Rural Radio Network
Rural Radio Network
@RuralRadioNet- @RRNMarkets
Blogs
Nance County becomes 50th Livestock Friendly County
Nance County is the 50th county in Nebraska to be designated as a Livestock Friendly County (LFC), announced by Governor Pete Ricketts on Friday. “By requesting and receiving Nebraska’s Livestock Friendly County designation, the people of Nance County are encouraging livestock growth, showing...
Read More
Nance County becomes 50th Livestock Friendly County
Nance County is the 50th county in Nebraska to be designated as a Livestock Friendly County (LFC), announced by Governor Pete Ricketts on Friday. “By requesting and receiving Nebraska’s Livestock Friendly County designation, the people of Nance County are encouraging livestock growth, showing...
Read More
Stopgap bill to prevent shutdown held up over farm funding
WASHINGTON (AP) — Efforts to fashion a temporary spending bill needed to avert a government shutdown at the end of the month have run aground amid a fight over farm bailout funding that’s a key priority of President Donald Trump and Capitol Hill Republicans. Aides had predicted the measure wo...
Read More
(Audio) "Chat with the Chancellor" with UNL Chancellor, Dr. Ronnie Green - September 19, 2020
Brandon Benitz continues his “Chat with the Chancellor” series here in the Fall 2020 semester. He's once again joined by a special guest, Dr. Ronnie Green, the Chancellor of University of Nebraska–Lincoln. This week, we talk about the Fall enrollment numbers at UNL; we go “inside the lo...
Read More
(Audio) Elm Creek tops Southern Valley - 26-22
In a game that was tied at the end of the 1st quarter, then again at halftime, it was the strength of the Elm Creek run game that propelled the Buffaloes past Southern Valley Friday night, 26-22 in Elm Creek. Xavier Perez carried the ball 34 times for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead Elm Creek....
Read More
Falling for Nebraska Apples | Friday Five | Sept. 18, 2020
We apple-solutely love fall, so we went to Martin's Hillside Orchard near Ceresco, Nebraska to celebrate! At Martin's Hillside Orchard, they offer u-pick activities for apples, peaches, raspberries and pumpkins! 5) A Hard-Core Fall Fruit 4) A Peachy Necessity for Fall 3) A Berry Good...
Read MoreCrops
Falling for Nebraska Apples | Friday Five | Sept. 18, 2020
We apple-solutely love fall, so we went to Martin's Hillside Orchard near Ceresco, Nebraska to celebrate! At Martin's Hillside Orchard, they offer u-pick activities for apples, peaches, raspberries and pumpkins! 5) A Hard-Core Fall Fruit 4) A Peachy Necessity for Fall 3) A Berry Good Fall Treat 2) A Gourd-geous Fall Staple 1) Visit Martin's Hillside Orchard!
North Platte NRD cuts budget while safeguarding district
The North Platte Natural Resources District (NPNRD) Board of Directors passed its budget for the Fiscal Year 2020 with notable changes on Sept. 10, including reductions in spending for the third year in a row. The reductions combined with cuts in spending in the previous two fiscal years represent total reductions to the NRD of more than two million in that period of time. The district is able to make the cuts with some big-ticket goals completed and in an effort to hold the line on property taxes. The budget, while reduced is still one with safeguards for the district. To be able to do what is necessary but to also build some reserves, for the needs of the district in the near future. “Just around the corner is water quality,” said John Berge, NPNRD general manager. “We have a burgeoning nitrate problem here in our district.” The nitrate issue is something the district has been working diligently on and passed a rule recently, which will be implemented in January. “We have nitrate levels in some parts of our district as high as 50 or 60 parts per million, which is five or six times the amount safe for drinking water,” he said. In an effort to keep the constituents of the district safe and run the NRD Berge said, over the years they have made some significant reductions to staff retention benefits and programs. The EPIC program, Encouraging Producer Innovation through Conservation, will be one of the programs this year, which will see fewer dollars. The NRD reductions in spending coupled with reductions in revenues result in a mostly flat mill levy at .049161, and additional savings will be placed in cash reserves.
Hurry up & wait - Harvest hasn't begun near Henderson | Fridays in the Field | Ep. 17
Patience is being tested, as harvest hasn't yet begun for Matt Hiebner near Henderson, Nebraska On the latest edition of Fridays in the Field, Shalee visits with Matt about the current crop conditions. Hiebner primarily grows corn, mixing soybeans into the rotation to help control rootworm and other diseases. Fridays in the Field is brought to you by FNBO, the Great Big Small Bank!
Livestock
Nance County becomes 50th Livestock Friendly County
Nance County is the 50th county in Nebraska to be designated as a Livestock Friendly County (LFC), announced by Governor Pete Ricketts on Friday. “By requesting and receiving Nebraska’s Livestock Friendly County designation, the people of Nance County are encouraging livestock growth, showing their support for Nebraska ag, and expanding local career opportunities in agriculture,” said Gov. Ricketts. “Congratulations to Nance County on being named Nebraska’s 50th Livestock Friendly County.” In 2017, Nance County had approximately $155 million in agriculture receipts, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent census of agriculture. Livestock sales accounted for 52% of total value, equivalent to $80 million. Cattle, calves and hogs are the major livestock in the county. Crop production accounted for 48% of total value, equivalent to $75 million. Major crops raised in Nance County include corn and soybeans. “Nance County is home to around 375 farms and many other businesses with direct ties to agriculture,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “With the LFC designation, the people of Nance County are showing everyone that they are open for agri-business.” The complete list is on NDA’s website at: nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/livestock_friendly.
North Platte NRD cuts budget while safeguarding district
The North Platte Natural Resources District (NPNRD) Board of Directors passed its budget for the Fiscal Year 2020 with notable changes on Sept. 10, including reductions in spending for the third year in a row. The reductions combined with cuts in spending in the previous two fiscal years represent total reductions to the NRD of more than two million in that period of time. The district is able to make the cuts with some big-ticket goals completed and in an effort to hold the line on property taxes. The budget, while reduced is still one with safeguards for the district. To be able to do what is necessary but to also build some reserves, for the needs of the district in the near future. “Just around the corner is water quality,” said John Berge, NPNRD general manager. “We have a burgeoning nitrate problem here in our district.” The nitrate issue is something the district has been working diligently on and passed a rule recently, which will be implemented in January. “We have nitrate levels in some parts of our district as high as 50 or 60 parts per million, which is five or six times the amount safe for drinking water,” he said. In an effort to keep the constituents of the district safe and run the NRD Berge said, over the years they have made some significant reductions to staff retention benefits and programs. The EPIC program, Encouraging Producer Innovation through Conservation, will be one of the programs this year, which will see fewer dollars. The NRD reductions in spending coupled with reductions in revenues result in a mostly flat mill levy at .049161, and additional savings will be placed in cash reserves.
Cattle Call Looks at Consumer Demand
Cash market is just starting to firm up for the week Beef market has declined but slowly...how is demand? Over supply of cattle in the north for the 4th quarter is less than last year. Kill cuts-was that a market play? Packers making good margins December Cattle could go to $1.20 https://youtu.be/kb16Q78Mp0I
Technology
Peterson Wants Confirmation That EPA Will Reject SREs
House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson says he’s seen nothing in writing that President Donald Trump told the Environmental Protection Agency to reject any small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuels Standard. The Hagstrom Report says Peterson is fearful the report may be speculation that the president will try to use until after the election. Recent reports quoted anonymous sources as saying Trump directed the EPA to reject the small refinery exemptions for past years that oil companies were requesting. Groups like the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, and other groups that back ethanol were pleased by the reports. However, a spokesman for the Renewable Fuels Association told the Hagstrom Report that the EPA hasn’t confirmed it will reject those “gap-year” exemptions. During a recent political debate, Peterson says the recent speculation in Washington DC is based on anonymous sources. The Minnesota Democrat recently introduced a bill that would require the EPA to be transparent about its decision-making surrounding the RFS in the future.
Renew Kansas Biofuels Association on E15 reg.
TOPEKA, Kan. — Renew Kansas Biofuels Association submitted written comments to Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) regarding the agency’s notice of public hearing on its proposal to revoke an existing regulation limiting the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of ethanol-blended motor vehicle fuel sold in the Kansas City area during the summer months. “E15 fuel could be made available to consumers in Kansas City by simply revoking this unnecessary regulation,” Renew Kansas President and CEO Ron Seeber said. “Allowing the sale of higher blends of ethanol fuel in the Kansas City area will directly benefit fuel retailers, consumers, farmers and the Kansas ethanol industry. This rule change presents a solid win for Kansas.” The regulation prohibiting higher blends of biofuels being sold in Kansas City during the summer months dates back to the 1971 federal Clean Air Act where both Kansas and Missouri entered into Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved State Implementation Plans (SIP) to assist Kansas City in attaining compliance with the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for ozone. The federal Clean Air Act limits the RVP of gasoline fuel to 9.0 psi during the summer. However, for blends of vehicle fuel containing up to 10 percent ethanol, a one-pound waiver of the RVP is allowed (RVP of up to 10.0 psi). In 2019, EPA interpreted the RVP of E15 fuel (15 percent ethanol) to be substantially similar to that of E10, and extended the one-pound RVP waiver to E15. However, the restriction in K.A.R. 28-19-719 still prohibits Kansas City retailers from selling E15 during the summer. E15 is a clean, safe, and low-cost vehicle fuel with slightly lower evaporative emissions than E10. EPA first approved the use of E15 in vehicles in 2011. It is approved for use in more than 90 percent of the cars on the road today (all vehicles made in model year 2001 and after). In fact, both Travelers Motor Club, and Association Motor Club Marketing – reporting more than 20 million members nationwide – have endorsed E15 as a safe and affordable fuel. E15 typically costs 3 to 10 cents per gallon less than E10 and gasoline. Allowing the sale of E15 year-round in Kansas City will provide consumers in that high-volume area more options to purchase a high quality fuel at a lower price. In fact, KDHE estimates that allowing consumers the opportunity to purchase E15 fuel in the Kansas City area could save them over $13 million annually.
USDA and Nebraska Sign Shared Stewardship Agreement to Improve Forests and Grasslands
Lincoln, Nebraska – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue joined Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts today to sign a Shared Stewardship Agreement between USDA’s Forest Service and the State of Nebraska. The Shared Stewardship Agreement establishes a framework for federal and state agencies to promote active forest management, improve collaboration, and respond to ecological challenges and natural resource concerns in Nebraska. “This agreement strengthens the already strong partnership between the Forest Service and the State of Nebraska,” said Secretary Perdue. “Through Shared Stewardship, Nebraska and the Forest Service will work together to identify landscape-scale priorities and build capacity to improve forest conditions.” “The Trump Administration has empowered states by shifting decision-making from Washington, D.C. back to statehouses across America,” said Governor Ricketts. “Thanks to Secretary Perdue and the USDA for putting Nebraska’s priorities first in conservation and for partnering with us to wisely steward our forests.” Under the agreement, the State of Nebraska and USDA will work together on forest and grassland restoration across all land ownerships, with a focus on protecting at-risk communities and watersheds from wildfire. The agreement identifies shared principles and priorities to include joint planning, pooling resources and continued investment in existing partnerships and programs that support collaborative work. The agreement can be found at: Agreement for Shared Stewardship between Nebraska Forest Service and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region (PDF, 322 KB). The national USDA Forest Service shared stewardship strategy can be found at: www.fs.fed.us/sites/default/files/toward-shared-stewardship.pdf (PDF, 14 MB).
Ag Policy
USDA announces contracts for round 3 of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program
Washington, D.C., September 17, 2020 – Following President Donald Trump’s approval to include up to an additional $1 billion in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved up to $1 billion in contracts to support American producers and communities in need through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Earlier this week, USDA reached a milestone of having distributed more than 90 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “These contract awards will go to vendors who submitted the strongest proposals in support of American agriculture and the American people. The high level of interest and quality of proposals are a testament that the program is accomplishing what we intended – supporting U.S. farmers and distributors and getting food to those who need it most. It’s a real trifecta, which is why we call it a win-win-win,” said Secretary Perdue. “Thanks to President Trump and his commitment to the program with the announcement of an additional $1 billion in funding, more farmers will be supported, and more families will receive the nutritious food they need during these difficult times.” “With over 90 million Farmers to Families food boxes delivered, we continue to leverage and support our great American farmers and food distributors to feed those most vulnerable. Thanks to the President’s commitment of $1 billion in additional funding, I’m proud to see that we are well on our way to the third round of USDA Farmers to Families food box program purchases which focus on boxes containing fresh and nutritious fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy,” said Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump. These contract awards are a result of the third round of Farmers to Families Food Box program announced on July 24, 2020, and President Trump’s announcement on August 24 that up to an additional $1 billion was being made available for deliveries through October 31, 2020. A full list of approved suppliers will be posted on the Farmers to Families Food Box Program webpage after 5 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020.
Stopgap bill to prevent shutdown held up over farm funding
WASHINGTON (AP) — Efforts to fashion a temporary spending bill needed to avert a government shutdown at the end of the month have run aground amid a fight over farm bailout funding that’s a key priority of President Donald Trump and Capitol Hill Republicans. Aides had predicted the measure would be released Friday, but it now won’t be unveiled until next week. The measure needs to be passed by Sept. 30 to prevent a shutdown of nonessential government functions. A tentative proposal by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to permit Trump to keep awarding agricultural funds in exchange for food aid for the poor ran into turbulence with both House and Senate Democrats.
Hurry up & wait - Harvest hasn't begun near Henderson | Fridays in the Field | Ep. 17
Patience is being tested, as harvest hasn't yet begun for Matt Hiebner near Henderson, Nebraska On the latest edition of Fridays in the Field, Shalee visits with Matt about the current crop conditions. Hiebner primarily grows corn, mixing soybeans into the rotation to help control rootworm and other diseases. Fridays in the Field is brought to you by FNBO, the Great Big Small Bank!
Markets
View More
