Animal Health Summit Promoting Limitless Opportunities

KC Animal Health Corridor’s 2024 Animal Health Summit gets underway on August 26 at The Midland Theatre in Kansas City. Registration for annual two-day event is now open.  The theme of this year’s event is Boundless, aimed at offering attendees limitless opportunities for networking, education from panel discussions, as well as first looks at innovations in the animal health space. 

A popular feature of the Summit’s program involves Emerging Company Presentations that allow early-stage companies to introduce their innovations. The event also includes presentations on industry trends, challenges and opportunities in the companion animal and livestock industries. Other Summit items on the agenda are updates on animal healthcare, nutrition, diagnostics and technology. The Summit will discuss how meat consumers define sustainability, veterinary care and advanced animal therapies.

Additionally, the Summit offers one-to-one business partnering, providing attendees with the opportunity to pre-schedule quick meetings to foster connections. The KC Animal Health Corridor will also recognize Craig S. Wallace, owner and founder of C.S. Wallace Investments + Strategy, with its 2024 Iron Paw Award.

 A Peek At The Program
The LIVE Leader’s Circle provides attendees an intimate and interactive experience with some of the world’s greatest minds in animal health, nutrition, technology and investment leadership. These leaders will be discussing the industry’s most pressing topics.

Emerging Company Presentations offer a look at the future of animal health, as innovative early-stage companies showcase breakthroughs in companion animal health, AgTech and food animal production. Presentations will cover everything from pharmaceuticals, vaccines, nutrition, diagnostics and technology. This segment of the Summit program over the years has allowed emerging companies to raise over half a billion dollars and many startups have secured licensing agreements, distribution contracts or have even been acquired.

The 1:1 Business Partnering program is a fundamental activity of the Animal Health Summit. It allows attendees the opportunity to arrange and pre-schedule 20-minute meetings with innovative early-stage companies to develop connections and networking.

Register at www.kcanimalhealth.thinkkc.com or 816-221-2121.

Digging Deeper...

Last month the Wall Street Journal ran a feature piece (May 9, 2024) suggesting that India’s economic emergence and development is reaching for greater heights. The WSJ reported that JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently had praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for having “done an unbelievable job.”  The article also quoted Tim Cook, Apple CEO, describing the country “as an incredibly exciting market.” Warren Buffett claimed India holds “unexplored opportunities for Berkshire Hathaway.” And Elon Musk, it was noted, is planning to visit India later this year. But an Overland Park, Kansas, company has already established itself as an important cog powering India’s ag industry engine.
By Dennis McLaughlin, McLaughlin Writers LLC – Sources: Brian Barrett, senior vice president, global marketing, OTSI; Joel Whitaker, director strategic accounts, OTSI; The Hindu, November 3, 2023; Lancelot Joseph, executive editor, Business India, June 24, 2022; Sean Ross, Investopedia, April 17, 2024.

Kansas Tech Company Is Modernizing India’s Ag Industry

Founded 25 years ago as a minority-owned business and headquartered in Overland Park, KS, Object Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTSI), is a global information technology services company.

OTSI has a strong presence in North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, and has a global delivery center based in Hyderabad, India. It is focused on specific industry segments, such as banking, finance, insurance, healthcare, energy/utilities, engineering, telecom, transportation, and government. The global company excels in business transformation with emerging technologies such as Data & Analytics, AI and Machine Learning, Cloud Services, Digital Transformation & Automation, and Enterprise Applications.

OTSI has been engaged for several years with India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MAFW) developing a unified portal known as the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg). The portal was introduced in September 2023 and represents a substantial leap toward revolutionizing India’s agricultural sector, said Brian Barrett, Senior Vice President Global Marketing.

MAFW is India’s equivalent to the United States Department of Agriculture. It could be said, though, that MAFW faces a more daunting task. While USDA deals with about 2 million farmers, MAFW oversees the collection of data from some 146.5 million growers and producers. Agriculture accounts for around 17% of India’s GDP; output from America’s farms represents only 0.7%. (Note:  The overall contribution of agriculture to GDP extends beyond these percentages, as sectors related to agriculture rely on agricultural inputs to add value to the economy. These related sectors include food and beverage manufacturing, food and beverage stores, food services and eating/drinking places, textiles, apparel, and leather products, as well as forestry and fishing – which comes to about 5.6%, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service, 2023.)

Making data harvesting more complex, India is the world’s second largest producer of total calorie content and is second globally in agricultural output valued at $524 billion in 2022, according to Statistica, May 15, 2021. It is the world’s largest producer of milk, second-largest producer of rice, wheat, sugar cane, fruit, vegetables cotton and ground nuts. India recently surpassed China as the largest country by population and can boast that it has the world’s second-highest agricultural output valued at $524.1 billion in 2022.

Actually, the UPAg project is not OTSI’s first venture in India. “We had the opportunity to bid on the UPAg project as a result of our earlier work on another data and analytics project, commissioned by India’s National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Ayog), called National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP).” says Joel Whitaker, Director Client Success. That project involved gathering data from disparate central, state, and local government ministries and compiling into one coherent cloud-based data structure and reporting engine for end users of all kinds. The platform aims to democratize access to publicly available government data and presents them coherently through intuitive tools for analytics and visualization to India’s vast population of 1.4B citizens.

Envisioned in 2020, the NDAP platform aims to standardize data across sources and provide flexible analytics that makes it easy for citizens, policymakers, academics, researchers, institutions, and international organizations to easily analyze data across more than 47 Central government agencies. The data-sets available on the portal have been selected, based on discussion with experts, on the most commonly used data required for various analyses. For instance, census, national family health survey, unified district information system for education data and such are available on the portal.  

How UPAg Works

Agricultural data in India is collected through various sources, including government surveys, agricultural censuses, and satellite imagery. MAFW is responsible for gathering and analyzing the data. In many agricultural data gathering initiatives, field agents are deployed to interact directly with farmers. These agents typically visit farms offline to collect various types of data such as crop details, land size, yield estimates, farming practices, and socio-economic information. The agents may use mobile apps or paper-based forms to record this data during their visits.

Because of limited internet connectivity in rural areas, offline data collection methods are commonly employed. Agents gather data using mobile devices equipped with offline-capable apps or paper forms. This allows them to collect data even when internet connectivity is unavailable. Once agents have collected the necessary data, they upload it to a central database or platform when they have internet access. This upload process can occur via mobile data networks or Wi-Fi hotspots, enabling real-time or periodic synchronization of collected data. Some digital platforms or systems empower farmers themselves to enter their own data. This could be through farmer-facing mobile apps or web interfaces, allowing farmers to directly input information about their farming activities, crop yields, or other relevant data points.

Remodeling India Agriculture

At the MAFW’s unveiling of UPAg last September, The Hindu, India’s 146- year-old English-language daily newspaper, reported that OTSI had established itself as a global IT services company “with an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.” The Hindu called UPAg’s technology “ground-breaking.”

The UPAg portal combines meticulous design and development to facilitate the mission of gathering and processing agricultural data.  “In a world where subjective judgments often cloud decision-making in agriculture, UPAg aims to infuse stability, transparency and informed choices into the sector,” says Chandra Talluri, OTSI’s Global CEO. It is a visionary platform that offers a comprehensive solution to the problems faced by the agricultural community. Key capabilities of the portal OTSI built for India’s MAFW include automated crop production estimates, insights into agricultural trends, data sharing, and comprehensive general data gathering.

The UPAg portal is a milestone in the agricultural sector, serving as a comprehensive and reliable source of data and analytics, notes Talluri. It has the potential to significantly enhance decision-making and outcomes in agriculture by providing real-time, standardized and credible information. Talluri adds that the portal promises to usher in a new era of transparency and efficiency in India’s agricultural policies.

OTSI has analyzed and processed more than 30,000 source files from various departments and combined them into 203 datasets “We continue working on getting more datasets to be on boarded onto the platform,” Talluri adds. “We take every measure to make sure that backend architecture is scalable and resilient to cater to the future needs of India.”

Missouri River Authorities Keeping Tabs on Water Levels

Heavy rains across Eastern South Dakota, Northeastern Nebraska and Northwest Iowa have swollen tributaries, and are causing the Missouri River to flood. Inflows from major tributaries are filling the Lewis and Clark Reservoir (Gavins Point Dam), reports Tom Waters, chairman of the Missouri Levee & Drainage District Association. The river also could be carrying a high load debris gathered from areas it has not reached for some time.

Flooding is expected from Sioux City, Iowa to Hermann, Missouri with moderate flooding north of Kansas City and minor flooding below. “With rain still in the forecast, river forecasts may change,” Waters says. “Now is the time to inspect floodgates, levees and other flood control infrastructure. We have not seen the river this high for quite a while,” he adds.

Good News

Authorities note that all the levees in the Kansas City District have been repaired following the 2019 Flood Event, and are ready to perform as desired. The District has 3.7 million sandbags placed at various locations throughout the area. It is currently providing technical assistance in Northwest Missouri.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is holding a daily call [that started June 24] with stakeholders and those impacted, including congressional representatives, tribal, state and local government officials as well as levee sponsors, emergency managers and the media. “With conditions rapidly changing and additional rainfall happening, and in the forecast, we want you to be able to stay up to date on emergency response and assistance,” says Shane Kinne, executive director of the Coalition to Protect the Missouri River. The conference calls run from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm CDT.

Join In

To participate in these daily conference calls:

• Meeting number (access code): 2823 047 5236

• Meeting password: JitJnJc*778

• Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)

Or join by phone:

• +1-844-800-2712,,28230475236## US Toll Free

• +1-669-234-1177,,28230475236## US Toll

Additional information is available on the Missouri Levee & Drainage District Association website: www.molevees.org.

Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - June 2024

Developments

Kansas State University researchers and representatives of Kansas Wheat have published updated findings on the value of feeding wheat to pigs. “Our data collected from 2014 to 2020 suggests that wheat’s mean energy content is 99% and 98% of corn for digestible energy and metabolizable energy, respectively” said Joel DeRouchey, a swine specialist for K-State Research and Extension. Bottom line: Wheat can be used at a similar rate as corn in those areas where wheat is available, without a major decrease in the diet energy density. “The use of wheat co-products for the milling industry is a common practice in feeding livestock,” DeRouchey said. “For wheat, there are many different classifications of co-products, such as wheat middlings, wheat millrun, wheat shorts and wheat red dog.”

U.S. farmers’ outlook improved in May as the Purdue University/ CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose to 108, marking a 9-point increase from April. Both of the barometer’s sub-indices saw increases, with the Index of Future Expectations climbing 11 points to 117 and the Current Conditions Index rising 6 points. The boost in the Index of Future Expectations reflects farmers’ expectation that conditions will improve, although it’s clear 2024’s financial outlook is still a concern. The Farm Financial Performance Index rose to 82 in May, a 6-point increase from April. The index asks producers to compare their farm’s expected financial performance to last year. However, despite the gain, the index remains 15 points lower than at the end of last year indicating that producers still anticipate 2024 being a more financially challenging year than in 2023.

The U.S. red meat industry gathered in Kansas City late last month for the annual U.S. Meat Export Federation(USMEF) Spring Conference. USMEF Chair Randy Spronk, a pork producer from Edgerton, Minn., noted a sense of optimism among attendees for the remainder of 2024. Spronk voiced a need to prioritize market access: “When we look at those countries that we have free trade agreements with, we lower tariffs, and we lower non-tariff trade barriers on U.S. products, they maintain access because of their healthfulness, because of their taste, because of their cost effectiveness. American agriculture is good, but we do need a level playing field, and I think that's the position we just need to keep verbalizing in agriculture here.”

Elanco Animal Health, Inc., recently announced that FDA has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle. “This monumental announcement has the ability to accelerate the opportunity for climate-neutral dairy farming while creating a new revenue stream for dairy farmers across the country,” says Jeff Simmons, Elanco’s president and CEO. “We appreciate FDA’s commitment to maintaining high standards for science-based review, while balancing the need to quickly bring solutions to the market. Bovaer represents another example of Elanco being a partner of choice in animal health, where the capabilities of our talented R&D, regulatory and commercial teams are delivering significant value.”

The 2024 Kansas Livestock Association Young Stockmen’s Academy (KLS-YSA) met in the Kansas City recently for its second seminar of the year. Class members from across the state spent three days learning more about the beef and dairy industries and connecting with consumers. Merck Animal Health, the exclusive sponsor of the program, hosted the class at their Lawrence and De Soto facilities. Staff provided an overview of the animal health industry, discussed research on animal health products and gave a tour of their research farm and one of their labs. Kansas Beef Council director of nutrition Abby Heidari and communications coordinator Grace Jacobson visited with YSA about connecting with consumers on the benefits of beef in the diet, both in person and through the use of social media channels. Bichelmeyer Meats, Dairy Farmers of America, Hiland Dairy and National Beef Leathers opened their doors to the group for tours and provided insight into how their respective businesses operate to serve their customers and members. The American Royal hosted the class for a discussion on their efforts to connect the general public with agriculture and plans for the new complex in Wyandotte County.

Despite concerns that China is buying or leasing all the farmland in the United States, a new Cornell research study shows that this is not the case. Using a  federal dataset of more than 40,000 foreign investments in U.S. agricultural land as of 2020, Wendong Zhang, assistant professor and extension economist at the Charles H. Dyson School of AppliedEconomics and Management, and collaborators show that countries classified by the federal government as “adversary,” such as China, held only 1% of the roughly 40 million acres of foreign-owned farmland. The top foreign country in terms of ownership of U.S. agricultural land is Canada, which owned about a third, much of it Maine and Michigan forestland. While foreign ownership has increased steadily over the past two decades, long-term leasing is the main driver of the increasing foreign interests, and many foreign transactions are related to renewable energy development.

Lenexa, Kansas-based Vytelle will open its 21st global bovine in vitro lab in the third quarter of 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. The Lenexa company calls itself a precision livestock operation, deploying its technologies and tools to optimize herds. This includes using in vitro fertilization to perpetuate elite performing animals and monitoring food intake and weight gain to identify animals that eat the least but gain the most. Vytelle describes its business as an effort to continue to sustainably provide dairy and meat for future generations. Vytelle’s advanced IVF technique produces embryos in labs, yielding faster and more reliable results, says CEO Kerryann Kocher. Although the company operates primarily in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand, it serves customers in 23 countries. Founded in 2019, Vytelle has grown to 134 total employees, including about 10% in Kansas. It reported $27.2 million in revenue in 2023, up from $17.9 million in 2022.   Source: Russell Gray, Kansas City Business Journal.

Events

A public hearing will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, to consider changes to the administrative regulations relating to livestock movement and public livestock markets. The hearing will be held in person at the Kansas Department of Agriculture (1320 Research Park Dr.) in Manhattan, as well as via video conferencing system. KDA is proposing revisions to two regulations — K.A.R. 9-7-1 and K.A.R. 9-7-14 — relating to movement of livestock into or through Kansas, and revocation and replacement of regulations under Article 10 of KDA’s Kansas Administrative Regulations relating to public livestock markets. These changes reflect current management practices and standards of the livestock industry, update and modernize various requirements for public livestock markets and occasional livestock sales in Kansas, and organize the regulations to allow them to be more easily read and understood. A copy of the proposed regulation changes, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register to be provided with a video link; the registration is available in the notice of public hearing.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is hosting the 9th Annual Kansas Governor's Summit on Agricultural Growth on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. This event offers Kansas farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses discussions, networking, and a positive focus on growing agriculture. This year, the Ag Summit will feature speakers on international trade and panels of industry leaders for a cross sector collaboration on the challenges and success Kansas agriculture faces. The summit will take place at the K-State Alumni Center in Manhattan, Kansas for a day of meaningful discussion about the future of Kansas agriculture. The main Summit event and social event will be held at the following times:

• Social Event: Tuesday, August 20, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

• Ag Growth Summit: Wednesday, August 21, 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

There is no cost to attend any of the events. However, in order to guarantee a meal, please register by Friday August 16, 2024. After that date, walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. For more information contact Auburn Wassberg, 785-564-6799 or Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov.

With the opening of American Foods Group’s packing facility in east central Missouri next year, new opportunities exist for producers to start or expand feedlot facilities in Missouri. Cattle producers who are interested in learning more about finishing their own cattle are invited to attend an upcoming Feedlot School in Boonville, Missouri. This event covers topics including feedlot performance expectations, marketing, budgeting, health management, handling and facilities, diet formulation, and implant and feed mixing demonstrations. Clay Boyles with American Foods Group will be a featured speaker. MU Extension faculty and industry consultants will present the program. Additionally, two covered feeding facilities will be toured during the event. The event will be held at the MFA Training Building at 1761 Industrial Drive in Boonville.  School dates are Tuesday, July 9 and Wednesday, July 10. The program begins at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning. A registration fee of $75 includes materials, a steak supper on the 9th and lunches on the 9th and 10th. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Gene Schmitz at schmitz@missouri.edu  or calling the Pettis County Extension Center at (660) 827-0591. Registrations are due by Tuesday, July 2. This program is co-sponsored by MU Extension and the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.

Tickets to all Missouri State Fair concerts and events are on sale to the public now, while supplies last. This includes all concerts and events in the State Fair Grandstand, presented by CFM Insurance, the Governor’s Ham Breakfast, and $12 advance adult gate admission. These tickets will be available through www.Etix.com  and by phone 1-800-514-ETIX/1-800-514-3849. Starting at noon on Monday, July 1 tickets will be available for purchase at the Missouri State Fair Box Office, located on the Fairgrounds in Sedalia. Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 1 through Aug. 2, expanding to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 5-7 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the Fair, Aug. 8-18. The Box Office is closed on July 4 in observance of the 4th of July holiday.

National Institute for Animal Agriculture will host the 14th Annual Antibiotics Symposium in Denver, Colorado at the Colorado State University’s SPUR Campus from November 19-21, 2024. The planning committee is in the process of selecting presenters and speakers for the Symposium. Symposium topics will include an industry report on the current state of antibiotic stewardship, information on the latest antimicrobial stewardship and resistance research, regulatory updates, One Health collaborations, and more. Registration is available at www.AnimalAgriculture.org . For assistance with media registration, please contact Morgan Young, Director of Communications and Outreach for the National Institute for Animal Agriculture at morgan.young@animalagriculture.org.

People

Mace Thornton, COO of Stratovation Group, an agricultural marketing research and strategic communications firm in Chesterfield, Missouri, has announced the upcoming publishing of his debut novel Jawbone Holler, a historical fiction novel set in territorial northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri during the Civil-War Era.  Thornton, who recently joined the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, has led communication efforts at two different national agricultural organizations, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the United Soybean Board. His work has been recognized at the highest level for communications achievement, and he was named to the Agricultural Communications Hall of Fame in 2019. Thornton grew up on a farm in northeast Kansas and earned a degree in journalism from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. The book is scheduled for release on July 9, 2024, and will be available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other outlets. Pre-orders can be made at www.macethornton.com.

Mike VanMaanen has been elected president of the Livestock Marketing Association. VanMaanen took over the reins from Mark Barnett during the association’s annual convention this month. VanMaanen grew up on a corn, soybean and hog farm in Iowa and attended Missouri Western State University, where he graduated with degrees in agricultural economics and agronomy. He joined the association’s government and industry affairs committee in 2014 and the board of directors in 2016. During his tenure on the board, he also chaired the membership services committee for two years. He said his time on the board has had many highlights, and he looks forward to what’s to come.

Luke Samuel, Ph.D., joins AgriThority as Manager, Development Services. Samuel, based in the Kansas City headquarters, will continue to pursue his passion for technologies, including seed, traits, chemistry and biological products to advance crop production. Samuel originally joined AgriThority in 2019 and brought expertise in technology development, agronomy and product development leadership to the technology transfer role. He is now taking an active role in servicing client needs and filling gaps for innovators, investors or companies seeking innovations that perform.“We’re pleased to welcome Luke back into our global team of experts,” said Jerry Duff, founder and president of AgriThority. “Luke’s development expertise and dedication to pursue superior execution throughout the stage-gate process will be an invaluable asset to our clients.” 

AgriThority also welcomes global leader Christophe Dumont to its board of advisors. Dumont joins Valdemar Fischer, Steven Mock, Adrian Percy and Jim Schultz to work with the AgriThority leadership team and associates to improve services, discuss trends and to increase the AgriThority network through their reach and experience. Dumont has been a senior management executive for more than 30 years with such legacy companies as Bayer. A graduate of the Harvard School of Business, Executive Leadership, Business Administration and Management program, Dumont has proven success leading operations, strategic portfolio management, company integration, and talent development on a global level and in emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe as well as in Latin America.

Dell Allen, a retired Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry professor and meat industry visionary, along with his wife, Joyce, will receive the 2024 Don L. Good Impact Award. The Allens will be recognized during the K-State ASI Family & Friends Reunion October 5 in Manhattan. Allen grew up on his family’s farm in Liberty and earned his bachelor’s degree from K-State in 1961. He earned his master’s in animal breeding from the University of Idaho and his doctorate in animal husbandry from Michigan State University. Allen left his academic position in 1988 to work for Excel Corporation, which became Cargill Meat Solutions. He retired in 2004, then consulted in various capacities for the next 12 years.  

Leaders Of Kansas and Missouri Departments of Ag Outline Key Issues

Left: Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn; Right: Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam

Ranked together, Missouri and Kansas account for about 8% of total U.S. agricultural production according to USA By Numbers, which makes the side-by-side states in the center of the Lower 48 second in overall production behind leader California (11.8%) and tied with Iowa’s (8%).  But at the June Kansas City Ag Biz Council meeting and luncheon, both the Secretary and Director, respectively, of the Kansas and Missouri Departments Agriculture, focused not on their state’s accomplishments but on the key issues facing both.

Director Chinn addressed concerns about avian influenza, emphasizing that it’s a misnomer to label it bird flu.  She explained that the virus has been detected in dairy cows in nine states, including neighboring Kansas, but Missouri has so far avoided infection in its herds. Chinn said protocols are in place to handle the disease if it were to hit Missouri. Dairy cows that become ill are isolated from the herd, and their milk does not enter the food supply chain, she said. While poultry and livestock workers are most at risk of contracting the virus, there is no cause for consumer concern.

Secretary Beam was upbeat about new pesticide legislation that was being signed into law in Topeka while simultaneously he was addressing Council members. The KDA pesticide and fertilizer program administers and enforces the laws applicable to pesticide use in Kansas, including the licensure, training, and certification of pesticide businesses, dealers, and applicators. HB 2607 made critical updates to the state’s pesticide law which will enable KDA to continue working with Kansas producers to ensure Kansas has a safe, effective system to provide oversight of pesticide use in the state, emphasizing training and education.

Beam said expansion of direct-to-consumer marketing statutes for agricultural products in post-pandemic Kansas should facilitate growth opportunities, especially for those producers who understand effective marketing strategies.

An acute concern for Beam is the Ogallala Aquifer, which is a critical water source for one of the major agricultural regions in the country. Drought and pollution pose serious threats to its sustainability, said Beam. To deal with the situation, Beam explained, “will take a lot of engineers and scientists.” Not just water-use regulations.

Chinn noted the need for more food animal veterinarians; and both she and Beam agreed there is an ag educator shortage. “School districts need to focus on agriculture.” He suggested recruiting Baby Boomers into teaching.  And both stressed that “non-ag people need to get involved in agriculture’s future.” Beam summed up the situation, saying the future is great, the world needs food, fuel and energy. “Demand for food is exponential.”

Ag Business Council Selects Clark, Stone for Distinguished Service Awards

June 24, 2024, KANSAS CITY, MO.  Veteran agricultural educators Kim Clark of Hoyt, Kansas, and Scott Stone of Centralia, Missouri have been selected by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City to receive the group’s Distinguished Service Award.

“We are indebted to the many educators like Kim and Scott who have inspired, guided and mentored young people from rural America,” said Ron Seeber, chair, KC Ag Business Council.  Seeber, who serves as president and CEO of Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Ag Retailers, and Renew Kansas, pointed out these individuals have influenced hundreds of young people in their career choices and experiences, often without the recognition they so richly deserve.

Kim clark

Kim Clark, Royal Valley (KS) Ag Education Instructor and FFA Advisor

Kim Clark is the Agricultural Education instructor and FFA Advisor at Royal Valley High School in Hoyt, Kansas since 2013. Prior to this, she worked at the Kansas State Department of Education as an Education Program Consultant for Career and Technical Education for four years and at Marysville High School as an Agriculture Education instructor for four years. As an educator, Clark was named the National Association of Agricultural Education Region 2 Outstanding Program in 2018, the National Association of Agricultural Education Region 2 Outstanding Young Member in 2015, the Kansas Association of Agricultural Education Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher in 2024, and a Kansas FFA Golden Owl Finalist in 2024.

Clark is honored to have advised two Kansas FFA State FFA Presidents. Since starting the FFA chapter in 2013, 10 FFA members have earned the American FFA Degree at Royal Valley.  She has served as a National FFA Teacher Ambassador since 2016, as a National FFA Teacher Mentor Ambassador since 2022, and has mentored three student teachers. 

Kim grew up in the same county she is currently teaching in at the neighboring school and was active in 4-H for 12 years and served as a Kansas FFA State Officer in 2002-2003. She graduated from Kansas State University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and from Baker University with a Masters of Arts in Education in 2007. She has two sons, Monte (16) and Brock (11). Aside from teaching and advising her students, she likes to spend time working out, taking walks and hikes, spending time at the lake, and attending her children's activities. 

Scott Stone

Scott Stone, Centralia (MO) Ag Education Instructor and FFA Advisor

Scott Stone serves as one of three Agricultural Educators at Centralia High School, where he has taught for the past 26.5 years. Stone was born and raised in Pennsylvania on a dairy farm. He served as a Pennsylvania State FFA officer in 1993-94. Stone attended Penn State for two years and then finished his education at the University of Missouri - Columbia where he earned his BS and Master’s degrees. Stone currently resides in Centralia, Missouri with his wife Jeannette and three children, Zane, Annamarie, and Stetson. In his spare time, Stone enjoys working on the family's small farm and doing workshops for FFA members and agricultural educators.   

During Stone's tenure as an Agriculture Instructor and FFA Advisor, he has served as the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association president, The National Association of Agricultural Educators President and President of the National Association for Career and Technical Education. He is also a National Association of Agricultural Educators Ambassador, where he travels across the country and presents to pre-service and practicing teachers. This past year the Centralia FFA Chapter was named the number one FFA Chapter in the state. Stone was named the Missouri Outstanding Young Teacher and Outstanding Mentor by the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teacher’s Association. Stone has mentored five student teachers and served as a mentor to 18 first- and second-year teachers.

The Council will honor Clark and Stone for their distinguished service at a reception in Kansas City on July 9.

Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - May 2024

Developments

Following the bipartisan committee passage of H.R. 8467 over the Memorial Day weekend, committee chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson had this to say: “Critics have wasted a lot of breath telling me what can’t be done, and last night the House Committee on Agriculture proved them wrong. I want to commend Reps. Caraveo, Davis, Sorensen and Bishop for their willingness to see through the hyperbolic partisan rhetoric and help advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024……I heard my Democratic colleagues loud and clear at markup, that there is a whole lot of common ground, and a few sticking points that can be resolved through conversation and negotiation. Great things can be accomplished when you don’t surround yourself with redlines, and I am eager to continue our work with whomever wants to come to the table……I implore Senator Stabenow to invite Ranking Member Boozman and Senate Republicans to the table, just as I have consistently done with House Democrats. The House Committee on Agriculture has proven there is a path to a bipartisan compromise that addresses the needs of rural America, enhances the farm safety net, and does right by our neighbors in need……A farm bill is too important to let slip any further, including into next year. Farm and ranch families cannot wait.”

The combined weight of drought, low commodity prices and high input costs brought net income down in 2023 among farms listed in the Kansas Farm Management Association’s database. KFMA executive director Mark Dikeman said 2023 net income among the 823 Kansas farms studied fell to $98,299, nearly $80,000 less than the state’s net farm income in 2022. “The story of the year was continued drought,” Dikeman said. “Drought had a significant impact in 2022 and continued for much of the state in 2023. Below average yields combined with depressed prices relative to 2022 drove incomes down.”………Crop producers also felt the brunt of higher input costs, particularly for seed and fertilizer. The last few years, we’ve seen fertilizer prices spike and there is a lot of worry around that,” Dikeman said. “Chemical and seed expenses have followed the same pattern. Since 2019, we’ve seen about an $8 per acre increase in seed cost and $15 per acre increase in chemical cost. Even though fertilizer has come down from the peak in 2022, it has increased nearly $34 per acre since 2019.”……. KFMA has been serving Kansas farmers since 1931. The association’s professional staff includes 24 economists who are faculty members in K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics. The economists work alongside farm families to provide production and financial information for use in making on-farm decisions……………Dikeman and economists from six KFMA regions recently presented an overview of net farm income during an interview on the weekday radio program, Agriculture Today, which is available online.

Machinery Pete, LLC, a leading online marketplace for used farm and construction equipment, announced its partnership today with FBN® Finance, a trusted provider of agricultural financing solutions including farm equipment loans. FBN Finance will be the premier finance partner for MachineryPete.com, offering farmers a direct link to FBN Finance’s secure and straightforward application process.  “This partnership will provide our equipment buyers access to comprehensive financing options through FBN’s clean and simple application process.”  said Eric Peterson, CEO of Machinery Pete. “FBN equipment loans can help farmers buy the equipment they need, quickly and conveniently, without putting a strain on their current budget or cash flow,” said Dan English, general manager of FBN Finance.  FBN Finance has now provided more than $1 billion of financing to growers across the U.S. Source: Farm Journal, Lenexa, KS.

Last fall, Kansas State University Office of the Provost launched a new Academic Innovation Fund to invest up to $1 million in new academic programs and microcredentials to meet future regional, national or international learner needs, drive curricular innovation and academic excellence and support K-State's long-term financial viability. Proposals submitted for consideration included new degree programs at all levels for existing or new audiences, focusing on positioning K-State as the first choice for education and business partners in Kansas. The inaugural awards support eight innovative and novel opportunities for K-State, totaling $939,096 of one-time funds. Learn more about these academic programs here.

Kansas State University recently announced that ADM, global leader in human and animal nutrition, has pledged $1 million to the university’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation. The ADM investment will support advances in food product development, food safety and food security.

The Kansas State University crops judging team continued a successful run at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture judging conference recently, capturing its 15th title in the past 26 years of the spring competition. The team also posted a first: They placed first in the knowledge bowl competition. Landon Trout, a junior from Scott City, Kansas, was the individual national champion of the crops contest. K-State beat 22 teams for the win in crops judging. Iowa State was the team runner-up and the University of Wisconsin placed third.

USDA is funding 47 projects in 23 states to improve access to reliable electricity and clean drinking water for more than one million people and create good-paying jobs across the nation. The announcement was made during President Biden’s Infrastructure Week, earlier this month, which highlights the progress the Biden-Harris Administration has made to improve American infrastructure through historic funding packages such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.

The American Royal’s 2023 Annual Report shows it continues to serve as an example of excellence in championing food and agriculture. The recently released 2023 Annual Report highlights a year of remarkable achievements, showcasing the organization's commitment to its purpose, mission and vision. From scholarships to events and ag education, the American Royal has garnered a record year. With attendees representing 49 states and 18 countries, the American Royal's events have become a global advocate for the agriculture and food industries in 2023. Over 407,000 individuals participated in person, while an impressive 222,545 engaged virtually, resulting in a total of 629,876 attendees across 379 total event days. The American Royal's impact extends beyond its events, as evidenced by its economic contributions. In 2023, the organization generated an estimated economic impact of nearly $84 million, bolstering the local economy and supporting many businesses. Additionally, 5,793 event volunteer hours were reached with 395 unique event volunteers being involved. The American Royal remains dedicated to nurturing future leaders in agriculture, awarding nearly $651,620 in scholarships to deserving individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and academic excellence.

Kansas Corn Growers Association members are celebrating the success of the Renewable Fuel Standard which is entering its 15th year. While the RFS was enacted in 2005, its expansion in 2007 (RFS2) led to the significant impact of renewable fuels to the nation’s economy and environment. In 2007, opponents painted a bleak picture of a world with RFS2, predicting corn shortages, dramatic increases in corn acres, deforestation and loss of prairies, dramatic increases in water use, and cars unable to run on 10 percent ethanol abandoned on the roadside. In reality, U.S. cropland acres continue to shrink while grasslands and forests have increased, and grain available for animal feed and exports has increased. At the same time, renewable fuel production has tripled, and 10% ethanol fuel has become the standard for regular unleaded fuel across the U.S.

A new children's book, ABC’s of Corn, written to educate and entertain while celebrating family heritage, will be available June 3, 2024 at all Amazon marketplaces globally. It is a vibrant exploration of the multifaceted role corn plays in our lives, blending entertainment with essential learning for children aged 3 to 10. Written by Norma Kennebeck, Jean Marie Thelen and Lois Roes (three sisters hailing from a family farm in western Iowa),  ABC’s of Corn captures the essence of corn's significance in our society. From its presence in our food to its role in fueling our vehicles, each page of this book celebrates a letter of the alphabet, accompanied by colorful illustrations and engaging sections such as "Corn Fact," "Internet Search," "Field Research," "Your Opinion," and "Fun Fact." Read more here. For media inquiries, review copies, or interviews, contact Tony Thelen at Tony@therivercoach.org.

FCS Financial employees are bringing a “boost” to their local community organizations through the FCS Financial Boost Your Impact program that matches an employee’s donation, up to $50, made to any approved non-profit organization. Employees can use the program once annually. During the month they make their donation, a drawing is held to win an additional $500 for one lucky employee’s charity. In the first half of 2024, three Maryville organizations benefited from the additional $500 donation.

People

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture has selected Chelsea Good to chair the board of directors. Good is vice president of government and industry affairs at the Livestock Marketing Association and a member of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City’s Board of Directors.

The National Association of Farm Broadcasting has found its new executive director. Public relations, agriculture marketing, and strategic communications veteran Gardner Hatch succeeds Tom Brand and replaces interim director Colleen Callahan. Hatch comes to the NAFB from integrated agricultural marketing company Woodruff, where he was Strategic Marketing Lead. Hatch has also held significant positions at Bader Rutter, G&S Business Communications, and Fleishman Hillard. Hatch has been an active member of the NAFB community, recently completing a two-year term as an Allied Industry Council representative on the NAFB board of directors.

After an extensive search, the Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) has announced the hiring of Dawn Hovey as executive director. Hovey is a Kansas native from Ozawkie, but has lived and worked in Omaha for most of her career. She earned a Bachelor of Science in political science and a Master of Public Administration, both from Kansas State University. Hovey brings many years of experience in non-profit management. She has proven success in building relationships and leading non-profits in development, capacity building and collaborative learning opportunities. As executive director, Hovey will be responsible for professional leadership, management and growth of RTK. She will oversee fundraising, strategic planning, organizational development, administration of conservation projects and RTK finances. Hovey will start full-time June 10.

Bill Tomson, Agri-Pulse’s senior trade editor, died after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 55. Tomson joined Agri-Pulse in 2016 and quickly stood out for his ability to get scoops on trade topics. He traveled across Brazil in 2018 for Agri-Pulse, providing updates on the country's growth in agriculture and infrastructure improvements. In a separate trip in 2022, he met with Cuban President Raúl Castro to discuss expansion of agricultural trade with the island nation. “Bill was extremely dedicated to bringing our readers the very best insights on trade and any topic he covered. He worked tirelessly to get information from his vast network of sources,” said Agri-Pulse Founder and Publisher Sara Wyant. “We will miss him terribly.”  He was a government-savvy reporter with more than two decades of experience reporting on federal agencies and Congress. He previously covered agriculture and food issues for Politico and was a reporter for Dow Jones and its flagship publication, the Wall Street Journal. Source: Agri-Pulse Communications, May 15, 2024.

Patrick Gottsch, who built cable channel RFD-TV from a single part-time satellite-broadcast outlet into a 24-hour nationwide rural favorite, died May 18 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was 70. The announcement did not disclose the cause of death. Gottsch founded Rural Media Group Inc., parent company to RFD-TV, as well as The Cowboy Channel, The Cowgirl Channel, and the Sirius-XM Rural Radio 147. He was a native of Elkhorn, Nebraska, where his family had an extensive cattle feeding operation. A one-time trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, he began his broadcasting career in 1991 with Superior Livestock Auction. Source: Agri-Pulse, May 22, 2024.

Events

Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health will host regional meetings across the state this summer to discuss critical topics related to the livestock industry in Kansas. KDA encourages livestock owners, veterinarians, and county officials to attend to learn more about how animal disease response plans may affect them. Each workshop will include two sessions. The afternoon session (1:00–4:00 p.m.) is intended for emergency management professionals and county officials; discussion topics will include the role of the county in a disease response, livestock truck rollover, disposal and sheltering. The evening session (6:00–8:00 p.m.) will be for veterinarians and livestock producers; discussion topics will include animal disease traceability, secure food supply planning and disease response plans. A networking dinner will be held between sessions, which is open to all attendees. The workshops are free, including the networking dinner, but registration is required. Locations and dates available at www.agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalHealthOutreach.com or call 785-564-6608 to register.

Kansas State University Olathe offers an assortment of opportunities for continuing education and professional development. Upcoming schedule includes these workshops, seminars, webinars and conferences:

• June 26, 2024 – Innovative FEED Act of 2023: The Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development Act of 2023, better known as the Innovative FEED Act, was enacted to change how new animal feed additives are brought to market and regulated. This webinar will cover the basics of the Innovative FEED Act as well as its implications for the animal nutrition industry to improve alignment with the needs of animal owners today.

• July 24, 2024 – Artificial Intelligence In Animal Health Diagnostics: It is vital to identify and communicate how AI empowers the next wave of diagnostic innovation in animal health. Holding a basic understanding of AI is vital for the new era of animal health professionals so they can better understand and utilize new animal health diagnostic technologies.

• September 17-19, 2024 – Animal Health Regulatory Affairs:  K-State Olathe has refreshed its annual animal health regulatory affairs programming to include a three-day conference. Participants will learn more about navigating the USDA and FDA regulatory landscape and will have an opportunity to network with experts. Case study workshops will provide deeper insight.

For more information, contact Beth Jones, www.bethjones@ksu.edu   

The 10th annual Ag Outlook Forum will take place September 16, 2024 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. It will feature top economic, policy, business and government officials presenting their current outlooks and identifying the challenges and opportunities industry will face. The annual Ag Outlook Forum is a chance to get a comprehensive preview of what lies ahead from leading experts. Presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Communications, the event brings together leading industry experts to share key insights on existing and new market opportunities.

Digging Deeper...

For over 500 years, North American milk and cheese producers have had a tough row to hoe. For example, it can’t be easy to succeed when a third of the potential U.S. dairy market can’t digest your products. According to GI Alliance, 36% of the U.S. population is lactose intolerant to some extent. In fact, National Dairy Month was established in 1939 not so much to celebrate dairy industry achievements but to call attention to challenges dairy farmers were facing. The Great Depression, of course, was a culprit. Milk prices for many farmers in 1933 were half of what they received in 1930. This led to groups of farmers petitioning for higher prices and taking part in strikes. But the government intervened and prices rebounded by implementing a complex milk pricing system still in use today to help stabilize prices for farmers. As the industry recovered, the idea of a national dairy month surfaced in 1937, promoted by regional and local grocery organizations. It was officially recognized as National Dairy Month in 1939. By Dennis McLaughlin, McLaughlin Writers LLC
Sources: GI Alliance; World Population Review, Milk Consumption by Country 2024, Shane Fulmer, Lancaster, PA; Jim Salfer, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Minnesota; Ag Journalist Michelle Miller, AgDaily et al, www.farmbabe.com; Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Kristen Coady, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Dairy Farmers of America.

Hats Off To The Dairy Industry

Dairy farming is one of the oldest industries in the history of the world, and one of the largest sectors of the U.S. agriculture economy. Dairy cattle arrived in North America via Mexico around 1525 and made their way across the Rio Grande to propagate in the wild. This year’s 85th observance of National Dairy Month could be cause for subdued celebration. In the last few years, the dairy industry has endured challenges, many brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted its supply chain and caused massive milk dumping. The industry, though, has recovered and, some say, prospered. Jason Hartschuh, extension field specialist at Ohio State Extension reported earlier this year that 2024 could be more profitable for dairy farms than 2023 – which was a good year itself. But, he cautioned, “2024 promises to be its own interesting year for dairy farmers.”

How Tough Can It Be?

Dairy farming is a labor-intensive industry that demands consistent dedication and hard work. It is not for the faint of heart. While dairy farming can be rewarding, it requires hard work, resilience, and adaptability to navigate economic and market challenges. Farmers who choose this path must be prepared for both the physical demands and the complexities of the industry.

• Dairy farmers must provide regular, unceasing care for their cows. This includes milking, feeding, and monitoring their health. Cows must be milked daily, which means adhering to strict milking schedules.

• The dairy industry has faced significant challenges over the years. Between 1997 and 2017, the U.S. lost half of its remaining dairy farms. Today, fewer than 28,000 licensed dairy herds remain. Factors such as poor industry regulation, price fluctuations in the market, and a lower demand for dairy have contributed to this decline. The cost of production for farmers has risen due to increased input costs like fuel and feed, while the value of U.S. milk has been kept artificially low for global export competition.

• Dairy farmers cannot quickly adjust the amount of milk they produce in response to consumer demand. This lack of flexibility, combined with oversupply, has led to situations where farmers are forced to dump excess milk when processing plants can’t accommodate it. Monopolies within the dairy sector also control prices, leaving farmers with limited options for where to sell their milk.

• Given the challenges faced by dairy farmers, government policies play a crucial role in regulating the dairy market. However, recent policies have focused on boosting production and exports, exacerbating oversupply issues.

Fruits of Their Labor

National Dairy Month is a celebration of the resiliency of dairy farmers, says agriculture journalist Michelle Miller, contributor to AGDAILY. Jim Salfer, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Minnesota, sees dairy farmers from a different angle. Dairy farmers have excellent cow sense, he notes. “They have a unique ability to spot a sick cow before she gets too sick. They can observe a cow in estrus just by her behavior.” But he stresses that successful farmers have an attitude of gratitude. “Successful farmers are gracious and thankful for the consumers who buy their products, the agribusiness professionals who work with them and their employees, and family members who help them succeed. About 94% of U.S. dairy farms are family owned and operated.

 “As we raise a glass of milk and celebrate National Dairy Month, we at USDA value our partnership with the dairy industry to support more and better markets for dairy farmers and businesses at the local, regional, national, and international marketplace,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

And while we’re at it, let’s acknowledge the productivity and accomplishments, the dairy industry and dairy farmers routinely achieve every day:

• The U.S. milk supply is one of the safest in the world. USDA closely regulates milk production from cow to store.

• It takes only about 48 hours for milk to journey from farm to store.

• In its 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans USDA’s Health and Human Services recommends three servings of dairy (milk, cheese, and yogurt) every day.

• Milk is a nutritional bargain; it provides 13 essential nutrients with 8 grams of high-quality protein at only $0.24 per 8-ounce serving.

• Dairy provides three of the four nutrients typically lacking in the American diet: calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. It provides 52% of the calcium, 51% of the vitamin D, and 17% of the protein in the American diet.

• People who are sensitive to lactose can still consume real dairy products. There are lactose-free and lactose-reduced options.

• The most popular U.S. dairy cattle breed is the Holstein. The Holstein is black and white, and no two cows have the same pattern (just like snowflakes).

• Dairy farmers are committed to sustainability. From 2007 to 2017, U.S. dairy has used 30% less water, 21% less land, with a 19% smaller carbon footprint per gallon of milk. The industry also pledges to be carbon neutral or better by the year 2050.

• U.S dairy cows recycle 306 million pounds of food waste every day. About 30 to 40% of a dairy cow’s diet is made of human-inedible recycled (byproduct) feeds.

• Dairy farmers are dedicated to animal welfare. Cows receive nutritious feed, fresh water, clean bedding, regular checkups, and prompt medical care.

Real Facts of the Matter

Milk is consumed by people of all cultures around the globe. It is estimated that over 6 billion people worldwide consume milk and milk products.  

• The world’s population consumes over 2.1 billion liters of milk every day, enough to fill 813 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

• Dairy cows are social animals. Like people, they will make friends and bond with some while avoiding others.

• A cow turns grass into milk within two to three days. Depending on the breed, a cow can make between 25 and 40 liters of milk per day.

• Dairy is good for a person’s bones. Calcium is crucial to the growth and strengthening of bones. A glass of milk, some yogurt or a piece a cheese helps to fight off brittle bones and osteoporosis.

• Dairy reduces blood pressure. Diets rich in potassium help maintain healthy blood pressure. Dairy products such as yogurt and fluid milk provide potassium and greatly reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes.

• Milk is good for teeth; they get stronger and healthier when milk is consumed. Calcium protects teeth against gum disease and keeps the jawbone strong and healthy. Additionally, protein neutralizes acids in the mouth.

• Studies show that milk is superior to water and sports drinks after a workout. Milk is rich in sodium and potassium that help retain fluids and cause bodies to sweat less.

And here’s one more reason to celebrate milk. It is the only food people can survive on alone. It has every nutrient humans need.

---

Celebrating National Dairy Month  

National Dairy Month is observed every June in the United States. Originally established as a regional grocery and milk promotion to bolster a Depression Era financially-stressed sector of the ag industry in 1937, Dairy Month became a national observance in 1939 that matured into an annual showcase for the health and pallet-pleasing benefits that dairy products provide.

But various sectors of the dairy industry have expanded the mission of Dairy Month to include these special programs and activities:

• Promotions and Awareness: During June Dairy Month, dairy producers, retailers, and brands often run special promotions to highlight their products. This heightened awareness encourages consumers to enjoy their favorite dairy treats and learn more about the benefits of dairy.

• Educational Initiatives: Dairy organizations and farms organize educational events to inform the public about the nutritional value of dairy products. These initiatives emphasize essential nutrients found in dairy, such as calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein.

• Farm Tours: Some dairy farms open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to see firsthand how milk is produced. Farm tours provide insights into the milking process, animal care, and sustainable practices.

• Ice Cream Socials: Ice cream is a quintessential dairy treat, and what better way to celebrate than with an ice cream sundae party?

---

How DFA Observes Dairy Month

Dairy Farmers of America recently took over the top spot on Dairy Foods Magazine’s list of the 2023 Dairy 100. It is the latest ranking put out by the dairy industry publication that bases its standings on fiscal-year revenue performances of dairy-producer companies. As a national farmer-owned dairy cooperative, Kanas City, Kansas-based Dairy Farmers of America FA recognizes National Dairy Month every year “on behalf of its nearly 11,000 farmer-owners and employees.” DFA reports it will continue its vigorous support and participation of the occasion.

Earlier this month, the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City posed questions to Kristen Coady, DFA’s senior vice president and chief communications officer regarding DFA’s participation and activities in National Dairy Month. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: Is the DFA Cares Foundation continuing its program of monetary donations so food banks around the country can purchase dairy products?

A: As a farmer-owned cooperative, we are committed to helping enrich communities and consumers’ lives through all the possibilities of dairy. We care deeply about the wellbeing of the communities where we live and work and are dedicated to giving back through our DFA Cares Foundation.

For June Dairy Month, we will donate the equivalent of 11,000+ gallons of milk to more than 150 food banks across the country. Throughout the month, we will also highlight how we are impacting local communities through stories and content on our social channels.

In addition to food donations, we also provide disaster relief assistance to dairy farmers through DFA Cares. So, this month we are taking an opportunity to raise funds via monetary donations and an employee raffle at our Headquarters in Kansas City, to help benefit those farmers affected by this spring’s volatile weather.

Q: Are there other new community engagement activities and programs to educate Americans on the health benefits of dairy?

A: Dairy is a multi-functional beverage that is scientifically proven to play a key role in the optimal health and wellness of infants, children, adolescents and adults. An 8-ounce glass of milk provides the most affordable and dense source of nutrients and vitamins compared to any other beverage option.

We promote and educate on the health benefits of dairy in our consumer marketing campaigns and on our social channels. We also work closely with and help amplify dairy nutrition messaging from the various dairy checkoff programs across the United States, including Midwest Dairy. On June 1, we participate with the global dairy industry in celebrating World Milk Day, which is a day recognized by the United Nations to promote the importance of milk as a global food and the important contributions that the dairy industry adds to nutrition, communities, sustainability, livelihoods and economic development.

Q: Will there be increased focus on the dairy industry’s progress to enhance sustainable farming and animal care practices?

A: For our farm families, sustainability is a way of life and a responsibility for future generations. As we continue our commitment to be part of climate solutions, DFA is taking action to benefit the environment and the world. In the last 18 months, DFA has secured nearly $70 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants for our farmer-owners’ sustainability projects.

DFA also has had its emissions reduction target approved by the Science Based Target Initiative as consistent with the levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Some of the key strategies that we are employing across the dairy supply chain to reduce our carbon footprint and prioritize the environment include:

• Mitigation of methane emissions from cows by supporting advances in feed efficiency, herd nutrition and feed additives designed to reduce emissions

• Using renewable energy methods, such as solar panels and wind power, on our farms

• Utilizing anaerobic digesters, which convert manure and food waste to energy, on farms

• Promoting healthy soils and regenerative agriculture to sequester more atmospheric carbon in the ground

• Creating transportation and hauling efficiencies to reduce emissions

• Exploring innovative technologies and solutions to reduce emissions and promote environmental stewardship

Q: Are there major pending policy, regulatory issues that DFA will be supporting or opposing?

A: Milk is one of nature’s most perfect foods from a nutrition standpoint and we want kids to be life-long lovers of milk and dairy, which is a key reason that we were supportive of the Biden-Harris administration endorsing the Healthy School Milk Commitment. With the Healthy School Milk commitment, milk processors are committing to provide school milk options for flavored milk with no more than ten grams of added sugar per 8-fluid ounce serving. DFA’s TruMoo® brand flavored milk — currently available in many schools across the country — provides calcium, protein and contains no more than seven grams of added sugars per 8-fluid ounce serving. Further, we are supportive of ongoing legislative efforts with the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act that will hopefully make whole milk, which is preferred by most kids, available on school menus. Finally, we are also working closely with dairy industry groups to help support a comprehensive Farm Bill recommendation.

Q: What sort of fun, educational activities are in the works?

A: June Dairy Month is a time to celebrate dairy farmers and all the hard work that they do to responsibly produce delicious dairy products. To highlight our farmer owners, we have partnered with farmers across the Cooperative to create videos we will use throughout their social and DFA’s social channels — everything from how they care for their cows to on-farm sustainability practices and the valuable nutrition that dairy provides.

Q: What’s new in the R&D sector that DFA might be unveiling or further touting that will advance product/production innovation, streamline supply chains?

A: Innovation is a key focus for DFA, and we continue to look for ways to innovate on our farms, in our manufacturing plants and in the development of products that we are providing to consumers.

Our food scientists and research and development teams are always reimagining dairy products to meet consumer needs. We have been innovating within sour cream, developing a restaurant-style product that is thinner than traditional store-bought sour cream and can be more easily drizzled over a dish for the perfect bite every time. This year, we also recently launched a limited-edition, vanilla-flavored STAR WARS™ TRUMOO Blue Milk, which has been hugely popular with the cross-generational appeal that the STAR WARS franchise offers.

Looking ahead, we continue to leverage insights and tools to gain real-time consumer feedback, which we are using to develop a robust pipeline of dairy-based ingredients and products.

Agricultural Business Council Recognizes Dillingham Award Recipients

(Left Photo) Dillingham Award Presented to Dr. Scott Brown (center), with Ron Seeber, Council Chairman (left), and Chris Chinn, Missouri Director of Agriculture (right).
(Right Photo) Dillingham Award Presented to the family of Cliff Becker. (Left to right): Jackie McClaskey, American Royal; Kate Chomko; Lisa and Mike Smith; Ruby and Kristine Becker; Justin Becker; Kathy LaScala, Don Ransdell; Greg Henderson, Farm Journal

It was a bittersweet event as the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City honored two men not only for their career accomplishments but for their outsized personalities of warmth, sincerity, humor and humbleness. Receiving the 14th Annual Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence – the Council’s highest recognition – were Scott Brown, Ph.D., University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), and Cliff Becker, who, until his untimely passing last December, was vice president of campus development for the American Royal.

Event Master of Ceremonies and Council chairman Ron Seeber, president and CEO of the Kansas Grain & Feed Association, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association and Renew Kansas, introduced Bill Dillingham who recalled his family’s involvement in the Kansas City stockyards and the American Royal over four generations. Agriculture and livestock put Kansas City on the map, Dillingham noted.

Chris Chinn, director of Missouri Department of Agriculture, introduced Dr. Brown. She quipped that as soon as she found out he would be a recipient of the 2024 Jay B. Dillingham Award, she called Bob Petersen, executive director of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, and told him she had to be the one to introduce Dr. Brown. Among the many attributes Dr. Brown possessed, Chinn mentioned that whenever he had to deliver bad news he always tempered it with hope. She pointed out that Dr. Brown was at his best when explaining to politicians in Washington what the “real story” was back on the farm.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Brown said he is not worried about own legacy. Rather, he prefers to focus on what is best for the “youngsters” matriculating through Mizzou’s ag college programs. Dr. Brown joined the CAFNR as a research associate working the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). Over the past two decades, he has studied the quantitative effects of changes in federal dairy and livestock policies.  Dr. Brown has regularly testified before the U.S. Congress.  

Jackie McClaskey, president and CEO of the American Royal, delivered a moving tribute to Cliff Becker, saying, “It only took meeting him once to feel bad that you hadn’t met him earlier.” Greg Henderson, editorial director at Drovers magazine, seconded McClaskey’s sentiment. “There was never a person who met him who didn’t like him,” he said, adding, “Everything he did was for farmers and agriculture.”

Becker earned several industry awards over his 39-year career, including the National Agri-Marketing Association’s Career Achievement Award and the Livestock Publication Council’s Distinguished Service Award. He served on several boards, including as chairman of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and as vice chair of the Agricultural Advisory Board at Western Illinois University.

On hand for the awards ceremony, which was sponsored by John Deere and the American Royal, were several past recipients of the Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence:

• Gina Bowman, founder of the Agricultural Business Council

• Diane Olson, retired director of education at the Missouri Farm Bureau

• Tom Waters, chairman of the Missouri Levee and Drainage District Association

• Dr. Abner Womack, retired director of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute.

• Glen Klippenstein, Klippenstein Farms

• Blake Hurst, Hurst Farms

Additionally, Cliff Becker’s wife and daughter, along with siblings and other family members were in attendance.

Ag Business Council Recognizes Young Leaders in Agribusiness

May 16, 2024, KANSAS CITY, MO.  The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City has selected 7 individuals who it will honor in 2024 as Young Leaders in Agribusiness.

“We are pleased to recognize these young people who have been nominated by their employers and have shown exemplary passion, leadership, and business acumen,” said Ron Seeber, chair, KC Ag Business Council.  Seeber, who serves as president and CEO of Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Ag Retailers and Renew Kansas, pointed out these individuals represent the future, the next generation of executives who will lead the agribusiness sector.

Caitlin Baker, Compass Minerals

Caitlin Baker is a Product Manager in Plant Nutrition and Animal Feed products for Compass Minerals.  She was raised on a ranch in Texas where she was involved in the day-to-day operation. She earned  both a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Agricultural Leadership and M.S. in Agricultural Communications. Caitlin interned at Rodeo Austin and after graduation held positions at Bartlett Grain and Land O'Lakes in Feed and Grain Merchandising before joining Compass Minerals. She and her husband started a cow-calf and hay operation in NW Missouri in 2019 which they continue to grow from the ground up. 

Caitlin Baker

Janelle Commodore, Dairy Farmers of America

Janelle joined DFA in 2018 and has served in various marketing roles, including most recently as director of business development. In her current role as director of strategy and insights, she works across the Cooperative to drive DFA’s strategic planning process and ensure it’s a living component of the Cooperative’s culture. To do this, she collaborates with leaders throughout DFA to connect strategic priorities to existing business plans and performance goals. In her free time, you can find Janelle and her husband making pizzas and working at the Imo’s Pizza location they franchise. Janelle and her husband, Lucas, reside in Shawnee, KS with their son Calvin and dog Ruby. 

Janelle Commodore

Haley Larson, Kansas State University

Haley Larson, Ph.D., is a teaching Assistant Professor of Animal Health at Kansas State University's Olathe campus. Dr. Larson teaches, conducts research, and advises graduate students in various programs related to animal health.  She has worked to create industry-partnered graduate programs to support education and research in the field of agriculture for the KC Metro region.  She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S and Ph.D. in Animal Science.  Prior to her role at K-State, she worked for Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health as a senior scientist at the Global Innovation Center in Elk River, MN.  In that role, she designed the company’s dual-flow continuous culture system – the first fully automated dual-flow system for cattle rumen simulation. She is now working actively to develop lab capabilities for K-State at the Olathe campus.  Outside of work, Dr. Larson enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids – which typically consists of digging in the garden or working on their commercial cattle operation in central KS.

Haley Larson

Nathan Laudan, American Royal

Nathan Laudan is the Director of Education at the American Royal Association where he manages all youth and adult education programs, scholarships, and educational outreach efforts on behalf of the organization. He also serves as Director for the American Royal Museum. Before this Nathan was a Program Manager for Agriculture Future of America and has spent time in recruiting, fundraising, and arguably his most unique job, as a fraternity consultant for his organization, Alpha Gamma Rho. He graduated from Kansas State University with degrees in food science and agricultural communications & journalism. Nathan currently lives in Overland Park, KS and actively volunteers his time as a member of his fraternity alumni board and Recruitment Coach at both local chapter and national organization levels. He also volunteers his time with Kansas FFA at local and state levels and at various events at his church, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish.

Nathan Laudan

Jara Settles, Livestock Marketing Association

Jara Settles is General Counsel and Vice President of Risk Mitigation at the Livestock Marketing Association.  Jara grew up on a cow calf operation in northeast Nebraska and then attended Butler Community College and Kansas State University as a member of their livestock judging teams and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. After she graduated from Washburn University School of Law, she entered private practice at a large Kansas City-based firm. In her free time, Jara is actively involved as a volunteer and board member of the American Royal. She and her husband, Barrett Carlisle, own and operate Diamond C Livestock, which produces high-end club lambs and seedstock and remains involved with her family’s purebred Angus operation, Settles Cattle Company.

Jara Settles

Julie Warner, AdFarm

Julie Warner is a Senior PR and Content Specialist with AdFarm in Kansas City. She develops and implements public relations campaigns that drive results for a variety of agriculture clients, like CNH Parts & Service and the American Royal.  Julie earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural communications from Missouri State University. She and her husband, Nathan, operate their family farm in Archie, Missouri, where they have a registered Hereford and commercial cow/calf operation. She enjoys spending time at a livestock show, helping out in the hayfield and making memories with her tight-knit family.

Julie Warner

Johnny Weidmaier, Bayer CropScience

Johnny Weidmaier is a Senior Plant Engineer at Bayer CropScience's Kansas City site, where he oversees the production of active ingredients for herbicides and fungicides. Johnny earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Kansas State University and is currently pursuing an MBA from Marquette University.  Outside of his corporate responsibilities, Johnny, alongside his brother, manages Weidmaier Farms, LLC, a thriving cow-calf operation in northwest Missouri. Their vision for the farm reflects Johnny's commitment to the future of agriculture, aiming to pass on a sustainable legacy to the next generation.  Johnny lives in Kearney, MO with his wife Lexie and two daughters. 

Johnny Weidmaier

The Council will recognize these young leaders at a reception in Kansas City on July 9.