Animal Ag News 3/30

Carrie Muehling

  • The Beef Checkoff program and fifteen grassroots-led state beef councils won a major court victory when the United States District Court of Montana ruled in favor of USDA and the Montana Beef Council in the matter of R-CALF vs. Sonny Perdue and USDA. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association praised the court’s decision, which ends a legal battle that has spanned more than three years and interrupted beef promotion functions in Montana. The case had threatened local input and promotion efforts at the state level across the country.
  • Following final passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association sent a letter urging United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to “take immediate action to provide much-needed relief to cattle producers who have been negatively impacted due to the ongoing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”
  • As of March 1, there were 77.6 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up 4 percent from March 2019, but down 1 percent from December 1, 2019, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
  • The in-person Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) Annual Conference, previously scheduled for April 7-9, in Madison, Wis., is rescheduled for April 8-9, in a virtual format. DCHA’s in-person event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DCHA Annual Conference registrants received a full conference registration refund for the in-person event.
  • WATT Global Media recently released the March edition of WATT PoultryUSA magazine with renowned profiles of the leading U.S. broiler and turkey companies. The Top U.S. Poultry Companies Survey highlights the top 30 broiler companies and the top 21 turkey companies for 2020.
  • With the stability of the global food supply of utmost importance, Alltech has decided to make its COVID-19 resources available to all who might benefit from them.
  • Dr. Max Hawkins, a nutritionist with the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management team, will host a webinar focused on the results of the 2019 Alltech Harvest Analysis, including the mycotoxin risks and impacts for monogastric and ruminant animals, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. EDT. The first half of the webinar will focus on ruminants, register via this link, starting at 3:00 p.m. EDT. The monogastric presentation will follow at 3:30 p.m. EDT, register via this link. For more information on mycotoxin management, visit knowmycotoxins.com.
  • The Joint Poultry Industry Safety Award Program is extending the application submission deadline from poultry industry facilities with outstanding safety programs to May 8. The program is open to National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association members with poultry processing plants, further processing facilities, egg processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills and rendering facilities that, through the implementation of innovative and effective programs, have injury and illness rates below the industry average for three consecutive years. Award program rules, regulations and application forms are available by clicking here.
  • In the wake of reports that beef cases in grocery stores are empty in some areas of the country, R-CALF USA has launched a new website to connect consumers with their neighboring cattle farmers and ranchers who raise and sell cattle or beef that is exclusively born, raised, and harvested in the U.S. directly to consumers. The website is www.USABeef.org.
  • USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation announce the completion of two funded research projects at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, in which researchers examined the impacts of cage-free layer housing.
  • The Animal Agriculture Alliance announced that its 2020 Stakeholders Summit is going virtual in response to ongoing public health concerns around hosting large events. The Virtual Summit, still being held May 7-8, will include the same exciting speaker lineup that was planned for the in-person event with sessions covering sustainability, animal welfare, influencer engagement, preparing for animal rights activist campaigns and other hot topics.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association is pleased to introduce Dairy Innovator Dialogues, a new video and multimedia series presented by IDFA that goes behind the scenes with today’s most innovative dairy leaders and companies.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

GROWMARK FS Members Helping Food Banks

Cindy Zimmerman

Farmers and grain companies in the Midwest are stepping up to help feed those in need. GROWMARK system members FS GRAIN and Gold Star FS have started accepting grain donations which will raise money for food banks across the region in a move they hope will spread nationwide.

Mike Schaver, grain department manager with Gold Star FS, says he is reaching out to each customer and says donations of any size of bushels will be a blessing during these trying times.

“Here in America we are accustomed to being the greatest agricultural nation in the world and we know that many of our neighbors’ lives and finances have been turned upside down,” adds Schaver. “Food banks across the country are trying to navigate unprecedented need while experiencing reductions in donations from the public sector, as well as traditional donations from grocery stores and restaurants.”

Customers who make a donation have the option of which local food bank their donations will be sent to. And a growing number of food banks are now participating.

More $20,000 in donations have been committed already, which is about $160,000 in groceries for neighbors in need.

Food, Grains, GROWMARK

A Conversation with Cainthus & A New Podcast

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

In this week’s program I’m sharing a conversation with Aidan Connolly, CEO, Cainthus. It has been quite some time since we’ve had this opportunity. We set a convenient time for each of us since he was in Ireland and I am here in the U.S.

CainthusDuring my conversation with Aidan we talk about the work Cainthus does and he provides his thoughts on the current COVID-19 problem. We also talk about the value of podcasts, especially in light of the difficulty for travel right now.

I’m also sharing the first episode of a new podcast series we’re producing – Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services. It debuted Wednesday and will be produced monthly moving ahead. The topic of the first show is Understanding Nitrogen and includes experts, Tim Laatsch, technical agronomy manager, and Michael Berry, director of brand expansion.

I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

Listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 640 - A Conversation with Cainthus & First Episode of New Podcast

Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Audio, Podcasts, Soil, ZimmCast

Industry Ag News 3/27

Carrie Muehling

  • Chief Economist Robert Johansson announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Jekanowski as the World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman. Dr. Jekanowski is currently acting Board chairman and will assume his new duties on March 29.
  • Out of an abundance of caution and concern, Agri-Pulse will postpone the Food & Ag Policy Summit West from April 22 to September 9. Agri-Pulse has secured the same space at the Sutter Club in Sacramento and will be working with speakers and sponsors to replicate the April 22 event.
  • The 35th class of American Soybean Association Corteva Agriscience™ Young Leaders completed their training Feb. 25–29, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.
  • At this time Ag Relations Council continues to plan to have the ARC Meeting in Richmond, Virginia, June 23-25, 2020. The ARC staff and Board will continue to monitor the local, state, and national recommendations and requirements for events as we move through March, April, and May. We will do our best to keep the ARC community updated on the status of the ARC meeting and related activities.
  • American Farmland Trust, the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food®, announces the creation of a Farmer Relief Fund. All monies raised will go directly to farmers. The fund will award eligible farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The initial focus will be on farms that sell at farmers markets or to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products. That focus could change over time as the negative impacts of the crisis become more widespread within U.S. agriculture.
  • Illinois families doing their part to social distance during school and restaurant closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic can add additional agriculture educational activities to the digital resources at their fingertips. Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) and the state agriculture education system are offering online lessons and resources to help educators, parents and students, especially while schools statewide are closed. Information and resources may be found on IAITC’s website or Facebook page. County literacy coordinators will also share information through social media.
  • The following is a statement from American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President & CEO Andrew LaVigne: “The U.S. seed industry stands with the entire agriculture and food value chain in its commitment to ensuring America’s families have ongoing access to a healthy, safe and affordable food supply as we continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. The seed industry plays a foundational role in the production of the food, feed, forage, clothing, fuel and other agricultural products that sustain a sound and balanced economy. As we head into the spring planting season in the midst of a global pandemic, America’s seed companies are working hard to make sure farmers, ranchers and homeowners have access to the quality seed they need to ensure a successful year. U.S. seed companies have put into place the necessary practices to comply with COVID-19 recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies as they continue to deliver seed during this challenging time. We appreciate the tireless efforts of America’s producers who are on the front lines each and every day, and the strong support and communication from Secretary Perdue and his team to ensure America’s families have ready access to a variety of nutritious foods, now and in the future. If farmers, ranchers or others have any questions about their seed needs for the 2020 season, we encourage them to contact their seed company directly.” For the latest COVID-19 updates and policy impacting seed movement and availability, visit www.betterseed.org/covid-19/.
  • Farmers Business Network, the independent farmer-to-farmer network, announced a new program to support family farms amid market turbulence, as farmers enter their critical planting period. Over the next four weeks, FBN will be extending a range of special pricing offers on more than 80 vital seed and chemical products, discounted by up to 15 percent off our already low prices, to help farmers strengthen their bottom lines during this extraordinary time through the planting season.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) statistical reports remain on schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including the March 26 Hogs and Pigs and March 31 Prospective Plantings reports. NASS also continues to collect data for all upcoming reports, asking farmers and ranchers to complete their surveys online, if they don’t already respond that way. To protect the health and safety of producers, partners, and employees, NASS has suspended in-person data collection at least until April 3, 2020.
  • On National Ag Day, AgGrad announced winners of this year’s AgGrad 30 Under 30 Awards, a program that shows the future of agriculture is bright and aims at rewarding those making the extra effort to move this industry forward.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is moving quickly in its efforts to better understand the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s corn growers. In a letter to NCGA members, NCGA President Kevin Ross and CEO Jon Doggett announced the formation of an NCGA COVID-19 Task Force to facilitate the collection of information, streamline the decision-making process to make recommendations and coordinate activities with the broader corn value chain.
Zimfo Bytes

New Agri-Pulse Poll Shows Strong Farm Support for Trump

Cindy Zimmerman

The latest Agri-Pulse poll of U.S. farmers and ranchers shows support for President Donald Trump has grown despite their own economic concerns.

Some 72% of producers nationwide who were surveyed from Feb. 19 through March 13 said they were willing to support Trump’s reelection, up from 69% during the fall of 2018 and 45% in the spring of 2018. Some 21% of those surveyed for the latest poll opposed Trump’s reelection. The remaining 7% don’t know how they’ll vote or refused to say.

At the same time, nearly two-thirds of the farmers surveyed said they had at least some concerns about their ability to repay loans, and 79% said it was important that farmers receive another round of Market Facilitation Program payments this year; 46% of the producers actually said it was “very important” that farmers receive additional MFP payments.

The survey of 600 producers, conducted by Aimpoint Research, included farmers and ranchers with at least $50,000 in gross farm income and was done with phone interviews as the COVID-19 pandemic was developing worldwide.

Read more from Agri-Pulse.

Agri-Pulse

Energy Ag News 3-26-20

Cindy Zimmerman

  • The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) and Renewable Fuels Nebraska (RFN) have rescheduled the Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum 2020 for July 15-16. The Forum will be held at the La Vista Conference Center in Greater Omaha if the threat of COVID-19 has subsided.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to welcome two new associate members, Barchart and Bion. Based in Chicago, Barchart is a global provider of market data and intelligence to the financial, media and commodity sectors. Bion, based in Sioux Falls, S.D., is a testing company that specializes in analytical standards, reference material, and proficiency testing programs.
  • According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending Mar. 20, ethanol production scaled back by 2.9%, or 30,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 1.005 million b/d—equivalent to 42.21 million gallons daily and the lowest volume since October. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 1.1% to 1.041 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.96 billion gallons. Ethanol stocks diminished by 1.9% to 24.1 million barrels for a seven-week low.
    • Biodiesel, Biofuels, Energy, Ethanol

    New Podcast from Koch Agronomic Services

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Field Notes from Koch Agronomic ServicesThe Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) will break down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. Crop science experts and others in the agriculture industry will discuss topics ranging from nitrogen loss and soil health to ways growers can increase operational efficiencies. Welcome to the first episode.

    Understanding Nitrogen

    In the inaugural podcast, two Koch experts – Tim Laatsch, technical agronomy manager, and Michael Berry, director of brand expansion – kick things off with the foundation of nitrogen. They explain how the nitrogen cycle works, why minimizing nitrogen loss is so important and what can be gained by following the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship.

    You can listen to the first episode here: Understanding Nitrogen

    And to make sure you don’t miss an episode, choose an option to subscribe

    For Spotify on your computer download the desktop app.

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Fertilizer, Koch Agronomic Services, Nutrient Management, Podcasts, Precision Agriculture

    Administration Will Not Appeal Tenth Circuit SRE Ruling

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Biofuels stakeholders are celebrating some good news today with word that the Trump administration had made the decision not to request a rehearing of the recent unanimous ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit that the EPA had “vastly exceeded its authority in granting exemptions from 2016 and 2017 RFS requirements to three refineries.”

    The challenge was brought against EPA in May 2018 by the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and National Farmers Union in response to the massive demand destruction caused by the Agency’s illegal and indiscriminate use of SREs. In the wake of today’s decision not to seek a re-hearing of the Renewable Fuels Association et al. v. EPA decision, the four groups called upon the EPA to immediately apply the court decision nationwide.

    “We are pleased the Trump administration has decided not to side with oil refiners in seeking a re-hearing of this unambiguous and well-reasoned court decision in the Tenth Circuit. We trust this also means the administration does not plan to petition the Supreme Court for an appeal. Abiding by the court’s ruling is the right thing to do at a time when our industries and rural America are already suffering from the effects of COVID-19, the Saudi-Russia oil price war and ongoing trade disputes. We look to the RFS as a source of demand stability and certainty, especially in these troubling times. Requesting a re-hearing would have only prolonged uncertainty in the marketplace and exacerbated the pain and frustration already being experienced in the Heartland. With this key milestone now behind us, we look forward to EPA applying the Tenth Circuit decision nationwide to all SRE petitions, beginning with the 25 pending petitions for 2019 exemptions.”

    While the Trump Administration declined to participate, the two refineries involved in the case – Wynnewood Refining and HollyFrontier – are requesting a rehearing en banc.

    Listen to comments from representatives of the organizations who brought the lawsuit.
    ACE CEO Brian Jennings (2:05)

    NCGA President Kevin Ross (1:10)

    NFU Senior Advisor Anne Steckel (1:55)

    RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper (1:58)

    ACE, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Ethanol, NCGA, RFA

    Precision Ag News 3/25

    Carrie Muehling

    • Ayrstone announces the release of the new AyrMesh Cab Hub2, designed specifically for connecting farm equipment to the network. The AyrMesh Cab Hub2 is a version of the company’s popular AyrMesh Hub2x2 but modified to make it easy to mount on a tractor, sprayer, combine, UTV or truck.
    • Calyxt, Inc., a plant-based technology company, has launched its new website to showcase how Calyxt is harnessing the ‘Power and Possibilities of Plants’.
    • Sony Electronics announced an expanded ecosystem for its newly enhanced Smart Agriculture Solution with leading AgTech providers. The system is being integrated with farming solutions from Drones Made Easy, BirdsEyeView Aerobotics, Rantizo and Progeny Drone Inc. Sony’s Smart Agriculture Solution supports day-to-day crop management by collecting and analyzing data on growth and health status. Version 2.0, shown recently at the 2020 Commodity Classic, combines high-resolution drone imagery with AI for a more accurate and efficient approach to plant counting and analysis.
    AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

    Senators Stress COVID-19 Relief for Agriculture

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) led a Senate colloquy Monday to outline the importance of supporting farmers, ranchers and rural America in legislation to provide relief from the impacts of COVID-19. Hoeven worked to include $50 billion in funding authority for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

    Joining Hoeven were Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Thune (R-SD), and Senate Agriculture Committee chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) in making remarks on the floor.

    “This coronavirus is adding another dimension to an already battered agriculture economy and this disease has been driving down crop and livestock prices,” said Sen. Fischer. “Ag futures have been dipping since February, prices offered for ranchers’ cattle have been dropping, ethanol plants are starting to idle or close down across the country, and there’s a lot of unsold grain sitting around the countryside in on farm storage.”

    The $50 billion in funding authority sought would include replenishing $30 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding authority for USDA; increasing the CCC borrowing authority an additional $20 billion for USDA to respond to COVID-19; and enabling USDA to utilize CCC funding to assist livestock producers, as well as other sectors of the agriculture economy.

    Listen to the senators here:
    Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) (10:12)

    Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) (2:34)

    Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) (4:44)

    Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) (6:22)

    Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) (13:39)

    Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) (3:16)

    AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Farming, Food