Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - October 2021
/Developments
Just hours before boarding Air Force One for his trip to the Climate Summit in Scotland, President Joe Biden unveiled the framework for a $1.85 trillion social-spending and climate bill. “Top House Democrats hoped [it] would be enough to convince progressives to drop their objections to a parallel, roughly $1 trillion infrastructure bill. President Biden met with House Democrats in the morning to pitch lawmakers on the new framework, a far slimmer piece of legislation than the $3.5 trillion the party had originally outlined. Democrats have been rushing to complete negotiations on the bill so that they can also move forward with the public works legislation, which passed the Senate over the summer but has languished in the House.
“The White House framework released Thursday called for major funding for child-care subsidies, universal prekindergarten, tax breaks for families, in-home care for elderly and disabled Americans, as well as tax credits aimed at combating climate change. But several party priorities were absent, including a national paid-leave program while the fate of others, including a push to allow the government to negotiate drug prices, remained uncertain.” Source: Andrew Duehren, Ken Thomas, Natalie Andrews, The Wall Street Journal dispatch, October 28, 2021, 12:42 EST
BASF and Cargill are expanding their partnership in the animal nutrition business, adding research and development capabilities and new markets to the partners’ existing feed enzymes distribution agreements. The two companies will develop, produce, market and sell customer-centric enzyme products and solutions. The goal is to provide feed innovations for farmers that reduce nutrient waste, improving feed efficiency, and promote animal growth and wellbeing.
The House Agricultural Committee is presenting a full committee hearing on “The Immediate Challenges to our Nation’s Food Supply” Wednesday, November 3, at 10 am EDT. The hybrid hearing will be live-streamed, and can be accessed at https://agriculture.house.gov.
Tyson Foods says more than 96% of its workers have been vaccinated ahead of the company’s November 1 deadline for them to do so. The company based in Springdale, Arkansas, said the number of its 120,000 workers who have been vaccinated has nearly doubled since it announced its mandate on August 3. At that point, only 50% of Tyson workers had been vaccinated. Tyson, which has long been dealing with worker shortages, said employees who don’t get vaccinated before the company’s deadline will be fired. But those former employees will be welcomed back if they do get vaccinated later.
The National Defense Prototype Center, a joint project between Spirit AeroSystems and Wichita State University opened in mid-October. The facility will combine the robust research, development and production capabilities of Spirit and WSU to support critical space and national security programs. The center will comprise a lab for high temperature testing (temperatures that reach half of the sun’s surface temperatures) as well as furnaces and autoclaves that can carry out high temperature manufacturing processes. This is the only facility in the country to offer these capabilities in one location. The NDPC provides the Department of Defense new solutions to complex problems, particularly as our country works to compete with China and Russia in the development of hypersonic missiles.
The University of Missouri celebrated the grand opening of the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building. Located on MU’s campus, the $221 million, 265,000-square-foot facility will be a regional hub of lifesaving research and anchor the NextGen Precision Health initiative. The initiative leverages the combined power of MU, the MU Research Reactor, MU Health Care and the other three MU System universities to revolutionize health care, eliminate health care disparities and transform community health. The initiative also brings together a set of resources, leading industry partners and internationally recruited research faculty to drastically shorten the time it takes for innovations to go from the lab to clinical treatment.
Late this month Missouri Farm Bureau president Garrett Hawkins issued a strong message that global climate policy and agendas could have negative effects for agriculture. “Climate policy is no longer an issue we can hit the snooze button on,” he wrote in a message to Missouri farmers October 21. Full text is available at Climate Agenda Sounding Alarms for All Americans (mofb.org).
Golfers took to the fairways and greens in support of Missouri 4-H Youths on Sept. 21 at the 11th annual 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament in Columbia. “The generosity of our partners and friends is incredible. Together we raised more than $69,000 for Missouri 4-H, a record for the Clover Classic Golf Tournament,” said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation. Sponsors were Climate Field View, a subsidiary of Bayer; and Great American Insurance-Crop Division.
Total U.S. beef export sales in the last week of September dipped a little, but Chinese purchases were strong at 6,000 metric tons, according to USDA trade data. Chinese purchases and imports have been exceptionally strong this year, lifting U.S. beef exports to a new record high for the month of August, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. From January through August, U.S. beef exports to China are up more than 800% over the same period in 2020.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under NIFA’s Sustainable Agricultural Systems program. This innovative program focuses on a broad base of needed research solutions from addressing labor challenges and promoting land stewardship to correcting climate change impacts in agriculture and critical needs in food and nutrition. The investment is part of the third installment of NIFA grants within its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Sustainable Agricultural Systems program designed to improve plant and animal production and sustainability, and human and environmental health.
Elanco Animal Health and Kansas State University have entered a five-year strategic alliance agreement that will allow for collaborative research and intellectual property licensing for commercialization activities. Researchers will focus on activities supporting sustainable practices in livestock production and pet health; vector-borne and emerging disease prevention and treatment; and advanced understanding of the microbiome in animals. Source: Feedstuffs
The National Pork Producers Council is calling on U.S. immigration officials to reform a visa program that is key to keeping hog operations staffed. The TN visa program was created under NAFTA to allow Mexican and Canadian professionals in a variety of areas to be allowed to work in the U.S. for up to three years. “NPPC has received reports that eligible applicants have been denied entry into the country for no cause and cannot appeal such decisions,” the pork producer group said.
During the World AgriTech London Summit in September, Kansas City-based (and Ag Biz Council member) Agrithority hosted a roundtable on the topic Overcoming Barriers to On-Farm Technology Adoption. AgriThority’s Global Director, Science and Technology Ignacio Colonna led the virtual discussion. The discussion included challenges in predicting large-scale effects of crop management strategies that had been evaluated at the early development stage only under a limited range of controlled environment and finding the right network of associates to implement the use of new digital technologies.
TechAccel, the Kansas City-based technology and equity company investing in scientific breakthroughs to produce healthier plants, animals and foods, has completed a lease agreement for office and lab space at the Bio Research Development & Growth (BRDG) Park on the campus of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis. The new space provides TechAccel’s growing science team with room for operations, including space for its subsidiary, RNAissance Ag LLC. RNAissance Ag, which last year acquired St. Louis-based startup RNAgri, is leveraging its proprietary and inexpensive RNA manufacturing platform by developing RNAi applications in biopesticides, animal health and aquaculture.
By mid-October nearly half of the Kansas wheat crop had been planted, and it is now starting to emerge. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, 42% of the Kansas wheat crop was planted as of October 3, behind last year’s 53%, but ahead of the five-year average. Planting is well over halfway done in the western half of the state, whereas planting in the central corridor is closer to a third complete and eastern Kansas is more variable. “In the last five years, we have learned a lot about the yield potential of wheat in Kansas as well as how to manage the crop to reach its economical optimum,” said K-State Research and Extension wheat and forages production specialist Romulo Lollato.
“Agriculture dominates list of top cooperatives,” reported Agri-Pulse, October 27. “Some of the most well-known names in agriculture are atop the list of 100 largest cooperatives by revenue compiled by the National Cooperative Bank. CHS Inc. tops the list with more than $28 billion in 2020 revenue. The other two co-ops in the top three are ag giants Dairy Farmers of America and Land O’Lakes with $17.8 billion and $14 billion in revenue, respectively. Growmark ($7.5 billion in 2020 revenue) and Ag Processing Inc ($4 billion) are also in the list’s top 10. Overall, agriculture-specific coops account for 49 of the list’s 100 businesses…… While the 2021 list reported agriculture’s dominance in the usage of the cooperative system’s member-owned business model, it also reported some shifts in revenue between 2019 and 2020 when compared to last year’s figures. The report’s figures showed a drop of about $3.5 billion in revenue for CHS. DFA and Land O’Lakes both reported increases – about $2 billion for DFA and roughly $100 million for Land O’Lakes. Overall, the cooperatives in the report brought in about $2.1 billion less in assets in 2020, but the value of co-op assets jumped $133.7 billion. The report is released every October during National Co-op Month.” Source: Agri-Pulse Communications, October 27, 2021.
China recently reported its highest third-quarter pork production in three years, as the country’s hog herd recovers from African Swine Fever, Reuters reports. Pork output for July through September was 12.02 million metric tons, lower than the second quarter’s 13.46 million metric tons but the highest third quarter output since 2018. Large producers in China invested billions of yuan in new farms last year, part of an effort to increase market share after the ASF epidemic.
People
Missouri Soybean Association has created a new position and promoted soybean staffer Baylee Siegel into that position. Baylee will be responsible for Missouri Soybean Association membership and grower services, which is consistent with Siegel’s previous role. The goal is to expand this program and build a team. “This new role is a tremendous opportunity for not only Baylee, but for Missouri’s soybean growers,” said Gary Wheeler, CEO. “This promotion is a natural next step, working to develop our field service staff. We have and will continue to be increasing our many services to our members, which strongly meets our mission and vision for the organization.”
Jay Schutte, Benton City, Missouri, assumed the role of Missouri Corn Growers Association president effective Oct. 1, 2021. Elected during the organization’s August board meeting, Schutte succeeds Jay Fischer of Jefferson City, Missouri. Schutte previously served the state’s growers as the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council chairman, vice chairman, secretary, and treasurer. Schutte represented corn farmers nationally, serving previously on theNational Corn Growers Association’s Risk Management and Transportation Action Team and chairman of the Ethanol Action Team, as well as the Asia Advisory Team with the U.S. Grains Council.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the appointment of Rod Snyder to become EPA’s Agriculture Advisor. Snyder will lead outreach and engagement efforts with the agricultural community for EPA, working to advance the Biden-Harris environmental agenda for farmers and rural communities. Snyder is nationally recognized for his leadership at the intersection of agricultural and environmental policy, and joins EPA after serving as president of Field to Market.
The Missouri Livestock Symposium will recognize Dr. David Patterson as the inaugural recipient of the Missouri Livestock Symposium Achievement Award. Dr. Patterson will become a member of the Missouri Livestock Symposium Hall of Fame and will be inducted at a ceremony at the Symposium on Friday evening, December 3, in Kirksville, Missouri. According to committee vice-chairman Zac Erwin, the Symposium committee wanted to build on their reach and replace previous awards with one that is more inclusive and recognizes livestock industry leaders for career achievements. David Patterson is a Chancellor’s Professor in the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri.
The Washington Examiner reported October 27 that Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is “making it clear that the only political campaign he’s interested in is a bid for the White House.” Pompeo just endorsed Kansas Senator Jerry Moran for reelection in 2022, “quashing rumors he was considering challenging the senator.”
Danita Murray has been selected as the new executive director of South Dakota Corn, which houses the South Dakota Corn Growers Association and the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, effective Dec. 1. The South Dakota native currently works at Finsbury Glover Hering as a partner and before that worked on Capitol Hill for former Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., as his chief counsel on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Murray has also worked for the National Corn Growers Association.
Events
Registration is open for the 2021 U.S. Cattle Trace Symposium, which will be held November 18 and 19 at the Hyatt Regency and Convention Center of Wichita, Kansas. The U.S. CattleTrace Symposium will bring together cattle producers, industry professionals and technology manufacturers to learn and discuss animal disease traceability and value-added opportunities. “After a year of operating through computer screens, we are looking forward to sharing the message of the value disease traceability can bring to the cattle industry with producers and other industry leaders in-person,” said U.S. CattleTrace executive director Callahan Grund. There is no cost to individuals registering for the event. To secure your housing and stay up-to-date about news regarding speaker announcements and sponsorship opportunities, visit their website.
Registration is also open for the 2021 Kansas Livestock Convention, which will be held December 1-3 in Wichita. The Wichita Hyatt, which is convention headquarters, is sold out. However, rooms still can be reserved at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview at (800) 325-0720 (group number 2431364) and Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown at (316) 201-1400. Be sure to tell the hotel you’re with KLA to receive the convention room rate. Learn more here.
Beef is the official protein of the 2021 ESPN Events Tailgate Tour. The event is stopping at more than 20 college football games during the 2021 season and is an opportunity to serve up some tasty beef to the crowds and to share beef’s great story with a broader consumer audience. Cattle producers also will be on hand at select events, providing the chance for consumers to interact with ranchers while learning about beef nutrition and sustainability in a more connected and comprehensive way. Source: Kansas Livestock Association.
This year's Kansas City One Health Day takes a deep dive into the effects of harmful algal blooms on the environment, animals and people. The event is from 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3, at the K-State Olathe campus. It features keynote speakers and a discussion panel comprised of topic experts. Normally, algae are important organisms in bodies of water because they are the building blocks of the food chain and ecosystem. When they grow out of control, however, they can harm people, animals and the environment. More information available here.
The Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture convenes at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri, for its 49th celebration of agriculture. The dates are November 18-19, 2021. Missouri farmers, ranchers, agribusiness leaders and aspiring agriculturalists are invited to enjoy a program that will include a commodity outlook, Missouri Agriculture Awards luncheon and nationally-recognized speaker line-up. More information available here. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Liz Roberts, conference manager, at Liz.Roberts@mda.mo.gov or 573-522-1955.
Farm Journal’s MILK Business Conference, the only event that focuses exclusively on every business aspect of dairy operations, is set for November 30 through December 2, 2021, at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. The event will offer educational and networking opportunities for dairy industry leaders, live and in person, and will take place prior to the start of the National Finals Rodeo. The MILK Business Conference agenda highlights include: Five Mega Trends in 2022 and Beyond; How to Become the Employer of Choice; Turning Manure into Money; an expert session on mental health; a traceability session on beef and dairy. “We are thrilled to be hosting the MILK Business Conference in person in Las Vegas this November,” said Cliff Becker, senior vice president of livestock for Farm Journal. “A dairy’s greatest asset in 2035,” he added, “might not be their cows. Register and attend to find out what it will be.” More information available here.
Missouri and Kansas produce growers can enroll in free workshops to meet training requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule. Both in-person and online workshops are scheduled for the next several months. FSMA includes standards related to water quality, use of manure and compost, and worker health and hygiene, says Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist with University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State Research and Extension. The standards are intended to reduce the risk of contamination from E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and other disease-causing microbes. For more information and registration, visit their website or contact Londa Nwadike at 816-482-5850.