Friday November 18 Ag News

NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 2 PERCENT FROM A YEAR AGO

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.47 million cattle on feed on November 1, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.  This inventory was up 2 percent from last year and is the largest November 1 inventory since the data series began in 1994. 

Placements during October totaled 665,000 head, up 15 percent from 2010. 

Fed cattle marketings for the month of October totaled 390,000 head, up 5 percent from last year.  This is the largest number of marketings for October since the data series began in 1994.  Other disappearance during October totaled 15,000 head compared with 10,000 during October 2010.

Iowa  
There were 1,200,000 cattle on feed for the slaughter market  in all feedlots  in Iowa on November 1, 2011, up 5 percent from October 1, 2011 but down 4 percent from November 1, 2010.   Feedlots with a capacity greater than 1,000 head had 590,000 head on feed, up 4 percent from last month but down 3 percent from last year.  Feedlots with a capacity less than 1,000 head had 610,000 head on feed, up 7 percent from last month but down 4 percent from last year.

Placements during October totaled 277,000 head, an increase of 10 percent from last month but unchanged from last year.  Feedlots with a capacity greater than 1,000 head placed 137,000 head, up 19 percent from last month but down 4 percent from last year.  Feedlots with a capacity less than 1,000 head placed 140,000 head. This is up 3 percent from last month and up 4 percent from last year.

Marketings  for October were 213,000 head, up 16 percent  from  last month but down 3 percent  from  last year. Feedlots with a capacity greater  than 1,000 head marketed 115,000 head, up 25 percent from  last month and up 15 percent from last year.     Feedlots with a capacity less than 1,000 head marketed 98,000 head, up 8 percent from last month but down 18 percent from last year. Other disappearance totaled 4,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Up 4 Percent
Click Here for all the national numbers...  http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/CattOnFe/CattOnFe-11-18-2011.txt. 
   
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.9 million head on November 1, 2011. The inventory was 4 percent above November 1, 2010. This is the second highest November 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.

Placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.49 million, 1 percent below 2010. Net placements were 2.40 million head. During October, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 805,000, 600-699 pounds were 600,000, 700-799 pounds were 501,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 585,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during October totaled 1.79 million, 3 percent above 2010.  Other disappearance totaled 93,000 during October, 50 percent above 2010.



Cattlemen to have Exciting Speakers for Convention    

December 7-9th many cattlemen from across the state will join together for the Nebraska Cattlemen and CattleWomen 2011 Annual Convention in Kearney, Nebraska at the Holiday Inn. At this meeting members of Nebraska Cattlemen have the opportunity to participate in discussions in council and committee meetings. These meetings determine the direction and policy of Nebraska Cattlemen for the upcoming year.

As in past years the Convention will be packed with educational opportunities beginning with the Cattlemen’s College on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday the Nebraska Cattlemen Council Meetings will be held in the morning, the Foundation luncheon at noon and the Nebraska Cattlemen Committee meetings in the afternoon.

The 2011 Convention will feature a very distinguished group of speakers...
-    Forrest Roberts, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO (keynote speaker at the opening general session on Thursday morning)
-    Polly Ruhland, Cattlemen’s Beef Board CEO (emcee and make comments at the annual banquet on Thursday evening)
-    Governor Dave Heineman (speaker during the Thursday evening banquet)
-    Chef Jay McCarthy, Group 970 Restaurants (keynote speaker at the banquet on Thursday evening sharing his adventures promoting beef around the globe)
-    Colin Woodall, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs(speaker at the annual membership meeting on Friday morning)

As always Nebraska Cattlemen’s allied industry partners will present their goods and services with outstanding displays in the trade show. The welcome reception in the trade show on Wednesday evening will kick-off this year’s convention.

For more information or to register refer to your November issue of Nebraska Cattleman magazine or you can call Nebraska Cattlemen’s Lincoln office at 402.475.2333or go online to www.nebraskacattlemen.org.



US Grains Council Plans Trade Mission

On November 29 - December 9, 2011, the US Grains Council will host U.S. corn sector leaders on a Corn Mission through Japan, China and Vietnam. Participants will see firsthand current market conditions and meet overseas buyers and goverment officials involved in agricultural policy. This mission represents an opportunity to bolster customer relations and renew the U.S. commitment as a dependable supplier of quality corn. Mission members include:
    Kelly Brunkhorst, Ag Program Manager, Nebraska Corn Board
    Kurt Hora, Board Member, Iowa Corn Growers Association
    Bruce Wetzel, Board Member, Texas Corn Producer Board
    Pat Feldpausch, President, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan
    Tom Mueller, Board Member, Illinois Corn Marketing Board
    Randy Woodruff, Board Member, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board
    Paul Herringshaw, Vice Chairman, Ohio Corn Marketing Program
    Rob Korff, Chairman, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council
    Nancy Kavazanjian, Communications Director, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Inc.
    Marri Carrow, Manager of Communications, USGC



Symposium to Feature Fruit and Vegetable Production, Marketing Strategies

Fruit and vegetable growers are invited to attend the Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Growers Symposium Dec. 2 from noon to 5:15 p.m. at Stoney Creek Inn, 300 Third Street, in Sioux City, Iowa.  Featured speakers include South Dakota State University Professor of Forestry John Ball with an overview of specialty crops and Tim Vala of Vala's Pumpkin Patch near Omaha providing marketing tips.

Growers can choose from a variety of fruit/vegetable production and marketing sessions led by university extension horticulture specialists and experienced local growers. Topics include fruit trees, aronia berries, grapes, ethnic vegetable varieties, organic insect and pest control, and community supported agriculture strategies.

The symposium is planned in partnership with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and South Dakota State University Extension.  Cost is $25 for the first person and $15 for the second person participating from the same farm or business until Nov. 23. Cost at the door is $30.  For more information or to register call ISU Extension in Woodbury County at 712-276-2157 or visit www.flavorsofnorthwestiowa.org.



Congress Passes Final FY2012 Agriculture Spending Bill

The U.S. House and Senate voted thursday to pass the final FY2012 Agriculture, Commerce/Justice/Science (CJS), and Transportation/Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bills, funding important agriculture programs and disaster assistance efforts nationwide.

"This bill was a bipartisan effort, and I am proud that it includes critical disaster aid and agriculture research investments for Missourians," said U.S. Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri. "As we work to spend taxpayer dollars as effectively as possible, this bipartisan legislation is an important step forward."

Blunt -- who served as a member of the conference committee -- also serves as Ranking Member of the of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

Key details about the bill:
-- Discretionary spending for agriculture programs: $350 million below the FY2011 level and significantly lower than the FY2010 level
-- Total disaster funding for FY2012: $2.3 billion
-- Funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program: $400 million for dedicated disaster funding to the "most impacted and distressed" communities
-- Formula funding for agricultural research and extension programs at land grant universities under the Hatch Act, McIntire-Stennis cooperative forestry program, and Smith-Lever Act are maintained at the FY2011 levels
-- Funding for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program: $215.9 million
-- Funding for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): $122.7 million
-- Funding for a competitive capacity building program for non-land-grant colleges of agriculture: $4.5 million. This is the first time this program has been funded.
-- Funding for the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) and the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) authorization: $4 million



Statement from NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall Regarding WTO Ruling on US Country of Origin Labeling

The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced today, Nov. 18, 2011, it has ruled in support of complaints by Canada and Mexico that U.S. Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) violates global trade rules and unjustly harms agricultural commerce. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall issued the following statement.

“This is a strong ruling from the World Trade Organization that proves COOL was not only a disservice to U.S. cattlemen and women but also contained far-reaching implications for two of the most important trade partners for U.S. agriculture. NCBA strongly advises the United States not to appeal this ruling. Instead, we urge U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to work with NCBA and other pro-trade organizations to apply pressure on Congress to bring the United States into WTO compliance across the board. We must act quickly before U.S. farmers and ranchers once again face unnecessary and unfortunate retaliatory tariffs on their products.

“This ruling solidifies our concerns that COOL would have extensive trade implications as NCBA expressed during 2008 Farm Bill deliberations. U.S. livestock producers have yet to see any financial benefit from COOL provisions. In many cases, ranchers who feed imported cattle have incurred significant discounts, which have not been offset by benefits proponents of COOL claimed would be available. Just as importantly, cattlemen have yet to discern any positive reaction from consumers regarding mandatory origin labeling.

“We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Kirk and members of Congress to ensure cattlemen are not put in a position to lose access to two very valuable global markets. An appeal is not the answer. Bringing the United States into compliance is the answer.”



Smith Statement On The Lifting Of The Ban On Horse Processing

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today issued the following statement following passage of a conference report which would allow for the restoration of USDA-sponsored inspections of horse processing facilities:

“For the first time since 2005, the de-facto ban on horse processing has been taken off the table. While we have a long way to go, responsible processing represents a vital first step in reversing the unintended consequences to blame for the dismal state of neglected horses and their frustrated caregivers across our country. Reinstating a humane, accountable, and legal management tool is good for horses, good for owners, and is good policy.”

Background:
The conference report is a major appropriations bill which would fund several government agencies for Fiscal Year 2012 and provide short-term funding for the rest of the federal government through December 16. The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote and is awaiting action in the Senate. A recent GAO report revealed the ban on horse processing resulted in a number of unintended consequences harmful not only for landowners and industry, but also for the well-being of horses in general.



US Congress Places Restrictions on Implementation of GIPSA Rule
— NCBA Supports Ag Appropriations Language to Provide Certainty to Cattlemen

Congress voted Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011, on a $19.8 billion 2012 agricultural spending bill that includes language blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture from implementing controversial reforms to livestock and poultry marketing. The so-called GIPSA rule, proposed last year by the USDA’s Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyard’s Administration, would have wreaked havoc on the U.S. cattle industry causing livestock producers to lose an estimated $169 million, according to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall. He said Congress barred USDA from conducting any further work this year on sections of the rule not yet finalized.

“We stand firm behind those members of Congress who were willing to listen and understand the concerns of cattlemen, leading trade organizations, economists, consumers and others. This was a vote in favor of innovative family-owned farms and ranches,” said Woodall.

The agricultural appropriations bill is part of a $1.04 trillion bill adopted by both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. The agricultural spending bill will halt USDA from working this year on sections of the rule mandated by Congress during the 2008 Farm Bill related to competitive injury, unfair practices and undue preference. This part of the proposed rule caused the most concern for cattlemen and women like Robbie LeValley, a Colorado cow-calf producer and co-owner of Homestead Meats.

“The vague definitions would open the door to an increased number of lawsuits because mere accusations, without economic proof, would suffice for USDA or an individual to bring a lawsuit against a buyer. This would have been a trial lawyer’s bonanza,” said LeValley. “I am relieved that USDA will not move forward with this rule as originally written. Congress not only heard us but they also understood the far reaching unintended consequences this rule would have created.”

Woodall said NCBA is committed to working with USDA to assist in providing clarity and clear definition in future rulemaking in order to prevent unintended consequences from putting family-owned farmers and ranchers, like LeValley, out of business.



Fallout Continues from FTA Delays

While the United States has finally approved the Colombia, Panama and South Korea free trade agreements (FTAs), the long delay in achieving U.S. ratification continues to produce fallout, according to the US Grains Council. 

In South Korea, critics say the pact could threaten South Korea’s national interests, and opposition party members are attempting to block a vote in the parliament. Opposition is coming from South Korea’s auto industry and farmers, who fear a flood of U.S. farm exports.

South Korea’s president said he will seek to renegotiate a provision that gives foreign investors the right to have international arbitrators hear a dispute in South Korea, and he has made a rare trip to parliament this week to argue for a vote.

Meanwhile, Kurt Shultz, U.S. Grains Council regional director, reported U.S. market share in the Caribbean Basin continues to suffer as South American exports’ growing advantage in Colombia spilled over to a number of other markets in the region.

“The primary destinations for South American corn in order of volume are Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and now Panama,” Shultz said. “In 2010, corn imports from South America totaled 4 million metric tons (157 million bushels) in the region, and we expect their sales to be the same or stronger this year.

“A tremendous amount of work still needs to be done as our market share in the region is still under attack.”

As an example, Shultz noted that Panama had its first shipment of South American corn at the end of 2010 and has continued importing from South America this year.

“Colombia is the primary driver in this situation,” Shultz commented. “All of this highlights the need for the United States to work urgently to implement the Colombia FTA. If the process takes more than a year, U.S. farmers and exporters will continue to suffer market losses in the region.”

To facilitate the implementation of this legislation, Wendell Shauman, USGC Chairman, Bart Schott, Chairman of the National Corn Grower’s Association, and Council directors Chris Corry and Floyd Gaibler will be traveling to Columbia on Nov. 27.



October Milk Production up 2.5 Percent
                       
Milk production in the 23 major States during October totaled 15.2 billion pounds, up 2.5 percent from October 2010. September revised production at 14.8 billion pounds, was up 1.9 percent from September 2010. The September revision represented a decrease of 10 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.  Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,787 pounds for October, 20 pounds above October 2010.    The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.48 million head, 111,000 head more than October 2010, and 10,000 head more than September 2011.



EPA Seeks Nominations for New Science Advisory Board Committee

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it is requesting public nominations of scientific experts for appointment to EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee.  The primary purpose of this new committee is to review chemical assessments.  The exact number for new committee members has not yet been determined.  EPA will also consult with the committee on questions regarding the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Program. This action continues the agency’s efforts to further strengthen the IRIS program.  IRIS is a publicly available online database that provides high quality science-based human health assessments used to inform the agency’s decisions on protecting public health and the environment.

“Science is the cornerstone of the EPA’s work, and ensuring the highest standards of scientific integrity and credibility is an ongoing priority for EPA and the IRIS Program,” said Paul Anastas, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development.  “EPA plans to request advice from the Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee on a variety of issues, including how we implement recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences related to the development of IRIS assessments.”

In July 2011, EPA announced plans to improve IRIS as part of an ongoing effort initiated in 2009 to strengthen the IRIS program.  Today’s announcement is a demonstration of the EPA’s commitment to scientific integrity.



Argentine Soy, Corn Planting Moves Forward

Argentine soybean and corn planting is moving forward quickly following decent rains over the last month.  With crops looking healthy across most of the grain belt, some analysts believe the world's No. 1 soy meal and soy oil exporter and No. 2 corn exporter could be on its way to a record crop.

This week was dry across many parts of Argentina's grain belt but rain is expected to return over the weekend and stay for the rest of the month.  Up to Thursday, soybean farmers had planted 37.4% of their soybean crop, up from 25% at the same point last week, according to the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange.  Corn planting was 62.1% complete, up from 58.3% the week before.

Excellent margins on corn planting prompted plans to switch a portion of the land from soybeans to corn this season.  According to Oil World, Argentine corn planting will rise 7% to 12.0 million acres this season, while soybean planting will fall 0.6% to 46.3 million acres.



NCBA Invites Youth to Compete in 2012 Contests 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) will host a number of youth contests at the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. NCBA encourages all youth interested in agriculture to participate in the NCBA youth contests that will be held Feb. 1-4, in Nashville, Tenn.

 The 2012 contests include public speaking, team marketing, beef quiz bowl and cattle judging. Each contest offers a number of different age divisions allowing youth from 4-H members to college students to participate. Bill Donald, NCBA president said the NCBA youth contests are where future industry leaders can come together to showcase their talents.

 “The Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show and youth contests unite all of our industry under one roof,” Donald said. “Everyone always looks forward to seeing the best and brightest young people that our industry has to offer through the youth contests and I encourage everyone to participate.”

 The 2012 youth contests are sponsored by Farm Credit and open to anyone who meets the age requirements and is present at the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention. To register for the 2012 NCBA youth contests or for more information, visit www.beefusa.org or contact Lorie Liddicoat at lliddicoat@beef.org.  



Flying Planes with Biofuels 
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

Not everyone knows it, but most Americans use biofuels to help power their car or truck every day.  Using biofuels we produce here at home creates jobs, raises incomes for farmers, and saves us all money.  The ethanol mixed into the gas we buy at the pump saved American drivers almost 90 cents per gallon last year.

Moving forward, we’ll see Americans running their cars with more biofuels mixed into the gas – like E85, a mix with 85 percent ethanol.  And USDA will help install thousands of new pumps at gas stations so drivers can pick the sort of fuel they want.

And it’s not just car and truck owners who can benefit from renewable biofuels.  Biofuels can be used in all sorts of engines and planes are getting into the act as well.

This month, two major U.S. airlines flew the first commercial passenger flights powered by biofuels, including a cross country flight from Seattle to Washington DC.  Airlines are looking for reliable, affordably-priced fuel.  They hope that using biofuels will limit the impact that unpredictable gas prices have on their bottom-line, making them more profitable while also limiting their impact on global climate change.

Passenger and cargo airlines in America spend about $50 billion on fuel each year.  If just a fraction of those billions are used to purchase American-produced aviation biofuels, we’ll create thousands of good-paying jobs, particularly in our rural communities.  That’s why, earlier this month, USDA announced support for a facility that will begin the process of turning algae into jet fuel and create 60 jobs.

What’s more, USDA has made important investments on aviation biofuels research and development to help universities and private firms expand and improve production.  And we are partnered with the Department of Energy and the U.S. Navy to work towards using biofuels in our military planes and strengthen our national security.

In the years to come using new sources of renewable energy to fuel our cars, trucks and even our planes will be a game-changer: reducing the influence that foreign nations have in setting our fuel prices, driving economic growth, and creating jobs across the country.