(from UNL Cropwatch Newsletter)
Dry field conditions, high temperatures, and wind gusts of 30-40 mph are leading to an increased threat of field fires across most of the state.
On Wednesday the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Nebraska: "Dry and breezy conditions this afternoon could lead to extreme fire behavior. Fires will start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely." Conditions are expected to be similar Thursday and possibly into Friday.
On Tuesday the village of Stapleton was evacuated due to a large fire that started in a soybean field and quickly burned out of control. The National Weather Service at North Platte reported sustained winds of 30 mph and gusts up to 41 in the area contributing to this and other fires.
In a short time Tuesday afternoon, volunteer firemen were called to three field fires in an area in eastern Nebraska between Waverly, Greenwood, and Ashland, said Dave Morgan, UNL farm safety specialist. This is likely typical of what the rest of the state is seeing. The State Fire Marshal’s office reported major fires in northwest and central Nebraska and was aware of smaller fires in other areas. Widespread rain forecast for this weekend will lower the threat, but also stall harvest efforts.
Limiting Your Risks
Morgan recommends several steps producers can take to lower the risk of field fires and the resulting damage to combines and yield.
-- Keep your equipment clean and in good repair. When you get done for the day, take time to clean your machine thoroughly with an air compressor, power washer, or even a broom to dislodge any crop residue or chaff from the combine.
-- Fix any fuel, hydraulic or oil leaks. When it’s this windy, vegetative matter breaks up into really fine material that readily accumulates on oil and fuel leaks, Morgan said. This creates a source of solid and liquid fuel. From there, it doesn’t take much to start the fire -- a dry bearing or a slipping belt can quickly heat up or spark.
-- Check fluid levels and carefully refill, being careful not to spill any oil or fuel on the equipment. But don’t overfill fluid reservoirs. With high temperatures in the mid 80s, oil expands and may “burp” out the vent, creating another fuel source for fire.
-- Carry at least one, and preferably two, fully charged 10 lb ABC fire extinguishers on all equipment. (Be sure to have your fire extinguishers inspected annually and refilled as necessary.)
“We recommend having a couple extra air pressure water extinguishers ready on the combine or in the pickup,” Morgan said. A dry chemical extinguisher will exclude air from the flame, but it doesn’t cool the source of the fire, leaving hot, smoldering chaff, crop residue and dirt that could start another fire. A pressurized water extinguisher, with a tablespoon of dish soap added to improve spray, will cool and saturate the source.
“A five-gallon air pressured water extinguisher would weigh about 40 lb and should be manageable. We recommend keeping one in a nearby pickup and on the combine, if possible,” Morgan said. If a field fire starts, call 911 first and then try to extinguish it. Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire, sweeping if from side to side.
Under these unusually dry conditions, even with a clean combine, fires are going to occur and can quickly get out of hand, Morgan said. Personal safety is always paramount, Morgan reminded growers.
Widespread Rain Forecast for this Weekend
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| A National Weather Service precipitation forecast for Oct. 5-10 shows widespread rain from Texas to North Dakota with Nebraska expected to receive from 0.25 to more than 3 inches. (Source: High Plains Regional Climate Center) |
“The fire danger should ease dramatically as we enter this weekend,” said Al Dutcher, extension state climatologist. “A strong upper air trough is projected to move into the central U.S. by October 7 and generate the potential for our most significant statewide moisture event in at least 30 days.”
Weather models are indicating widespread precipitation of 1 or more inches for Nebraska this weekend, with some areas of central Nebraska possibly seeing 3 or more inches through October 9. Models also indicate that a line of severe thunderstorms may develop the afternoon of October 7 in central Nebraska and October 8 in eastern Nebraska.
“If the weather models are correct, the fire danger would be significantly reduced or eliminated for much of next week,” Dutcher said. “Dry weather is then forecast to return to the region for much of next week and should allow producers the opportunity to head back to combine activities after fields dry enough to tolerate the weight of heavy machinery,” he said.
Husker Beef Nutrition Conference is Oct 28th in Mead
The Husker Beef Nutrition Conference is scheduled for Friday October 28th at the ARDC near Mead starting at 8:15 am. The day is separated into two overall topics. The morning session will offer producers some information on how to deal with current feed prices. Topics for the morning session are the economic impacts of high-priced grain on beef cattle production systems, forage growing systems research-implications on performance and economics, and changes in the beef industry - particularly in the southern plains. Then in the afteroon, the focus will be on the nutrition of receiving and step up cattle. Topics are receiving research, health impact on performance, and OSU grain adaptation, grain adaptation using byproducts, molecular techniques to advance ruminant nutrition at UNL, options for replacing corn in feedlots and a reseach update. Registration deadline is Monday, October 24th. A registration fee of $30 covers the cost of materials and the lunch. Call the ARDC at Mead for more information at (402) 624-8030 or Galen Erickson at 402-472-6402.
Nebraska Corn Board executive director provides insight into China’s corn yield estimate
Following its annual crop tour of China, the U.S. Grains Council released an estimate of China’s 2011 corn production, pegging the country’s crop at 6.6 billion bushels, up 5.6 percent from last year. Don Hutchens, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board, participated in this year’s crop tour, which wrapped up last week.
“The 2011 corn crop I witnessed in China was far more impressive than I expected,” he said. “They have little, if any, crop loss and average yields are expected to be in the mid 80 bushel per acre range.”
Hutchens noted, however, that trying to figure out where China is heading from both an economic sense and in agriculture production is difficult.
“When you look at China you see a country that seems to be in the driver’s seat economically. Yet it has to feed 1.2 billion people and is harvesting 80 percent of its corn crop by hand and transporting it via small carts and wagons. Meanwhile, more skyscrapers are going up and it’s the number one market for Lamborghinis. In taking it all in, it’s an enigma and you quickly realize that no one really knows what the ripple effect of China will be,” he said.
China is the world’s second leading corn producer, producing about half that of the United States, but it emerged as a net corn importer a year ago as surging domestic demand outstripped its own production. Despite this year’s record production, the U.S. Grains Council said it anticipates rising demand will continue to create export opportunities for U.S. farmers in the 2011-12 market year and beyond.
“China has great potential to increase its corn yields, but when you consider they have a population of 1.2 billion people that are looking to add higher quality protein to their diets plus create a 25 percent grain reserve, then you see an opportunity for U.S. corn exports,” Hutchens said. “They place a high value on corn and what it can be turned into. They have also had a taste of the feed value of dried distillers grains, which are produced by ethanol plants, and discovered what an outstanding livestock feed it is, and they want more.”
The Council’s China Corn Harvest Tour began in 1996 when it provided the only non-governmental crop survey report available for China. Conducted by teams of experts from the private sector, most with long experience in the China grains market, the Council report has gained a reputation for consistency, reliability, and transparency in assessing an often-opaque China supply-and-demand situation.
China’s rapid economic growth has produced the world’s fastest growing middle class, and demand for meat and dairy products is soaring. China’s domestic corn prices this summer reached $10 a bushel and it has seen drawdowns of already low stocks.
A record harvest may reduce these pressures in the short run, the Council said, and may give China an opportunity to rebuild depleted stocks through imports. Current estimates for China’s likely 2011-12 corn imports vary widely and range from 78.7 million bushels (USDA) to more than 393.7 million bushels (private estimates).
“Over time, China’s need for corn will grow and the United States, being the world’s largest producer would be a logical source for that corn,” Hutchens said. “With our ability to grow enough corn for our own feed, fuel and food uses and still have enough left over to satisfy a healthy export market, it just makes sense that we’ll continue to be the reliable source for corn globally.”
Smith Votes for Trade Agreements
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today voted in support of the trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea during a markup in the Committee on Ways and Means. All three agreements were favorably reported out of the Ways and Means Committee to the full House of Representatives for a vote as soon as next week.
“For nearly five years, Nebraska farmers, ranchers, businesses, and workers have lost opportunity to our international competitors because of the prolonged delay to approve these agreements. With today’s committee action, I am more optimistic than ever we can move forward and new American jobs will be created,” Smith said. “All three agreements enjoy broad bipartisan support in the House and Senate, so we must continue pressing forward to approve them as soon as possible to create jobs here at home.”
Smith serves on the Ways and Means Committee and its Subcommittee on Trade.
FTAs in Hands of Congress; Good News For Nebraska Ag
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation is pleased that President Obama has sent implementing legislation to Congress to ratify three bilateral free-trade agreements (FTAs) between the United States and Korea, Colombia and Panama, Keith Olsen Nebraska Farm Bureau president said.
"Nebraska's farmers and ranchers have a lot at stake. The pending FTAs would lead to Nebraska agricultural trade increases of more than $123 million each year and add 1,100 new Nebraska jobs. Nationally, the agreements would add nearly $2.5 billion in agricultural trade increases and create over 22,000 jobs. These pending FTAs with South Korea, Colombia and Panama are a win for agriculture and a win for Nebraska," Olsen said.
South Korea is by far the biggest of the pending agreements. When it's fully implemented, Nebraska is projected to see agricultural export gains of more than $101 million a year, including $68 million in beef sales. "Many of the products that Nebraska's farmers and ranchers will see substantial trade gains because of the South Korean Free Trade Agreement," he said.
Nebraska stands to gain about $20 million from free agricultural trade with Colombia. The number would be higher but for every day the U.S. has delayed making an agreement, Colombia has been signing trade deals with our competitors, who are likely to hold on to their share of the Colombian market. Between 2008 and 2009 the U.S. saw a nearly 50 percent drop in our corn exports because Colombia passed FTA's with Brazil, Argentina, and most recently Canada and the European Union.
"With this agreement, Nebraska wheat producers are expected to ship about $3.5 million of their product to Colombia each year, and our corn exports are projected to increase more than $7.5 million. These gains will only be realized if the three agreements are passed by Congress and implemented," Olsen said.
The total Nebraska impact of the Panama FTA is pegged at about $1.6 million a year, with the biggest gains coming in sales of corn ($751,800) and soybeans ($373,900) as duties are eliminated.
"At a time when the economy is in desperate need of a boost and jobs need to be created, passage of these FTA's have become even more important. Congress has an opportunity to take the first step toward a real economic recovery. It is our hope that these FTA's will be passed quickly to help get the economy back on track," Olsen said.
Informa Cuts US Corn Yield Estimate
Firm Sees 2011 US Corn Production at 12.519 BB
Analytical firm Informa Economics on Wednesday cut its estimate of the U.S. 2011 corn yield to 149.5 bushels per acre (bpa), from 151.0 previously, and projected U.S. corn production at 12.519 billion bushels, trade sources said. The estimates are above the U.S. Department of Agriculture's current estimates for a corn yield of 148.1 bpa and production of 12.497 billion bushels. Informa said in a note to clients that it cut its corn yield figures for North Dakota and New York in the last month but raised its estimates for Nebraska and Missouri. The firm also noted that U.S. corn condition ratings fell in North Dakota and Minnesota in September due to a freeze.
For soybeans, Informa raised its estimate of the average U.S. 2011 yield to 41.8 bpa, from 41.5 previously, and projected U.S. soy production at 3.087 billion bushels. Informa's soy yield figure matches USDA's current estimate while Informa's soybean production number is just above USDA's estimate of 3.085 billion bushels. Informa said U.S. soybean condition ratings have improved slightly in recent weeks although the mid-September freeze hurt crops in the northern Midwest.
Based on acreage certification data from USDA's Farm Service Agency, Informa said it expected USDA on Oct. 12 to cut its estimate of U.S. area planted to corn by 430,000 acres, and raise soybean planted area by 70,000 acres.
Earlier this week, another closely watched firm, commodity brokerage INTL FC Stone, estimated the U.S. corn yield at 148.7 bpa and production at 12.553 billion bushels. INTL FC Stone pegged the U.S. soy yield at 42.8 bpa and production at 3.157 billion bushels.
USDA was scheduled to release updated U.S. and world crop estimates on Oct. 12.
NCBA Supports Tying Ethanol Mandate to Corn Supplies
—Commonsense Bill Will Allow RFS to be Reduced in Years of Tight Supplies
A bipartisan coalition of members of Congress, led by U.S. Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Jim Costa (D-Calif.), heeded concerns of livestock producers that current U.S. renewable fuels policies are artificially manipulating corn prices and putting a strain on corn supplies. The lawmakers today, Oct. 5, 2011, introduced the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) Flexibility Act of 2011, which will tie the amount of corn ethanol production required under the RFS to U.S. corn supplies.
“The federal government’s creation of an artificial market for the ethanol industry has quite frankly created a domino effect that is hurting consumers. It is expected that this year about 40 percent of the U.S. corn crop will used for ethanol production,” penned Reps. Goodlatte and Costa in a letter to their colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Our legislation will alter the RFS to give relief to our livestock and food producers and consumers of these products. This is a common sense solution to make sure that we have enough corn supplies to meet all of our demands.
During a recent hearing of the House Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry, Dr. Steve Meyer, president of Paragon Economics, a livestock and grain marketing and economic advisory company in Adel, Iowa, said on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), that since 2004, the last year before the RFS was implemented, corn used for ethanol production increased from nearly 1.4 billion bushels to an estimated 5 billion bushels in 2010-2011, a 382 percent increase. However, he noted corn production has only increased by 5.4 percent over that same time period. Meyer said in his opinion, these differing growth rates and subsequent unprecedented low carryover stocks were primarily caused by ethanol subsidies and guaranteed market.
Specifically, the legislation will set up a process to require the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to review twice yearly the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) report on the current crop year’s ratio of U.S. corn stocks-to-use in making a determination on the RFS. In years with tight stocks-to-use ratios, a reduction to the RFS could be made. Kevin Kester, California cattleman and president of the California Cattlemen’s Association, an affiliate of NCBA, said this legislation will provide relief from tight corn supplies. He said it is important to note that had the RFS been in place since 1969, according to an analysis by Paragon Economics, a reduction in the RFS would have only been triggered five times.
“Cattlemen are not opposed to ethanol and we’re not looking for cheap corn. We simply want the federal government to get out of the marketplace and allow the market to work,” Kester said during a news conference. “USDA has projected this year’s corn crop will be more than 400 million bushels smaller than last year. Supplies are already tight due to drought, floods and rising demand, driven partially by the mandate. A smaller corn crop will put even further strain on corn stocks. It’s time to add a layer of commonsense to our nation’s renewable fuels policy. We commend Congressmen Goodlatte and Costa for their leadership on this issue and we urge all members of Congress to support this bill.”
NCGA Opposes Legislation to Weaken Renewable Fuels Standard
The National Corn Growers Association today urged members of Congress to oppose legislation introduced by Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Jim Costa (D-CA) that would significantly weaken the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).
“The U.S. ethanol industry is an integral part of job creation and economic opportunity throughout rural America,” NCGA President Garry Niemeyer said. “This legislation would put progress made by the ethanol industry in jeopardy and we are asking members of Congress to oppose its passage.”
The RFS came into effect in 2005 and was reauthorized and expanded with strong bipartisan support in 2007. Since that time, the RFS has provided America an avenue to produce a home-grown renewable fuel that provides an alternative to foreign petroleum. The RFS allowed for expansion of the America ethanol industry and created market certainty.
In today’s environment, the ethanol industry creates distillers grains, an important corn co-product used as a high protein animal feed. In 2010, distillers grains produced by the ethanol industry displaced the need for 1.2 billion bushels of corn for the livestock industry.
“The ethanol industry is saving money for American consumers and producing jobs during a difficult financial time,” Niemeyer said. “The American farmer continues to meet the growing demand for corn as food, feed, fuel and fiber even when facing difficult years. We hope members of Congress will vote against a piece of legislation that will be a backwards step for our country’s fight for energy independence.”
House legislation would undo gains of Renewable Fuels Standard
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) strongly opposes legislation introduced today by Congressmen Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Jim Costa (D-CA) to reduce the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The bill, termed the “RFS Flexibility Act,” would reduce the corn-starch ethanol portion of the RFS by as much as 50% if corn supplies on an arbitrary date fall below a predetermined stocks-to-use ratio.
ACE Executive Vice President Brian Jennings said the bill would reverse significant gains made by the RFS and harm American consumers.
“The RFS is the single most effective policy enacted by Congress to increase supplies of domestic, affordable and clean biofuel and reduce foreign oil imports,” said Jennings. “Not only would this legislation retreat back to when foreign oil comprised more than 60 percent of U.S. demand and increase fuel prices, it would once again require taxpayers to subsidize the production of cheap corn merely to benefit meat packers and grocery manufacturers.”
“The RFS already provides the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ‘flexibility’ mechanisms to reduce the schedule. If grocery manufacturers, meat packers, and integrated livestock conglomerates have legitimate evidence of inadequate corn supplies or extreme high prices they should prove it by making a credible case to EPA. Absent that, this is nothing more than a politically-motivated attack on the farmers and small businesses that comprise the ethanol industry and who deliver a safe and affordable product to American motorists every day,” Jennings said.
Weekly ethanol production data for the week ending 9/30/2011
According to the Energy Information Administration data, ethanol production averaged 863,000 barrels per day (b/d) – or 36.25 million gallons daily. That is up 22,000 b/d from the week before. The 4-week average for ethanol production stood at 864,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 13.25 billion gallons.
Stocks of ethanol stood at 17.3 million barrels. Gasoline demand for the week averaged 376.3 million gallons daily. Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 9.63%.
On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 13.085 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 97,396 metric tons of livestock feed, 85,997 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 3.74 million pounds of corn oil daily.
AFBF Urges Congress to Hold Line on Capital Gains Rate
The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging Congress to maintain capital gains rates at the current 15 percent level and strongly backs legislation introduced today that would eliminate the sunset of the current tax rates for capital gains and dividends.
The bills introduced in the Senate by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and in the House by Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) will provide greater tax certainty for America’s farmers and ranchers, according to AFBF President Bob Stallman. Under current law, the top long-term capital gains tax rate will rise to 20 percent on Jan. 1, 2013. The Crapo and Roskam bills would kill that increase.
“Farm Bureau calls on Congress to pass these important bills introduced today by Sen. Crapo and Rep. Roskam,” Stallman said. “The legislation will prevent tax rates on capital gains and dividends from increasing. Allowing these tax rates to increase would undermine economic recovery efforts. Keeping tax rates for capital gains at the current level is vital for the health of both the U.S. economy as a whole and for the farm and ranch economy.”
Stallman explained that low capital gains tax rates increase the incentive for U.S. farmers and ranchers to invest in assets to grow their businesses and help them remain productive and profitable. Higher capital gains taxes make it difficult for many family farms, which make up 98 percent of total farms across the United States, to obtain land, buildings and animals they need to stay efficient.
“Farm and ranch owners are disproportionally affected by capital gains tax increases. Nationwide, 40 percent of all agricultural producers report some capital gains, nearly double the share for all taxpayers,” Stallman said.
“The impact of capital gains taxes on farming and ranching is significant because production agriculture requires large investments in land and buildings that are held for long periods of time,” he explained. “Because capital gains taxes are imposed when buildings and farmland are sold, it is more difficult for producers to shed unneeded assets to generate revenue to adapt and upgrade their operations. Capital gains taxes also threaten the transfer of land to the next generation of farmers and ranchers, putting the future of agriculture at risk.”
National Corn Growers Sees Record Membership
The National Corn Growers Association reached a new record high number of members, 37,160, at the end of August. That was up from the previous record of 36,216 was set in August 2010.
"It is inspirational that so many growers want to personally support our programs and activities," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer, a grower from Auburn, Ill. "This increased level of grower involvement demonstrates the value members believe NCGA staff and grower leaders provide our industry."
NCGA membership offers many benefits, including leadership opportunities, academic scholarships and discounts. Members play an active role in organizational leadership by shaping the direction of activities and influencing public policy that affects all farmers.
Through the Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship program for college students studying agriculture, NCGA also fosters tomorrow's leadership. Additionally, membership provides valuable discounts with companies such as Dell, Cabela's, Ford and Enterprise, and now the association even offers special access to official NASCAR information, including discounted tickets and merchandise.
Also this year, a record number of growers entered the National Corn Yield Contest, which requires NCGA membership. An initial count indicates submission of approximately 8,422 entries, a significant increase from the prior record of 7,125 set in 2010.
Johnson Will Advocate for Growers, Value Grassroots Input
On October 1, the National Corn Growers Association sat its fiscal year 2012 Corn Board and, at that time, Floyd, Iowa, farmer Pam Johnson became the organization's first vice president. To find out more about Johnson's views, NCGA's Off the Cob sat down with her to discuss where she sees the industry heading and her overall priorities for the board over the coming year.
Johnson noted that it is of the utmost importance that growers have strong advocates in leadership roles right now as they face the drafting of a new farm bill during a time when budgets are being slashed in an effort to reduce the national debt. She said that, through the work of NCGA's dedicated grower leaders, corn farmers across the nation will receive strong representation in these debates.
"I feel like we are ahead of the game as our Public Policy Action Team has been working on programs and concepts for a while now," said Johnson. "They have thoroughly vetted these ideas and performed detailed economic analysis of them. Thus, NCGA will be able to not only present our ideas but also credibly defend them. It is incredibly important that, considering the budgetary environment, we can come up with a plausible, fact-based plan to protect corn growers when they really need it the most."
With a reminder that growers continually rank crop insurance one of their highest priorities, she reassures them that the Corn Board grasps the importance of strong risk management tools.
"This year really showed the necessity of risk management tools to help farmers facing losses due to weather," she said. "Looking at 2011, we had major weather issues clear across the country and market volatility. We are fully engaged in helping develop and protect the tools that help carry our farmers through these difficulties."
Finally, she reflects on the idea that the true strength of NCGA stems from the desire of farmers across the country to play an active role in developing the policies that will affect their operations.
"It is great to have grassroots members who really want to be engaged," said Johnson. "When I am at home talking to other farmers, I hear so often how they want to know about the issues NCGA deals with and really be connected. They want to have input into NCGA's activities and also to take action by responding to what they hear and see in the media with their true story as modern American farmers."
Group Launches Ad Campaign for Less Government Control in Dairy
The International Dairy Foods Association launched a new television and print advertising campaign to educate consumers about what they call 'the negative economic impact' of the Federal Milk Marketing Order system--a set of regulations that gives the federal government control over setting milk prices.
"It's time consumers learned that the price of their milk is being artificially inflated by a maze of government regulations," said Connie Tipton, president and CEO of IDFA. "Our campaign is about encouraging consumers to tell big government to get out of their milk."
The television commercial, which calls for the elimination of the current pricing system, shows a tiny government bureaucrat enjoying a swim in a glass of milk, much to the dismay of the woman about to take a drink. The voiceover in the commercial states: 'It seems like the government is everywhere these days--including in your milk. In 1937, the federal government created a huge bureaucracy to establish and enforce milk prices. This maze of regulations and government red tape still exists and it's costing you every time you buy milk for your family.'
The campaign is kicking off in the Washington, D.C., media market with a new television commercial and full-page print ad in Politico and Roll Call. Internet ads will help bring the message to consumers outside of the Washington area.
IDFA has long opposed milk pricing regulations that increase the already significant regulatory burden on the dairy industry, put more pressure on declining milk sales and increase costs for consumers and many government nutrition and feeding programs.
October Marks the First National Farm to School Month
Farmers, chefs to visit classrooms across the country
The first ever National Farm to School Month is taking place this October. In 2010, Congress designated October as National Farm to School Month, which demonstrates the growing importance and role of Farm to School programs as a means to improve child nutrition, support local farming and ranching economies, spur job growth and educate children about agriculture and the origins of their food.
"Farm to School programs are a win-win. They provide our kids with fresh, healthy food that actually tastes like food and benefits our farmers and communities as well," said Kathie Starkweather with the Center for Rural Affairs, a member of the National Farm to School Network and a partner organization of the 2011 National Farm to School Month. “These programs are widely recognized as an effective way to encourage healthy eating and boost local agriculture sales by bringing local vegetables, fruit, and other products into schools.”
According to Starkweather, a focus on farm-to-school local food programs is overdue. Two-thirds of school children eat a National School Lunch Program lunch and consume about one-third of their total calories from that meal. Unfortunately that food travels between 2500 and 4000 miles before reaching their plates.
To celebrate the first National Farm to School Month, schools across the country will be inviting farmers and chefs to visit their school during the month of October. Food service professionals, teachers, parents, farmers and ranchers can visit farmtoschoolmonth.org for assistance organizing an event.
Over the past decade, the Farm to School movement has exploded across the United States. There are now more than 2,300 Farm to School programs in schools across all 50 states, according to the National Farm to School Network.
For example Joyce Rice, who served as Food Service Director for a small central Nebraska community, was dissatisfied with the food the students were eating and made it her personal mission to get locally grown fresh food into the schools. Joyce wanted to feed students at the elementary, middle and preschool (500 students) delicious, healthy and fresh food. Rice started the Farm to School program by identifying local farmers who could supply food for school lunches. She has also gotten them involved in giving presentations at school. This teaches the children more about how food is grown, where it comes from, and the importance of supporting local growers.
“One local grower who raises asparagus, actually came to the school, donned a hair net, and helped cook and serve the asparagus,” commented Starkweather.
According to Rice, “Most of the kids had never even SEEN an asparagus, but they cleaned their plates and are now asking their parents to buy the vegetable.” The farmer now sees the students and their parents regularly at his stand at the local Farmers Market.
Rice continued saying the children love eating the fresh food and their consumption of fruits and vegetables increased by nearly 200 percent since she started buying locally according to data that she has tracked since starting this program.
United States Department of Agriculture is preparing to announce the availability of competitive Farm to School grants worth up to $100,000 for planning and implementing Farm to School programs – including supporting staff salaries, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens and other activities. For more information on these grants and about the National Farm to School Network, visit www.farmtoschool.org
The National Farm to School Network has established contacts in every state to help connect schools with local farmers. To find one in your state http://www.farmtoschool.org/states.php
For additional information on how schools and farmers can take advantage of Farm to School programs visit http://www.cfra.org/renewrural/farmtoschool for a host of ideas. Or contact Kathie Starkweather at the Center for Rural Affairs at kathies@cfra.org or (402) 617-7946.
Monsanto Reports 4Q Loss
Company to Restate Last Two Year's Earnings
Monsanto's fourth-quarter results beat Wall Street expectations. But the company says it has to restate the last two year's earnings because of a federal investigation into its herbicide sales.
The world's biggest seed company on Wednesday said a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission probe will prompt it to restate earnings due to incentives it paid dealers of its Roundup Herbicide. Monsanto had previously announced the investigation, which centers on cash incentives the company paid to boost Roundup's position in an increasingly competitive market. The herbicide was once a mainstay of Monsanto's profits, but is now under pressure from generic versions made in China and elsewhere.
The SEC investigation clouded what was an otherwise bright earnings report. Monsanto said sales of its corn and soybean seeds has been strong, as farmers are willing to pony up more money for Monsanto's newer, more expensive lines of genetically altered seeds that contain several patented traits.
The St. Louis company said it had a net loss of $112 million, or 21 cents per share, for the quarter ended Aug. 31. Monsanto Co. said that adjusted for one-time items, the loss was 22 cents per share. Revenue amounted to $2.25 billion. Monsanto said fourth-quarter sales in its seeds and genomics division jumped 39 percent compared to last year, hitting $1.4 billion. Monsanto said the earnings restatement will not affect its seeds and genomic division.
After reviewing its records in light of the SEC investigation, Monsanto will restate portions of its earnings statements from the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 through the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. The company said the restatements could reduce its reported net income in the fiscal year 2009 by between 10 cents or 5 cents per share. The impact on earnings for fiscal year 2010 could be in the range of a loss of 02 cents a share to a gain of 3 cents a share.
Mycogen Seeds Introduces Eight Additional New Dow AgroSciences REFUGE ADVANCED® powered by SmartStax® hybrids for 2012
New releases include first SILAGE-SPECIFIC™ variety
Mycogen Seeds is expanding its corn lineup to include eight additional Dow AgroSciences REFUGE ADVANCED® powered by SmartStax® hybrids. The new release includes seven grain corn hybrids and the first SILAGE-SPECIFIC™ hybrid with the single-bag refuge solution. In total, Mycogen Seeds will offer 13 REFUGED ADVANCED hybrids for 2012 planting. REFUGE ADVANCED is a convenient, single-bag solution to ensure refuge compliance in the Corn Belt. It contains a blend of 95 percent SmartStax seed and 5 percent non-insect-traited, agronomically comparable refuge seed. This allows refuge plants to be uniformly distributed throughout the field, removing the need for separate refuge acres.
Grain Corn Hybrids
2R158, an 83-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid, offers a solid agronomic package, including strong roots and good stress tolerance. This hybrid features good ear flex and is adapted to many plant densities. 2R158 offers top yield potential in high-yield environments.
2T226, an 86-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid, offers strong stalks and roots with late-season intactness to support harvest efficiency. Its semi-flex ear type supports a wide range of plant densities for consistent performance. Excellent drought tolerance makes 2T226 ideal for lighter soils.
2E268, an 88-day REFUGE ADVANCED® hybrid, is a tall, attractive plant with moderately low ear placement. Excellent fall health and late-season plant integrity help this hybrid achieve superior grain drydown. 2E268 is a great choice for continuous corn or corn/soybean rotations.
2J340, a 92-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid, offers an excellent overall agronomic package with very good stress tolerance for lighter soils. With excellent fall health and late-season plant integrity, 2J340 is a competitive performer in a wide variety of environments and production systems.
2J599, a 105-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid, has wide east-to-west adaptation. This medium/tall showy hybrid offers good tolerance to northern corn leaf blight and excels in highly productive soils. 2J599 offers top-end yield potential in high-yield environments.
2V739, a 113-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid, combines high yield with excellent yield stability. It has good tolerance to Goss’s wilt for western environments and responds well to higher management. 2V739 optimizes its yield at higher plant densities and is a great choice for both continuous corn or corn/soybean rotations.
2P769, a 113-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid, delivers consistent yield performance over a wide range of cropping rotations. An excellent choice for conventional and no-till systems, 2P769 optimizes its yield potential at higher plant densities.
SILAGE-SPECIFIC Hybrid
TMF2Q719, a 109-day REFUGE ADVANCED® hybrid, is a tall plant with medium-high ear placement. It offers excellent gray leaf spot tolerance. Excellent staygreen provides TMF2Q719 with a wider harvest window.
Koch Agronomic Services Completes Acquisition of AGROTAIN® Nitrogen Stabilizer Business
Koch Agronomic Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Fertilizer, LLC, announced today that it has completed an asset acquisition of AGROTAIN International, LLC’s AGROTAIN.
“We’re excited to integrate the portfolio of AGROTAIN® stabilizer products into Koch Agronomic Services,” said Steve Packebush, president of Koch Fertilizer. “The marketplace will benefit from the synergies that exist between Koch Agronomic Services and the AGROTAIN International businesses, as well as the global footprint of Koch Fertilizer.”
Koch Agronomic Services is excited to offer the AGROTAIN® stabilizer product line, including AGROTAIN®, AGROTAIN® PLUS, AGROTAIN® DRY, SUPER U®, UMAXX® and UFLEXXTM stabilizers. These enhanced efficiency products deliver value for growers, turf managers and lawn care companies around the world.
Customers will see little change in terms of sales support, marketing and customer service. Koch Agronomic Services will continue offering competitive, innovative products with outstanding service.
Koch Agronomic Services was formed in 2010 with the acquisition of the Nitamin® and Nitamin NFusion® slow-release nitrogen fertilizer brands from Georgia-Pacific Chemicals. Since its formation, the business has expanded its capabilities in research and development, sales and agronomy.
“This acquisition offers Koch Agronomic Services an industry-leading portfolio of brands and products that are supported by the scientific community and embraced by growers,” said Packebush. “By combining the brands, operations and personnel of AGROTAIN International with our existing business, we will offer the market a comprehensive portfolio of value-added products with the expertise to support that portfolio.”
This acquisition comes after another year of record demand for AGROTAIN® stabilizer products around the world. These products help make nitrogen, one of the most important inputs to yield success, more efficient thus reducing nitrogen loss so nitrogen remains available for the crop. The increasing global demand for corn, wheat, rice, cotton, sugar cane and a number of other commodities make AGROTAIN® stabilizer products vital tools in a grower’s fertilizer program.
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