Mayor Q Outlines KC Priorities

Commenting that the Agricultural Business Council’s Annual Meeting and Luncheon in December has become something of a regular event for him in his first term in office, Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his fondness for the ag industry and the people in it. He described his interaction with ag businesses and groups as open, instructive, honest and productive. The mayor also noted that his association with agriculture has given him a better understanding of Land Grant colleges and a realization of how vital they are.

Mayor Lucas reported there are a lot of “good things happening” in Kansas City, not the least of them being the opening of the renovated, modernized KCI airport. He mentioned that soft openings of some aspects of the operations would be taking place within weeks. Then he guaranteed that all facilities, operations and services would be available – as scheduled – to handle the March Spring Break onslaught of family travel. “But,” asked the mayor rhetorically, “how can you be sure that will happen?” His answer: Because the 2023 mayoral primary election campaign gets underway in March. And the mayor is not about to renege on a campaign promise when he first ran for mayor in 2019 that the new KCI would be open by then.

The new airport is responsible in part for many opportunities emerging for Kansas City and the region.  Mayor Lucas pointed to the NFL Draft in April 2023 and the World Cup in 2026, among others. Kansas City is now in a position to attract more international flights, in particular trans-Atlantic flights. Regional growth in population and industry more than warrants increased direct and non-stop service across the Atlantic, the mayor said.

Calling it potentially his most important decision in his mayoral term thus far, Mayor Lucas hinted that selection a new police chief was close to being announced. (He remained mum while addressing Council members; but the next day it was announced that veteran Kansas City police officer Stacey Graves would be police chief.) The mayor has prioritized public safety. To learn more about policing, he has spent time  riding with police officers in a number of major cities around the country to understand what is involved in maintaining safe communities.   

Education is high on the mayor’s list of concerns and priorities. The city is pleased with the progress several school districts in the area are making.  Mayor Lucas wants the city to be more involved with community colleges and would like to see school districts collaborate more with community colleges and trade schools in an effort to offer a broader range of opportunities for students.

Another concern that needs attention is homelessness and affordable housing. Creating effective programs to deal with the situation, said the mayor, call for revising current policy that focuses too strongly on policing homelessness and raiding homeless communities. The challenge, he said, is not to study where high rise structures can be built. “We need to figure out ‘where we need to build’ affordable, single family housing.” Mayor Lucas suggests part of the solution might involve programs to rehabilitate existing housing.

Overall, Mayor Lucas is upbeat about the future of Kansas City and the region. “Things are going well,” he said.

Ag Business Group Re-Elects Johansen, Seeber as 2023 Leaders

(Left to right) Dustin Johansen and Ron Seeber

December 15, 2022, KANSAS CITY, MO:   Dustin Johansen, Senior Vice President,  Enterprise Solutions, Farm Journal, was re-elected chairman of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City at the group’s annual meeting held December 14.   Ron Seeber, who serves as CEO Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, and Renew Kansas Biofuels Association was re-elected vice chairman.

Johansen leads business development initiatives for Enterprise Solutions division of Farm Journal, driving revenue growth for data services, market research and custom projects for livestock and row crop industries. Previously, Johansen managed the Kansas City office of Osborn Barr Paramore and led the animal agriculture and equipment practices. He also spent nearly 20 years at Caterpillar, Inc. in equipment sales and dealer sales and marketing operations. Johansen was raised on a purebred Charolais operation in Tipton, Missouri and is a graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia, where he currently serves as President of the CAFNR Alumni Association for the college.

Ron Seeber assumed his current position with the three associations in 2017 after working for the groups since July 2008. An expert in state and federal legislative affairs, Seeber also worked for Senator Bob Dole in policy and political capacities.  He has spent his entire career in the regulatory arena.

The Council’s Board of Directors is composed of 20 persons who serve staggered two-year terms. Those elected to the Board for a two-year term commencing January 1, 2023, were: 

• Eric Bohl, Missouri Farm Bureau

• Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat

• Brad Hamilton, Seaboard Foods

• JJ Jones, Cultivated Conversations

• Jackie Klippenstein, Dairy Farmers of America

• Haley Larson, Kansas State – Olathe

• James Nygren, Frontier Farm Credit/Farm Credit Services of America

• Emily Schuckenbrock, Agriculture Future of America

• Brad Tolbert, John Deere

• Bill Vaughn, Merck Animal Health

 And, to fill a mid-term vacancy, the Council elected Jackie McClaskey, American Royal to a one year term.

The group also named Jim Staiert, associate administrator of USDA’s Economic Research Service as an ex-officio, advisory member of the Board of Directors.

Those directors elected for new terms join these incumbent directors:

• Julie Abrahamzon, Cargill Animal Nutrition

• Tom Brand, NAFB

• Chris Daubert, University of Missouri – CAFNR

• Kelly Farrell, Farrell Growth Group

• Terry Holdren, Kansas Farm Bureau

• Chris Klenklen, Missouri Dept. of Agriculture

• Kristie Larson, The DeBruce Foundation

• Paul Schadegg, Farmers National Company

• Matt Teagarden, Kansas Livestock Association 

Bob Petersen and Erica Venancio continue to serve as staff members for the Council, Petersen as the executive director and Venancio as director of member services.

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Members of the Agricultural Business Council include over 350 individuals associated with the food and agribusiness sector.  Agribusiness continues to be one of the largest business sectors in the Kansas City region, accounting for 8 percent of the workforce and contributing 22 percent of the gross regional product. 

Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - November 2022

DEVELOPMENTS

Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has introduced the Fertilizer Stewardship, Utilization, Sustainability, Technology, Access, Innovation and Nourishment Act (SUSTAIN) which would revise the National Environmental Policy Act to modify the permitting process for mining. Sen. Marshall wants the SUSTAIN Act included in the next Farm Bill. “The United States has one of the strongest fertilizer industries in the world, but it would be even stronger if it wasn’t hindered by unnecessary bureaucratic rules that other countries don’t have to follow,” he said. “By eliminating federal fertilizer regulations in the upcoming farm bill, Congress can help our domestic fertilizer producers excel against competitors like Russia and China and provide our growers with affordable fertilizer.” Source: Agri-Pulse Communications, November 18, 2022.

To help support growth in agriculture, the Kansas Department of Agriculture is seeking a better understanding of the workforce needs among agricultural employers in the state. A lack of a skilled agriculture workforce is a top inhibitor of growth and expansion for many Kansas agriculture entities. To link the supply of human capital to the needs of Kansas agribusiness enterprises, KDA recently conducted a second Kansas Agriculture Workforce Needs Assessment Survey in 2022. The survey was analyzed by the Agricultural Land Use Survey Center at Kansas State University. The survey was emailed to over 25,000 businesses with 1,192 choosing to participate. Participating businesses employ 27,466 individuals in Kansas and 9,244 outside of Kansas. Respondents were asked to self-select the major category that applied to their business. “We are committed to growing agriculture in Kansas, and that centers around a reliable and capable workforce,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.

USDA mailed survey codes to all known agriculture producers (nearly 3 million) across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2022 Census of Agriculture at www.agcounts.usda.gov .  By completing the survey, producers across the nation can tell their story and help generate impactful opportunities that better serve them and future generations of producers. Taken once every five years, the Census of Agriculture is the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and territory. Responses are due Feb. 6, 2023.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced that six projects will receive funding through the Missouri Agriculture Energy Saving Team – a Revolutionary Opportunity (MAESTRO) grant, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy. The competitive grant program will provide up to $10,000 per project. The reimbursement grant provides funding to address particular energy-related issues in K-12 school agriculture facilities in Missouri. The goal of the grant is to ensure valuable energy-efficient upgrades are being made in Missouri school districts. Students, and their instructors, can use funding to create a work plan that addresses energy-related issues, then execute the work plan under an instructor’s supervision. Funds may be used to pay subject matter experts to conduct energy audits or train students, purchase supplies, or pay for labor required to carry out the work plan. More information about the MAESTRO Energy Efficiency Grant can be found at www.agriculture.mo.gov.  

FDA has declared a lab-grown meat product safe for human consumption for the first time. In a news release, FDA said that after reviewing information from Berkeley, California-based UPSIDE Foods about the food product the company is making from cultured chicken cells, it has “no further questions at this time about the firm’s safety conclusion.” FDA said the company can bring its products to the market. But the facility in which the food is made will have to meet inspection standards from the FDA, USDA and the USDA-Food Safety and Inspection Service.

In a letter to U.S. Congressional leadership, more than 300 agriculture, environment, academic, infrastructure, and other stakeholder groups are calling on Congress to reaffirm federal pesticide preemption on labeling and packaging.  The groups are calling specifically for Congress to reaffirm that states may not impose additional labeling or packaging requirements that conflict with federal findings.  Failing to do so, the groups warn, could hold disastrous consequences for food security, the environment, public health, vital infrastructure, and other uses where pesticides provide important societal benefits.“Science-based crop protection tools are critical to the success of America’s farmers,” said National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag. “State labels that conflict with EPA’s scientific guidance threaten public confidence in EPA’s authority and science-based regulation and contribute to the misunderstanding of the critical role pesticides play in sustainably feeding a growing world.”

Kansas State University is emerging as a key location for global food systems and bio-security innovations and it is a major economic driver for the state of Kansas. To enhance development, the university is making several renovations and relocating the milling, baking, and feed science building known as Shellenberger Hall between Call and Weber Hall. This will improve the technology needed, said dean of agriculture, Ernie Minton, in a release November 24.  “What we hope to do is really stimulate even a greater degree of multidisciplinary collaboration what we’re all about in the college is solving world food problems and stimulating economic activity here in the state of Kansas in the industry that leads the state and that would be food and agriculture,” said Minton. Toward this effort (as reported in the October issue of the Agricultural Council’s newsletter), the ag school has raised approximately $55.5 million on the way to the $75 million goal.

The University of Missouri’s recently dedicated Food Processing and Safety Lab will help people who make and sell processed foods ensure they are safe. “Our new lab – connected to Missouri’s Food, Beverage and Forest Product Manufacturing Initiative – gives businesses a qualified testing facility to ensure their products meet safety standards,” said Rob Kallenbach, associate dean of extension in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Microbiological services include general microbial analysis (such as total plate count, molds and yeast, salmonella, pathogenic E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, etc.) of raw and finished food products. The lab also offers customized process validation/microbial challenge research projects.

Farmer sentiment weakened again in October as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped 10 points to a reading of 102. Both barometer’s sub-indices also declined this month. The Current Conditions Index dipped 8 points to a reading of 101, while the Future Expectations Index dropped 11 points to a reading of 102. The “Ag Economy Barometer” is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. This month’s survey was conducted October 10-14. “Concern over rising interest rates grew once again in October and is adding to the unease among producers who are worried about its impact on their farm operations,” said James Mintert, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “Additionally, challenging shipping conditions throughout the Mississippi River valley have hampered exports recently, and the corresponding widespread weakening of corn and soybean basis levels could be contributing to heightened unease about financial performance.”

PEOPLE

Cargill has named Brian Sikes it’s new CEO for the agribusiness giant, succeeding Dave MacLennan. Sikes will be the 10th CEO in Cargill’s 157-year history. MacLennan, 63, who has led Cargill since 2013, will remain executive chairman after Sikes takes over as CEO on January 1. 2023. Sikes has been with the company for 31 years and currently serves as Cargill’s chief operating officer. He has held various leadership roles in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Farm Journal announced Eric Peterson has been named Chief Executive Officer of Machinery Pete. Peterson has more than 25 years of senior management experience, as well as 15 years of strategic development and plan execution for multi-store equipment dealerships. He most recently was large ag sales manager for Midwest Machinery Co. and previously served in agriculture equipment sales roles at multiple levels in the north-central United States. He started his career in his family’s farm equipment business conducting appraisals and dealing in used equipment.

Kylie Massengale recently joined Kansas Corn’s Grower Services team as Programs Manager, Eastern Grower Services. She began working for Kansas Corn in 2019, previously serving as the Education Programs Manager.

Kansas State University’s Rachel Veenstra is one of eight ag graduate students selected as ResearchAmbassadors by the National Corn Growers Association.  Developed and funded by NCGA’s Sustainable Ag Research Action Team, the objective is to build a network of future leaders in the agricultural sector. Ambassadors must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and be involved in research relevant to corn production.

Ina Metzger Linville was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for her lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H. Honored by the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development, Linville was one of 16 inducted in October during a ceremony at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Linville’s career with Missouri 4-H spanned more than 30 years. She served as Missouri 4-H program director from 2009 until her retirement in 2017.  “Ina’s state and national leadership helped 4-H develop effective national programs in 4-H Afterschool, 4-H STEM and 4-H Mentoring,” said Eddie Locklear, former national director for after-school, STEM and mentoring programs at the National 4-H Council.

Farm Journal announces Christine Shaw has been promoted to president of the company’s Producer Media Division from executive vice president of Farm Journal’s Crops Division. Shaw’s new role includes oversight of all media platforms that serve livestock audiences in addition to crop audiences, including the leading print brands Farm Journal, Top Producer, The SCOOP, Drovers, Farm Journal’s PORK, Dairy Herd Management and Bovine Veterinarian; iconic broadcast brands AgDay, U.S. Farm Report, Machinery Pete TV and AgriTalk; and agriculture’s top website, AgWeb.com.

EVENTS 

Registration is open and hotel reservations can now be made for PEAK 2023, formerly known as Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, that takes place April 11-13, 2023 at the Minneapolis Conventions Center. “We’re excited to debut our new name and branding at PEAK 2023,” said current MPF Board President Ross Thoreson of Best Veterinary Solutions. “Attendees will still find the same great focus on education and exhibits intended to increase producers’ profitability and connect the poultry industry in North America.” More information at www.midwestpoultry.com.

Farm Foundation®, an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture, will host its next virtual Forum, What to Expect From the 2023 Farm Bill, on Tuesday, December 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. CDT. Spencer Chase, managing editor of Agri-Pulse, will moderate the panel, which will include diverse perspectives from these expert contributors:

• Christopher Adamo, former staff director, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

• Jonathan Coppess, director, Gardner Agriculture Policy Program and associate professor of law and policy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

• U.S. Congressman Glenn G.T. Thompson, Pennsylvania’s 15th District, U.S. House of Representatives.

This event is being held virtually and is free to attend, but registration is required. Farmers, ranchers, food and agribusiness leaders, government officials and staff, industry representatives, NGO representatives, academics, students in agricultural disciplines, and members of the media are all encouraged to attend. Register at www.farmfoundation.org.

University of Missouri’s 2022 Crop Management Conference will be held December 14-15 at the Stoney Creek Hotel in Columbia. Topics range from input price strategies, effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on agriculture and changes in forage fertilizer recommendations. Updates on insects, disease, weed management and new products and technology make a return, says MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley.  Visit their website for more information.

American Angus Association has announced four internship positions for the summer of 2023 are open. These 10-week internship programs provide hands-on experience to allow students to grow and prosper while dipping their toes in the workforce. “This internship is one of the most unique opportunities in the cattle industry for young professionals,” said Ian Kane, 2022 intern. “The Association staff is welcoming, helpful and are great teachers, plus you get to travel and meet with Angus breeders.” These four internships being offered include Angus Media, Communications, Events & Junior Activities, and Angus Genetics Inc. For more information and a full description of each internship opportunity, visit angus.org/careers.

Digging Deeper...

PFAS compounds (per-and poly- fluoroalkyl substances) comprise a group of chemicals many of which contain a strong carbon-fluorine bond with properties that enable them to repel water and oil. Some PFAS formulations “build-up” over the years rather than “break-down.” Because they may linger on for decades, these compounds originally discovered by accident in the 1930’s, have been dubbed by some as “Forever Chemicals.”
By Ally Cunningham, Jessie Rosell, Matt Walker, and Shanna McCormack, attorneys at Lathrop GPM LLP

PFAS in Agriculture: What Agri-Business Sector Needs to Know about the Latest Emerging Contaminants

Agricultural professionals across the country are learning about a class of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or “PFAS” and the operational risks they can create. Originally developed as the durable nonstick coating in Teflon pans, PFAS are now ubiquitous in the environment because of their long history of use in household products, industrial applications, and military bases using firefighting foam. There are currently few federal regulatory programs that deal with PFAS compounds, engendering a patchwork of varying state-led standards and initiatives to fill the gap. But federal and state programs are quickly evolving. This note looks ahead at what those in the agricultural sector need to know about PFAS and how it might impact their business.

Future Designation of PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances and Impact on Biosolids

Heralded for years as an environmentally friendly fertilizer, land appliers of biosolids have voiced concerns about the potential for PFAS to accumulate in biosolids generated during wastewater treatment, which could transfer to land and groundwater when applied to a field. In August 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) proposed designating two widely studied PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, as “hazardous substances”, which would subject releasors to federally enforced cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”). Biosolid users fear they may face liability if they inadvertently release PFAS when applying biosolids.

In a press release, EPA explained it “is focused on holding responsible those who have manufactured and released significant amounts of PFOA and PFOS into the environment. EPA will use enforcement discretion and other approaches to ensure fairness for minor parties who may have been inadvertently impacted by the contamination.” EPA’s comments suggest a focus on primary PFAS generators, rather than passive receivers like biosolid users.

EPA also affirmed it was “committed to doing further outreach and engagement to hear from impacted communities, wastewater utilities, businesses, farmers and other parties during the consideration of the proposed rule.” Comments on the proposed rule closed November 7th, but in one notable comment, the City of Vancouver, Washington and Clark Regional Wastewater District urged EPA to clarify that the exclusion under the “normal application of fertilizer from CERCLA’s definition of release” includes “farmers applying biosolids to farm fields even where the biosolids contain CERCLA listed hazardous substances, such as PFOA/PFOS.”

EPA water chief Radhika Fox affirmed on October 11th that EPA plans to continue allowing current methods to manage biosolids—including land application because they are “essential for effective utility management.” While there is no explicit exemption currently proposed for agricultural operations, the combination of enforcement discretion and interpretation of existing exclusions may provide some comfort to biosolids users.

Department of Defense Notices to Downgradient Agriculture Operations

In 2021, Congress enacted the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021, part of which required the military to notify agriculture operations located within one mile downgradient of a Military Installation or National Guard facility where PFAS above certain standards: (1) were detected in groundwater on base; (2) hydrologically linked to a local agricultural or drinking water source; and (3) known or suspected to be the result of a PFAS release at a Military Installation or National Guard facility located in the United States. Many military installations have used or stored PFAS containing fire suppressants known as aqueous Film Forming Foam or AFFF, which may be released into the environment. As of August 2022, the Department of Defense (“DoD”) has sent over 3,585 notifications to farms of potential downstream PFAS contamination. Agricultural operations near military installations should be aware of any notices released from DoD and potential risks to their operations.

EPA and USDA Review of PFAS in Pesticides and from Fluorinated HDPE Containers

Recently, federal regulatory agencies including the EPA and U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) have identified a risk that certain high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers, treated with fluorine gas to make them sturdier, can leach PFAS into their contents. The EPA had been investigating the presence of PFAS in pesticides since late 2020 when PFAS were detected in aerially applied mosquito sprays. To address these concerns, EPA released results from its evaluation on the leaching potential of PFAS and issued a letter to the HDPE container industry reminding them of manufacturing and reporting requirements to help prevent unintended PFAS formation. EPA also continues to ask companies using fluorinated containers to “examine their distribution chains to identify potential sources of contamination.” If companies find PFAS in their products, EPA has advised “they should notify EPA and take action to remove contaminated products.”

On September 13, 2022, the EPA announced it was removing 12 PFAS compounds from the current list of inert ingredients approved for use in pesticide products under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The 12 PFAS subject to the notice are no longer used in any registered pesticide product, however, EPA’s delisting action would require an updated review if their future use in pesticide products is requested. This represents another step by EPA to monitor for PFAS in pesticide and agriculture products.

Aid Payments to Dairy Farmers for PFAS Contamination

Last year, the USDA Farm Service Agency (“FSA’) amended the Dairy Indemnity Payment Program to compensate dairy farmers whose cows cannot be put on the market due to PFAS contamination. This could be an indication that federal agencies have farmers in mind while addressing PFAS in the environment.

The Dairy Indemnity Payment Program, a program authorized in 1968 to reimburse farmers who are directed by federal agencies to stop selling milk because of contamination, reimburses farmers for PFAS contaminated cows and milk. Last year, 88% of the payments under the program were spent on reimbursement for PFAS. Often, the payments only make up a fraction of the value the cows would be worth if not contaminated. With the 2023 Farm Bill on the horizon, lawmakers and agriculture lobbyists are focused on additional funding to cover costs associated with PFAS.

Drinking Water Standards for PFAS

Agricultural operations should also be apprised of federal drinking water standards, particularly in food processing sector. On June 15, 2022, EPA updated its drinking water health advisories, or non-enforceable drinking water guidance values, for PFOA and PFOS that replace those previously issued in 2016. It reduced the health advisory level for PFOA and PFOS from 70 parts per trillion (ppt) in 2016 to 4 parts per quadrillion (PFOA) and 20 ppq (PFOS). These levels are undetectable by most modern laboratories, raising questions and confusion in determining what true relevance these interim, unenforceable advisories have. But enforceable standards are coming.

EPA announced plans to set legally enforceable drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS by the end of 2023. The proposed standards will likely be published in the Federal Register in December 2022. These levels will likely be higher than the drinking water health advisory levels to ensure they can be reliably tested. Until EPA establishes enforceable drinking water standards and in the absence of a state standards, there is much uncertainty among those detecting and assessing “safe” levels of these compounds in drinking water.

Conclusion

Although there is uncertainty as to the future impact of EPA’s PFOA and PFOS hazardous substance listing on the use and liability for biosolids, DoD’s AFFF impacts to agriculture, and what drinking water standards EPA will set for PFOA and PFOS, agricultural operations should remain informed on EPA’s current standards. Agricultural operations should also understand nearby facilities to determine whether they could present PFAS-related concerns and be diligent about sourcing fertilizers, particularly biosolids, that could contain PFAS.

DEI Expert Addresses Ag Biz Council and AFA

Corey Flournoy, cofounder and principal of Creative Outreach Consulting, provided Council members and ag student attendees at AFA’s Annual Leaders Conference with an energetic overview of how companies can introduce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives that foster personal growth for their individuals and profits for their businesses.  Flournoy has more than 30 years of experience in strategy development, executive coaching and employee engagement. But his career path has taken an interesting route.

For one thing, Flournoy grew up on the south side of Chicago, not on a family farm, and he had no agricultural knowledge or experience. Yet not only was he the first national FFA president to come from an urban area but he was also the first African-American to do so. At the time, in the 1990s, fewer than five percent of FFA members were African-American. He garnered attention from major news outlets like The New York Times and USA Today.

Although he is no longer directly employed in agriculture, Flournoy is an FFA life member and still makes time to speak at FFA leadership conferences and to lead agriculture-related workshops each year. He is a keynote speaker for various agriculture organizations when his schedule allows. He says he also makes a point to personally reach out to minority leaders in FFA, offering them encouragement and pieces of advice he has picked up along the way.

In his talk at KC Ag Business Council’s November breakfast meeting at the Sheraton Crown Center, Flournoy focused on Five Lessons About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  DEI must start with developing empathy from within, [Lesson #1], he said. “Take time to learn about the person, group, or culture,” he advised.  “Start with authentic conversations with others; move beyond the fear; seek to understand then be understood.” Empathy starts with connections and relationships [Lesson #2] but requires personal work first [Lesson #3], Flournoy added. Lesson #4, warned Flournoy, is that change in a company or organization must be transformational, not transactional.  “Do things that count; avoid easy fixes,” he said.

As for Lesson #5 – the business case for investing in workplace DEI: Many business institutes, schools and publications back up Flournoy’s claim that DEI bolsters the bottom line. Forbes Business Development Council is one that espouses the idea (see 11 Ways DEI In The Workplace Can Boost A Company’s Bottom Line).

Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - October 2022

DEVELOPMENTS

According to the latest Ag Economy Barometer from Purdue University and the CME Group, input prices are still the top concern identified by producers, but the number of respondents placing it at the top of their list is shrinking. Interest rates are now top of mind in farm country. Last month 44% chose higher input prices as their top concern, down from 53% in the previous month’s report; by contrast, interest rates were the prime issue for 23% of respondents, up from 14% previously.

More than 16,000 farmers and agricultural organizations representing corn, citrus, grain sorghum, sugar cane, and other crops recently united against EPA’s proposed revision to its 2020 atrazine registration review decision, submitting comments calling for the agency to base decisions on credible scientific evidence. Efforts to help farmers speak out against the proposal were coordinated by the Triazine Network, a diverse coalition of state and national agricultural groups across the nation that rely on atrazine and other triazine herbicides to control weeds. A founding member of the Triazine Network, the Kansas Corn Growers Association has been involved in regulatory issues surrounding atrazine for over 25 years. KCGA CEO Greg Krissek is co-chair of the Triazine Network.  “Our growers are frustrated with the repeated attacks on atrazine, one of the safest and most studied herbicides in history,” Krissek said. “Kansas Corn and the organizations who work with the Triazine Network have been fighting this fight for over 25 years. We have science on our side, but EPA continues its attempts to rework the discredited research to reach its own conclusions. We look forward to participating in the upcoming Scientific Advisory Panel.”

Together with the U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. and the Beefmaster Breeders United, the Kansas Department of Agriculture hosted an inbound trade team in mid-October 2022, ahead of the annual Beefmaster Breeders United convention. Trade mission participants were Beefmaster breeders representing six countries: Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua and Vietnam. “The Beefmaster cattle were the first American composite breed (a combination of Brahman, Hereford and Shorthorn bloodlines). The breed was developed by selecting cattle with economically important traits such as resistance to heat, drought and insects,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, KDA international trade director. “Especially in the hotter, more tropical climates, like those represented on this trade mission, those are very important traits for cattle to have.” KDA Secretary Mike Beam said, “Trade mission participants represented some of the top Beefmaster breeders from around the world—they have a progressive operation and are continually working to improve their breed through imported genetics. It was an honor for KDA to host them in Kansas.”

Farm Journal’s Trust in Food ™ released its inaugural “Ready or Not? Ag Carbon Markets and U.S Farmers” report, highlighting perspectives from 500 U.S. row crop producers on pathways and barriers to participating in carbon ecosystems. The majority of farmers surveyed report serious concern about overcoming technical and financial roadblocks to success in carbon markets. In addition to more fundamental warning signs, producers fear that costs will outweigh benefits; that ongoing compliance will require too high a burden; that existing conservation ag practices will not be compensated fairly; that data will not be handled appropriately or will be difficult to collect; or that upfront investments will be a barrier to entry. More than half of farmers surveyed labeled each respective concern a significant challenge to carbon market entry. “Our initial findings suggest that even the most carbon-curious farmers are signaling that their participation under current market conditions would require prohibitive investments of time, effort and resources without fair financial and market returns,” said Amy Skoczlas Cole, executive vice president of Trust In Food. “Unless the carbon market value chain takes producers’ perspectives seriously, we fear a critical tool for addressing climate change and increasing farm resilience will fall seriously short of its potential.”

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Shawnee County. This is the third confirmed case of HPAI in Kansas this fall; there were six cases in March and April for a total of nine counties across the state affected so far in 2022. “The widespread nature of the positive premises in Kansas is proof that all counties are susceptible to HPAI because the risk is from the wild birds traveling across the state,” said Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas Animal Health Commissioner. “If you have not yet taken steps to protect your backyard flocks, now is the time to take this threat seriously.”

Livestock Marketing Association members and staff traveled to Washington D.C. September 18-20, 2022, for the LMA D.C. Fly In. This was the first LMA D.C. Fly In hosted by the association since spring of 2020. Over the course of two days, approximately 50 LMA members and staff met with Senators, U.S. Representatives, Congressional staff people, and USDA officials.  Chelsea Good, LMA vice president of Government and Industry Affairs & Legal, said, “Participants made an important commitment not only for their own businesses but our industry as a whole. Developing personal relationships with legislative offices, building a base understanding of the livestock marketing industry, and discussing current issues are all key to making sure livestock market interests are well represented in federal policy.”

A new trade report analyzing the effects of beef imports and exports highlights the strong economic value of the U.S. beef industry’s participation in the global marketplace. The report  Assessing Economic Impact That Would Follow Loss of U.S. Beef Exports and Imports, published by Oklahoma State University Extension, was prepared by Glynn Tonsor, professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University and livestock marketing specialist Derrell Peel, OSU Extension. “The U.S. is a relatively mature market in terms of where we are with beef demand, but there’s a lot more potential in the global market, broadly speaking,” Peel said. “Potential growth in the industry is going to rest more and more with the trade sector, and we highlight the fact that the marketplace has grown a lot in the last 20 to 30 years.” Peel and Tonsor’s research shows that a 10% reduction in beef imports and exports over a 10-year period would result in a $20 billion impact to cattle producers.

University of Missouri’s National Swine Resource and Research Center has been granted $8 million from the National Institutes of Health to expand the research facility on MU’s campus and speed up the scientific discoveries that can help treat humans who are suffering from the same diseases shown in the genetically modified pigs. “We undertake projects for things that have failed in studies with mice but are much better suited for pigs,” said Randall Prather, Ph.D., a Curators’ Distinguished Professor in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. “For example, you can’t take a mouse’s heart and transplant it into a human, it’s not going to work, but pigs are far more genetically and physiologically similar to a human, so they are very good biomedical models to study diseases that impact humans. The cardiovascular systems are very similar between pigs and humans, and baby pigs are also great for studying infant nutrition, as their nutritional requirements and the way they absorb nutrients is very similar to humans.” In total, the NSRRC has made more than 90 different genetic modifications in pigs to study different diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy and cystic fibrosis, the most common genetic mutation affecting Caucasian adolescents in North America. While the NSRRC is mainly focused on biomedical research, Dr. Prather’s research also has agricultural applications, such as making pigs that are resistant to certain diseases, which has implications for both agriculture and human medicine.

With the Department of Energy’s announcement to release 15 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the National Corn Growers Association called on policymakers to advance ethanol as a solution to increase the nation’s fuel supply and lower prices for American consumers at the pump. NCGA also highlighted a new report that found nationwide E15 sales would save drivers over $20 billion in annual fuel costs. “We welcome the administration’s continued focus on energy security, but we can’t lose sight of the need for long-term solutions,” said NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Brooke Appleton said.

Nearly 60% of the contiguous U.S. is experiencing drought, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in a report released this week. Drought hasn’t been this widespread in the nation in about a decade, said the U.S. Drought Monitor. Over 80% of the country is at least experiencing abnormally dry conditions, a first in the Drought Monitor’s 22-year history.  “In the past two decades, this is one of the largest coverages of drought for two reasons,” said Brad Pugh, a meteorologist at NOAA. “There’s a long-term drought that’s been no stranger to the West and a short term drought that’s developed across the Midwest and Southeastern U.S.”

EVENTS

Missouri Pork Association announced their 2022 Kansas City Taste of Elegance to be held on Tuesday, November 1 at the Harrah’s North Kansas City. RSVP to Dawn Hough (dawn@mopork.com) for your complimentary registration to this tasting event featuring several outstanding Kansas City Chefs.

CattleFax CEO Randy Blach will be a featured speaker at the Kansas Livestock Association Convention,November 30 through December 2 in Wichita. He will identify factors driving the cattle and beef markets during his presentation, sponsored by the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas.  Blach will assess where the industry stands on cowherd numbers and what that means for beef supplies in 2023. He also will offer cattle price projections, taking into consideration grain prices, energy costs, beef exports, competing meat supplies and consumer demand. He will factor drought conditions, increasing interest rates and high input costs into his comprehensive forecast as well.  Registration and hotel information have been sent to KLA members and can be found online under the Events & Meetings tab at www.kla.org.

Plans for the 2023 Commodity Classic are well underway as America’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational experience returns to Orlando, March 9-11, 2023. The theme for the 2023 show is Preparing for the Next Generation.   Registration and housing for the 2023 Commodity Classic will open in mid-November 2022. Attendees can sign up now to receive email updates at CommodityClassic.com.

PEOPLE

TechAccel LLC, Kansas City-based technology and venture development company investing in scientific breakthroughs for healthier plants, animals and foods, has named Steven Meyer CEO of its subsidiary RNAissance Ag LLC. Meyer most recently was chief operating officer at Lucy Scientific Discovery Inc., British Columbia. Prior to this role, he was the co-founder and CEO of Heya Wellness, St. Charles, Missouri. a vertically integrated medical cannabis firm. The primary focus of RNAissance Ag is the development of sprayable RNAi pesticides against pests such as the Diamondback Moth, Fall Armyworm and several others.

In celebration of 50 years in the Hereford business, four Hereford breeder ranches were honored as Golden Breeders during the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Membership Meeting and breakfast in Kansas City, Missouri, October 22. This year’s Golden Breeders are Snedden Ranch, Maricopa, California; Mill Creek Ranch, Alma, Kansas; Reed Farms, Green Ridge, Missouri; K7 Herefords, Lockridge, Iowa.

The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and the Missouri Corn Growers Association announced a new slate of officers, the appointment of recently elected board members, and national committee assignments. The following MCMC leaders assumed their new roles Oct. 1: Chairman– Brent Hoerr, Palmyra (District 3); Vice Chairman– Matt Lambert, Laclede (District 2); Secretary– Ryan Meyerkorth, Rock Port (District 1); Treasurer– Patrick Seyer, Oran (District 7).

Craig Meeker of Kansas has been elected as the new chairman of the National Sorghum Producers board of directors, succeeding Kody Carson of Texas. Selected to serve as vice chair is Amy France of Kansas. Newly elected to the board are Garrett Love from Kansas and Kent Martin from Oklahoma. Larry Richardson of Texas was re-elected to the board.

Kansas City Rising

Kansas City continues to grow at a rapid rate since the start of a major revitalization initiative in 2004, reported KSHB 41’s JuYeon Kim recently.  “After billions of dollars in investment, downtown Kansas City now welcomes over 10 million visitors a year,” she wrote.

Twenty years ago that number was just 225,000. John Monke, president of Power and Light, and one of the visionaries behind Kansas City’s growing skyline, says the rejuvenation began with the opening of the district. Now over 32,000 thousand people live, work and play downtown.  “Moncke’s vision is to build an ecosystem,” Kim noted, explaining that it would be a community of people who invest in each other. “That all starts with creating jobs and places to live, including three luxury apartments Kansas Citians have surely seen.”

“The Power and Light District was really a catalytic project,” says Moncke. Sixty percent of the people moving into the district now are actually coming from outside of the market. These are people who never lived in Kansas City before.  “And they are choosing to move here because of these kinds of projects,” he points out.

Matt Jansen, a project director with JE Dunn Construction that is building Three Light – a $140-million-dollar luxury apartment complex that broke ground in June 2021 – told Kim, “Currently we’re working on level 16 of the concrete,” said Jansen. “Times have substantially changed over the course of several years since my last project. Material pricing — escalation, inflation has been a big item to work through. And material of available workers has also been a challenge.” But progress is being made. Even with pandemic-induced challenges, Kim said, workers are turning over each floor in about nine working days. “Interior framing for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire sprinklers have started this month and elevators are set to be put in starting Oct. 31.”

Further proof that a renaissance is taking place in Kansas City was the announcement in September that the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League was building an 11,000 seat state-of-the-art soccer stadium at nearby Berkley Riverfront.  It will be ready for the 2024 season and is expected to be an anchor of ongoing riverfront development projects undertaken by the Port of Kansas City. Team officials claim the construction of such a facility signals its commitment not only to the athletes and fans  but also to Kansas City itself. 

By the way, the upstart women’s soccer team– in only its second year of existence – will be playing in the NWSL’s championship final against the Portland Thorn, Saturday, October 29. The game will be televised on CBS and Paramount + at 7 pm Central from Audi Field in Washington D.C.

Digging Deeper...

About 50 years ago, singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell released “Big Yellow Taxi,” which remains an enduring anthem for nature preservationists. The song’s refrain  – “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” – has been a rallying cry for everyone concerned about the environment. But it also just happens to be a great song that everyone likes.  Among a litany of honors the iconic Mitchell has earned since taking the stage in 1963 is the Kennedy Center’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award. More than half a century later Mitchell’s plaint is still generating concern.  Dennis McLaughlin, McLaughlin Writers LLC – Sources: American Farmland Trust, Farms Under Threat 2040: Choosing an Abundant Future, Hunter, M., A. Sorensen, T. Nogeire-McRae, S. Beck, S. Shutts, R. Murphy, June 2022; Agri-Pulse Communications, Webinar Presentation, June 29, 2022

Farms Under Threat

A new report from American Farmland Trust (AFT) claims America is still paving over agricultural land at a rapid pace. From 2001–2016, the U.S. lost or compromised 2,000 acres of farmland and ranchland every day. That amounted to 11 million acres.  If this trend continues, noted John Piotti, AFT president, 18.4 million more arable acres will disappear between 2016 and 2040. According to the report (Farms Under Threat 2040: Choosing an Abundant Future), Some 6.2 million acres will be converted to urban and highly developed land uses such as commercial buildings, industrial sites, and moderate-to-high-density residential development. The remainder, 12.2 million acres, will be converted to low-density residential areas, which range from large-lot subdivisions to rural areas with a proliferation of scattered houses. During a webinar presented by Agri-Pulse Communications on June 29, 2022, Piotti said, “We can’t keep developing open fields just because it’s easy or convenient; once a farm is chopped up or paved over, it is gone forever.”

New development will always occur as population grows, but most farmland conversion to industry and commercial purposes will be inefficient as developers use more land than necessary to comfortably house and support an influx of new residents. “This poorly planned development undermines global food security, local food systems, and the environment that we all depend on,” say the report’s authors.

There are other consequences, unseen or unintended. For example, greenhouse gas emissions increase as commute distances lengthen.  Reclaiming farmland for commercial, industrial and residential development can place untenable burden on local government, as costs for providing public services outpace tax revenues. Accelerating this rural sprawl over the next 25 years will be soaring housing prices in metro areas and new opportunities for remote work. If this happens, the report points out, 24.4 million acres of farmland and ranchland could be paved over, fragmented, or compromised by 2040.

What To Do

If AFT’s description of the situation is dire, it is by no means presented without solutions and a way forward. “If policymakers and land-use planners across the country embrace more compact development, explained Piotti, “they could slash conversion and keep up to 13.5 million acres of irreplaceable farmland and ranchland from being turned into big-box stores, sprawling subdivisions, and large-lot rural residences.” He and his organization suggest building better cities that will secure “an abundant future” for Americans and the rest of earth’s denizens. This initiative – Better Built Cities –  introduced by AFT calls for implementation of these recommendations: 

• Embracing smart-growth principles to improve land-use planning.

• Permanently protecting agricultural land to secure a supply of land in perpetuity.

• Advancing smart solar to boost both renewable energy and farm viability.

• Support farmland access to create opportunities for a new generation of farmers, particularly historically marginalized producers.

However, if policymakers and land-use planners focus on reducing sprawl by promoting compact development, agricultural land conversion could be cut by 7.5 million acres compared to business as usual—saving an area larger than the state of Maryland. At the same time, conversion of nationally significant land would decrease by 42%, taking the pressure off 3.7 million acres of our best land for growing healthy food. And a Better Built Cities future would spare over half the farmland that would be converted in our Runaway Sprawl scenario—13.5 million acres. That is enough land to support over 82,000 urban-edge farms, produce $7.9 billion in annual agricultural output, and provide 184,000 on-farm jobs. The vast majority of this land is located near cities and towns, providing the indispensable foundation for resilient, local food systems.

What It Will Be

AFT maintains that without proactive policymaking and land-use planning, “the relentless march of business as usualdevelopment across the American landscape will continue or accelerate into runaway sprawl.” The consequences will be local, global,and even atmospheric. Consumers will have fewer local farms to turn to the next time a pandemic or supply chain disruption leaves grocery store shelves bare. The global food supply will be further pinched, compounding crop losses due to climate change and putting millions more people at risk of severe hunger across the globe. And low-density sprawl will drive up greenhouse gas emissions, while undermining opportunities to sequester soil carbon on farms and ranches.

However, if policymakers and land-use planners band together with farmers, ranchers, and concerned citizens to choose Better Built Cities, it will save millions of acres of farmland and ranchland. This means following smart-growth principles and prioritizing agricultural land in land-use policies. It will also require supporting the farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers who bring in the bounty and keep pantries full, including by helping the next generation access land.

If Americans choose abundance, Piotti explains, then they will have embraced smart growth and minimize sprawl, secured the most productive land in perpetuity, implemented a smart transition to renewable energy, and ushered in a new generation of farmers and ranchers. He adds, “We will feel the benefits beyond our dinner tables.”

The AFT report concludes all Americans can help in eliminating the threat to farms: “Developers can choose to revitalize urban spaces and build compact communities. Citizens can promote local land-use decisions that protect farmland and ranchland. Individuals can support local land trusts, buy locally produced food, and choose to live in compact neighborhoods.”

Kansas State-Olathe Updates NBAF

Photo courtesy of K-State Olathe. (L to R) Dr. Ben Wolfe, Dr. Ken Burton, Steve Witte, Bob Petersen, Dr. Rich Linton

It was a day to tout all things Kansas State University, and the majority Wildcat alumni in attendance did just that at the Ag Business Council’s October luncheon meeting held (where else) on the Olathe campus of KSU, October 13. Council members were also updated on the progress of what could be considered the state’s jewel-in-the-crown of its agricultural roots and identity – the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.

Council Executive Director Bob Petersen introduced Benjamin Wolfe, Ph.D., recently installed as Dean and CEO of K-State Olathe last June. Dr. Wolfe noted the Olathe campus aims to develop the region as the ‘front door’ for the Next Generation of Agriculture and a “pioneer in making food.” A particular focus, he said, would be breaking new ground for innovative urban food systems.

Kansas State University President Richard Linton was also on hand to talk about challenges facing the university as well as its advances and progress. Challenges include building back student enrollment, which declined 21% over the past eight years. But Dr. Linton is encouraged that fundraising efforts have been fruitful. He said K-State earlier this year received a $25 million grant from the Kansas Legislature, and the school is currently engaged in an effort to raise $75 million in private gifts to qualify for a supplemental 3:1 match from the state. So far the university has raise $51 million toward that goal. The funds would be used to upgrade the College of Agriculture facilities, renovating two buildings and adding another.

Speaking of new buildings and facilities on or around Kansas State’s campus, Dr. Kenneth Burton, Deputy Director, USDA/ARS, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, said the U.S. currently does not have a laboratory with maximum biocontainment levels (BSL-4) to study high-consequence zoonotic diseases affecting large livestock. But not for long.

NBAF – replacing the Plum Island Animal Disease Center located off Long Island, New York – is almost fully constructed. It operates on a secure federally-owned site on the northeast corner of the KSU campus, adjacent to KSU’s Biosecurity Research Institute in Pat Roberts Hall. The facility is scheduled for official commissioning in March 2023. “Construction is essentially complete,” Dr. Burton said, noting, too, that 80% of the staff has been hired.

NBAF will be the first laboratory facility in the U.S. to provide BSL-4 laboratories capable of housing cattle and other large livestock. NBAF also will feature a Biologics Development Module (BDM) for the pilot scale development of vaccines and other countermeasures, augmenting laboratory research and accelerating technology transfer to industry partners. NBAF’s location in Manhattan, Kansas, places it within the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world.

U.S. Meat Industry Gets A Boost From College Football

So said Kansas State University livestock economist Glynn Tonsor, PhD. “It’s possible,” he reported earlier this month, noting that consumer’s demand for proteins – beef, chicken and pork – is holding steady in large part due to a surge in the food service industry. “The demand for dinner meals away from home was up from July to August,” Tonsor said, while demand for grocery store retail meat was down in August.

Prior to August, food service purchases (largely recognized as purchases away from home) represented a weakness in the U.S. meat market, but August’s figures indicate an increase in demand for lunch and dinner. “Foot traffic is up in restaurants,” said Tonsor, “and the trend was particularly strong in southern states like Florida and Texas.” He hopes the increase in demand for proteins eaten away from home offsets what was a little bit of a pull-back in retail demand.

Dr. Tonsor said he was joking about the football connection with America’s meat industry, during his weekly podcast on Agriculture Today.  “But that’s possibly what is going on here. It’s said that in the SEC (Southeast Conference), celebrations start way before Saturday. I think people are having many more evening meals out; plus there are other dynamics, such as the population is growing everywhere, especially in those southern states.”

Dr. Tonsor reported that consumer’s purchases at merchandisers and club stores also rose in August, a possible response to inflation. This is an indication that folks are shifting where they buy protein, and probably buying a bigger volume.  “They may have a more expensive trip to the store,” he said, “but I think they’re finding ways to get the price per pound lower by buying larger quantities, then taking it home and cutting it up.”