes and sectors of our industry. Her real-world experiences are why she has been nominated for this prestigious position.

Her family runs a respected ranch in the Sandhills near Whitman. They have a cow-calf operation, where they raise high-quality Angus cattle. She understands the issues facing Nebraska agriculture and why it is vital that we remain the beef state which delivers a high quality, safe product to our consumers.

Throughout her career, she has served the industry in multiple capacities on local, state, and national levels throughout associations and advisory committees. Sherry was appointed to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board in 2012. She also represented ranchers and farmers across Congressional District 3 on Nebraska’s Environmental Trust Board for 14 years. In addition, she is a long-time member of Nebraska Cattlemen, Agriculture Builders of Nebraska, and Nebraska Farm Bureau.

In this role, we believe she will continue to represent and serve all sectors of the agriculture industry in Nebraska. Sherry will lead by example as she works with farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders across the state. She will utilize her real-world experience to form and develop policies with a common-sense approach.

Sherry is not only a cattle producer herself, but she also has invaluable experiences that establish she is the individual who will get the job done. She knows the agriculture industry from top to bottom. For these reasons, the members of Nebraska Cattlemen urge you to confirm Mrs. Sherry Vinton.



Iowa's CropsTV Returns for Season 3 of On-demand Education

CropsTV, powered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, returns for a third season in 2023. This educational program delivers crop production information directly to farmers and agribusinesses and provides the convenience of crop production education at home, in the office or anywhere there is an internet connection. All episodes will be available for on-demand viewing, providing flexibility for busy viewers.

The Season Three program features 33 episodes covering a variety of crop management, pest management, nutrient management, and soil and water management topics. Topics were selected from the Integrated Crop Management Conference and Crop Advantage series, and some are exclusive to CropsTV.

CropsTV graphic.The first 11 episodes are now available for viewing, and new episodes will be released every two weeks during January. Subscribers will have access through the end of March.

“After two successful seasons of CropsTV, we are excited to be launching our third season in a new learning platform, the same system used for online university coursework,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “We are excited for the new platform, but we will still be providing subscribers with the same flexibility in selecting interesting topics to watch on a flexible schedule.”

Registration for CropsTV is $100 and includes access to 33 pre-recorded episodes, up to 26.5 CCA credits, and access to program and reference materials.

Additional information and registration is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/cropstv. For questions, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429, or email cropstv@iastate.edu.



Governor Kim Reynolds to Speak at Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is excited to announce Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is once again joining the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on February 7.

During 2022, Gov. Reynolds led a successful legislative effort to secure the first-ever state E15 access standard and the first-ever state B30 retailer incentive. Reynolds also led a bipartisan, multi-state effort by Midwest governors to exercise their powers under the federal Clean Air Act to ensure E15 would be available to consumers on a year-round basis.

“Iowa is the leader in biofuels production, and, through rigorous legislative work, Iowa has cemented itself as a leader in biofuels policy,” stated Gov. Reynolds. “Biofuels means so much to Iowa’s economy, farmers and consumers. I am extremely proud of the work Iowa has done to create innovative and groundbreaking policies.”

IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw noted that other states are already seeking to follow Iowa’s lead to ensure their consumers have access to lower cost, higher blend biofuels.

“Gov. Reynolds achieved so much for biofuels in 2022,” stated Shaw. “The long-term impact of her policy victories will go far beyond Iowa’s borders as neighboring states are already seeking to replicate the new Iowa policies. Consumers throughout the Midwest will save literally millions of dollars with higher blends thanks to Gov. Reynold’s leadership.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit is taking place on February 7 at the Community Choice Convention Center at the Iowa Events Center. Attendance is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register to attend and learn more, visit IowaRenewableFuelsSummit.org.



Major Equipment Manufacturers and Fleets On the Move With Clean Fuels

At the Clean Fuels Conference in Tampa today, leading diesel engine and equipment manufacturers Caterpillar, John Deere and Cummins joined major fleets including PepsiCo and Florida Power & Light on a featured panel to discuss the important role that low-carbon liquid fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel play in helping them achieve their near- and long-term corporate sustainability goals. These clean fuels offer substantial and immediate carbon reduction benefits in heavy-duty on-road, off-road, marine and rail transportation, segments which are otherwise difficult to decarbonize or electrify.

Joining the panel of experts was Joel Feucht, Vice President & General Manager for Caterpillar's Large Reciprocating Engine business. Feucht stated, “At Caterpillar, we’ve long recognized the value of sustainable biodiesel and other renewable fuels to our customers who have prioritized the decarbonization of their operations. In fact, CAT diesel-fueled power solutions have enabled operation on B20 biodiesel blends and various hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel products for more than a decade. With the increasing availability and adoption of renewable fuels, we’re committed to expanding our product and service offerings to help equipment owners further capitalize on the benefits they offer.”

As part of a Vehicle Technology Showcase at the Clean Fuels Conference, these featured equipment manufacturers and fleets are displaying a wide variety of vehicles and industrial equipment that supports the use of biodiesel and renewable diesel. While B20 (a blend of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent ultra-low sulfur diesel) has been the industry norm for more than a decade and can be used in the majority of diesel vehicles without modification, many fleets are now looking beyond B20 to further accelerate their decarbonization efforts. One hundred percent biodiesel (B100) reduces carbon emissions by more than 70 percent, and Clean Fuels Alliance America member company Optimus Technologies has engineered a system that allows fleets to capitalize on those benefits and run their heavy-duty vehicles on B100 even in the harshest conditions.

Optimus Technologies is showcasing a 2023 Freightliner 114SD equipped with their B100 fuel system technology at the Clean Fuels Conference this week. On loan from the manufacturer, Vac-Con, the truck is being upfitted with Optimus' Vector System during the truck manufacturing process. The final form of this truck will be a 10-Yard Combination Vacuum Truck for sewer cleaning operations, with the ultimate destination being the Washington, D.C. Water and Sewer Authority.

Colin Huwyler, CEO of Optimus Technologies, stated, "The Optimus Vector System is enabling commercial and municipal fleets across the country to immediately decarbonize their most challenging assets. Optimus is proud to be creating a path to a more sustainable future with leading fleets like D.C. Water by using 100 percent biodiesel to power the critical equipment that keeps the infrastructure in our nation's capital functioning."

Clean Fuels Conference attendees as well as local Tampa-area residents will also have the opportunity to test drive some of the latest biodiesel-capable diesel pickup trucks and SUVs coming to market in 2023 during a Biodiesel Ride-and-Drive event at the Tampa Convention Center on Public Day - Wednesday, January 25th from 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM. The event will feature new diesel models supplied by local dealers including Elder Ford of Tampa and Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. In addition, Florida Power and Light will be showcasing several of its biodiesel-powered fleet vehicles that have been a critical part of FPL’s recent hurricane recovery operations.



NCBA Sues Biden Administration to Overturn Lesser Prairie Chicken Listing

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has filed a Notice of Intent to sue the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) over the listing of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act. This is the first step in court toward overturning the listing and revoking FWS’s final rule for both the Northern and Southern Distinct Population Segments (DPS).

“The lesser prairie chicken only survives today because of the voluntary conservation efforts of ranchers,” said NCBA Associate Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes. “The science has proven repeatedly that healthy, diverse rangelands—like those cultivated by livestock grazing—are where the lesser prairie chicken thrives. There are numerous places where this listing goes seriously wrong and we are defending cattle producers against this overreaching, unscientific rule.”

The listing was previously set to take effect at the end of January, but thanks to pressure on the Biden administration from NCBA and our allies in Congress, the rule was delayed by 60 days. The listing will now take effect on March 27, 2023, and the states included in the species’ range are Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado.

NCBA’s lawsuit follows a letter submitted to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and FWS Director Martha Williams last week requesting a delay of the effective date of the rule and flagging particular concerns with the 4(d) rule for the Northern DPS of the bird. By permitting third parties to act as grazing authorities with the power to review and approve grazing management plans within the Northern DPS, FWS has opened the door to activist groups having oversight of cattle grazing. Without these third party-approved grazing management plans, cattle producers operating inside the species’ range will be subject to a punitive degree of civil and criminal penalties for incidental take of the bird.

“This 4(d) rule would allow environmental activist groups to become ‘grazing police’ over cattle producers. Designing a third-party verification system puts political priorities over sound science and empowers distant bureaucrats over land managers and producers with decades of experience,” said Johannes.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. In addition to NCBA, the case is being brought by lead plaintiff Permian Basin Petroleum Association along with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Kansas Livestock Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association.



Three Major Pieces to the High Corn Yield Puzzle

Farmers aiming for high corn yields should focus on their genetic selections, balanced nutrition and plant health, says LG Seeds Agronomist Robby Meeker. These aren’t novel or earthshaking concepts. But when combined, these foundational tactics enable farmers to capture more of their crops’ genetic potential.  

#1: Manage your genetic selections
Smart seed selection means choosing a diverse array of hybrids that spread a farmer’s risk and fit his or her ground and goals. But it doesn’t end there. Catering management to those genetic selections is also critical.  

Meeker offers this example: “We have products like LG64C20 that are grain-fill hybrids. They benefit greatly from later-season management and a side-dress application of nitrogen that helps them to build bigger, heavier kernels.”

That differs from kernel-count hybrids that use more nitrogen early in the season to add kernels. Meeker says, “We can put a lot of our nitrogen up front with a kernel-count hybrid like LG5643 and know that we’re maximizing that genetic potential.”  

Knowing your genetics and making sure they are fed at the time of need is crucial to maximizing potential.

#2: Nutrition goes beyond NPK
Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, or NPK, have long been the three major concerns when it comes to crop nutrition. “Our ability to analyze these and other nutrients and micronutrients via soil and tissue tests has improved immensely,” says Meeker. Therefore, he recommends farmers always start with a soil test to assess nutrient and micronutrient levels.  

“Balancing micros can help the plant get the most out of NPK,” Meeker says, offering the micronutrient molybdenum (moly) as an example. “A moly deficiency can hinder a corn plant’s ability to take up nitrogen. We used to think that to grow 240 bushels of corn, we needed 240 pounds of nitrogen,” he says. “We’re learning we can apply less nitrogen if we pay closer attention to micronutrients.”  

How those nutrients are applied also matters. Meeker emphasizes, “Banding as many of those nutrients and micronutrients as we can close to the corn plant’s rootzone will increase plant efficiencies to take yields to a higher level.”   

#3: Don’t let disease threaten plant health
A farmer’s season-long management efforts can be for naught if disease prevents the crop from reaching the finish line. “Farmers need to scout for disease and be ready to make a fungicide pass, if warranted,” Meeker says. “Applying a fungicide at pollination/brown silk to get the corn crop through grain fill enables it to use as much of that nutrition as possible and finish strong.”

Meeker encourages farmers to do harvest-timing studies on their farms. “We need to think about the big picture. We’re widening our harvest window to achieve higher yields,” he says, adding, “Farmers may need to consider an earlier harvest start and limit field dry down.”  

Fine-tuning these three yield-building tactics can improve yields and deliver efficiencies that shift the narrative to higher profits. For support reaching your yield and profitability goals, reach out to your local LG Seeds agronomist.  

Monday January 23 Ag News

 Soil Health Conference Set for Feb. 9 at Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center

Registration is open for the 2023 Eastern Nebraska Soil Health Conference (formerly Nebraska Cover Crop Conference). The conference will take place on Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead.  

This annual event features innovative speakers who will share their experiences with a variety of soil health practices. This is an opportunity to learn about the latest in cover crops, diversifying crop rotations, biochar and other regenerative practices.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to3:15 p.m. CST, with check in starting at 8:30 a.m. All sessions will take place at the August N. Christenson Center at 1071 County Road G, Ithaca.  

Topics and presenters include:  Moving forward requires looking backwards: Benefits of re-diversifying crop rotations in the Midwest - Marshall McDaniel, Iowa State University; Interseeding cover crops into early-season corn and soybean - What we learned and next step - Farmer panel with Chad Dane (Clay County) and Jay Goertzen (York County) moderated by Jenny Rees, Nebraska Extension Educator; Practical tips for selecting and grazing forage cover crops - Mary Drewnoski, UNL Beef Systems Specialist; Nebraska farmer’s perspective on diverse crop rotations and intensification - Farmer panel with Angela Knuth (Saunders County), Garret Ruskamp (Cuming County), Kyle Riesen (Jefferson County), and  Haldon Fugate (Gage County) moderated by Nathan Mueller, Nebraska Extension Educator; and Emerging topics in soil health (1.)  Biochar and it’s potential as a soil amendment – Britt Fossum, UNL Graduate Student, (2) Opportunities for the perennial grain Kernza® - What it is and how it is grown - Roberta Rebesquini, UNL Graduate Student and (3.) What’s new in the cover crop industry - Davis Behle, Green Cover Seed.  

There is no fee to attend, but pre-registration is required by Feb. 4. Registration available at:  https://enrec.unl.edu/nebraska-cover-crop-conference/.

CCA credits are applied for and pending.

The event is sponsored by Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Soybean Board.

For more information contact Nebraska Extension Educators: Katja Koehler-Cole, 402-504-1016, kkoehlercole2@unl.edu; Nathan Mueller, 402-821-2151, nathan.mueller@unl.edu; Aaron Nygren, 402-624-8030, anygren2@unl.edu; Todd Whitney, 308-995-4222, todd.whitney@unl.edu; and Caro Córdova, 402-472-6292, ccordova4@unl.edu.



PVC Banquet is Feb 11th

It’s that time of year again for the Platte Valley Cattlemen 2023 annual Banquet.  This year it will be held on Saturday, February 11th, at the Humphrey Community Center. They are looking forward to an enjoyable night and another outstanding banquet.   Entertainment will be with comedian Scott Long with First Class VIP Entertainment. For the rest of the night, we will be listening to VoiceHouse DJ.  

The annual Banquet is their major fundraiser for the year.  Thanks to your continued support, the organization has been able to promote the beef industry and inform members of current issues and policies. In the past, your dollars have enabled the group to promote “Beef Month” in May, ensure quality speakers for our monthly meetings, offer an educational tour, promote 4-H and FFA programs at the county fairs, and assist in awarding scholarships. In 2022, they were able to award three $1,000 college scholarships. With continued support, the hope is to do the same again this year.
 
Please make checks payable to “Platte Valley Cattlemen” and mail together with this response sheet in the self-addressed envelope by February 1, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Steffensmeier at 402-750-9985 or Braden Wilke at 402-942-2507.



WP Ag Appreciation is March 13th

The Cuming County Ag Appreciation Dinner will be held on Monday, March 13th.  The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m., dinner will be served at 7:00, with Ronnie Green to speak after that.

**Sponsorship is $275 again this year and includes 50 complimentary tickets.  The West Point Chamber will be contacting businesses for sponsorships in the near future or you can contact them if you are interested in participating.

The following business have already paid for their sponsorship and will receive their tickets in mid-February:
Citizens State Bank
Cuming County Public Power District
F&M Bank
INSPRO Insurance
Wells Fargo Bank



Funds Available to Help Restore and Protect Rangeland

Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska producers have funding opportunities to help address the spread of invasive woody vegetation on rangeland. Landowners interested in receiving funding should apply at their local NRCS field office by Feb. 17, 2023.

With funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), farmers can adopt management practices that help treat the spread of Eastern redcedar trees and other invasive woody vegetation on rangeland.

NRCS is targeting funding to address this natural resource concern through its Nebraska Great Plains Grassland Initiative. The initiative is part of the NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife framework to conserve grassland regions in the Great Plains.

anagement practices eligible for financial assistance through the Great Plains Grassland Initiative include brush management, prescribed grazing, grazing deferment, prescribed burning, and more. NRCS is focusing this funding on farms and ranches in the Sandhills, Loess Canyons, southwest mixed-grass prairies, and Verdigris-Bazile creek watershed (see map). Counties eligible to receive funding include; Boyd, Holt, Knox, Antelope, Sheridan, Cherry, Brown, Rock, Morrill, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Thomas, Blaine, Loup, Garfield, Wheeler, Boone, Greeley, Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Custer, Keith, Lincoln, Dawson, Frontier, Hayes, Chase, Perkins, Dundy, Hitchcock, and Red Willow.

The landowner-driven Great Plains Grassland Initiative strives to provide producers the tools necessary to create and maintain grasslands free of Eastern redcedar and other invasive woody species. Additional funding may also be available from partner organizations to help further reduce the cost to producers.

According to NRCS, removing Eastern redcedar at lower densities before they take over the rangeland is more cost-effective for the producer, conserves and restores forage production, reduces wildfire risk, and protects wildlife habitat.

Jeff Nichols, state rangeland management specialist for NRCS Nebraska said, “Nearly eight million acres of Nebraska’s most intact grasslands are estimated to be at risk to future woody encroachment. This is bad news for the ranchers. In 2019 more than 419,000 tons of range production was lost in Nebraska to woody encroachment.

“Woody plant encroachment puts pressure on working rangelands by decreasing livestock production and increasing wildfire risk as well as harming grasslands and the animals living there.”

Individuals interested in applying for conservation funds may do so at any time, but applications need to be submitted by Feb. 17 to be considered for this year’s funding.

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

 

Nebraska Soybean Board Seeks Soybean Farmers Interested in United Soybean Board Nomination

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is looking for soybean farmers interested in filling one of Nebraska’s four director positions with the United Soybean Board (USB), for a three-year term.

USB’s 77 volunteer farmer-leaders work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments. These volunteers create value by investing in research, education and promotion with the vision to deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day across the three priority areas of Infrastructure & Connectivity, Health & Nutrition, and Innovation & Technology. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

“The open seat will provide a farmer the valuable opportunity to help shape the future of the soybean industry by guiding strategic investments in research, education and promotion,” said Lois Ronhovde, NSB interim executive director. “As a USB farmer-leader, you will have the chance to contribute to the growth of return on investment for all U.S. soybean farmers.”

All checkoff paying soybean producers in Nebraska are eligible to apply.

The Nebraska Soybean Board district directors will submit a “first preferred choice nominee” and “second preferred choice alternate” for the open position to USDA for consideration. The Secretary of Agriculture will make the final appointment. The USDA has a policy that membership on USDA boards and committees is open to all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. The appointed individual is eligible to serve a total of three consecutive terms.

To be considered for the national leadership position, interested farmers need to submit a USDA Background Information Form before the March 17, 2023, deadline. To obtain this form, contact the Nebraska Soybean Board office at 402-441-3240.

For more information about the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org.  



KARIS MAKES $150 MILLION INVESTMENT IN CATTLEMEN’S HERITAGE PLANT

Cattlemen’s Heritage Beef Company today announced that Karis Capital of Naples, Florida is investing $150 million in the company’s planned facility in Mills County, Iowa. The investment will allow Cattlemen’s Heritage to move forward with groundbreaking for the plant later this year.

“This $150 million strategic investment by Karis represents a critical milestone in the Cattlemen’s Heritage plant,” said Chad Tentinger, principal developer for the project. “With this investment secure, we can break ground later this year. We will also be able to finalize bank financing and government incentives for a project that will provide high-quality, sustainable beef for consumers and significant economic benefits for the state of Iowa and for cattle producers.”

According to Jake Finley, the Founder and CEO of Karis, the Cattlemen’s Heritage project represents a unique investment opportunity that combines our access to capital and development expertise to an industry in need of modernization. “We see extraordinary consumer demand for low-carbon, high-quality beef that’s produced in a sustainable way, and the Cattlemen’s Heritage project does just that,” Finley said. “It will have the latest in technology with a focus on sustainability along with the highest standards for plant employees and animal welfare. That’s exactly what investors and consumers are looking for.”  

Economic Gain for Iowa and for Cattle Producers
In addition, the Cattlemen’s Heritage plant will represent an economic gain of $8 billion for the state of Iowa through construction and plant operations until 2028, according to analysis by Ernie Goss, the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University. Currently, Iowa farmers are transporting approximately one million head of cattle out of state each year, causing the state to miss significant opportunities for jobs, income, economic activity and tax revenues.

“Iowa pays a heavy price due to its insufficient number of beef-processing facilities. Those costs are borne by virtually everyone in the state of Iowa, directly or indirectly, but farmers and rural communities pay a heavy toll,” Goss said. “The addition of the planned Cattlemen’s Heritage facility in southwest Iowa means 400,000 head of cattle will remain in Iowa for harvesting and processing, generating an economic gain between now and 2028 of $8 billion.”

The Cattlemen’s Heritage project will also benefit cattle producers in Iowa and surrounding states by helping them capture more for the beef retail dollar through the company’s shackle space program, which closes in June.



Fewer Cattle on Feed
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The latest USDA cattle on feed report was released on Friday January 20th. While there were no big surprises in the report’s headline numbers, there were some interesting data points. First, the headline numbers.

Placements were down 8 percent, or 156,000 head, compared to December 2021. It was the fourth month in a row will fewer placed than the same month the year before. For the year, 352,000 fewer head were placed than in 2021. The large year-over-year declines in placements did not begin until September.

Marketings were down 6.1 percent. The decline was not unexpected given estimated fed cattle slaughter during December. Whether the large, 5,700 head per day, decline in marketings was due to fewer market ready cattle, some winter storms in the month, or slowed down slaughter due to reduced orders may be open to discussion, but it was a sharp decline in marketings.

The placement and marketing combination left January 1 cattle on feed down 2.9 percent compared to the first day of 2021. The 11.682 million head on feed were the fewest since January 2019, but only differed from 2019 by 2,000 head. Cattle on feed inventory is starting to reflect declines in the cowherd and expected declines in total cattle inventory.

I think the most interesting number in the report was the quarterly number of heifers on feed. The report indicated 4.65 million heifers were on feed on January 1. That was 25,000 fewer than on January 1, 2022. When comparing to the same point in the prior year, it was the first quarter since July 1, 2021 that registered a decline. That slightly fewer heifers are on feed than last year does not indicate a movement toward herd rebuilding, but it may indicate that there are fewer heifers to place as total numbers decline. Compared to January 1, 2022 steers on feed were down 4.5 percent compared to the 0.5 percent decline in heifers.



Corn Growers Praise Biden Officials for Stance on Biotech Corn

The National Corn Growers Association praised the Biden administration today for issuing an official rejection of a recent proposed compromise from Mexico on biotech corn imports into the country.

The development came during a meeting between Mexican officials and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s chief ag negotiator Doug McKalip.

In a statement that came after the meeting, USTR and USDA said the changes offered by Mexico “are not sufficient and Mexico’s proposed approach, which is not grounded in science, still threatens to disrupt billions of dollars in bilateral agricultural trade, cause serious economic harm to U.S. farmers and Mexican livestock producers, and stifle important innovations needed to help producers respond to pressing climate and food security challenges.”

The statement also said that the U.S. officials made it clear to their Mexican counterparts that they are considering all options, including taking formal steps to enforce the issue under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

NCGA applauded the development.

“This is significant development and good news for corn growers,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “Secretary Vilsack and USTR Ambassador Tai are making it crystal clear that they are going to make the Mexican government abide by what it agreed to under USMCA. These leaders understand that banning biotech corn would deliver a blow to American farmers and exacerbate current food insecurity in Mexico by drastically raising prices for corn, basic foods and other critical products derived from corn in the Mexican economy.”

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced in late 2020 that he would implement a decree banning biotech corn into the country, beginning in early 2024. The majority of U.S. corn is biotech.

As pressure on Mexico has grown, thanks to efforts by NCGA and the Biden administration, corn growers have become increasingly concerned that Mexico would offer a compromise removing the ban on imports of corn used for livestock feed while moving forward with the proposed ban on corn for human consumption. The Biden administration’s statement today shows there is no room for such a compromise.

The administration’s actions come after the presidents of 23 state corn grower groups, joined by the president of the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to President Biden in December calling for him to take additional steps to address the pending decree by Mexico that would block imports of biotech corn.



FFA Members Explore Agriculture in Costa Rica

To kick off 2023, 75 current and former state FFA Officers visited Costa Rica to learn about the various types of agriculture in the country.

State officers traveled the country experiencing CATIE, the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center; the Tibas Farmers Market; La Paz Waterfall Gardens; a palmito plantation; pineapple plantation; wildlife reserve center; Arenal Volcano; the rainforest; an organic farm and much more.

The experience, International Leadership Seminar for State Officers, ILSSO, was thanks to support from FFA corporate donors John Deere and Bunge.

FFA members who participated in the experience include:
Reese Mitchell and William Blankenship from Arkansas; Tyson Schneider from Colorado; Robert Eselby from Connecticut; Trinity Ranshaw from Delaware; Austin Holcomb, Carleigh Newsom, Tyler Laib, Addie Ferguson, Abby Kruse, Anelise Bullard, Laken Troup of Florida; Katelyn Schaefer and Annie Bower of Iowa; Mackenzie Malson and Elizabeth Shaw of Idaho; Kirsten Kyger, Karlie Albright, Cali Newdigger, Aidan Yoho and Emma Kepley of Kansas; Emma Sherman of Kentucky; Lauren Poole, Annie Heard of Louisiana; Teagan Flaherty, Kendall Abruzzese and Hannah Haines of Maryland; Patricia Hebenstreit and Olivia Coffey of Michigan; Emily Matejka of Minnesota; Riley Larson of Montana; Madeline Kluttz and Elizabeth Espino of North Carolina; Dustin Andreasen, Faith Miller, Emelia Rourke, and Elizabeth Wilkins of Nebraska; Roland Norris of Nevada; Aubrey Schwartz, Luke Jennings, Aly Murphy, Graham Carson, Kennedy Short, Dalton Mullins, Katherine Oestreich and Hannah Saum of Ohio; Kinsley Kemble, Brekkan Richardson, Grant Hills, Maddie Dollarhide, Jessie Samarin, Uriel Aguilar Torres of Oregon; Trinity Peterson, Tessa Erdmann and Hadley Stiefvater of South Dakota; Taylor Cantrell of Tennessee; Savannah Goodwin, Jordan Petrie, Makenna Garrett, Emily Jenkins, Elizabeth Bates, Jill Reiter, Carly Thomas, Gabriella Martin and Katherine Powell of Virginia; Esther Grosz, Pedro Mendoza Zamora, Madison Weber and Lillian McGregor of Washington; Garrett Ammons, Rylee Brown, Creed Ammons and Caroline Greenleaf of West Virginia and Bree Coxbill of Wyoming.



USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Dairy Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges.

“The Biden-Harris administration continues to fulfill its commitments to fill gaps in pandemic assistance for producers. USDA is announcing a second set of payments of nearly $100 million to close-out the $350 million commitment under PMVAP through partnerships with dairy handlers and cooperatives to deliver the payments,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “USDA is also announcing new assistance targeted to small to medium size organic dairy farmers to help with anticipated marketing costs as they face a variety of challenges from weather to supply-chain challenges.”

Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program
PMVAP assists producers who received a lower value due to market abnormalities caused by the pandemic and ensuing Federal policies. As a result of the production cap increase, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will make PMVAP payments to eligible dairy farmers for fluid milk sales between 5 million and 9 million pounds from July through December 2020. This level of production was not eligible for payment under the first round of the PMVAP. Payment rates will be identical to the first round of payments, 80 percent of the revenue difference per month, on fluid milk sales from 5 million to 9 million pounds from July through December 2020. USDA will again distribute monies through agreements with independent handlers and cooperatives, with reimbursement to handlers for allowed administrative costs. USDA will contact handlers with eligible producers to notify them of the opportunity to participate.

As part of the first round, PMVAP paid eligible dairy farmers on up to 5 million pounds of fluid milk sales from July through December 2020. The first round of payments distributed over $250 million in payments to over 25,000 eligible dairy farmers. These dairy farmers received the full allowable reimbursement on fluid milk sales up to 5 million pounds.

More information about the PMVAP production cap increase is available at www.ams.usda.gov/pmvap.

Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program
The new ODMAP, to be administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), is intended to help smaller organic dairy farms that have faced a unique set of challenges and higher costs over the past several years that have been compounded by the ongoing pandemic and drought conditions across the country. Many small organic dairy operations are now struggling to stay in business and FSA plans to provide payments to cover a portion of their estimated marketing costs for 2023. Final spending will depend on enrollment and each producers projected production, but ODMAP has been allocated up to $100 million.

The assistance provided by ODMAP will be provided through unused Commodity Credit Corporation funds remaining from earlier pandemic assistance programs. The assistance will help eligible organic dairy producers with up to 75 percent of their future projected marketing costs in 2023, based on national estimates of marketing costs. This assistance will be provided through a streamlined application process based on a national per hundredweight payment. The payments will be capped at the first five million pounds of anticipated production, in alignment with preexisting dairy programs that target assistance to those smaller dairies that are most vulnerable to marketing challenges. This program is still in development.

Details about the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program will be available and updated at www.farmers.gov as more details are released in a Notice of Funds Availability later this year.



There’s Still Time to Register for Annual Cattle Industry Convention

In just over one week, thousands of cattlemen and women will gather in New Orleans for the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show. Registration is available online or on-site, so make plans to join the excitement in the Big Easy.

The annual convention will kick off on February 1, with Buzz Brainard, host of Music Row Happy Hour, returning as emcee. The Opening General Session will include a casual conversation about ranch life between “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan and NCBA President and Minnesota cattle producer, Don Schiefelbein. Sheridan is an Academy Award®-nominated writer, actor, rancher as well as a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

CattleFax’s outlook session will highlight demand and supplies for beef, cattle and competing proteins. Analysts will present a price and profitability outlook for 2023 and beyond for all classes of cattle and beef, explore export and import markets, and provide a grain outlook. Meteorologist Matt Makens will also give a 2023 weather forecast highlighting weather pattern changes for the United States and around the world.

Plan to attend the high-profile session on Friday morning and hear from government dignitaries as they provide an update on the beef business climate in the United States and around the globe, moderated by NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.

The Closing General Session will celebrate the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program and BQA award winners and will feature keynote speaker Chris Koch, who doesn’t let limitations or obstacles stand in his way. Despite being born without arms and legs, Koch grew up like any other small-town kid — playing road hockey, causing mischief at school, and helping on his family farm. Today, Koch is a motivational speaker who inspires his audiences to continually challenge themselves and build the life they always wanted.

While the general sessions are packed with engaging speakers and information every producer can use, entertainment will also be around every corner. Franki Moscato, winner of the 10th annual National Anthem Contest, will perform at the Opening General Session and during the Friday night event. The country trio Chapel Hart will combine their Mississippi roots and Louisiana spice in a special performance during Closing General Session. Convention will wrap up Friday evening with “Party Gras” featuring the country music group Midland and special guest Neal McCoy.

If that isn’t enough, the 30th annual Cattlemen’s College, which begins on January 31, will feature live animal handling demonstrations and 18 educational sessions with industry leaders tackling innovative topics. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet and Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception will recognize leaders for their achievements, and there will be more than eight acres of trade show exhibits to explore.

In addition, producers will be hard at work guiding both NCBA policy and Beef Checkoff programs. Annual meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will also take place.

Make plans to attend the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans. For more information and to register, visit convention.ncba.org.