Wednesday January 18 Ag News

GOVERNOR’S AG CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE NEARS

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach is reminding all Nebraskans about the upcoming registration deadline for the 24th Annual Governor’s Ag Conference.  he Conference, scheduled for February 15-16, will be held at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Kearney.  Early registration for the conference ends February 1.  “I encourage farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals to attend this informative event,” Ibach said.  “It’s a great opportunity to get an outlook on the future of our industry.”

Speakers at this year’s Conference include a panel that will discuss connecting consumers with farmers and ranchers to share information about agricultural production.  That panel consists of Willow Holoubek from the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN), Dawn Caldwell from Common Ground Nebraska and Pete McClymont with We Support Agriculture.  Other featured speakers include Bruce Knight of Strategic Conservation Solutions, who will provide an update on the federal Farm Bill reauthorization.  Dr. Archie Clutter with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska will explain how the University is positioning itself to be a part of meeting the challenge of providing food to a growing world population.  Bill Holbrook from The ProExporter Network will discuss the opportunities and challenges farmers will face in meeting that food production demand.  This year’s keynote presentation will be delivered by John Doggett, senior lecturer of International Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainability as well as a senior research fellow at the University of Texas at Austin.  He will discuss the role of Nebraska agriculture in the future global economy.

Those interested in attending the Conference can register by calling NDA toll-free at (800) 831-0550 or by going on-line at www.agr.ne.gov. 



2011-2012 Beef Quality Audit Underway, Producer Input Needed

Cattle producers are being asked to provide their input to the 2011-2012 National Beef Quality Audit by taking a short survey at www.cattlesurvey.com. The survey can be completed in approximately 10 minutes.

The 2011-2012 NBQA, led by scientists from Colorado State University and Texas A&M University, is designed to collect and analyze information from cooler audits in the packing sector, face-to-face interviews with beef supply chain partners and for the first time cattle producers including feeders, stockers, cow-calf operators, and seedstock producers will be surveyed. Producer input is being sought to strengthen the measurement of quality-based practices implemented on farms and ranches that support consumer confidence in beef products and production systems.

The checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) has provided important benchmarks for the U.S. beef industry since 1991. According to Ryan Ruppert, Director of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the audit has been conducted approximately every four years with the historic focus centered on quantifying the performance of beef carcasses for a number of value enhancing characteristics. The previous surveys have assisted in identifying challenges and opportunities for cattle producers.

“We hope to quantify the current adoption level of quality driven management practices by the industry and develop a benchmark to measure future performance. Our goal is to provide a foundation to direct future educational initiatives and to improve the competitiveness of beef as well as beef by-products,” says Ruppert. “By collecting input from cattle producers, we will help consumers and influencers better understand beef production and the commitment of cattlemen to producing safe and wholesome beef products.”

Cattlemen can find the survey online at www.cattlesurvey.com. "The survey results are going to be very beneficial to the Nebraska Program," said Drew Gaffney, Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator. "Information from this survey will give us an opportunity to tie BQA together from the time the calf is born to the time it is harvested. We are seeing some research that has been done that shows how carcass quality can be affected by how cattle are handled and fed at an early age.”

Producers who may have questions or concerns about the survey can contact Drew Gaffney at (308) 872-1105 or dgaffney@necattlemen.org.



Nebraska Dairy Convention Scheduled for March 13-14

An Olympic Gold Medalist, the coronation of the Nebraska Dairy Princess and a seminar on handling high commodity prices are on the agenda for the 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention March 13-14 at Divots Conference Center in Norfolk.  The convention also serves as a backdrop for the business meetings of several of the state’s dairy groups.

The meeting carries a theme of “The Future…Is Now,” and begins with a trade show opening at 10 a.m., March 13, followed by a presentation titled “Managing Today’s Commodity Prices” by Archer Daniels Midland nutritionist Ron Linquist at 10:30 a.m.  Midwest Dairy Association will present information on its child health and wellness initiative, Fuel Up to Play 60, at an 11:30 a.m. lunch. A 4:30 p.m. session, “Animal Welfare – the Next Challenge,” will be presented by We Support Agriculture.  The trade show continues until 5:30 p.m. on March 13.

The annual meeting of the Nebraska State Dairy Association takes place from 12:30 – 2 p.m. on March 13, and the Nebraska Holstein Association will meet from 2:30 – 4 p.m. that day.   

The March 13 events draw to a close with a wine and cheese reception at 5:30 p.m.  Olympic bobsledder Curt Tomascevicz headlines the banquet at 6:30 p.m.  The new Nebraska Dairy Princess will also be crowned at that time. 

Board meetings for the Nebraska Division of Midwest Dairy Association and the Nebraska State Dairy Association will take place on convention’s second day, March 14.  The Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board, Nebraska Dairy Industry Review Board will also meet that day.

The 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention is free to all Nebraska dairy producers, families and guests.  Special room rates are available at the Norfolk Lodge and Suites by calling 1-800-230-4134.  Questions about the convention can be directed to Rod Johnson, Nebraska State Dairy Association, at 402-261-5482 or rod@nebraskamilk.org.  Attendee and sponsorship registration forms are available at nebraskamilk.org. The deadline to register is March 2. 



Special sessions at Power Farming Show focus on herbicide resistant weeds

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) urges farmers visiting the Power Farming Show in Des Moines on January 31 and February 1 to take in an informational session led by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Weed Specialist Mike Owen; the sessions are titled “Herbicide Resistant Weeds, Past, Present and Future; Act Now or Pay the Consequences.”

“Weed management strategies in soybeans have suddenly become more complex; they are no longer about weed control,” says David Wright, ISA director of contract research. “It is critical to take a holistic approach to minimize the impact on profitability of weeds with resistance to multiple herbicides. Dr. Owen's presentation will help farmers know how that can be accomplished."

Hosted by ISA, the sessions are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Board Room 3 on the Mezzanine Level of Veterans Convention Center. Attendees can enjoy complimentary refreshments while hearing the latest information on weed resistance.

All ISA members should have received in the mail two tickets for free admittance to the Power Farming Show.

While at the Show, soybean farmers are invited to stop by the ISA booth, number 808, on the main floor in Vets Auditorium, to visit with ISA staff and farm leaders. In addition to information on biodiesel, all new and existing members will received a complimentary gift as part of ISA’s new “I am Iowa Ag” membership campaign.



Iowa Soil and Land Use Website Gets Make-over

National media put a spotlight on Iowa soil the past month due to the current increases in farmland prices. Those who work the farmland, whether they call it dirt or soil, know that it is one of the state's richest resources. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach helps those that own, manage and work the land, as well as those who talk about it, know and understand Iowa soil through a recently revised website.

The ISU Extension and Outreach soil and land use website at www.extension.iastate.edu/soils/ was revised to more clearly explain the richness of Iowa soil through data related to the agricultural and non-agricultural uses of Iowa land. Visitors to the site will find that soils have many uses, but not all soils are equally adapted to each use.

"Understanding the basic properties of soils leads to better crop management, soil nutrient management and soil and water conservation," said Lee Burras, Iowa State agronomy professor specializing in soils research. "The data on this site help those with an interest determine the potential uses of their soil and the location of different soils across the state."

The website details the characteristics and uses of Iowa's 36 million total acres with a primary focus on the nearly 33 million acres used in farming. Acreage averages, crop ratios, crop yields and 5-year yields, land use acres and erosion information are all included on the site with data organized by county and statewide. New to the site are tools that allow the visitor to sort and filter Iowa Soil Properties and Interpretations Database (ISPAID) data to generate information for a specific need or interest. The tools link data abbreviations to manual definitions that make the data easier to understand.

"If someone is interested in finding all corn suitability ratings with a value greater than 90 or all soils that are commonly flooded, for example, it is possible using the spreadsheets associated with the ISPAID manual," Burras said. "By making it easier to access the information in the manual, we believe land owners and farm operators will make more informed decisions regarding soil management and care."



New Study Reveals Higher Octane in Ethanol

As automakers retool engines to maximize gas mileage while minimizing emissions to meet future Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards, a new study reveals that ethanol provides the higher-octane these high-efficiency engines require while remaining both affordable and environmentally friendly.

The study, conducted by AVL, a global leader in the development of powertrain engines with internal combustion systems, was funded in part by the National Corn Growers Association's Ethanol Committee and Research and Business Development Action Team.  The goal of this research was to explore the role corn ethanol could play in meeting the new CAFÉ standards enacted by the U.S. federal government.

"The findings of this study further support our existing understanding of ethanol in that they demonstrate its inherent ability to meet our nation's need for an affordable, sustainable domestically-produced fuel source," said NCGA Ethanol Committee Chairman Chad Willis.  "NCGA, together with the states that also contributed, funds studies such as this to add to the data on biofuel. We do this not only as proponents of corn farmers, but also as citizens concerned with finding the innovative solutions that will help our nation improve the economy, environment and national security."

The study, which evaluated various fuel blends along a long range of knock limit operation, found additional benefits of ethanol's favorable octane sensitivity in that it offers twice the octane potential expected.  The octane benefits derived from ethanol had been inconsistent in most testing performed up to this point.  However, this inconsistency was the result of the variability of the gasoline used in the blend, limiting the reliably demonstrating the biofuel's true performance.  The new data illustrates the level of performance which can actually be achieved simply by adding ethanol to gasoline and shows the value of using intermediate blends to automakers in meeting the new fuel efficiency standards.

"Implementation of the CAFÉ standards will require auto manufacturers to decrease carbon dioxide emissions while increasing fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon," Willis explained.  "Considering this data, it becomes increasingly evident that ethanol offers an important tool to help meet this challenge.  Prior to the study, we understood that ethanol was part of the solution. Now, we know that it holds even more potential for helping meet our energy goals."

The full study will be available this spring pending journal publication.

Mission Explores Possibilities for Cooperation in Brazil, Argentina
Members of NCGA's top leadership departed on a mission to Brazil and Argentina today, where they will work with agricultural officials to discuss how the three corn exporting nations can work together to help meet the growing global demand for food, feed and fuel.

Along with representatives from the U.S. Grains Council, NCGA President Garry Niemeyer, First Vice President Pam Johnson and CEO Rick Tolman will join in high-level discussions on key issues including the importance of education on biotechnology and the role biofuels can play in the global energy market.

"Our counterparts in Brazil and Argentina face many similar challenges and, working together, we can magnify the effectiveness of our efforts to overcome them," said Tolman.  "Demand for corn is growing and, while we may traditionally have viewed them as competitors, they are becoming cooperators as the demand for corn grows globally.  Today, our work coincides as we work together to help educate those outside of our industry in the amazing possibilities that corn offers."

During the eight-day mission, the team will meet with representatives from the USDA's Foreign Agricultural service based in these countries, Ministry of Agriculture leadership, presidential advisors, executives from the agricultural industry and agro-associations, and local farmers.  Additionally, they will tour ports, agro-industry lab facilities and farms.



Overall DDGS Exports Fall, Chinese Export Fall by Half

Exports of dried distillers grains with solubles are expected to have fallen by as much as 14% in 2011, according to Geoff Cooper, vice president of research and analysis for the Renewable Fuels Association.

By the end of 2011, DDGS exports are expected to have reached only 7.72 million metric tons, after reaching only 7.08 mmt by the end of November. Those totals are noticeably decreased from the record 9.03 mmt the U.S. exported in 2011.

China had become the largest importer of U.S. DDGS in 2010 with 2.35 mmt. That number fell with the launch of China's distillers grains anti-dumping case against the U.S. In 2011, China imported only 1.28 mmt in 2011 through November.  The decrease in China's DDGS imports pushed Mexico to the number one spot with 1.64 mmt through November, following by China (1.28 mmt) and Canada (1.28 mmt).



Soybean Checkoff to Partner with Clean Cities Coalitions

Americans from the mid-Atlantic to the Northwest will soon be hearing a lot more about why they should use soy biodiesel--if they aren't already.

The United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff have announced the participants in the 2012 biodiesel and Bioheat communications program, which helps cities across the United States spread the word about the only commercially available advanced biofuel.

The soybean checkoff will partner with nine U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-affiliated "Clean Cities" coalitions to increase the availability and use of soy biodiesel and heating-oil-alternative Bioheat through promotion and education. The Clean Cities program serves as a government-industry partnership sponsored by DOE and has more than 90 local chapters across the United States. These chapters work in their local areas to reduce petroleum consumption.

"Clean Cities coalitions are really great organizations," says Mike Beard, USB director and soybean farmer from Frankfort, Ind. "This program helps them, and it helps us to get the word out about clean, efficient soy biodiesel."

This year, checkoff farmer-leaders committed nearly $200,000 to assist these chapters with various biodiesel and Bioheat projects. USB funding will assist Clean Cities across the United States in communicating the benefits of soy biodiesel and Bioheat through radio public service announcements, outdoor advertising, informational workshops for energy users and distributors, promotional events, and many other activities.

Clean Cities Coalitions participating in the 2012 reimbursement program include:
-- Iowa Clean Cities (partnering with Iowa Soybean Association)
-- Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition (partnering with Kansas Soybean Commission)
-- Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition (partnering with Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council)
-- North Dakota Clean Cities (partnering with North Dakota Soybean Council)
-- Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (partnering with Alabama Soybean Producers)
-- Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (partnering with Maryland Soybean Board)
-- Triangle Clean Cities Coalition (partnering with North Carolina Soybean Producers Association)
-- Virginia Clean Cities (partnering with Maryland Soybean Board and Virginia Soybean Board)
-- Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition



Fertilizer Prices Edge Lower

Retail fertilizer prices continue to slip, according to DTN's retailer survey for the second week of January 2012. This marks the seventh straight week that the majority of fertilizer prices declined.

Prices of seven of the eight major fertilizers edged lower compared to the second week of December, although urea was the only fertilizer to show any significant drop. The nitrogen fertilizer fell 6% compared to a month earlier and the nitrogen-based fertilizer had an average price of $554/ton.  The remaining fertilizers all showed slight price drops compared to one month earlier. DAP had an average price of $671/ton, MAP $719/ton, 10-34-0 $814/ton, anhydrous $796/ton (the first drop below $800/ton since last week of October), UAN28 $391/ton and UAN32 $443/ton.

One fertilizer, potash, has a slight price increase compared to the first week of December. Potash had an average price of $660/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.49/lb.N, UAN28 $0.70/lb.N and UAN32 $0.69/lb.N.

Five of the eight major fertilizers are continuing to show double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher is 10-34-0. The starter fertilizer skyrocketed early last year but has fallen back some in recent months and is now 27% higher compared to the second week of January 2011.  Potash has jumped 16%, urea 13% and UAN28 and UAN32 12% more expensive than a year ago.

Two fertilizers have seen just slight price increases compared to a year earlier. Anhydrous is 9% higher while MAP is 3% more expensive compared to last year.  The remaining fertilizer, DAP, is now nearly unchanged from the price it had one year ago.



Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Disaster Assistance to Producers and Communities in 33 States and Puerto Rico

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an important package of disaster assistance to help farmers, land owners, communities and others recover and rebuild after a year in which a wave of natural disasters swept across all regions of the United States. The funding, totaling $308 million, provides financial and technical assistance to help rebuild and repair land damaged on account of flooding, drought, tornadoes and other natural disasters in 33 states and Puerto Rico. Funding is provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) as well as the Farm Service Agency's Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).

"Landowners, individuals and communities have endured incredible hardships because of the intensity and volume of natural disasters that have impacted their livelihoods," said Vilsack. "America's farmers and rural communities are vitally important to our nation's economy, producing the food, feed, fiber and fuel that continue to help us grow. This funding will help to rebuild communities, while states can use the funds to carry out emergency recovery measures. At the same time, this assistance keeps farmers on the farm, ranchers on the ranch, and landowners on their land, helping to keep American agriculture profitable."

The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) will contribute $215.7 million to provide financial and technical assistance to address public safety and restoration efforts on private, public and tribal lands. When funding is allocated to a project, NRCS contracts the heavy construction work to local contractors, spurring creation of jobs. Typical projects funded under EWP include removing debris from waterways, protecting eroded stream banks, reseeding damaged areas, and in some cases, purchasing floodplain easements on eligible land. A list of states and their fiscal year 2012 EWP Program allocations can be viewed at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp.

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) program will contribute $80 million to producers to help remove debris from farmland, restore livestock fences and conservation structures, provide water for livestock during periods of severe drought, and grade and shape farmland damaged by a natural disaster. FSA county committees determine eligibility based on on-site inspections of damaged land and considering the type and extent of damage. For land to be eligible, the natural disaster must create new conservation problems.

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) program will provide $12 million in payments to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land in order to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster.

A list of states and their fiscal year 2012 ECP and EFRP allocations can be viewed at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/20120108_ecp_efrp_table.pdf.



House Returns to Washington, Senate Begins Next Week

The House of Representatives reconvened briefly this week after nearly month-long recess. They were scheduled to vote on a resolution to disapprove of the President's request to increase the debt limit by $1.2 trillion. The Senate will reconvene next Monday, January 23.

Among major items that Congress must address is whether to extend the payroll tax holiday, which expires on February 29.  The tax cut was extended for two months in an agreement reached just days before Christmas. Other items include the FY2013 budget and whether to modify $1.2 trillion in federal budget cuts, scheduled to occur in 2013.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) has said she plans to hold Farm Bill hearings early in the year and that she would like to produce a draft sometime in the spring.  House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas has not yet scheduled hearings either.



Eight Former Ag Secretaries to Participate in Outlook Forum Panel

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will give the keynote address and moderate a historic plenary panel at the Agricultural Outlook Forum, Feb. 23-24, 2012, in Arlington, Va.

USDA is commemorating its 150th anniversary throughout 2012, celebrating the Department's founding in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln. Former Secretaries of Agriculture Ed Schafer, Senator Mike Johanns, Ann Veneman, Dan Glickman, Mike Espy, Clayton Yeutter, John Block, and Bob Bergland have been invited to participate in a panel about the future of agriculture in America.

As USDA commemorates 150 years of accomplishments, the Department is learning from past experiences and looking to the future. In the years to come, USDA must help address the changing needs of agriculture and rural America, while continuing to help provide a safe, ample food supply for the nation and the world. To meet those goals, USDA is working to make the Department a more modern and effective service provider that delivers the best possible results for all of the American people. The Blueprint for Stronger Service, announced by Vilsack on Jan. 9, underscores USDA's commitment to build a modern and efficient service organization that is closely timed with technological innovations and better suited to respond to 21st century agricultural challenges.

The Agricultural Outlook Forum's 25 breakout sessions with more than 80 speakers will focus on a broad range of topical issues, including: global food security; foreign trade, financial markets, and economic development; conservation; energy; climate change; food safety; food hubs; extension programs; and next generation farmers. The Forum continues to feature the traditional USDA commodity supply and demand and food price outlooks. Among the session speakers will be representatives from major banks, trade associations, agricultural institutions, corporations, cooperatives, consultants, and academia.

USDA's Chief Economist Joseph Glauber will present the foreign trade and domestic agricultural economic outlooks. The Forum's dinner speaker will be Jim Miller, Senior Policy Adviser to the Senate Budget Committee. Miller formerly served as USDA's Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, as well as chief economist and chief of staff for the National Farmers Union, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers and as co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Joint Commission on Grains.

USDA has hosted the Agricultural Outlook Forum since 1923 to provide farmers and ranchers, government, and agribusinesses with sound information for decision-making. Attendees are expected to include members of farm organizations, food and fiber firms, academia, foreign governments, and the news media.

For further information, including registration and speakers' affiliations and biographies, visit www.usda.gov/oce/forum. Registration is $375 until Jan. 23, 2012, and $425 thereafter. Plenary speeches will be Webcast after 6 p.m. EST on Feb. 23, and breakout session speeches and PowerPoint presentations will be posted online after 6 p.m. Feb. 24.