Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - December 2023

Developments

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn and Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg have approved livestock movement papers for nine special reindeer. According to a release from MDA, Santa Claus from The North Pole applied for the permit this week, providing proof of the healthy herd through a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection signed by licensed veterinarian Dr. Hermey Elf. Team leader, Rudolph, underwent additional testing to prove he’s the most famous reindeer of all. “We love to see Santa recognize so many on his nice list throughout Missouri this year,” said Director Chinn. “Santa’s elves have been working hard to provide toys for all children. We’re excited that our team gets to ensure all of Santa’s reindeer are ready for flight and gifts get delivered across the Show-Me State this Christmas.” The permit approves Mr. Claus, his sleigh and nine reindeer for flight starting the night before Christmas, with a few exceptions for early deliveries. “Our veterinary staff works to allow timely movement of healthy Missouri animals across Missouri and the U.S.,” said Dr. Steve Strubberg. “Our team also recommends the reindeer consume healthy rations of Missouri grass hay. We encourage Missourians to make hay available for Santa’s reindeer, in addition to milk and cookies for Santa.”

Kansas State University has received more than $16.3 million to study the interplay between agricultural management and local environmental conditions. K-State researchers Dorivar Ruiz Diaz and Brian Olson will work with Sotirios Archontoulis from Iowa State University. The study will investigate the impact of crop, soil, and water management on soil microbial communities crucial for agroecosystem functions in the U.S. Corn Belt and Great Plains. Most of the funding ($7.6 million) will come from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. Bayer Crop Science has contributed $4.6 million, and additional support has been provided by various institutions. Over five years, the research will assess the impacts of cover crops, nitrogen use, crop rotation, tillage, and water management on soil microbial communities, with a commitment to extending support for five years beyond the initial grant period. “This project will generate much-needed knowledge on the synergies and trade-offs of multi-level management factors improving agricultural productivity with conservation management across soils and environments, including water, nutrient cycling, soil carbon and soil health,” Ruiz Diaz said. Enhancing current soil health management practices requires a profound understanding of the connections among crop yields, soil properties, and soil water content. “This integrated field research and modeling effort will provide insights critical to improving field operations and sustaining vibrant agroecosystems across diverse landscapes,” Kathleen Boomer, FFAR's scientific program director, said. Source: Agri-Pulse Communications

The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two egg layer facilities — one in McPherson County and one in Rice County. This marks five cases of HPAI in Kansas this fall; since the start of the outbreak in 2022 there have been 21 cases of HPAI in Kansas. KDA is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response at the affected premises in the two affected counties. According to KDA’s animal health officials, the facilities both increased their biosecurity upon the initial HPAI outbreak in 2022 and have been continuously monitoring their flock. Upon noticing clinical signs of HPAI in their birds, they immediately contacted KDA. The affected premises were placed under quarantine and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner to prevent the spread of the disease.

The November survey from Purdue University and the CME Group showed farmer views of the ag economy improved for the second straight month. The Ag Economy Barometer showed a 5-point increase up 12% over the same month last year. The positive trend is credited to improved perceptions of financial conditions and prospects among agricultural producers. The November survey revealed a 12-point increase in the Index of Current Conditions while the Index of Future Expectations rose by 2 points. The Farm Financial Performance Index reached 95, up three points from October, a rebound from its low point in the spring. “Farmers' expectations regarding financial performance have improved, with fewer producers expecting worse performance than a year ago,” said James Mintert, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. The Farm Capital Investment Index rebounded to 42 in November, up seven points from October, reflecting changing perspectives on the investment climate. Notably, the primary reason for favorable conditions shifted from “strong cash flows” to “higher dealer inventories,” indicating a potential moderation in farm equipment price rises. Top concerns for the upcoming year include higher input costs (32%), rising interest rates (26%), and lower crop/livestock prices (20%). A notable shift in concerns occurred throughout the year, with fewer producers worrying about higher input costs and more expressing concern about rising interest rates and lower crop/livestock prices. The November survey coincided with Congress voting to extend the 2018 farm bill as part of a deal to avoid a government shutdown.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Agriculture Future of America formalizing a partnership to promote the common goals of strengthening the future competitiveness and sustainability of the U.S. agriculture industry by preparing more young people for careers in agriculture. “This MOU comes at a key time to enhance USDA’s involvement with AFA and its leadership development and education mission,” said Secretary Vilsack. “This agreement reinforces USDA’s commitment to preparing students for future careers in agriculture with an emphasis on federal sector employment. It supports USDA’s Equity Action Plan, helping to remove barriers for all Americans; ensuring America’s food system is equitable, resilient, and prosperous; and connecting AFA to those interests and resources through USDA programs and initiatives.” USDA and AFA will continue to collaborate on both short- and long-term initiatives to inspire and prepare youth, foster leadership development, and link these young leaders with career opportunities in food, agricultural science, natural resources, and related fields. Under the MOU, USDA commits to advancing opportunities for students involved in AFA to participate in USDA programs, including internships. AFA will provide occasions for USDA to meet with students to share information about these opportunities. The MOU will be administered by USDA’s Office of Partnership and Public Engagement, which develops and maintains partnerships focused on solutions to challenges facing rural and underserved communities and connects those communities to the education, tools, and resources available to them through USDA programs and initiatives. “Our collaboration with USDA signifies a shared vision for the future of American agriculture,” said Mark Stewart, president and CEO of AFA. “This MOU is not just a document; it’s a commitment to bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. This agreement reinforces our belief that connecting young leaders with USDA initiatives will enrich their careers and contribute to a more resilient and competitive agriculture industry.”

The Next Generation Scholarship program is part of an effort by Kansas corn farmers to support students in post-secondary education who will make an impact in the corn and agriculture industries. Kansas Corn invests in students by awarding $1,000 Next Generation Scholarships. NCGA and state partners, including Kansas, use a Consolidated Scholarship Application. This allows students to fill out one application that qualifies them for both the Kansas Corn Next Generation Scholarship and NCGA scholarships. Application deadline is January 31, 2024. Learn more here.

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced it is investing in Greenfield Robotics a company founded on making regenerative farming more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable by leveraging the latest advances in AI, robotics and sensing technologies, and Nitricity, a company looking to lower greenhouse gas emissions by creating fertilizer products that are better for fields, farmers, and the environment. These minority investments are being made through Chipotle’s $50 million Cultivate Next venture fund.

The Agricultural Retailers Association recently honored Mid Kansas Cooperative with its Retailer of the Year award in front of more than 600 attendees during the 2023 ARA Conference & Expo. In making the presentation, ARA said MKC believes the keys to success lie in four core values: safety, courtesy, image, and innovation. With these values at the center of their approach to customer service, sustainability, operational excellence, and more, MKC achieved this top honor. “By recognizing the full potential of its people, investing in their leadership development, and empowering them to exceed their customers’ expectations, MKC embodies what this award seeks to celebrate,” noted ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock. “ARA and the agriculture industry as a whole has benefited greatly from MKC’s leadership and involvement on the ARA Board of Directors, Public Policy Committee, and legislative fly-in events with lawmakers in Washington, DC.” The Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by Bayer and supported by The Scoop magazine, annually honors an ARA member retailer company or individual that displays effective employee relations, environmental stewardship, customer reliability, industry leadership, and more. “We're very proud to be named ARA's Ag Retailer of the Year,” said MKC President and CEO Brad Stedman. “We want to share this distinction with our member-owners and employees; they're the ones who made this possible. Especially our employees, they create the customer experience. This award is a recognition of MKC's commitment to being an organization that moves the mark in our geography and will continue to serve the needs of farmers in the future.” MKC is a full-service farm cooperative offering a complete line of supplies and services for both farm and urban customers throughout Kansas. With a current membership of more than 11,000 members, MKC specializes in grain, agronomy, energy, feed and risk management. More than 600 employees play an important role in the growth and success of the cooperative.

Events

Kansas Corn Growers Association Annual Meeting takes place January 25, for all KCGA members: The meeting gets under way at 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn at 3320 S 9th St, Salina, Kansas. Annual Meeting Agenda: Resolutions discussion and approval; Board elections: Positions up for election in 2024 are the West Central, Central and East Central districts; Association Update and Issues Briefing. The Kansas Corn Symposium program will continue following the KCGA Annual Meeting.

The 99th Missouri Lawrence County Soils and Crops Conference is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Mount Vernon at the Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center. The free event will feature a variety of topics of interest to livestock producers, says Tim Schnakenberg, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist. “Feed sources have been scarce this year, and there is lots of discussion on how to get by with less,” says MU Extension state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey. He will give tips on “What To Feed When You Have No Feed.” MU Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker will offer practical ways to “bulletproof the beef operation to make it more resilient.” Adam Bowman of the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council will address how regenerative grazing can make an operation more drought-tolerant. Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce will provide a free rib-eye steak dinner for those who preregister early. Mid-Missouri Bank of Mount Vernon, Ozark Electric Cooperative and Lawrence County Farm Bureau provide financial support. There is no charge to attend, but attendees must preregister by Jan. 2, 2024, with the MU Extension Center in Lawrence County to order a meal and reserve a seat. Preregister here or call 417-466-3102.

People

The Kansas Cooperative recently inducted two honorees into its Hall of Fame. Tim Daugherty, a member of the Agricultural Business Council, has had a long career in cooperatives, beginning in 1972 when he served as a college intern with Farmland Industries. After several years of working on the family farm, Tim accepted the role of Assistant Manager of the cooperative in Olathe, KS. He left that role to enter the General Management Program at Farmland Industries and went on to manage cooperatives in Fayette and Sweet Springs, MO. In 1985, Tim accepted a role as a Management Consultant at Farmland Industries and spent the next 20 years serving in various roles throughout the Midwest. Some of those roles included: Director of Farmland’s Training School, Vice President of Management Information Services, Regional Vice President for Kansas, Colorado and Utah, and Vice President of North American Grain. Tim joined Land O’Lakes in 2010 as a member of their Ag Customer Team (ACT). Although his core territory was Kansas, he spent considerable time in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and Nebraska. The primary emphasis of his work was to help cooperatives grow and succeed. Also inducted, Dave Christiansen served as President and CEO of Mid Kansas Cooperative for 16 years. He served over 40 years in the cooperative system. Dave's industry experience began in 1973 when he became employed by the cooperative in Great Bend, KS. His past positions include Vice President of Ag Inputs for Panhandle Co-op in Scottsbluff, NE, and President/CEO of Ag Partners Co-op in Hiawatha, KS. Dave has served on a number of boards and advisory councils over his 40 plus years in the cooperative system. He served as chairman of the United Benefits Group as well as Producers Ag LLC, and Farm Kan LLC. He served on the boards for the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center at Kansas State University, KFSA (now ProValue), CHS Member Advisory Committee and McPherson College Board of Trustees.

Todd Hays of Monroe City was re-elected as vice president of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation during the organization’s 109th annual meeting on December 5 at the Lake of the Ozarks. He was first elected vice president in 2010 and previously served on the Board of Directors’ District 2 seat representing northeast Missouri. Before serving on the board for six years, Hays was appointed MOFB Young Farmers and Rancher (YF&R) chairman in 2003, serving in an advisory capacity on the board for one year.