Tuesday October 18 Ag News

New Agricultural Council Brings Nebraska Farmers, Ranchers and Animal Welfare Advocates to the Table to Discuss Common Goals


(from HSUS press release)

To advance more humane practices on farms and ranches and to promote food producers who share that goal, The Humane Society of the United States joined the Nebraska Farmers Union in Lincoln to announce the formation of an advisory body, the Nebraska Agriculture Council of The Humane Society of the United States.

The council will work jointly with the Nebraska Farmers Union, the second oldest agricultural organization in the state, to pursue market opportunities for farmers and ranchers whose agricultural practices adhere to animal welfare standards, as well as facilitate a dialogue with individual farmers, ranchers and the organizations that represent them. The parties agree that this pathway is preferable to a ballot initiative.  The agriculture council will also act as a sounding board on agriculture policy for Jocelyn Nickerson, Nebraska state director of The HSUS. 

The announcement was made at a press conference by Nickerson; John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union; and Kevin Fulton, a Nebraska cattleman. Also present was Joe Maxwell, director of rural affairs for The HSUS and himself a pig farmer from Northeast Missouri.

In November 2010, Fulton invited the CEO and President of The Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle, to a town hall meeting to discuss agriculture with Nebraska HSUS members and others in the community.

“As a cattle rancher and an active member of the Humane Society of the United States, I can tell you that we have much common ground when it comes to the concerns of farm animals,” said Fulton. “It’s a positive step to work together to address the future of agriculture and find solutions to animal welfare challenges,” said Fulton, who will chair the new council.

“This alternative approach allows both our organizations to focus on working together in a positive manner to the benefit of both food growers and food consumers,” said Hansen, who leads the Nebraska Farmers Union. “We hope this is a long term partnership that works to the advantage of Nebraska livestock producers and all Nebraskans.”

In a written statement, Pacelle applauded the development. “I want to personally thank John Hansen for engaging in dialogue about the future of agriculture in the state,” Pacelle said. “I believe together we can promote more humane and sustainable agriculture by highlighting best practices and connecting consumers with products coming from farms that do not rely on extreme confinement practices.”

Pacelle once again stated that collaboration, not confrontation “is productive, less costly and has the potential to produce longer term positive effects for animals and consumers.” He repeated that, “The HSUS does not have plans to file an initiative petition in Nebraska.”

The organizing members of the Agriculture Council of The Humane Society of the United States include Kevin Fulton; Jim Knopik, livestock producer with North Star Neighbors; Martin Kleinschmit, a Nebraska organic farmer, cow calf producer and NEFU board member; and Doug Dittman, a Nebraska dairy producer from Branched Oak Farm.

The HSUS has more than 51,000 supporters in Nebraska. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Rural Poll of 2011, 69 percent of those polled in rural Nebraska agree that good animal welfare for farm animals means more than just adequate food, water and shelter, but also adequate exercise, space and social activities. Additionally, a statewide public opinion survey conducted by Lake Research Partners revealed that Nebraska voters support the humane treatment of farm animals, and they want all interested parties with a stake in the animal welfare debate to come together to discuss the issues.



STATEMENT BY WE SUPPORT AGRICULTURE ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY BY NEBRASKA FARMERS UNION AND HSUS

(Editors Note:  We Support Ag has five founding organizations... Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Poultry Industries and the Nebraska State Dairy Association.) 

We are shocked and disappointed that any Nebraska agriculture group would align itself with an extreme animal rights organization such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).  Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are caring people who know how to care for their animals properly.  They go to great lengths to protect their animals from disease, predators and the harsh Nebraska climate while feeding their families, their neighbors and the world. 

The actions announced by HSUS today are no surprise to us.  When we announced the formation of We Support Agriculture (WSA), we explained how HSUS works and how it operated in other states.  We said they hire a state director, they run a push-poll, they hold organizational meetings, and threaten farm groups with ballot initiatives.  We said HSUS was starting to do the same things here in Nebraska, and today we see more evidence that HSUS is targeting Nebraskans and our farmers and ranchers.

An HSUS leader (John Goodwin, Director of Animal Cruelty Policy at HSUS) has said, “My goal is the abolition of all animal agriculture.”  We know that HSUS’s goal is to make Americans eat less food originating from animals such as meat, eggs and dairy products and to eliminate consumer food choices.  It is clear HSUS does NOT want to work with Nebraska’s leading and respected agricultural organizations, but instead wants to bully them with the threat of a ballot initiative unless we cave in to HSUS’s extreme animal rights agenda.  Why in the world would we want to work with a group with that kind of extreme agenda?

HSUS’s spokesman said today that they want to work on alternatives to ballot initiatives.  But HSUS President Wayne Pacelle said in the news release issued today that HSUS does not have plans for an initiative petition in Nebraska.  This is why we won’t sit down with extreme animal rights organizations like HSUS and PETA.  They don’t give a straight answer to what their extreme animal rights agenda really is.  Obviously this is a threat by HSUS that they will use a ballot initiative unless Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers submit to their demands.  We have no intention of doing that.  

WSA is proud to have many supporters of our organization and we will continue our efforts to build a broad coalition of Nebraskans from across the state that stand behind Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers and defend them against this extreme agenda.



Farewell Recognition for Leah Miller

The Cuming County 4-H Council invites you to a farewell recognition for Leah Miller, Cuming County Extension Assistant.  The recognition will be held Sunday, October 30 at 12:30 p.m. at the Nielsen Center in West Point.  The recognition will be part of the 4-H Achievement.  Please call your reservations to the meal to the Extension Office by October 24, at 402/372-6006.  Leah is taking a job in Lyons.  Her last day with UNL Extension in Cuming County will be Friday, November 4.  Please come and extend your well wishes to her! 



Ak-Sar-Ben Carcass Results for Cuming County 4-H

Cuming county 4-H members placed well in the livestock carcass contest that followed the live shows at the 84th annual Ak-Sar-Ban Livestock Exposition according to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educator in Cuming County, Larry Howard.

In the Swine carcass contest, Allison Guenther of West Point placed 6th with her 256 pound gilt that had a 183 pound carcass weight, a 9.99 inch loin eye area, .71 inch fat and a 61.01 lean index.  Cuming County 4-H swine exhibitors received ten purples, four blues and three red ribbons.

In the Beef carcass contest, Ryan McBride of Wisner placed 8th with his 1377 pound steer that had a 864 pound carcass weight, a 15.9 inch rib eye area, .3 inch fat and graded average choice.  Cuming County 4-H beef exhibitors received five purples, one blue, and three white ribbons.

In the Sheep carcass contest, Krista Ott of Wisner place 9th with her 124 pound lamb that had a 71.92 pound carcass weight, a 3.76 inch loin eye area, .18 inch fat and a 48.65 percent body score.  Cuming County 4-H sheep exhibitors received four purples, three blues and two red ribbons.

Complete carcass results for Cuming County 4-H exhibitors are as follows:

Swine Carcass Contest
-  Purple:  Allison Guenther, West Point; Eric Klitz, West Point; Erin Doernemann, Dodge; Megan Groth, Beemer; Blake Guenther, West Point; Hunter Schroeder, Howells; Heath Schroeder, Howells; Nathan Klitz, West Point; Nathan Groth, Beemer; Katlyn Ahrens, West Point
-  Blue:  Blake Guenther, West Point; Connor Klitz, West Point; Braxton Deets, West Point; Megan Groth, Beemer
-  Red: Darby Doernemann, Dodge; Nathan Groth, Beemer; Kiley Guenther, West Point

Beef Carcass Contest
-  Purple:  Ryan McBride, Wisner; Kalli Schroeder, Fremont; Hannah Schroeder, Fremont; Paige Schroeder, Fremont; Patti Schlickbernd, West Point
-  Blue:  Tyler Bennett, Beemer
-  White:  Dixon Godbersen, Wisner; Emily Ludwig, Wisner; Patti Schlickbernd, West Point

Sheep Carcass Contest
-  Purple:  Krista Ott, Wisner x3; Chase Ott, Wisner
-  Blue:  Chase Ott, Wisner; Tyler Bennett, Beemer x2;
-  Red:  Chase Ott, Wisner; Tyler Bennett, Beemer

Complete carcass results can be found on the web at www.aksarben.org. 



FRIDAY: President Obama to Sign Korea, Panama, Colombia Free Trade Agreements and Trade Adjustment Assistance

On Friday, October 21st, President Obama will sign the Korea, Panama and Colombia Free Trade Agreements and the renewal of Trade Adjustment Assistance for workers in the Oval Office before making remarks in the Rose Garden.  In his remarks, President Obama will underscore that these trade agreements will significantly boost American exports, support tens of thousands of American jobs and protect labor rights, the environment and intellectual property.  President Obama will be joined in the Rose Garden by business and labor leaders as well as workers who will benefit from these bills.



Pork Checkoff Recommends Producers, Workers Get Flu Vaccines

As the United States enters another flu season, the Pork Checkoff is advising producers, farm personnel and others who have contact with pigs to get the seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible to help protect human and pig health.

"It's always wise for producers and swine farm workers to reduce the risk of getting sick and bringing the flu to the farm or workplace by getting vaccinated," said Jennifer Koeman, director of producer and public health for the Pork Checkoff. "It also demonstrates the industry's 'We Care' approach to protecting employees, animals and public health."

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, all people over the age of 6 months of age should be immunized for influenza each year.

"People may remain contagious for up to five to seven days after getting sick," Koeman said. "That's why it's so crucial that employers have a sick-leave policy that encourages those experiencing symptoms of influenza-like illness to stay home."

At the farm level, good building ventilation and good hygiene can help reduce transmission of flu viruses.

"To prevent pigs and humans from other species' influenza viruses, producers also should look at bird-proofing their buildings, protecting feed from birds and enforcing biosecurity practices, such as the use of farm-specific clothing and footwear," Koeman said.

According to Lisa Becton, Pork Checkoff's director of swine health information and research, "It's important to monitor your herd's health daily and contact your herd veterinarian if influenza is suspected. Rapid detection of influenza can help producers and their veterinarians implement appropriate strategies to better manage sick pigs."

Additional general flu-related information can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu. The Pork Checkoff also has a factsheet on influenza, "Influenza: Pigs, People and Public Health," which can be found at www.pork.org.



Symposium to Meet Identified Need for More Information Regarding Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

When consumers were asked in a nationwide survey to identify the Top 5 topics they want more information about related to where their food comes from , “how antibiotics are used” made their list. When farmers and ranchers were asked which Top 5 topics were most important to educate consumers about, they identified “the effect of pesticides, fertilizers and antibiotics in food.”

This survey undertaken in August by Ketchum Global Research Network and Braum Research on behalf of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance underscores the importance of consumers, farmers and ranchers all having access to accurate, science-based information about antibiotics use in food animal production.

These individuals—plus anyone else wanting to increase their knowledge of antibiotic use in food animal production—are in luck, as a national symposium devoted to this precise topic is on tap for Oct. 26-27 in Chicago.

“Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose,” hosted by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, will focus on four key areas:
·         The use of antibiotics in food animal production
·         Human health implications relative to antibiotic use
·         Understanding and communicating the risks associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in livestock
·         Identifying additional research needs regarding how and to what extent antimicrobial resistance develops in humans and animals

“We’re going to look at antibiotic use in food animal production from all angles,” states Dr. Len Bull, chair of the symposium planning committee.  “This is not a black-and-white issue. It’s one where we need to delve into the gray areas as well and see what science tells and shows us.

“While I realize that this topic can be quite polarized, I think we each can learn from the presenters and each other. The symposium is designed to be a dialogue, so symposium registrants can ask their burning questions and hear the answers from the experts.”

The symposium will take place at the Intercontinental Hotel, O’Hare, Chicago, Ill., beginning at 3:00 p.m. Oct. 26, and wrapping up at 3:00 p.m. Oct. 27. The symposium immediately follows the 2011 Food System Summit, Oct. 25-26, hosted by the Center for Food Integrity at the same venue.

Details of presentations and registration information for the symposium are available online at www.animalagriculture.org.



Fertilizer Prices Holding Steady

As has been the case over the past few months, fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the second week of October 2011 continue to remain fairly stable.  Prices for all eight major fertilizers were higher compared to the second week of September, but none rose significantly. DAP had an average price of $713 per ton, MAP $742/ton, potash $658/ton, urea $621/ton, 10-34-0 $822/ton, anhydrous $812/ton, UAN28 $406/ton and UAN32 $456/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.67/lb.N, anhydrous $0.49/lb.N, UAN28 $0.72/lb.N and UAN32 $0.71/lb.N.

All eight major fertilizers are now showing double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher is 10-34-0. The starter fertilizer skyrocketed earlier this year but has fallen back a bit and is now 65% higher compared to the second week of October 2010.  Urea has jumped 39% while potash has climbed 32%, and both UAN28 and UAN32 have increased 28% from a year ago. Anhydrous has climbed 26% compared to year earlier.  The two phosphorus fertilizers continue to bring up the rear. DAP is 18% more expensive while MAP is 14% higher compared to October of 2010.



Hard Year to Guess Crop Size
USDA Tries to Explain Weirdness in Estimates

Federal agriculture officials Monday acknowledged they struggled to accurately issue crop estimates this year and placed some of the blame on the ethanol industry.

Officials for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, gathered for an annual industry meeting at a Chicago hotel, said it had been difficult to estimate year-end inventories, output and plantings for crops like corn and soybeans. They responded to concerns about their estimates from analysts and traders, who rely on the department's data to make decisions in agricultural futures markets also used by farmers and food companies.

"I think everybody in this room, USDA included, has had a difficult forecasting year," Gerry Bange, chairman of the USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board, told the gathering.

The USDA has been under fire from some analysts because of big swings in its crop estimates. The department shocked market participants again last week by raising its outlook for year-end corn supplies by 29% from September -- a bigger-than-expected increase.

Traders and analysts depend on the department's crop estimates. They come out at set times each month, are the subject of intense scrutiny, and often cause immediate price swings. They influence what a farmer will plant, how much hedging a farmer will do, and whether an investor will buy or sell.

Officials said the larger-than-expected supply outlook reflected a shift in recent years in the amount of corn used in the second half of the crop's marketing year, which ended Aug. 31. More of the grain is being consumed in the first half of the year than it has been historically, leading many analysts to overestimate demand and underestimate supplies later in the year, said Jerry Norton, a grain analyst for the world board, which issues monthly estimates on supply and demand. He said he didn't know the reason for the shift.

"What we're seeing is an emerging pattern," Norton said.

Analysts at the meeting said they would incorporate the new pattern into their market forecasts by concentrating demand estimates in the first half of the marketing year. That could help them to more accurately predict crop prices.

Another pattern is the increased unpredictability of the department's supply estimates. Federal officials are having a tougher time estimating how much corn to put in a category that accounts for corn fed to livestock and in transit from one place to another. The category -- known as "feed and residual" -- also accounts for margins of error used in estimating overall use of the crop.

The residual portion of the category has become "less predictable over time" because more of the crop is being used to produce ethanol, Norton said. The increase in corn used for ethanol means there is a more significant margin of error for that category and reduces the amount of the total crop left for feed and residual purposes, he said. That means the increased margin of error is more influential in the feed and residual category, making it more erratic.

"You're pushing a bigger error into a smaller category," he said.

Norton said the feed and residual category started to become more unpredictable as the ethanol industry was expanding in the 2005-06 marketing year. About 40% of the U.S. corn harvest is expected to be used to make ethanol in the 2011-12 marketing year that ends next August, up from 14% in the 2005-06 marketing year.



RFA Slams McCain Anti-Ethanol Amendment

With tens of millions of Americans still unemployed or underemployed, Arizona Republican Senator John McCain is seeking a vote on an amendment to limit the increased use of domestically-produced ethanol and the job creation that goes with it.  Sen. McCain is specifically seeking to bar federal investment in ethanol fueling infrastructure like blender pumps capable of offering a variety of ethanol blend levels.

Sen. McCain offered this same amendment during the ethanol tax debate in June.  It was roundly defeated 41-59.

Responding to Sen. McCain’s latest attempt to protect oil’s monopoly over American transportation fuels, the Renewable Fuels Association issued the following statement:

“Sen. McCain’s amendment is little more than a jobs bill for OPEC nations and other oil interests dedicated to keeping Americans addicted to costly and dangerous imported oil.  American ethanol producers are providing the nation with a domestic renewable alternative, creating jobs here at home, and reducing America’s vulnerability to the whims of petro-dictators.

“Policies like this are a relic of a bygone era in which oil was the only game in town.  America’s ethanol and biofuels industries are rapidly evolving to include a wide range of feedstocks and developing groundbreaking technologies.  By specifically singling out the ethanol molecule for exclusion, this amendment is seeking to kill new technologies using algae, wood waste, garbage and other feedstocks that would produce ethanol in their infancy.  America needs jobs and domestic ethanol production is a proven method to create those opportunities.  We already know what we get by outsourcing our energy future.”