Nebraska Farmers Union 104th Annual State Convention Completed Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) held their 104th annual state convention in Grand Island at the Hotel Grand Conference Center December 8-9. The convention theme was: “Harnessing the Power of Cooperation Since 1913”.

The attendance was good and the weather cooperated as NeFU members elected officers, set policy, and were informed on the issues facing agriculture in the year ahead. NeFU Election Results: John Hansen was re-elected to his 15th two-year term without opposition. Hansen’s 28 years at the helm as president is the longest in the organization’s 104 year history. Elton Berck served 17 years from 1957 to 1974.

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Delegates from their respective districts elected two NeFU Board of Directors. Al Davis of Hyannis was elected to his first three-year term for NeFU District 1.

Ben Gotschall of Raymond was re-elected to his second three-year term for NeFU District 5. Out of a field of 14 candidates, two from each of the 7 NeFU Districts, Mina Davis of Omaha, Bill Armbrust of Elkhorn, and Art Tanderup of Neligh were elected to represent NeFU as delegates to the upcoming National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention in Kansas City, Missouri March 4-6, 2018. Katie Jantzen of Plymouth, Mary Stoltenberg of Cairo, and Ed Hansen of Newman Grove were elected first, second and third alternates. Katie Jantzen of Plymouth was elected by the membership to serve on the NeFU Foundation Board.

President’s Award Winners: The President’s Award is NeFU’s highest award, and is presented to individuals who provide outstanding service and leadership to family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities at the state or national levels. This year’s President’s Award winners were Art and Helen Tanderup of Neligh. Art is the NeFU District 7 President. Art and Helen’s family farm is on the TransCanada pipeline route north of Neligh. “This farm couple has showed extraordinary courage to stand up for their private property rights, and conducted themselves in a time of great conflict and pressure in a very positive manner. They are great role models for all of us as to how to get informed, get constructively engaged, and harness the power of cooperation to fight for their interests.” said NeFU President John Hansen. Art and Helen hosted the Willie Nelson and Neil Young concert opposing the pipeline on their farm, and have testified against the pipeline dozens of times at the local and state levels.

They also built a solar project on their farm and bought an electric vehicle. “They practice what they preach,” Hansen said. Friday Morning Highlights: NeFU President Hansen reported on the NeFU and NeFU Foundation’s educational activities for the year. KRVN General Manager Tim Marshall reported Nebraska Rural Radio Association’s activities. Jeff Downing, General Manager of the Midwest Regional Agency described the growth of the Nebraska and Kansas insurance sales the past year. He reported that the agency now has a total of 58 agents located in 44 communities, with 25 agents in 18 communities in Nebraska.

He said he was continuing to add new professional agents, and was pleased with the quality and competitiveness of their insurance products. National Farmers Union’s (NFU) new biofuels advisor Ann Steckel and Nebraska Ethanol Board’s Executive Director Todd Sneller provided updates on the status of the Renewable Fuels Standard and biofuel development and utilization challenges and opportunities. Alan Guebert, nationally syndicated agricultural journalist and columnist, entertained the group as the Friday luncheon keynote speaker described his recent efforts to retrace the steps of his grandparents to find the farm south of Rising City in Butler County they were forced from during the Great Depression when his mother was a little girl. NFU Historian Tom Giessel of Larned, Kansas described the organizational reasons for the NFU emblem and symbols, and why they teach us basic organizational skills. Friday Afternoon Highlights: Tiffany Seibert Joekel, Policy Director of Open Sky Policy Institute provided an overview of Nebraska’s tax system that showed our state has altogether too much reliance on property taxes compared to income and sales taxes. K-12 funding was the primary reason property taxes are way too high.

A lively panel discussion of “Three Paths in Search of Property Tax Relief, Adequate Education Funding, and a More Fair and Balanced State Tax System” described the particulars of current legislative, legal, and initiative options to bring long overdue property tax relief to struggling family farmers and ranchers. The panelists included: Tiffany Siebert Joekel, York Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Lucas, NeFU and Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska Board member Al Daivs, Nebraska Farm Bureau Vice President of Government Relations Bruce Rieker, and Legislative District 41 Legislative Assistant Edward Boone. There was a great deal of interest in the subject matter, and many questions.. The “Preview of the 2018 Legislative Session” with Senators LD10 Bob Krist of Omaha, LD35 Dan Quick of Grand Island, and Legislative Assistant Edward Boone who works for Sen. Tom Briese of Albion shared their view of issues facing the next legislature, including a budget deficit and property tax initiatives. After the refreshment break, participants heard from candidates running for public office.

Senate candidate Jane Raybold; Governor candidate Sen. Bob Krist; Third Congressional District candidate Paul Theobald; Nebraska Legislature candidates Chuck Hassebrook—LD16, Mina Davis—LD8, and Don Schuller—LD30; and Public Service Commission candidate John Atkeison. NFU President Roger Johnson was the keynote banquet speaker. Ted Genoways, Nebraska author of “This Blessed Earth” that featured the challenges and rewards of family farmers and NeFU members, the Hammond family from Hamilton County.

Genoways shared photos while reading passages from his book. Saturday Morning Highlights: Vern Jantzen gave his NeFU Vice President and NEBFARMPAC reports. “The Art of Cooperation” by NFU Historian Tom Giessel of Larned, Kansas. Nate Belcher, Green Acres Cover Crops on “Uncovering the Upside Potential and Uses for Cover Crops”. NFU President Roger Johnson provided the NFU legislative report at the closing NeFU luncheon that included the status report on the many issues NFU works at the national level. NeFU delegates set policy.

Under the guidance of Vern Jantzen, NeFU Policy chair, NeFU delegates adopted the 2017-2018 NeFU policy Saturday afternoon along with five Special Orders of Business. The new policy and the Special Orders of Business are posted on the NeFU website at:. Iowa Pork Producers Association announces 2018 Iowa Pork Congress The Iowa Pork Producers Association's 2018 Iowa Pork Congress will be held on Jan. 24 and 25 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. North America's largest winter swine trade show and conference will feature nine new seminars, a keynote address, 300 exhibitors, training sessions, fun social events and exciting youth activities. 'Pork Congress has something for everyone and it's our hope that attendees will join us and take advantage of the available opportunities,' said IPPA President Curtis Meier, a pig farmer from Clarinda. A strong lineup of free business seminars on the timely subjects and issues of greatest importance to pork producers and the industry will be offered.

'Utilizing Livestock Manure in a Cover Crop Program' will be presented by Drs. Dan Anderson and Matt Helmers from Iowa State University; Dr. Steve Meyer will look to the future of prices and profitability; and Erik Potter from ISU will explain how not to fail an audit. Matt Rush is the former New Mexico Farm Bureau CEO and an award-winning speaker and author. He'll present 'There's a snake in my bumper' as the 2018 Iowa Pork Congress keynote speaker. Rush will explain why it's important for farmers to tell the agriculture story and why farmers must be viable, valuable and visible to remain successful. The keynote will be held at 2:15 p.m.

Hog farmers also will be able to obtain or renew their PQA Plus® and TQA® certifications, and a certification session for confinement site manure applicators is being offered. Companies from Iowa, the U.S.

And around the world that serve the pork industry will fill the Hy-Vee Hall trade show floor to offer solutions that help pig farmers become more efficient, profitable and successful. IPPA will once again have its booth and the Pork Information Plaza in Hall 'A' and be joined by the National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, Iowa State University, other affiliated organizations and commercial exhibitors. Many other activities and events will be held in association with Pork Congress during the week. Events begin on Jan.

22 with IPPA's annual Taste of Elegance contest and reception at the Iowa Events Center. The association's annual meeting will be held on Jan. 23, followed by the Kickoff Reception and Auction. The Pork Congress Banquet is on Wednesday evening. The 10th annual Youth Swine Judging contest will be held on Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. 4-H and FFA members from around the state are invited to attend to learn more about the industry and compete for valuable scholarships.

'The IPPA Board and staff has worked hard over the last several months to produce another good show and we hope to see many producers from Iowa and the Midwest,' said Meier. Pork Congress will be open from 9 a.m. 24 and 9 a.m. Registration Pre-registration to attend Pork Congress is available through Jan. IPPA members can attend the trade show and conference at no cost by registering by the deadline at www.iowaporkcongress.org or by using the form in the November issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine.

Non-IPPA members can save $5 off of the normal $10 admission cost by registering online by the deadline. Registrations will be accepted after the deadline through each day of the show, but the cost will be $10. For more information, contact IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or visit. IOWA PORK PRODUCERS, VETERINARIANS REMINDED TO REPORT AND TEST ANIMALS WITH SIGNS OF SENECAVIRUS A The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is reminding Iowa pork producers and their veterinarians of the importance of reporting and testing all potential cases of Senecavirus A (SVA) in swine. SVA poses no threat to food safety and has no serious impact on pork production, but it is a serious concern for U.S. Animal health officials because the symptoms mimic the signs of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a foreign animal disease that would have devastating economic consequences in Iowa and across the country.

“Foot and Mouth Disease rightly strikes fear in the hearts of everyone involved in the agriculture industry. As we have worked to update our response plans for FMD and other diseases, we continue to see that identifying the disease as early as possible is critically important to an effective response. We do not want to give FMD a chance to circulate for even a couple of days thinking it is ‘just another case of SVA.’ That is why we are asking farmers and veterinarians to remain vigilant and make sure all potential cases of SVA are submitted for testing,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Because SVA and FMD share the same symptoms, State and Federal animal health officials need producers’ and veterinarians’ help to identify potential cases for testing.

Laboratory testing is the only way to distinguish between the two diseases. If a farmer sees any signs of blisters or lesions they should work with their veterinarian to report the situation to animal health officials immediately. This includes if the symptoms are seen on the farm, a commingling point, a market, a buy station or at the slaughterhouse.

Farmers are asked to report signs right away so the animals can be tested as early as possible. Farmers or veterinarians with potential SVA cases can contact the Department’s State Veterinarian’s office at 515-281-8601 or the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) office in Iowa at 515-284-4140. “It is important that no one becomes complacent. Failure to identify FMD quickly would likely result in significant and swift spread of the disease that would not only impact the swine industry, but also the cattle, sheep, and goat industries. Our trading partners would immediately block U.S.

Exports and the economic impact to our livestock farmers would be devastating,” Naig said. Iowa has typically seen between 10 and 38 cases of SVA in recent years. Traditionally, veterinarians typically see a spike in Senecavirus A cases in the summer followed by a decline in the winter, but now there are cases throughout the year. If testing finds SVA, pigs will still be allowed to move to their destination; the disease poses no risk to food safety and the animals will fully recover.

The Department works with USDA to respond quickly to potential cases, conduct testing, and minimize any impacts or slow-downs to the industry. IFBF to Host 'Irrational Farm Decision Making' Webinar To help Iowa farmers overcome the barriers of making farm decisions based on impulse reactions or inaction, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is offering a first of its kind webinar to address 'Irrational Farm Decision Making' on Jan. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. 'Even though many farm business decisions can be logically made, those decisions can be influenced by our internal human wiring when we don't even realize it,' said IFBF Commodity Services Manager Ed Kordick.

'It is important to recognize that other factors have an impact on farm decisions when it comes to everything from renting land to selling crops.' Kordick says the webinar will cover how 'behavioral economics' influence decisions and how these choices impact income and risk. The goal of the IFBF webinar is to raise participants' awareness of their possible fixation on certain points or prices, what their current state of mind is when presented a decision and the behaviors that come from loss aversion. For example, is the range of possible crop prices still influenced by the high prices of 2011-2013?

Experts say fixating on a past situation, or 'anchoring,' can really impact marketing plans and actions. 'Are landowners 'anchored' to the recent rent levels rather than remaining flexible so they can accept the going market rate? Learning about these concepts and more can help with decision making and improve the future economic sustainability of the farm,' said Kordick. 'We believe this webinar will help bring clarity to what's motivating farmers toward action, and help Iowa farmers adjust with the times to remain financially and emotionally solid.' The webinar is being offered at no cost and is open to all. An archive of the webinar will be available to Iowa Farm Bureau members only.

Register online today at:. Another Record Year for U.S. Soybean Exports Farmer investments in international markets produced strong results in the 2016/2017 marketing year. According to the U.S.

Census Bureau, U.S. Soybean farmers exported a record 2.6 billion bushels of U.S. Soy and soy products, valued at over $28 billion last year. It marked the second year in a row that exports exceeded 60 percent of U.S. Soybean production. But record soybean production is no longer enough to ensure markets for U.S.

“Soy production is growing worldwide and end users have choices,” says Derek Haigwood, soybean farmer from Newport, Arkansas, and director on both the United Soybean Board and the U.S. Soybean Export Council. “To position the U.S. As a preferred supplier, we need to differentiate our product and farming practices to customers around the world.” Global economic growth is increasing demand for soy worldwide. To maintain and grow market share globally, the soy checkoff is making investments in areas where U.S.

Soybean farmers have the greatest opportunity to differentiate their product. More specifically, the checkoff is focused on growing sustainable soybeans that produce better quality meal and oil for end users. “While exports are rising, U.S. Soybean farmers can take even more market share if we differentiate ourselves in the global marketplace,” says Haigwood. “Improvements to meal and oil will help us keep a strong foothold in these crucial overseas markets.” November Milk Production in the United States up 1.0 Percent Milk production in the United States during November totaled 17.3 billion pounds, up 1.0 percent from November 2016.

Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,839 pounds for November, 9 pounds above November 2016. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.40 million head, 53,000 head more than November 2016, but unchanged from October 2017. Milk production in Iowa during November 2017 totaled 425 million pounds, up 4 percent from the previous November according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during November, at 219,000 head, was the same as last month and 4,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,940 pounds, up 35 pounds from last November. Larger Placements Likely in the Upcoming Cattle on Feed Report David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Dept of Ag Econ, Texas A&M University Friday December 22nd brings the next USDA Cattle on Feed report.

The last few months delivered large levels of marketings and placements, and growing numbers of cattle on feed. Good retail beef demand and good demand for live cattle from profitable packers has pulled cattle ahead through feedlots and that continued by pulling feeder cattle ahead into feedlots. The December cattle on feed report should bring more of the same. Marketings should be around 3.3 percent more than a year ago.

That would be the largest November marketings since the Cattle on Feed report began in its current form. There is some evidence that marketings are beginning to slow from the fast pace seen earlier in the year. Market analysts, again, have a wide range of expectations for placements, from up about 3 percent to over a 10 percent jump. Placements towards the top end of the range would be the largest since the mid-2000s, while placements up about 6.7 percent would the largest since 2011.

A growing cow herd continues to provide the base for more placements. It is likely that dry conditions in the Southern Plains hindering winter pasture development may have forced more to feedlots. Feeder cattle imports from Mexico were up about 50,000 head in November compared to a year ago.

Normally, many of those cattle would be going to winter pastures, but perhaps more went to feedlots given dry conditions. There were also, likely, some good opportunities to place cattle, especially early in the month. The expectation is that many more heifers are being placed reflecting more heifers born to the larger cow herd, but fewer being held back to replace cows.

Combining marketings and placements leaves expected cattle on feed for December 1 up 6.9 percent from a year ago. That would be the most December cattle on feed since 2011, as the drought was pushing more cattle to feedlots. Beef and live cattle demand will be critical in the coming months to avoid large price declines given this number of cattle on feed. USDA also has a Hogs and Pigs report coming out later this week. While this newsletter focuses on cattle and beef, competing meat supplies are going to be an important factor in 2018 beef prices.

USDA is expected to report that hog producers are expanding their breeding herd to the tune of about 1 percent over a year ago. All hog and pig inventories are expected to be up about 2 percent. Hog slaughter last week set a new all-time weekly record of 2.573 million head. There will be plenty of pork to compete with record beef supplies next year. NSP Announces Annual Yield Contest Winners National Sorghum Producers is proud to announce the winners of the 2017 NSP Yield Contest. Farmers from 24 states entered to win this year’s contest. Producer yields are highlighted in 10 different categories with this year’s top yield at 228.07 bushels per acre.

'Congratulations to the 2017 NSP Yield Contest Winners. I look forward to meeting each one at the upcoming Commodity Classic,' said NSP board of directors Chairman Don Bloss. 'The yield contest highlights the continued efforts of sorghum growers and their dedication to yield and production enhancements across the nation.'

The 2017 first place winners of the NSP Yield Contest were Winter Johnston of Pennsylvania in the Dryland Conventional-Till category with a yield of 228.07 bushels per acre; Stephanie Santini of New Jersey in the Dryland Double Crop category with a yield of 192.11 bushels per acre; Harry Johnston of Pennsylvania in the Dryland No-Till category with a yield of 226.31 bushels per acre; Robert Santini Jr. Of New Jersey in the Dryland Reduced-Till category with a yield of 198.00 bushels per acre; Ball Farms of Idaho in the Irrigated Conventional-Till category with a yield of 212.70 bushels per acre; Jeff Scates of Illinois in the Irrigated Double Crop category with a yield of 188.22 bushels per acre; Robert Santini Sr.

Of New Jersey in the Irrigated No-Till category with a yield of 220.49; Mike Baker of Nebraska won the Irrigated Reduced-Till category with a yield of 202.25 bushels per acre; Ron Robinson of Nebraska won the Irrigated National Food-Grade category with a yield of 191.43; and Ron Robinson of Nebraska won the Non-Irrigated National Food-Grade category with a yield of 161.88 bushels per acre. NSP also recognizes Ki Gamble as our newest inductee into the Sorghum Yield Contest Hall of Fame. Gamble had the highest yield in the 2003, 2007 and 2012 contests in the irrigated conventional-till category planting Pioneer 84G62 in Kiowa County, Kansas. The national winners and new hall of fame member will be further recognized at Commodity Classic in Anaheim, California, on Feb. 28, 2018, at an awards dinner sponsored by DuPont Pioneer. To see a complete list of the NSP Yield Contest national, state and county results, or to learn more about the contest, visit. Conaway: Tax Reform Delivers for Ag House Agriculture Committee Chairman K.

Michael Conaway (TX-11) today praised House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R. 1 (115), which delivers historic tax relief to families, farmers, ranchers and small businesses. Following passage, Chairman Conaway issued the below remarks: “Today, Congress has delivered the fairer, simpler tax code that American families and small businesses deserve. This historic tax relief package both simplifies our broken system and sets the economy on a course to stimulate growth and create jobs. As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I’m pleased that Chairman Brady and his team have produced a bill that acknowledges the unique tax challenges faced by those in agriculture.

From lower marginal rates to the treatment of pass-through income to improved small business expensing, this bill delivers for farmers, ranchers and all rural America.” 5 Steps Farmers Should Take in Response to House-Passed Tax Bill The national ag accounting and business advisory firm KCoe Isom said the tax bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today presents opportunities for many farmers but only if they develop plans taking into consideration changes to the tax code. “Most farm businesses will want to take a step back and be careful about how they file their taxes this year and what type of planning they should do early in the first quarter of 2018,” said Doug Claussen, a Principal and CPA with KCoe Isom. “In consultation with their tax professional, farmers should consider the following year-end strategies: 1. Defer income to next year and pay deductible expenses this year.

Depending on your individual circumstances, you could have lower tax rates in 2018. Pay all assessed 2017 property tax and any likely amount of personal 2017 state income taxes. Note however that payments could be subject to limitations if you are subject to the alternative minimum tax.

Make year-end purchases of new and used equipment. Under the tax bill, 100% bonus depreciation starts for property placed in service on or after September 28, 2017. This includes used equipment so there could be advantages to year-end purchases.

The ability to carryback net operating losses for farming operations will be reduced from a five year carryback to two years after 2017, so this year will be your last opportunity to recoup some income taxes from five years ago. Make your charitable donations in 2017.

If you are going to make charitable donations in 2018, consider making some or all of them in 2017 in case your standard deduction is more beneficial next year. In addition to year-end tax planning, KCoe Isom recommends that businesses take a fresh look at their operations in 2018 and think about whether restructuring or adjusting operations will make sense in light of the changes in this bill.

“The changes in the tax code made by this bill are complex and could affect farmers in unexpected ways,” added Claussen. “We encourage every ag business to take a fresh look at their operations early in 2018 and consider whether there are further adjustments they should make in light of these changes to the tax code.” “We will be working closely with leading ag businesses to assess their individual tax situations and look at operational changes they may want to make given this significant rewrite of the tax code,” said Brad Palen, a Principal and CPA with KCoe Isom. “This bill doesn’t make things simpler – in many respects it actually raises new questions for ag businesses. While some farmers may see reduced taxes from this bill, many more will need to carefully evaluate their individual circumstances to take advantage of these changes.” RFS Analysis Finds 'Tremendous Progress' Made Toward Meeting Energy, Environmental, Economic Goals of RFS2 Ten years ago today, Dec. 19, President George W. Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act, greatly expanding the scope and impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

In the decade since passage, significant progress has been made towards greater energy security, cleaner air and boosting local economies, according to a new analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association, 'The RFS2: Then and Now.' The RFS requires oil companies to blend increasing volumes of renewable fuels with gasoline and diesel, culminating with 36 billion gallons in 2022. 'A decade after the RFS2 was adopted, tremendous progress has been made toward achieving the objectives of this landmark policy,' according to the analysis, which compares key data points from 2007 to 2017.

Among the highlights: The number of operational U.S. Ethanol plants has nearly doubled from 110 in 2007 to 211 in 2017, a 92% increase, while U.S. Ethanol production has grown 143% from 6.5 billion gallons in 2007 to 15.8 billion gallons in 2017; U.S. Ethanol industry jobs grew 42% from 238,541 in 2007 to 339,176, with the value of industry output increasing 74% from $17.8 billion in 2007 to $31 billion in 2017; The production of advanced and cellulosic biofuel increased 469% from 490 million gallons in 2007 to 2.79 billion gallons in 2017; U.S. RESISTANCE, SAFETY ARE KEY FACTORS IN PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING Private pesticide applicators holding licenses that expire in 2018, as well as anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, can contact their local Nebraska Extension office for information on pesticide safety education training sessions. Around 200 statewide sessions will be held January-April.

After completing the Pesticide Safety Education Program training, licensed private pesticide applicators can buy and use restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in their farming operations. More than 3,500 private applicators statewide are eligible for recertification in 2018. Separate training opportunities will be held for dicamba products XtendiMax, FeXapan and Engenia, now classified as RUPs. Information related to that training is to be available in early 2018. As farming and farming products and tools continue to become increasingly sophisticated, producers need new information, as well as refresher information, to help them make the best decisions for safety and economics, said Clyde Ogg, Nebraska Extension pesticide safety educator. Nebraska producers are extremely knowledgeable and conscientious about safety and pesticides, Ogg said.

“The training serves to reinforce the techniques our producers are doing right, and boosts their understanding of some of the more technical aspects of pesticide safety,” Ogg said. “Training helps participants better understand such topics as herbicide resistance and the newly revised federal Worker Protection Standards,” Ogg added. Other topics include pesticide drift, Nebraska pesticide laws and regulations, the pesticide label, personal safety, environmental protection, integrated pest management, pesticides and application, application equipment and equipment calibration. “It is important to better understand how weeds become resistant to pesticides, to manage resistant weeds and prevent that from occurring in the future,” Ogg said. Participants will use the updated EC130 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management to learn how to use label information such as chemical group numbers as well as nonchemical techniques, to reduce development of pest populations resistant to pesticides. The comprehensive guide is included with registration.

Another new development for 2018 will be an overview of the newly revised federal Worker Protection Standards. The last part of the revision goes into effect Jan. One example is that aside from immediate family members, people under age 18 will no longer be able to handle (mix, load and apply) pesticides. “The revised federal law is designed to minimize contact and exposure to pesticides,” Ogg said. “Extension is helping our producers to be aware of these new regulations and how they can keep their employees even safer.” Those needing recertification in 2018 will be notified in two ways. One is through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the other is through Nebraska Extension. Private applicators needing recertification in 2018 may expect a notification letter from NDA by mid-December.

The letter includes a bar code that eliminates the need to complete the standard NDA application form. 'Those eligible for recertification will also be notified by their local Nebraska Extension office about recertification training sessions in their area,' Ogg added. Applicators should check their licenses for the expiration date.

If it expires in 2018 and they have not yet received a letter from NDA, contact the agency at 402-471-2351, or 877-800-4080. Extension provides the educational training for recertification, while NDA is responsible for licensing. The cost of Extension training is $40 per person; NDA licensing is a separate fee. For a list of training sessions, sites and dates, contact a Nebraska Extension office or go online to where applicators will find a link to the 2018 private pesticide training dates. That link shows education sites for private applicators listed by county. Preregistration is required for some, though not all, locations. Dates may still be added in later December.

Yet another option of becoming certified or recertified is by completing a self-study course. The self-study is available in either a hard copy manual or online. This manual is available at Extension offices. The online course can be purchased at at the pesticide education section. The cost for either self-study course is $60. 'After completing private applicator training, certification applications will be sent to NDA, which will then bill the applicator for the state license fee,' Ogg said. For inclement weather and possible cancellations, listen to a local radio or television station, or call the training site.

For more information, visit. Crop Production Clinics at Five Sites this January Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics will be conducted at five sites this January to provide research updates and educational information focused on local agriculture. Programs for each of the clinics are customized, often featuring extension presenters from the area or who have conducted research in the area. “We strive to provide practical, profitable, environmentally sound, high-impact training for agricultural professionals and producers,” said Chris Proctor, weed management extension educator and clinic coordinator. Topics will be in the areas of soil fertility, soil water and irrigation, insect pests, plant diseases, weeds, cropping systems, agribusiness management and marketing.

View programs for topics offered at each location. CPC 2018 Schedule Jan. 10 – Gering: Program Register Jan. 11 – North Platte: Program Register Jan. 15, 16 – Norfolk: Program Register (Two one-day sessions) Jan.

18 – Lincoln: Program Register Jan. 24 & 25 – Kearney: Register for NCMC (Two one-day sessions, part of the NCMC Conference) Anyone attending the pesticide applicator license recertification sessions will also meet the requirements for dicamba applicator training. Dicamba is now a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) in Nebraska and additional training is required for its purchase and use. Array of Topics, Training Offered at Nebraska Crop Management Conference Jan. 24-25 From dicamba challenges and growing weed resistance to new technologies, cover crops, and more, the Nebraska Crop Management Conference offers the latest information to help Nebraska growers farm more effectively and profitably. Registration is now open for this year’s conference, which will be Jan.

24-25 in Kearney at the Younes Conference Center. 'This conference highlights high priority issues identified by Nebraskans in meetings across the state,' said Chris Proctor, extension weed science educator and program coordinator. 'Researchers, guest speakers, and extension faculty in a variety of fields will be providing focused, research-based presentations to address an array of ag topics important to Nebraska farmers.' 'This two-day structure allows participants to engage in a lot of topics in a short time while also offering opportunities for participants to talk with the presenters or other farmers,' Proctor said. Among the guest speakers will be Kevin Bradley, a research and extension specialist in weed management of corn, soybean, and wheat at the University of Missouri.

Bradley, who is studying the occurrence of off-target dicamba movement across the Corn Belt in 2017, will speak on “The dicamba dilemma. Where do we go from here?” He’ll look at some of the reasons for off-target movement following dicamba applications to Xtend soybeans and provide recommendations for how to move forward in 2018. In a compact, two-day format, the Nebraska Crop Management Conference brings together experts from Nebraska and surrounding states to provide research-based information important to today's farming operations. Twenty-seven sessions offer information related to crop production, soil and water management, pest management, agricultural economics, and climate analysis. (To view the agenda and more detailed information on all the sessions, visit the conference website.) The conference also provides an opportunity to interact with farmers and ag professionals from across Nebraska as well as commercial and private pesticide license recertification, CCA credits, and chemigation training. Anyone attending the pesticide applicator license recertification sessions will also meet the requirements for dicamba applicator training.

Dicamba is now a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) in Nebraska and the additional training is being required for its purchase and use. Registration Session Line-Up With 27 sessions participants can engage with speakers and other farmers around a number of timely topics. Sessions include: The Dicamba Dilemma. Where Do We Go From Here? The Good, the Bad and the Ugly when Spraying the New Phenoxy Herbicides Formulations in Xtend and Enlist Soybeans The Rise of Multiple-Resistance in Nebraska’s Weeds and Effects of Dicamba Micro-Rates on Sensitive Crops Getting Started with Drones in Agriculture TAPS - Farm Management Competition Nebraska On-Farm Research Network: Your Farm, Your Answers Can Sustainability be Measured in Nebraska Cropping Systems?

Fix it, Don't Disk It: Controlling Ephemeral Gully Erosion Effective Financial Resource Management Economics of Variable Rate Irrigation over the Lifetime of the Equipment Effective Grain Marketing in 2018 As well as the latest updates on diseases and insects reducing Nebraska crop yields and how to manage them and changes in the pesticide laws and applicator requirements. Registration is now open for the conference. Cost is $150 for the full conference or $80 for one day for those registering by Jan. Cost is $165 for the full conference and $95 per day for those registering after Jan.

The fee includes all educational sessions, lunches, and recertification (if needed). Up to 7 CCA credits will be available for one day or 14 credits for attending both days of the conference.

The following CCA categories will be offered: soil and water management, nutrient management, crop management, pest management, and professional development. For more information about the conference contact: Chris Proctor at caproctor@unl.edu or 402-472-5411. NCGA Announces 2017 Yield Contest Winners Improved seed varieties, advanced production techniques and innovative growing practices helped corn growers achieve ever-higher yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2017 National Corn Yield Contest. Again, this year, five national entries surpassed the 400-plus bushel per acre mark. The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 53rd year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members. “The contest provides farmers more than just an opportunity for friendly competition; it generates data that impacts future production practices across the industry,” said Roger Zylstra, chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques first developed by contest winners grow into far-reaching advances, helping farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations.

Our contest emphasizes innovation both from growers and technology providers, thus enabling us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.” The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 386 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 175.4 bushels per acre in 2017. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 542.2740. “So many corn farmers initially join the National Corn Growers Association for the chance to participate in the National Corn Yield Contest,” said John Linder, chair of NCGA’s Engaging Members Committee. “Yet, as they become more familiar with the breadth of activities NCGA carries out on the behalf of farmers, these members become increasingly involved and supportive. Just as the contest promotes the on-farm techniques developed by many single growers to benefit all corn farmers, NCGA’s grassroots efforts join the single voices of members together to create positive change and real opportunities for our industry.” For more than half of a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world.

This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved, but the opportunity to learn from their peers. Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies.

The winners will be honored during Commodity Classic 2018 in Anaheim, Calif. Please visit National Corn Growers Association website for the complete list of National and State winners. CWT Assists with 2.1 million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 12 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Foremost Farms USA and Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold). These cooperatives have contracts to sell 1.687 million pounds (1,340 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese and 440,925 pounds (200 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa.

The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from December 2017 through March 2018. This brings the total CWT-assisted member cooperative 2017export sales to 71.958 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 5.687 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 21 countries on five continents. These sales are the equivalent of 792.124 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. Dairy products and the U.S.

Farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. Dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price. Anniversary of RFS2 Marks 10 Years of American Innovation In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Growth Energy's CEO Emily Skor released the following statement: “Ten years ago, Congress altered the trajectory of U.S.

Energy policy and sent our country in a new direction, one focused on regaining our energy security but also on encouraging the further development of our renewable fuel resources. It’s easy to forget what a watershed moment that was. When we look at America’s energy landscape today, the impact of this visionary, audacious effort to inject change into what had been a monopolistic system is evident.

The vital and increasing role of biofuels in America’s fuel supply are yielding real-world results that touch people’s lives every day. Our air is cleaner. Our reliance on foreign oil is reduced.

Farmers in this country’s heartland are hard at work ensuring that we have the resources to produce more biofuel that powers this country forward. “The homegrown companies that founded America’s biofuel industry have also destroyed the myths designed to hold back innovation and big thinking. Since the RFS was enacted, we’ve completely torn down the so-called 10 percent blend wall and shown that high biofuel blends improve engine performance and our environment. In fact, Americans have driven over 2 billion worry-free miles on E15 alone. According to the USDA, ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent compared to conventional gasoline. “But we aren’t about to stop and rest on our laurels.

The men and women of America’s biofuel industry are passionate about what they do and are more committed than ever to ensuring that our nation’s fuel supply becomes cleaner and greener. Breakthroughs in advanced cellulosic technology have us poised to once again change the game, improve efficiencies, and innovate the earth-friendly biofuels production process once again. “One decade ago, we set out together on a journey to make our country stronger and more responsible. On this keystone anniversary, our industry remains passionate about what the next 10 years holds. We are ready to meet the future, and with the steadfast commitment of our champions in Congress as well as the support of the administration, low-cost, low-carbon renewable fuels will continue to move America forward.”.

Nebraska’s Pork Producers Donate Hams for the Holiday The holidays aren’t always a time of abundance for everyone. So in the spirit of giving, Nebraska’s pork producers have donated approximately 1400 pounds of boneless hams to 11 different organizations in Lincoln and Omaha that serve those in need.

The effort is part of the National Pork Board’s annual #Hams Across America campaign that encourages farmers and those involved in the pork industry to show appreciation for friends, family, neighbors and community through the gift of ham and other pork products. Nearly 30,000 hams and other pork products were distributed coast to coast in 2016. The hams were distributed at the L Street Sam’s Club in Omaha on Friday, December 15 from 1 p.m. About 160 hams were distributed to 11 organizations. Omaha organizations receiving the donations included: Siena Francis House, Holy Family, Mount Sinai Outreach, MCC Outreach, Freeway Ministries, Open Door Mission, Salvation Army North Kare Kitchen, Cross Roads Connection and Salvation Army Men’s Center. Lincoln locations included the People’s City Mission and Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach. The National Pork Board’s marketing trailer was on hand, as well as members and staff of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association including President Russ Vering of Howells and NePPA Domestic Marketing Director Jane Stone.

2018 NEBRASKA FARM CUSTOM RATE SURVEY Nebraska custom operators are invited to take part in the 2018 Nebraska Farm Custom Rate Survey. Every other year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agricultural Economics surveys farmers and ranchers regarding rates they charge for custom operations. The Nebraska Farm Custom Rate Survey report is one of Nebraska Extension’s most-requested publications. Many Nebraska farmers and ranchers inquire about prevailing rates paid for certain kinds of custom farm machine operations. The 2016 report is available online at Part one of the survey asks about spring and summer operations such as tillage, planting and haying. The second part surveys operators providing machine hire services typically done in the fall, including grain harvest, hauling, cutting ensilage, hauling livestock and other miscellaneous operations. Results for the 2018 survey will be published mid-2018.

Custom operators who would like be a part of the survey can visit or send their contact information to Glennis McClure at gmcclure3@unl.edu or via mail to the Department of Agricultural Economics, P.O. Box 830922, Lincoln, NE For more information, contact Glennis McClure, farm and ranch management analyst in the Department of Agricultural Economics at 402-472-0661 or gmcclure3@unl.edu. HIGH QUALITY HAY STILL BRINGS TOP DOLLAR Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist Market gurus say to make profits you must buy low and sell high. What market gives you that opportunity today?

The stock market? No, it's the hay market! High rainfall in many areas produced high yields of both grass and alfalfa hay this year. Add to that the high carryover from last year plus lots of crop residues available and you get an abundance of forage for this winter.

And when winter forage is abundant, hay prices go down. All this rain also led to some poor hay making weather which has resulted in a shortage of really high quality alfalfa. As a result, some alfalfa growers in Nebraska are receiving well over 150 dollars per ton for superior quality dairy hay. But why should you care?

You don't have any extra alfalfa. You plan to use all your hay for your own cattle. Well, just think about this. Suppose someone offered you over 100 dollars per ton for your better alfalfa, like that last cutting this fall. Could you find other hay nearby that you could make work for your animals that would only cost you 60 or 70 dollars? If you can, maybe you can sell high, buy low, and pocket the profits.

So, how do you find these buyers? You could post notices at truck stops, place ads in newspapers and magazines, or set up a sign by your driveway. But, there are more effective ways to contact buyers. One is to place your hay on a computer listing in the dairy states.

Maybe an even better way is to work with hay dealers or become a member of a marketing group, like the Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association, to take advantage of all their market connections. You may need some luck and do some work to be able to buy low and sell high. Smart operators look for these opportunities. FORECAST: SLOW GROWTH IN FARM INCOME WON'T STALL NEBRASKA ECONOMY While weak farm income continues to be a soft spot for the state economy, Nebraska can expect growth through 2020 in several key sectors, according to the latest long-term economic forecast produced by the Nebraska Business Forecast Council and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Bureau of Business Research. Growing numbers of jobs in construction, agricultural processing and health care should offset weak growth in farm income, said Eric Thompson, an economist and director of the Bureau of Business Research.

Although annual farm income will remain significantly below the peaks seen in the early years of the decade, it is expected to rise slightly through 2020. 'Consequently, farm income should not detract from Nebraska economic growth, which should mirror stronger U.S. Economic growth,' he said. 'Nebraska should match U.S. Job growth and see particularly strong growth in services, construction, retail trade and agricultural processing.' The report is a first look at the prognosis for Nebraska's economic growth into 2020. Thompson and his fellow economists anticipate that Nebraska will add about 35,000 non-farm jobs from 2017 to 2020, the majority in the services sector.

At an average annual increase of a little over 1 percent, Nebraska's total employment would reach 1.06 million in 2020. Non-farm personal income should grow at a rate of about 4 percent a year, exceeding projected inflation rates ranging from 1.6 percent in 2020 to 1.8 percent in 2018. The services sector represents 39 percent of Nebraska jobs as of 2017. It includes Nebraska's largest employer, health care. Thompson said a combination of population growth, income growth and Nebraska's aging demographics should contribute to health care growing by about 1.5 percent per year through 2020, although restructuring of hospital systems will limit how much the sector will grow. The forecast also predicts more jobs in other parts of the services sector.

Professional and business services, as well as entertainment and hospitality jobs, should increase, fueled by more commercial activity and expansion of technology companies. Higher incomes and lower fuel prices should encourage people to spend more money on leisure activities, spurring growth in hospitality-related industries. Overall, Thompson predicted that Nebraska would add about 20,000 services jobs by 2020. Construction, agricultural processing and retail trade also will be areas of job growth. In fact, one factor hampering Nebraska economic growth continues to be a shortage of workers, more than a shortage of jobs. Manufacturers and the trucking industry face a shortage of workers with the skills needed for their jobs.

Despite worker shortages, hourly wage growth will remain modest because of a highly competitive business environment, Thompson reported. Construction continues to benefit from the State Legislature's decisions several years ago to dedicate more state tax revenue to road-building. In addition, more home construction is anticipated for Omaha, Lincoln and some smaller cities that have promoted housing development. The construction sector is expected to add 4,000 jobs over the next three years, with annual increases ranging from 2.5 percent to 3 percent. Agricultural processing, such as a chicken processing plant planned for the Fremont area, is expected to add jobs in non-durable goods manufacturing.

However, weak demand for farm machinery and equipment will hamper growth in durable goods manufacturing. Retail sales are expected to grow, but probably won't produce an equivalent number of jobs because of the surge in online sales and labor-saving strategies such as self checkouts and supply chain management efficiencies. Little growth is expected in the transportation industry. The rail sector remains under pressure because the electric utility industry's shift away from coal-fired plants has reduced demand for coal hauling, while the trucking industry faces a shortage of long-haul drivers.

The information industry has seen substantial increases in labor productivity – which is good for the economy, but bad for job growth. The expansion of technology companies and increasing access to high-speed internet will support about 100 new jobs per year. State and local government, another major employer in Nebraska, will see little growth through 2020. That's partly because the workers who were hired during significant government expansions in the 1960s and 1970s are now reaching retirement age and improved productivity means some retirees will not need to be replaced. Farm income, which dropped 49 percent from 2013 to 2016, began to stabilize and recover in 2017.

It is predicted to exceed $4.2 billion in 2018, a nearly 6 percent increase from 2017, but is expected to grow little more in 2019 and 2020. Along with Thompson, other members of the Nebraska Business Forecast Council are John Austin, retired from the Bureau of Business Research; David Dearmont, Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Phil Baker, Nebraska Department of Labor; Ken Lemke and Scott Loseke, Nebraska Public Power District; Brad Lubben, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agricultural Economics; and David Rosenbaum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Economics and Bureau of Business Research. To read the full Business in Nebraska December 2017 long-term economic forecast, visit. A Time of Gratitude Joan Ruskamp, Cattlemen's Beef Board Vice-Chair On the heels of Thanksgiving and with Christmas just on the horizon, many of us are thinking about lists and what we are grateful for. Family, friends and good health are at the top of my gratitude list.

And beef producers like my husband Steve and I would also include the Beef Checkoff Program to that list. Let’s look at just one of the many ways the $1-per-head checkoff makes a difference in our lives. Reaching Beyond Our Shores We are truly grateful the checkoff has a focus on developing a global marketplace for U.S. Checkoff dollars invested in international markets have increased from 10.7 percent of the budget in 2008 to nearly 18 percent of the budget in 2017. That growth has happened because exports represent the largest opportunity for us to build beef demand; 95 percent of the global populations lives outside U.S. I am also grateful for the added value that selling underutilized cuts to foreign markets brings to the beef carcass.

We export cuts like liver, tongue and tripe – items we don’t often eat here in the U.S. But are very popular overseas. Because of that, beef producers are receiving more than $250-per-head in value due to increased global exports of U.S. Beef in key markets like Japan, Mexico, Canada and South Korea. One thing we do here on our own farm to promote beef is host tours of our feedlot. This past summer we hosted a group of young men from Israel.

The Israelis were very interested in how cattle were finished here as the market had just reopened to U.S. Beef in Israel. While we toured the feedlot, an order buyer for the packing plant that sends beef to Israel came to look at cattle we had on the show list.

The Israelis were able to ask questions about how the plant handled the cattle to meet their specifications. This tour gave us a unique opportunity to open up our farm to international guests who could then relay the accurate beef story back to their own country. And it was all made possible by the relationships the checkoff has forged between producers and consumers. Impacting My Farm and Yours Beef producers are used to facing challenges like weather and markets, but additional burdens have been placed on us as beef has become a target for negative messages around issues such as heart disease and cancer. How were farmers and ranchers going to join the conversation unless they had the research to promote the safety of beef and educate consumers about its nutritional value?

The Beef Checkoff Program has been the answer to the beef community’s need for scientific, unbiased information to defend our industry against these attacks. Right now, beef is showing up in health magazines as a good choice for those seeking to live healthy lifestyles. The positive story of the beef lifecycle is circulating through more and more discussions about sustainability. The ability to tell the great story of beef and the amazing people who produce it is possible because of the framework put in place by our checkoff program.

The checkoff offers something we all value – relationships. It truly is a family of producers focused on building beef demand so more people can live healthier lives. And, by working together across our beef community, the checkoff has been able to show our sustainability efforts. I am grateful for the hundreds of producers, staff and contractors who work very hard to increase the demand for beef at home and around the world. Our relationships with each other can be our strength, and as we celebrate this time of year, I will add that to my gratitude list.

I wish you all a blessed holiday season! Large Scale Trials Reveal Secrets About Adaptation of Modern Corn Hybrids Tis’ the season many corn farmers finalize their seed decisions for the coming season. Armed with past year’s weather and field conditions data and information from seed companies, university extension, and others, they weigh their options in making their seed selections. One consideration often outweighs all others in this decision-making process: yield. Thanks to selective corn breeding techniques and modern production practices, we have achieved remarkable productivity in last 100 years.

But, has the last century of hybridization to increase yields changed the corn plant’s ability to adjust to new or stressful situations? This is the question that University of Wisconsin Professor of Agronomy Natalia de Leon along with her student Joe Gage, and colleagues at several institutions hoped to answer. In a recently published paper in Nature Communications, they detail study results which suggests that by intensively breeding for yield, corn breeders have limited the pool of possibilities for future North American corn hybrids, thus creating a smaller universe of available hybrids adaptable in responding to stresses like drought or pests. To study this, they turned to the Genomes to Fields (G2F) initiative, which houses the largest dataset of corn genotype, environment and phenotype data that has ever been made publicly available to researchers at universities and agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This program, funded in part by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and the National Corn Growers Association, leverages the mapping of the corn genome to identify key corn genetic traits that impact yield and the plant’s ability to respond to environmental conditions. “This represents the first published paper using the Genomes to Field dataset,” said Pete Brecht, a farmer from Central City who chairs Iowa Corn’s Research and Business Development Committee. “If scientists can predict how corn traits perform under certain environmental stresses, this will enable them to better design hybrids in the future. We know this is just the beginning for the applications of this phenotype database.” Dr. De Leon and her colleagues collected data from a massive G2F field trial including more than 850 unique corn hybrids at 21 locations across North America. This included more than 12,000 field plots where researchers measured traits like yield and plant height while recording weather conditions.

They found that the regions of the corn genome that have undergone a high degree of selection -- for example, gene regions that contribute to high yield -- were associated with a reduced capacity of corn to respond to variable environments than genomic regions that weren't directly acted on by breeders. This indicates that corn breeders must develop new hybrids that acclimate to new locations or changing conditions in the same area. Both types of variation rely on a pool of possibilities, the combination from which breeders can choose.

For the individual plant, those possibilities depend on its genome. Yet the loss of adaptability seems to be the inherent tradeoff for highly productive corn in the universe of possible traits within the corn genome. “This leads us to believe that when creating new hybrids in the long-term, we must strike the right balance between the two,” said Iowa Corn Technology Commercialization Manager David Ertl, who contributed to the study. “We hope this knowledge will assist seed companies in commercializing improved corn hybrids that consider both resiliency and yield.” NMPF Statement on Tax Reform Legislation Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation “National Milk has worked closely with House and Senate members on the tax reform conference package to achieve a positive outcome for dairy farmers and their cooperatives, and we’re pleased that conferees have completed work on a package that should provide important relief. The final compromise to address the loss of the Section 199 deduction will help protect farmer-owned businesses from a major tax increase at a time when America’s farm sector is struggling with low commodity prices and reduced incomes.

“America’s dairy farmers, who overwhelmingly rely on cooperatives to market their milk, appreciate the determined efforts by Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND) and John Thune (R-SD), as well as multiple House members, including Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX), to seek a fair and reasonable solution to this challenge. Their efforts will help prevent a higher tax bill for cooperatives and avert the loss of economic activity in rural communities that these businesses help generate. We’re also grateful for the numerous senators on both sides of the aisle who elevated this issue during the debate.

“At issue is the loss of the benefit that both farmers and cooperative businesses enjoy from the Section 199 deduction, also known as the Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD). This important provision of the tax code applies to proceeds from agricultural products marketed through cooperatives, making the Section 199 an important means of reducing taxation for farmers and cooperatives alike. Cooperatives pass the vast majority of the benefit – nearly $2 billion nationwide – directly to their farmer owners, then reinvest the remainder in infrastructure improvements for the marketing and processing of food products.

“The final tax package released on Friday repeals the DPAD, but the legislation allows cooperative members to claim a new 20-percent deduction on payments from a farmer cooperative. Cooperatives would also be able to claim the 20-percent deduction on gross income less payments to patrons, limited to the greater of 50 percent of wages or 25 percent of wages plus 2.5 percent of the cooperative’s investment in property.

This favorable treatment for gross income will help minimize any potential increase in the tax burden on farmer-owned cooperatives. “NMPF believes that this provision, plus components of the bill that increase exemption levels from the federal estate tax, enhance depreciation and expensing opportunities for producers, and preserve farmers’ ability to deduct interest expenses, should help farmers and cooperatives alike. The fix offered by Sens. Hoeven and Thune recognizes that farmer cooperatives play an indispensable role in our nation’s economy and need to be treated fairly in the final tax legislation.” NPPC Applauds Withdraw Of Organic Rule Listening to the farmers it would have affected, Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue today announced that his agency will withdraw a proposed organic rule for livestock and poultry, a move hailed by the National Pork Producers Council.

The Obama-era regulation - the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule - would have incorporated into the National Organic Program welfare standards that were not based on science and that were outside the scope of the Organic Food Production Act of 1990. The act limited consideration of livestock as organic to feeding and medication practices.

'We'd like to thank Sec. Perdue and the Trump administration for listening to our concerns with the rule and recognizing the serious challenges it would have presented our producers,' said NPPC President Ken Maschhoff, a pork producer from Carlyle, Ill. NPPC raised a number of problems with the regulation, including animal and public health concerns and the fact that animal production practices have nothing to do with the basic concept of “organic.'

NPPC also cited the complexity the standards would have added to the organic certification process, creating significant barriers to existing and new organic producers. In withdrawing the rule, the U.S. Department of Agriculture determined the regulation exceeded the agency's authority - something NPPC pointed out in comments on the rule - and that it would have had a greater economic impact on farmers than originally estimated. The withdraw notice, which will be published in the Federal Register next week, is subject to a public comment period. USDA to Rescind Organic Livestock and Poultry Rules to Detriment of Family Organic Producers and Consumers, NFU Says The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today its intent to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule.

The rule was finalized in January 2017, but placed on hold when the new administration took office. National Farmers Union (NFU) supports the OLPP rule’s intent, as it would improve the consistency and integrity of organic livestock practices and labeling. NFU Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications Rob Larew issued the following statement in response to the announcement: “This is a very disappointing decision by USDA, both for American family farmers and for consumers.

Currently, we have too much inconsistency in how organic certifiers apply animal welfare standards to farming and ranching operations. This, in turn, endangers the organic label’s integrity and leads to consumer confusion. The OLPP rule would have helped mitigate these concerns by standardizing organic livestock and poultry practices for the voluntary National Organic Program. “We urge USDA to find a solution that provides certainty to family organic producers and integrity to the organic label. Family farmers, ranchers, and consumers all benefit from thorough, accurate and consistent food labeling.” DEFENSE FUNDING LAW INCLUDES FMD PROVISION President Trump this week signed the fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the military spending bill, which includes a provision strongly supported by the National Pork Producers Council. Introduced by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, chairwoman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, the provision recognizes the risk of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) to our food security and our national security.

NPPC has asked Congress for language in the next Farm Bill establishing and funding an FMD vaccine bank to address an FMD outbreak, which would have a devastating impact on U.S. Agriculture and the U.S. STATES SUE MASSACHUSETTS OVER BAN ON OUT-OF-STATE MEAT, EGGS Led by the state of Indiana, the attorneys general for 13 states this week filed a lawsuit against Massachusetts over its ban on the sale of out-of-state meat and eggs from animals raised in certain housing. Massachusetts voters in November 2016 approved a ballot initiative that banned certain housing for pigs, egg-laying hens and veal calves.

The AGs are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to rule that the ban on the sale of meat and eggs from animals raised in housing systems prohibited by the state, which is set to take effect in 2022, violates the U.S. Constitution and the Commerce Clause’s original goal of preventing states from enacting barriers to interstate commerce and regulating commercial activities that take place beyond their borders.

The lawsuit, filed directly with the high court based on its original jurisdiction over disputes between states, follows a similar suit recently filed by 13 states - led by the attorney general of Missouri - challenging a similar law restricting access to retail markets in California. NPPC fought both the Massachusetts and California initiatives and now is supporting the “No Regulation Without Representation Act of 2017” (H.R.

2887), legislation introduced by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., that would prohibit states from imposing regulatory burdens on businesses, including pork operations, not physically present in the state.

Earlier this year, NPPC CEO Neil Dierks testified on the bill before a House Judiciary subcommittee, saying: “Several states – most with little pork production – have banned gestation stalls, either through ballot initiatives or legislation. That was their prerogative, however ill-advised or uninformed their motives were. What NPPC and pork producers object to is one state adopting a law or regulation that dictates the practices of the other 49 states.” ACE CEO releases statement on RFS meetings at the White House The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings released the following statement in response to meetings at the White House over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Background: Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has placed a “hold” on the nomination of Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey to be USDA Undersecretary of Farm Production and Conservation as leverage to demand that President Trump and “corn state” Senators agree to negotiate a so-called “win-win” solution to reforming the RFS. Senator Cruz allegedly is concerned about the prices that certain refiners are paying for Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits under the RFS.

During a meeting with Senator Cruz and others last week, President Trump reiterated his commitment to upholding the RFS. Another White House meeting took place Wednesday among staff for Republican Senators, EPA, and others. “ACE members are grateful President Trump has reiterated his support for upholding the RFS as the law of the land, and we’re especially grateful key U.S. Senators have reaffirmed that Senator Cruz does not seem to have a genuine ‘win-win’ solution to put on the table. Let’s cut to the chase. These antics from Senator Cruz aren’t about RIN prices or Bill Northey’s nomination to USDA, Cruz is trying to limit ethanol’s market share on behalf of Big Oil.

“If Senator Cruz or refiners truly want to take pressure off RIN prices, there is a viable ‘win-win’ solution on the table that doesn’t involve dismantling the RFS. The solution is to update the antiquated Reid vapor pressure (RVP) limit which restricts the availability of E15. The quickest way to reduce RIN prices is to increase the supply of RINs. The quickest way to increase the supply of RINs is to blend more ethanol. The quickest way to blend more ethanol is to provide RVP relief for E15.

Senator Cruz should cosponsor S. 517 (the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act) or join us in calling on EPA to address this matter. “It should be noted that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has said that refiners are not significantly harmed by RIN prices because they are able to recover RIN costs through the prices they receive for refined products. The RFS is the law of the land and refiners are bound to comply with it.

Refiners and Senators who represent oil states have mischaracterized recent actions by EPA as “wins” for ethanol when in reality the administration has simply upheld and defended the law of the land.” Cage-Free Egg Pledges Yielding to Market Reality Food company commitments recently pushed cage-free egg production to new heights, but U.S. Egg markets are returning to more normal production growth, producer profitability and specialty egg premiums, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division. “The avian flu outbreak in 2015 caused egg prices to climb and incentivized egg producers to boost output. Coincidentally, 229 major food companies pledged to use cage-free eggs by 2025 just as egg prices went into freefall,” said Trevor Amen, CoBank animal protein economist.

“Since then, cage-free production has surged amidst a surplus of inexpensive, conventionally produced eggs.” This oversupply has depressed demand for higher priced cage-free eggs, a condition that’s expected to last for the next several months as the conventional supply draws down. Meanwhile, total table egg production is expected to return to historical growth patterns as low egg prices encourage producers to pare back production and profitability returns to normal levels.

“This will allow the price premium for cage-free eggs to recover to historical averages and help facilitate the transition in the coming years as a reduction in cage-free egg production brings supply into alignment with true demand,” said Amen. Cautious Conversion To fully meet food company pledges to market all or a significant portion of their eggs as cage-free, about 223 million layers, or nearly three quarters of the entire layer flock, would need to meet the criteria. It will cost the industry about $10 billion to fully make the transition to meet the cage-free pledges, with most of that expense coming in the form of remodeling existing layer houses or the construction of new facilities. The current overabundance of conventional eggs makes this investment difficult in the near term, the report points out.

However, the egg market is expected to strengthen, providing an economic incentive to respond to market forces. Robust egg exports are helping to reduce domestic egg supplies and are anticipated to support wholesale values in 2018. The rebalancing of the market will allow the cage-free transition to be driven by fundamental consumer demand rather than pledges made by retailers and food manufacturers, Amen said. “As a result, large egg producers are taking a more cautious approach to cage-free expansion by focusing on long-term growth potential and market premium expectations,” Amen said. ACE sends letter urging extension of cellulosic biofuel, biodiesel tax credits The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings sent a letter today to Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means Kevin Brady and Chairman of the Committee on Finance Orrin Hatch urging the Conference Committee to extend the Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credit and Biodiesel Tax Credit as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Excerpts from the letter are below. Fischer Backs Legislation to Help NE Producers Mitigate Drought Today, U.S.

Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, announced she has cosponsored legislation to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). Across the country, NIDIS works to coordinate drought research and give agriculture producers more information about how to mitigate the effects of drought. “I am a proud cosponsor of legislation to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System. Nebraskans know well the persistent challenges associated with drought and severe weather. Reauthorizing this program would improve our producers’ ability to address the effects of drought. Importantly, this legislation would also enable the continued partnership between NIDIS and the National Drought Mitigation Center, located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,” said Senator Fischer. The NIDIS reauthorization would help improve our nation’s drought monitoring capabilities by requiring more detailed drought indicators, such as precipitation and soil moisture.

The legislation provides stability for NIDIS by reauthorizing the system through 2023. Additionally, it gives the system the opportunity to partner with private sector and academia to enhance our understanding of drought. Nebraska Farm Bureau Names 2018 Leadership Academy Class Ten farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska have been selected for Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 2018 Leadership Academy. The selected farmers and ranchers will begin a year-long program starting Jan. 25-26 at the Holiday Inn in Kearney.

“The goal of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy is to cultivate the talents and strengths of our members and connect their passion for agriculture to opportunities of service within the Farm Bureau organization. Great leaders have a clearly defined purpose; purpose fuels passion and work ethic.

By developing leadership skills, academy members can develop their passions and positively impact their local communities and the state of Nebraska.” said Adam Peterson, facilitator of the 2018 Leadership Academy. Peterson works with Audrey Schipporeit, Farm Bureau’s director of generational engagement to help facilitate the program. Peterson also serves as the central regional director of membership for Nebraska Farm Bureau. Academy members will participate in sessions focused on leadership skills, understanding the county, state, and national structure of the Farm Bureau organization including Farm Bureau’s grassroots network and policy work on agriculture issues. Also, the group will travel to Washington, D.C.

In September, for visits with Nebraska’s Congressional delegation and federal agency representatives. The 2018 Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy members are: Lindsay Klug is a member of the Platte County Farm Bureau. Klug attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and received a degree in Animal Science.

Klug resides in Columbus, with her husband, who works at his family’s feedlot/farm operation. Wayne Frederick is a Holt County Farm Bureau member.

He attended college and continues to ranch on his family’s cow/calf operation near Amelia. Kay Kaup is a Holt County Farm Bureau member. Kaup ranches with her husband and three children near Stuart. Schuyler Tome, a member of the Seward County Farm Bureau, is a sixth-generation farmer and is very proud of his diverse farm near Waco. Desarae Catlett, a member of the Thomas County Farm Bureau, lives in Thedford.

She graduated from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Agronomy and Ag Business in 2016. She is continuing her online education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in Applied Science. Olivia Derr is a Buffalo County Farm Bureau member and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska Kearney. Derr grew up in rural Nebraska and has a passion for agriculture.

She works at the Buffalo County Extension office where she works with elementary schools on agriculture related activities to teach children about agriculture and 4-H. Melissa Haack is a member of the Kearney/Franklin County Farm Bureau. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Doane College and continued with graduate studies at Sam Houston State University in Texas.

She works with her husband and five children on their small cow/calf operation near Upland. Margie McDowell is a member of the Custer County Farm Bureau. She is a self-employed business owner as well as land owner.

She manages a heavy construction company as well as a small farm consisting of grass and irrigated ground near Arnold. Andra Smith, a member of Blaine County Farm Bureau, works on a ranch with her husband and his family near Elsmere. She attended the University of Nebraska–Kearney where she received a degree in Family Studies. Justin Stockall is a member of Custer County Farm Bureau. Stockall graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and has moved back to manage the family farm. His family has been farming and ranching for 100 years in Custer County near Arnold. “We congratulate this group of diverse individuals and thank them for their willingness to step up out of their comfort zone to learn more about how they can influence their community, state, and world for the better,” said Schipporeit.

UNL Dairy Store begins selling meat products The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Dairy Store has offered premium handmade dairy products since 1917. Now it has added meat to its product offerings.

The East Campus store began selling ribeye, T-bone, porterhouse, sirloin and tenderloin cuts in November. The meat comes from the Loeffel Meat Laboratory and is processed by students in the university’s animal science department. “While expanding our product selection is always great, this is really about supporting the university community,” said Leroy Braden, Dairy Store manager. 'The locally sourced meat is processed entirely by students.'

A partnership with the animal science department has been in the works for some time, Braden said. Since the Dairy Store is open daily and sees a consistent amount of traffic, the idea was tossed around to sell meat in addition to ice cream and cheeses. The idea has proven popular. “We went through the first set of products they brought over pretty quickly,” Braden said.

The Loeffel Meat Laboratory will continue to sell meat from its location in the Animal Science Complex on East Campus from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 11:30 a.m.

The addition of meat sales ties in to the Dairy Store’s mission of providing hands-on experience for students in food production and sales. Sorghum Checkoff Board Directors Sworn in, Officers Elected Five Sorghum Checkoff board directors were sworn in during the December 13, 2017, board meeting in Lubbock, Texas. Returning to the board are Verity Ulibarri of McAlister, New Mexico, and Carlton Bridgeforth of Tanner, Alabama. Newly appointed to the board are Klint G. Stewart, of Columbus, Nebraska; Shayne C. Suppes of Scott City, Kansas; and Charles Ray Huddleston of Celina, Texas. The newly sworn in board members were appointed by the U.S.

Department of Agriculture Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in December and will serve a three-year term. 'We are pleased to welcome both the new and returning directors to the Sorghum Checkoff,' said Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director Florentino Lopez. 'The board of directors are crucial in our efforts to create producer profitability, expand market opportunities and increase demand for sorghum, and we look forward to working with the appointed board of directors in creating success for our farmers.' New leadership was also elected during the December board meeting. Verity Ulibarri will serve as chairwoman, Jim Massey as vice chairman, Craig Poore as secretary and Carlton Bridgeforth as treasurer.

'I am excited to work with a great said of directors over the coming year,' Ulibarri said. 'The Sorghum Checkoff board of directors represents all sorghum farmers from across the U.S., and each director brings valuable ideas and experiences. We have a tremendous task before us, and I look forward to serving in this role.' Dale Murden of Harlingen, Texas; John Dvoracek of Farwell, Nebraska; and Adam Baldwin of McPherson, Kansas, completed their terms as board directors. The exiting board directors were honored for their service to the Sorghum Checkoff at a ceremony on Dec. 'We extend our sincerest gratitude to Dale, John and Adam for all of their work on the board,' said Sorghum Checkoff CEO Tim Lust. 'They have dedicated countless hours over many years to serving on the board and working hard to help bring profitability, growth and innovation to sorghum farmers and this industry.'

Iowa Farmland Values Increase After Three Years of Decline After having fallen in each of the three previous years, the average value of an acre of farmland in Iowa saw an increase in 2017. The average statewide value of an acre of farmland is now estimated to be $7,326. This represents an increase of 2.0 percent, or $143 per acre, from the 2016 estimate.

Land values were determined by the 2017 Iowa State University Land Value Survey, which was conducted in November by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) at Iowa State University and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Results from the survey are consistent with results by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Realtors Land Institute, and the US Department of Agriculture. Wendong Zhang, Assistant Professor of Economics at Iowa State University, led the annual survey. The $7,326 per acre estimate, and 2.0 percent increase in value, represents a statewide average of low, medium and high-quality farmland. The survey also reports values for each land quality type, crop reporting district (district hereafter), and all 99 counties individually.

Starting in 2004, several factors, including the ethanol boom and historically low interest rates, drove five consecutive years of double-digit growth in average farmland values, culminating in an historic peak of $8,716 per acre by 2013. Average farmland values then began an immediate decline, dropping 8.9 percent, 3.9 percent, and 5.9 percent, in the following three years. Those declines were the first time since the 1980s farm crisis that farmland values had declined three consecutive years.

Zhang said that limited land supply is the main factor driving this year’s increase in farmland values. “Commodity prices and farm income are still stagnant,” Zhang said. “I would not consider this a turn of the land market.

Given the rising interest rates and stagnant farm income, I would not be surprised to see a continued decline in values in the future. This, to me, is a temporary break in a downward adjustment trajectory.” Land Values by County Only four of Iowa’s 99 counties — Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, and Page — reported lower land values this year. Each of those counties reported a decline in value of 0.3 percent. For the fifth year in a row, Scott and Decatur counties reported the highest and lowest farmland values, respectively. Decatur County reported a value per acre of $3,480, a gain of $37, or about 1.1 percent, from last year’s report.

Scott County reported a value of $10,497, an increase of $162 per acre, or about 1.6 percent. Other Western Iowa Counties ($$/acre). - Plymouth County - $9156 - Woodbury County - $6746 - Manona County - $6516 - Harrison County - $7174 - Pottawatomie County - $7777 - Shelby County - $7726 - Crawford County - $7870 - Ida County - $8256 - Sac County - $9005 - Carroll County - $8482 - Audubon County - $7590 Dubuque County reported the largest dollar increase in value with a gain of $335 per acre, and Allamakee and Clayton Counties reported the largest percent increase in values, 4.7 percent. Of the four counties that reported a decrease in value, Mills County had the largest dollar decrease in value, losing about $25 per acre. Land Values by District Of the nine crop reporting districts, only the South Central district reported a decrease in average value, with values falling from $4,241 per acre in 2016 to $4,172 in 2017, a loss of 1.6 percent. The Northwest district again showed the highest overall value — $9,388 per acre, up from $9,243 per acre in 2016, a gain of 1.6 percent.

The East Central district showed the largest percentage gain in value, 3.8 percent, bringing average value there to $8,218. Land Value by Quality Statewide, high, medium and low-quality farmland values increased 2.0 percent, 2.2 percent, and 0.5 percent, respectively. High-quality farmland saw the largest increase in value in the East Central district, 4.2 percent, and the largest decrease in the South Central district, 1.2 percent. Medium-quality farmland increased the most in the Southeast district, 4.2 percent, and the decreased the most in the South Central district, losing 1.2 percent. Low-quality farmland gained the most value in the Northwest district, 3.3 percent, and decreased the most in the Southwest district, where it fell 6.1 percent. Factors Influencing Land Values The most common positive factors influencing land prices noted by survey respondents were favorable interest rates, strong crop yields, limited land supply, strong demand, and the availability of cash and credit. The most commonly cited negative influences were lower commodity prices, cash or credit availability, high input prices, weak cash rental rates, an uncertain agricultural future and strong alternative (stock market, economy).

The ISU land value survey was initiated in 1941, the first in the nation, and is sponsored annually by Iowa State University. The survey is typically conducted every November and the results are released mid-December. Only the state average and the district averages are based directly on the ISU survey data. The county estimates are derived using a procedure that combines the ISU survey results with data from the US Census of Agriculture.

The ISU Land Value Survey is based on reports by agricultural professionals knowledgeable of land market conditions such as appraisers, farm managers, agricultural lenders, and actual land sales. It is intended to provide information on general land value trends, geographical land price relationships, and factors influencing the Iowa land market. The 2017 survey is based on 877 usable responses from 710 agricultural professionals. Sixty-four percent of these 710 respondents answered the survey online. 2018 Iowa Forage and Grassland Council Conference Jan. 18 The 2018 Iowa Forage and Grassland Council Conference will feature speakers and topics of interest to producers raising livestock on patures.

The conference Jan. 18 will be held at the Iowa State University Alumni Center, just south of Stephens Auditorium, in Ames. Registration begins at 8 a.m. With the morning speakers at 9 a.m. Lunch at noon includes the IFGC annual meeting and award recognition, and is followed by a producer panel and speakers. Starting at 3:15 there will be two breakout sessions, each with two options to choose from, and the day ends at 5 p.m. With a networking opportunity for speakers and attendees.

Joe Sellers, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist and IFGC past president, said Iowa Forage and Grassland Council is partnering with Practical Farmers of Iowa to offer the 11 a.m. Sessions presented by Kathy Voth and Rachel Gilker from On Pasture, an online source of science-based, easily understood and relevant information from research to help producers learn more about raising livestock on pasture in profitable and healthful ways.

Conference topics and speakers - Establishing Alfalfa in Silage Corn – Dr. Grabber, USDA-ARS, Dairy Forage Research Center, Madison, WI - Corn Silage Quality: Before, During and After Storage – Dr.

Hugo Ramirez, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy specialist - When to Spend Your Money: Fake Science or Good Practice – Kathy Voth and Rachel Gilker, On Pasture - Alternative Water Systems – Producer Panel: Ron Dunphy, Justin Rowe, Patrick Wall - Will Grazing Save the Planet? – Voth and Gilker - Grazing Management for Wildlife – Adam Janke, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach wildlife specialist - Iowa Fence Law – Christine Tidgren, Iowa State University Center for Ag Law and Taxation - Using BRaNDS to Stretch Feed and Forage Supplies Following a Drought – Garland Dahlke, assistant scientist, Iowa Beef Center - Soil Health – Doug Peterson, NRCS regional soil health specialist “Thanks to support of our sponsors the cost to attend the conference is low,” Sellers said. “IFGC and PFI members pay just $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Non-members pay $60 or $70 respectively. IFGC 2018 membership dues also can be paid at this time.” Conference sponsors are from the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education – or SARE - program, Iowa Beef Center, Iowa Farm Bureau, Natural Resources Conservation Service, PFI, Dow AgroSciences, Barenbrug and La Crosse Seed. For more information, contact Sellers by phone at 641-203-1270 or by email at sellers@iastate.edu IA Cattlemen discuss 2018 priorities at annual Leadership Summit Limiting the growth of environmental regulations, expanding international trade opportunities, and exploring ways to limit market volatility are top priorities for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association in 2018.

Last week’s Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit, also included discussions on immigration and animal health concerns. The summit, which was held on December 7 & 8 in Ames, combined educational sessions with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association policy committee meetings and annual meeting. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, which has nearly 10,000 members statewide, uses advocacy, leadership and education to protect and improve Iowa’s cattle business. The 2017 ICA Policy Survey indicated that environmental regulations, international trade, and market volatility are the most important topics that producers want ICA to be working on. ICA has policy related to each of those issues and has been working on them continuously. Last week’s meetings were a chance to fine-tune those policies, as well as create new policy related to other important issues in the industry. The association has three policy committees, which met on Thursday, Dec.

7: Beef Products, Business Issues and Cattle Production. The committee meetings are open to any ICA members, and generate organizational positions related to important topics affecting Iowa’s beef business. These policies drive the efforts of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and are used by staff and leaders in discussions with local and national elected officials and regulatory agencies. Beef Products: The Beef Products Committee has strong policy supporting international trade, which is increasingly relevant as ongoing NAFTA negotiations and trade relationships around the world threaten the Iowa beef industry. No new policies were discussed in the Beef Products committee meeting.

Business Issues: The Business Issues committee heard an update from ICA lobbyist Kellie Pashcke on state legislative issues, including foreign animal disease and water quality funding, which remain a priority for cattlemen. Last year, with the support of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) was able to secure $100,000 in funding for foreign animal disease response, to protect Iowa’s cattle producers in case of an outbreak. This year, despite budget constraints at the state level, IDALS has asked for an additional $150,000, for a total 2018 appropriation of $250,000 for disease preparedness. Over the summer, ICA members developed interim policy related to Iowa’s master matrix, the system used to evaluate new livestock confinements.

A fair and reasonable master matrix is crucial for future growth of the Iowa cattle industry, and enables a new generation of farmers to invest in and strengthen rural areas of Iowa. The interim policy was approved by the committee. ICA members, including past president Kent Pruismann, discussed the importance of immigrant labor to Iowa agriculture, particularly in northwest Iowa. “If we exported or deported all of the illegal immigrants in Sioux County, Iowa, our economy would collapse, plain and simple, there’s no question about it,” Pruismann said. Ed Greiman, another past president of the association, agreed. “We’ve got to figure out a way to make it simple, with a path they know they can follow to become legal citizens,” he said.

The policy committee created an immigration task force to study the issue, and also passed policy supporting legal immigration and a pathway to citizenship. Transportation regulations, including hours of service and electronic logging devices, have also been a concern for cattle producers, especially as new rules are scheduled to go into place soon.

The committee approved policy supporting an exemption from these rules for livestock haulers. Livestock haulers often transport their live cargo long distances, and it is in the best interest of everyone involved to reach the destination with as few delays as possible. The committee also created a CRP task force to study modifications to the current Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). CRP is expected to be revisited in the 2018 Farm Bill, and producers are concerned that the current program puts cattlemen at a disadvantage. Funding for rural roads and bridges was also discussed, along with taxation of government owned land. Cattle Production Committee: Cattle markets are a continuing topic for the cattle production committee. The committee reviewed interim policy from the summer, including a policy that supported dividing USDA’s negotiated trade reports into 0-14 and 15-30 day delivery periods, in order to give cattle producers more detailed information on trades that have occurred.

That policy was carried forward to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s summer policy conference, adopted by NCBA, and led USDA to make the requested changes. Other market related policies included support for increased funding for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which provides oversight of the cattle futures markets, and support for the current daily price limits for Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle futures. Both of these policies are intended to reduce volatility in the market and manage risk for cattle producers. The committee also tackled the issues of trichomoniasis in Iowa. A task force has been created to study ways to decrease the impact trichomoniasis has on Iowa’s cattle industry, and policy was passed to support increased testing for the sexually transmitted disease. ICA Annual Meeting: On Friday morning, ICA members ratified the new and amended policies at the annual meeting.

Outgoing president Mike Cline of Elgin also turned over the leadership of the association to David Trowbridge from Tabor, IA, who will serve as president of ICA for two years. New and amended ICA policy will be added to the 2018 policy book.

CattleFax Webinar Outlines 2018 Market Expectations Where do we go from here? With the magnitude of the breaks and rallies experienced across the entire cattle industry thus far, that question is on everyone’s mind. An upcoming free CattleFax webinar will address that question as well as provide an outlook for the cow-calf sector and entire beef industry for 2018.

The CattleFax Trends+ Cow-Calf Webinar will be at 6:30 p.m. To participate in the webinar and access program details, producers and industry leaders simply need to register online. One of the most aggressive U.S. Beef cowherd expansions in the last four decades has increased beef supplies and caused cow-calf profitability to be reduced back towards long term levels. As profits have narrowed, well-informed producers can maintain healthy margins by adjusting production, marketing and risk management plans with increasing supplies in mind. CattleFax analysts will discuss a variety of topics in the one-hour session, including: - Cattle and feedstuff market projections for the next 12 to 18 months - Supply expectations for the cattle and beef industry as well as competing meats - Review and outlook of bred cow and heifer values The Trends+ webinar series informs cattle producers about current market conditions and provides decision-friendly advice regarding management decisions. The analysis and strategies shared through the webinar series have reached more than 5,000 producers, and sponsorship from Elanco Animal Health is making the seminar free for all attendees.

Commodity Organizations Support Science-Based Trade Regulations at WTO Ministerial U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and members of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), USA Rice, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), the National Sorghum Producers (NSP) and the National Barley Growers Association (NBGA) welcomed a joint statement issued this week from 17 countries participating in the 11th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, emphasizing the importance of supporting farmer access to the full range of tools and technologies available and opposing regulatory barriers lacking sufficient scientific justification. “Having in mind the importance of transparency and predictability to international trade, we call on all Members to strengthen the implementation of the WTO SPS [Sanitary and Phytosanitary] Agreement by reinforcing the work of relevant international standards organizations and ensuring the scientific basis of SPS measures is sound,” the statement reads. “The development and application of sound SPS measures is needed to support farmers' choice in tools that can expand agricultural production and facilitate access to food and agricultural products, and also to safeguard human, animal and plant health.” Government officials from Kenya, Uganda, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Canada, Colombia, Argentina, and the United States delivered remarks in favor of the joint statement of understanding on Dec.

12, 2017, during a side event to the main WTO meetings. Representatives from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA), the International Soy Growers Alliance and MAIZALL, an international maize alliance, also provided supporting comments. The statement demonstrates global support for all farmers and the tools and innovations they need to protect their crops from devastating diseases and destructive pests while delivering safe food sustainably to the world's consumers.

The signatories take a step forward in calling out countries that undermine farmer choice through regulatory barriers that are not scientifically justified. Recognizing the 'central importance of risk analysis to assess, manage and communicate risks of concern associated with pesticide use in order to protect public health while enabling the safe use of pesticides and facilitate trade in food and ag products,' these countries remained committed to expanding knowledge and capacity for developing countries in pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs). Ultimately, common understanding will help facilitate bilateral and multilateral efforts to assess and manage risk concerns in a more scientific, transparent and harmonized manner. Corn Harvest And DDGS Roadshow Garners Record Attendance In Southeast Asia More than 350 people attended a recent roadshow in Southeast Asia highlighting new-crop U.S.

Corn and U.S. Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and offering a sneak-peak at information from the U.S.

Grains Council’s (USGC’s) forthcoming report on corn harvest quality. The Council conducted the seminars in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in late November and early December with the goal of demonstrating the transparency of the U.S. Marketing system. “Our willingness to share data, even in tough market conditions, and provide good information about the long-term U.S. Production capacity is important to building strong relationships with our global buyers, especially in my region,” said Manuel Sanchez, USGC regional director in South and Southeast Asia.

The annual report, known formally as the U.S. Corn Harvest Quality Report, provides information on the initial quality of U.S. Corn as the commodity enters merchandising channels and is assembled for export. The quality of new-crop corn as a primary feedstock also offers an early indicator of the quality of DDGS produced as a by-product of U.S. The seminar series offered a preview of the report’s results, which will be released in the coming weeks; an overview of the DDGS market; and information about the feed ingredients’ nutritional values for different animal species. A Vietnamese government decision in September to allow imports of U.S. DDGS to resume upon resolution of plant pest concerns spurred additional interest and attendance at the events.

“The United States has a well-earned reputation as the most open trading partner in the world,” Sanchez said. “This type of mission allows us to connect with the main commodity buyers in the region and gives us the platform to answer their questions and position U.S. Exports for a strong rebound into this growing region.” The U.S. Corn Harvest Quality Report will be followed in the spring with an updated version of the U.S. Corn Export Cargo Quality Report, which will provide objective information on quality at the point of export. Both of these reports and efforts to share their results with global buyers are central to the Council’s commitment to serving as a trusted source of information on U.S. Production and marketing.

“The availability of accurate, consistent and comparable information is in the long-term interests of all concerned with the global corn market,” Sanchez said. “While price is an important consideration for buyers, the U.S. Reputation for reliability and honesty is also a marketable asset.” USDA Announces New IT Operating Model U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Steve Censky announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will revamp its Information Technology (IT) operating model to increase efficiency in serving its customers. “When I was sworn in, Secretary Perdue charged me to help him make USDA the most effective, most efficient, most customer-focused department in the entire federal government,” Deputy Secretary Censky said.

“One way to do that is by instituting a new operating model for IT. We have no choice but to modernize – we cannot continue to conduct business for the next 150 years based on splintered and out-of-date operating models.” Gary Washington, USDA’s Acting Chief Information Officer, added, “We know that our ability to effectively manage and modernize information technology systems will be a key success factor in USDA achieving the Secretary’s vision for a more customer-focused organization.

We are excited with our plan to harness technology that will enable informed decision-making and improve the experiences customers have when interacting with USDA, whether they are working with us online or sitting across the table. The opportunities available for IT to benefit USDA’s customers today are significant and far-reaching.” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has been actively working to position USDA as the best-managed agency in the Federal government. The USDA touches each American citizen every day through its work with America’s farmers, ranchers, national forest users, rural communities, consumers, trade partners, agricultural industry, scientific researchers, and the public.

To best serve customers, USDA is becoming a data-driven organization that can provide timely and accurate information at the fingertips of customers and employees. In order to ensure a smooth transition, USDA will work with the White House Office of American Innovation to execute a series of key strategies: - Strengthen strategic IT governance by having a single USDA Chief Information Officer (CIO) and one Assistant CIO for each mission area, who will focus on improving IT for their mission specific services and programs.

This will reduce the number of CIOs within USDA from 22 down to one, with seven assistant CIOs. - Consolidate end-user services and data centers from 39 USDA data centers to a single data center and a back-up. This move will provide a cost-effective, high quality department-wide helpdesk and reduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities. - Enable a strategic approach to data management and introduce data-driven capabilities by implementing executive dashboard solutions with USDA-wide data. - Improve the USDA customer experience by delivering all new Farm Bill programs online and creating online service portals that are easy-to-use, include additional self-service capabilities, and integrate data for common customers.

Updating the critical IT operating model enables USDA to make effective strategic decisions, improve customer experience, become increasingly more data-driven and adopt new technologies, all without a reduction to the workforce. LENRD to hold public hearing to amend their Groundwater Management Area rules on Dec.

21st The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, December 21st at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment on proposed amendments to the LENRD’s groundwater management area rules and regulations (Rules). The hearing will be in the LENRD board room in the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk. LENRD Assistant General Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “With this amendment, the LENRD proposes to adopt a new water transfer rule that would allow the district to consider transfer of certified irrigated acres and other uses of water within the district. The proposed changes to the Rules do not include the designation of or a modification to the boundaries of the LENRD’s groundwater management area. The entire district will be impacted by these proposed modifications to the LENRD’s Rules.” The full text of the proposed amended Rules is available at the district office located at 601 East Benjamin Ave., Suite 101, Norfolk, Nebraska as well as on the district’s website.

Any interested person may appear at the hearing and present written or oral testimony concerning this matter. Testimony relevant to the purposes of the hearing may also be submitted in writing (prior to the close of the hearing) to the LENRD. SDSU to Offer In-State Undergrad Student Tuition to Nebraskans Nebraska high school students now have another reason to choose a university in South Dakota.

Action Wednesday by the South Dakota Board of Regents allows Nebraska students who are new first-time freshmen or new transfer students to qualify for undergraduate resident tuition at South Dakota State University beginning in summer 2018. In April 2016, the SDBOR approved a similar plan for Iowa-based students who were new first-time freshmen or new transfer students beginning in summer 2016. The move has resulted in an increase of Iowa students attending South Dakota State. The tuition discount, based on current-year rates, is a $3,247.50 reduction for each new student taking 30 credit hours over the course of a full academic year. This will result in a savings of more than $13,000 for these students over four years. 'Nebraska has been a successful recruitment market for South Dakota State University. This program will allow us to strengthen our value for Nebraskans for years to come,' said Michaela Willis, SDSU's vice president for student affairs.

'We have seen increases in the number of first-year students from Nebraska in recent years and will continue to focus efforts in Nebraska with our new strategic enrollment management plan. We look forward to working with more Nebraska residents to take advantage of this new opportunity and be part of the Jackrabbits family.'

Mild Demand Growth Results in Small Price Gains for U.S. Corn Farmers While U.S. Corn production remains on track to set another record, increased demand from the ethanol sector is expected according to U.S.

Department of Agriculture reports released today. Given increased ethanol demand, ending stock forecasts were lowered and prices were raised slightly. 'Despite the mildly positive changes to demand shown in this report, America's corn farmers need further market growth to positively impact the ongoing pricing situation so negatively affecting rural economies,' said National Corn Growers Association Chairman Wesley Spurlock, a farmer from Texas. 'While growth in the ethanol market is essential, our farm families also need growth in the livestock and export markets to improve market conditions. Whether it be promoting the trade agreements farmers need in Washington or building demand for higher blends of ethanol across the world, NCGA strives to help farmers grow markets for their growing crop.

'Clearly, this report demonstrates the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement in supporting the economic health of America's farmers and rural communities. Despite the record supply projections, increased demand from Mexico, the largest export market for U.S.

Corn in the 2015/2016 year with 525 million bushels, helps support prices. Without market-opening trade agreements, we might not be in this position in the future.' Production forecasts remained stable from last month's report, with the 2017/18 estimate holding at a record 14.78 bushels. Yield forecasts also held at the estimate issued last month, 175.4 bushels per acre.

This would set another record-high for the U.S. Average yield per acre for corn, which currently rests at 174.6 BPA. Demand from ethanol markets was raised by 50 million bushels, and now is forecast at 5.525 billion bushels, given increased sorghum exports and thus decreased sorghum for ethanol availability as issued in the Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production Report.

As this was the only change to production or demand, ending stocks were lowered by a corresponding 50 million bushels. Given the impact of these estimates, the prices expected for the crop rose slightly to a range of between $2.85 and $3.55 per bushel. MPP Sign-up Deadline is Friday Dairy producers who wish to enroll in the Dairy Margin Protection Program have until December 15 to submit their paperwork for 2018 coverage. The Farm Service Agency says farmers must register by completing form CCC-782 and pay an administrative fee of $100. As part of a recent change, producers can also elect to opt out of MPP and participate in the Livestock Gross Margin-Dairy insurance program.

MPP provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin--the difference between the price of milk and feed costs--falls below the coverage level selected by the producer. USDA: American Households Spending 12% of Income on Food The average American household spent a slightly larger percentage of its income on total food (including grocery and restaurant purchases) in 2016 than in 2015. The increase from 12.5 percent of expenditures in 2015 to 12.6 percent in 2016, possibly reflects 2016's 0.3-percent rise in total food prices, combined with the 2.1-percent decline in transportation costs. With a 12.6 percent share, food ranked third behind housing (33 percent) and transportation (15.8 percent) in a typical American household's 2016 expenditures.

Breaking down food spending further, 7.1 percent of expenditures were spent at the grocery store and 5.5 percent at restaurants. Looking at expenditure shares over time, food's share has steadily declined since 1984 (the first year of available data), when food expenditures accounted for 15 percent of consumer spending. As the share for food has declined, the shares of income spent on housing, health care, and entertainment have increased from 1984.

Roberts, Stabenow Announce Witnesses for Ag Security Hearing U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., announced witnesses for the Committee's upcoming hearing on agriculture security. 'Safeguarding American Agriculture in a Globalized World' will take place Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m. In Washington, D.C., and will include: - Joseph Lieberman, co-chair, Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense, Washington, D.C.

Richard Myers, president, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan. Raymond Hammerschmidt, professor, Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. Meckes, state veterinarian, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Raleigh, N.C. The hearing will be webcast live on. Growth Energy Statement on Joint Subcommittee Hearing on CAFE and GHG Standards Growth Energy released the following statement regarding today’s joint subcommittee hearing held by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittees on Environment and Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, titled an “Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program (CAFE) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles': “We’re glad the committee is examining this issue,” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said. “We’re hopeful that these discussions will highlight the benefits of high-octane, low-carbon fuels, such as midlevel ethanol blends.

Growth Energy has been a leader in raising this issue going back to 2012 when the standards were first being implemented, as well as in subsequent rulemakings. We believe a high-octane midlevel ethanol blend is exactly the kind of fuel automakers can use to meet these standards moving forward.” In October, Growth Energy submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency in support of the use of higher biofuel blends in the Final Determination of the Mid-Term Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emission Standard for Model Years 2022-2025 Light-Duty Vehicles. GROWMARK Reports Lower Profits, Net Income in 2017 GROWMARK announced the results of its financial fiscal year 2017, which ended August 31.

The cooperative says it had $7.3 billion in sales, up from $7.0 billion in 2016. But pretax income of $91 million is down from $116 million in 2016. 'The fiscal year was not without its challenges, with economic conditions putting continued pressure on farm net incomes,' said GROWMARK CEO Jim Spradlin.

'Warm winter weather lowered demand for home heat, and the challenges of Hurricane Harvey on the energy supply chain impacted energy results. 'Crop Nutrients endured a devaluation of nitrogen products during the peak spring season. He also added that Crop Protection and Seed had record or near record results.

Retail Supplies and Grain had improved operations year-over-year. Collective efforts resulted in estimated patronage refunds of $59 million, distributed in a combination of cash and stock, followed by stock redemption. Spradlin noted GROWMARK's leadership among cooperatives in delivering cash returns to its members and maintaining outstanding stock equity in current status. Nebraska Crop Production Budgets Updated for 2018 Robert Klein - Western Nebraska Crops Specialist The Nebraska Crop Budgets have been updated for 2018 costs and conditions and include five new budgets relative to corn-soybean rotations.

In total there are 78 crop production budgets for 15 crops as well as information on crop budgeting procedures, machinery operation and ownership costs, material and service prices, and a crop budget production cost summary. Crop production budgets are grouped by crop and provided in two formats: PDF and an editable Excel that allows you to customize the budget to reflect your operation. These budgets were developed and edited by Robert Klein, extension western Nebraska crops specialist; Roger Wilson, extension farm management/enterprise budget analyst (retired); Jessica Groskopf, agricultural economics extension educator; and Jim Jansen, agricultural economics extension educator — agricultural economics. Contributing to the budgets in their specialty areas were: Robert Wright, extension entomologist; Tamra Jackson-Ziems, Loren Giesler, and Stephen Wegulo, extension plant pathologists; Paul Jasa, extension engineer; and James Schild, extension educator in Scotts Bluff and Morrill counties. Download the 2018 Crop Budgets here..

These budgets usually reflect the low one-third in cost per unit of production. For most producers this is a good basis to use for comparison and identify areas where they might be able to lower costs. For example if your machinery costs are a lot higher than we have in the budgets, you may want to examine ways to reduce the expense by doing custom work or selling some machinery and hiring custom work for that operation. These budget projections were created using assumptions thought to be valid for many producers in Nebraska; however, each farming operation is unique.

These budgets are being released in both Adobe PDF and Excel worksheet formats. The worksheet format allows producers to modify them to match their specific situation. A video by now-retired Nebraska Extension Enterprise Budget Analyst Roger Wilson on the budget website walks viewers through out to best customize a budget for their operation. In addition to the advantages of having customizable budgets, there is also a caveat: The danger of releasing a tool that can subsequently be modified is that there is no way to verify whether alterations were made or unrealistic data was entered. Users of this tool are responsible for independently verifying all results prior to relying on them. Dry November Conditions Lead to Major Shift in Drought Monitor Last week's Drought Monitor for Nebraska showed approximately 61% of the state has now moved into the 'Abnormally Dry' category, an increase from just 9% last week.

Moderate drought conditions were indicated for just 2% of the state, unchanged from last week. In November Nebraska saw above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation, averaging as much as 5 degrees above normal in west and north-central portions of the state, wrote Nebraska State Climatologist Martha Shulski in the November Climate Update. Several locations in western Nebraska ranked in the top 10 warmest Novembers on record, including McCook, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Sidney, and Valentine. Nebraska typically enters its dry season in November, but this November, precipitation was even lower than normal. 'Several locations, particularly in eastern Nebraska, reported less than a tenth of an inch of moisture, qualifying them for one of the top 10 driest Novembers on record. Monthly totals were less than a quarter inch in southern Nebraska and in the northeast, Shulski wrote. Nebraska Leads Nation in Beef Exports to China Through October 2017, Nebraska exported more than half of the total share of U.S.

Beef to China, according to data recently released from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Nebraska’s beef exports to China were $8.7 million, a 50.5 percent share of the U.S. Total of $17.2 million. “Growing agriculture through trade continues to be a top priority for my administration,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “For years, Nebraskans have been working together with federal officials to reopen the Chinese beef market, and my administration continued that work with visits to China in 2015 and 2016.

When China agreed for the first time since 2003 to open its beef market to the United States, Nebraska was ready and shipped the first beef to China within days of the announcement.” In September, Nebraska had a similar opportunity to maintain and build trade relations with Japan. Nebraska’s beef exports to Japan are up 18 percent from 2016 over the same time period. With beef exports to Japan of $309.9 million for the first ten months of 2017, Nebraska is on track to have the largest year of beef exports to Japan since the country reopened its market to U.S. Growing demand for Nebraska’s quality agriculture commodities through trade generates more than $6 billion annually for Nebraska’s ag economy.

Estate Planning Workshop - January 3rd A free Estate Planning Workshop will be held in Columbus on Wednesday, January 3, from 10:00 a.m. Until 3:00 p.m., at the Central Community College Campus.

The workshop is free, but you do need to register with Karen Mroczek, 402-562-1249 or email: kmroczek@cccneb.edu. Topics include proper family communications for estate planning, estate planning basics, establishing your legacy with planning, and tax consequences of estate planning.

Presenters include: Allan Vyhnalek, Nebraska Extension; Tom and Jim Fehringer, Fehringer and Mielak, LLP; Jim Gustafson, Nebraska Community Foundation; and Jan Schmeits and Jordan Mueller, Schmeits, Mueller & Martinsen, PC. First National Bank is providing the lunch for the participants. The other cooperating sponsors include: Central Community College, The Columbus Area Community Foundation, Nebraska Extension, and the Nebraska Community Foundation. The sooner you start making estate plans the better.

Participants in past workshops always say the workshop is great, but they wished they would have gone sooner in life. It is also very helpful to have representatives of several generations of the family present at the workshop.

The information provided will be appropriate for all families. Examples related will include planning information for small businesses and farming operations. Speaking from a personal standpoint, one thing I am pleased to report was that my Mom had her affairs in order at her passing. With funeral planning complete, and the estate plan in order, the work after the funeral went so much smoother and without any complication. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is to have your affairs in order. I will always appreciate my Mom for having that done. With questions or to register contact with Karen Mroczek, 402-562-1249 or email: kmroczek@cccneb.edu.

The program will be held in the West Education Center at CCC, in Room 205. For more information or assistance, please contact Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, Nebraska Extension, for Farm Succession, 402-472-1771 or email: avyhnalek2@unl.edu. Center for Rural Affairs releases 2018 farm bill platform Today, the Center for Rural Affairs released its 2018 farm bill policy platform, “A Farm Bill for Rural America.” Written by Anna Johnson, policy associate, and Rural Policy Program staff, the platform reflects more than 40 years of on-the-ground work by Center staff, and input from farmers and ranchers across the country. “We need a farm bill which helps rural America,” Johnson said. “While a great deal of this work is done on the ground and in communities, the overarching influence of the farm bill on every facet of this work cannot be ignored.” The platform focuses on conservation, crop insurance reform; beginning, socially-disadvantaged, and veteran farmers; rural development; local foods; livestock; organic production; and nutrition assistance.

“The Center’s farm bill priorities continue our decades-long work of addressing the real needs of rural communities,” said Johnson. “These proposals will support family farms.

They will preserve natural resources for our children and grandchildren. They will create opportunity for the next generation of beginning farmers.

They will foster rural economic opportunity. Congress has a responsibility to serve rural citizens through the farm bill, and these proposals offer a path for them to do so.” The current farm bill expires on Sept. To download the platform, visit. REGENTS APPROVE YEUTTER INSTITUTE AT NEBRASKA The creation of the Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln was approved Dec. 5 by the Board of Regents. The institute aims to prepare students to understand, participate in and shape global trade and finance in a world that is increasingly interconnected.

It will build on the strengths of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, College of Business and College of Law to offer undergraduate and graduate education, facilitate faculty research and conduct outreach efforts, all related to international trade and finance. A renowned trade expert and Nebraska alumnus, Yeutter made a $2.5 million leadership gift through outright and planned gifts to establish the Clayton Yeutter International Trade Program Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation in 2015. Yeutter, who died in March at 86, held three cabinet-level posts for two U.S. He was counselor for domestic policy and secretary of agriculture for President George H.W. Bush and U.S. Trade representative for President Ronald Reagan.

Most recently, Yeutter was senior adviser of international trade for Hogan Lovells, LLP, in Washington, D.C., one of the nation's oldest and largest law firms. Darci Vetter, former chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the U.S.

Trade Representative, will help fulfill Yeutter's vision for the institute by serving as diplomat in residence. In addition, three endowed chairs will be established as the foundation of the Yeutter Institute. The Duane Acklie Chair will be in the College of Business; the Michael Yanney Chair will be in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and the Clayton Yeutter Chair will be in the College of Law. To learn more about the institute, visit. The ISU Extension Crop Advantage Series will be held during January at 14 Iowa locations Farmers and crop advisers will hear about current research and crop production information from Iowa State University at the 2018 Crop Advantage Series. The series of meetings will be held at 14 Iowa locations Jan.

3-26 with ISU Extension and Outreach specialists providing updated management options and recommendations on current and future crop production issues. The meetings offer continuing educations credits for Certified Crop Advisers and pesticide safety recertification. “There is no other program in our crop production education year where we bring this many extension specialists together at individual sites across the state like we do for Crop Advantage meetings,” said Meaghan Anderson, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. In 2017, nearly 2,000 individuals attended the meetings, representing 97 of the 99 Iowa counties. When asked the impact of information about managing operation margins for 2016 and beyond, 44 percent of attendees estimated a value of $5-10 per acre and 24 percent estimated a value of $10-20 per acre. “Our goal is to prepare producers to manage potential issues when they arise, or even before they arise, by sharing the most up-to-date scientific knowledge from Iowa State University,” said Anderson. “Content at the meetings is driven by county needs and production issues.” Topics on the agenda this year include: factors for high-yielding soybeans, micronutrients and tissue testing, nitrogen management, soil health concepts, cover crops and seedling diseases, insect management thresholds, SCN resistant varieties and seed treatments.

Other topics will include a crop market outlook, and weed management and dicamba use in 2018. “The introduction of dicamba-resistant soybean varieties along with new dicamba formulations resulted in a substantial increase in off-target injury complaints this summer,” said Bob Hartzler, professor and extension weed specialist with Iowa State. “Understanding particle and vapor drift scenarios, recent product label changes, and updated university application recommendations will be covered at each Crop Advantage meeting this winter.” 2018 CAS Meeting Dates and Locations Jan. 3 – Sheldon Jan. 4 – Okoboji Jan.

5 – Burlington Jan. 9 – Storm Lake Jan. 10 – Ames Jan.

11 – Moravia Jan. 12 – Mason City Jan. 16 – Atlantic Jan. 17 – Fort Dodge Jan. 18 – Waterloo Jan. 23 – Le Mars Jan. 24 – Iowa City Jan.

25 – Denison Jan. 26 – Davenport For locations, times, program content and host information, visit. Early registration for each location is $50; late registration made fewer than seven days prior to the meeting or on-site is $60. Registration includes lunch, printed proceedings booklet, private pesticide applicator recertification and CCA credits. Online registration and additional information is available. For answers to questions, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429 or anr@iastate.edu, or contact an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomist. Iowa Corn Promotion Board Receives New MEG Patent Application for Bio-based Manufacturing Process The U.S.

Patent and Trademark Office published this week a new patent application (U.S. 62/345,399) from the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) adding to a previously issued U.S. Patent on a proprietary production method using corn in the industrial manufacturing of a raw material called monoethylene glycol (MEG). MEG is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of antifreeze, plastic bottles for pop or bottled water, and polyester clothes. Today, MEG makes up about 30 percent of the bottles and polyester.

The patent covers an improvement in the process conditions to increase efficiency from approximately 60 percent to 85 percent yield. “Production efficiencies that drive yield while reducing cost drive success - this holds true in manufacturing as well as in farming,” said Pete Brecht, a farmer from Central City who chairs Iowa Corn’s Research and Business Development Committee.

“Patenting research that improves production efficiencies of corn-based bio-MEG helps us eliminate the need for petroleum-based ethylene derivatives. This creates more environmentally friendly consumer bioplastic products and increases demand for Iowa corn farmers.” The current way bio-MEG is made is through a conversion of sugarcane ethanol, which is usually sourced from Brazil, to ethylene, but still the majority of MEG comes from fossil fuels. ICPB’s patented process can eliminate the added costs of bio-MEG by going from corn sugar to MEG in one step. Most MEG currently goes into making polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic used for beverage bottles, polyester textiles, and films, but MEG can also be used as anti-freeze, coolants, aircraft deicers and industrial solvents. Plastic companies are currently making limited quantities of bottles utilizing biobased MEG made from sugarcane-based ethanol imported from South America. In 2016, 62 billion pounds of MEG were sold. The market continues to grow at the rate of about four percent a year and that four percent equates to about 94 million bushels of corn.

Investment of checkoff dollars in research and business development allows for a direct return on Iowa corn farmer investments. Consequently, ICPB research programs have continued to grow.

ICPB research programs aim to find new and innovative uses of corn, such as plastics and industrial chemicals. ICPB develops and licenses intellectual property to partner with companies; this strategy will increase the commercialization of new products related to corn and create new opportunities for corn farmers. 99th Iowa Farm Bureau annual meeting honors Iowans 'Born to Lead with the Will to Succeed' celebrating legacy and innovation of Iowa agriculture Members of the state’s largest grassroots farm organization gathered in Des Moines December 5-6 to kick off a celebration that recognizes Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) 100 years of success. The 99th annual gathering of IFBF members also launched 2018 as the ‘Year of Iowa Farm Bureau.’ The designation, recently signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, celebrates a century of innovation and leadership of IFBF family farmers. Craig Hill, IFBF president, addressed the members and shared the storied history of Farm Bureau.

“IFBF members may not realize it, but Iowa Farm Bureau was the first organization that gave farmers a ‘voice.’ Before Iowa Farm Bureau, it was politicians or those appointed by politicians, who decided farm policy,” said Hill. President Hill also acknowledged the challenges that face farmers today, including efforts to improve water quality, but Hill says progress is happening. “It’s why 87 percent of Iowa Farm Bureau members surveyed say they are using conservation practices on their farm and 71 percent have plans to apply new conservation practices in the next five years. Iowa farmers know water quality is important, so even though we’ve seen three years of a downturned market for ag products, 73 percent of members surveyed are spending their OWN money to apply conservation practices,” said Hill. IFBF farmers packed the room for “It Takes a Village to Protect a Watershed” education session to hear how several IFBF farmers found success by ramping up conservation practices. Mike Ehlers, a Buena Vista County farmer, agreed that education is the key to changing farmers’ ideas about conservation practices. And, he said, repetition is the tool that inspires change and confidence.

“It really takes multiple times of showing other farmers things, before they are willing to consider making a change,” Ehlers said. Jeff Pape of Dubuque County said farmers’ competitive nature is an asset when it comes to adding new practices. “People’s minds will change when they start seeing their neighbors have positive results,” he said. “That’s really when you get a lot of people who start to be willing to try new things.” Another big draw at the 99th IFBF annual meeting was keynote speaker, Rorke Denver. Denver, a former U.S.

Navy SEAL Commander who served in some of the most dangerous places on Earth, shared inspirational stories and life lessons learned in the field of battle. One lesson he shared was from serving in Afghanistan. Denver and his fellow SEALS were tasked with securing a hillside for approaching U.S. Denver told how he scanned the hills for Taliban, but grew frustrated when he continued to miss existing threats, which his sniper scout quickly found. “I was having trouble with the fact that my lead sniper had seen everything on this hillside and I hadn’t,” Denver noted. But his sniper said the problem was perspective.

He pointed out that Denver’s mistake was trying to see the entire hillside rather than breaking it down into parts. “If you look at less, you’ll see more,” Denver recalled the sniper saying. Since then, Denver has learned to focus his efforts on working through and crossing off manageable tasks, rather than trying to tackle mountainous challenges. He said people tasked with doing ‘more with less’ can benefit by taking on the same focused approach.

Farmers in the audience nodded in agreement. “As leaders, we have so much on our plate that we have to digest and manage and deal with at a given time. You’ll never get it done if you try and do it all. When you try to take it all on, you’ll get nothing accomplished. If you do one specific thing and drill in, you’ll do great things.

Look at less, you’ll see more,” Denver said. For a look at presentations, award ceremonies or addresses from the 99th annual Iowa Farm Bureau meeting, visit. USDA RMA Changes Crop Insurance Prevent Plant Provisions The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has removed the Prevented Planting +10 Percent Option (PT) for the 2018 and succeeding crop years for all crops with a contract change date on or after November 30, 2017, and for the 2019 and succeeding crop years for all crops with a contract change date prior to November 30, 2017. Previously, there has been an option for policyholders of some crops to increase prevented planting coverage by five or ten percent (+5 percent option and +10 percent option, respectively). While RMA has removed the +10 percent option, the +5 percent option is still available. Insurance providers will likely advise existing policyholders to consult with their crop insurance agent prior to the sales closing date so they can elect whether or not they want the +5 percent option. Insurance providers may choose to advise policyholders who elected the +10 percent option for the 2017 crop year, in writing, that their policy will automatically be converted to the +5 percent option, unless policyholders specifically elect that the option not apply by the sales closing/cancellation date shown in the actuarial documents.

Insurance providers must notify policyholders of these changes at least 30 days prior to the cancellation date as required by the contract change section of the crop insurance policy. FDA REPORT NOTES REDUCTION IN LIVESTOCK ANTIBIOTIC SALES from NPPC newsletter The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week issued its annual report on antibiotics sales for livestock agriculture. It showed the first decline in year-to-year sales since recording began. According to the Animal Health Institute (AHI), “ Antibiotic sales – whether they go up or down – are not predictors of public health impact.

While today’s sales report is an interesting piece of the story, we are more encouraged by the recent data from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System that shows that for those pathogens that might transfer from animals to humans, resistance rates in people have been stable or declining. This trend of reduced resistance began long before implementation of FDA’s judicious use program and is evidence that producer supported antimicrobial responsible use programs have been working.” SOUTH KOREAN GOVERNMENT TO SUBMIT KORUS PLAN TO PARLIAMENT The South Korean government this week announced it will submit to parliament its plan for renegotiating the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS). This comes after the United States and South Korea in early November mutually vowed to expedite the amendment process and after the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held two rounds of public hearings on renegotiating the agreement. For the United States to officially begin the renegotiation process, the Trump administration must send a letter to Congress notifying lawmakers of its intention to launch KORUS talks in 90 days, hold two public hearings and disclose 30 days prior to the launch of the talks its goals for the renegotiation. AFBF President Zippy Duvall Appointed to White House Trade Advisory Committee American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall has been appointed to the White House’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

Members of the ACTPN advise the president on the potential effects of proposed and current trade agreements. The ACTPN, which is administered by the U.S. Trade Representative, is the main trade advisory committee that provides policy information and advice to the president.

“I am deeply honored to be called to serve as a member of the White House’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.” Duvall said. “I look forward to taking a seat at the table on behalf of America’s farmers and ranchers as we look to further our agricultural trade opportunities. We must keep building on our current gains in markets abroad, foster lasting relationships with our international partners and, of course, effectively enforce current trade agreements to ensure agriculture continues to boost our economy and create jobs for all Americans.” Duvall has been appointed by the president for a four-year term. Established by the 1974 Trade Act, the ACTPN brings together up to 45 individuals from the private sector who represent key economic sectors affected by trade. The committee evaluates trade policy issues by considering their effect on the overall national interest. Growing Global Dairy Demand Sets Stage for US, EU, Oceania Competition A growing global demand for milk, coupled with increased production in the U.S., the EU and Oceania, will create aggressive competition for new markets in the future, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division. The regions of the world with the most demand growth are also regions where the conditions are unfavorable or challenging for milk production.

“As global demand for dairy products grows, the established dairy exporters will rely on and fiercely compete for new markets,” said Ben Laine, senior economist with CoBank. “While all exporters will benefit from global demand growth, the EU stands to extend its reach furthest into these markets barring any major shifts by the U.S. To a global market focus.” Competing for Market Share “Regions with highly evolved dairy production and processing industries, but with mature dairy consumption markets, will compete with one another for emerging demand, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia,” said Laine. “Ability to recognize and meet the needs of cultures with different preferences and providing products in an affordable way will be key to gaining a competitive advantage.” The cooperative model that works so well domestically will be challenged globally as some companies may find success by establishing processing plants close to the demand and vertically integrating locally. Laine concludes that the EU has a head start in its ability to respond to increased demand and Oceania will be limited in terms of continued production growth. Has the potential to compete for the new demand if it becomes more adaptive and innovates. A brief video synopsis of the report “EU and U.S.

To Vie for Growing Global Dairy Markets” is available on the CoBank YouTube channel. Contest Gives Cowboy Poets Opportunity to Win Cattlemen and women with originality and a flair for poetry have a chance to win a trip to the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans, La., by participating in a Cowboy Poetry Contest being held in conjunction with the 2018 Phoenix event. The contest is being coordinated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and is sponsored by IMI Global. Poets who compose and submit their own humorous original poems have until Jan. 1, 2018, to be considered. Five finalists will be selected by NCBA on Jan. 2, 2018, with public voting on submitted videos starting Jan.

Voting will close Jan. The top three winners will be announced Jan.

16, 2018, and will have the chance to perform their work live on stage at the Cattle Industry Convention in Phoenix Feb. 2, 2018, or via video if not in attendance. In addition to performing their poem live, the first place winner will receive a free trip to the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans, La. Included will be a travel credit of up to $500, one full convention registration (including Cattlemen’s College), and one hotel room for three nights. The poetry will also be published in the Where Food Comes From Magazine, pending proof of copyright. Second place will also perform their poetry live on stage Feb.

2 and receive a full registration to the 2019 Convention, while third place will perform their poetry live and receive a $100 Cabela’s Gift Card. The contestant must upload a video performing the poetry work, along with the poem in document form, to be considered. For more information and to enter, go to, then click on conventions and events/Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show. NE Farm Bureau Members Set Policy on Property Taxes, Trade, Other Key Issues; Re-elect State Leaders at Annual Meeting Farmers and ranchers from across the state set Nebraska Farm Bureau policy for the coming year and re-elected leaders as part of the organization’s 100th Annual Meeting and Convention held Dec.

3-5 in Kearney. Delegates discussed a wide range of agricultural policy issues to provide direction for the organization. “Property taxes are a major concern for our members, and that was reflected in our voting delegate discussions,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

Among the measures adopted by delegates was support for the use of income tax credits as a means of delivering property tax relief; a concept under consideration by state legislators heading into the 2018 legislative session. Delegates also voiced support for reducing local property tax burdens by having state general funds play a larger role in the funding of K-12 education. County leaders also expressed support for utilization of the Nebraska Universal Services Fund, in partnership with federal and private monies, to support expanded broadband service into underserved areas of Nebraska. “Farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses are becoming more dependent on technology in their operations. High quality and high-speed internet access is critical to helping improve the way they manage their operations and natural resources. Broadband access is key to the future of Nebraska agriculture,” said Nelson.

Expanding access to international markets for Nebraska agriculture commodities was also front and center for delegates. “Our members adopted resolutions supporting U.S. Re-entry into the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, as well as a resolution opposing the placement of sunset provisions into free trade agreements,” said Nelson.

President Trump pulled the U.S. Out of the TPP last January. Nebraska Farm Bureau had supported the agreement as it was expected to provide a major boost to Nebraska agriculture; increasing cash receipts and net exports from Nebraska by $378.5 million and $229.2 million per year respectively, while adding more than 1,700 new jobs to the state’s economy. Delegates also discussed numerous issues related to livestock production.

Members adopted a resolution allowing extended service duty hours for truck drivers that transport livestock, as well as backing a resolution to eliminate electronic logging devices. Livestock transportation has been a point of concern in the light of recent U.S. Department of Transportation electronic logging device regulations that failed to adequately recognize the uniqueness and challenges of transporting lives animals. “Our members also advanced a resolution supporting genomic editing in livestock. Gene editing technology presents tremendous potential for the livestock sector, including the possibility of eliminating certain disease risks for livestock, which potentially would mitigate needs for antibiotic treatment,” said Nelson. Resolutions related to national policy will be discussed and voted on at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual meeting held on Jan.

5-10 in Nashville, Tenn. A resolution supporting the development of labeling requirements to restrict the use of terms such as “meat” to market and promote non-livestock or lab produced products from plant-based production methods, also advanced. In addition to taking policy positions, delegates also conducted elections for positions on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation board of directors. Steve Nelson was re-elected to the position of Nebraska Farm Bureau President.

Nelson has been a Farm Bureau member for 41 years, producing corn, soybeans, and hi-bred seed corn with his son Scott, near Axtell. Martey Stewart of Dixon County Farm Bureau was re-elected to represent Dist. 3, which includes Antelope, Cedar, Dakota, Dixon, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Thurston, and Wayne counties. Stewart operates a cattle operation near Dixon.

Bill Baldwin of Scotts Bluff County Farm Bureau was re-elected to represent Dist. 8, which includes Arthur, Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Keith, Kimball, Perkins, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties.

Baldwin operates a hay, row crop, and cow/calf operation near Mitchell. Dave Nielsen of Lancaster County Farm Bureau was re-elected to the At-Large seat on the board of directors. Nielsen operates a corn, soybeans, and hay operation near Lincoln. Hill re-elected Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill of Ackworth was re-elected president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) for a two-year term at the organization’s 99th Annual Meeting in Des Moines.

Hill has served as IFBF president since 2011. His Farm Bureau leadership began with the Warren County Farm Bureau before being elected as the District 8 representative on the state board in 1989, and he later served as IFBF vice president from 2001-2011. As IFBF president, Hill serves as chairman of the board of FBL Financial Group, Inc., and Farm Bureau Life Companies. In addition, he serves on the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) board of directors. Hill and his wife, Patti, have a daughter, Abbie, and son, Adam, who helps grow corn and soybeans and raise livestock on their Warren County farm.

IFBF delegates also elected Andy Hill of Worth County as District 2 director and Rick Plowman of Van Buren County as District 7 director. Will Frazee of Montgomery County was reelected as the District 9 director.

Andy Hill (no relation to Craig Hill) of Manly replaces Charlie Norris who is retiring after 22 years of service. He raises corn and soybeans and will represent 11 counties in north central Iowa: Kossuth, Humboldt, Winnebago, Hancock, Wright, Worth, Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Mitchell, Floyd, and Butler. He and his wife, Michelle, have two daughters. Hill has held several offices in the Worth County Farm Bureau, including president and voting delegate and AFBF voting delegate. He currently chairs the AFBF Budget and Economy Issue Advisory Committee.

Plowman, who replaces Andy Hora who also retired from the IFBF board, represents 11 counties in southeast Iowa: Muscatine, Keokuk, Washington, Louisa, Wapello, Jefferson, Henry, Des Moines, Davis, Van Buren, and Lee. Plowman has held several offices in the Van Buren County Farm Bureau, including president and voting delegate. He has served on the Hay and Forage Advisory Committee for both IFBF and AFBF. Plowman and his wife, Lisa, raise corn and cattle near Douds. They have two children and their son, Cale, is active in the family farm. Nine delegates were elected to represent Iowa at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention in Nashville, January 5-10.

They include: IFBF President Craig Hill of Warren County; IFBF Vice President Joe Heinrich of Jackson County; Mark Buskohl of Grundy County; Joe Dierickx of Clinton County; Matthew Willimack of Clinton County; Larry Sailer of Franklin County; Brian Feldpausch of Grundy County; Paula Ellis of Lee County; and Bryan Reed of Monroe County. Karen Seipold of Mills County was elected to a three-year term on the IFBF internal study committee. The internal study committee serves as a liaison between the county Farm Bureau voting delegates and the state board of directors. South Dakota Farmer Elected to Lead National Soybean Checkoff Lewis Bainbridge, a soybean farmer from South Dakota, was elected chair of the United Soybean Board (USB). Bainbridge, a third-generation farmer, previously served the board as USB vice chair. The soy checkoff, which works to maximize profit opportunities for U.S. Soybean farmers through national investments, continues focusing on the areas of meal, oil and sustainability to increase farmer profit opportunities.

“We are very good at growing soybeans in the United States,” says Bainbridge. “Now, we need to focus on maximizing value of this crop.” Knowing that volume alone is no longer enough to maintain market share is helping shape Bainbridge’s vision for the coming year. “In my time as chair, I want to continue the progress we have made in the past few years in differentiating our product and strengthening our competitiveness in the global marketplace, as well as building relationships with end users of U.S. Soy,' says Bainbridge. Bainbridge believes that by working together, the board and new CEO, Polly Ruhland, will continue making investments that benefit all soybean farmers. Along with Bainbridge, USB elected nine directors to the USB Executive Committee: Keith Tapp, Vice Chair – Kentucky Jim Carroll, Secretary – Arkansas Dan Farney, Treasurer – Illinois John Dodson – Tennessee Gregg Fujan – Nebraska Woody Green – South Carolina Meagan Kaiser – Missouri Rochelle Krusemark – Minnesota Mark Seib – Indiana The farmers also selected members to serve on the Strategic Management Committee.

Those farmers include Jacob Parker, North Carolina; Ray Schexnayder, Louisiana; and Doug Winter, Illinois. Heisdorffer Assumes Presidency of ASA; Moore Moves to Chairman; Stephens Elected Vice President John Heisdorffer of Keota, Iowa, will serve as the 2018 president of the American Soybean Association, following a vote of the ASA board this morning in St.

Heisdorffer raises soybeans, corn and hogs with his wife, Deanna and son Chris. 'There is a so much facing the soybean industry today, and I am very aware of the responsibility that this position carries with it. For the first time in history, American farmers harvested more acres of soybeans than any other crop. Dj Sammy Torrent Heaven Is For Real. We are a leading voice in the ongoing dialogue on food and farming, and as a leader, it's our duty to stay engaged and stay passionate on the issues that affect soybean farmers every day. Whether that's trade or biotechnology or regulation, there is plenty to be done.

I am excited to get to work, and I look forward to leading this wonderful organization in the coming year.' Heisdorffer replaces Illinois' Ron Moore as president, and Moore will move to the role of ASA Chairman. Former Chairman Richard Wilkins of Delaware rotates off the nine-member ASA Governing Committee. The ASA Board also elected Davie Stephens to serve as Vice President, a position that places him in line to serve as the association's president in 2019. Stephens lives in Clinton, Ky., and farms in Kentucky and Tennessee with his wife Judy and his father, raising soybeans, corn and poultry. In addition to Heisdorffer, Moore and Stephens, the ASA board voted to elect Kevin Scott of South Dakota as Secretary; Bill Gordon of Minnesota for a second term as Treasurer; and Bret Davis of Ohio, Eric Maupin of Tennessee, Joe Steinkamp of Indiana, and Charles Atkinson of Kansas as at-large Governing Committee members. New members beginning their nine-year terms on the ASA board are Dennis Fujan of Nebraska; Josh Gackle of North Dakota; Jered Hooker of Illinois; Ryan Kirby of Louisiana; Alan Meadows of Tennessee; Scott Metzger of Ohio; Nick Moody of Virginia; Scott Persall of Canada; Caleb Ragland of Kentucky; Ronnie Russell of Missouri; and Brandon Wipf of South Dakota.

The new ASA Directors replace retiring directors Ed Erickson, Jr., of North Dakota; Bruce Hall of Virginia; Mark Huston of Canada; Jim Miller of Nebraska; Dave Poppens of South Dakota; Jeff Sollars of Ohio and Lawrence Sukalski of Minnesota. It's What's for Dinner. Celebrates Beef's Great Taste with Creative New Ads in Time for the Holidays After letting turkey have its day, beef is back to reclaim the center of the plate for the remainder of the holiday season.

It's What's for Dinner. Is giving consumers the tips and recipes they need to make beef the star of those big family meals, all while rolling out the next phase of the iconic brand's re-launch. 'Beef is the one thing that won't be debated this holiday season,' said Alisa Harrison, senior vice president, Global Marketing and Research at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the beef checkoff. 'Our research shows the most important characteristic when choosing whether to have beef is taste, and 92 percent of consumers say that beef is great tasting.

So, as part of our continued relaunch of the Beef. It's What's for Dinner brand, we are highlighting beef's taste advantage through a series of digital ads and content partnerships offering tips on how to make mouthwatering meals and dishes that are sure to please everyone.' Through January, a series of new creative digital advertisements will run on Facebook, Instagram, and through paid search advertising, utilizing the slogan, 'Nicely done, beef.' The new advertising is meant to appeal to a younger generation by being more edgy and showcasing delicious beef images, while the accompanying verbiage suggests the ways that beef can bring people back to the dinner table. The release of the ads follows the successful first phase of the Beef. It's What's for Dinner.

Brand relaunch. Phase one, 'Rethink the Ranch', tells the stories of the hard-working farmers and ranchers who produce U.S. Twenty-five years after Beef. It's What's for Dinner. First became a household brand, America's beef farmers and ranchers are inspiring a new generation of millennials to explore their culinary talents and share meals that satisfy. With the re-launch of the Beef.

It's What's for Dinner. Brand came a new website that serves as a single, comprehensive location for all things beef. Poly Reduction Tool C4d Intro. Is the most complete source for beef inspiration showcasing detailed information on cuts and cookery, a robust collection of beef recipes, nutritional information and an inside look at the lives of the people who raise beef.

In addition to the new website, this holiday season, the Beef. It's What's for Dinner. Facebook page is hosting a '12 Tips for the Holidays' video series Dec. The series features tips from the Beef It's What's for Dinner Culinary Center chefs on selecting and preparing beef for the holidays. 'The chefs from the Beef. It's What's For Dinner Culinary Center want to help the average consumer buy, select and prepare the perfect beef meal this holiday season,' said Laura Hagen, senior director, Culinary, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the beef checkoff.

'With a series of Facebook live events and pre-recorded videos, plus releasing our top five most searched for holiday roast recipes and holiday appetizer recipes, we're helping consumers make sure they have the best holiday with beef.' Announcing the 2018 Soybean Leadership College! We hope you are planning to attend the 2018 Soybean Leadership College January 9 – 10, 2018! The two-day conference will provide agricultural industry leaders with training to effectively promote the soybean industry, communicate key agricultural messages and work to expand U.S.

Soybean market opportunities domestically and internationally while networking with growers from across the country. New for 2018, ASA is partnering with Ag Leader Source on a session, “Serving as a leader in Today’s Agricultural Organizations,” designed to provide new state and national Board members with tools including strategic thinking and board member expectations. We are excited about opportunity to enrich our organizational effectiveness. Fischer Talks NAFTA with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross As the administration continues renegotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), U.S.

Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, today met with Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to emphasize the trade agreement’s value to Nebraska: “Secretary Ross was very forthcoming today about where these trade negotiations currently stand. He shared examples of the priorities the administration is focused on as they develop NAFTA 2.0. I was able to highlight Nebraska’s perspective when it comes to trade and the great value of this agreement to our state’s producers, manufacturers, and exporters,” said Senator Fischer. Yesterday, Senator Fischer attended a meeting at the White House with President Trump focused on U.S.

Trade policy. She highlighted the significance of NAFTA to agriculture exports and related manufacturing jobs in Nebraska. NAFTA represents a critical market for Nebraska’s exports. Mexico and Canada are Nebraska’s two largest customers for agricultural goods. In 2016, exports of Nebraska agricultural goods to these two countries exceeded $2.9 billion and accounted for 45 percent of Nebraska’s total agricultural exports that year. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 91,400 Nebraska jobs are supported by NAFTA.

Natural Resources Districts Now Taking Tree and Shrub Seedling Orders Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) is encouraging landowners to invest in trees this year. The Natural Resources Districts Conservation Tree Program assists property owners with windbreaks and many other benefits every year. Hundreds of thousands of tree-seedlings are planted across Nebraska with the help of the NRDs every year.

Since the NRDs’ creation in 1972, landowners have planted more than 96 million trees and shrubs across the state with the help of the NRDs. “Our NRD Tree Program planted more than 700,000 tree and shrub seedlings last year across the state and we hope to do more this year,” Jim Bendfeldt, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts said. “The program offers landowners an inexpensive way to enhance their properties whether for functional use, wildlife habitat or beautifying the land.” For often less than a dollar or two a tree, conservation trees shade and shelter homes, reduce energy costs, protect and increase crop yields, reduce soil erosion caused by water and wind, improve water quality, control snow and preserve winter moisture, protect livestock, provide food and cover for wildlife, control noise, capture atmospheric carbon, raise property values, and add beauty to our landscape. Each of the 23 Natural Resources Districts administer their own tree program. Available species and tree and shrub options may differ from district to district depending on what grows well in different areas of the state. NRD staff is available to assist landowners in determining the right trees are planted in the right place. “Not only are we seeing farmers and ranchers investing back into trees, but families with small acreages too,” Bendfeldt said.

“The cost is very reasonable.” Many NRD Conservation Tree Program order deadlines are due as early as March. Contact your local Natural Resources District to put your tree orders in today. You can go to nrdnet.org or nrdtrees.org to see the selection of trees and shrubs being offered. Cow-calf profit and loss, alternative production systems, and using reproductive technologies to improve profit to be addressed at Three-State Beef Conference Opportunities for producers to visit with experts on cow-calf profit and loss and calculating breakevens, alternative cow-calf production systems, and using reproductive management and technologies to improve profitability are all on the agenda for the 33rd annual Three-State Beef Conference, to be held January 16, 17 and 18, 2018 at locations in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. When it comes to profit and loss in the cow-calf operation, knowing your cost of production not only helps with managing risk, but provides an opportunity to make changes to improve the bottom line. Shane Ellis, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Outreach and Extension, will be on the program to address this topic on cow-calf breakevens.

Also on the program will be Erika Lundy, extension beef program specialist with Iowa State University’s Iowa Beef Center. For many producers, additional pasture is hard to come by or cost prohibitive. Confinement systems are of increased interest, but there are a number of alternative production systems that could have potential. Erika will discuss opportunities and challenges with some of the alternative systems, and share data from cooperator herds. Beef cattle reproductive technologies have advanced rapidly and provide producers with incredible opportunities for genetic improvement, among other benefits. Sandy Johnson, extension livestock specialist with Kansas State University Extension, will discuss how those technologies can be used to increase calf value and increase profitability of the cow herd. The conference is a traveling program, repeated three times in three different locations.

At each site, registration will open at 5:30 p.m., and the program will start at 6:00 p.m. The first program will be on Tuesday, January 16 in Creston, Iowa at Southwestern Community College. The second program, on Wednesday, January 17, will be in Missouri at the MU Hundley-Whaley Learning Discovery Center in Albany. The final program will be Thursday, January 18 in Nebraska at the Gage County UNL Extension Center in Beatrice. The registration fee is $25 per person and includes a meal and copies of the presentations. Registrations are appreciated by Friday, January 12 to help with meal planning and reducing costs.

To register for the program in Creston, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Union County at 641-782-8426 or kdowning@iastate.edu. For the program in Albany, contact MU Extension in Gentry County at 660-726-5610 or deerings@missouri.edu. Registrations for Beatrice can be directed to Nebraska Extension in Gage County at 402-223-1384 or kristen.ulmer@unl.edu. If you need accommodations because of a disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform us immediately. For more information contact your local university extension office or visit our website.

COMPETITION ALLOWS AG PRODUCERS TO TRY NEW TECHNOLOGIES, METHODS A new University of Nebraska-Lincoln-led partnership is helping agricultural producers explore emerging technologies and identify ways to strengthen profitability without increasing risk during the growing season. Organized by Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Testing Ag Performance Solutions farm management competition involved managing center pivot-irrigated corn.

Seventeen producers squared off against university scientists and two student groups in three categories: most profitable farm, highest input use efficiency and greatest grain yield. 'We came up with the idea for the UNL-TAPS competition as a way to help producers become familiar with new ag technologies and techniques, while also leveraging a peer-to-peer exchange of information,' said Daran Rudnick, assistant professor of biological systems engineering and agricultural water management specialist with Nebraska Extension. The competition took place at the university's West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte. Each participant managed three small plots under a variable rate irrigation system.

Preseason decisions included hybrid selection, population density and crop insurance selection. Each week, participants made decisions regarding irrigation and nitrogen management, and grain marketing. Decisions were submitted through a password-protected website, which also included in-season photographs of the plots, weather data and additional farm management resources. 'With today's low commodity prices, we really wanted to focus on profitability,' said Chuck Burr, an extension educator. 'It's not just about highest yield; it's about highest economic yield, meaning at what cost did it take to achieve a certain yield.' The competition attracted the attention of several industry partners, who were curious about the management practices being used.

The industry representatives were able to share information about their new technologies with producers. John Walz owns and operates a farm 22 miles north of North Platte. He participated in the competition because the knowledge needed to manage an operation is constantly expanding.

'I've really learned a lot by participating in the UNL-TAPS competition,' he said. 'There were a lot of really cool tools at our disposal, and we've had the opportunity to see if they can add value to our operation without risk.' Some of the participating producers implemented the same management practices they use on their farms while others used the competition to evaluate different practices. Not only were producers able to expand their knowledge, but the contest allowed Nebraska Extension to expand its expertise. 'We recognize that the university plot might not be the most successful one in the group, but that provides a great learning opportunity,' Rudnick said. 'It's critical for us to understand different management practices that take place on individual operations so that when a grower comes to us and asks 'Why?'

We have actual scientific background on why that outcome took place.' Cash prizes will be awarded to the top-performing producer, excluding university scientists, in each category at a Dec.

12 awards banquet. In the coming weeks, each producer will share their management strategies and discuss their successes and challenges during educational workshops. Others involved in launching the competition were Matt Stockton, associate professor of agricultural economics, and Rodrigo Werle, assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture. The competition is supported by Nebraska's Natural Resource Districts, the Nebraska Corn Board, AquaMart and several industry partners. For more information, visit. 2017 Harvest Outlook Shows Record Production Corn and soybean yields in 2017 were higher than expected, resulting in the largest grain surpluses in recent years. According to United States Department of Agriculture crop production estimates released on Nov.

9, national corn yields exceeded 2016 production. Soybean yields are estimated to be lower than the record in 2016, but total U.S. Supply will be larger due to acreage increases.

1 there were an estimated 2.3 billion bushels of corn and 301 million bushels of soybean in storage nationwide. Approximately 30 percent of the combined carryover was held on farms and 70 percent in commercial facilities.

Broken down by grain, 34 percent of corn and 29 percent of soybeans were held on farms. “Many farmers and grain buyers needed to come up with alternative corn storage plans due to the record-breaking corn yields,” said Charles Hurburgh, professor and grain quality and handling specialist at Iowa State University. “This has resulted in corn piles, some without cover protection.

This has created the risk of corn not being in adequate storage conditions due to the lack of aeration and unpredictable weather. Storage bags were also used to store excess grain.

Though storage bags keep the grain covered, there is no aeration and the temperature is set once the bag is filled.” The 2017 growing season experienced significant swings in weather patterns with excessive amounts of rain in the spring and very little rain in June and July. Drought was a major concern in parts of the U.S., especially in the major growing area of the western Cornbelt and four counties in Iowa’s south central region.

Dry conditions peaked around Aug. The growing season was extended due to moderate temperatures and wet conditions, but the end results were excellent, especially corn, which had very high grain fill with heavy kernels and high test weights. Long term storage of the 2017 crop into the 2018 season is likely. It will be important to move grain in temporary storage to market or to covered and aerated storage as soon as possible. Pork Demand Remains Steady As Signs Point to Strong Fourth Quarter Pig farmers and food production companies alike are wrapping up a successful 2017 that continues to show steady consumer demand for pork. The summer grilling season ended strongly, and signs point to a solid year-end opportunity for ham.

According to Nielsen Perishables Group data for the 13 weeks ended Oct. 28, total sausage and rib volumes were up from the same time last year 3.3 percent and 2.6 percent respectively, while sales were up in those categories 4.1 percent and 3.2 percent.

“Summer is always an ideal time for cooking pork outdoors,” said Patrick Fleming, National Pork Board director of market intelligence. “Whether it was brats on the grill or a few racks of ribs on the smoker, consumers made room for pork on their picnic plate in 2017.” That momentum carried over into fall, as overall retail spending on pork by U.S. Consumers was up by more than 3 percent in dollar sales during the month of October.

The Nielsen data shows that consumer spending for ham was up a slight 1 percent for the 13-week period ending Oct. Fleming acknowledges this demonstrates strong consumer demand for a pork cut that normally shines at year end due to the holidays. “It’s encouraging to see that more consumers are spending more on ham as we head into the holiday season,” said Fleming.

“We are already hearing anecdotally that some key retailers saw more hams leave the cold case heading into Thanksgiving. The volume of hams currently in storage should create favorable price points for consumers through yearend and into 2018.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service, frozen ham inventories at the end of October were up 2.1 percent, compared to this time last year. With both strong summer and fall sales performance, pork producers are encouraged by signs that point to a strong finish to the year. “Hams are no longer saved just for Christmas,” said Terry O’Neel, president of the National Pork Board and a pig farmer from Friend, Nebraska. “And with the kids, grandkids and other family members visiting for a few days, other cuts like bacon and sausage shine at breakfast, while prosciutto and salami are showcased in the New Year’s charcuterie tray. Pork’s value and versatility make it a go-to meal option this time of year.” Additionally, pork plays a growing role in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

Since 2011, pork has been the fastest-growing protein, according to Technomic, Inc.’s 2017 Volumetric Assessment of Pork in Foodservice. During the past six years, pork use has grown on a per pound basis by more than double chicken, largely due to foodservice operators seeking higher quality cuts and cooking them to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (with a three-minute rest). During this same time period, pork represented 61 percent of all protein growth in the foodservice industry. October another Stellar Month for U.S. Pork, Beef Exports U.S. Pork exports remained ahead of last year’s record volume pace, and beef exports are poised to break $7 billion this year for only the second time, according to October export results released by USDA and compiled by the U.S.

Meat Export Federation (USMEF). October pork exports were the largest since May, totaling 211,592 metric tons (mt), up 5 percent from a year ago, valued at $565.4 million, up 8 percent. Through the first 10 months of the year, pork exports increased 8 percent in volume (2.005 million mt) and 10 percent in value ($5.28 billion) from the same period last year. Exports accounted for 25.4 percent of total pork production in October (steady with last year) and 21.6 percent for muscle cuts only (up slightly from a year ago). For January through October, these ratios increased about one percentage point from a year ago to 26.4 percent of total production and 22 percent for muscle cuts. October export value averaged $51.41 per head slaughtered, up 9 percent from a year ago and the highest since July.

Through the first 10 months of the year, per-head export value was $52.64, up 7 percent. Beef exports reached 111,287 mt in October, up 5 percent from a year ago, valued at $662 million, up 18 percent. These were the second-largest monthly totals of 2017, trailing only August. For January through October, exports totaled 1.038 million mt, up 9 percent year-over-year, valued at $5.93 billion – up 16 percent from a year ago and slightly ahead of the record value pace established in 2014. Beef exports accounted for 13 percent of total production in October, the highest since July but down from 13.9 percent last year. The percentage of muscle cuts exported was steady with last year at 10.7 percent. For January through October, beef exports accounted for 12.8 percent of total production (down from 13.3 percent last year) and 10.2 percent for muscle cuts (steady with last year).

October beef export value averaged $301.88 per head of fed slaughter, up 12 percent from a year ago and the highest since December 2016. January-October export value averaged $279.85 per head, up 10 percent. Pork exports rebound to Mexico, Japan; record month for South America Following a modest slowdown in September, pork exports to leading volume market Mexico regained momentum at 69,529 mt, up 7 percent from a year ago, valued at $129.8 million (up 13 percent). Through October, exports to Mexico are well-positioned for a sixth consecutive annual volume record at 655,527 mt (up 14 percent) valued at $1.24 billion (up 17 percent). Mexico is an especially important destination for U.S. Hams, and consumption growth in Mexico has been critically supportive of ham prices in this time of record U.S.

Pork production, explained USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Although ham prices are currently below last year’s level, they have been up an average of 2 percent in 2017 and predictions of ham prices plummeting have not come true,' he said.

“Strong demand in Mexico is absolutely a key reason for this. USMEF has focused on expanding per-capita pork consumption in Mexico, which is up by about one-third in the past 10 years.

This has helped make Mexico an even more critical and more reliable trading partner for the U.S. Pork industry.” Exports to leading value market Japan also trended upward in October, increasing 5 percent from a year ago in both volume (32,475 mt) and value ($134.5 million). January-October exports to Japan were 322,422 mt (up 1 percent) valued at $1.33 billion (up 3 percent). This included 176,609 mt of chilled pork valued at $834 million, down 2 percent in volume but 2 percent.