Monday November 21 Ag News

Nebraska Continues Fertilizer, Tillage Fieldwork

Agricultural  Summary: 
For  the  week  ending  November 20, 2011, snow in portions of the west and south slowed final wrap up of fall harvest, according to USDA’s National  Agricultural  Statistics  Service,  Nebraska  Field Office.    Statewide,  corn  harvest  averaged  97  percent complete with  progress  near  80  percent  in  the Panhandle.  Sorghum  harvest  progress  was  virtually  complete  at  98 percent.  Fall tillage continued with anhydrous ammonia applications active. Soil moisture supplies continued below average for this time of year.  

Weather  Summary:   
Temperatures  for  the  week averaged  3  degrees  below  normal  for  the  state.   High temperatures were mainly in the 60’s and lows dipped into the single digits.  The eastern half of the state was dry with snow  being  recorded  in  the  Panhandle,  Southwest  and South Central counties.   
Topsoil Moisture:  Very Short - 5%,  Short - 36%,  Adequate - 59%,  Surplus - 0%
Subsoil Moisture:  Very Short - 4%,  Short - 33%,  Adequate - 62%,  Surplus - 1%

Field Crops Report:
Corn  harvest was  at  97  percent, behind 99 last year but two weeks ahead of 85 average.   Sorghum  harvested was  98  percent,  near  99  last  year  but well ahead of 85 average.  Winter Wheat conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 20  fair, 69  good,  and  10  excellent, well  above 45  percent good to excellent last year and 62 average.  



Current Weather & Crops County Comments
Survey Date: 11/20/2011

DIXON
Harvest is all but complete. A great deal of fall tillage has been done with all the open, dry weather conditions.

DODGE
Fertilizing and fall tillage are the main activities.

GAGE
Most operators finishing up fall fertilizer applications, 90% complete.

NEMAHA
Farmers are applying anhydrous ammonia to several fields in the region.



Iowa Farmers Becoming Concerned About Soil Moisture

Another  mostly  dry  week  helped  farmers  near  completion  on fertilizer  applications  and  tillage.    Tiling  is  still  underway  in some  areas,  but  many  farmers  are  putting  away  their  heavy machinery  and  completing  cleanup  projects  they may  not  have had a chance to do in other colder or wetter years. 
  
There were 6.5 days suitable  for fieldwork statewide during  the past week.  Topsoil moisture levels fell to 33 percent very short, 32  percent  short,  34  adequate,  and  1  percent  surplus.    Subsoil moisture  rated  35  percent  very  short,  37  percent  short, 28 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.  Moisture levels are a concern  in  much  of  Iowa  as  farmers  contemplate  starting  the 2012 crop season with low moisture levels in the soil.  Currently northwest and west central Iowa report half or more of their area very short on topsoil and subsoil moisture.  The last time topsoil moisture  level  ratings were  this  short  for  the  State  in  the  third week  of November was  1999 when  67  percent was  rated  very short.

With  harvest  virtually  complete,  grain  movement  continues  to fall, with  just 21 percent of  the State  seeing moderate  to heavy grain  movement  from  farm  to  elevator.    As  harvest  closes, 89 percent  of  the  State  reports  adequate  or  surplus  off-farm storage capacity and 84 percent of  the State reports adequate or surplus on-farm storage capacity.

Hay  supplies  are  considered  adequate  to  surplus  across 79 percent of Iowa with only 10 percent considered to be in poor condition—identical to the previous week.  Livestock conditions are normal.  Few health problems have been reported.


 
IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Harry Hillaker, State Climatologist

Dry weather  returned  this  past week with  the  only measurable precipitation  confined  to  the  northern  one-third  of  Iowa  on Saturday (19th).   The weekend precipitation came in the form of light freezing drizzle and snow over the northwest and light rain and  sprinkles  over  the  north  central  and  northeast  counties.  Spirit  Lake  reported  the  greatest  precipitation  with  0.11  inch.  The  statewide  average  precipitation  was  only  0.01  inch  while normal  for  the week  is  0.51  inch.    Temperatures  took  a  roller coaster  ride  this week.   High  temperatures were  in  the  low  to mid 50s northwest to mid 60s southeast on Monday and Tuesday but were only  in  the 40s on Wednesday with mid 30s northeast to  low  50s west  on Thursday.   Friday  brought  highs mostly  in the  50s  while  on  Saturday  highs  were  only  in  the  upper  20s northwest while climbing to the mid 60s southeast.  Sunday saw highs mostly  in  the  30s.   Keokuk  recorded  the week’s  highest temperatures  with  68  degrees  on  Tuesday  and  66  degrees  on Saturday.  The season’s first single-digit reading was reported at Sibley  with  9  degrees  on  Wednesday  with  still  lower temperatures  on  Thursday  (2  at  Sheldon)  and  on  Sunday (1 degree  at  Sheldon).   Temperatures  for  the week  as  a whole averaged from one degree below normal northwest  to 3 degrees above  normal  over  the  southeast.    The  statewide  average temperature  was  2.0  degrees  above  normal.    Finally,  soil temperatures have cooled substantially with readings on Sunday ranging from the low 30s northwest to low 40s southeast.



USDA Farm Service Agency Urges Farmers and Ranchers to Vote in Current
County Committee Elections – Deadline to Return Ballots is December 5, 2011

Thurston County Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director Josie Waterbury reminds eligible County Committee Election Voters that the deadline to return 2011 FSA County Committee ballots to the designated FSA office is December 5, 2011.

“The role and input of our county committee members is more vital than ever at a time when our country faces important choices regarding the funding and operation of our government,” said Waterbury.  “County Committee members provide input and make important decisions on the local administration of USDA disaster and conservation programs.  With better participation in recent years, USDA has also seen promising increases in the number of women and minority candidates, helping to better represent the richness of American agriculture.”

County committee members are an important component of the operations of FSA and provide a link between the agricultural community and USDA.  Farmers and ranchers elected to the county committee help deliver FSA programs at the local level, applying their knowledge and judgment to make decisions on commodity price support programs, conservation programs, incentive indemnity and disaster programs for some commodities, emergency programs, and eligibility.  FSA committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws.

To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program.  A person who is not of legal voting age, but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm may also be eligible to vote.  Agricultural producers in each county submitted candidate nominations during the nomination period, which ended on August 1.

Each FSA Office has defined specific areas in which County Committee Elections are conducted on an annual basis, based on a three year rotation.  If you feel that you may be an eligible voter and you have not received a ballot at this time, please contact the USDA Service Center at (402) 846-5655 to confirm your eligible voter status and request a ballot, if applicable. 

Remember, December 5, 2011, is the last day for voters to submit ballots in person to local USDA Service Centers.  Ballots returned by mail must also be postmarked no later than December 5, 2011.  Newly elected committee members and their alternates will take office January 1, 2012.

Approximately 7,700 FSA county committee members serve in the 2,244 FSA offices nationwide.  Each committee consists of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms.  Approximately one-third of county committee seats are up for election each year.  More information on county committees, such as the new 2011 fact sheet and brochures, can be found on the FSA website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections or at a local USDA Service Center.



Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference Announces Impressive 2012 Program Line-Up
Debut of Alfalfa Valuation Analysis Expected to Draw Significant Interest

The Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference has announced its program for the 2012 event, which features an impressive line-up of alfalfa and agriculture experts as well as an industry trade show and auction.

Sponsored by the Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association (N.A.M.A.), the Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference will be held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Nebraska, February 7 and 8, 2012. The event is designed especially for alfalfa producers, livestock/dairy producers and others who are involved in alfalfa production, purchasing, hay feeding or processing.

"With the 2012 Expo & Conference, we have focused on quality from beginning to end," said Barb Kinnan, executive director of N.A.M.A. "We have two jam-packed days of information, education, and innovation—all designed to help hay and livestock producers improve production, performance and profitability." A large alfalfa industry trade show and fundraising auction are also included during the two-day event.

One of the most significant items on the agenda is the introduction of the Alfalfa Valuation Analysis, a powerful new approach to the standardization of alfalfa quality and value that has been developed by N.A.M.A. "This is game-changing stuff that alfalfa producers and purchasers will not want to miss," Kinnan said.

Presenters for 2012 include:
- Dr. Al Dutcher, Nebraska climatologist, who will discuss weather patterns and forecasts for the coming crop year;
- Dr. Ron Hansen, ag economics professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, who will provide a session on mulit-generational family farm ownership and will also be the speaker at Tuesday evening's dinner;
- Dr. Rick Rasby, University of Nebraska-Lincoln cattle feeding expert, who will focus on nutritional information for cow-calf producers; and
- Trent Loos, well-known commentator, columnist and ag advocate.

A panel discussion featuring a Nebraska alfalfa producer, dairy producer, beef/feedlot producer and a hay producer from outside the region is also scheduled.

Registration includes admission to all presentations and programs, a Tuesday afternoon reception, dinner Tuesday evening, admission to the large alfalfa industry trade show and the opportunity to bid in the fundraising auction that takes place Tuesday afternoon. The auction features a wide range of items including seed, harvesting equipment, supplies and other valuable products and services.

Registration is $10 per person in advance (tickets must be purchased by noon, February 6, 2012) and $20 at the door. Participants under the age of 18 are admitted at no charge. Registration is available online at www.AlfalfaExpo.com.

For more information, call 1.800.743.1649 or visit www.AlfalfaExpo.com.



NASCAR Green Puts Benefits of American Ethanol in the Spotlight

NASCAR Green Summit 2011Last week, representatives of the National Corn Growers Association attended the NASCAR Green Summit in Miami Beach, Fla. The day-long meeting, held in advance of the season-finale races at Homestead-Miami Speedway, highlighted the sport's environmentally responsible efforts, and brought together the stakeholders to share ideas on furthering this green movement.

NCGA played an integral role, through the American Ethanol partnership, in NASCAR's most visible green initiative this season, the switch to Sunoco Green E15. The 15 percent ethanol fuel blend helped NASCAR decrease their environmental impact, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create American jobs in this growing industry.

"NASCAR fans represent more than 25 percent of the adult population and statistics show they are much more tuned into the outdoors and the environment than the average consumers," said Corn Board member Jon Holzfaster from Nebraska. "NASCAR is a great place to spread the good word about ethanol."

NASCAR's partnership promoting American ethanol provides an opportunity to get the incredible news about this sustainable, domestically produced fuel out to NASCAR's 80 million plus fans. In addition to emitting a lower level of greenhouse gas than gasoline, ethanol creates jobs in America and strengthens national security by reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

Data released following the summit shows that the partnership is making a measurable impact with a one-month sample taken in July indicating NASCAR Green accounted for one-third of all ethanol industry news coverage. Thus far this year, coverage of the partnership has generated 30 million media impressions and has been featured in more than 225 news stories from across the country. With 92 percent of these stories presenting ethanol in a positive light, it becomes evident that tens of millions of Americans are beginning to recognize the ways in which ethanol benefits the environment, family farmers and the country as a whole.

Thus far this season, NASCAR has recorded more than 1.5 million miles fueled by Sunoco Green E15 without a single engine or performance problem, a point highlighted in this NASCAR report documenting the performance of this mid-level ethanol blend. The sport's extensive use of E15 validates the fact that ethanol is an everyday fuel for everyday Americans - and one that can strengthen our country's energy security.

"Successfully transitioning to the new fuel and surpassing a million miles, all on America's toughest proving ground, is a validation of Sunoco Green E15 as a high-performance racing fuel and is part of our overall effort to go green," said Mike Lynch, Managing Director of Green Innovation for NASCAR. "NASCAR is proud to use this American-made product because it creates American jobs while also reducing harmful emissions."

From Coke's massive recycling campaign at NASCAR races to the installation of the world's largest solar array at the Pocono race track, NASCAR is getting greener each year. In fact, the tree-planting efforts through NASCAR Green have drawn particular attention because a single tree eliminates nearly all the CO2 produced by a race car in the course of an entire racing season.



Corn Growers Disappointed Joint Committee Has Failed to Act

National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer released the following statement in response to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction’s failure to produce a deficit reduction plan:

“We’re disappointed the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction did not agree on a plan to reduce our federal deficit.  We appreciate the hard work of the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Ag Committees to meet agriculture’s responsibility to help address our debt crisis. 

“NCGA will continue to advocate for market-based risk management farm programs that recognize our nation’s difficult financial situation.  As the farm bill process moves into next year, we look forward to working with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to address the critical challenges facing America’s corn farmers.”



DuPont and Evogene Enter Multiyear Collaboration for Soybean Rust Resistance
Collaboration Expands Existing Relationship to Address Important Soybean Traits

DuPont and Evogene Ltd. today announced a multiyear collaboration to improve resistance to soybean rust, one of the most devastating fungal diseases in soybean.  Under the agreement, DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred and Evogene will collaborate to develop soybean varieties displaying in-plant resistance to rust.  Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Soybean is one of the world's most important crops, supplying protein for human and animal consumption and feedstock for oil production.  Soybean rust is a severe fungal disease, which causes significant yield losses that can reach up to 80 percent of the affected field.  It is estimated that the yield losses caused by soybean rust exceed $1.5 billion annually.  Development of new rust-resistant soybean varieties would help growers protect harvestable yield against rust, ultimately improving productivity of agriculture.

DuPont and Evogene will jointly generate a genomic database tailored to soybean rust resistance.  Evogene will utilize its computational genomic technology, the ATHLETE™, to identify novel genes predicted to improve soybean rust resistance.  Pioneer will use proprietary technologies to evaluate the genes in transgenic soybeans, and may advance leads for further development and commercialization.  Evogene will be entitled to receive milestone payments and royalties based on the sales of resulting products.

“Strong disease resistance has been a cornerstone to the growth of our Pioneer soybean business,” said John Bedbrook, vice president, DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology.  “Unique science from Evogene is going to help us more effectively tackle soybean rust.”

"In addition to our well-established and leading position providing novel genes for improving crop yields under normal and abiotic stress conditions, such as drought and reduced fertilizer utilization, we are now increasing our efforts with respect to biotic stress conditions, where the crops are attacked by insects, fungi and other stresses,” said Ofer Haviv, Evogene's president and CEO.  “Therefore, we are very pleased to enter into this collaboration with Pioneer, one of the world's largest seed businesses and a leading provider of soybean seeds, to utilize our advanced trait discovery technologies to address the important biotic stress condition of soybean rust.”

Pioneer and Evogene have received an approval in principle for partial funding of the project from the BIRD Foundation, a bi-national foundation funded by the Israeli and American governments, which supports and encourages cooperation between Israeli and American companies in various areas of technology, and provides assistance in locating strategic partners from both countries for developing joint products.



FFA ‘PLANTING A SEED’ GRANT PROGRAM TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF AG INNOVATORS

An innovative program launched today by the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP) with sponsorship from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, will spur greater awareness and interest in agricultural and life sciences careers, benefitting Iowa’s families, communities, employers and environment.

The FFA “Planting A Seed” Grant Program, coordinated by the Iowa FFA Foundation, will also promote the state’s agricultural leadership and the commitment of today’s farms to providing healthy and wholesome food for everyone using less land, water and energy.

“Meeting the challenge of doubling agricultural productivity by 2050 is dependent on the next generation of young talent with an interest and understanding of agriculture,” says Todd Frazier, Pioneer business director.  “Our sponsorship of ‘Planting A Seed’ will cultivate the next generation of agronomists, researchers and scientists that will help Iowa and America’s farmers do more with every kernel of seed and pound of feed.”

FFA chapters can apply by Dec. 30 for one of five $1,500 grants to conduct programs that stimulate interest among K-12 students in agricultural careers and emphasize the role science and technology play in providing wholesome food using less land and fewer inputs. Eligible activities include career fairs, tours of local ag production or renewable fuels facilities, class assemblies and creating innovative and engaging displays that promote the fields of opportunity available in agriculture.

Grant recipients, to be named Jan. 19, 2012, will conduct activities Jan. 30-March 23 and communicate their efforts using online media and deliver presentations to local civic and community organizations to enhance program outreach.

“Planting A Seed” grant recipients will be recognized in April at the 2012 Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference in Ames. One chapter determined to have conducted the most innovative and successful activity will be presented a $1,500 Award of Excellence to be used for general chapter activities.

Aaron Putze, director of external relations for the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa FFP coordinator, says that although the world population has doubled in the past 40 years, the amount of land devoted to growing food has remained nearly unchanged.

“This trend is likely to intensify,” Putze says. “Therefore, today’s youth will be called upon to develop tomorrow’s breakthroughs allowing farmers to provide more high-quality food using less land, water and energy. FFA members will be crucial to achieving these improvements while sparking interest among their peers in pursuing agricultural careers.”

Iowa is the perfect place to conduct the “Planting A Seed” grant program, says Iowa FFA Foundation Executive Director Joshua Remington.

“Our state is home to nearly one-fourth of the world’s richest farm ground, some of the most dynamic ag companies and active FFA chapters eager to engage the next generation of agriculturalists,” he says. “We’re pleased to be a partner in this innovative effort and encourage FFA chapters to participate in this tremendous learning opportunity.” 



U.S. and China Conclude 22nd Session of the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade

Today marked the conclusion of the 22nd session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Chengdu, China. U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk co-chaired the JCCT along with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack also participated in the discussions.

Secretary Bryson, Ambassador Kirk and Secretary Vilsack announced meaningful progress on key elements of the U.S.-China trade relationship but also underscored that much more work remains to be done to open China's market to U.S. exports and investment. Today's progress will help boost U.S. exports and jobs through the removal of important barriers related to electric vehicles, strengthened measures to eliminate discriminatory indigenous innovation policies, and stricter enforcement of intellectual property rights in China.

"The JCCT gives us a mechanism to address the toughest issues in our trade relationship, and we must judge it by our ability to make concrete progress," Ambassador Kirk said. "We have reached agreement on a number of important outcomes, though we had hoped to accomplish even more. In our discussions with our Chinese counterparts, we spoke frankly about the need to redouble our efforts going forward."

"Both sides worked hard to produce some meaningful progress that will help provide a needed boost to U.S. exports and jobs," Secretary Bryson said. "This is a step in the right direction. But we must continue to actively engage our Chinese counterparts to open additional opportunities for U.S. businesses."

"China is one of the most important agricultural trade partners for the United States and the meetings and discussions in recent days have helped to strengthen this partnership and build greater export opportunities for our farmers, ranchers and growers," said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. "We intend to continue these discussions in the months ahead on beef and other agricultural products to break down additional trade barriers so Chinese consumers can benefit from the high quality products that are produced in America."

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
China agreed to make a significant systemic change in its enforcement of intellectual property rights. Through a high-level central government enforcement structure led by Vice Premier Wang Qishan, China will make permanent its 2010 Special IPR Campaign. China will continue high-level involvement that will enhance its ability to crack down on intellectual property rights infringement.

In addition, China's leadership committed to increased political accountability – the performance of provincial level officials will be measured based on enforcement of intellectual property rights in their regions.

"For the first time, China will establish a permanent leadership structure to enforce intellectual property rights. As enforcement becomes effective, those who infringe will no longer be able to lay low until a crackdown is over and then simply resume their illegal activities," Secretary Bryson stated.

In addition, Vice Premier Wang Qishan personally committed to continue the software legalization program. Specifically, he committed to ensure that the provincial legalization efforts would be concluded by the middle of 2012 and at the local and municipal levels by the end of 2013.

The Chinese government also agreed to continue working to develop solutions to combat the sale of infringing goods on the Internet, while at the same time moving forward to develop additional protections for legitimate trademarks. All of China's commitments on intellectual property rights will enhance the protection of U.S. innovative products and promote job creation in the United States.

Indigenous Innovation
China also announced a new high-level central government mandate requiring provincial and local governments – by December 1st 2011 – to eliminate any policies that are not consistent with President Hu's commitment to sever the link between China's innovation policies and government procurement.

"This issue has been a top priority of the American business community. We are continuing to press China to eliminate any other policies that discriminate against foreign intellectual property," Ambassador Kirk emphasized.

Electric Vehicles
China confirmed that it does not and will not require foreign automakers to transfer technology to Chinese enterprises nor to establish Chinese brands in order to invest and sell in China's fast-growing market. China also confirmed that foreign-invested enterprises are eligible on an equal basis for electric vehicle subsidies and other incentive programs for electric vehicles.

"I am pleased that China specifically confirmed it would not force U.S. auto manufacturers to transfer electric vehicle technology to Chinese partners," said Ambassador Kirk.

Agriculture
USDA and China's Ministry of Agriculture are finalizing the framework of a five-year strategic plan focused on food security, food safety and sustainable agriculture to build a stronger foundation for critical cooperation in agriculture. In discussions also including the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, progress was made on beef market access. The parties agreed to expand discussion beyond technical to the conditions that include scope of products available in the market. China also committed to make progress on removing avian influenza-related bans affecting several U.S. states, to finalize work on a longstanding market access request for U.S. pears, and to complete work on a new dairy certificate to maintain existing market access.

Investment
"U.S. firms can compete and win when they enjoy non-discriminatory access in China. In today's meeting, China committed to create a fair and level playing field for all companies in its strategic emerging industries, including clean energy, biotech, and new generation information technologies. A strong business presence in China helps create more opportunities for exports from the United States, supporting good jobs at home," Secretary Bryson said.

According to published reports, in the next five years, China plans to invest $1.5 trillion in its strategic emerging industries which China defines as high-end equipment manufacturing, energy-saving and environmentally friendly technologies, biotechnologies, new generation information technologies, alternative energy, advanced materials and new energy vehicles.

Tourism
China expanded the U.S.-China Tourism Memorandum of Understanding to three additional provinces for a total of 27 provinces. Spending by Chinese visitors is expected to grow 232 percent to $16.6 billion by 2016, moving up from the seventh largest U.S. market in 2010 to the third in 2016.

Signings
In conjunction with the JCCT, U.S. companies signed commercial agreements that will result in nearly $40 million in U.S. exports and support jobs for American workers. The U.S. and Chinese governments also signed agreements related to intellectual property, high-technology trade, statistics and tourism and agreed to public-private partnerships in the areas of energy and U.S. export promotion. Learn more about the signings at the 22nd session of the JCCT here.

Established in 1983, the JCCT is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade and investment issues and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China.



Senator Calls for MF Global Hearing

One of the top Senate Republicans overseeing futures regulators called for a hearing on the failed broker-dealer MF Global Holdings Ltd.'s, after the trustee overseeing the winding down of the firm said Monday that more than double the original estimate of customer funds could be missing.

"Given the startling announcement today that even more client funds are unaccounted for, it is even more important that we have a hearing focusing solely on MF Global in order to learn what went wrong," said Sen. Pat Roberts (R., Kan.).

Roberts is the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee that oversees the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the regulator leading the probe into the missing funds.

Regulators had previously said that nearly $600 million was missing, but the bankruptcy trustee said Monday that as much as $1.2 billion could be missing.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.), the chairman of the committee, scheduled a hearing for Dec. 1 on the implementation of the Dodd-Frank financial overhaul law, which she has said could also address concerns about MF Global.

Roberts said there should be a separate hearing on MF Global with former Chief Executive Jon Corzine, and representatives from both the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and CME Group.

"While it is important to hold the hearing already announced on Dodd-Frank oversight, that topic is very different from the issues surrounding failure of MF Global," said Roberts.