Monday December 5 Ag News

Dec. 14 Webinar Explores Government Resources to Aid Flood Recovery.

“Farming after the Flood – Farmer Perspectives and Agency Resources” will be the focus of a December 14, multi-state webinar for those affected by the 2011 Missouri River flood.

The webinar will feature two producers in the process of repairing their farmland and representatives from key USDA agencies and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who are working with producers whose farmland sustained flood damage.

“Many farmers and landowners may be facing several inches of sediment and sand, scour holes and ponds, and wondering what resources are available to help them proactively address these problems and prepare for the 2012 crop season,” said Craig Derickson, Nebraska State Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.  “We have assembled a lot of important information to help farmers affected by the 2011 flood move forward.”

The webinar will be from 1:30 to 4:00 Wednesday, December 14, at more than 20 sites in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Second in a series, it is being sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and Iowa State Extension in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

Presentations will include a farmer panel and information from speakers on government resources and programs, points to consider when planning for the 2012 cropping season, and how to remain in compliance with farm bill programs while bringing flooded acres back into productivity.  The sessions will be followed by a question and answer period.  In addition, fact sheets and resources for further information will be distributed to participants at each site.

For farmers with crop insurance and risk management questions, two representatives from the USDA Risk Management Agency will discuss current programs.  

“Planning will be particularly important this year,” said Rebecca Davis, director of the USDA Risk Management Agency regional office in Topeka, Kan. Crop insurance topics to be discussed will include prevented planting requirements, 2012 premium rates, breached levees, and exclusion options for high risk lands.  Davis advised that growers in flooded areas contact their crop insurance agent in advance of the March 15 Sales Closing Date so they can develop a plan best suited to their situation.

The webinar also will include:
·         A farmer panel with Scott Olson of Tekamah, Nebr., and Lyle McIntosh of Missouri Valley, Iowa, on how they are repairing fields physically and biologically;
·         An overview of flood recovery programs, including levee repair, land clearing, and soil restoration assistance available from NRCS, FSA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
·         Long-term land retirement programs available from NRCS, FSA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
·         Flooding impacts on crop insurance;
·         How to remain in compliance with Farm Bill programs, and;
·         Additional resources.

“This information should help producers make the best choices for their land,” said John Wilson, extension educator with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln working on flood recovery.

Viewing Sites
For more information on this webinar and additional host sites as they become available, as well as links to archived segments and fact sheets from the first webinar, visit:        
·         http://flood.unl.edu/crops, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension website, and;
·         www.extension.iastate.edu/topic/recovering-disasters, an Iowa State University Extension website.
Nebraska
·         Auburn at Educational Service Unit #4, 919 16th St., contact Gary Lesoing, 402-274-4755, glesoing2@unl.edu
·         Beatrice at the UNL Extension Office in Gage County, 1115 W. Scott St., contact Paul Hay, 402-239-1341, phay1@unl.edu
·         Blair at the Blair City Hall Council Chambers, 218 S. 16th St., contact Steve Tonn, 402-426-9455, stonn2@unl.edu
·         Center at Knox County Courthouse Annex, 308 Bridge St., contact:  Ruth Vonderohe, 402-288-5611, rvonderohe2@unl.edu
·         Dakota City at the USDA Service Center, 1505 Broadway, contact Keith Jarvi or Carol Larvick, 402-987-2140, kjarvi1@unl.edu or clarvick1@unl.edu
·         Falls City at the Richardson County Courthouse, 1700 Stone St., Lower Level, contact Lindsay Chichester, 402-254-4324, lchichester2@unl.edu
·         Hartington at the Cedar County Courthouse Annex Meeting Room, 101 E. Centre, contact Jackie Steffen, 402-254-6821, jsteffen2@unl.edu
·         Omaha at the Douglas/Sarpy Extension Office, 8015 W. Center Road, contact Monte Stauffer, 402-444-7804, mstauffer1@unl.edu
·         Syracuse at the UNL Extension Office in Otoe County, 180 Chestnut St., contact Sarah Purcell, 402-269-2301, spurcell2@unl.edu
·         Tekamah at the Tekamah City Auditorium, 1315 K St., contact: John Wilson, 402-374-2929, jwilson3@unl.edu
Iowa
·         Council Bluffs at the West Pottawattamie Extension Office, 3501 Harry Langdon Blvd., Ste. 100, contact Cheri Boyer, 712-366-7070, cmboyer@iastate.edu
·         Logan at the Harrison County Extension Office, 304 E. 7th St., contact Rich Pope, 712-644-2105, ropope@iastate.edu
·         Malvern at the Mills County Extension Office, 415 Main St., contact Sherry Ford, 712-624-8616, slford@iastate.edu
·         Onawa at the Monona County Extension Office, 119 Iowa Ave., contact Melanie Holt, 712-423-2175, mlholt@iastate.edu, or Cheri Hardison, chardi@iastate.edu
·         Sidney at the Fremont County Extension Office, 610 Clay St., contact Anne Chambers, 712-374-2351, amorr@iastate.edu
·         Sioux City at the Woodbury County Extension Office, 4301 Sergeant Road, contact Adrienne Jansen, 712-276-2157, jansena@iastate.edu, or Kristi Van Zanten at kvanzan@iastate.edu
Kansas
·         Atchison at the Atchison Board of Education, 626 Commercial St., contact Carl “Ray” Ladd, 913-833-5450, cladd@ksu.edu
·         Wathena at the Wathena City Hall Meeting Room, 206 St. Joseph St., contact Mindy Young, 785-985-3623, myoung5@ksu.edu
Missouri
·         Rockport at the Atchison County Extension Center, 201 Hwy 136 East, contact Jim Crawford, 660-744-6213, crawfordj@missouri.edu
·         St. Joseph at the Buchanan County Extension Center, 4125 Mitchell Avenue, contact Bob Kelly, 816-279-1691, kellyr@missouri.edu
·         Oregon at the Holt County Extension Center, 101 E. Missouri, contact Wayne Flanary, 660-446-3724, flanaryw@missouri.edu
South Dakota
·         Aberdeen at the SDSU Extension Aberdeen Regional Center, 13 2nd Ave. SE., contact Mark Rosenberg, 605-626-2870, mark.rosenberg@sdstate.edu
·         Mitchell at the SDSU Extension Mitchell Regional Center, 821 N. Capital St., contact Heather Larson, 605-995-7378, heather.larson@sdstate.edu
·         Pierre at the SDSU Extension Pierre Regional Center, 412 W. Missouri, contact Ruth Beck, 605-773-8120, ruth.beck@sdstate.edu

Interested webinar participants are encouraged to visit http://flood.unl.edu/crops to check if additional viewing sites have been added.



Japan Expands Import Capacity: USGC Corn Mission Hears Plans Firsthand

The U.S. Grains Council’s 2011 Corn Mission to Japan, China and Vietnam toured the Kushiro Port in Hokkaido, Japan, and heard firsthand the plans to expand the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels.

Kushiro is the largest port facility in the heart of Japan’s major dairy producing area – Hokkaido, Japan.

The Director of the Kushiro Port Office for Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Dr. Tetsuya Hayakawa explained to the group that the port was selected in June by MLIT as one of the eight ports designated to undergo a massive expansion in an effort to remain competitive internationally. While Japan can accept the capsize or the post-panamax vessels expected with the expansion of the Panama Canal, this initiative will contribute greatly to Japan’s ability to handle larger ships with a faster distribution process.

Mission participant Tom Mueller, from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, said the visit was a worthwhile and vital interaction as the expansion of the port will help to increase Japan’s grain import capacity at a competitive price. “Japan is our number one market for corn. This expansion and work to accommodate the larger vessels will help to ensure that Japan will continue to be a reliable customer. At the same time, it will help to reduce transportation costs, and positively attribute to Japan’s ability to remain competitive,” he said.

Mission members include:
• Kelly Brunkhorst, Ag Program Manager, Nebraska Corn Board
• Kurt Hora, Board Member, Iowa Corn Growers Association
• Rob Korff, Chairman, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council
• 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
• Nancy Kavazanjian, Communications Director, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Inc.



NEBRASKA-GROWN CHRISTMAS TREE DIRECTORY AND NEBRASKA HOLIDAY BROCHURE AVAILABLE

With Christmas rapidly approaching, Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach would like to encourage Nebraskans to think locally this holiday season.

“Many Nebraskans are beginning their quest to find the perfect, fresh Christmas tree,” said Ibach.  “When considering your options, please think about visiting one of Nebraska’s numerous Christmas tree operations.  Not only will you be getting one of the freshest trees available, but the money you spend will stay in our local economy.”

Nebraska’s Christmas tree operations offer numerous varieties of Pine, Spruce, and Fir trees.  Many of the farms also offer wreaths, swags, and garlands, as well as family experiences such as wagon rides, children’s activities, pony rides, campfires, and snacks.  Many farms are pet‑friendly and offer gift and craft shops as well.  Other services offered by some of the farms include tree cutting, cleaning, netting, and loading assistance.

To assist Nebraskans with locating Christmas tree farms, NDA has updated the Nebraska Christmas Tree Growers Directory, featuring tree farms throughout the state.

Ibach also is encouraging Nebraskans to consider local options for gift ideas this holiday season.

“Holiday gift giving can sometimes be a daunting and difficult task, but numerous Nebraska companies are available to help you in your gift purchasing,” Ibach said.  “The Nebraska Holiday Brochure is a good, quick reference of Nebraska companies that can make your gift giving experience easier.”

Among the pages of the brochure, consumers will find Nebraska food and meat companies that package food products year-round in a variety of different ways.  Meat products range from the traditional Nebraska beef and pork, to bison and ostrich meats.  Food products include candies, desserts, jellies, baking mixes, pastas, wines, and seasonings.

Both listings are available online at www.agr.ne.gov or by calling 800-422-6692.



Deadline Extended -- Producers Reminded to Participate in Cattle Survey

Please help us assure that we continue to get widespread response from cattle producers across the United States to provide a strong production sector voice in the results and strategy of the checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA). To assure full opportunity for producers to participate the survey will remain open until Feb. 6, 2012. The survey can be taken online at www.cattlesurvey.com and requires less than 10 minutes to complete.

The checkoff needs producer input for the following reasons:
-    The results of the survey will help drive the recommendation from the National Beef Quality Audit and assure that the strategies are developed based on a strong grassroots message.
-    Results of the NBQA will be used to enhance the beef industry’s message to supply chain partners, opinion influencers, and consumers. The survey provides an avenue for U.S. cattle producers to tell their collective story about on-ranch commitment to quality.
-    NBQA results will be used to demonstrate value to international customers.

Historically, the NBQA has yielded significant value to our industry by driving continuous improvement initiatives, providing strategic focus, and demonstrating opportunities for increased demand and profitability.  For more information about your beef checkoff investment, visit www.MyBeefCheckoff.com.



2012 Iowa Pork Congress to be held Jan. 25-26

The Iowa Pork Producers Association will hold the 2012 Iowa Pork Congress Jan. 25 and 26 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

The nation’s largest winter swine tradeshow and conference will be held in Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center, as well as the Polk County Convention Complex. Pork Congress hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 25 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 26. The Iowa Pork Foundation’s annual Kickoff Reception and Auction will be held at Hy-Vee Hall Jan. 24 and the IPPA Youth Swine Judging contest will be held at the county convention complex Jan. 26.

“We believe the Iowa Pork Congress is one of the most comprehensive swine conventions anyone associated with the pork industry could attend,” said IPPA President Leon Sheets, a producer from Ionia. “The educational opportunities are phenomenal and the tradeshow has probably the largest collection of swine-related vendors anywhere. With the various social events, youth activities and networking opportunities, the Iowa Pork Congress literally has something for everyone.”

Attendees will find nearly everything needed to run a successful hog business at the tradeshow. Feed, swine genetics, building construction, equipment and animal health are among the products and services marketed by the nearly 300 companies participating. IPPA will again welcome attendees to the Pork Information Plaza where guests can visit with IPPA producer leaders and representatives from the National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council and other affiliated organizations.

The seminars and educational opportunities will likely be another popular draw for most attendees.For no additional cost, producers can learn more about pork production. Topics of the nearly dozen sessions include PPRS, swine diets, animal well-being and the ever-popular regulations and nuisance case update. Dr. West Jamison will discuss the animal welfare movement in the keynote address.

“Things are always changing in pork production and the seminars we offer will help keep producers in the know,” said IPPA Iowa Pork Congress Committee Chairman Don Toale, a pork producer from Independence. “Our goal is always to bring in the industry’s leading experts to present our seminars and provide the latest information available on the topics of greatest interest to producers.”

Pork Congress offers something for everyone and pork producers, pig handlers, allied business representatives and high school and college students are encouraged to attend. Decision makers in farrowing, finishing and seedstock production, production employees, veterinarians or anyone with an interest in the swine industry will gain valuable insight by attending the event.

Registration
Registration is currently open for the 2012 Iowa Pork Congress.  The pre-registration deadline is Jan. 16, 2012, and IPPA members can attend the tradeshow and conference at no cost by registering early. Interested persons can register now at iowaporkcongress.org or by using the form in the November issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine.  IPPA members can attend at no charge by registering online or by completing and submitting the form by the deadline. Non-IPPA members can save $5 off of the normal $10 admission cost by registering online by the deadline. Registrations will be accepted after the deadline through each day of the show, but the cost will be $10.  Those who pre-register can avoid lines and quickly pick up their pre-printed name badge and credentials at the Pre-registration desk the day of the show.  For more information, contact IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or visit www.iowaporkcongress.org.




Coalition Urges Japan’s Inclusion In TPP Talks

A coalition of food and agricultural organizations today urged the Obama administration to work with Japan to smooth the way for that country’s participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a multilateral trade agreement.  Japan recently announced its intention to join the TPP negotiations, which currently include Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.  In a letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, the coalition said including Japan in the trade talks would generate enormous interest and support in U.S. agriculture.

“It would also spur even broader interest among other Asia-Pacific countries, which could lead to the type of Asia-Pacific regional arrangement envisioned by the administration when you embarked on these talks last year,” said the coalition. 

Japan’s economy is second only to China’s in the region, and it is the fourth largest agricultural export market for the United States despite the fact that it maintains substantial import barriers. Even with the barriers, U.S. exports to Japan in 2010 were nearly $12 billion.

The coalition warned that Japan likely would enter free trade talks with the European Union in 2012 and with other countries if its TPP bid is rejected.  “The opportunity to include Japan in the TPP negotiations must be seized,” said the coalition. “It is an opportunity that may not present itself again.”



Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Announce Largest Ever Government Purchase of Biofuel

Today, U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) signed a contract to purchase 450,000 gallons of advanced drop-in biofuel, the single largest purchase of biofuel in government history. While the Navy fleet alone uses more than 1.26 billion gallons of fuel each year, this biofuel purchase is significant because it accelerates the development and demonstration of a homegrown fuel source that can reduce America’s, and our military’s, dependence on foreign oil.

The Defense Department will purchase biofuel made from a blend of non-food waste (used cooking oil) from the Louisiana-based Dynamic Fuels, LLC, a joint-venture of Tyson Foods, Inc., and Syntroleum Corporation, and algae, produced by Solazyme. The fuel will be used in the U.S. Navy’s demonstration of a Green Strike Group in the summer of 2012 during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), the world's largest international maritime exercise.   

As part of his energy security goals, outlined in March 2011 in the “Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future,” President Obama directed the Departments of Agriculture, Energy and Navy to work together to advance a domestic industry capable of producing “drop-in” biofuel substitutes for diesel and jet fuel. Responding to that challenge, in August 2011, the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy and Navy announced an intention to invest up to $510 million during the next three years in partnership with the private sector to produce advanced drop-in biofuel to power military and commercial transportation. While that investment awaits Congressional action, today’s announcement uses the existing authority – leveraging Defense Department procurement – to support this energy security goal.   

“The Navy has always led the nation in transforming the way we use energy, not because it is popular, but because it makes us better war fighters,” stated Secretary Mabus. “This unprecedented fuel purchase demonstrates the Obama Administration’s commitment to seeking energy security and energy independence by diversifying our energy supply.”

“In March, the President challenged me, Secretary Mabus, and Secretary Steven Chu to work with the private sector to cultivate a competitively-priced—and domestically produced—drop-in biofuel industry that can power not just fighter jets, but also trucks and commercial airliners,” said Secretary Vilsack, “Today’s announcement continues our efforts to meet that challenge. This is not work we can afford to put off for another day.”

The biofuel will be mixed with aviation gas or marine diesel fuel for use in the Green Strike Group demonstration.   It is a drop-in fuel, which means that no modifications to the engines are required to burn the fuel. Its cultivation did not interfere with food supply and burning the fuel does not increase the net carbon footprint. In preparation for this demonstration, the Navy recently completed testing of all aircraft, including F/A-18 and all six blue Angels and the V-22 Osprey, and has successfully tested the RCB-X (Riverine Command Boat), training patrol craft, Self Defense Test Ship, and conducted full-scale gas turbine engine testing.

DLA will pay half the price for the Green Strike Group biofuel than it paid for biofuel for testing in 2009.   Increased demand will likely continue this trend toward more cost-effective biofuel. Renewable jet fuel produced by Dynamic Fuels has already been used in regularly scheduled commercial airline flights by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Finnair, Thomson Airways, and Alaska Airlines.

"This contract clearly demonstrates that we're building momentum for the continued commercialization of advanced renewable fuels production here in the U.S.," said Andy Rojeski, a management committee member for Dynamic Fuels, a joint venture between Tyson Foods, Inc. and Syntroleum Corporation. "We believe the federal government's commitment to procure more energy from renewable sources will help make our high performance, environmentally friendly fuel more cost competitive, potentially creating more jobs in the biofuels industry."

“This historic contract is a major step forward for America’s energy security and the advanced biofuel industry in our country. Solazyme has delivered more than 360,000 liters of 100 percent algal derived renewable diesel to the U.S. Navy for their fuel certification program to date. The United States leads the world in advanced biofuel technology, and the Departments of Agriculture, Energy and the Navy have been instrumental in coming together to spur commercialization and grow our lead,” said Jonathan Wolfson, CEO, Solazyme. “We are honored to be working with the U.S. Navy and DLA-Energy in driving forward the Navy’s effort under Secretary Ray Mabus to source 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. And we are proud to be teaming up with Dynamic Fuels on this contract.”



National Farmers Organization Calls for COOL Rule Appeal, Expresses Disappointment on GIPSA

Canada and Mexico’s WTO victory on country of origin labeling (COOL) should be appealed by the U.S., according to National Farmers Organization.

“We believe the U.S. trade representative should appeal the WTO ruling, America’s consumers deserve the right to easily determine where their food comes from in a retail environment,” said National Farmers Ag Policy Analyst Gene Paul.  

Although WTO representatives agreed that country of origin labeling is allowable in principle, they ruled the U.S., through it’s labeling requirements, provided less favorable treatment to Canadian and Mexico’s livestock and meat products.

Regarding GIPSA, National Farmers members are pleased with poultry provisions, but extremely disappointed that pork and beef producer concerns were ignored. “We look forward to the publication of interim and final rules Dec. 9 that will help poultry producers, but we’re disappointed that fairness and competition was not the rule of the day for beef and pork producers,” said Paul.

A policy rider included in the Ag Appropriations bill ensured that only the portions of GIPSA that were sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) were to be finalized in the federal register, essentially removing beef and pork producer provisions.

The final rule includes language ensuring poultry producers and growers are allowed to participate in the arbitration process, and mandates a reasonable time for those producers to remedy a breach of contract before their contracts are terminated.



AGCO Completes Acquisition of GSI

AGCO, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, announced that it has completed the acquisition of GSI Holdings Corp. from affiliates of New York-based Centerbridge Partners, L.P. for $928 million, net of cash acquired and subject to customary closing adjustments.

This action follows recent regulatory clearance of the transaction. GSI is a leading global manufacturer of grain storage and protein production systems.

Headquartered in Assumption, Illinois, GSI sells its products globally through more than 500 independent dealers.

"AGCO and GSI share a similar culture and commitment to superior agricultural products and service, and together, we will give our customers even greater access to technology to help them be more productive and profitable," stated Martin Richenhagen, AGCO's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "With its high quality products and services, recognized brands and global capabilities, GSI gives AGCO strong positions in the grain storage and protein production segments and is well-positioned to benefit from increases in global grain and food demand."

GSI President Scott Clawson says the integration of GSI into AGCO is a positive step for his company's future development and its employees, customers and dealers. With the deal, he will now serve as Senior Vice President of AGCO's GSI division.