Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - February 2024

Developments

Super Bowl 2024 chicken wing consumption was estimated at 1.45 billion wings, as the Kansas City Chiefs took on the San Francisco 49ers February 11 in Las Vegas. The figure is actually unchanged from last year’s estimate. The National Chicken Council attributed the lack of growth to economic factors shaping consumer shopping decisions. The flat projection, the group said in a release, was in line with “USDA reporting chicken production levels are slightly down from last year and wing stocks in cold storage down 13% in November compared to the year prior. According to NCC, the 2024 projected consumption is enough to distribute four wings to every man, woman and child in the United States.

The White House announced February 22, 2024 that it was approving a plan put forth by Missouri governor Mike Parson and seven other Midwest governors to ensure drivers have access to year-round fuel containing 15 percent ethanol (E15), also known as Unleaded 88, starting in 2025. “The announcement of year-round E15 is good news for consumers,” says Missouri Corn Growers Association president Brent Hoerr. “It was a long road to get here, and we appreciate Gov. Parson for pushing to ensure drivers have continued access to cleaner, more cost-effective choices at the pump and utilize an energy source grown and refined here in Missouri. Despite E15 having a lower Reid vapor pressure (RVP) than most fuel on the market, outdated regulations had excluded it from being sold during summer months.

Speaking at USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum 2024 this month. Nate Kauffman, a senior vice president for the Kansas City Federal Reserve said farmers likely will have enough cash after several good years to make it through a downturn in commodity prices in 2024. “Many producers still, despite this expected decline in farm income, are in a very, very strong position. “Banks in the Kansas City Fed’s region reported last year that none of their ag borrowers are on a watch list, which is unusual,” Kauffman said. Farmers making large equipment and land purchases will be paying much higher interest rates, Kauffman said, but many producers have been paying cash for land in recent years. Nationally, 51% of agland purchases from 2021 through 2023 were in cash, versus 39% through loans, according to AcreValue.com, a website that tracks ag land transactions. Source: Agri-Pulse Communications, February 21, 2024.

Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth in other markets, U.S. pork exports set a value record in 2023, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While 2023 beef exports were below the record totals posted the previous year, December exports were the largest since August and December export value increased 10% year-over-year.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently concluded the third round of negotiations with Kenya under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). The talks, held from Jan. 29-31, covered a range of crucial issues, including agriculture, anti-corruption measures, domestic regulation of services, digital trade, environmental and climate considerations, good regulatory practices, standards collaboration, trade facilitation, and customs procedures. The U.S. delegation, led by assistant USTR Constance Hamilton, concentrated on key areas such as agriculture, good regulatory practices, and workers’ rights and protections during this round. The National Pork Producers Council sees Kenya as a potential significant export market for U.S. pork. With a population of approximately 50 million and a growing middle class, Kenya presents an opportunity for U.S. pork producers. NPPC is supportive of the ongoing talks, hoping to pave the way for increased access to Kenya’s pork market.

USDA’s Economic Research Service Consumer Price Index, a measure of economy-wide inflation, increased 0.5% from December 2023 to January 2024 and was up 3.1% from January 2023. The CPI for all food increased 0.6% from December 2023 to January 2024, and food prices were 2.6% higher than in January 2023. The level of food price inflation varies depending on whether the food was purchased for consumption at home or away from home. The food-at-home (grocery store or supermarket food purchases) CPI increased 0.7% from December 2023 to January 2024 and was 1.2% higher than January 2023; and food-away-from-home (restaurant purchases) CPI increased 0.5% in January 2024 and was 5.1% higher than January 2023. In 2024, all food prices are predicted to increase 2.9 percent, with a prediction interval of 0.5% to 5.3%. 

As the global soybean sector continues to thrive, Missouri soybean farmers are taking proactive steps to deepen their understanding of the dynamic Brazilian market, where Brazil holds the coveted position of the number one soybean exporter. This strategic mission aimed to unlock valuable insights into Brazil's soybean production, export capacity, consumer preferences, distribution channels, and regulatory requirements.  “Farmers need to see and experience first-hand the agricultural landscape in other countries,” said Gary Wheeler, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “The return on these missions is invaluable to our state’s producers and gives us an opportunity to see where we have competitive advantage, where we can improve and where we can find common ground to expand and diversify markets.”  

Missouri Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for anticipated funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.  Interested individuals, community organizations and research institutions working to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Missouri should submit their application by Tuesday, March 26. USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, honey, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. The Department offers this grant program to expand markets on local, regional and international levels, develop distribution channels for specialty crops, and catalyze education, research, marketing, promotion, food safety strategies and crop-specific solutions for pests and diseases. Applications for the upcoming fiscal year must be submitted to the Department by 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 26. Applications will be evaluated and selected projects will be included in the Missouri State Plan for USDA review and approval. Application form and additional details are available online at www.Agriculture.Mo.Gov

Kansas City-based National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) adopted its NIAA 2024 – 2026 Strategic Plan during their January 24, 2024, meeting. Adoption of the strategic plan culminates the work of NIAA elected leaders, members, partners, and staff who began work on the latest strategic plan in November 2023. “Fellow board members and I are looking forward to implementing these new strategic pillars and build on the achievements from the past four years,” said NIAA chair, Dr. Eric Moore with Norbrook, Inc. The 2024 – 2026 plan celebrates past successes while continuing key programs and activities of NIAA. Additionally, a few new focus areas that align with the NIAA mission have been added. All components tie to the NIAA mission: To convene animal agriculture experts and allies in collaborative settings to explore, discuss, learn, and develop knowledge that fosters interdisciplinary cooperation for the improvement and continuous progress of animal agriculture.

Amid the new focus on regenerative practices in U.S. agriculture and the unprecedented investments in climate-smart commodities, Lenexa, KS-based Farm Journal’s Trust In Food™ and The Sustainability Consortium are partnering to gather insights into the vital role that data collection and sharing plays in measuring sustainability in the pork supply chain. The partnership recently released its report, Farmer Perspectives On Data 2024: Barriers and Opportunities to more Robust Feed Sustainability Data In U.S. Pork Supply Chains. The study found that, while most pork and row crop producers are collecting valuable on-farm data, the methods of that data collection and the data points collected vary substantially. Both row crop farmers and swine producers have farm-level data and are willing to share when concerns over data privacy, trust, fair compensation and other factors have been addressed. Yet pork brand and retail customers are not asking for it. This perceived lack of demand is a key reason why farmers are not capturing additional data.  

Events

On behalf of nearly 27,000 members of Missouri FFA, Governor Mike Parson proclaimed last week, February 17-24, 2024, to be National FFA Week in Missouri. “FFA members are the future of Missouri agriculture,” Governor Mike Parson said. For the sixth year in a row, Gov. Parson drove a John Deere tractor to the Capitol in honor of the FFA tradition of students driving their tractor to school during National FFA Week. Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe joined in on the tradition again this year, demonstrating his ties to agriculture and commitment to FFA students. FFA members drove restored tractors alongside the governor and lieutenant governor this year, and a display of tractors from local implement dealers was showcased in front of the Capitol. Missouri FFA President Sam Tummons from the Columbia FFA Chapter received the FFA Week proclamation on behalf of the 2023-2024 Missouri FFA State Officer team. “This event is always fun for my team and I,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “The excitement on the FFA members faces when they see the Governor and Lieutenant Governor pull up to the Capitol in tractors is priceless. It reminds me why I do what I do. Missouri FFA members are sure to advance the future of agriculture and I’m proud to watch them do it.”

The Kansas Livestock Foundation now is accepting applications for scholarships for the 2024-25 school year. Applicants must be graduates of a Kansas high school and enrolled at a Kansas community or senior college for the fall 2024 semester. The Merck Cartridges for Cash program offers $1,500 scholarships to Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine students and $1,000 awards to undergraduates studying animal science and planning to actively participate in livestock production. Since Haskell County KLA members turned in the most cartridges in 2023, at least one student from that county will receive a Cartridges for Cash scholarship, providing there is a qualified applicant.

Hampel Oil/Mobil Delvac will offer $1,000 scholarships to juniors and seniors at K-State and Fort Hays State University. GoBob America’s Ranch Equipment will sponsor a $1,000 award for a student sophomore year or above attending a Kansas junior or senior college. Equity Bank will offer a $2,500 scholarship to juniors or seniors at K-State or FHSU. Rally House will sponsor a $1,000 award to a student attending K-State. Proceeds from the 2023 Kansas CattleWomen Silent Auction and KLF Club Calf Sale will fund $1,000 KCW and Youth in Ag scholarships. Scholarships in the amount of $1,500 will be offered in memory of Douglas A. Laue, a past chairman of the KLA Cattle Feeders Council. These will be awarded to junior or senior students at K-State or FHSU. Glenn & Clyde Lindstrom scholarships in the amount of $1,000 also are being offered, with preference given to students attending USD 400. A $1,000 scholarship will be offered by Scott Johnson and Family to students attending K-State and pursuing a degree in animal sciences and industry, agricultural communications and journalism, agribusiness or agricultural economics. A $500 scholarship will be offered in memory of Fred H. Woodbury to a sophomore or above attending a Kansas community or senior college, with preference given to a student residing in Chase, Franklin, Lyon, Osage or Wabaunsee County. For questions about the scholarship program, contact Shelbi Wiggs at www.shelbi@kla.org.  All materials must be digitally submitted by April 8.

The Livestock Marketing Association, Overland Park, KS, scholarship program supports students who are interested in or display knowledge and an understanding of the importance of livestock marketing and the livestock industry. Now in its second year, the program has been expanded. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior and/or currently enrolled at an accredited post-secondary institution (i.e. trade school, community college, junior college, university, veterinary science, veterinary medicine or law) in the year of the award. Up to nine (9) post-secondary applicants will receive a $2500 one-time scholarship. The contact information and signature of an active LMA member endorsing the applicant must be submitted at the time of application. LMA members may not endorse more than two (2) applicants for the scholarship in the same academic year. For more information, and to view the scholarship application, click here.  

Missouri Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee will celebrate Thank a Farmer Week, March 3-9. It is a time to celebrate the abundance of food, fuel and fiber produced by the American farmer. Throughout the week, county Farm Bureau volunteers give back to their local communities in a variety of ways, sharing the message of agriculture with friends and neighbors.

People

Greg Krissek received the Kansas Corn Impact Award at the 2024 Kansas Corn Symposium at Salina. Krissek retired in May after serving as Kansas Corn CEO for nine years. The Kansas Corn Impact Award was created to recognize Kansas leaders who embody the mission of Kansas Corn and have had an extraordinary impact on the state’s corn industry. Krissek began his career in agriculture in the 1990s at the Kansas Department of Agriculture working as a research analyst and then as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture. He first joined the staff of the Kansas Corn and Kansas Grain Sorghum associations from 2000 to 2003. He was Director of Government Affairs at ethanol plant design company ICM and manager at Kennedy & Coe. Krissek returned to Kansas Corn to serve as CEO in 2014 until his retirement in 2023. Over the years, Greg has served on many ethanol and agricultural association boards, and on several ethanol plant boards of directors. He remains active in agriculture groups including the U.S. Grains Council and the Triazine Network.

Kansas Corn Growers Association members elected board members, discussed and approved the 2024 resolutions and heard updates on KCGA activities at the organization’s annual meeting. The annual meeting was conducted at the Kansas Corn Symposium held in Salina on Jan. 25. Three board members were reelected to their positions: Tanner McNinch, Ness City was reelected to represent the west central district; Matt Splitter, Lyons was reelected to represent the central district and J.D. Hanna, Silver Lake was reelected to represent the east central district. Outgoing KCGA President Brent Rogers, Hoxie was recognized at the event for his years of leadership. Rogers retired from his position as president and remains on the board as the northwest district representative.

Mark Eisele, a Wyoming rancher, has taken over the gavel as president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Eisele and his wife and kids operate the King Ranch near Cheyenne, Wyoming, grazing both public and private lands. Buck Wehrbein, Nebraska, was named president-elect, Gene Copenhaver, Virginia, was elected vice president, and Brad Hastings, Texas, will continue to serve as NCBA treasurer. Kim Brackett, Idaho, was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division, and Skye Krebs, Oregon, was elected policy vice chair. Dan Gattis of Texas is the new chair and Nancy Jackson of Mississippi is vice chair of the NCBA Federation division.

Bill Northey, former Iowa Ag Secretary and Trump administration USDA leader, has died, leaving behind numerous family and friends and a legacy of farm policy leadership. He was 64. Northey was the CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa and served as Iowa’s ag secretary. He was also the undersecretary for farm production and conservation during the Trump administration. Northey was a fourth-generation farmer who was involved in the Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation District, Iowa Farm Bureau, and was the president of the National Corn Growers Association in 1995-1996. Source: Agri-Pulse Communications February 21, 2024

Michael Gill, chief of staff at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission during the Trump Administration (2016-2019), died Feb. 3 of gunshot wounds sustained during a Jan. 29 carjacking in Washington. He was 56. Gill had been chief of staff for former CFTC Chairman Christopher Giancarlo with a focus on swap execution rules reform and liaison with the Financial Stability Oversight Council. Before that, he was senior vice president of the American Frozen Food Institute (2000-2004), an attorney at Crowell & Moring, senior vice president at a venture of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to create a platform for issuance and management of mortgage securities, and a staff member for former Sen. John Danforth, R-Mo., and the late Rep. Paul Gillmor, R-Ohio. Recently, he was senior vice president for capital markets at the Housing Policy Council, a financial industry trade association. Source: Agri-Pulse Communications

Crop Life America has selected a Trump administration Environmental Protection Agency veteran as its new President and CEO, the organization announced in a release. Alexandra Dunn, who served a two-year stint as Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention from 2019-2021, succeeds former president and CEO Chris Novak who left the position in September 2023 after five years at the helm of the association. “The CLA Board of Directors is excited to announce Alex Dunn as our next CEO,” said Andy Lee, chairman of the board and president and CEO, Valent North America.