Hog Industry News

Could EPA Decision Signal The Beginning Of The End For DEF?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:16:02 GMT

Mike Berdo has strong words to describe his ongoing experiences using machinery requiring DEF ( Diesel Exhaust Fluid ) on his southeast Iowa farm.

“It has been an absolute nightmare, at least for us. Mechanics make trip after trip to do little stuff that’s very expensive to fix,” said Berdo, who produces grain and beef cattle near Washington. “We had planting delays last spring … little stuff that came from it and just seemed like [an issue to deal with] day after day.”

The ongoing mechanical issues and costs are why Berdo said he is “all for” EPA rescinding the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. The Finding has enabled the agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under Section 202 of the Clean Air Act and, in recent years, and launch requirements such as the use of DEF systems in diesel-powered engines.

EPA Draws A Line In The Sand
On Tuesday, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin released a proposal to rescind the 2009 Finding.

If finalized, the proposal would remove all greenhouse gas standards for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and heavy-duty engines, EPA said in a follow-up press release .

The move would start with EPA’s first greenhouse gas standard set in 2010 for light-duty vehicles and those set in 2011 for medium-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles and engines.

EPA said the proposal is expected to “save Americans $54 billion in costs annually through the repeal of all greenhouse gas standards, including the Biden EPA’s electric vehicle mandate, under conservative economic forecasts.”

Zeldin made the announcement to rescind the Finding in Indiana, alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and called it the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history.

What The Decision Could Mean To Farmers
Specific to U.S. farmers, the proposal could potentially result in DEF systems no longer being included on new tractors and other heavy equipment using diesel-powered engines, said Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk, during a Farmer Forum discussion on Wednesday.

South Dakota farmer Ryan Wagner told Flory he has a wait-and-see perspective on how or whether the EPA proposal goes into effect. He anticipates that reversing the Finding will take considerable time and effort for EPA to implement.

“It took a long time with the interim engines and things to get into full DEF in the first place,” Wagner said. “I don’t know how long it would take to unwind all that and how quickly manufacturing will just take those systems right off, but it’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

To Wagner’s point, here’s a brief look back at some timing showing when DEF rolled out in agriculture and nonroad equipment and became mandatory . The regulations were phased in over several years based on the type of equipment and engine size:

2008: DEF became required for all new diesel engines with engine sizes over 750 horsepower.

2011: the regulations expanded to include equipment with engine sizes between 175-750 horsepower.

By 2015, all new nonroad diesel engines were required to be Tier 4 compliant and utilize DEF, regardless of equipment type or engine size.

As Wagner considers DEF, he noted its use in diesel engines has provided him with one benefit: “On the plus side, I do like that they don’t make the walls of my shop black. That’s been nice,” he said. “You can run them inside for a short time and not not feel like you’re breathing in a bunch of soot and making everything black.”

Expect Legal Challenges To EPA Decision
A number of environmental groups have already blasted the move by EPA, saying it spells the end of the road for U.S. action against climate change, according to an online article by Reuters .

Legal challenges from various environmental groups, states and lawyers are likely ahead.

That fact wasn’t lost on Flory and the Farmer Forum participants during the AgriTalk discussion on Wednesday.

“If this proposal is finalized, it’s going to start a lot of conversations … and the dominoes are going to start to fall, something that we need to keep track of, no doubt,” Flory said. You can hear the complete Farmer Forum discussion on AgriTalk here:

EPA will initiate a public comment period to solicit input. Further information on the public comment process and instructions for participation will be published in the Federal Register and on the EPA website .

Your next read: Right To Repair Granted? John Deere Launches Digital Self-Repair Tool for $195 Per Tractor

Farming and Public Service Memoir Released By Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 21:29:14 GMT

On April 24, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture John Block released a memoir chronicling his years growing up on an Illinois farm and his time in public service. Pigs Politics, Persistence: The Life and Legacy of John “Jack” Block offers an in-depth look at his career in agriculture, government, and public service. The book provides firsthand insights into Block’s experiences as an Illinois farmer, policymaker, and national leader who played a pivotal role in shaping modern American agriculture.

Block grew up in Galesburg, Ill., and helped on his family farm milking cows, collecting eggs and feeding pigs . His childhood included going to school in a one room schoolhouse, and he remembers the time the family got electricity and indoor plumbing.

Block went to West Point and served in the Army before returning to the family farm and working with his dad in the 60s and 70s raising corn, soybeans, hogs and cattle. When Block returned to the farm, the family expanded, little by little. At one time they were farming 3,000 and feeding out 6,000 hogs.

Block served as the Illinois State Secretary of Agriculture, then as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 1981 to 1986 under President Ronald Reagan. During his tenure, the industry dealt with the U.S. grain embargo, the Conservation Reserve Program, and the 1980s farm crisis. A lifelong advocate for farmers, Block’s leadership continues to influence agricultural policy today. His new book shares personal stories, policy battles, and reflections on the evolution of American farming.

“This book is a testament to the resilience of America’s farmers and the importance of sound agricultural policy,” said Block in a release. “I hope readers gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of those who dedicate their lives to feeding the world.”

Block has remained active in agriculture and public service, continuing to be a respected voice on issues impacting rural America.

Your next read: Your Veterinarian: A Critical Partner for Success

National Pork Board Says New Tagline is About You, But It’s Not For You

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:32:15 GMT

The National Pork Board announced the tagline of its new pork campaign, “Taste what pork can do,” before a crowd of pork producers at the National Pork Industry Forum on March 13.

One message stood out to marketing advisory committee members Jennifer Tirey, Rob Brenneman and Gordon Spronk as they discussed the new tagline: I’m not the target. Likely, neither are you.

Here’s why that’s good news.

When Jennifer Tirey, executive director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association, first heard the final tagline, she admits it took her a minute.

“I had to sit with it. I had to say it a couple times,” Tirey says. “At first, I thought it was a little uneventful, that we were trying too hard. But as I thought about the consumer who is not in our lane every day, I was sold. Consumers need to hear this tagline the way it’s presented because we know they are not thinking about our product like we are every day.”

This is Tirey’s tenth year working for Illinois pork producers. Quite frankly, she says recent campaigns felt more like a rally of the home team.

“What’s different about this campaign is that it’s looking beyond the pork producer that already loves our product,” she says. “That’s where I feel like we’ve not hit that home run in the past. A lot of outside perspective was brought in, which is important to play at that level we’re hoping to play. Producers can have confidence that this campaign is being built around what consumers say they want about pork.”

It’s time to open the floodgates of flavor.

(Jennifer Shike)

Iowa pork producer Rob Brenneman wasn’t sure what to think at first either.

“The tagline isn’t meant for pork producers, though. We produce the product and then we want somebody to eat it,” Brenneman says. “We already know what it tastes like, and we don’t need a tagline to eat it. But we have to draw the attention of millions and millions of people who have not experienced raising pigs or being in agriculture.”

Taste Leads the Way
Brenneman stands behind the tagline because it emphasizes the most important thing he produces: tasty pork. Data shows taste and flavor matter to consumers of all ages.

Gordon Spronk, a veterinarian with Pipestone, says he was pleased with the final choice. He values the hard work, research and data that the National Pork Board used in determining the final tagline.

“Do you know what our agency did when they started the process of this campaign?” Spronk asks. “They had a barbecue. They came up with a number of things, and settled on “Taste what pork can do,” because they actually tasted, cooked and ate the pork. I was like, ‘OK, you got me there.’”

He believes the whole industry should pay attention because this is a key moment for the pork industry.

“Old guys like me and the generation coming up with our family farm are in a generational transfer. I’m really more excited for them than me when it comes to this tagline,” Spronk says. “I think they can ride this brand for a long time. It has great potential for a number of reasons.”

“We are unapologetically pork.” The consumer testing was very clear, says National Pork Board’s David Newman, that pork must be in the tagline.

(Jennifer Shike)

Using Pork to Sell Pork
The industry has not had a recognizable campaign stick since the tagline, “Pork. The Other White Meat.” established decades ago, Brenneman says.

One of the biggest reasons he’s excited about this new campaign is that it will use pork to sell pork. It sounds simple, but “Pork. The Other White Meat,” straddled the line between trying to be a little like chicken and a little like beef, Spronk says.

“That was a strategy we learned from,” he says. “We are unapologetically pork. We start at bacon, then go to sausage, pepperoni, ham and on from there.”

It’s Different This Time
This pork campaign will look different than past campaigns for two reasons, Spronk says.

“First, it’s not going to be about billboards, it’s going to be about swipes and clicks and screens that pop up,” he adds. “Second, the National Pork Board has a long effort in collecting the data of who’s actually eating pork. We know consumption for Gen Zs and Millennials is much lower than Baby Boomers. We need to speak to them. This tagline has been thoroughly tested by professionals, it’s not for me. I’m going to eat my 55 lb. regardless of what the tagline says. I’m probably not going to change my eating habits, but they may.”

Data shows younger Americans eat pork less frequently, says David Newman of the National Pork Board. Long-term consumption is at risk, but he says it’s all reversible.

(Lori Hays)

Chad Groves, CEO of Seaboard Foods and a director on the National Pork Board, says the younger generations love the processed side.

“They love bacon, sausage, ham, and we view that as the gateway to fresh pork,” Groves says. “I go back to my childhood, growing up in central Indiana, a pork loin was a part of our meal at least two to three times per week. My kids don’t have that same experience. The younger generations are not being exposed to the fresh pork category like we used to be.”

In the consumer segmentation research, the National Pork Board asked individuals who are not the prime pork audience how they feel about pork.

“A lot of the messaging and promotional campaign items they’re working on are going to be targeted to what those consumers said,” Tirey adds. “It’s not going to be geared to your traditional pork producer that loves making a great pork chop on the weekend on the grill. It’s going to be that consumer that doesn’t have as much knowledge about our product and how they can start adding it into their daily menus. That’s what makes me excited – the research behind the decision making that we are making today.”

Cultural Differences
The “can do” part of the campaign builds on the concept that the ways to add pork to every meal are unlimited. Pork’s 111 flavor profiles baffled Spronk at first.

“The cultural opportunities and ways pork is used globally are astounding,” he says. “I just returned from Cuba and have Cubano sandwiches on my mind. I love pork dumplings in noodle soup and cooking tonkatsu for my friends and family. I promise my grandmother didn’t even know what tonkatsu meant. We have not even scratched the surface of what pork can do in our blended U.S. culture.”

The pork industry doesn’t have the marketing budget to hit everybody, Tirey explains, so being strategic is key. That’s where the consumer segmentation data will help guide efforts to “ fish where the fish are .”

“The campaign won’t use a shotgun approach. We’re not going out to all consumers like some of the campaigns in the past,” Groves says. “This will be very targeted to identify younger consumers and speak to them in a way that resonates with them, whether it’s taste, flavor, convenience or something else, to pull them into the category. This is not an investment for next year. This is an investment into the next 25 years of pork production and beyond.”

Read Next:
What’s The Risk of Doing Nothing About Pork Demand?
We Need a New Playbook in the Pork Industry

Smithfield Foods Announces Launch of Initial Public Offering

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:02:58 GMT

Smithfield Foods, Inc., announced that it has “commenced the roadshow” for an underwritten initial public offering of 34,800,000 shares of its common stock.

According to a release, the initial public offering price is expected to be between $23 and $27 per share. The offering consists of 17.4 million shares of common stock to be sold by Smithfield and 17.4 million shares of common stock to be sold by Smithfield’s existing shareholder identified in the registration statement as Hong Kong-based WH Group, the world’s largest pork producer.

In addition, the underwriters of the offering will be granted a 30-day option to purchase from the selling shareholder up to 5.22 million additional shares of Smithfield’s common stock at the initial offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

Smithfield said in a release that it will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling shareholder.

“Smithfield Foods is targeting a valuation of up to $10.73 billion in its U.S. initial public offering,” Reuters reports. “The U.S. IPO market is set for a historic week ahead as liquefied natural gas behemoth Venture Global looks to go public at a $110 billion valuation.”

Learn More Here: Smithfield Foods is First to File for U.S. IPO in 2025

Tyson Foods Heir Avoids Jail, Pleads Guilty to Drunk Driving

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:27:39 GMT

John R. Tyson, Tyson Foods Inc.'s heir, pled guilty to drunken driving and other charges after his arrest in June, agreeing to pay a fine, but avoiding additional jail time, Bloomberg reports.

Tyson, the 34-year-old great-grandson of the company’s founder, was sentenced to pay $960 in fines and fees, along with 32 hours of public service, the article said. According to prosecutors in Fayetteville, Ark., his sentence of 90 days in jail was suspended as part of a plea deal.

After the incident in June, Tyson was suspended as chief financial officer. He was permanently removed from his role two months later, the article said.

This was his second arrest related to public intoxication. In November 2022 , he was found intoxicated and asleep in someone else’s home.

Curt Calaway was chosen to replace Tyson as CFO on Aug. 29. The company said in a release that Tyson is still with the company, but is on “health-related leave.” Calaway has been with the company since 2006. He reports directly to Donnie King, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tyson Foods.

Your Next Read: Tyson Foods’ CFO Found Intoxicated And Asleep In Random Home

Ag Industry Mourns Death of Bill Northey

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:44:15 GMT

On Monday, February 5 the news of Bill Northey’s passing quickly spread through the agriculture industry, of which he dedicated his professional life to serving.

Most recently as CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI), Northey was also previous Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and served as Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation at USDA from 2018 to 2021.

Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags be flown at half staff.

“Bill was a great leader whose work ethic and passion for Iowa agriculture was unmatched. Iowans and farmers around the country were fortunate to have such a rock-solid advocate and friend,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said, “I am in shock at the news of Bill’s unexpected passing. Jaime and I send our deepest and sincerest condolences to Cindy and the entire Northey family. Bill was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a farmer. He loved Iowa and he loved Iowa agriculture. His curiosity, care for others, and love of learning made him a leader that everyone could admire. Bill brought a farmer’s work ethic to every aspect of his life, and he was tireless in promoting our state, its people and our agriculture.”

Naig continued, “Bill was a friend and mentor to so many people here in Iowa and across the country, including me. This is an incredible loss for our state, for agriculture, and for everybody who knew and loved Bill.”

Northey was a member of the National Association of State Directors of Agriculture, and the organization’s president from 2011 to 2012.

NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said, “Bill Northey was my good friend as he was to so very many others. We have lost a titan in U.S. agriculture. All of NASDA expresses sorrow for his loss and our love and support go out to his wife Cindy and his family. As a lifelong leader in the industry, Bill had an immense depth of knowledge and experience that he shared to benefit all of agriculture.”

Others posted to social media:

American ag lost a tremendous servant and leader today with the passing of @BillAtUSDA. Former Iowa Secretary of Ag Northey dedicated his life to advancing the health and prosperity of family farms and rural communities. We extend our deepest condolences to the Northey family. pic.twitter.com/VwcXDWvWdz
— Corteva U.S. (@CortevaUS) February 6, 2024

All of us at the Renewable Fuels Association were saddened to learn of Bill Northey’s passing, and we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. Bill was a passionate and tireless advocate for agriculture and renewable fuels. He dedicated his career… pic.twitter.com/ASFC9DRkPG
— Renewable Fuels Association (@EthanolRFA) February 5, 2024

Agriculture lost a tireless champion, defender and promoter.

Iowa Farm Bureau's statement on the passing of former Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey ⬇️https://t.co/xpCWs8Q8hn
— Iowa Farm Bureau (@IowaFarmBureau) February 5, 2024

From our President & CEO, Matt Carstens:

The State of Iowa and the greater agricultural community lost a true champion of ag, farmers, and rural communities with the untimely passing of Bill Northey. As the Secretary of Agriculture, he advocated for farmers and farm families.…
— Landus (@LandusAg) February 6, 2024

US Justice Department Probing ADM Accounting Practices

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:38:35 GMT

The U.S. Justice Department is probing accounting practices at Archer Daniels Midland Co, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter, ramping up pressure on the global commodities giant.

New York-listed shares of ADM’s stock dropped 24% on Jan. 22 after the company disclosed the previous day that it had suspended its CFO amid an internal probe into accounting practices related to its Nutrition division. The company’s probe was prompted by a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) inquiry, it said.

The two sources said that in recent days the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) has interviewed former ADM employees about accounting practices at the 122-year old, Chicago-based maker of animal feed, sweeteners and other products.

The sources each said a SDNY prosecutor asked about the company’s pricing practices related to the sales of goods from ADM’s commodities units to its Nutrition division.

A third source with knowledge of the matter said that the SDNY had opened an investigation into ADM. The source was unaware of the substance of the probe.

Reuters could not immediately determine the scope of the probe or the degree to which it had advanced.

Spokespeople for ADM and SDNY declined to comment.

Government investigations are not evidence of wrongdoing and do not necessarily result in charges.

Still, a probe by the Justice Department, which has the power to bring criminal charges and impose steep fines, increases pressure on ADM and is likely to inflame investor concerns.

Shares of ADM extended earlier losses on Monday, falling 4.3% to $53.29 at around 1:43 p.m. EST (1843 GMT).

Reuters could not ascertain if the Justice Department probe directly relates to the company’s internal probe. That focuses on “intersegment transactions” in ADM’s Nutrition reporting segment and the transfer of goods between segments, according to ADM’s Jan. 21 disclosure in which it also said it was delaying its financial results.

The Nutrition division manufactures ingredients used in pet food, animal feed and consumer products, such as energy bars. It is a relatively small unit of ADM, a giant in global grains trading which has a market capitalization of nearly $30 billion. Since 2020, however, the division has played a major role in the doling out of executive compensation.

A change by ADM’s Compensation and Succession Committee in 2020 tied half of long-term executive compensation to the Nutrition segment’s operating profit growth, according to ADM’s regulatory filings. Previously, long-term compensation had been based on ADM’s adjusted earnings, return on invested capital and relative total shareholder returns, the filings showed.

ADM’s 24% share price plunge was its biggest single-day fall since 1929, according to the Chicago-based Center for Research in Security Prices.

The company has since told employees that it will delay bonuses for some senior executives until its financial statements were completed and audited, Reuters reported last week.

(Reporting by Chris Prentice and Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Michelle Price, Caroline Stauffer and Matthew Lewis)

John Deere Introduces 326 P-Tier Compact Wheel Loader

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:39:03 GMT

John Deere announces the release of its new 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader. The 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader offers 16-plus feet of reach from its telescopic lift arm while still being compact enough to work in barns or other tight spaces.

“Operators will enjoy it for the cab visibility, the boom controls and the exclusive Articulation Plus steering system,” said Luke Gribble, John Deere go-to-market manager. “Put it all together, and the 326 P-Tier is a real multitool for the farm or ranch.”

To help guard against overloading, The Load Torque Indicator System gives visual and audible alarms if stability limits are exceeded during lifting, lowering or extension of the lift arm. In addition, a separate indicator warns of potential overload of the tilt cylinder.

“Features like these help make the 326 P-Tier an operator-friendly wheel loader for farmers and ranchers,” Gribble said. “And it is perfect for less-experienced operators.”

Inside the cab, operators will find a comfortable, easy-to-navigate environment. A 9-inch touchscreen display puts key information within easy view, and it shows key data such as warnings, status and machine-positioning information.

Conveniently placed electro-hydraulic controls offer Auto Return-to-Dig, and Auto Lift and Lower functions, and help to reduce cycle times. Optional boom-mounted lights and standard overhead window allow for a clear view to the end of the telescoping arm.

The new compact wheel loader also features a 23-mph top speed to help move quickly between jobs. And for tight turning in barns and other cramped spaces, its Articulation Plus steering system offers a full 30 degrees of articulation plus 10 additional degrees of rear-wheel steering.

To learn more about the new 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader, visit JohnDeere.com or contact your local John Deere dealer.

ADM Puts CFO On Leave With Ongoing Investigation In Cooperation with SEC

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:37:47 GMT

On Sunday, Jan. 21, announced it has appointed Ismael Roig as Interim Chief Financial Officer. This is following the ADM Board of Directors placing Vikram Luthar, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, on administrative leave.

Luthar’s leave is pending an ongoing investigation being conducted by outside counsel for ADM and the Board’s Audit Committee. The investigation is in response to ADM receiving a voluntary document request by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Specifically, the request regards accounting practices and procedures with respect to ADM’s Nutrition reporting segment, including as related to certain intersegment transactions.

“The Board takes these matters very seriously,” said Terry Crews, Lead Director, in a news release. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, the Board determined that it was advisable to place Mr. Luthar on administrative leave. The Board will continue to work in close coordination with ADM’s advisors to identify the best path forward and ensure ADM’s processes align with financial governance best practices.”

The company says it is cooperating with the SEC and ADM with the Audit Committee’s oversight is working with its advisors to complete the investigation. Any future updates will be after the board of directors of ADM approves announcing any further disclosure.

With the CFO announcement, ADM also said it will delay its earnings release and conference call relating to fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results, as well as the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Regarding its future outlook, because of the ongoing investigation, ADM withdraws all of its forward-looking outlook for the Nutrition reporting segment.

Roig joined the company in 2004, and he most recently served both as President of Europe, Africa and Middle Eastern markets at ADM.

In the company’s news release Roig said, “I look forward to working closely with the management team and Board, including the Audit Committee, as we resolve this matter and continue to drive value for our stockholders and customers.”

Chair of the Board and CEO Juan Luciano said, “We are fortunate to have a leader of Ismael’s caliber step into the Chief Financial Officer role on an interim basis. Having served in various leadership positions at ADM over the past 20 years, as a member of the Executive Council for ten years, and with his global financial and operating experience, Ismael is the right choice to lead the Finance organization. We appreciate Ismael’s willingness to take on the Interim CFO role at this juncture.”

Need A Veterinarian In Your Area? Then Support This Legislation Now

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:50:49 GMT

New legislation has been introduced to address the critical shortage of veterinarians practicing in rural America.

Specifically, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced bipartisan legislation this past week to address the problem, which continues to significantly impact rural communities and food animal producers most critically.

The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act S.2829 would provide tax benefits to veterinarians to encourage them to practice in rural communities, the senators said in a joint news release. This will not only increase the care available to livestock and poultry, but also address food safety and public health concerns in these communities, they said.

Benefits For Public Health, Too

“Increasing veterinary services in high-priority rural areas through the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act would help keep the nation’s livestock healthy and our food supply safe and secure, and protect public health,” said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in the release.

“The AVMA has been a long-time champion of the proposed legislation,” Carlson added. “After the legislation received a historic level of support in the previous Congress, we look forward to working with the congressional champions to enact this bill and help rural communities across the country access the many essential services veterinarians provide.”

A report commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation in 2022 noted that more than 500 counties across the U.S. have shortages of food animal veterinarians.

Less Than 5% of New Graduates Choose Food Animal Practice

Today, only about 3% to 4% of new veterinary school graduates pursue livestock or other food-animal practice options, a stark decline from 40 years ago when about 40% of graduates specialized in this area, according to the report authored by Cornell University’s Dr. Clinton Neill.

The shortages stem from several factors, including high levels of education debt that have outpaced potential earnings, especially in the rural U.S. This is encouraging more veterinarians to pursue companion animal practices and work in urban and suburban areas where incomes are often higher.

“The decline in food animal veterinarians in rural areas heightens concerns for a number of risks, including food safety threats, animal disease outbreaks, the potential passing of animal diseases to human populations, and decreasing rural economic growth,” Dr. Neill said. “In essence, veterinarians protect the whole of the human and animal population, so it is critical that we have a strong pipeline of practitioners to work in rural areas.”

Twenty-Year Old Program Needs Update

In 2003, Congress established the The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act to address this shortage by assisting qualifying veterinarians with student loan repayment in exchange for a three-year commitment to practice in underserved communities.

However, the program is currently subject to a significant federal withholding tax, which limits available resources and the reach of its benefits. The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act provides an exemption from the federal income withholding tax for payments received under the program and similar state programs, helping give more veterinarians the opportunity to practice in small, rural communities where their services are needed most. This change would reflect similar exemptions provided to medical doctors and other human health practitioners.

A statement of support from over 100 stakeholder groups, which includes the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, can be found here .

The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Senators King (D-Maine), Hyde-Smith (R- Miss.), Smith (D-Minn.), Murkowski (R-Alaska), Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Moran (R-Kan.), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Boozman (R-Ark.), Collins (R-Maine), Murray (D-Wash.), and Risch (R-Idaho).

From a Mountain of Debt to a Molehill

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10 Ways to Kick the ‘Imposter Syndrome’ to the Curb

New Partnership Aims to Address Rural Veterinary Shortage

7 Reasons Your Best Employees Quit

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 21:11:54 GMT

Learn how to avoid these frustrating and deal-breaking mistakes

Yes, recruiting members for your team is extremely difficult. But before you spend your time and energy on that challenge, focus first on your current team.

“Put retention in front of recruiting,” suggests Mel Kleiman, president of Humetrics, a human resource consulting firm. “Become a place that people want to work, and then when people hear you have an opening, they come to you.”

How do you prioritize retention? Analyze why employees leave your farm. Many times, their departures fall into these categories.

1. Substandard Co-Workers: “The good employees aren’t paid enough to cover for or put up with the hiring mistakes,” Kleiman says. Don’t force your good employees to compensate for others who are lazy, indifferent or undependable.

2. Mind-Numbing Tasks: New employees are often handed boring and repetitive jobs. Even in downtimes, come up with meaningful work, suggests Erika Osmundson, director of marketing and communications for AgCareers.com. Find ways to make roles on your farm fun or challenging.

3. No Attention or Authority: “When a supervisor is so busy fighting the fires created by problem employees, he or she never has any time for his best people,” Kleiman says. Many times, this busy leader also fails to delegate authority to capable employees, leaving those employees frustrated.

4. No Training: Forgot that often-repeated phrase that training is not a good investment because “they’ll leave in three months anyway.” Establish an ongoing training plan, suggests Wesley Tucker, University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist. “Utilize multiple methods to ensure employees absorb and retain critical information,” he says. “Look for opportunities for both formal and spontaneous training.”

5. No Chance for Advancement: Do you share insights about future opportunities or positions? Recognize how advancements drive retention and job satisfaction. “A lot of times, we hire young people and think they are great,” says Dave Allen, president of Agri-Search, a placement firm for agricultural jobs. “So, you let them go do their thing. But, if you forget about them, they will be gone in two years.”

6. Lack of Respect: Employees need positive recognition, Kleiman says. “Praise in public and criticize in private,” he says. Many times, supervisors avoid positive feedback for fear the recipient might ask for a raise – this is the wrong approach.

7. Scheduling Conflicts: When an employer promises “flexible hours,” but it turns out “flexible hours” means having to work whenever and however long the manager wants them to, good employees look for the exit door. “Structure work schedules to allow for flexibility,” Osmundson suggests. “Maybe you can work shortened hours during certain parts of the year. Look for unique ways you can offer flexibility.”

Learn more tips on how to lead your team at the at the 2021 Top Producer Summit. Register now!

Read More

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‘Tis the Season for Appreciation

Purposeful Transition Guides Indiana Father-Son Team

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 21:11:08 GMT

Take a look around Douglas Farms and you know this operation is focused on the future. A cutting-edge grain storage system shadows a picturesque and functional shop and office. Several specialty row crops grow in surrounding fields. Nearby, 3-week-old pigs are being fed to market weight through an innovative partnership.

Aesthetics aside, the reason this farm will grow forward is the focus of its leaders, Jim, 66, and James, 33. For years, the father-and-son team never dreamed they would be partners in the farm. But through proactive planning, strong communication and an eye on finances, the two have a solid framework in place.

Hog-and-Crop Model

A fourth-generation operation based in Flat Rock, Ind., Douglas Farms included 120 acres when Jim returned home after college. Jim bought his dad’s equipment and the homestead. He grew his acreage base and started a farrow-to-finish hog operation to diversify.

That hog-and-crop model supported the family for decades, which included his wife, Kay, and their five children: Julie, Lora, Katie, James and Leann. The Douglas children grew up and left the farm.

James headed to Purdue University and graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in building construction management. After working for five years in that field, the flat, rich soil of central Indiana started pulling him home.

“If I was going to try farming, it was the time,” James says. “If I didn’t like it, I’d just go back to construction. But once I moved back, I haven’t looked back.”

After James’ return, the family knew they should start the succession planning process. Jim’s father had set a good example of how to welcome the next generation home and set them up for success. Five years into the process, Jim and James know they still have a long road and lots of issues to work out in the years ahead. Yet, they have learned many valuable lessons during the journey.

Start with goals and a timeline.

To start the process, Jim and James met with their family attorney. They talked through the pros and cons of forming an official partnership or building their operations collaboratively.

Jim’s original goal was to retire by age 70. Originally, they decided against jointly owning assets. But this year they formed a limited liability company (LLC), which is jointly owned by the two. Owned land and equipment will be rented by the LLC. This new arrangement simplifies inventory and billing and will help Jim phase out of ownership.

Allow heirs to build equity.

When James returned, he knew his father didn’t plan to just hand over acres or assets. The two decided they would share labor and have James slowly buy assets to let Jim phase out of ownership and risk.

“One of the first things I did was build a hog barn, which has provided a good income stream and equity,” James says. “The big advantages I’ve had are having a good base of operations and my dad shouldered the bulk of the equipment costs as I started out. However, as planned, I’m beginning to shoulder more of that burden at a pace that meets both of our goals and timelines.”

Don’t make heirs pay twice.

Jim had a clear goal with his succession plan: Don’t make the younger generation pay for assets twice.

“They work here and through their labor they are helping you run the operation and pay for it,” he says. “If you don’t plan, when you phase out you appraise everything and the child working here has to pay his siblings for it, and really they already helped pay for it with labor.”

When Jim started farming, his dad sold him the family homestead. “On the rest of the physical facilities, we froze the value,” he explains. “Then when he died, we paid that money into his estate. Along the way, we were free to add on to any of our buildings without the thought we’d have to split assets after he died. Plus, I knew the price I was going to pay.”

Transfer responsibility and knowledge.

As the swine industry evolved, Jim decided to transition from farrow-to-finish and partner with the Legan family to form a separate enterprise: D&L Pork. The Legan family delivers weaner pigs, which are finished out on the Douglas farm. This collaboration happened around the same time of James’ return home. It was a natural place for him to step in and take on responsibility.

“If I see mistakes amongst my farming peers, it’s the dad not willing to give up the combine or planter seat,” Jim says. “You have to give younger people some responsibility and let them run with it.”

When farming with adult children, it is important to be open to ideas, delegate meaningful responsibility and share decisions, explains Val Farmer, a clinical psychologist and author who specialized in family relationships during his 30-year career.

“Too many farmers have a top-down style of management that robs their operations of motivation, commitment and ideas that would make for better farming and happier people,” Farmer says.

Through this transition of leadership, decision-making authority and growth, Farmer has a simple reminder: “One doesn’t manage creativity; one manages for creativity.”

Plan for future obstacles.

Jim carefully analyzed how to treat his on-farm and off-farm children fairly. They put their farm ground in a limited liability company to easily transfer ownership.

“Our children all have professional careers,” he says. “You don’t foresee them needing money prematurely before our deaths. But you never know, as medical conditions or divorce throw curveballs. Even after we’re gone, those issues could prevent them from maintaining ownership of land. So, you really need a vehicle for them to cash out.”

Stay focused and revisit the plan.

Jim and James know their succession plan is farm from concrete. They know parts will need revisited and reworked.

“Your life changes and so does your kids’ lives,” Jim says. “When you revisit it five or 10 years later and talk through some of these same questions, their answers may change.”

Take Steps to Release the Farm Reins

Parents should take these steps to create a profitable and supportive transfer of control of a farm, explains Val Farmer, a clinical psychologist and business advisor. He provides this advice.

Support their desire to be independent. Now is the time to minimize your own role as the lone ranger who did it all.
Be an appreciative audience for their ideas. How you ask questions is key. Be supportive, not critical or demoralizing.
Encourage diverse experiences, exposure to new strategies and collaboration with other professionals. Suggest travel and conferences that expand horizons.
Create a healthy relationship with failure. Your reactions to failure will be the greatest cue as to your children’s willingness to be creative.
Give appropriate recognition. Join with others in publicizing and sharing the success of your children’s innovations. Take a back seat, or others will assume you are the driving force.

Taxes aren’t the problem when it comes to succession planning. Kids’ future divorces and lack of communication cause even bigger problems says attorney Polly Dobbs. Learn how to protect your assets.

Two Vital Connections for Your Leadership Journey

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:10:23 GMT

I can’t think of a single farmer I’ve written about for Top Producer who doesn’t have a mentor. This common thread of support, gut checking and inspiration is evident in the success top producers find.

Mentors can take many forms. Perhaps you’ve had the pleasure of working alongside a parent or relative, or you’ve sought out a business leader in your community.

That’s what Matt Splitter, a young farmer from Kansas did. The relationship his family built with another family in his area transformed his operation.

GROW FASTER

Look at the decision makers and leaders on your farm. Are they all around the same age? Do they all have the same experience level?

If so, you could be on the precipice of getting really stuck in your business, says Jon Acuff, an entrepreneur, speaker and best-selling author.

If you really want to grow the sophistication or size of your farm, borrow someone else’s diploma, Acuff encourages. He says every business leader needs two mentors:

One who is 10 to 20 years ahead of you.
One who is 10 to 20 years behind you.

The first is someone with a decade or two more experience than you.

“Look at the parts of your life or business you want to make a little better or enjoy a little more, and find someone who is doing that” Acuff says.

Ask: What do you wish you knew at my stage?

On the flip side, develop a relationship with someone who is 10 or 20 years behind you in age or experience.

Why? “They are seeing things you are not seeing,” Acuff says. “They are seeing things you just don’t see because of your age or experience.”

Ask: What is the new way to do this?

Where does it say you must have the experience to learn from the experience? When we are humble enough to “borrow that diploma,” we’ll grow in a way we never expected, he adds.

Learn more insights from Acuff: The Surprising Truth: 4 Things You May Not Know About Reaching Goals

The 4 Questions to Ask Before Making Any Big Business Decision

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:56:45 GMT

The difference between strategy and serendipity is small when you are prepared, explains Mark Faust, president of Echelon Management .

How can you be ready, willing and able to lead your farm into the future? Start by developing a decision-making process.

“Have you put off decisions that could be of great benefit to your company? Do you sometimes feel as though you agonize over decisions?” Faust asks. “Here are a few tools that have helped many leaders with whom we work deftly make more effective decisions.”

If the decision is between alternatives, your first step is to ask the following questions:

What are the “musts,” or non-negotiables, that we cannot sacrifice?
What are the “wants” that we would like to gain?
What are the potential risks that we need to consider?
What are the potential gains that could be realized?

Faust offers this additional guidance when answering the above questions:

Musts: These are mandatory, measurable, and realistic. This will sometimes sift out options that are not appropriate.

Wants: See which of the above “must” options will likely meet the most wants. List the wants behind each relevant option.

Risks: At this point, many decisions should become at least much clearer if not obvious, he says. You are looking for the most rational decision, which equates to the maximum benefit within acceptable risk parameters.

Gains: Think through the potential benefits behind each option and consider if some of the options begin to deliver a much greater return with a reasonable likelihood of success.

For larger and risker decisions, Faust says you may need to take this analysis a step forward. He suggests putting your decision factors from the above into a spreadsheet. For each option, you will want to weight the negative potential of the risk or positive potential of the reward.

For example, he says, you could rank a reward from 1 to 5, with these parameters:

1 = Some minor enhancement that only you would know about.

2 = A nice improvement that people around you could benefit from and see.

3 = A benefit that is companywide and people are talking about on a regular basis.

4 = Customers flocking to your company.

5 = A game changer for the company, industry, or more.

After rating the reward potential, do the same with the risks, considering the following ratings:

-1 = A minor annoyance

-2 = A problem you could solve

-3 = A problem for which you would have to get help and it would be made public in the company.

-4 = A huge embarrassment

-5 = A problem so bad that it could harm your company.

To make changes, Faust says, the rewards must be a 2 or more. Otherwise, you might as well consider other potentials. If the risks are -4 or -5, then you may want to eliminate that option.

“The problem for most leaders making decisions is that they aren’t using any objective criteria or tools to evaluate the options available,” he says. “Instead, far too many of us spin our wheels and then make decisions based on intuition, when a much more helpful and objective approach could be applied.”

Of course, you have valuable instincts based on years of experience and data. Yet, Faust says, you could improve your decision-making success by using more tools to evaluate your options.

“Frequently, there is an objectifying tool we can pull out and use to help make the decision more rational and measured and thus give confidence to the CEO that they are doing the best they can in making that decision,” he says. “Also, bring in an objective outsider, someone not burdened with the concerns surrounding the decision can offer a unique wisdom that can accelerate success.”

Learn more from Faust by watching his presentation at the 2021 Top Producer Summit in Nashville, Tenn.

Read more coverage and watch other sessions from Top Producer Summit .

Out-of-the-Box Recruiting Ideas for Your Farm

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:20:35 GMT

What is the best way to fill current and future labor needs on your farm? Never stop recruiting, says Richard Hadden, a leadership consultant at Contented Cow Partners.

“Strike the words ‘we don’t have any current openings’ from your lexicon and your website,” he says. “Always keep a line in the water, and you’ll be far less likely to get caught short on talent the next time.”

If you are struggling to find employees, Hadden provides these ideas:

1. Reach out to boomerang hires. These are the people who left you for what they hoped would be something better. It wasn’t. Get them back.

2. Reconnect with runners-up. You might not have hired someone on the first round, but now they might not be looking so “second place.” Make them an offer.

3. Target your recent retirees. Maybe retirement wasn’t what they’d hoped for? They’ve still got some years left to give, and they’re perfect in so many ways, Hadden says. They know the job, the people, the culture.

4. Adjust your job requirements and preferences. Did you make your job filters so restrictive a described candidate doesn’t exist? “I’m not saying lower your standards; I’m saying make them realistic,” Hadden says. “Be willing to hire and develop potential. We might not have the luxury of a ‘ready-made’ candidate these days.”

5. Ask for referrals during a new employee’s first week. This is when they are excited, so you have the best shot at great candidates.

6. Work on your website. Look at your “jobs” section through the eyes of a prospective employee, Hadden suggests. Highlight your farm’s brand and mission. Include video testimonials from happy employees and put, in writing, why they should consider your job.

7. Make your job postings fun. Most of them are boring. What will make someone apply?

Find 25 employee evaluation questions that will increase retention for your farm.

Audit Your Farm's Culture by Asking these 10 Questions

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:30:21 GMT

Ensure your farm business attracts and retains employees

No magic bullet exists to create the best place to work. Sure, compensation, incentives and benefits play a part. Yet as recruitment and retention of first-class employees becomes more difficult in your part of the country, evaluating and creating a strong company culture is imperative.

“Today, people see workplaces as more of a community,” says Bob Grace, a partner at The Leadership Effect , a St. Louis-based leadership- development firm. “It’s not just about a paycheck. Employees want to work at a place where they can marry up their skills and abilities with an organization.”

Culture is hard to define, but your employees notice it.

“It is about the little things you do when nobody is looking,” Grace says. “You can and should write down your values, but people really pay attention to what you do.”

As your business grows and your responsibilities evolve, it’s important to be aware of your operation’s culture, says Michelle Painchaud of Painchaud Performance Group, a human-performance consulting firm in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

“As you move into the strategic level, you sometimes lose touch of the culture,” Painchaud says.

Perform a culture audit. “People will fake culture when you’re around, so you want to know what the real culture is on your farm,” she says.

At a minimum, Painchaud says, aim to conduct a culture audit every two or three years.

Ask Your Team These Culture Questions

Just like financial progress or yields, you should measure your operation’s culture. Michelle Painchaud of Painchaud Performance Group suggests polling your team with some simple culture audit questions.

1. What do you like most about being an employee here?

2. What do you like least about being an employee here?

3. What is one word you would use to describe our company’s culture?

4. As an employee, what does the company do to help you feel valued?

5. Describe the leadership in the organization.

6. Do you feel the team works together to accomplish goals?

7. Do you know the vision and mission of the organization? If so, what is it?

8. Do you have all the tools and training you need to be a high-performing and engaged employee?

9. What do you need from us to provide you with more feedback, coaching and guidance to ensure you’re successful?

10. If you were the owner of this company, what three things would you do to make it the best place to work?

The Power of Just 15 Minutes of Focus

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:39:14 GMT

The poet Ovid said, “Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.”

This quote perfectly encompasses a key in business success: small habits done repeatedly truly do add up.

What is a small task you could start that would pay dividends? In just 15 minutes you could dramatically improve the camaraderie and efficiency of your farm’s team, says Eric Termuende, author and co-founder of NoW of Work .

“The fastest way to speed up human connection is to slow down,” he says. “In times like now, it is not just all about business — it’s all about people.”

Every two weeks, he says, set aside 15 minutes for your entire team to gather and answer these three questions:

What should we start doing?
What should we stop doing?
What should we continue doing?

“People may not have ideas, and that’s OK,” Termuende says. “The point of the meeting is to promote the idea you have a purposeful and safe space for ideas to be heard.”

FOCUS ON CULTURE

Why does this work? It builds an exciting culture for your farm , says Mark Faust , president of Echelon Management .

“A healthy, vibrant culture is the new competitive advantage,” he says. “Your biggest opportunity to fuel business growth likely has to do with creating a great culture.”

Set cultural objectives you can measure for your farm, and don’t be afraid to have fun with your culture.

“You want some rules and rituals that are so memorable, meaningful or maniacal they make permanent impressions, ideally both inside and outside of your company,” Faust says.

This could come in the form of a unique farm slogan, amazing perks or simply an open-door policy with the boss.

“You are in a battle for the best people,” Faust says. “To get them you need to be the best workplace. To be a great place to work you need a compelling culture.”

Op-Ed: How Fringe Animal Groups Threaten Food Production

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 20:02:40 GMT

By Jack Hubbard, executive director for the newly formed Center for the Environment & Welfare*.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food inflation remains stubbornly high with prices rising by 7.7% in April compared to the year before. While most Americans are anxiously hoping costs will moderate, fringe animal extremist groups are actively working to keep prices rising.

Exhibit A is a Supreme Court decision that was handed down in May. The high court’s majority upheld a California law that forbids the sale of conventionally raised and veterinarian approved pork and egg-laying hens in the state. Well-paid animal non-profit executives who are working towards upending American dinner tables predictably applauded the news.

While California raises little pork within its borders, state residents consume an estimated 13% of the country’s supply -- meaning the decision will have wide-ranging consequences for farmers nationwide. For California families, the decision will mean higher prices at the grocery store. And to everyone else, it is a cautionary tale. Misguided policies that start in California rarely remain there.

Case in point is the 2023 farm bill. As lawmakers debate components of the legislative package that will influence how farms operate, animal activists are pushing for Congress to tack on provisions that target farmers. Efforts to halt the construction of large farms, phase out existing ones, and put in place even more government red tape that could strangle food producers are prime examples.

As someone who served as the chief operating officer at the country’s first national humane organization, I am no enemy to animals. But this anti-farmer movement is not pro-animal. It is extremism that promotes regressive policies that will chip away at America’s historically stable -- and affordable -- food supply.

Decades of innovation in farming, engineering, transportation, and animal science has made the U.S. home to some of the most affordable food in the world.

In fact, the share of disposable income Americans spend on food dropped from 17% in 1960 to roughly 10% in 2000 -- where it has remained relatively steady ever since. Compare that to people living in other countries that spend as much as 40% of take home pay to feed their families.

Food production is America’s golden goose, and animal activists are threatening to slaughter it. And efforts in Sacramento and Washington are only one part of the equation. An offensive is brewing in the boardrooms of corporate America.

Animal activists are targeting food industry companies, including McDonald’s, Hormel, and Kroger, with shareholder activism. It is similar to the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions playbook, where institutions are squeezed until compliant with activist demands. In this case, the goal is to pressure corporations into adopting policies that prohibit them from buying most eggs, pork, or chicken produced in the country.

The backdoor corporate approach to implementing a de facto prohibition on traditional farming is primed to explode over the next year. The Open Philanthropy Project, an activist grant maker financed by a Facebook co-founder, has directed more than $50 million to animal activism since 2021 to fund a wave of corporate campaigns against food providers.

Consumers will ultimately pay the price. Many European countries have already adopted the food production policies of the animal rights movement. One study found that an average trip to the grocery store to buy staples like milk, eggs, chicken, and cheese costs Americans $28, compared to $35 for the same cartload in Norway and $48 in Switzerland.

When food costs balloon, the most vulnerable -- including low-income families, minority groups, and young people -- get kicked the hardest. It is akin to subjecting the economically disadvantaged to an additional tax. Does anyone think that is a good idea?

Despite rhetoric from animal rights activists -- whether they are playing judicial advocate, lobbying on Capitol Hill, or organizing corporate shareholders -- their goal is far from achieving the humane treatment of animals. The movement seeks to impose extreme beliefs on the American diet by inflating the price of food until the products they deem harmful are out of reach.

There is a brawl at the dinner table. Americans need to put up a fight.

*ABOUT CEW:

The newly launched Center for the Environment and Welfare (CEW) aims to help consumers, companies, and stakeholders navigate complex sustainability and animal welfare issues.

Areas of focus include animal agriculture, corporate food production, supply chains, and the credibility of thought leaders in the space.

CEW also examines the animal activists spearheading radical and irresponsible ESG proposals and legislation, including national charities like the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States.

Learn more about the organization at www.environmentandwelfare.com.

Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Will Not Run for Office in 2024

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 16:20:18 GMT

The House Ag Committee’s chairman seat flipped from Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) to Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa) this term, following Republican’s taking control of the House.

The Senate Ag Committee looks to also have a leadership role change within the next two years, as Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) announced on Thursday she will not pursue re-election in 2024.

“Inspired by a new generation of leaders, I have decided to pass the torch in the U.S. Senate,” she said in a press release .

As the first woman to be elected for Senate in the state of Michigan, Stabenow says her years of “blazing trails and breaking barriers” in her home state are what brought her to the Senate floor in 2001.

But these final two years might prove the most important of all her time in office.

“For the next two years, I am intensely focused on… leading the passage of the next five-year Farm Bill, which determines our nation’s food and agriculture policies. It is also key in protecting our land and water and creating jobs in our rural and urban communities,” Stabenow says.

Upon her exit from office, Stabenow says she will “begin a new chapter” of serving Michiganders outside of elected office, while also spending time with family.

More on policy:

House Speaker Vote Could Extend into Coming Months
Policy and Payments: What Producers Can Expect in 2023

Farm Journal Announces 365-Day Extension of Farm Journal Field Days

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:57:31 GMT

The success of Farm Journal’s inaugural Farm Journal Field Days TM has led to a 365-day expansion of the event, giving agricultural suppliers and service providers timely access to target audiences while also providing farmers, ranchers and growers with the critical information they need for upcoming seasons.

“When we looked back at the opportunities we were able to create for both Farm Journal Field Days attendees and industry partners who engaged with the event, the direction we needed to go was clear — we needed to expand it,” said Andy Weber, CEO of Farm Journal.

In a post-event survey, more than 87 percent of farmers, ranchers and growers that attended said the event met or exceeded their expectations, and 85 percent planned to participate in another Farm Journal online event.

“At the same time, we provided higher quality leads at a fraction of the cost of other farm shows to exhibitors, and we will continue to deliver valuable leads to those that continue to engage in this 365-day approach,” said Weber. “Bringing these groups together in the Farm Journal Field Days platform is a win-win for the industry.”

The 365-day approach will include seasonal “special edition” events delivering what farmers, ranchers and growers need to know right now, including a Harvest Edition kicking off October 19, followed by an Equipment Edition starting in December and going through February 2021. In March, a Planting Edition will launch followed by a Hay, Forage & Cattle Handling Edition in June. Then in August, the 2021 Pro Farmer Crop Tour TM, Farm Journal Field Days Summer Showcase and another #FarmONTM Benefit Concert will round out the summer. Each edition will feature live and on-demand content, networking, new pavilions and featured products and resources in exhibitor booths as well as in-person events and programming.

Farm Journal Field Days Harvest Edition will kick off with new stories, videos and other resources being added to the platform every day while pavilion hosts and exhibitors will be updating content around harvest topics. A new Harvest Pavilion will feature content relevant to farmers during the harvest season, and new exhibitors are expected to join as well. The search for farm locations to host in-person events is ongoing through Farm Journal’s Top Producer Network with plans to cover multiple geographies across the country.

“The landscape of agriculture events is changing, and Farm Journal is excited to offer a marketing alternative that allows our industry partners to get in front of their key accounts and prospects,” said Charlene Finck, president of Farm Journal. “We have built a successful platform, and farmer response is positive, as they see the value of online education and ag industry networking. Farm Journal Field Days is a celebration of learning and entertainment for all of agriculture, and we are proud to be leading the industry in these efforts.”

Farm Journal launched the New American Farm ShowTM experience in August with the 2020 Pro Farmer Crop Tour, the launch of Farm Journal Field Days and its first #FarmON Benefit Concert. All content from these events is still available for on-demand viewing, plus Farm Journal editors are continually pushing new content to the platform. All pavilions are still open as well as exhibitor booths and the networking lounge.

Registration for Farm Journal Field Days is free. To learn more or register, go to www.farmjournalfielddays.com .

NAMI, Other Groups Seek COVID-19 Vaccine Priority

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:57:18 GMT

The North American Meat Institute (NAMI), along with 14 other food and beverage associations, sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting priority access to COVID-19 vaccines to protect workers and keep the food supply chain running.

The letter , dated Nov. 11, was similar to a letter sent to Trump in June.

“Our members have been on the front lines of the response to the pandemic by continuing operations and ensuring Americans have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food,” the letter stated. “Challenges have taxed the food supply chain over the past eight months, but the food, agriculture, manufacturing, and retail industries are resilient, and the supply chains have not broken.

“Once a vaccine for COVID-19 is developed, it is imperative that we have a federally orchestrated vaccine distribution program and prioritization of vaccination among population groups.”

In addition to NAMI, the letter was signed by FMI – The Food Industry Institute, American Bakers Association, American Frozen Food Institute, Consumer Brands Association, Global Cold Chain Alliance, International Dairy Foods Association, National Automatic Merchandising Association, National Confectioners Association, National Grocers Association, National Restaurant Association, North American Millers Association, Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association, SNAC International and United Fresh.

The administration currently considers four groups for prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations if the initial supply is limited. The four groups include: health care personnel (paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials); non-health care essential workers; adults with high-risk medical conditions who possess risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness; and people 65 years of age and older (including those living in long-term care facilities).

The groups said they “strongly support” prioritizing essential workers in critical infrastructure industries, including those responsible for ensuring the continuity of the nation’s food supply.

“Prioritizing vaccinations for food, agriculture, retail and CPG workers will be a key intervention to help keep workers healthy and to ensure that agricultural and food supply chains remain operating,” the groups said. “To ensure a successful vaccination campaign, a strong, coordinated, public education campaign will be required to ensure widespread and sustained acceptance of vaccinations. The playbook provides a roadmap for doing so. We encourage the administration to begin activating this as soon as possible.

“The agricultural, food manufacturing, distribution and retail industries will continue to fulfill the ‘special responsibility’ critical infrastructure industries carry, and we are proud that our industry’s workforce has selflessly persevered to feed America,” the groups said. “We also look forward to partnering with the administration to reinforce the importance and safety of vaccinations and ensuring our essential workers can access and receive vaccinations when available.”

COVID-19 Surge Slices U.S. Demand for Big Thanksgiving Turkeys

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:57:13 GMT

CHICAGO (Reuters) - All summer, Greg Gunthorp slaughtered and froze 15- to 24-pound turkeys on his northeastern Indiana farm for Thanksgiving sales to retailers, restaurants and families across the Midwest.

But as surging COVID-19 cases prompted U.S. cities and states to urge Americans to stay home just weeks before the holiday, customers swapped out orders for whole birds for smaller turkey breasts.

As a last-minute shift toward small-scale celebrations upends demand for the star of Thanksgiving tables, turkey producers and retailers are scrambling to fill orders for lightweight birds and partial cuts.

“It was very stressful,” Gunthorp said. “It cut our numbers on being able to fill customer sizes that they wanted for turkeys - way too short.”

Gunthorp raised and sold nearly 7,000 pasture-raised turkeys this year, up 75% from a year ago. Restaurants and meat shops in major Midwestern cities, his primary clients, cut orders by 10% to 20%, but Gunthorp has made up the difference by partnering with online retailers, shipping turkeys as far away as Los Angeles.

Suppliers need to be nimble as about half of Americans plan to alter or skip traditional festivities due to local health advisories against big gatherings, according to market research firm Nielson. About 70% are planning a Thanksgiving with fewer than six people, compared with 48% last year.

Demand for smaller birds will trim turkey production to 1.445 billion pounds in the last quarter, down five million pounds from previous expectations, according to a Nov. 17 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We have seen our supply chain adjust to market disruptions and shifting consumer needs,” said Beth Breeding, spokeswoman for the industry group National Turkey Federation. “Like the rest of the country, it has been a challenging year for turkey production.”

While best known for beef, Nebraska-based Omaha Steaks this year offered 3-pound turkey breasts for the first time to cater to smaller Thanksgiving gatherings, said Nate Rempe, president and chief operating officer. The pre-cooked product sold out online, as some consumers are avoiding grocery stores.

Omaha Steaks also sold out of 10-pound turkeys earlier than usual, Rempe said.

“The number of individual Thanksgiving meals being prepared ... is going to be much higher because of the separation of gatherings,” he said.

Butterball, the largest U.S. producer of turkey products, shipped 1,900 truckloads of whole turkeys to grocers in the past two weeks, said Al Jansen, executive vice president of marketing and sales. Many major chains booked orders in the first quarter before the coronavirus outbreak, he added.

Retailers have slashed whole-turkey prices by about 7% to an average of $1.21 per pound, the lowest since 2010, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. That cuts the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people by 4% to $46.90, Farm Bureau said.

The decline is welcome news for the nearly 24 million households facing empty cupboards due to COVID-19-related job losses. Food insecurity has nearly tripled since the pandemic began, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

“Thanksgiving will not be a holiday that all Americans can enjoy this year,” said Joseph Llobrera, research director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “Alarming levels of food hardship will last through the holidays and beyond unless policymakers immediately provide robust COVID relief.”

Some Americans who had relied on others to cook on Thanksgiving are ordering part or all of their meals from restaurants for the first time. Others simply do not want the hassle of preparing a feast for just a few guests.

“Thanksgiving is going to look very different this year, and we know there’s a lot of cooking fatigue out there right now,” said Tracy Hostetler, a vice president for Perdue Farms. The company launched turkey “ThanksNuggets” as an alternative to traditional turkey dinners.

In Houston, independent marketing consultant Anh Nguyen, 50, will dine with about 10 relatives on a smoked turkey from a local restaurant. Normally, three times as many of her family members gather to gobble up two 20-pound turkeys cooked at home.

“It’s a little weird,” said Nguyen. “Thanksgiving has been historically just one of the holidays where everybody is together.”

(Reporting by Christopher Walljasper and Tom Polansek; Editing by Richard Chang)

Meyer to Replace Retiring Johansson as USDA Chief Economist

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:57:07 GMT

USDA Chief Economist Dr. Robert Johansson will retire at the end of January and will be replaced by Dr. Seth Meyer, currently the Associate Director for the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri.

Johansson leaves USDA for the American Sugar Alliance where he will serve as Associate Director of Economics and Policy Analysis. He was first named Chief Economist at USDA in 2015 and has served in a key role as the agency navigated large farmer support programs such as the Market Facilitation Program and Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

“There is no doubt that I as well as the whole USDA family will miss Rob’s experience, preparedness, and direct economic analyses,” said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue in a statement. “During his tenure as Chief Economist, Rob has been an upstanding public servant. Rob helped set up and serve as Acting Deputy Undersecretary for the Farm Production and Conservation mission area, early in this Administration. Rob’s leadership and economic support over the past two years with trade disruptions and COVID-19 relief has helped us make evidenced-based decisions when designing programs to assist American farmers and ranchers during their time of need. We are excited to bring back Dr. Seth Meyer and know that he will do a tremendous job serving the people of American agriculture.”

Meyer was previously head of the World Agricultural Outlook Board which publishes the closely watched World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE.) He left the World Board to join FAPRI in 2019.

Meyer was a guest on the AgriTalk Radio Show on Monday before the announcement of his appointment at USDA was announced. He said a key to the farm economy will be watching the impact on farm income as ad-hoc assistance programs expire in 2021.

“We could have a really strange situation where we have sharply higher cash receipts for crops and sharply higher cash receipts for livestock, and yet sharply lower farm income,” Meyer said. “We’re talking about something where direct government payments are going from around $46 billion in 2020 down to something that’s about $10 billion-ish in 2021. And cash receipts increases aren’t going to offset that. So again, we’re talking about something where you could have a sharp decline in farm income at the same time receipts for crops and livestock look much better.”

The 4 Crisis Management Types

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:56:53 GMT

After the challenges of 2020, it’s easy to feel like we’re in constant crisis management mode. Some people are ready to move on, while others are still very concerned. Which one is right? It depends.

COVID-19 is a crisis similar (in theory) to other crises such as genetic defect in the herd or a devasting weather event. Since we all react to crisis differently; it helps to understand employees’ and family members’ perspectives. Take a look at my “The Four Crisis Reaction Types” assessment. Hopefully it helps you find common ground.

#1: Hide & Hunker

Slash budgets, close doors, and avoid external decisions.
Underlying Issue: Haven’t accepted changed yet and are stuck in fear.

This type is one of fear. This person is concerned about how the crisis will affect them personally. They don’t want to take risks and will be slow to move on. When businesses are run by this type, they are slow to adapt and could close down.

#2: Conformist

Waiting for the “all clear” from an authority, such as the government.
Underlying Issue: Stuck in pause, need rules to move on.

This type is identified by their strict adherence to authority and rules. They will go for-ward with new activities but not without risk mitigation plans. Conformists demand others believe in the same precautions they consider essential. In crisis, they are rule followers to the extreme.

#3: Fence Rider

Bored and ready to move forward but need reassurance.
Underlying Issue: Unable to take the lead; prefer that someone influential ‘go first’.

This type is eager for change but doesn’t want to make the first move. They will seek out Conformists or Vanguards for leadership. Fence Riders see both sides of the issue, which is helpful to have around when tensions run hot. If your farm is run by a Fence Rider, someone else will need to propel them into action.

#4: Vanguard

Anger then action; already innovating, ‘So, what? The world is different.’
Underlying Issue: Impatient; ready to create and implement new-world solutions.

Vanguards throw out the rulebook and make their own rules that they believe are better suited to their lives and farms. Vanguards in crisis have already decided that the crisis has/is happening, and it’s time to tackle it. Vanguards are often initially motivated by anger at the crisis and frustration with the disruption, but they’ll quickly pivot and decide what needs to be done to survive and thrive. A caution with Vanguards, much like with Conformists, is they are often impatient with the other reaction types. This can lead unpleasant conflict with people either not ready to move on or seemingly slowing them down with too many arbitrary rules.

Recognize Reaction Types

So, where do you and your family fit? People can move through any or all of the stages. You cannot change everyone’s reaction, but you can still work together effectively if you know how to understand each other.

Sarah Beth Aubrey’s mission is to enhance success and profitability in agriculture by building capacity in people. She provides executive coaching as well as peer group and board facilitation.

JBS Offers $100 to Employees Who Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:56:47 GMT

CHICAGO, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Meatpacker JBS USA and chicken company Pilgrim’s Pride Corp said on Thursday they will pay $100 to U.S. employees who voluntarily receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

The bonus is intended to encourage employees to get inoculations, after thousands of U.S. meatpacking workers became infected with the coronavirus last year. Outbreaks of the disease temporarily shut slaughterhouses in the spring, pushing up meat prices and tightening supplies for consumers.

JBS USA and Pilgrim’s Pride said internal surveys showed 60% to 90% of employees at individual facilities were willing to be vaccinated. The companies have launched educational campaigns to promote the vaccine to their workforce, which includes immigrants from around the world.

According to federal guidance by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food and agricultural workers are scheduled to receive the vaccine in a later phase, after healthcare workers and people over the age of 75.

“We recognize that some team members in our diverse workforce may have concerns or be less inclined to get vaccinated,” said Chris Gaddis, JBS USA’s head of human resources.

JBS USA processes beef and pork and is the U.S. arm of Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA, which mostly owns Pilgrim’s Pride.

The companies are working with state and local health departments and healthcare providers to determine the best way to deliver the vaccine at each plant location, according to a statement.

Rival meatpacker Tyson Foods Inc said on Thursday it will offer vaccines on site at its facilities while employees are on the job.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Rosalba O’Brien)

Veterinarians Authorized To Administer COVID-19 Vaccine In Some States

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:56:13 GMT

Veterinarians routinely administer vaccinations to their animal patients. Now, in some parts of the U.S., practitioners – along with other health-care providers – are being authorized to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to humans.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack told AgDay Host Clinton Griffiths on Monday that President Joe Biden is looking to expand both the number of vaccines available as well as qualified individuals available to administer them.

“Veterinarians are currently working in states that allow them to administer shots to be able to expand the core number of people necessary to get as many of us vaccinated as quickly as possible,” Vilsack said.

“The reality is that unfortunately, and tragically, a lot of people in rural America still have concerns or hesitation about the vaccination or may not be able to access it or a vaccination site,” he added.

In early December, the Connecticut Department of Public Health issued an order authorizing veterinarians along with podiatrists, dentists, dental hygienists, emergency medical technicians and paramedics who have received proper training to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) reports that on January 7, Colorado followed suit when Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order—an amendment to executive order D 2020 038 issued April 15, 2020—approving temporary emergency authorization for veterinarians to administer the vaccine. The authorization was to stay in place only until February 6. On January 14, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a directive authorizing veterinarians—and dentists, dental hygienists, and podiatrists—to give the vaccine. The complete article by the AAHA is available at https://bit.ly/3ckVA1O

In addition to some U.S. states, veterinarians in parts of Canada, namely in the province of Manitoba, have also been administering the COVID vaccine to residents.

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8 Things You Should Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine

FAQs on COVID-19 Vaccination with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:55:55 GMT

To answer common questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, U.S. Surgeon General vice admiral Dr. Vivek Murthy joined AgriTalk on May 4. This was the same day President Joe Biden shared the goal for 70% of adults in America to have had at least one shot of the vaccine by July 4.

“The progress report is good,” Murthy says. “We have made tremendous progress in vaccinating the country to date. If you look at people above the age of 65, we’ve gotten at least one dose of the vaccine into more than 80%, which is pretty extraordinary. And we have about 70% of our seniors who are now fully vaccinated.”

But even with those 150 million people who have had at least one shot, Murthy says the country needs to have another 100 million shots administered in the next 60 days to reach the president’s next goal by July 4.

You can listen to the full interview with Murthy here:

On the segment, Murthy answered several commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine:

Do we have enough supply?

“Here in America, we have done a good job of bolstering our supply. So we do have more and more vaccine available for those who want it. And we also, very importantly, have more places where you can get a vaccine.”

What is being done to increase access to the vaccine?

“There are over 40,000 pharmacies in the country that now have vaccine to offer. We have community vaccination sites, we have community health centers where we’ve actually directly delivered vaccine from the federal government and we’ve got more primary care doctors who are getting vaccine direct-ly in their offices so they can give it to patients. The President and the administration will be providing more direct funding and support to rural health clinics to support outreach as well as direct allocation of vaccine to rural health clinics so they can directly vaccinate their own patients.”

How is access being improved specifically to rural America?

“We know rural areas are different from urban areas, people are more spread out, it’s not always as easy to travel to one location that’s close to everyone to get a vaccine. So we’ve got to work through some of those logistical barriers, which is why the funding for the rural health clinics and for these mobile units is so important. But we also know everyone looked gets information from different sources. We’re a big country. Not everyone listens to the same news station, radio station and that means we’ve got to do more work in getting information out, and particularly through people’s doctors, which is the reason behind one of the projects we launched. From my office and other offices in the government it’s something called COVID-19 Community Core, where we bring together doctors, nurses, faith leaders, local business leaders and others to get the accurate information they know they and their communities want and to be able to share that with them.

In addition to people trusting the doctors and nurses who take care of them, we know about 50% of people say they would take the advice of a family member or friend when it comes to making a decision on the vaccine. What that means is even if you don’t have a medical degree or a nursing degree, you can still be a vital force in helping people understand the vaccines we have for COVID-19 are a way to protect them against COVID and a way, ultimately, for us to help turn this pandemic around.”

Why are people hesitant to get the vaccine?

“We’ve seen a lot of news stories about people being hesitant to get the vaccine. But what we’re finding actually is people who haven’t gotten vaccinated yet it’s a combination of a few things. Some people have questions, which are important to answer. We want people to get answers from reliable sources, like their doctors or their nurses who take care of them. But we also know some people are wondering if it’s really that important for them to get vaccinated. Maybe they’re young and healthy, and they think, ‘Hey, I’m not at high risk of a bad outcome, do I really need to get this vaccine?’, or maybe they’re working two or three jobs and don’t have transportation to get to a vaccine center.

We’re trying to work on all three fronts to make sure we’re working closely with doctors and nurses around the country, as well as pastors and other faith leaders, to help get information to their com-munities. But we’re also trying to improve the number of access points so it’s easier and easier hope-fully over the weeks ahead for people to get vaccines in their pharmacy, in their doctor’s office or in their neighborhoods.”

Should people who have had COVID-19 get vaccinated?

“The answer is yes. And here’s why. It turns out the immunity you get from a natural infection is actually not as robust. It’s not as strong as the protection you get from the vaccine. So you’re more likely to be at risk for reinfection. That’s why we’re asking everyone to get vaccinated regardless of their prior infection.”

What if people still have questions?

“I always say our health is personal to us. And if you have questions, you absolutely have a right to get those questions answered because ultimately, it’s your health. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind about the vaccine.

Recognize 90% of doctors in this country have either gotten the vaccine or are planning to get it as soon as possible. That tells you about the faith the medical profession has in the vaccine.
Keep in mind these vaccines, even though it seems like they were developed on a quick timeframe, the technology behind them has been in development for decades.
We are lucky enough to see the culmination of that research, and these vaccines have been studied rigorously in clinical trials and what we’ve seen with nearly 150 million people having received at least one dose of the vaccine is this side effect profile remains really strong in terms of safety. The effectiveness remains extraordinarily strong and high as well. That’s what you want to see — high effectiveness and very low risk in any vaccine you take.
I know many people are worried about the side effects of the vaccine. But first of all, the vast majority of people don’t have side effects from this vaccine. Those who do tend to experience one to two days of flu-like symptoms, meaning fatigue, maybe a low-grade fever and a body ache, but that lasts for about a day or two. Then it goes away, and they feel pretty good. Afterward what you’re left with is protection from the vaccine.

“It’s certainly a blessing to be able to serve the country, especially at a time like this during this pandemic crisis. I’m eager to do everything I can to help,” Murthy says.