Friday March 16 Ag News

Farm Transition - Estate Planning Workshop to be Held in Columbus

Learn about planning ahead as UNL Extension, Pinnacle Bank, Columbus Bank and Trust, First National Bank, Farm Credit Services and Financial Design; Bargen and Associates,  are sponsoring a Farm Transition/Estate Planning meeting on March 30.  It will be held from 10:00 to  3:00 p.m. at Wunderlich’s Catering, Columbus. 

Cost free with generations encouraged to attend together.   Lunch and handouts are provided.  Registration is required by March 27 to ensure a meal count.  Call Platte County Extension at 402-563-4901 to register.

Thinking about how you plan to transition the farm is a key part of the morning discussion.  How are you going to phase out of farming?  Will you have a farm sale, pass the farm to the next generation, or will you consider helping a new farmer – non family member get started?  Options for estate planning will be part of the program.  Knowing how each option works, especially when considering tax consequences is key.

A highlight includes information about situations the presenters encountered while working with farm families.  “Fair” isn’t always the same as “equal” and that subject is a key in establishing a smooth transition of property to the next generation.  I encourage landowners that will be passing assets on to their children to attend this workshop.  More importantly, anyone over 55 years old with control of Ag land assets should have a succession plan in place.  This workshop will be invaluable for those needing to start work on that plan.

Speakers include:  Dave Goeller, UNL Transition Specialist, and Joe Hawbaker, Ag Attorney from Omaha.



FFA Members Participate in Second Annual Agricultural Issues Academy

FFA members across Nebraska will participate in the second annual Agricultural Issues Academy (AIA) on March 28th as part of the 2012 Nebraska State FFA Convention held in Lincoln.  AIA is a leadership-based academy that focuses on providing participants with skills needed to become spokespeople for the agriculture industry.  The day-long program will expose participants to current agriculture issues, develop communication skills, and provide an opportunity to meet with industry leaders and law makers.

Applications were received from 76 candidates and were narrowed down by a selection committee to 37 participants.  Selected candidates were charged with a task to a research current “ag” issue of their choice and be prepared to explain the issue at the academy.

“This is an excellent leadership opportunity for participants to learn about current issues facing agriculture and to develop communication skills they need to become spokespeople for the industry,” said Mat Habrock, Field Services Director for the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and committee member for the Agricultural Issues Academy.  “There is no better way to teach young people the issues than getting them involved and helping them make connections with industry leaders and law makers,” said Habrock.

At the Agricultural Issues Academy participants will be a part of the following activities:
·        Round-robin sessions presented by experts on learning how to speak to lawmakers, preparing a successful and positive message for TV and radio, and have firsthand training for written and online communications.
·        A visit to the State Capitol, accompanied by agriculture lobbyists who will introduce participants to the State Legislature, and provide an opportunity for them to meet with the senator from their home district.
·        The following day, academy participants will be expected to serve as peer leaders for the state convention’s annual legislative breakfast with State Senators and other FFA members.
·        Participants will be recognized and awarded pins for participating in the academy at the Opening Session of the Nebraska State FFA Convention on Thursday morning.

The Agricultural Issues Academy is sponsored by Alliance for Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN), Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Association of Resource Districts Foundation, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, and Tyson Fresh Meats.



NDA SEEKS SPECIALTY CROP GRANT PROPOSALS

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach today announced that NDA is seeking grant proposals from organizations or groups of individuals interested in enhancing the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry.  Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

“Nebraska’s specialty crop industry grows each year,” Ibach said.  “I encourage those involved in the industry to consider this important grant opportunity.”

NDA is requesting grant proposals as part of its effort to develop a state plan for the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.  The USDA program was created by Congress in 2004.  For the 2012 funding cycle, NDA has the opportunity to receive specialty crop grant funds, but must submit a state plan detailing how the funds will be used.  Grant funds will be subject to the availability of federal funding.

NDA will administer a two-phase competitive grant application process to determine what projects are to be included in the state plan.  Phase one will involve the submission of concept proposals.  The proposals will allow the applicants to explain the main points of their project.  The concept proposals will be competitively ranked with the top proposals asked to complete the second phase of the application process.  Those proposals that are selected for the state plan will also be reviewed by USDA.  Concept proposals are due to NDA by April 15.

According to USDA guidelines, eligible projects must solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, and may focus on: research, education, consumption, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant pest and disease control, organic and sustainable production practices, among other opportunities.  Proposals must show how the project will benefit the specialty crop industry or a segment of the industry as a whole; proposals that will profitably benefit one organization or individual will not be accepted.

Grant proposal guidelines and application information are available through NDA by calling (800) 422-6692, or e-mailing casey.foster@nebraska.gov.  More information on the process can also be accessed on the NDA web site at www.agr.ne.gov.  Additional information is also available at the USDA web site at http://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.



On National Biodiesel Day, Iowa has reason to celebrate
     
March 18 is National Biodiesel Day, and Iowa has reason to celebrate. Iowa is the No. 1 producer of biodiesel, a cleaner-burning fuel that generates economic activity, supports Iowa jobs, and makes us more energy independent.

Iowa’s entire Congressional Delegation recently signed on to an effort to help expand the national use of biodiesel, a move applauded by the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of 60 members of Congress signed letters to the White House, urging the Obama Administration to follow through with a modest increase in the federal Renewable Fuels Standard. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed increasing the national biodiesel volumes to 1.28 billion gallons in 2013, up from 1 billion gallons in 2012. Signing the letters were the entire Iowa delegation - Sen. Charles Grassley (R), Sen. Tom Harkin (D), Rep. Leonard Boswell (D), Rep. Tom Latham (R), Rep. Bruce Braley (D), Rep. Dave Loebsack (D), and Rep. Steve King (R).

Despite record biodiesel production last year, Iowa’s plants have room to grow within their existing capacity. With smart growth of the RFS, these plants could support even more green jobs.

“The fuel price swings we’ve seen should remind us of the very reason why Congress enacted the RFS,” said Randy Olson, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “This is an extraordinarily effective policy that diversifies our energy supplies and limits our exposure to price spikes, while supporting green jobs at home.”

Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel made from agricultural byproducts and co-products like soybean oil.

“Biodiesel also provides the trucking industry a great alternative to high-priced diesel,” Olson said.

Rudolf Diesel, who invented the engine that bears his name, ran early models on peanut oil. He was a visionary for the renewable fuel that would one day be called biodiesel. That’s why the biodiesel industry decided to honor Diesel by making his birthday, March 18, National Biodiesel Day.



Cover Crop Field Days at ISU Research Farms

Iowa Learning Farms and Practical Farmers of Iowa are hosting a series of cover crop management field days at the five Iowa State University (ISU) Research and Demonstration Farms across the state between March 28 and April 5.

The field days will feature winter-hardy cereal rye cover crop plots drilled after corn and soybean harvests last fall. The events include a complimentary lunch for attendees. At each field day USDA Agricultural Research Service research agronomist Tom Kaspar will discuss best management practices to add cover crops into soybean or continuous corn rotations. Additionally, local farmers will share their cover crop management experiences.

Incorporating cover crops into a corn-soybean rotation may improve yields, based on 2009-2011 results of ongoing ILF/PFI winter rye cover crop demonstrations with 10 Iowa farmer partners. Cover crops such as cereal rye, oats or clover help to build soil organic matter and leave the soil surface covered when there are no cash crops growing.

The cover crop field days schedule is:

-- March 28: ISU Ag and Natural Resources Extension and Outreach FEEL (Field Extension & Education Lab) site, Boone County, 10:30 a.m.; noon lunch. Directions: one mile south of Highway 30 on U Ave (south of United Community School) and one-half mile west on 240th Street

-- March 29: ISU Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, O'Brien County, 10:30 a.m.; noon lunch. Directions: 6320 500th St., Sutherland; 11 miles north of Cherokee on Highway 59 and one-quarter mile east on County Road B62

-- April 3: ISU Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, Floyd County, 10:30 a.m.; noon lunch. Directions: 3321 290th St., Nashua; 1.2 miles west of Nashua on Highway B60. After taking the Nashua exit off Highway 218/27, go one mile south on Windfall Ave. (gravel) and 0.2 miles east on 290th St.

-- April 4: ISU Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, Washington County, Noon lunch, 1 p.m. program. Directions: 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville; Go 1.75 miles south and two miles east of Crawfordsville on the Washington-Louis County Line Road

-- April 5: ISU Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm, Pottawattamie County, 10:30 a.m.; noon lunch. Directions: 53020 Hitchcock Ave., Lewis; 11 miles southwest of Atlantic on Highway 6, then one-half mile south on County Road M53 (525th St.) and three-quarter mile east on Hitchcock Ave.

To see the full Iowa Learning Farms field day schedule, visit the ILF website: www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf.



US-Korea Trade Agreement Big Boost for Agriculture
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack 

Last week was monumental for American farmers. Under the new U.S.-Korea trade agreement, two-thirds of the tariffs imposed on U.S. food and agricultural products exported to South Korea are being eliminated. That includes wheat, corn, soybeans for crushing, whey for feed use, hides and skins, cotton, cherries, pistachios, almonds, orange juice, grape juice, and wine.

Over the next few years, as additional barriers fall and more U.S. businesses market products to Korea’s expanding economy, American agricultural exports should grow by $1.9 billion and help support nearly 16,000 jobs here at home.

The Korea agreement will help us build on what is already a good time for America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses. Last year, producers enjoyed their best incomes in more than 30 years and hit a record high for agricultural exports.

President Obama’s leadership on trade has helped support this growth. In 2010, the President committed to double U.S. exports in five years. Two years later, we are on pace to meet that goal.

Last year, the President insisted that we get the trade agreement with Korea right – alongside pacts with Colombia and Panama – forging a better deal for America’s workers and businesses that led to strong bipartisan support in both houses of Congress.

At USDA, we share this belief in creating an economy that makes, creates and exports to markets abroad. We have worked aggressively to reduce barriers to trade and expand export opportunities. We are reaching out to producers and agribusinesses – especially small- and medium-sized enterprises – with information and financing to tackle the export market. Today, farm exports help support more than 1 million American jobs.

Along with other efforts to promote American exports, today’s implementation of the trade deal with South Korea helps level the playing field for American businesses so we can strengthen the economy and put folks back to work. Across the economy, it will add $10 billion to $12 billion to our gross domestic product.

In the end, increasing our exports of ‘Grown and Made in America’ goods mean higher incomes for farmers and ranchers, more opportunities for small businesses owners, and jobs for Americans who grow, package, ship and market agricultural products. That’s how we’ll continue to create an economy built to last and opportunities for the middle class.



Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Highlights New Job Creation Opportunities for Agriculture and Manufacturing through Development of Biobased Products

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today visited the Sherwin-Williams John G. Breen Technology research facility in Cleveland to highlight how the growing biobased products industry is creating new economic opportunities for Ohio agriculture and manufacturing. Sherwin Williams is developing new, biobased paints using soybeans, an example of how agricultural products grown by America's farmers are being used to make products for consumers, creating jobs on the farm and in the manufacturing and retail sectors. Vilsack was joined at the event by Ohio U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and Chris Connor, Chairman and CEO of the Sherwin-Williams Company.

"The biobased products sector marries the two most important economic engines for rural America: agriculture and manufacturing," said Vilsack. "Ohio has an emerging biobased-manufacturing industry, with nearly 150 companies in Ohio already producing biobased products. Using agricultural commodities grown by farmers, right here in the Midwest, Ohio has the potential to lead the nation in the creation of new biobased products and create sustainable economic opportunities for the entire region."

Though the industry is in its early stages, today nearly 3,100 companies are producing more than 25,000 biobased products. Last month, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum to create jobs through increased procurement of biobased products by the federal government. In 2011, USDA announced the designation of 14 additional biobased product categories that are eligible for federal procurement preference.

Last year the Sherwin-Williams Company was awarded the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. The award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) on behalf of the White House, recognized Sherwin-Williams innovative new paint formulation, utilizing soybean oil and recycled plastic bottles (PET) in the substantial reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). In manufacturing the new paint formula, Sherwin-Williams has used 320,000 pounds of soybean oil, 250,000 pounds of PET, and eliminated 1,000 barrels of oil. The company's continued evolution and expansion of the Sherwin-Williams technology has the potential to eliminate millions of pounds of VOC emissions while supporting the recycling of multi-million pounds of PET each year.

Secretary Vilsack also highlighted Ohio's state program, BioOhio, which is similar to USDA's BioPreferred program. The BioPreferred program, launched in January 2011, is a voluntary USDA product certification and labeling program for qualifying biobased products. The label identifies biobased products made from renewable resources and promotes the increased sale and use of these products in the commercial market and for consumers.

Biobased products are composed wholly or significantly of biological ingredients—waste streams and renewable plant, animal, marine, or forestry materials. From natural pet foods and biobased paint, to soy ink and toner, these companies are creating jobs in Ohio's small towns and rural communities, and generating a link between agriculture and manufacturing.



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.



Alfalfa Weed Control is not a Single Approach

A good weed control strategy in alfalfa is fundamental to a strong yield performance, say experts from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business.

          "Successful weed control has been an ongoing challenge for alfalfa growers," says Dave Miller, Ph.D., Pioneer alfalfa breeder. "Weeds can severely impact the quality of alfalfa and affect the overall value for hay growers. The most effective weed management program starts before alfalfa is planted and continues throughout the entire life of the stand."

          Weeds compete for the same resources as alfalfa - space, sunlight, water and nutrients - reducing the quality of harvested alfalfa. In addition, heavy weed infestation in newly seeded alfalfa often suffocates alfalfa seedlings, resulting in thin stands.

          "Early planting is one way to ensure a productive crop," Miller says. "The optimum time to plant alfalfa depends on the region, but typically it runs from mid-March to May. Generally, the earlier growers get the stand established, the less pressure they have from weeds that spring up during the abundance of warmer weather."

          Once a healthy stand is well established, weed control is less of a concern and alfalfa becomes vigorous - at least until the stand begins to weaken due to age or other problems.

Effective Crop Management Practices for Weed Control
          There are several steps growers can take to ensure effective weed management and, ultimately, good stand establishment:

          Adjust soil fertility and pH - At least one year in advance of alfalfa planting, test the soil and make adjustments to correct soil pH and fertility. A soil pH range of 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal for new seedlings to establish and develop rapidly.

          Walk the fields - Before beginning a weed control program, accurately identify weeds. It is important to have an understanding of the different types of weeds and their life cycles.

          Prepare seedbed - Alfalfa requires a good seedbed to grow successfully. This includes a well-planned drainage system that prevents ponding as well as a firm ground. A good rule of thumb for an ideal seedbed is one that shows the depression of footprints or the bars of a tractor tire.

          Ensure right seeding depth - Good seed-to-soil contact is crucial in alfalfa establishment. Seeds placed too deep most likely will not emerge. Whereas, seeds placed at a shallow depth will dry out and die due to inadequate soil contact. An ideal depth of seed placement is one-fourth to one-half inch.

Alfalfa Variety Selection
          Selecting the best alfalfa varieties also is one of the most important decisions growers can make in developing a productive crop. Many herbicides are available for specific uses on alfalfa during the life of a stand. Planting Pioneer® brand alfalfa varieties with the Genuity® Roundup Ready® (RR) gene can be a useful weed management tool and a way to handle some of the most difficult-to-control weed species.

          The Genuity Roundup Ready trait enables growers to control grass and broadleaf weeds with a single glyphosate herbicide application in the seedling phase, resulting in a simplified and very effective weed management practice while maintaining crop and feed safety. Spraying Roundup® on the seedling crop is recommended at the three- to four-trifoliate leaf stage, and will promote a healthy stand establishment by controlling most seedling weeds.

          "Using the Roundup Ready technology, coupled with a good weed control strategy, will help ensure a productive alfalfa crop for a number of years," Miller says. "We understand farmers are looking at ways to improve their farming practices, and it's our goal to help them maximize their profits by providing resources that ensure the ongoing health of the soil for future harvests."



'Occupy Monsanto' Protest Organized

On Friday, a group calling themselves Occupy Monsanto introduced themselves as agents of change with the Genetic Crimes Unit, a group that aims to 'protect America from genetically modified foods.' They wore bio-hazmat suits when they visited Congress today at noon to highlight how chemical company Monsanto is 'contaminating our political process.'

The GCU opposes Monsanto's bid to increase spraying of food with toxic weed killers, genetic contamination of the organic food supply, and other risks associated with genetically modified food.

"In the name of Wall Street profits, chemical corporations such as Monsanto genetically engineer crops to withstand high doses of their toxic weed killers that contaminate our food and water, and have not been proven safe. We deserve to know what we are eating. Virtually every major country requires labeling of GMOs in foods so their citizens can make informed choices, including all of Europe, Japan and even China," said GCU's Ariel Vegosen.

"Monsanto's lobbying dollars are pouring into politicians so its clear we have a GMO contaminated U.S. Congress that threatens our health and the health of the planet," says Vegosen.

Last fall about 100 people marched in the Right2Know March from New York to the White House to demand President Obama keep his campaign promise to label GMO foods.  Also, In California, Monsanto faces a 2012 ballot proposition on GMO labeling.