Tuesday February 28 Ag News

EPA to Hold Public Meeting to Discuss Upcoming Inspection Activities at CAFOs

Region 7 of the Environmental Protection Agency will be hosting a public meeting to discuss its upcoming inspection and compliance activities at CAFOs.  According to Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator in Cuming County,  the meeting will be at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point, Nebraska on March 13, 2012, from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide information to the producers and the general public that relates to EPA Region 7’s compliance and inspection program at CAFOs.  The meeting will consist of a series of presentations by EPA officials followed by a question and answer session.  The following topics will be covered by EPA.
·    How EPA selects facilities for inspection
·    EPA’s utilization of aerial overflights to assess CAFOs
·    What owner/operators can expect during an EPA inspection
·    Winter Feeding Areas
·    Medium CAFOs
·    Manure/Litter Stockpiling
·    Nutrient Management Plans

EPA Presenters will be Stephen Pollard, R7 CAFO Compliance/Enforcement Coordinator; Trevor Urban, Senior CAFO inspector; and Josh Svaty, Senior Agriculture Advisor to R7 Administrator.  Please contact Stephen Pollard, pollard.stephen@epa.gov, (913-551-7582) or Larry Howard, LHOWARD1@unl.edu,  (402-372-6006) if you have questions regarding this meeting.



Annual Nebraska LEAD Recognition Banquet March 9 in Lincoln

John Gale, Nebraska Secretary of State, will be the keynote speaker at the annual LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program recognition banquet March 9.  Gale’s address will provide insight on leadership development while addressing the need for quality leadership at all levels during the banquet honoring Nebraska LEAD Group XXX at the Nebraska East Union on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.

Prior to the banquet, the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council will conduct its annual meeting at 4:45 p.m. The council will elect 2012-13 officers to its board of directors.  Social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the 6:30 p.m. banquet.

Banquet reservations are $25 and may be made by calling the Nebraska LEAD Program office at 402-472-6810 no later than March 5.

Nebraska LEAD XXX Fellows in alphabetical order are: Jamie Bauman, Lincoln; Doug Beck, Grant; Kris Beckler, Seward; Dale Brandsterrer, Lincoln; Tami Campbell, Grand Island; Helen Cool, Gothenburg; Mary Eisenzimmer, Big Springs; Jennifer Engle, Fairmont; Daren Englund, Holdrege; Helen A. Feller, Wisner; Kevin R. Gutshall, Falls City; Loren Haselhorst, Randolph; David Hogsett, Lamar; Adam Howard, Nebraska City; Ryan Koinzan, Neligh; Jeff Kraft, Beatrice; Rebecca Kreikemeier, Bellwood; Janita R. Kube, Crofton; Chandler Mazour, Gothenburg; Darci McGee, Nelson; Deb Neidig, Madison; Scott Nelson, Newman Grove; Jason Perdue, Waco; Phil Ramsel, Grand Island; Aaron Raymond, Lincoln; Marvion Reichert, Elm Creek; Kelli Shaner, Ft. Calhoun; Matt Stockton, North Platte; and Connie Wichman, Pender.

The purpose of the Nebraska LEAD Program is to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.



UNL Faculty Member, Alum Honored as Cattle Industry Leaders

A University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty member and a UNL alumnus were named Top 10 Cattle Industry leaders by the Cattle Business Weekly.  Matt Spangler, an assistant animal science professor and UNL Extension beef genetics specialist, is involved in statewide and national programming in beef cattle genetics and research in beef cattle quantitative genetics. He is also in charge of the university's teaching herd, which is about 220 seedstock Angus and red and black SimAngus cattle.  One of Spangler's classes puts on the university's annual bull sale and he coordinates the Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium.

The other honoree is Erik Burken, a UNL graduate. Burken lives in Kaluga, Russia, overseeing the startup of the Angus Genetics of Russia cowherd owned by Sergei Nitsenko.  Today, the herd numbers 3,500 breeding females on three different farms, most of which have been imported from America within the last three years. Nitsenko's aim is to build a fully-integrated beef system, including two more farms, a feedlot and packing facility, to help re-establish Russia's beef industry.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, March 14 at UNL East Campus to hear updates on proposed research projects and Thursday, March 15 at Embassy Suites. 

The board will address regular board business and consider funding requests.  The meeting is open to the public.  A copy of the agenda is available by writing the Nebraska Corn Board, PO Box 95107, Lincoln, NE  68509, or calling either 402/471-2676 or 800-NECORN1.

The Nebraska Corn Board is a self-help program, funded and managed by Nebraska corn farmers.  Producers invest in the program at a rate of ¼ of a cent per bushel of corn sold.  Nebraska corn checkoff funds are invested in programs of market development, research and education.



Registration Opens for Nebraska Ethanol Seminar

Online registration is now open for the Ethanol 2012: Emerging Issues Forum to be held April 19 and 20 at the Magnolia Hotel, Omaha.

An impressive line-up of national leaders in ethanol production, marketing, co-products, transportation, engineering, financing and environmental issues will be on hand to provide relevant and useful information on today's fast changing ethanol industry. The forum is designed to promote interaction between speakers and attendees. Topics will address emerging issues that are facing those involved in the ethanol industry at every level.

Reserve your room at the Magnolia Hotel before March 19 to get the special Ethanol Forum rate of $91. Call the Magnolia at 402-341-2500 to reserve your room.  View the agenda of guest speakers at the homepage at www.ne-ethanol.org/forum, or register now on the registration page.



Nebraska Dairy Updates

Doug Temme, president of the Nebraska State Dairy Association, Deb Eschliman, vice chairman of the Midwest Dairy Nebraska Division board, and I took part in the 24th Annual Governor’s Ag Conference and breakfast with the Governor. Deb presented a statement to the entire group of more than 20 ag organizations as well as the Governor and Department of Ag representatives. Here is an excerpt from her comments:
“Dairy farmers are very committed to their product and the programs of their checkoff, investing nearly $30 per animal per year to the checkoff…programs include “From Farm to Food to You,” helping to educate youth and adults about where their milk and dairy products come from, and ”People Behind the Product,” promoting consumer confidence in how dairy farmers care for their animals, the environment and the product they provide. Another major program is “Fuel Up to Play 60.” In 2011,65 schools applied for and received $227,000 in funding from Midwest Dairy Association for their Fuel Up to Play 60 efforts...We want to again thank Governor Heineman for being the first Governor in the nation to sign a Certificate of Support for the Fuel Up to Play 60 program.”

The 2012 NE State Dairy Convention will be in Norfolk on March 13. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the dairy checkoff activities.

Fuel Up to Play 60 in Nebraska
Nineteen additional schools in Nebraska have applied for the current round of Fuel Up to Play 60 funding. Although this round will be more competitive than previous ones, it’s wonderful to learn about the great work schools are doing with Fuel Up to Play 60!

Midwest Dairy - NE Division is preparing for the Fuel Up to Play 60 Student Reward Summit on March 15 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Sixty-eight schools were invited to the summit as a reward for their hard work implementing the program. In addition to hearing from dairy producers Lowell Mueller and David Crook, students will get a warm welcome from Tom Osborne.

Did you know that Nebraska is ranked 47 out of 50 in terms of school breakfast participation? Because of this, Midwest Dairy is a partner in a statewide School Breakfast Challenge that began in October. Elkhorn School District received funding in December through Fuel Up to Play 60 and will use the majority of their funds to purchase equipment needed to start a breakfast program at all 12 of their schools this week. Elkhorn is is one of seven districts in Nebraska to start a school breakfast program since the beginning of the school year. 

2011 Dairy Exports Hit Record
U.S. dairy suppliers capitalized on strong global markets to achieve record export sales in 2011. With these gains, a growing and significant proportion of the U.S. milk supply is now sold overseas, notes the U.S. Dairy Export Council, which receives some of its funding from the dairy checkoff. Exports were equivalent to 13.3 percent of U.S. milk solids production, up from 12.8 percent in 2010 and 9.3 percent in 2009. The ratio of milk powder, whey proteins, lactose and cheese sold offshore was the highest ever.

Shamrock Shake to go National
McDonald’s will be offering the popular Shamrock Shake until March 25 in all 14,000 U.S. locations, the first time the shake has been offered nationwide. While the Shamrock Shake has been around since 1970, only about half the franchises in the U.S. choose to offer and promote it; McDonald's estimates that there will be a 7,000-plus increase in the number of restaurants who will offer the shake this year versus 2011. The Shamrock Shake is the first of several shakes that will be offered this year, all now topped with real whipped cream.  The introductions are part of McDonald’s commitment to dairy-friendly desserts and snacks using the dairy checkoff’s expertise in reformulation.



CattleFax Names 2012 Officers, Board Members

 Kent Bamford of Haxtun, Colo., has been elected president of CattleFax, a member-owned, member-directed cattle market information and research organization. Kevin Hughes, Boise, Idaho, was named president-elect.

 Bamford is owner of Bamford Feedyard, a Colorado operation that includes a 15,000 head feedyard and diversified farm, both irrigated and dryland, as well as a trucking company. He is a past president of the Colorado Livestock Association, a board member and treasurer for the Colorado Beef Council, and a board member for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Bamford also serves as the Intermountain Regional Director for CattleFax. He is a graduate of Colorado State University.

 Hughes is a cattle feeder and president of Agri Beef Risk Management Co., a division of Agri Beef Co., a vertically integrated ranching, cattle feeding and processing company based in Boise. A native of Arizona and graduate of the University of Arizona, he is a past member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), trading in the live cattle futures and options market as an independent floor trader. He served on the CME live cattle marketing and advisory committees and currently serves on the NCBA marketing committee. He serves as the CattleFax Northwest Director.

 Named new directors on the organization’s Board were Todd Allen, Newton, Kan. (Central Director); Tom Jensen, Omaha, Neb. (Finance Director); and Dale Smith, Amarillo, Tex. (Southwest Director).

 Allen is president of Cargill Cattle Feeders. He served as chairman of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Cattle Feeders Council in 2005 and on the Kansas Beef Council Executive Committee since 1994. He has been on the KLA Board of Directors since 1998 and the KLA Executive Committee since 1999, and served as the organization’s president in 2009. He has also been active on numerous national committees through NCBA, serving on that organization’s Executive Committee since 2006. He has been on the NCBA Board since 1997.

 Jensen is senior vice president of the First National Bank of Omaha, heading up the Agribusiness, Correspondent Banking and Renewable Fuels Departments. Managing a portfolio of over $1 billion, Jensen and his teams help build long-term relationships with customers and energize their entrepreneurial spirit. He joined First National Bank in 1984 as a senior administrative representative, was promoted to senior agricultural lender in 1993 and department manager in 2002. Jensen has played an instrumental part in increasing the bank’s agribusiness portfolio from $55 million in 1987 to more than $850 million today.

 Smith is a partner and president of McLean Feedyard Ltd. and a managing partner in Corsino Cattle Co., which runs a commercial cow/calf herd in the Texas Panhandle and a stocker operation in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Mississippi. Smith also is involved in several other Panhandle ranching operations, including Adobe Walls Cattle Co., JA Cattle Co. and JJOB Ltd. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and of the Texas Christian University Ranch Management Program. Smith is a member of NCBA, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), serving on the Boards of NCBA and TSCRA.

 CattleFax is a member-owned and member-directed market information, analysis, research and educational service organization, serving beef producers in all segments of the industry.  A subsidiary, CF Resources, provides research services, educational programs and economic data for agri-business companies serving the beef industry.



USDA Chickens and Eggs 2011 Summary

United States Average Number of Layers Down 1 Percent:
Layer numbers during 2011 averaged 338 million, down 1 percent from the year earlier. The annual average production per layer on hand in 2011 was 271 eggs, up 1 percent from 2010.

United States Egg Production Up Slightly:
Egg production during the year ending November 30, 2011 totaled 91.9 billion eggs, up slightly from 2010. Table egg production, at 79.0 billion eggs, was up 1 percent from the previous year. Hatching egg production, at 12.8 billion eggs, was down 1 percent from 2010.

United States December 1 Inventory Numbers:
The total number of chickens on hand on December 1, 2011 (excluding commercial broilers) was 447 million birds, down 2 percent from last year.

United States Total Value:
The total value of all chickens on December 1, 2011 was $1.70 billion, up 4 percent from December 1, 2010. The average value increased from $3.59 per bird on December 1, 2010, to $3.80 per bird on December 1, 2011.

Iowa .........:  [54,253  -  53,040]  -  (269 -  273)  -  {14,614 - 14,467}   
Nebraska ..:   [9,419  -   9,192]   -  (292 -  293)   -  {2,751  -  2,697}
[layers in 1,000 - 2010, 2011]; (eggs per bird 2010, 2011); {total egg production in millions 2010, 2011}



GRAIN GIFTING PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN SUPPORT OF ‘SPECIAL DELIVERY’ CAMPAIGN BENEFITING HAITI

Organizers of the “Special Delivery: Homes. Help. Hope. For Haiti” campaign are now accepting direct gifts of grain from Iowa farmers wanting to support the humanitarian effort providing relief to Haitian earthquake victims.

The campaign, coordinated by the Iowa Food & Family Project (www.iowafoodandfamily.com), is co-chaired by Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Ag Secretary Bill Northey.

It encourages Iowans, businesses and organizations to donate to the Global Compassion Network (GCN) based in Laurens, Iowa. The goal of the campaign is to purchase 48 storm resistant homes to be constructed on the Village of Hope. The 11-acre village, established last year by the GCN, provides transitional housing for families and children displaced by the January 2010 earthquake.

Tim Wittmaack, GCN treasurer, says farmers can donate to the campaign by downloading a gift-of-grain form from the “Special Delivery” website (www.iowafoodandfamily.com/specialdelivery) and taking it with them to their local elevator or grain terminal.

With the form, the farmer designates the number of bushels of corn, soybeans or other grain to gift to the GCN. The elevator or terminal is then directed to sell the grain at the day’s market price and send the proceeds to GCN.

“Gifting grain is a convenient and easy way for farmers to support this unique campaign that’s providing assistance to the neediest of the needy,” Wittmaack says.

“Iowa farmers are the best in the world at growing soybeans and corn and a gift of grain to the Special Delivery campaign is the perfect way for them to share the result of their expertise,” adds Aaron Putze, Iowa Soybean Association director of external relations and coordinator of the Iowa Food & Family Project.

The homes, designed by Sheffield-based Sukup Manufacturing Co., are ideal for Haiti. They measure 18-feet wide by 14-feet tall and are made entirely of metal, making them resistant to termites and moisture. Each home can sleep 10 or more and features a double-roofed system that displaces heat, two windows that can be locked from within and a water collection system. The cost of each unit is $5,700, has a life expectancy of 75 years, can withstand strong winds and can be assembled on-site with simple hand tools.

The Iowa Soybean Association is also providing $1,000 per donated home (up to $48,000) towards Meals from the Heartland to provide much-needed food for the Haitian earthquake victims. Each soy-based food package feeds six people and costs just $1.20. The meal package contains soy protein, rice, vitamin powder and dried vegetables.

Since the announcement of “Special Delivery. Homes. Help. Hope. For Haiti” last December, nearly 30 homes have been pledged with contributions for both homes and meals totaling more nearly $175,000.  

“Special Delivery” runs through June 1, 2012. Contributions can also be made by logging on to www.iowafoodandfamily.com/specialdelivery or send to: GCN, Attn: Special Delivery, 1066 440th St., Linn Grove, IA 51033.



Biodiesel supporters ask legislators to help Iowa stay #1
     
In a dreary economy, Iowa biodiesel is a vivid example of how energy policy can drive economic development. Iowa's biodiesel industry is delivering on its promise of creating green-collar jobs while reducing reliance on foreign oil.

Members of the Iowa Biodiesel Board showcased the industry’s many contributions to the state with legislators today during the group's annual Day on the Hill. They asked legislators to continue pursuing policies that have helped Iowa become the nation’s leading biodiesel producer.

This includes asking for their support of federal energy policy that led the national industry to surpass the 1 billion gallon mark last year. The IBB is asking state legislators to reach out to the Obama administration in support of growing the biodiesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

"I'm proud to be in a state that is on the cutting edge of blending cleaner burning biodiesel into our nation's energy supply, and I’m asking our legislators to keep that momentum moving forward," said IBB Chair Mark Cobb.

Cobb is vice president of Iowa Renewable Energy, based in Washington, Iowa. The biodiesel plant employs 23 people and has the capacity to produce 30 million gallons of biodiesel a year. He's also president of Cobb Oil, a petroleum distributor based in Brighton, Iowa.

Iowa is home to 13 biodiesel plants. In 2011, the state produced about 175 million gallons of biodiesel, an impressive 17 percent of the nation's biodiesel.

The current plan in the state legislature to improve Iowa's roads and bridges would also boost the use of biodiesel. The proposed motor fuel tax legislation exempts biodiesel blends of 10 percent (B10) and higher from the increase.

"Iowa-made biodiesel should increasingly become a solution to our nation’s energy needs," said Randy Olson, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. "Consumers should be encouraged to buy their fuel from the farm fields of the Midwest rather than the oil fields of the Middle East."

An increase in economic activity generated by biodiesel production supports 7,350 full-time equivalent jobs in all sectors of the Iowa economy, according to a new study released in January by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

During the Day on the Hill event, IBB presented State Senator Jack Kibbie, D- Emmetsburg, with the Biodiesel Champion award. Kibbie, who is President of the State Senate but will soon be retiring, was instrumental in leading legislation that has helped Iowa become the top biodiesel producing state. This legislation included an incentive for fuel retailers to blend biodiesel, as well as a producer’s credit. He has also been a strong voice for supporting the RFS.

"The role I've played in moving our state's biodiesel industry forward is something I'm deeply proud of, and I hope my colleagues will continue to defend it and help it grow," Kibbie said.



NCGA Seeks a Few Good Growers

The National Corn Growers Association invites farmers to become a part of the change they desire by actively honing their leadership skills through the Leadership At Its Best Program, sponsored by Syngenta.  Applications for this best in the industry leadership training program are due to NCGA by March 30.  Interested members are urged to contact their state associations today and be nominated to participate in the program.

"Since the first class in 1986, Leadership At Its Best has helped train strong, confident volunteers who have helped shape the industry through their subsequent work at the state and national level," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer.  "This year, we again ask that farmers come forward and act upon their desire to give back to their peers. NCGA depends upon grassroots leadership and, I personally can attest that the time and effort dedicated are repaid in full through the incredible relationships built with like-minded individuals."

Open to all NCGA members, Leadership At Its Best provides training to interested volunteers of all skill levels.  The first session addresses personal communications skills, public speaking, media training and association management.  The second session addresses public policy issues, working with the Hill and parliamentary procedure.  Through this program, participants build the skill set needed to become confident leaders of their associations and eloquent advocates on behalf of their crop and communities.

Since 1986, the National Corn Growers Association, the state corn associations and, most importantly, the U.S. corn industry, have benefited tremendously from the Syngenta sponsored Leadership At Its Best Program.  Over 550 growers have gained invaluable media relations, communications, association management and public policy knowledge and skills over the lifetime of the program.

As a measure of the impact of this program and its importance to NCGA and its current effectiveness as an organization, one only need consider the Class of 2002.  Those 20 growers include 5 current or former Corn Board members-including two past presidents-and five action team members.  Leadership At Its Best has been a vital leadership incubator for honing the skills of state leaders on "the way up" and stimulating further involvement in and greater commitment from state growers to NCGA.



Fertilizer Waiting Game Continues

Weekly retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN once again show prices are extremely steady. This marks the sixth week in a row fertilizer prices have not moved significantly.  All eight major fertilizers fell compared to a month earlier, the survey for the third week of February found. However, these changes were again minuscule. DAP had an average price of $654 per ton, MAP $708/ton, potash $658/ton and urea was at $553/ton.  Starter fertilizer, 10-34-0, had an average price of $810/ton, anhydrous $774/ton, UAN28 $384/ton and UAN32 $430/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.67/lb.N.

Just three of the eight major fertilizers are still showing double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher is 10-34-0. The starter fertilizer skyrocketed in price last year but has fallen back some in recent months. It is now is 22% higher compared to the third week of February 2011.  Potash has jumped 14% while urea has increased 13% from a year ago.

Three fertilizers have seen just slight price increases compared to a year earlier. UAN28 has now climbed 8%, anhydrous is up 5% and MAP has risen 1% compared to last year.

Two fertilizers, DAP and UAN32, are now actually lower compared to one year ago. DAP is now 3% below 2011 prices while UAN32 is 1% less expensive.



USDA to Tap Veterans and Transitioning Service Members for Careers in Agriculture

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and The American Legion National Commander Fang Wong today signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will help our Nation's veterans and transitioning military service members find positions that promote agriculture, animal and plant health, food safety, nutrition, conservation and rural communities. With this partnership, USDA and the American Legion will leverage existing resources to expand opportunities for veterans while promoting USDA programs and services in communities throughout the country.

"At President Obama's direction, USDA and the rest of the federal government are working to make sure our veterans in rural areas receive the medical care, training and employment support they deserve," said Vilsack. "And that's why this partnership with the American Legion is so critical. America's veterans are leaders across rural America and we want to help them pursue their dreams by prioritizing innovative new approaches, attracting capital and forming partnerships like this to continue economic development in rural communities."

Today, about 6.1 million veterans live in rural communities – a higher concentration than anywhere else in the country. Over 5,300 American Legion posts are located in counties with populations under 40,000 and one-third of the Legion's membership call rural America home.

The American Legion has long been committed to helping transitioning military and America's veterans find jobs and through its vast networks, USDA will actively recruit veterans and transitioning military servicemen for employment while promoting greater awareness of USDA programs.

Specifically, USDA and the American Legion have agreed to promote USDA vacancy announcements; share information about activities in newsletters; provide information about USDA programs and vacancies through established networks as well as the on the Web; and promote veteran owned business participation in USDA contracts.

USDA also will provide information about the opportunities and support it offers, so that service members who want to start their own rural business, farm or ranch are aware of USDA programs, grants, loans or small business contracts. USDA education, training, outreach and mentoring programs, such as www.START2FARM.gov will help encourage our Nation's young, hard-working veterans to be the next generation of America's farmers and ranchers.

On November 9, 2009, President Obama signed executive Order 13518, Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government; and, as a result USDA created the Veterans Employment Program Office. Through strategic recruiting and effective marketing of USDA to transitioning service members and veterans, USDA increased the percentage of veterans in the total workforce, including permanent and temporary positions, from five percent in fiscal year 2009 to six percent in fiscal 2010 to nearly eight percent in fiscal year 2011. Disabled veterans are a subset of veterans and are a subject of special emphasis in hiring. USDA increased disabled veteran hiring from just over one percent of total persons hired in fiscal year 2009 to nearly two percent in fiscal year 2010 to over two percent in fiscal year 2011.

Additionally, USDA increased its hiring of veterans in the permanent workforce from 17.5 percent in fiscal year 2009 to 20.3 percent in fiscal year 2010 to 23.9 percent in fiscal year 2011. Disabled veteran hiring for permanent positions also increased from nearly six percent in fiscal year 2009 to over seven percent in fiscal year 2010 to over eight percent in fiscal year 2011. According to data from the National Finance Center Report Center, as of February 19, 2012, USDA rate of hire of veterans in the total workforce is 12.8 percent and disabled veterans is just over five percent. The rate of veterans hired in the permanent workforce is 25.6 percent and disabled veterans is 12.2 percent.

USDA continues to make steady progress in hiring veterans in light of the strong competition it faces with career offerings at the Departments of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA) and Homeland Security (DHS). According to the Employment of Veterans in the Federal Executive Branch report dated June 2011, DoD, VA and DHS account for 80 percent of the veterans hired in the Federal government in fiscal year 2010. In order to be more effective at hiring veterans, USDA can promote agricultural careers through veterans service organizations such as, the American Legion.