Wednesday December 7 Ag News

Learning with the Cattlemen    

The 2011 Cattlemen’s College was attended by more than 85 individuals to kick off the Nebraska Cattlemen/Nebraska CattleWomen Convention in Kearney.  Many great speakers informed the participants of opportunities for the following topics:
·         Students to get involved in the cattle industry
·         Alternative grazing practices
·         Grazing on corn residue
·         Modern technology, its role in the cattle industry and how we can defend livestock

Participants enjoyed actively listening to each presenter. “I attend the college to gather more information,” said Henry Beel, participant and Nebraska Cattlemen member. “Now I have more ideas to implement on my cattle ranch.”

“We sponsor the Cattlemen’s College because it is our number one objective to educate and support the beef industry,” states Ron Kulwicki, Pfizer representative.

Nebraska Cattlemen are proud to have members who are engaged in learning more about the industry and improving their practices by attending events such as the Cattlemen’s College.



Valmont Board Declares Quarterly Dividend

The board of directors of Valmont Industries, Inc., Omaha, has declared a quarterly dividend of 18 cents per share payable on January 13, 2012 to shareholders of record on December 30, 2011.

The dividend indicates an annual rate of 72.0 cents per share.

Valmont is the global leader in designing and manufacturing poles, towers and structures for lighting and traffic, wireless communication and utility markets, industrial access systems, highway safety barriers and a provider of protective coating services.

Valmont also leads the world in mechanized irrigation equipment for agriculture, enhancing food production while conserving and protecting natural water resources.



Researchers Advocate Providing Pain Relief During Castration

Researchers from Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine completed a study demonstrating for the first time that providing pain relief to calves before castration reduces the incidence of disease over 28 days after the procedure.

Castration of bulls intended for beef production is a common livestock management procedure in the United States, amounting to approximately seven million procedures per year according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While the benefits of castration include improved meat quality and fewer injuries in feedlots, castration in weaned calves is painful and stressful, increasing susceptibility to diseases such as bovine respiratory disease.

Currently in the United States there are no products specifically approved for pain relief in cattle. Available products may not be practical or economical for routine use because they require intravenous injection and the cost of providing pain relief is not offset by improved health or performance.

The findings of the study suggest that using pain relievers prior to castration in weaned calves is cost-effective because the number of calves that will require antibiotics for pneumonia after castration is decreased. Thus the impact of bovine respiratory disease in livestock production systems is lessened.

"The results of the study will help veterinarians and producers develop pain-reduction protocols that will address animal health and welfare concerns," said Dr. Hans Coetzee, associate professor at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Coetzee, along with ISU colleagues Dr. Annette O'Connor and Bing Wang, conducted the study in collaboration with researchers from Kansas State University. The study was supported by the USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program and examined whether oral administration of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, during processing improves the health and performance of calves after castration. The findings of the study, Effect of oral meloxicam on health and performance of beef steers relative to bulls castrated upon arrival at the feedlot, was published online in the Journal of Animal Science.



IFB Webinar Discusses Labor Regulations

Farmers are not only focused on what they raise on their farms, but who they hire to work for them, says the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF). As new laws and proposed regulations addressing labor continue to surface, IFBF is offering a webinar on Dec. 12, to help farmers navigate the latest labor regulations.

The labor regulations webinar will be held from 1-2 p.m. and can be accessed, for free, at www.iowafarmbureau.com. The webinar features Craig Anderson, manager of the Ag Labor and Safety Services division of the Michigan Farm Bureau.

"Labor is an important resource for agriculture and this webinar is designed to keep Iowa farmers up-to-date on existing, new and proposed regulations and discuss their implications," said Ed Kordick, IFBF commodity services manager. "Farmers need to establish labor management practices that are socially responsible, comply with regulations and promote safety on the job. This seminar can help them identify areas for improvement and be successful employers."

If you have questions on the webinar, contact Kordick at ekordick@ifbf.org or 515-225-5433. The seminar will be recorded and available on the IFBF website, www.iowafarmbureau.com, starting the following day, for members to view the information on their farm/home computer. In addition, members can also access the recording of the 2011 Iowa Farm Tax Seminar at the website.



New Farmer Leadership Takes Soybean Checkoff into Future

The national soybean checkoff just wrapped up its first 20 years, but the work doesn't end there. As the United Soybean Board (USB) launches into the next 20 years, new U.S. soybean farmer-leaders take the reins and plan to continue the focus on creating profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers.

USB farmer-directors elected Vanessa Kummer (Koo-mer) as chairperson on Tuesday, during the checkoff's annual meeting. The Colfax, N.D., soybean farmer will have a busy agenda leading the soybean checkoff's implementation of a new strategic plan. Kummer looks at addressing recommendations from a farmer-driven assessment of USB and help lead the U.S. soybean industry. She will continue to shepherd the checkoff as it looks to increase soybean farmers' profitability in an ever-evolving industry.

"It is our vision to make U.S. soybeans the leader in the global oilseed industry," says Kummer. "We plan to create and maintain partnerships to keep U.S. soybean farmers profitable." Kummer is the first woman elected to chair the national soybean checkoff.

The team set to lead USB and help the soybean checkoff meet global customer demands with Kummer includes the following officers:
-- Jim Stillman, Emmetsburg, Iowa as vice chair;
-- Jim Call, Madison, Minn., as secretary;
-- Bob Haselwood, Berryton, Kan., as treasurer;
-- Lewis Bainbridge, Ethan, S.D.
-- Russ Carpenter, Trumansburg, N.Y.
-- Sharon Covert, Tiskilwa, Ill.
-- Jim Schriver, Montpelier, Ind.
-- Jimmy Sneed, Hernando, Miss.
-- Rick Stern, Cream Ridge, N.J.
-- Marc Curtis, a soybean farmer from Leland, Miss., will continue to serve on the leadership team as past chair.

"We have a great direction and a good team to make things happen," adds Kummer. "We're excited to help direct action that will increase soy's value for all U.S. soybean farmers."

In 2012, the soybean checkoff plans to focus on specific, new strategic objectives. They include directing soybean checkoff dollars to improve U.S. soybean meal and oil, helping ensure U.S. soybean farmers have the freedom and adequate transportation infrastructure to operate and meeting the needs customers of U.S. soy here at home and abroad. In addition, USB made supporting the biggest domestic user of soy, U.S. poultry, livestock and fish farmers, its top priority.



Weekly ethanol production data for the week ending 12/02/2011 

According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 954,000 barrels per day (b/d) – or 40.068 million gallons daily.  That is up 24,000 b/d from the previous week and an all-time record.  The 4-week average for ethanol production stood at 929,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 14.25 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol stood at 17.9 million barrels.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 360 million gallons daily.  Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 11.63%.

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 14.465 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 107,372 metric tons of livestock feed, 96,871 metric tons of which were distillers grains.  The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal.  Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.39 million pounds of corn oil daily. 



House Bill 3552 to Extend Imported Ethanol Tariff to 2015

A bill introduced Dec. 2 in the U.S. House of Representatives and currently being debated in the House Ways and Means Committee would extend the tariff on imported ethanol from Jan. 1, 2012 to Jan. 1, 2015.

HR 3552, sponsored by Rep. Charles Rangel, D-New York, extends the tariff of 54 cents per gallon slated to expire at the end of this year. The sponsors say the object of the tariff is to prevent U.S. taxpayers from subsidizing foreign-made ethanol.

The tariff was initially designed to offset the blenders credit for ethanol called the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit that currently pays 45 cents per gallon to blend ethanol into gasoline. The VEETC is expected to expire Dec. 31. For that reason, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association said Monday that the tariff is no longer necessary.

"These trade barriers prevent U.S. consumers from abundant and potentially more economical choices from friendly nations like Brazil," said Leticia Phillips, UNICA's North American representative.

She added that the elimination of the import tariff on foreign ethanol would create an open, competitive marketplace resulting in more choices for consumers, less global fuel price volatility, and increasing savings for consumers at the pump.

She added that this would also "risk a trade war between the United States and its trade partners, including friendly nations like Brazil."

However, the tariff may be considered a needed protection, according to Poet CEO Jeff Broin, who spoke at a press conference Tuesday.

He said that Brazil has temporarily suspended its own tax credit for domestic ethanol production, but unless Brazil drops its credit permanently, the U.S. should extend its tariff.



Livestock, Poultry Coalition Requests Hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard’s Impact on Economy

In a letter to the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, a coalition of the U.S. livestock and poultry industry associations, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the American Meat Institute, the National Chicken Council, the National Meat Association, the National Pork Producers Council and the National Turkey Federation, requested a hearing to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard’s (RFS) impact on the economy. The groups cited ongoing pressure on domestic feed grain supplies and a discovery of $9 million of fraudulent renewable identification numbers as justifications for a hearing.

“In light of the ongoing pressures that the RFS is placing on the domestic feed grain supplies, something must be done to protect livestock and poultry producers from excessively high corn prices because of the rigid RFS compliance system,” the groups told Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D- Calif.) and Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-Okla.). “Therefore, we request that the Senate hold a hearing to examine the continued pressure on grain supplies and the impact that it is having on the bottom line of livestock and poultry producers.”

The letter noted that a 2011 National Academy of Sciences study found that since 2007, the diversion of portions of the corn crop to ethanol production has been a contributing factor to the increased strain on livestock and poultry producers. While other factors play a role, the RFS mandate is the sole area the U.S. government can control, the groups said.

“Not only are the meat and poultry industries asking the Senate committee to make an attempt to understand the impact on farmers and ranchers, but we also are asking the committee to consider the impact on the American consumer,” the groups said. “The livestock and meat and poultry coalition thinks an EPW committee hearing to examine the continued merits and impact of this broad reaching policy would be timely and relevant.”



NCGA Outlines Farm Bill Priorities at Capital Forum

During a Farm Journal Forum Tuesday in Washington, National Corn Growers Association Senior Director of Public Policy Sam Willett outlined NCGA's priorities for a new farm bill. Willett was joined on the panel by representatives of USDA's Risk Management Agency and the National Sustainable Ag Coalition.

"NCGA continues advocating for our members as Congress begins writing the new farm bill," Willett said. "Our farmers are looking for legislation that will provide risk management tools that will help them only when they need assistance. They understand farmers need be able to take on a certain amount of loss in any one year. However, it is very important to protect growers, especially young farmers, from depleting their emergency funds when these types of losses occur over multiple years."

Willett also outlined the importance of a an effective, affordable crop insurance program and a revenue-based safety net that addresses significant losses not adequately covered by crop insurance.

"Next year's farm bill debate will provide an opportunity for ag groups to voice their priorities," Willett said. "We encourage the Ag Committees to craft a market-oriented farm policy that will be both responsive to taxpayers and effective in helping family farms remain viable and productive."



Iowa soybean farmers participate in phone exchange with Gingrich

Soybean farmers across Iowa participated in a telephone townhall meeting, speaking directly with Republican Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich on Tuesday evening. It was the first of several opportunities planned by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) in an effort to focus attention on the critical topics of agricultural policy and trade issues impacting America’s farmers.

ISA has extended the invitation to all major Presidential candidates to participate in telephone calls with Iowa farmers. Former House Speaker Gingrich was the first candidate to accept the invitation.

The questions raised by ISA members during the call aligned closely with the issues that have emerged during the association’s recent District Policy Conferences.

In light of proposed budget reduction, several members expressed concern that cuts  should not be aimed at agriculture disproportionately and, considering ag’s return on investment, the government should continue to invest in areas like research and infrastructure “that benefit ag and all of America.”

Gingrich responded, “As is the case in our personal lives, there is a big difference between the government’s investing money and just spending money.”  Citing his years as House Speaker, when the budget was balanced and large national debts were paid off, he said he would strongly support investing in research, confident it will lead to increased production.

He also expressed understanding of the need to improve roads, adding he would favor onshore and offshore oil drilling to reduce dependence on foreign oil, and using the proceeds for infrastructure.

Foreign trade was the topic of several questions. Recognizing that half of Iowa soybeans are exported, with China as the number one customer, one farmer questioned U.S. leaders who are challenging China’s currency manipulation and expressed concern it could start a trade war. Gingrich said he would favor “being tough but in the right way. We have to roll up our sleeves in negotiations to open markets, not start trade wars.”

He believes the U.S. can have free trade and also keep jobs in America. One way would be by allowing the writeoff of 100 percent of farm equipment the first year to help keep and create manufacturing jobs.

Callers also asked about taxes, specifically estate taxes that make it difficult to pass the family farm to the next generation. Gingrich favors permanently abolishing “death taxes.”

He also proposes a “fair tax” on income, offering taxpayers the option to pay a simple 15 percent flat tax. Gingrich said, “We can’t replace the current system without a fair and complete understanding” of the repercussions, but he would support a commission to work for a year preparing a “fair tax” and then let taxpayers choose from options.

When farm bill issues were raised, callers indicated in a poll that a crop insurance subsidy is their top priority. Gingrich admitted farm policy is not an area where he is knowledgeable, but he would seek input from ag leaders like Senator Grassley and Congressman Latham.

He said he realizes farming is more technical, more sophisticated and costly than it used to be and requires protection. He also noted the conservation component of the farm bill is “a useful way to support farmers while protecting the environment.”

Callers expressed concern about the trend of increasing regulations, specifically mentioning Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules. Gingrich said he would get rid of the EPA and replace it with an environmental solution agency that would show “cooperation and common sense.”

Regarding labor rules that would regulate kids’ helping on the farm, one caller said, “We teach our kids to work, but we teach them to do it safely.” Gingrich said he has actually proposed that more young people who don’t live on farms should learn to work for a living.

Gingrich said he supports RFS2 and biofuel tax credits and believes “we will see remarkable increases in the next years.”  When it comes to investing dollars, he said, “I would pick Iowa over Iran,” adding that he wants to see the United States be independent of the disruption caused by concerns about attacks on oil supply.

A livestock grower who hires immigrants said, "They do work that U.S. citizens don't want to do and they pay taxes. We need them." Gingrich said, while he favors patrol, and possibly a fence, on the borders and English as the official language, he recognizes many "illegal immigrants" have been living and working, contributing to communities for years. He would propose having local review boards that would give "guest workers" who have a sponsor a certificate of residence, making them legal.

ISA plans to offer its members additional opportunities as other candidates accept the invitation to visit with them.

ISA does not endorse any candidate; the purpose of the telephone townhall meetings is to provide information to members and ensure that members’ concerns are conveyed to candidates. The townhall meetings are not funded by the soybean checkoff.



Farm Credit Supports 25x'25 Alliance with Renewable Energy Grant

The National 25x'25 Alliance (www.25x25.org) announced today that Farm Credit (www.FarmCredit.com) has committed $50,000 to help the alliance promote the energy solutions offered by our nation’s farms, ranches and forestlands, and work to build consensus on stable, comprehensive and long-term energy policies that make use of those solutions.

"The Farm Credit System’s financial performance will be directly impacted by the degree to which agricultural- and forestry- based energy solutions are integrated into America’s energy future," said Ernie Shea, 25x'25 project coordinator. "The Alliance is extremely grateful for this financial support. Farm Credit is helping to maximize the role of the agriculture and forest sectors in our nation’s evolving clean energy future."

"Farm Credit’s mission is to support agriculture and rural America, and the 25 x ’25 mission aligns with that in many ways," said Christina Bowen, national contributions director for Farm Credit.

The grant will support Alliance efforts to reframe the national energy conversation from discussions of cost and sacrifice to ones highlighting how clean energy solutions from farms, ranches and forests will create jobs, drive economic development, improve national security and provide valuable ecosystem services.

The Farm Credit grant will also help enable the Alliance continue its efforts in bringing together feedstock producers, technology providers and special interests groups to explore pathways to a clean and secure energy future.

Furthermore, Farm Credit’s support reinforces the Alliance’s efforts to overcome differences among renewable fuel groups, bioenergy feedstock providers, animal agriculture stakeholders and other natural allies that can participate and benefit from a 25x’25 future. "The grant will be critical in our work to eliminate the divisions in a sector that should be united in advocating for the food, feed, fiber, fuel solutions and environmental services that can be sustainably delivered from the land," Shea said.