Monday October 3 Ag News

Over 700 4th Graders to Attend Ag Festival near Mead

With continued urban growth, many youth do not have as much exposure to agriculture as in the past. Many communities are losing touch with Nebraska's greatest resource - agriculture. An upcoming ag awareness festival will provide an opportunity for youth to take a close-up look at agriculture.

The festival will be held at the University of Nebraska's Agricultural Research and Development (ARDC) near Mead, Nebraska on Oct. 3, 4, 5 and 6. It is aimed at 4th grade students. Omaha schools and surrounding schools attending this year include:
        Oct. 3 - St. Robert Bellarmine, Mary Our Queen, Ashland-Greenwood, and Holy Name
        Oct. 4 - Blumfield, St. Wencelslaus (Wahoo), Sunny Slope, and St. Bernard
        Oct. 5 - Wildewood, Yutan, Lothrop, and Trinity Lutheran (Fremont)
        Oct. 6 - Minne Lusa, Seymour, Wilson Focus, and Oakdale

While at the festival, students will learn about beef, dairy, grains, and swine. Production, technology, and products in agriculture are covered.

The first Agricultural Awareness Festival was held at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development (ARDC) near Mead, Nebraska in October 1996 with 200 Omaha Public School sixth grade students attending. Since that time, the festival has grown to multiple days and is now aimed at fourth-graders. The event educates approximately 650-900 students primarily from Douglas, Saunders, and Dodge Counties each year in the fall.  An additional Lincoln festival was added in 2001 at the Lancaster County Event Center. Lancaster County and York County youth have attended. Over 4,000 students have attended the spring festival so far.  To date, over 10,900 children have attended the fall festival sponsored by the Ag Awareness Coalition and over 700 more will attend this fall's festival over the course of four days.

Evaluations from teachers attending in the past have noted the following impacts on their students:
    The festival made the students from the city aware of how much agriculture is a part of their lives.
    Students saw and experienced different kinds of agriculture, which helped them understand how dependent we are on it.
    Students were introduced to the contributions that Nebraska farming and ranching make to the global economy.

Funding, resources, and sustainability. . .
Over twenty agriculture businesses, commodity associations, food industry companies and University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) departments have provided support to the Ag Awareness Coalition since its start in 1995. Individual support has ranged from $6,750 grant dollars to volunteer time at the festival, totaling over $30,000 in grant dollars and in-kind donations. In-kind donations do not include volunteer time and expenses.

The Ag Awareness Coalition consists of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Saunders, Lancaster and Douglas/Sarpy Counties, University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center, Agriculture in the Classroom, Gifford Farm Education Center, Midwest Dairy Association, Farmers National Company, and the Nebraska Beef Council.

Support has been provided in a variety of ways. Local farm implement dealerships have provided display equipment, several food processors have provided free or discounted food products for the students, and area producers have assisted with festival presentations. In addition, the Ag Awareness Coalition members provide many hours of their personal and/or business expense during the planning meetings.

For more information, please contact the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center, 402-624-8000. The Agricultural Research and Development Center is a division of UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.



What to Watch for from the Combine to Improve Weed Management
Brandy VanDeWalle, UNL Extension Educator

With harvest in full swing, many farmers are probably reflecting on the season, and some are considering what they’ll do differently next year. This is a good time to take a few notes on what you’re seeing and start planning for next year’s crops.

While in the combine, look for weed and insect problems to fix for next year. Harvest provides an opportunity for a final evaluation of your weed management program and to a lesser extent, your insect management program. As you travel over all of your fields, take a minute to record observations such as where weeds are present. Be sure to note the exact locations and details so you know how to correct it for next year.

The next step of being a “crop scene investigator (CSI)” is to make the linkages and relate weed or insect problems with management decisions that were made. Use your yield monitor to help identify or confirm these problem areas.

Former UNL Extension Weeds Specialist Alex Martin once provided the following on weed management assessment at harvest...

Post-treatment Weeds. 
Small grass and broadleaf weeds are likely to have developed after the first month of the growing season, perhaps after a post-emergence treatment or cultivation or after a pre-emergence treatment has become ineffective. These smaller, late developing weeds may produce seed and perpetuate the problem but are unlikely to have impacted yield. These weeds are most likely in areas where the crop canopy developed more slowly, allowing penetration of the light necessary for weed establishment. Large weeds present at harvest likely are escapes which were not controlled by your primary weed management program. Depending on the number of these weeds, a change may be indicated for your weed management program.
Learn more

Possible Resistant Weeds. 
You may be able to see indications of herbicide resistance at harvest although the picture would have been clearer with an earlier examination. Herbicide resistance is first evident as a limited number of escapes in the field. There are many causes of weed escapes other than herbicide resistance. The key is to look for scattered large plants or small patches that were not controlled by your primary program. Dead weeds adjacent to the large ones provide even more evidence that resistance may be present. These fields should be monitored closely the next year.

Weed Patches. 
These indicate that your weed management program is not uniformly effective across the field. There may be several causes, however the effect is the same—these field areas will have higher concentrations of weed seed as compared to the rest of the field. This means the problem next year will be most serious in these patches. If you continue to manage the field as in the past, the patches will persist or become larger. A change in management is needed to prevent “growing” these weed patches.

Perennial Weeds. 
These typically occur in patches and many are less susceptible than annuals to most weed management programs. Perennials usually call for special attention not warranted on the entire field. Identifying problem areas in the fall can make it easier to target them in the spring.

With a little extra effort at harvest you can gather information that will be useful in developing next year’s weed management program.



What Constitutes a Killing Freeze for Alfalfa?
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

In its simplest form a killing freeze is when temperatures get cold enough to kill all the top growth on the alfalfa plant. The plant wilts, turns tan, and its leaves fall off.

Alfalfa tops don’t die at any set temperature. In fact, as we get later and later into the fall without a killing freeze, it takes colder and colder temperatures to actually kill alfalfa tops. That’s why we often see green alfalfa even after several hard freezes have occurred. Only rarely do we get a freeze that fully kills alfalfa tops suddenly.

Instead of worrying about a killing freeze, it might be wiser to think about why we look for a killing freeze. Once alfalfa tops die, yield no longer increases and winterizing ends. Most importantly, this means we can take another harvest without increasing the risk of winter injury.

Experience has shown us that alfalfa that has had at least six weeks of regrowth since the previous cutting will have developed enough winterhardiness for all but the most severe winters. By mid-October alfalfa begins to go dormant naturally because of shorter days and cooler temperatures. As a result, harvest in mid-October or later is not likely to jeopardize stand persistence.



USDA Report Examines Ag Nitrogen Use, Implications for Federal Policy

The introduction of large amounts of nitrogen into the environment has had a number of undesirable impacts on water, terrestrial, and atmospheric resources, according to USDA .

A new report from USDA's Economic Research Service explores the use of nitrogen in U.S. agriculture and assesses changes in nutrient management that may improve nitrogen use efficiency. It also reviews a number of policy approaches for improving nitrogen management and identifies issues affecting their potential performance.

Findings reveal that about two-thirds of U.S. cropland is not meeting three criteria for good nitrogen management related to the rate, timing, and method of application. It recommends three best management practices:
    Rate: Applying an amount of nitrogen at a rate that accounts for all other sources of nitrogen, carryover from previous crops, irrigation water, and atmospheric deposits.
    Timing: Applying nitrogen as close to the time that the crop needs it as is practical (as opposed to the season before the crop is planted).
    Method: Injecting or incorporating the nutrients into the soil to reduce runoff and losses to the atmosphere.

According to the report, several policy approaches, including financial incentives, nitrogen management as a condition of farm program eligibility, and regulation, could induce farmers to improve their nitrogen management and reduce nitrogen losses to the environment.   Click here to read the summary of the report... http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR127/ERR127_ReportSummary.pdf.  Click here to read the full report...  http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR127/ERR127.pdf.   



Weed Science Society Launches Program on Herbicide Resistance in Weeds

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is introducing a free training program designed to educate pesticide applicators, growers, agrichemical retailers, farm consultants and other stakeholders on herbicide resistance in weeds — a costly problem that threatens crop production across the U.S. and around the globe.

“A significant contributing factor in the evolution of herbicide resistance is the repeated use of a single chemical in the absence of other control methods,” says John Soteres, a WSSA member and chairman of the global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee. “It is vital that we have the best possible materials to communicate what we know about resistance and how to manage it in order to preserve crop yields and promote the sustainability of our cropping systems.”

WSSA established a task force of respected weed scientists from universities, industry, and private consulting who volunteered to evaluate current materials and develop a new, updated training program. Led by Soteres, they spent 18 months pulling together the most current, science-based information available on the causes of herbicide resistance and effective management techniques.

The result is a peer reviewed, five-module program available as Web-based training, PowerPoint slides, or video. WSSA plans to work with grower organizations, government agencies, and others to disseminate the materials, with a special emphasis on reaching growers and agrichemical retailers. WSSA is also exploring continuing education credits for those who complete the courses.

“Knowledge is critical,” says David Shaw, chair of WSSA’s Herbicide Resistance Education Committee. “When farmers have a better understanding of herbicide resistance and how to manage it, they can adopt proactive management programs that delay or mitigate the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds.”

The new herbicide resistance education program initially is available from the WSSA website at http://wssa.net/LessonModules/herbicide-resistant-weeds and from the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship (PES) website at pesticidestewardship.org.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for October 2011

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for October 2011. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for October 2011 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 in September 2011. For 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans, the interest rate for loans disbursed during October 2011 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 in September 2011.

In accordance with the 2008 Farm Bill, interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for October 2011 are as follows, 1.500 percent with seven-year loan terms, down from 1.875 in September 2011; 2.125 percent with 10-year loan terms, down from 2.500 in September 2011 and; 2.375 percent with 12-year loan terms, down from 2.875 percent in September 2011.



Agco Buys Grain Storage Equip Business

Agco Corp. (AGCO) agreed to buy grain storage equipment maker GSI Holdings Corp., in a move to expand Agco's business operations beyond manufacturing farm tractors and combines.

The $940 million purchase of GSI from private equity firm Centerbridge Partners L.P. is one of Agco's largest acquisitions in recent years. The deal is expected to close by year's end. GSI, which has annual revenue of more than $700 million, makes grain storage equipment and machinery and equipment used to feed hogs and poultry. GSI is expected to add 30 cents to Agco's earnings per share in 2011.

"With its high quality products and services, recognized brands and global capabilities, GSI gives us strong positions in the grain storage and protein production segments and is well-positioned to benefit from increases in global grain and food demand," Agco Chairman and Chief Executive Martin Richenhagen said in a written statement.

Georgia-based Agco is the world's third-largest tractor maker by sales behind Deere & Co. (DE) and CNH Global N.V. (CNH). Agco's brands include Challenger, Fendt, and Massey Ferguson. Its second-quarter profit more than doubled as rising prices for farm commodities drove demand for farm machinery.

Agco's sales and market share trails its rivals by a wide margin in North America. The purchase of Illinois-based GSI is expected to increase Agco's sales in North America and its exposure to the U.S. farm equipment market. GSI sells its products through more than 500 independent dealers world-wide.



'Feeding Future Generations' Forum on Tap in D.C.

The Beef Checkoff Program is pleased to announce its support for a new AtlanticLive program in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Oct.13 from 8:30 - 11:15 a.m. Eastern Time, at the Newseum. The discussion—“Feeding Future Generations: Supporting Sustainable Global Food Production”—will bring together a panel of experts for open discussion about how to raise nutritious food for a growing population with limited resources.

The event will include a keynote address by Dan Glickman, former secretary of agriculture, followed by a panel discussion with food security and environmental experts, and a cattle producer. Panelists include: Tony Hall, executive director, Alliance to End Hunger and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization; Suzy Friedman, deputy director, Working Lands, Environmental Defense Fund; and Steve Foglesong, cattle producer, Black Gold Ranch. In addition, Richard Gebhart, Oklahoma cattleman, University of Tulsa professor and vice chairman of the checkoff's Joint Issues Management Subcommittee, will provide opening remarks about the beef industry’s commitment to raising nutritious food for a growing population.

The target audience for the panel is Millennials (born between 1980 and 2005), whom beef checkoff research shows are more concerned with many social issues involved with raising food today.

A good mix of more than 100 thought leaders and Millennials are scheduled to attend. The panel can be viewed via live-streaming on AtlanticLive’s website and ExploreBeef.org so that you can watch the discussion. We encourage you to host “viewing parties” of the discussion and/or participate remotely by "Tweeting" in your questions. You can submit questions during the conversation to the AtlanticLIVE Twitter feed, or follow the conversation on Twitter with the #AtlanticFFG hashtag.



NCBA, PLC Weigh in on Precedent-Setting Clean Water Act Case
—Seeking Clarification on Costly, Burdensome Uncertainties Arising from Clean Water Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) recently filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) case, which will likely be argued in January 2012. Dustin Van Liew, PLC executive director and NCBA director of federal lands, said Sackett v. EPA could set a dangerous precedent allowing EPA and other federal agencies to make jurisdictional determinations that are not judicially or administratively reviewable.

In 2005, Chantell and Michael Sackett purchased a plot of land, less than one acre in size, to build a home. However, in 2007, after filling in half the lot with gravel in preparation for construction, EPA issued the Sacketts an “Administrative Compliance Order” (ACO), alleging the land was a wetland subject to Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction and ordered the Sacketts to restore the land to its original condition or face nearly $50,000 in fines per day. The Sackett family appealed for a hearing on their alleged violation but was denied by EPA and the federal court.

According to Van Liew, the court threw out the case because it determined that the CWA prevented judicial review ACOs until the enforcement actions have been issued by federal agencies. He said the Sacketts could not challenge the compliance order until they refused to do what it instructed and consequently were fined tens of thousands of dollars.

“Like millions of Americans regularly do, the Sacketts rightfully purchased land to build their dream home. Unfortunately, instead of building that home, they have spent the past four years battling EPA and the courts,” Van Liew said. “The Sacketts weren’t trying to cut corners. They followed the rules and now they just want a fair shake in the courts. The uncertainty surrounding the CWA permitting process and the time and financial costs associated with it has left them with abysmal options of submitting to the regulator’s demands and the costs associated with those demands, risking catastrophic fines for noncompliance or investing significant time and resources pursuing a permit. In this process, the only winner is the federal government. Private landowners lose.”

According to NCBA Deputy Environmental Counsel Ashley Lyon, this case could have far-reaching impacts on farmers and ranchers and all private landowners. She said the CWA has morphed from a statute to protect our nation’s waters in to a tool for regulators to micromanage daily decisions of private landowners. She said the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether petitioners may seek pre-enforcement judicial review of ACOs and whether petitioners’ current inability to seek pre-enforcement judicial review of the ACO violates their rights under the Due Process Clause.

“The brief NCBA and PLC filed in this case pushes for a decision that affirms a landowner’s right to challenge a jurisdictional determination before they are required to either go through the costly and time-consuming permitting process or are fined thousands of dollars,” Lyon said. “Today it is private landowners, who followed the rules, attempting to build a home but private landowners, including farmers and ranchers, will no doubt face future challenges if EPA and other federal agencies’ decisions are not subject to judicial and administration review. We are hopeful the U.S. Supreme Court will consider the sweeping impact this case could have our all private landowners in this country.”



Dairy Products August 2011 Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 868 million pounds, 0.3 percent below August 2010 but 1.5 percent above July 2011.  Italian type cheese production totaled 364 million pounds, 0.2 percent below August 2010 but 0.6 percent above July 2011.  American type cheese production totaled 347 million pounds, 1.0 percent below August 2010 and 0.9 percent below July 2011.  Butter production was 133 million pounds, 31.0 percent above August 2010 but 1.6 percent below July 2011.

Dry milk powders  (comparisons with August 2010)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 113 million pounds, down 5.1 percent.
Skim milk powders - 38.7 million pounds, up 156.6 percent.

Whey products  (comparisons with August 2010)
Dry whey, total - 79.8 million pounds, down 2.1 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 82.9 million pounds, up 3.4 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 35.6 million pounds, up 1.2 percent.

Frozen products  (comparisons with August 2010)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 77.4 million gallons, up 4.7 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 40.9 million gallons, up 8.4 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 4.20 million gallons, up 8.9 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 5.40 million gallons, up 13.6 percent.


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President sends Three Free Trade Agreements to Congress for Consideration... Reaction...

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Submission of Korea, Colombia and Panama Trade Agreements
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement on the submission of the Korea, Colombia and Panama trade agreements and the benefits to the U.S. agricultural economy:

“Congress must now take action on an important part of President Obama’s jobs agenda: new trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea and trade adjustment assistance to help train workers for the 21st century economy. When approved, these agreements will clear the way for new American exports around the world, help create jobs and provide new income opportunities for our nation’s agricultural producers, small businesses, and rural communities. For American agriculture, passage of these agreements means over $2.3 billion in additional exports, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs here at home.

“Congress should work swiftly to pass these trade agreements. Currently, Korea, Columbia and Panama have approved or are negotiating trade agreements with a host of other nations. Completing our agreements will level the playing field and secure markets for America’s farmers, ranchers, growers and producers ahead of competitors in the global marketplace.

“Over the past two years, as the nation has rebounded from the worst recession in decades, American agriculture has shattered trade records and created jobs. And these agreements will build on that success, helping provide higher incomes for producers, more opportunities for small businesses owners and jobs for folks who package, ship, and market agricultural products. If we’re going to get America working again, then these trade agreements are critical. We cannot afford to leave these jobs on the table.” 



Smith Statement on the Submission of Trade Agreements to Congress

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today issued the following statement after President Obama transmitted to Congress the pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.

“I am pleased the President finally submitted these trade agreements to Congress for approval.   It is welcome news for Nebraska,” Smith said.  “These agreements will create opportunity for Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers by creating quality jobs, expanding exports, and strengthening our economy. All three pending trade agreements – Colombia, Panama, and South Korea – enjoy broad bipartisan support in the House and Senate, so I look forward to immediately moving forward on passage.”

Smith serves on the Committee on Ways and Means and its Subcommittee on Trade.



JOHANNS APPLAUDS WHITE HOUSE SUBMISSION OF TRADE AGREEMENTS TO CONGRESS

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today applauded the Obama Administration for submitting to Congress for ratification the three pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. Because of years of delays, Congress has been unable to act upon them until today's action by the White House. It is not certain when Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will bring the agreements up for consideration in the Senate.

"I'm pleased that after more than four long years we are finally voting on the pending trade agreements, and I look forward to being a very enthusiastic yes vote," Johanns said. "Farmers and ranchers across Nebraska and our country have been waiting a long time for increased access to these markets and the opportunity to create jobs. I'm hopeful Senator Reid, the Majority Leader, will make these agreements a top priority on the Senate calendar to open the door for job creation."

Background:
·         The U.S. trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea have been awaiting Congressional action since their signing more than four years ago.
·         Implementing all three trade agreements would lead to an increase in all exports of more than $40 billion. [U.S. Chamber of Commerce]
o   Failure to implement these agreements could result in the loss of up to 380,000 American jobs.
·         Since the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement was signed in November 2006, U.S. exporters have paid almost $3.8 billion in tariffs that would be eliminated under the Agreement. [Latin America Trade Coalition]
o   The Agreement would boost U.S. exports to Colombia by $1.1 billion. [U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)]
o   More than 90 percent of imports from Colombia already enter the U.S. duty free, while U.S. exports to Colombia face tariffs as high as 35 percent.
·         The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement would expand trade between the two countries, eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers, and promote economic growth.
o   Approximately 88 percent of consumer and industrial products and more than 60 percent of agricultural commodities exported to Panama would enter duty-free.
·         Implementing the U.S.-Korea Trade Promotion Agreement would result in the reduction of tariffs on U.S. exports to South Korea, increasing such exports by approximately $10 billion annually. [USITC]
o   As a result of the Agreement, U.S. Gross Domestic Product would increase by between $10-12 billion.



USMEF Applauds Progress on FTAs

The submission to Congress today by President Obama of free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia is a positive step toward improving the U.S. balance of trade and creating new jobs in America, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) said today.

“This move by President Obama is a critical step toward passing free trade agreements that will help ensure a level playing field for U.S. exports internationally,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. “We congratulate our trade negotiators for keeping these FTAs moving forward and urge Congress to move quickly to ratify them.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has estimated that approval of the FTAs would increase U.S. agricultural exports $1.9 billion, $371 million and $46 million, respectively. They also would create an estimated 20,000 U.S. jobs.

For the U.S. red meat industry alone, it is projected that the U.S.-South Korea FTA would boost U.S. beef exports to more than $1 billion per year over the 15-year implementation period – up from $518 million in 2010. For pork, exports would more than double (from 2010 value) to more than $400 million by 2016. Korea is currently the fourth-largest value market for both U.S. beef and pork exports and the FTA will reduce duties of 40 percent on beef and about 25 percent on pork to zero, making U.S. red meat even more competitive.

Ratification of the Colombia and Panama FTAs would add an estimated $25 million in pork exports by 2016 and about $35 million in beef exports.

The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to formally address the three trade pacts on Wednesday, clearing the measures for floor action.



Wheat Farmers Urge Quick Approval of Free Trade Agreements

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) are pleased that the Obama Administration submitted implementing legislation for pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea on Monday.

The U.S. wheat industry strongly supports these bilateral agreements as critical steps toward competing on a level playing field in the global wheat market, and now urges Congress to pass them as quickly as possible. The Colombia agreement, in particular, is vital to the wheat industry’s efforts to maintain market share in what has traditionally been the largest market for U.S. wheat in South America.

Under trade agreements with Canada and Argentina, wheat from these origins enters Colombia duty free while U.S. wheat faces a 10 percent tariff. Colombian buyers want to import U.S. wheat, but they do not want to pay the extra cost associated with the tariff. U.S. wheat sales to Colombia have dropped 20 percent since June alone, a rate of loss that is likely to grow now that an FTA between Canada and Colombia is in place. In fact, USW estimates that U.S. wheat growers could lose at least $100 million in sales in this competitive market every year.

“We know there is strong support for these trade agreements on both sides of the aisle and in both Congressional chambers,” said Wayne Hurst, NAWG president and a wheat farmer from Burley, Idaho. “We want Members to work day and night until these agreements are done and duty free access is in place for our growers and exporters.” 

“Our industry is uniquely trade-dependent, with about half of our production moving to export markets each year," said Randy Suess, USW chairman and a wheat farmer from Colfax, Wash. “Not long ago we supplied 70 percent of Colombia's wheat imports so we know we can compete there. It is very frustrating that the delay in ratifying this agreement that was signed in 2006 is now costing us sales every day."

The U.S. is the world’s largest wheat exporter, offering customers around the globe a reliable, high-quality supply of all six wheat classes. In the 2010/2011 marketing year, ended May 31, 2011, the U.S. exported nearly 1.3 billion bushels of wheat valued at $10.3 billion, supporting thousands of jobs and economic benefits across the country. U.S. wheat is also a common component in U.S. food aid efforts.



NPPC Urges Congress To Pass FTAs Now

The National Pork Producers Council praised the Obama administration for sending to Congress today implementing legislation for the free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, which will be a boon to U.S. pork producers. It asked the Senate and House to approve the deals as soon as possible.

“We are very pleased that the president has sent up for congressional approval the agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea,” said Doug Wolf, NPPC president and a pork producer from Lancaster, Wis. “U.S. pork producers need new and expanded market access to remain competitive in the global marketplace. And the way to get that is through free trade agreements.”

For the U.S. pork industry, the deals with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, when fully implemented, would add more than $11 to the price producers receive for each hog and generate more than 10,000 pork industry jobs, according to Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes.

“We need to implement these FTAs now,” Wolf said, “because while these deals have languished for more than four years, our competitors have negotiated their own trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, and the United States has lost market share in those countries.”

In fact, the European Union’s trade agreement with South Korea went into effect July 1, and a trade deal between Colombia and Canada became effective Aug. 15.

“NPPC and America’s pork producers urge lawmakers to pass the three FTAs as soon as possible,” said Wolf. “These deals will generate sales, income and jobs for a U.S. economy that desperately needs them.”

Also today, more than 80 companies and business and agricultural organizations, including NPPC, signed onto letters on each of the FTAs, asking Congress to approve the agreements immediately. The trade pacts will generate more than $2 billion in additional U.S. sales.

Exports are vital to the U.S. pork industry, which last year shipped nearly $4.8 billion of pork, an amount that added about $56 to the price producers received for each hog marketed.



NCBA Cautiously Optimistic on Movement of Pending Trade Pacts

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Bill Donald today, Oct. 3, 2011, welcomed news that President Obama sent the three pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea to Congress. Donald said the long-awaited agreements moved from the president’s desk to Congress, which he called very encouraging but also cautioned that the agreements are far from implemented.

“Today marks the biggest leap forward we have seen in nearly five years when the trade pact with Colombia was signed,” said Donald. “Rural America is nearing a historic moment. These three agreements will create roughly 250,000 jobs right here in the United States and increase profitability for our nation’s family farmers and ranchers.”

Donald said cattlemen will not rest easy until the agreements are fully implemented but commended members of Congress for their longstanding support of free trade.

The U.S. House of Representatives will consider the Generalized System of Preferences, which includes Trade Adjustment Assistance, alongside the trade agreements. NCBA Manager of Legislative Affairs Kent Bacus is hopeful that the “tremendous bipartisan support” of all three FTAs in the House and Senate will push the pacts to final passage very soon. However, Bacus said he will make no assumptions about a timeline.

“Given the history of these trade agreements, which have fallen victim to political games on several occasions, we are not about to make any projections,” said Bacus. “Farmers and ranchers need these agreements. Our economy needs these agreements. We need Congress to pass these job-generating trade pacts as soon as possible.”



ASA Calls for Swift Congressional Approval of FTAs

The American Soybean Association (ASA) applauds the Obama Administration for transmitting to Congress today implementing legislation for the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. ASA now calls on Congress to swiftly pass the FTAs so they may enter into force as soon as possible.

The trade agreements combined represent nearly $3 billion of additional agriculture exports to these trading partners. Soybean farmers look forward to increased exports of soybeans and soy products, and domestically produced livestock and poultry that consume soy.

"But these export gains can only be realized by passage and implementation of the three trade agreements. After nearly a five-year delay, we have experienced firsthand the loss of U.S. market share to competitors in those markets, said ASA President Alan Kemper, a soybean producer from Lafayette, Ind. "We urge Congress and the White House to work together to take full advantage of the economic boost that these FTAs provide the American economy," Kemper said.

The ASA has been working for a number of years toward passage of these trade agreements. ASA represents all U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international issues of importance to the soybean industry. ASA’s advocacy efforts are made possible through the voluntary membership in ASA by over 21,000 farmers in 31 states where soybeans are grown.



Iowa Corn Supports Pending Free Trade Agreements

White House announced the long awaited movement of three pending free trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

“As we wait for Congress to act, U.S. corn farmers are losing important market share in other countries,” said Kevin Ross, a farmer from Minden, Iowa and the current President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA). “The pending free trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama represent important export market opportunities and with our current economy, this is crucial to our competitive edge.”

Korea is currently the third largest corn market and has the potential to be an important market for ethanol co-products, dried distillers grains. Colombia has traditionally been one of our top 10 export markets, but is currently importing corn from U.S. competitors because of the current import duty preference. Panama is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America with corn exports peaking in 2008 and dropping more than 20 percent since that time.

“As corn growers are in the field, bringing in the harvest,” said Ross “We find it frustrating to watch other nations receive access to markets. Especially when you consider our growing corn production and the quality of corn we produce.”

The US is currently the largest corn producer and exporter with about 50.4 million metric tons of corn worldwide. In Iowa, exports are the 3rd largest market for corn and co-products following livestock and ethanol.

“The ICGA is encouraging the entire Iowa congressional delegation to support quick passage of the three pending Free Trade Agreements,” said Ross.



NCGA Applauds White House for Sending FTAs, Asks Congress to Move Swiftly

The National Corn Growers Association today applauded President Obama for sending the pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Korea, Colombia and Panama to Congress for consideration.

"NCGA strongly supports the pending FTAs with Korea, Colombia and Panama, and we are pleased to see President Obama understands the importance of expanding trade," NCGA President Garry Niemeyer said.  "The United States is the largest producer and exporter of corn in the world, exporting over 50 million metric tons of corn worldwide in the 2009-10 marketing year.  These pacts represent significant markets for our nation's corn and corn co-products as well as opportunities for our customers in the livestock industry."

Korea is the United States' third largest corn market and potentially an important market for distillers' grains.  Colombia has traditionally been one of the top 10 export markets, but is currently importing corn from U.S. competitors because of an import duty preference. Panama is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America.  Corn exports there have dropped 20 percent from their 2008 peak.

"NCGA remains committed to the development and maintenance of free and open trade policies and we ask Congress to move swiftly on passage," Niemeyer said.  "As we await Congress' action, our farmers continue to watch other nations receive preferential access to markets and receive a competitive edge."



CORN REFINERS APPLAUD MOMENTUM, URGE PASSAGE OF FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) today applauded the submission by the White House of the three free trade agreements (FTAs) with Panama, Colombia and Korea to Congress, urging swift passage of these important accords.

“The corn wet milling industry and the U.S. economy will benefit greatly from free trade agreements with these three trading partners,” said Audrae Erickson, CRA President. “Starch exports from the European Union (EU) gained access to the Korean market earlier this year when the EU deal went into effect, putting our corn starch products at a competitive disadvantage absent quick passage of the Korean agreement.”

“We urge Congress to quickly pass all three trade deals so that restrictions on exports to Panama, Colombia and Korea will be lifted as soon as possible.”

The three FTAs call for the elimination or reduction of tariffs on refined corn products, which will create new market access for U.S. corn sweeteners, corn oil, corn starches and processed animal feeds such as corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal.



USGC Pleased with Administration’s Submission of Trade Agreements

The U.S. Grains Council applauds the U.S. Administration in its renewed push for the passage of three pending bilateral trade agreements, including Colombia, Korea and Panama.

“We are encouraged by the Administration’s submission of the long-standing free trade agreements (FTAs) for ratification by Congress,” said Dr. Wendell Shauman, USGC chairman and Illinois corn farmer. “Passage of these agreements will help to immediately level the playing field and allow organizations like the Council to aggressively re-engage with our international partners and win back lost market share.”

According to government and industry estimates, the three FTAs will result in an additional $2.5 billion in additional sales and lead to the creation of over 20,000 jobs, which are critical to creating economic growth and employment for U.S. citizens. Lack of ratification has led to loss of U.S. exports and market share, as a number of foreign competitors have aggressively pursued favorable trade deals that place U.S. exporters at a competitive disadvantage.  

“The three trade agreements are critical components of U.S. competitiveness in the international marketplace. Once ratified, they will offer immediate duty-free or preferential treatment for U.S. coarse grains exports of and most U.S. agricultural commodities. This will not only benefit U.S. producers, but will also enhance each country’s ability to meet the needs of its growing middle class for high-quality protein products at low cost to consumers,” said Shauman.



NFU: Congress Should Oppose Pending FTAs    

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in regard to the submission of the Korea, Panama, and Colombia Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for consideration by Congress:

“These three agreements are similar to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Both of those agreements have worsened the U.S. trade deficit, because the U.S. does not compete on a level playing field with other nations. America adheres to higher labor and environmental standards than other nations, so U.S. companies incur costs that companies in other nations do not.

“Labor and environmental standards, currency manipulation, and food security are protections that are absolutely essential in any trade agreement to ensure that a nation is able to protect itself and compete on a level playing field. In particular, South Korea has manipulated its currency twice in the past. Mexico devalued the peso shortly after the signing of NAFTA, wiping out all trade gains that the U.S. would have gotten otherwise. History is very likely to repeat itself without currency manipulation protections.

“Colombia has one of the worst labor records in the world, routinely committing violence against those who attempt to organize workers. In 2010, 51 union members were killed in Colombia. We should not reward the Colombian labor record by entering into a trade agreement with them.

“Agriculture has been one of the few sectors of the U.S. trade economy that consistently has a trade surplus. Since 1990, agriculture has had a positive trade balance every year. With countries that the U.S. has a trade agreement with, U.S. agriculture has a net trade deficit in seven of the past eight years.

“NFU strongly urges members of Congress to oppose the Korea, Panama, and Colombia Free Trade Agreements.”