Monday February 13 Ag News

Chuck Hassebrook to Make a U.S. Senate Announcement

On Tuesday, February 14th at 10:30 am, Chuck Hassebrook, Executive Director of the Center for Rural Affairs and member of the University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents, will be joined by friends, family and supporters in Lyons, Nebraska to announce his intentions to run for Nebraska’s open United States Senate seat. 

Chuck Hassebrook is a native of Platte Center, Nebraska, where his family has farmed for more than a century.   He attended Central Community College in Columbus and graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where his oldest son Anton is now studying engineering.  He has lived in Lyons with his wife Kate and sons Anton and Peter, for nearly 13 years.  In Lyons, he has coached youth baseball and been active in community development and his church.

Hassebrook has spent 35 years on the staff of the Center for Rural Affairs of Lyons -- leading the way for the last 15 years.  The Center is a nationally recognized research, advocacy and rural development organization that supports small communities, small business, soil and water conservation and family farming and ranching.  Hassebrook’s efforts have won changes in federal tax, farm, conservation and rural development policy.

Hassebrook has served for more than 17 years on the University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents, including two terms as Chair.  On the Board of Regents, he has championed initiatives to make college affordable to families of modest means, emphasize quality teaching, and improve research and extension programs supporting rural development and family agriculture.   

He currently serves on the Board of the USDA North Central Region Rural Development Center.  He previously served on the Nebraska Rural Development Commission, US Department of Agriculture National Commission on Small Farms, USDA Agricultural Science and Technology Review Board and the Board of Bread for the World, a Christian anti-hunger organization based in Washington.



Washington County Cattlemen Meeting Coming Up

The Washington County Cattlemen will have their monthly meeting on Monday, March 5th at the Blair Marina in Blair, NE.  Social starts at 6pm with the meal to follow at 7pm.  Guest speaker will be DTN Meteorologist Bryce Anderson.  Call Brian with any questions at 720-4734.



Register today for No-Till Conference Feb. 21 at UNL’s ARDC

There’s still time to sign up to attend the Feb. 21 Nebraska No-Till at UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead, NE. Registration begins at 9 a.m.  University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension will provide corn and soybean producers information on how to be successful with no-till farming practices at the Nebraska No-Till Conference. Producers will learn about the benefits of no-till and how it can work for them.  Speakers include no-till farmers, university specialists and industry representatives.

Pre-registration is due Feb 17. Register for the ARDC conference at (402) 624-8030 or (800) 529-8030 or e-mail kglewen1@unl.edu. Online registration is available at http://ardc.unl.edu/no-till.shtml.  There is no fee for this conference, courtesy of UNL Extension in the University's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nebraska Soybean Board, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Nebraska No-Till Conferences will also be held Feb. 22 at the Valley Ag Complex in Ord, NE with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and program at 10:15 a.m. and Feb. 23 at the Ag Center in Holdrege, NE with registration beginning at 9 a.m. and program at 9:25 a.m.



3rd Annual ’Tode Awards Announced; SCN Test Results Take Center Stage
John Wilson, UNL Extension Educator, Burt County
Loren Giesler, UNL Extension Plant Pathologist, Lincoln
The snowstorm last weekend provided the perfect opportunity for the ’Tode Awards Committee to meet, review the nominees, and select this year’s winners. These awards are given to counties for their work in sampling for soybean cyst nematodes (SCN), the most devastating pest to soybean growers in Nebraska and the U.S. Last year SCN cost Nebraska farmers $30 million in lost yields. Nationally, growers lost over $1 billion.

These losses can be reduced if farmers know SCN is in their fields, but there’s the catch. Farmers can have yield losses of 20%-30% with no visible symptoms on the plant. The best way to determine if SCN is in a field is to take a soil test.

The Nebraska Soybean Board recognized what a serious problem SCN was and to increase statewide testing, they have funded a project with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to encourage farmers to sample their fields. Their support covers the cost of analyzing soil samples for SCN, normally $20 per sample.

We just completed the seventh year of this project with some staggering results. Since 2005, over 3,800 samples have been submitted and SCN has been identified in 27 Nebraska counties for the first time. This doubles the number of counties where SCN had been confirmed over the previous 19 years. SCN has now been identified in 54 counties that produce over 90% of Nebraska’s soybeans.

Without the Nebraska Soybean Board’s support, we would not have been able to reach this many Nebraska farmers. In 2011, 636 samples were submitted and 196 (30.8%) were positive for SCN. From these results, our panel of judges has identified the following 3rd Annual ’Tode Awards' winners:

Most Samples Submitted
Winner: Buffalo County (77)
Honorable Mention: Seward County (50)
Dodge County (43)
Douglas County (36)

Most Samples Positive for SCN
Winner: Dodge County (31)
Honorable Mention: Seward County (28)
Buffalo County (16)
Saunders County (11)

Most Samples (%) Positive for SCN (must have submitted at least 5 samples)
Winner: Dodge County (72%)
Honorable Mention: Pierce County (67%)
Seward County (56%)
Douglas County (54%)

Sample with Highest Egg Count (# eggs/100 ccs of soil)
Winner: Cuming County (46,960)
Honorable Mention: Pierce County (31,840)
Polk County (16,280)
Butler County (16,160)

And finally, in the category of Counties with First SCN Detection
Winners: Hall and Nuckolls counties

Some might argue that the counties in the last category are losers, not winners. However, now farmers in those counties know SCN has been found in local fields so they can sample for it and start managing it if found in their fields. So they really are winners.

Although it often goes undetected, SCN is here and it is reducing the profitability for Nebraska soybean producers. To learn more about SCN or to pick up bags to submit soil samples from your fields, contact your local UNL Extension office.



Optimistic for our Farm Future
Senator Mike Johanns

Our country has many challenges to face – chief among them of course remains our debt and spending, but another issue stands out on my schedule for the upcoming months. As the Senate gears up for some potentially big agriculture decisions this year, my schedule is filling up with meeting requests all across the state to talk about agriculture. Agriculture will always be fundamental to our state, and I look forward to helping shape the future of ag policy – including a possible farm bill this year – in the months ahead.

I spent a lot of time in Nebraska last year hosting open coffees and ag forums, or what we called "Ag Policy Perspectives." The experience and wisdom offered by the many farmers and ranchers who attended was invaluable. Folks from our state have such a unique perspective to offer, and I cherish every opportunity to listen to them. During and even before my time as Secretary of Agriculture, these farmers and ranchers helped me greatly in my service to our state and American agriculture. From these meetings several things have become clear about the future of agriculture.

First, crop insurance has grown to become a cornerstone of farm policy. Farmers pay premiums, so they have skin in the game; the federal government provides support. Importantly, crop insurance is tied to losses, so you don't simply get a payment just because you farm. As we face budget challenges, crop insurance has paid a fair share: $12 billion has been cut from the crop insurance program since 2008. Given its importance in helping farmers and ranchers manage their risks, I will keep working to ensure crop insurance maintains its effectiveness.

Another popular issue I hear about is conservation programs. No one takes better care of our environment than those whose livelihoods depend upon it, and our farmers and ranchers have utilized the various conservation programs to help them care for the land. Though I expect programs to be streamlined for greater efficiency, I am confident conservation will continue to be part of farm policy for years to come.

Something that always strikes me in my meetings with Nebraskans is how significantly other policy areas – trade, energy, government regulations, and taxes – concern farm families. The world is growing increasingly interconnected, and that's true of agriculture, too. Our policies must responsibly acknowledge this reality, and I will continue to keep this in mind in the months ahead.

I'm optimistic about the future of our agriculture in our country, and am especially eager to continue working with the next generation of America's farmers and ranchers. In fact, with FFA week approaching, I recently urged the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee to expand the committee's outreach to rural youth. I'm always encouraged to see young faces at my ag events and look forward to meeting more at open coffees throughout the state later this month. My special thanks to the farmers and ranchers who have offered tremendous insight to me over the years. Your wisdom has helped to shape my perspective and I look forward to hearing more from you as we continue to help shape the future of farm policy.




Love burgers? Nominate one to be Iowa’s Best Burger!

Iowa burger lovers are encouraged to join this year’s quest for Iowa’s Best Burger.

Almost every Iowa restaurant, whether it’s the neighborhood Mom and Pop joint, or an exclusive white table cloth establishment, has some variation of the hamburger on their menu. So for the third year, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council are kicking off their search for Iowa’s Best Burger.

Today’s official kickoff is taking place at the Iowa Beef Expo on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, and will continue through March 16.

“We’re looking for the best burger served in an Iowa restaurant,” said Elaine Utesch, a Correctionville farmer who is chairman of the Iowa Beef Industry Council. Utesch, who is both a cow-calf producer and cattle feeder, said the entries need to be 100% beef burgers. “Although burgers are often standard fare, we know from experience that the winners of this contest serve fabulous burgers. There’s nothing standard about them.”

Details about the contest rules and nomination procedures are on the Iowa Beef Industry Council’s website, www.iabeef.org. Nominations can also be made through the Iowa Beef Industry Council’s Facebook page.

Utesch noted that restaurants are a valuable partner to the beef industry. “They do a tremendous job of preparing and serving our beef products in delicious and creative ways. The burger is the all–American classic, and restaurants have done an excellent job in giving customers lots of choices when they order it.” 

The more nominations a burger receives, the better are the chances that it will be on the top 10 list announced in late March. Finalists will receive a certificate and be eligible for the secret taste-test of contest judges. The winner will be announced the first week of May to kick-off Beef Month.



Pork Producers Invited to Attend Two-State Seminar

Pork producers in northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota are invited to attend the Swine Production Seminar set for Feb. 28 in Okoboji. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach, University of Minnesota Extension and Hubbard Feeds are sponsoring this seminar at Arrowwood Resort Conference Center, 1405 Hwy 71 in Okoboji.

ISU Extension swine program specialist Dave Stender said the seminar topics and speakers will provide attendees with timely and important information.

"Presenters will share their knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas including sow health and productivity, optimizing market weight, and employee management," Stender said. "Each presentation session is about an hour long, and lunch is included."

Registration is at 9:30 a.m. with the first session starting at 10 a.m. The agenda has two sessions in the morning: sow health and productivity tips and trends and learning how to maintain a good work team. After lunch, attendees will hear about capitalizing on the Midwest advantage, optimizing market weight and return, and what to expect in today's industry. Speakers include Paul Ruen of Fairmont Veterinary Clinic, Tom Koch and Ernie Hansen of Hubbard Feeds, Jeff Wiepen of Farm Credit Services, and Mike Brumm of Brumm Swine Consultancy, Inc. Stender also is on the program.

For more information about the seminar, contact Stender by phone at 712-225-6196 or by e-mail at dstender@iastate.edu

People are asked to preregister by Feb. 21 by contacting Lori Stevermer or by phone at 507-388-9471.


   
U.S. Red Meat Exports Top $11.5 Billion in 2011; New Records for All Species

According to year-end statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), exports of U.S. pork, beef and lamb set new records across the board in 2011, reaching all-time highs in both volume and value and exceeding $11.5 billion in total value.

Pork exports totaled 2.255 million metric tons valued at $6.11 billion, breaking the previous volume record of 2.052 million metric tons and shattering the value record of $4.88 billion, which were both established in 2008. Year-over-year, pork exports were up 18 percent in volume and 28 percent in value.

Beef exports finished the year at 1.287 million metric tons valued at $5.42 billion. This broke the 2003 volume record of 1.274 million metric tons and easily surpassed the 2010 value record of $4.08 billion. Export volume was 21 percent larger than in 2010, with value up 33 percent.

Lamb exports totaled 18,343 metric tons valued at $30.08 million. This topped the previous record performance of 2006, when exports totaled 13,934 metric tons valued at $27.8 million. Compared to 2010, lamb export volume was up 72 percent and value increased 46 percent.

“It is extremely gratifying to see all red meat exports reaching new heights, even with the various trade obstacles we still face across the world,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “U.S. producers have provided superior products to market and made solid investments in the international markets – not only from pork, beef and lamb checkoff programs, but also from the corn and soybean checkoffs. Along with the experienced staff we have in place in the foreign markets, our trade officials who continue to work for greater market access and the exporters and traders who work every day to grow the presence of U.S. meat worldwide, they are to be commended for their foresight and commitment to global marketing.”

While the record-breaking performance of 2011 is impressive, Seng feels strongly that USMEF and its industry partners have laid the groundwork for even greater success in the future.

“Demand for U.S. red meat has never been stronger, and we are well-positioned to build on this success,” he said. “We have the marketing tools in place to showcase the quality and consistency of U.S. products, which our industry is able to deliver at a very competitive price and end users are able to utilize in extremely creative and innovative ways. Real opportunities exist for further growth, and USMEF fully intends to capitalize on this strong momentum.”

Pork export ratio, per-head value, very strong in 2011
For the year, pork exports equated to 27.5 percent of total production when including both muscle cuts and variety meat. In terms of muscle cuts only, exports totaled 23 percent of total production. This was up substantially from 23.7 percent and 19 percent, respectively, in 2010. Export value per head slaughtered was $55.55, an increase of 27 percent (nearly $12) from a year ago.

In December, pork exports were down slightly from November’s record performance but remained well above the previous year’s pace. Exports increased 16 percent in volume (215,870 metric tons) and 32 percent in value ($582.6 million) from December 2010.

“Among the factors driving the success of U.S. pork exports are the chilled programs and value-added programs that USMEF has implemented in several key markets, especially in north Asia,” Seng said. “Producers, processors and exporters have really worked together in recent years to provide a wider range of high-quality products that we can use to expand these markets. As a result of this collaboration, premiums delivered by the international markets continue to have a very positive impact on the U.S. pork industry’s growth and profitability.”

In addition to setting a global value record, Seng noted that the U.S. industry achieved new heights in its top two markets, Japan and Mexico.

“Coming off a record year in Japan, we grew export value by another 20 percent and nearly eclipsed the $2 billion mark,” he said. “That’s a testament to the effective marketing strategies deployed in what is easily the world’s most competitive pork market, as we have found new ways to further penetrate the restaurant and retail sectors and capitalize on rapidly growing sectors such as convenience stores. In Mexico, our outreach to national and regional supermarket chains has been highly successful, along with the strong relationships we have established in the processing sector.”

Pork exports to Japan set new records for both volume (493,313 metric tons) and value ($1.96 billion), respective increases of 13 percent and 19 percent over 2010. While slightly lower in volume (537,535 metric tons) than last year, Mexico became the first market other than Japan to import more than $1 billion in U.S. pork in a single year. Exports to Mexico jumped 6 percent in value over 2010, reaching $1.04 billion.

Other pork export highlights included several new records, with a very strong year in the Hong Kong/China region pushing exports up 64 percent in volume to 483,323 metric tons and nearly doubling in value to $910 million (and surpassed 2008 records). Exports to South Korea more than doubled in volume to 188,307 metric tons and increased 162 percent in value to $497 million. Exports to Australia grew 23 percent in volume (64,350 metric tons) and 38 percent in value ($204.6 million) – breaking the $200 million mark just seven years after the first exports of U.S. pork to this market. Central and South America saw increases of 21 percent in volume (72,023 metric tons) and 32 percent in value ($186.6 million), as existing free trade agreements with Honduras and Chile boosted 2011 exports and newly ratified trade agreements with Panama and Colombia offer excellent opportunities for further growth in 2012.

Beef export value more than $206 per head of fed slaughter
Beef export value per fed steer and heifer slaughtered was a record $206.37 in 2011, which was more than one-third higher than a year ago ($153.09). Beef exports equated to 14 percent of total production when including both muscle cuts and variety meat. For muscle cuts only, exports totaled 11 percent of total production. In 2010, these ratios were 11.7 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

“We have greatly diversified our beef export destinations and by doing so we have eclipsed the level of exports we had prior to BSE,” Seng said. “By building new markets and steadily reclaiming the market share we lost in Asia due to BSE, we were able to approach the $5.5 billion mark in 2011 – that’s one-third higher than the 2010 record, and a very significant achievement for the U.S. beef industry. This outstanding performance in the international markets is exactly the catalyst we need to grow our cattle numbers. Nothing helps grow operations like a boost in profitability, and the success we are achieving is definitely contributing to producers’ bottom line.”

In December, beef exports exceeded year-ago totals by about 6 percent in volume (108,691 metric tons) and 17 percent in value ($476.2 million) – posting the highest monthly volume total since September and the highest value total since August.

Canada was the leading value market for U.S. beef in 2011, reaching $1.03 billion – a 41 percent increase over 2010. Volume to Canada was up 25 percent to 191,047 metric tons. Mexico was the volume pacesetter at 256,938 metric tons (up 4 percent from 2010), with export value totaling $985.3 million (up 20 percent).

Exports to Japan surged 27 percent in volume (158,646 metric tons) and 37 percent in value ($874.4 million), while exports to Korea grew by 37 percent in volume (154,019 metric tons) and about one-third in value ($686 million), as the U.S. took significant market share from Australia.

“Programs such as ‘We Care’ in Japan and ‘To Trust’ in Korea have been very successful in rebuilding consumer confidence and positioning U.S. beef for success in these markets,” Seng said. “Safety continues to be a significant concern for our customers in both countries, but we are reaching a point at which we can focus more on the quality and enjoyment of the U.S. product. That is what made us the No. 1 supplier in these markets prior to 2003, and through effective marketing it will be the driving factor that allows us to reclaim that position.”

The newly ratified Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement offers excellent growth opportunities for both U.S. pork and beef, but U.S. exporters are especially anxious to gain relief from Korea’s 40 percent tariff on beef, which will be phased out over the next 15 years.

Other beef export highlights in 2011 include a record performance in the Middle East, where volume grew 30 percent to 175,181 metric tons and value was up 36 percent to $355.9 million. Russia also set new records for volume (72,797 metric tons, up 27 percent) and value ($255.9 million, up 68 percent), with a higher tariff rate quota for muscle cuts offering strong prospects for further growth in 2012. Last year’s quota was 41,700 metric tons, but Russia has increased it to 60,000 metric tons this year. U.S. beef is still not eligible for export to China, but new records were set in Hong Kong of 50,705 metric tons (up 28 percent) valued at $237 million (up 50 percent) and Vietnam $192 million (up 17 percent, though volume of 44,643 trailed the 2009 record). Led by a strong performance in Peru and Guatemala and exceptional growth in Chile, beef exports to Central and South America grew to record levels of 25,823 metric tons (up 53 percent) valued at $85.5 million (up 83 percent). U.S. beef will also be gaining significant tariff relief in Panama and Colombia this year as a result of the aforementioned trade agreements.

After slow start in 2011, lamb exports rebound to new heights
Through the first quarter of 2011, lamb exports were down about 10 percent in value from the previous year. Since that time, however, strong results in Mexico, Canada and the southeastern Caribbean pushed global export totals to a record performance. Other emerging markets showing promise for U.S lamb include Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Panama and Costa Rica. In December, lamb exports exceeded year-ago totals by 14 percent in volume (1,385 metric tons) and 21 percent in value ($2.33 million), led by a strong performance in Mexico.

“While the industry is not large in size, U.S. lamb has tremendous potential internationally,” Seng said. “Chefs and other industry leaders around the world appreciate the quality of U.S. lamb and recognize it as a premium product, so we have some wonderful opportunities for growth.”



Federation Initiative Fund Awards Grants for Beef Promotion in High Population Areas

The Federation of State Beef Councils executive committee has awarded $181,325 in grants from its Federation Initiative Fund for beef promotional events in high population areas of 10 states. The awards were announced Jan. 31, just prior to the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn. 

The Initiative Fund is supported by voluntary contributions from state beef councils, particularly those states with large cattle numbers and high checkoff collections. Grants are awarded twice a year to support the Federation’s long-standing commitment to invest checkoff dollars “where the people live,” according to Federation Chair Craig Uden, a cow-calf operator and cattle feeder from Elwood, Neb.

Grant applications are judged on several criteria, including a fit with the industry’s long range plan and the project’s potential to help move the needle upward on beef demand, Uden added. Among the unique projects just funded are Florida’s first-ever Beef Month promotion and promotional activities surrounding a 350-mile run along the Oregon coastline that promotes the power of lean protein and draws on the coordinated participation of  Oregon, California, Idaho and Washington beef councils, as well as national checkoff staff. Uden cited Oregon in particular for its proposal that pools and maximizes resources.

“The Oregon project illustrates an unprecedented level of cooperation between beef councils and checkoff staff, which significantly extends the power of the dollars we are investing, and that is the whole purpose of this grant program,” Uden added.

The grants include:
    The Florida Beef Council, $20,000, for 30 days of Beef Month promotions to almost 3 million consumers in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Jacksonville
    The Florida Beef Council, $38,000, for a retail promotion aimed at Hispanic consumers, who comprise nearly 65 percent of Dade County’s 2.5 million consumers
    The Georgia Beef Council, $25,000, for beef “pasture to plate” and culinary training for students in 50 high schools and culinary colleges
    Indiana Beef Council, $6,000, for a retail/radio/social media beef promotion to more than 375,000 consumers a year who attend the TinCaps home baseball games
    Michigan Beef Industry Council  $13,000, for Beef Alternative Merchandising and beef nutrition events in 10 grocery stores
    New York Beef Industry Council, $12,000, to reach more than 1 million state fair attendees over 12 days with culinary demonstrations and facts on modern beef production
    North Carolina Beef Council, $5,000, to support North Carolina’s Team BEEF at 10 community events to promote fitness and lean beef’s role in a healthy diet and lifestyle
    Ohio Beef Council, $10,000, for on-campus educational events to inform high school students and teachers about healthy beef
    Ohio Beef Council, $12,000, to reach nearly 700,000 Clipper baseball fans during 72 home games in a partnership with local media and the team
    Oregon, California, Idaho and Washington, $12,000, for a 350-mile coastal run and youth nutrition presentations
    Pennsylvania State Beef Council, $15,000, for retail promotion featuring the health benefits of lean beef to 11.5 million potential consumers in a number of grocery stores
    Pennsylvania State Beef Council, $6,500, for a farm and ranch tour hosting university dietitian students to educate attendees both on nutritional value of lean beef and to dispel myths concerning modern beef production
    Minnesota Beef Council, $1,825, to reach more than 3,000 health influencers at the first Nutrition Expo sponsored in part by the Minnesota Dietetic Association
    Minnesota Beef Council, $5,000, to conduct farm and ranch tours for health and nutritional professions in the Minneapolis, St. Paul and St. Cloud area; project includes partnership with the Midwest Dairy Association



NPPC On McDonald’s Decision On Sow Housing

Today’s decision by the McDonald’s Corp. to study its suppliers’ use of individual sow housing is an opportunity for the pork industry to respond to its customers. The National Pork Producers Council stands ready to offer its assistance to McDonald’s as it assesses sow housing.

Farmers constantly are evolving and improving their operations to adapt to market conditions. A generation ago, pork demand was sagging because the product didn’t meet consumer demands. Farmers changed their practices. Today’s pork is leaner and more nutritious than ever, and today’s farmer is committed to responsible production.

Farmers and animal care experts know that various types of housing systems can provide for the well-being of pigs. After an extensive review of scientific literature, the American Veterinary Medical Association determined that both individual sow housing and group housing can provide for the well-being of sows.

Perhaps most importantly, today’s announcement reflects the best process for meeting evolving consumer demands – through the market, not through government mandates. Pork industry customers have expressed a desire to see changes in how pigs are raised. Farmers are responding and modifying their practices accordingly. That process is effective, it is efficient and doesn’t require an act of Congress.

The pork industry supports a free market; it opposes legislative mandates on farmers pushed by special interest groups. Farmers are some of the most innovative and resourceful people in our country. They will continue to meet the ever-changing needs of customers and provide consumers with safe, nutritious and affordable food produced responsibly.



USDA Gearing Up to Conduct 2012 Census of Agriculture

Surveys are now arriving in mailboxes around the nation to help identify all active farms in the United States. The National Agricultural Classification Survey, which asks landowners whether or not they are farming and for basic farm information, is one of the most important early steps used to determine who should receive a 2012 Census of Agriculture report form. The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service, is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them.

"We are asking everyone who receives the NACS to respond even if they are not farming so that we build the most accurate and comprehensive mailing list to account for all of U.S. agriculture in the Census," said NASS's Census and Survey Director Renee Picanso. "The Census is the leading source of facts about American agriculture and the only source of agricultural statistics that is comparable for each county in the nation. Farm organizations, businesses, government decision-makers, commodity market analysts, news media, researchers and others use Census data to inform their work."

NACS is required by law as part of the U.S. Census of Agriculture. By this same law, all information reported by individuals is kept confidential. NASS will mail the 2012 Census of Agriculture later this year and data will be collected into early 2013.

"The NACS survey is the first step in getting a complete count, so we ask everyone who receives a survey to complete and return it," said Picanso. "The Census is a valuable way for producers and rural America to show their strength -- in numbers."

The 2012 Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, your responsibility. For more information about NACS, the Census of Agriculture, or to add your name to the Census mail list, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.



Vilsack on the Proposed FY 2013 Budget

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today made the following statement on the Proposed FY 2013 budget:

"The President and I believe that this is a make or break moment for the middle class. What's at stake is the basic American promise that if you work hard, you can do well enough to raise a family, own a home, and put a little away for retirement. To keep that promise alive, we need an economy that makes, creates and innovates – an economy that's built to last.

"Over the past three years, USDA has worked with the Obama Administration to respond to the economic crises of 2008, put Americans back to work, and to rebuild economic security for the middle class.

"USDA has supported farmers, ranchers and growers so that last year they enjoyed record farm income. We have focused on creating jobs and building a foundation for future economic growth, especially in rural America, where unemployment is falling than in other parts of the country.

"The President's 2013 USDA budget helps us to continue this progress, supporting robust farm income and good jobs in rural communities.

"To help sustain record farm income, we will invest in research and development to improve agricultural productivity. The budget makes a 23% increase in funding for our premier competitive grants program to support the most worthy projects and continues support for in-house research and the land grant universities. We'll continue our efforts to combat destructive pests and disease that threaten crops and livestock.

"To encourage thriving markets for our farm products aboard, we will continue funding that helped make last year a record for agricultural exports, driving farm income and supporting 1.1 million American jobs. We'll reduce trade barriers and aggressively promote 'grown in America' products. At home, we're working to encourage the development of a bio-based economy, where what we grow and raise is used to make fuel, chemicals and consumer goods to complement our traditional production of food, feed, and fiber. Our work to promote local and regional food systems provides another opportunity for income growth for farmers of all sizes.

"The 2013 budget will increase the record number of acres of working land in conservation programs, rewarding farmers, ranchers and growers for cleaning our air and water, preserving soil and wildlife habitat.

"Finally, farmers need to know that one bad crop won't put them out of business, so this budget maintains a strong safety net with disaster assistance, income support, and farm loans. We preserve efforts to modernize systems that will allow farmers and ranchers to access many of our programs online at their convenience. The budget's full funding for the expected requirements for the Department's three major nutrition assistance programs will also help support the bottom line for America's producers.

"At the same time, we cannot afford to let our foot off the gas from investments that are helping create jobs in rural America. This budget continues to fund programs that – over the past 3 years in rural America – have: helped more than 450,000 families buy or refinance a home; invested in over 6,250 critical community facilities projects like schools, hospitals, police and fire stations; helped improve 5,100 water and waste water systems; and provided grants and loans to help over 50,000 small businesses create and save 266,000 jobs.

"To promote the domestic production of renewable energy and create good jobs in rural communities, we'll invest in farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs working to develop a nationwide biofuels economy. We'll also continue our partnership with the U.S. Navy and Department of Energy to boost the production of domestically produced aviation biofuels for use by the military.

"Our budget also recognizes that successful and effective rural economic development will occur on a regional basis, working through existing programs to fund regional projects and strategic regional planning activities.

"Since fiscal year 2010, USDA has seen our operating budget cut by $3 billion, or 12%. This came on top of a $4 billion contribution to help pay down the debt.

"To manage these reductions while preserving the success we're seeing in the countryside, we've had to take a close look at the way we do business with less money, a smaller staff, and more complex programs. Following a Department-wide review of operations, we created a Blueprint for Stronger Service to make USDA work better and more efficiently for the American people. We found savings in areas like technology, travel, supplies and facilities. We've been able to avoid the interruptions in service that come with furloughs and employee layoffs.

"Like families and businesses across the country, USDA is finding new ways to innovate while making investments that help drive economic growth in the long term. At the end of the day, we want farmers working hard to make a good living, and we want to offer good, middle class jobs for the 50 million people who call rural America home. The 2013 budget will allow us to keep our commitment to the customers we serve each day: farmers, ranchers, small businesses and the families that live, work and make their homes in rural America."



Environmental Groups Withdraw on Eve of U.S. Court of Appeals Hearing over Meat and Poultry Challenge to Renewable Fuel Standard

Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard oral argument in a lawsuit brought by the National Chicken Council, National Meat Association, and National Turkey Federation challenging EPA's Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) regulations issued on March 26, 2010.  The challenge is focused on a provision in the rules addressing ethanol plants built in 2008 and 2009 and the requirements that they must meet to generate trading credits under the program.

While the lawsuit is proceeding on this relatively narrow aspect of the regulations, a broad-based challenge that had been brought by environmental advocacy groups Friends of the Earth and National Wildlife Federation was dismissed by the Court of Appeals on the eve of argument.  With just one business day before argument and after full briefing had been completed, the environmental advocacy groups filed a motion with the Court to voluntarily end their challenge.  Their withdrawal from the case leaves only the limited challenge of the Meat/Poultry groups.  A major issue in the oral argument was whether these groups were properly before the Court.  The ethanol industry intervened in the case to defend the rule and argued that the intervenors in the case the Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy argued that the challenges must fail on both procedural and substantive grounds. 

Following argument, Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy stated, "We are hopeful that the Court will act quickly to uphold this remaining element of the rules that is subject to legal challenge, given the policy underlying the provision to create a stable environment for investment in renewable fuel facilities."

“We are pleased that the environmental group petitioners realized that their challenges were so unlikely to succeed that they dismissed their case.  We only wish that they had come to this conclusion before wasting the resources of the government and biofuels producers who had to defend the challenges in briefing,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen.



U.S. Ethanol Exports Tripled Last Year

The past year was a huge one for the U.S. ethanol industry. The annual total exports for 2011 was 1.19 billion gallons, more than triple the 2010 export total of 396 million gallons.  Brazil was the leading importer of U.S. ethanol in 2011, receiving 33% of total shipments. Exports accounted for approximately 8.6% of U.S. ethanol production in 2011, up from 3% in 2010 and 1% in 2009.

December exports of denatured ethanol totaled 136.5 mg, a new monthly record. Top destinations included Brazil, Canada, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and Oman.  Undenatured ethanol exports tallied 36.2 mg in December.

For the year, the U.S. exported 909.6 mg of denatured ethanol and 283.5 mg of undenatured ethanol. Brazil was the leading importer of U.S. ethanol at 395.6 mg. Canada was the second-leading importer of U.S. ethanol in 2011, taking in 297.3 mg, almost all of which was denatured.

Meanwhile, distillers grains exports for 2011 totaled 7.65 million metric tons (mt), down 15% from 2010. Mexico was the top importer, receiving 1.78 million mt (23%), followed by China with 1.39 million mt (18%). Canada (737,689 mt), Vietnam (499,523 mt) and Japan (301,234 mt) rounded out the top five.



Monsanto Found Guilty of Chemical Poisoning in France

A French court on Monday declared U.S. biotech giant Monsanto guilty of chemical poisoning of a French farmer, a judgment that could lend weight to other health claims against pesticides.  In the first such case heard in court in France, grain grower Paul Francois, 47, says he suffered neurological problems including memory loss, headaches and stammering after inhaling Monsanto's Lasso weed killer in 2004.

He blames the agri-business giant for not providing adequate warnings on the product label. The ruling was given by a court in Lyon, southeast France, which ordered an expert opinion of Francois's losses to establish the amount of damages.  "It is a historic decision in so far as it is the first time that a (pesticide) maker is found guilty of such a poisoning," Franois Lafforgue, Francois's lawyer, told Reuters.

Monsanto said it was disappointed by the ruling and would examine whether to appeal the judgment.  "Monsanto always considered that there were not sufficient elements to establish a causal relationship between Paul Francois's symptoms and a potential poisoning," the company's lawyer, Jean-Philippe Delsart, said.

Previous health claims from farmers have foundered because of the difficulty of establishing clear links between illnesses and exposure to pesticides.  Francois and other farmers suffering from illness set up an association last year to make a case that their health problems should be linked to their use of crop protection products.

The agricultural branch of the French social security system says that since 1996, it has gathered farmers' reports of sickness potentially related to pesticides, with about 200 alerts a year.  But only about 47 cases have been recognized as due to pesticides in the past 10 years. Francois, who suffers from neurological problems, obtained work invalidity status only after a court appeal.