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

    President Trump Proclaims March 24 National Ag Day

    Cindy Zimmerman

    For the fourth year, President Donald Trump has recognized March 24 as National Ag Day as a salute to the contributions of America’s farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.

    I encourage all Americans to observe this day by recognizing the preeminent role that agriculture plays in our daily lives, acknowledging agriculture’s continuing importance to rural America and our country’s economy, and expressing our deep appreciation of farmers, growers, ranchers, producers, national forest system stewards, private agricultural stewards, and those who work in the agriculture sector across the Nation.

    National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) and even though coronavirus forced the cancellation of events in the nation’s capitol this week, virtual activities are being held and information about agriculture being shared. ACA offers social media tools and resources online for you to share as well.

    “Food Brings Everyone to the Table” is this year’s National Ag Day theme. Winner of the national written essay cont3est, Eli Mittermeyer from Loraine, Illinois, received a $1,000 prize and would have traveled to Washington, D.C., for recognition today and the opportunity to read his winning essay. But you can read it here and see this year’s video essay winner, Samantha Gerges of Mansfield, Texas, who also won a $1,000 prize. The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., National Association of Farm Broadcasting and Farm Progress.

    Ag Day

    FFA Takes National Ag Day Virtual

    Cindy Zimmerman

    National FFA is helping celebrate National Ag Day by providing virtual webinars today and tomorrow. Student leaders from FFA , 4-H, AFA and MANRRS will join together to share information on the critical role agriculture plays in our culture and economy.

    Monday’s sessions will begin at 1 pm EDT and will include how to advocate and why it’s important, interacting with government officials, and how to build an elevator pitch. Tuesday’s sessions include storytelling and identifying the audience you want to communicate with and an in-depth look at the agriculture, food and natural resources value chain.

    “National Ag Day gives students from agriculture youth organizations the chance to work together and share to our national government leaders of the importance of agriculture and agriculture education. The skills the students learn this week, they’ll be able to use as they move forward in life and strengthen agriculture along the way,” said Celya Glowacki, advocacy and literacy officer, for the National FFA Organization.

    Ag Day is an opportunity for others to learn how agriculture provides safe, abundant and affordable products.
    Originally, the student-leaders were scheduled to be in D.C. Instead, they are working together virtually, to discover how they can continue to be advocates for the agriculture industry while telling the important story of agriculture throughout the nation. “As we provide virtual programming for our agriculture students this week, we are able to not only help flatten the curve, but also broaden our reach regarding the story of agriculture,” Glowacki said.

    For more information regarding the virtual events, visit https://www.ffa.org/ag-literacy-and-advocacy/

    Ag Day, Education, FFA

    Creative Ways to Use Those Social Media Skills

    Chuck Zimmerman

    4th Sunday of Lent MassThe reactions, rules, ideas, suggestions of how to beat the COVID-19 virus have completely disrupted the lives of all of us. I know this can be a time of real anxiety, worry and depression. Now is when most of us need our church family and services and yet we are unable to gather together as churches of all denominations cancel their activities, including weekly services.

    Although Cindy and I have several projects we’re working on that don’t require travel, the 24/7 endless stream of “news” as well as a whole lot of speculation, especially on social media, is very distracting and emotionally exhausting. We’re used to working out of our home so ZimmComm World Headquarters is functioning mostly as normal in a world where there is suddenly no normal.

    When I found out the pastor of our church in Pensacola, Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, wanted to livestream Mass yesterday, I immediately let him know I was available and was humbled to be able to be of service in that way to the Lord.

    The livestream went off flawlessly and as of this morning it has almost 1,000 views and almost 100 comments. Father says he has received very positive feedback. We will be doing this again this Wednesday, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, at 9am central. We’ll start about 5 minutes early with a view of the Altar and some music. Then on Friday evening at 7 pm we’re planning to live stream the Stations of the Cross with me following Father through the stations.

    For you content creators out there, perhaps you could contact your church if you haven’t already, to see if it could use your skills in this way. I’m hoping the effort will bring some solace and calm to people in the countryside or in the city. Cindy and I pray for a quick end to this virus situation which threatens us in more ways than just the illness and its results. Pray for an Easter miracle!

    Social Media, Social Networking, Video

    Animal Ag News 3/23

    Carrie Muehling

    • In response to the ongoing efforts to provide relief to Americans impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement to Capitol Hill.
    • The National Pork Producers Council applauds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s guidance on critical industry workforce that should continue as the country addresses and responds to the coronavirus outbreak; U.S. food and agriculture was included among 16 critical industries. Specifically, DHS recognized as essential a variety of pork production roles.
    • The North American Meat Institute says meat and poultry producers are leaning in to continue efforts to meet the global demand for meat under difficult circumstances. For more detailed information go here.
    • The American Feed Industry Association, along with 23 state and regional feed and grain associations, called on state officials around the country to maintain access to businesses providing animal food amid proposed state plans to close “non-essential businesses” to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The plea comes after some states released response plans that excluded animal food manufacturing facilities, transportation and agricultural and non-agricultural retail establishments from their lists of “essential businesses.” In an urgent letter, the groups stated that these businesses should be reclassified because not doing so would hinder the animal food industry’s ability to continue feeding America’s livestock, poultry and pets, threaten the U.S. food supply and drive up prices for farmers, ranchers, pet owners and consumers.
    • Nominations for the 14th annual National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards are now being accepted. For the application and nomination requirements, as well as more information about BQA, go here. All nominations are due by June 5, 2020.
    • Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is looking to award two $1,000 college scholarships to children of its members. Applicants must be high school seniors, high school graduates or college undergraduates. They must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time course of study at an accredited four-year college or university or a two-year program at a technical, junior or community college. The area of study does not need to be in agriculture. Only dependents of Edge members qualify. The application with full guidelines is available at www.voiceofmilk.com. Applications must be postmarked by May 1.
    • The Global Marketing and Research team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, along with State Beef Councils across the country, are leveraging their extensive library of content, including advertisements, recipes, cooking videos and educational materials about beef nutrition to help consumers while they are home during the pandemic.
    AgWired Animal, Animal Bites