Wednesday February 29 Ag News

How Local and National Regulations Affect Nebraska Farmers

Eight Nebraska producers gathered in Omaha last week to take part in the first See For Yourself educational mission to Washington D.C., hosted by the Nebraska Soybean Association and funded in part by the Nebraska Soybean Board. With the added challenge to produce more food on less land while sustaining natural resources, farmers are facing increased potential regulations, including the upcoming 2012 Farm Bill. It’s more important than ever for farmers to become educated on the potential impacts of regulation.

Immediately after arriving in Washington D.C., participants started digging into the current issues, and by the end of the first day, had a deeper understanding for where representatives in Washington D.C. stand in terms of the 2012 Farm Bill, current hot-topic issues being brought forth and where various organizations stand on each issue.

From the get-go, the participants realized just how important their trip out to Washington D.C. was, and how education is the first step to understanding farm regulations. “It is critical for us to hear messages and concerns from our nation’s farmers and local people. Reach out to your congressional staff when you are back home and invite them to your farms,” said Beau Greenwood, executive vice president of Government Relations and Public Affairs, CropLife America.

The most reoccurring issue throughout the mission was the 2012 Farm Bill. Participants heard over and over again how crucial it is for the agriculture industry to pass a bill this year. “You need to think about what issues are hindering your children from coming back to the farm. Those are the issues that are most important for this next farm bill,” stated Brandon Willis, deputy administrator for Farm Programs.

While many speakers were enthusiastic about a bill being passed, many were apprehensive and are giving it a 50/50 chance. Participants came back to Omaha with a deeper understanding for topics such as crop insurance, biodiesel initiatives, child labor laws and pesticide spray drift.

Participants heard from various organizations and speakers including, Krysta Harden, Chief of Staff, USDA; Doug O’Brien, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development; Beau Greenwood, Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs, CropLife America; and William Murphy, Administrator for the Risk Management Agency.

“I now have a deeper understanding of the current issues affecting agriculture, and with the education I received through this mission, I can stay abreast of all the issues directly affecting Nebraska farmers,” said Nathan Dorn, farmer from Hickman, NE. “We heard over and over again how important it is for us to reach out to our local government officials when we are back at home and I now realize the impact we could have with a simple visit.”



Nebraska Dairy Convention Features Dairy Economist

Dairy economist Marin Bozic has been added to the lineup of speakers for the Nebraska Dairy Convention March 13-14 at Divots Conference Center in Norfolk.  Bozic, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, will present a session titled “Managing Risk and Seizing Opportunities in 2012 and Beyond” at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13.

Just before Bozic, Tom Trewhitt of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will provide an update on nutrient management regulations.  His appearance is scheduled for 4 p.m.

The Nebraska Dairy Convention 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.  Linquist will be followed by a session called “Open Cow Mystery,” presented by Dennis Hermesch DVM, Novartis Animal Health.

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 1:30 p.m. session, “Animal Welfare – the Next Challenge,” will be led 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 – 2:30 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.  While pre-registration is requested by March 2 for planning purposes, attendees are also welcome at the door. 



Nebraska Sustainable Ag Society Library Opens

The Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society's (NSAS) Memorial Library was officially launched during the recent annual conference. A majority of the books for the library were donated to NSAS on behalf of the Terry Gompert family and include the bulk of his collection. The library also has several donations from anonymous donors and several books have been donated by Acres USA and the Rodale Institute.

Each week the library will be highlighting a book or two from its collection. Books are available to check out. For information, contact William A. Powers, executive director of NSAS through email at healthyfarms@gmail.com, by phone at 402-525-7794, or by visiting him at 414 County Road 15 near Ceresco.

Highlights for this week are:
-- Developing and Extending Sustainable Agriculture; A New Social Contract. Francis, Poincelot, & Bird -- Developing and Extending Sustainable Agriculture: A New Social Contract explores the challenges faced by today's farmers and ranchers to provide practical strategies to develop a twenty-first century system of sustainable agriculture that is economically sound, environmentally compatible, and socially acceptable. This comprehensive look at the current state of farming and ranching presents leading authorities discussing concepts and approaches in sustainable agriculture such as crop rotations, integrated pest management, alternative sources of nutrients to maintain productivity, and rotational grazing systems.

Forage in Ruminant Nutrition. Minson -- For ranchers, veterinarians, and others concerned with the nutrition of cattle and other domestic ruminants, draws information from both plant and animal sciences to present a guide to more efficient foraging practices. Features; Considers those nutrients likely to be deficient in grazed and conserved forage; shows how these deficiencies may be identified; describes what management practices can be adopted to improve production; Draws on information from both the plant and animal sciences.

These and over 200 books are available in the library. The first attachment has the current list as of today of books available in the library. The second attachment has the check-out form and procedure. As a member of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, the library is being made available to members.



Statement from NCBA President JD Alexander Regarding Green House Gas Litigation

Oral arguments for the petition filed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and other members of the Coalition for Responsible Regulation were heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Feb. 28 and Feb. 29. The litigation challenges the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finding that greenhouse gases (GHG) endanger public health and welfare, its rule to limit GHG from passenger vehicles and its “timing” and “tailoring” rules that govern GHG permit applicability at stationary sources. NCBA President J.D. Alexander issued the following statement following the oral arguments.

 “The fact EPA decided to impose a backdoor energy tax by regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act is unacceptable and scientifically unfounded. We are hopeful the U.S. Court of Appeals will put a stop to the aggressive agenda-driven regulations that never should have been promulgated in the first place.

“Congress debated and rejected a cap and trade program for greenhouse gases. EPA’s regulations are an attempt to force greenhouse gas regulations down the throats of the American people without congressional approval. We challenged EPA in court to take power away from the agency’s unelected bureaucrats and put it back into the hands of the American people.

“Agriculture is an energy intensive sector of the U.S. economy. Any regulation that is designed to make gasoline and electricity more expensive will have a direct, negative impact on farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to be profitable while also providing safe and affordable food for a growing population.

“The livestock industry works hard every day to be good stewards of the land and environment. But imposing energy taxes through EPA’s regulation of greenhouse gases will mean fewer jobs, higher food costs and less growth and innovation. These are regulations we simply can’t afford and we hope the court will put a stop to EPA’s activist tactics.”



NCBA Supports House Decision to Protect Private Property Rights

The U.S. House of Representatives Tues., Feb. 29, 2012, sided with private property owners by passing The Private Property Right Protection Act of 2012 (H.R. 1443). The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), essentially prevents states from using eminent domain over property to be used for economic development. The bill would also strip federal funds to states that violate the law.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President J.D. Alexander said private property rights are a constant worry for cattlemen and women, especially as land values continue upward. He said the legislation provides much-needed protection to farmers and ranchers vying to retain land for food production.

“Let me be clear. We aren’t against economic development. We are against the government forcing farmers and ranchers to give up private property that is being used to provide food for a growing global population. Land isn’t being taken for public use, like road construction. Land is being taken under eminent domain and then handed over to private developers to turn food producing farms and ranches into strip malls,” said Alexander. “Development is fine and necessary to sustaining rural communities but we must not forget that we need agriculture to sustain life on this planet.”

After a brief debate on the House floor, members passed the legislation by voice vote. H.R. 1443 overturns a 2005 Supreme Court decision (Kelo v. City of New London) allowing state government to take private property under the doctrine of eminent domain and hand it over to a private developer.

H.R. 1433 is the third official act in response to the 2005 Supreme Court decision taken by the House. In 2005, the House passed both a resolution of disapproval of the decision (H. Res. 340) and a bill (H.R. 4128) similar to H.R. 1433. The legislation will now move to the U.S. Senate.



'Ag Gag' Bill Clears Iowa Legislature

The Iowa House and Senate approved the so-called 'ag gag bill' that prosecutes animal-abuse whistleblowers.

A spokesperson with the Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation said they support the bill. Officials said it promotes truthfulness in the industry and said Iowans appreciate that.

Critics said the bill violated the constitution and went too far. But supporters say the measure focuses on employment. It states a person cannot enter a farm operation under false pretense or lie on an employment form.  Animal rights groups are outraged by the support. The group "Mercy for Animals" released a statement saying that 'Iowa has some of the weakest animal cruelty laws in the nation. Lawmakers should be focusing on strengthening these pathetic laws, not silencing whistle blowers who expose animal abuse or other serious issues involving the safety and security of the American food supply.'



Iowa Corn Announces Future of Agriculture Scholarship Recipients

Iowa Corn is proud to announce 10 scholarships to be awarded through the Iowa Corn Future of Agriculture Scholarship program to high school seniors and college students for the 2012-13 school year.

“In the second year of the program, we received numerous outstanding applications, which made the committee’s decisions difficult and also assures me that agriculture has a bright future.” said Bob Hemesath, a farmer from Calmar and chair of the Iowa Corn committee that oversees the scholarship program.

The Iowa Corn Future of Agriculture Scholarship program awards five $500 first-year scholarships and five $500 upperclassman scholarships to individuals who are pursuing that will equip them to contribute to the agriculture industry in Iowa.  The program is sponsored by the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board

Applications were judged by a selection committee and applicants were evaluated on their essays, applications, letters of reference, and their current grades and activities. Applicants are also members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association or a dependent of a member.

The following students will be awarded $500 scholarships and will be recognized at the Iowa Corn Annual Meeting in August.

High School Senior Scholarship Winners:
Adam Striegel, What Cheer
Nathan Ohms, Harlan
Kendra Wuthrich, Bloomfield
Dustin Lange, Alburnett
Alex Cohrs, Logan

College Scholarship Winners:
Bethany Olson,  Jewell
Rob Mensing, Greenfield
Brent Sexton, Rockwell City
Marcie Stevenson, Wheatland
Katherine Mittman, Nevada



February Farm Prices Received Index Declined 8 Points

The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in February, at 180 percent, based on 1990-1992=100, decreased 8 points (4.3 percent) from January. The Crop Index is down 8 points (3.8 percent) but the Livestock Index increased 1 point (0.6 percent). Producers received lower prices for milk, strawberries, celery, and lettuce and higher prices for soybeans, corn, broilers, and hogs. In addition to prices, the overall index is also affected by the seasonal change based on a 3-year average mix of commodities producers sell. Increased monthly movement of cattle, milk, broilers, and hogs offset the decreased marketing of corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton.

The preliminary All Farm Products Index is up 9 points (5.3 percent) from February 2011. The Food Commodities Index, at 167, decreased 5 points (2.9 percent) from last month but increased 4 points (2.5 percent) from February 2011.

Prices Received by Farmers
All crops: The February index, at 204, decreased 3.8 percent from January but is 2.0 percent above February 2011. Index decreases for commercial vegetables, food grains, and potatoes & dry beans more than offset the index increases for oilseeds, feed grains & hay, upland cotton, and fruits & nuts.

Food grains: The February index, at 226, is 1.3 percent below the previous month and 2.6 percent below a year ago. The February all wheat price, at $7.09 per bushel, is up 5 cents from January but 33 cents below February 2011.

Feed grains & hay: The February index, at 263, is up 0.8 percent from last month and 13 percent above a year ago. The corn price, at $6.16 per bushel, is up 9 cents from last month and 51 cents above February 2011. The all hay price, at $176 per ton, increased $4.00 from January and is $60.00 higher than last February. Sorghum grain, at $10.90 per cwt, is 10 cents above January but unchanged from February last year.

Cotton, Upland: The February index, at 152, is up 2.0 percent from January but down 0.7 percent from last year. The February price, at 92.3 cents per pound, is up 2.0 cents from the previous month but 0.6 cent below last February.

Oilseeds: The February index, at 222, is up 3.7 percent from January but 2.6 percent lower than February 2011. The soybean price, at $12.30 per bushel, increased 40 cents from January but is down 40 cents from February 2011.

Livestock and products: The February index, at 157, is 0.6 percent above last month and up 9.0 percent from February 2011. Compared with a year ago, prices are higher for cattle, broilers, calves, hogs, and turkeys. Prices for milk and eggs are down from last year.

Meat animals: The February index, at 165, is up 1.2 percent from last month and 15 percent higher than last year. The February hog price, at $65.50 per cwt, is up $2.00 from January and $4.10 higher than a year ago. The February beef cattle price of $126 per cwt increased $1.00 from last month and is $18.00 higher than February 2011.

Dairy products: The February index, at 137, is down 5.5 percent from a month ago and 6.2 percent lower than February last year. The February all milk price of $17.90 per cwt declined $1.10 from last month and $1.20 from February 2011.

Poultry & eggs: The February index, at 159, is up 3.9 percent from January and 12 percent above a year ago. The February market egg price, at 66.9 cents per dozen, increased 0.2 cent from January but is down 10.7 cents from February 2011. The February broiler price, at 52.0 cents per pound, is up 3.0 cents from January and 8.0 cents above a year ago. The February turkey price, at 63.9 cents per pound, is down 1.8 cents from the previous month but up 6.1 cents from a year earlier.

Prices Paid Index Up 1 Point
The February Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW) is 209 percent of the 1990-1992 average. The index is up 1 point (0.5 percent) from January and 12 points (6.1 percent) above February 2011. Higher prices in February for feeder cattle, diesel, concentrates, and gasoline offset lower prices for supplements, LP gas, potash & phosphate, and other machinery.



Ethanol Stocks Climb to 22M Barrels

Domestic ethanol inventories posted a build of 462,000 barrels (bbl), or 2.1%, to a fresh record high of 22.002 million bbl for the week-ended Feb. 24, putting total supply 15% higher than the level seen a year ago, according to data released Wednesday by the Energy Information Administration.

After rising for nine straight weeks, total U.S. ethanol stocks were unchanged at 21.54 million bbl during the week-ended Feb. 17 before resuming an uptrend last week. They have now risen by 4.944 million bbl, or about 29%, since Dec. 9, 2011, when the string of builds began.

Meantime, the EIA data showed ethanol production from domestic plants fell 23,000 barrels per day (bpd), or 2.5%, to 896,000 bpd last week while up 1.6% from a year ago.

Implied demand, measured by refiner and blender net inputs, surged 10,000, or 1.2%, to 823,000 bpd from the prior week and was little changed from a year ago.

Elsewhere, the EIA reported that implied demand for motor gasoline fell 265,000 bpd to 8.363 million bpd for the week while four-week average demand at 8.3 million bpd was down 6.7% from the level seen a year ago.



USDA Announces Equine Operations Now Eligible for Emergency Loans

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson announced today that equine operations that breed, raise and sell certain types of horses are now eligible for loan assistance under FSA’s emergency loan program.

“To help keep American agriculture profitable, USDA immediately responds to disasters across the country—ranging from record floods, droughts and tornadoes—with direct support, disaster assistance, technical assistance, and access to credit,” said Nelson. “This policy modification will help certain equine operations when they face losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine. A strong farm safety net, including emergency credit, is critical to sustain the success of American agriculture.”

Emergency loan funds may be used to:
Restore or replace essential property; Pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year (the calendar year in which the disaster occurred); Pay essential family living expenses; Reorganize the farming operation; and Refinance certain debts.

Emergency loans can be made to farmers and ranchers who own and operate lands in a county or contiguous county to a county declared by the President or designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as a disaster area. Producers can borrow up to 100 percent of actual production or physical losses up to a maximum of $500,000. Terms of the loans include an interest rate of 3.75 percent and repayment over a period of one to 40 years depending on the nature of the loss and the collateral available to secure the loan.



New Website Allows U.S. Grains Council to Share More Information, Market Data

The U.S. Grains Council, which develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, has launched a significantly enhanced website at grains.org.

The website, a component of the Council’s branding and communications initiative, presents the latest news and data relating to the U.S. and global grain trade. The site includes charts that present current FOB reference prices and market spreads for several commodities at port, as well as top U.S. export customers and additional information that is helpful for foreign buyers and those monitoring grain markets and exports.

“The U.S. Grains Council gathers a significant amount of information every week, and this new website helps us present that information to members and interested parties in a more timely and more organized fashion,” said Don Fast, USGC vice chairman and barley farmer from Glasgow, Mont. “We also highlight key issues and policy positions taken by the Council to make it clear what the Council and its members believe —  that open, liberalized trade of all goods and services is vital to the prosperity of the world economy.”

Included on the site are details from each of the Council’s 10 foreign offices, as well as a market overview, supply and demand information and market growth potential for more than 25 countries.

“News and information is integrated throughout the site and our new Word from the Ground post offers a place for our professional staff and consultants to provide additional insight on pressing issues on a daily basis,” said Fast.

A new members-only area will debut later this year. The My USGC member center, formally known as The GRAIN Center, will allow members to renew membership, update information, register for events and download members-only documents from the Council’s extensive resource library.



January Egg Production Down Slightly

United States egg production totaled 7.83 billion during January 2012, down slightly from last year. Production included 6.78 billion table eggs, and 1.05 billion hatching eggs, of which 972 million were broiler-type and 73 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during January 2012 averaged 338 million, down 1 percent from last year. January egg production per 100 layers was 2,319 eggs, up 1 percent from January 2011.
                                   
All layers in the United States on February 1, 2012 totaled 337 million, down 1 percent from last year. The 337 million layers consisted of 284 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 50.5 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.97 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on February 1, 2012, averaged 73.4 eggs per 100 layers, down slightly from February 1, 2011.



Crop Protection Industry Celebrates Twenty Years of Recycling

The crop protection and specialty pesticide industries are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC), a voluntary group that collects and recycles pesticide plastic containers nationwide. ACRC promotes and funds programs in the U.S. for the recycling of high-density polyethylene (HPDE) plastic containers from crop protection, animal health and specialty pest control products, and its more than 50 members represent the manufacturers, formulators or packagers of these important products. Every ton of HPDE plastic recycled into new products, as compared to using new plastic, saves the equivalent of 450 gallons of gasoline. Since the program’s formation in 1992, ACRC has been responsible for recycling 125 million pounds of pesticide container plastic, and in recent years has been recycling an average of 8 million pounds annually.

“ACRC’s members are crucial to our organization’s success, and they demonstrate how industry stewardship works in an exemplary manner,” said Ron Perkins, ACRC Executive Director. “Industry collaboration and regulatory agency support have built a solid coalition across the country, and our members’ expertise was essential in the success of the ACRC recycling program. From container cleaning to ultimate recycling into new useful products, ACRC members created a seamless, safe and effective process.”

ACRC works with thousands of farmers, retailers and applicators nationwide to responsibly and ethically manage pest control containers throughout their lifecycle. The organization’s model has led to:
• Recycling programs in 42 states;
• Savings of more than 625,000 cubic yards of landfill space;
• Reduction of 88,430 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent;
• Energy savings equal to 25,863,000 gallons of gasoline, and the equivalent of 29,970 households’ annual energy consumption.

“ACRC is proud of what its members have helped to accomplish in the first 20 years of the organization,” said Bill Spencer of Arysta LifeScience North America and ACRC Executive Board Chair. “From collecting a record 125 million pounds to providing states and regulatory agencies with valuable input, ACRC has always focused on safety, sustainability and stewardship. I’m excited to see how the program will continue to grow.”

As part of ACRC’s 20th anniversary, the organization will host a reception on Capitol Hill, and celebrate this exemplary stewardship project with ACRC members, Congressional staff and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Joining in the celebration will be several leaders of allied industry associations, including Daren Coppock, Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and Chief Executive Officer.

“ARA commends ACRC and its member companies for their continued leadership in the area of crop protection container recycling and the benefits that it provides to ARA members and customers. Programs like this advance the nation’s public health and environmental protection goals, and demonstrate the ways in which all stakeholders in our industry can work together to achieve our shared principles of environmental stewardship,” said Coppock.

ACRC’s work is representative of the crop protection industry’s commitment to sustainable practices, responsible stewardship and regulatory agency collaboration. The program provided a sound model for California’s container recycling guidelines, and ACRC members provided valuable input to EPA for its Container and Containment Rule. With the support of nearly 95 percent of the crop protection industry, ACRC will continue to grow and pave the way for industry-wide stewardship initiatives.



More Opportunities to Save: Propane FEED Program Expands

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) recently expanded its Propane FEED program, a demonstration initiative that tests the performance of new propane-fueled technology. The expansion gives farmers more opportunities to save money when they buy and fuel new propane equipment.

“Propane engines are more cost effective than diesel engines or electric motors,” said Kent Chrisman, a Nebraska farmer who has been a Propane FEED participant since May 2011. “The Propane FEED program is beneficial because the data collected will help enhance efficiency on future products. I’ve used propane engines my whole life, and because of minimal maintenance, I believe propane engines are more economical than other types.”

Propane engines are one of the eligible product categories for 2012. Provided below is a list of all products and manufacturers.

Irrigation engine
·         Buck’s 5.7-liter irrigation GM engine
·         Buck’s 8.0-liter irrigation GM engine
·         EDI 6.8-liter irrigation Ford engine
Grain dryer
·         Mathews Trilogy Series grain dryer
·         GSI X-Stream grain dryer
Heater
·         L.B. White SmartSense swine heater

With incentives of up to $5,000 for participation, the Propane FEED program encourages farmers to try new propane equipment and help PERC get valuable voice-of-customer data that can be used for product improvement.

“Our goal is to help farmers run a more productive operation with propane,” Mark Leitman, PERC director of business development and marketing, said. “The Propane FEED program helps us achieve that goal because it helps introduce new, efficient propane products into the agricultural marketplace.”

PERC’s vision is that the agricultural industry will embrace propane as a preferred energy source that offers cost-effectiveness, efficiency and productivity, reliability, portability, and environmental friendliness. For more information on PERC and its programs to promote the safe and efficient use of propane in agriculture, call 202-452-8975 or visit www.agpropane.com.