Tuesday March 6 Ag News

Blezek, Mandigo Inducted into Nebraska Hall of Ag Achievement
Cuming County's Larry Howard also on 2012 Induction List

Allen Blezek, professor emeritus in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, and Roger Mandigo, distinguished professor emeritus of animal science and food science and technology, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be named Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement honorees at the group's annual banquet March 23.

The banquet honoring Blezek, Mandigo and nine new members of the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement will begin with a 5:15 p.m. social hour followed by a 6 p.m. buffet dinner in the Great Plains Room of the Nebraska East Union on UNL's East Campus.

The banquet costs $24 per person and is open to the public. The deadline for reservations is March 20. To make reservations or for more information, contact Linda Arnold at 402-472-3802.

Blezek is widely recognized as an educator, innovator and leader not only throughout Nebraska but at the national and international levels. His career focused on agricultural leadership development for youth and adults. He served as the Nebraska LEAD Program director for nearly 25 years.

He was a member of the UNL faculty for nearly 32 years. He has served as a graduate faculty fellow, served as a department head from 1987 to 1995, served as the founding director of the UNL Center for Leadership Development from 1989 to 1999, served as president of the UNL Faculty Senate and has chaired and served on many committees throughout the university as well as various professional organizations at the local, state, national and international levels. He has traveled to more than 100 countries.

He has served as both a member and president of several organizations, including the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council Inc., the Nebraska Vocational Agricultural Foundation and the Nebraska FFA Foundation.

He is a member of Agriculture Builders of Nebraska, the Nebraska Hall of Ag Achievement, the Nebraska AgriBusiness Club, the Nebraska AgRelations Council and other organizations. He serves as president-elect of the NU Emeriti Association and serves on several foundation boards, including the Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation.

Blezek is well-known and respected for his fundraising abilities for various causes including the Leadership Center near Aurora, Neb., and the Nebraska LEAD Program.

A native of Iowa, he earned his degrees from UNL. He and his wife, Kay, reside in Lincoln.

Mandigo is recognized for his outstanding research, teaching and extension programs in the field of meat processing. He joined UNL as an assistant professor in 1966 and was promoted to professor in 1974.

He was provided emeritus status in 2011, when he retired after 45 years of outstanding service at UNL.

Mandigo was a dedicated teacher and mentor for undergraduates as well, offering new courses in meat processing, merchandising, independent study and a Meat Industry Tour course.

He managed the federal inspected meat science facility and offered numerous practical workshops for meat processors in Nebraska and beyond.

Mandigo's creative research contributions opened new avenues for use of fresh meat and resulted in many value-added products. His pioneering work in restructured meat manufacturing demonstrated how whole muscle cuts with significant amounts of connective tissue and meat pieces could be flaked or ground, mixed and blended with salt and other curing ingredients to produce products that were similar in appearance and eating characteristics to whole muscle cuts such as steaks and roasts. That technology was adopted and used in the food service industry to produce the McRib and similar products.

Mandigo was inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame in 2010 by the America Association of Meat Processors. He also is active in the America Meat Science Association, the American Society of Animal Science, the Institute of Food Technology, American Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council and other organizations.

He earned degrees from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, New Mexico State University and Oklahoma State University. He and his wife, Wanda, have three children.

The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement, formed in 1916, has just over 200 members statewide dedicated to preserving and improving Nebraska agriculture. Each year, the group recognizes at least one honoree and elects new members.

This year's new members are:
-- Larry F. Howard since 1985 has been a UNL Extension educator in Cuming County, Nebraska's top agricultural producing county. Cuming County is fifth nationally in cattle sales and 27th nationally in overall agricultural sales. Howard's education and vision have helped achieve these rankings, with his primary focus on environmental and general management for beef and pork producers. Howard hosts tours for international visitors (including Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai), and manages one of the state's most active 4-H youth livestock programs. His many recognitions include 23 national awards and 39 state awards. A former vocational agriculture instructor who earned his degrees from UNL, Howard serves on the board of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents; as well as the West Point Chamber of Commerce, and pork producers and feeder's association groups for Cuming County. He and his wife, Mary, live at West Point, and are parents of three children.

-- Chris R. Calkins is an internationally known scientist in the area of beef muscle profiling whose work has resulted in cuts such as the flat iron and ranch steaks. While providing highly palatable products for consumers, these and other newer cuts are estimated by an independent research entity (CattleFax) to increase the average value of a beef carcass by $50-$70. The endowed chair of the Nebraska Beef Cattle Professor of Animal Science has been a member of the Department of Animal Science since 1981. Calkins has earned a score of honors and awards, including the International Meat Secretariat $10,000 World Prize for Meat Science and Technology in 2004 -- the only time the prize has been awarded in the U.S. The native of Washington earned his degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of Tennessee. He holds memberships in more than a half dozen professional organizations. He and his wife, Ellen, live in Lincoln, and are parents of two daughters.

-- James Specht is a prominent UNL soybean physiologist/geneticist whose efforts and accomplishments since 1975 have greatly impacted Nebraska’s soybean industry. Specht spearheaded development of SoyWater, a Web-based irrigation tool to optimize soybean irrigation. A pioneer of growth stage based irrigation in soybean, Specht has documented the importance of early soybean planting, and currently is involved with soybean DNA genome sequencing. A ‘scientist of unequaled breadth’ who has been honored with two professorships (Charles E. Bessey, 2004, and Francis and Dorothy Haskins, 2010), he received the Crop Science Society of America research award in 1996. Specht actively participates in extension clinics, field days and demonstrations (although he has no extension appointment). The Scottsbluff-area native and adviser to the Nebraska Soybean board has served his country in Vietnam, and earned degrees at UNL and the University of Illinois. Specht and his wife, Pamela, live in Omaha.

-- Cheryl Stubbendieck is vice president of public relations for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. From 1982 as editor of Farm Bureau's Nebraska Agriculture newspaper, to today as the organization's key resource person for social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), Stubbendieck is committed to communicating the story of agriculture. Highlights of her career include educating children about agriculture, such as providing leadership for Nebraska's Ag in the Classroom program. In the early 1990s she coordinated AgLink, which took 60 Omaha inner-city children to Nebraska farms for three weeks -- many of whom had never been out of the city. Working with the Nebraska State Fair, Stubbendieck launched the State Fair Ag Family of the Day program, which earned an award from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. The UNL graduate is a Certified Association Executive, and has earned awards from the Nebraska AgRelations Council as well as many writing awards. Stubbendieck and her husband, Jim, live in Lincoln, and are parents of two sons.

-- Susan N. Williams is director of UNL's Southeast Research and Extension District, which encompasses 25 counties that serve 70 percent of Nebraska's population. Williams interacts with stakeholders in leading faculty in program development and leads efforts to describe to stakeholders how research and extension education improves lives in their communities. With her support, the southeast district is a leader in on-farm research and last year brought in nearly $1.554 million in grants. The graduate of Kansas State University and UNL is a former extension educator in Saunders and Custer counties. She says her most worthwhile accomplishments include teaching youth and adults and helping others become successful educators. Among her memberships are the World Futures Society and Association Curriculum Development. She and her husband, Richard, live in Wahoo, and are parents of two children.

-- William L. Booker is owner-operator of Booker Farms and retired extension educator of Box Butte County. A leader and innovator in conservation tillage, Booker has worked closely with farmers, youth and industry. He has been active in farm safety programs for youth, and has served in a leadership role for Nebraska AgriAbility. He helped promote biodiesel crop production in western Nebraska, is known as the 'Sunflower Guru' and was one of the first individuals to make GPS work satisfactorily for herbicide application. The production practices Booker promoted to increase crop production include soil testing, precision fertilizing and emphasis on total weed control during fallow. The former Caterpillar research engineer earned his degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His activities now include president of Farm and Ranch Museum (FARM) Board, and president and board member of Banner County and Bushnell Schools. He and his wife, Mary Joyce, reside at Bushnell, and are parents of six children.

-- John W. Scharf is a fourth-generation producer of dryland and irrigated corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Along with being a Nebraska Certified Seed Grower, Scharf owns a commercial Angus cow-calf herd, and is a research cooperator on groundwater recharge for UNL scientist Derrel Martin. Scharf has served 25 years on the McCook Public Power District Board, and currently is president. He has served on the Dean's Statewide Advisory Council for the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, is a past board member for the Medicine Valley TeamMates Chapter and past president of the Medicine Valley Public Schools Board of Education. Current memberships for this UNL graduate and LEAD 1 Fellow include Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Farm Bureau, FarmHouse Fraternity, Nebraska Rural Electrical Association and many others. He and his wife, Barbara, live at Curtis, and are parents of a daughter.

-- Gerald A. Schmidt is a diversified agricultural producer whose resourcefulness has added value to business ventures especially for hogs and poultry. Schmidt was instrumental in forming the Allied Producers Cooperative. Through this co-op, approximately 40 pork producers in five states have ownership participation in Triumph Foods LLC, a Missouri-based processor that exports its member pork throughout the world. Schmidt is past vice chair of the Triumph board of directors; currently he is a member of the Nebraska Pork Producers, Tecumseh Poultry Growers, the Nebraska Cooperative Council Education Foundation Board and chairs the Farmers Cooperative at Dorchester. Among his most rewarding accomplishments was completing the LEAD program, and being honored as LEAD Alumni of the Year. Schmidt attended UNL, and he and his wife, Marcia, live at Jansen.

-- Dave Stenberg is a UNL Extension educator emeritus, having served in Dawson County from 1968-2008. His leadership with youth yielded 34 Dawson County state champion meat teams and five national championships. Stenberg organized the Dawson County Corn Growers; helped grow the county's soybean production from 500 acres to 40,000 acres; conducted 15 irrigation tours and dozens of agricultural workshops; and for county newspapers has written 1,111 columns. He originated, planned and curates the landscape at the Dawson County Fairgrounds. Stenberg recruited 35 participants into the Nebraska LEAD program, and helped recruit the Frito Lay grain handling site to Gothenburg. He initiated and coordinated the Farm Family of the Year recognition for Lexington and Cozad, as well as the Dawson County Cattlemen Hall of Fame. The UNL graduate has earned many extension state and national awards. He and his wife, Peggy, live in Lexington, and are parents of two sons.



Organic Conference Set for March 21st

Soil Fertility is one of the major concerns in organic farming. Although it is not easy, it can be achieved through the use of legume cover crops, and manures including animal and green manures.   This will be one of several topics to be covered at an Organic Conference being sponsored by the Nebraska Loess Hills Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council as part of the Nebraska Statewide Organic Project.  The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 21st at the Center for Rural Affairs Meeting Room located at 145 Main Street in Lyons, Nebraska.   According to Jim Peterson, RC&D Board Member, the meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude around 3:00 p.m. 

Dr. Charles Shapiro, University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Soils Specialist will be speaking on the topic of Soil Fertility in Organic Systems.  Dr. Shapiro has been conducting research on soil fertility in organic cropping systems at the Haskell Agricultural Lab near Concord, Nebraska for a number of years.

Ruth Chantry and Everett Lundquist of Common Good Farm near Lincoln will speak about their certified organic and biodynamic farm which produces organic eggs, vegetables, herbs, poultry, grass-fed beef and pastured pork.  They were one of first farms in Nebraska to be community supported agriculture (CSA) enterprise. 

The session will also include information about the organic certification process, the certification exception for small scale producers, and the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics of interest with local certified organic farmers.  Lunch will be provided.  There is no cost to attend this session, but pre-registration is requested.  Funding for this project is provided through a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

To pre-register, or for more information, please contact Jim Peterson at (402) 426-2716 or via e-mail: jmpeterson@huntel.net.  



Nebraska Beef Council Seeks Director Candidates

The Nebraska Beef Council (NBC) will hold Board of Director Elections in five districts in 2012.  This opportunity is open to Nebraska beef producers that are at least 21 years of age, a resident and registered voter of a county in the district that he or she will represent, have been actively engaged as a producer in Nebraska for at least the previous five years and is in compliance with all checkoff  laws for the 12 months prior to the call for candidates.

Nebraska Beef Council directors volunteer their time to represent beef producers’ checkoff collections and investments on the state, national and international level. The Board’s major responsibility is to oversee checkoff expenditures by determining promotion, research and education programs for checkoff investments.  The term is four years and will begin on January 2, 2013.

Producers interested in becoming a beef council director are encouraged to visit with current and past directors to learn more about this valuable experience and its commitment.  In addition, all candidates are encouraged to attend an information session prior to receiving an election packet.  The candidate requirements and election rules will be discussed at candidate information session.

Candidate information sessions will be held (each session will be one hour):
March 19, 2012           - Wayne, UNL Extension Office, 1:00 p.m.
March 19, 2012           - Columbus, Columbus Public Library, 5:00 p.m.
March 20, 2012           - Kearney, Nebraska Beef Council Office, 1:00 p.m.
March 20, 2012           - Broken Bow, Broken Bow Public Library, 5:00 p.m.
March 21, 2012           - Alliance, UNL Extension, 1:00 p.m.
*Additional sessions will be added if necessary

Election packets are availible beginning on April 1, 2012.  Candidates must obtain 100 signatures from beef producers in their districts on a candidate petition.  All candidate materials, must be postmarked to the NBC office by June 15, 2012.

“Beef producers who are passionate about the industry and who are willing to provide leadership to the beef checkoff program and its investments are needed as we face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” said Bosshamer.  “We need strong leaders to enhance our mission and strengthen beef demand in the global marketplace.”

For additional information or to view the NBC districts, log onto www.nebeef.org or contact the Nebraska Beef Council office at 1-800-421-5326.



Corn Growers Sought for On-Farm Research Network

Corn growers can take an active role in a new on-farm research project sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.  The goal of the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is to implement a statewide on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions.

The project includes three research comparison topics that growers can choose from one or more. They are: irrigation - water application management in corn production; nitrogen management in both irrigation and dryland corn production; and corn population study in irrigated and dryland fields. Replicated treatment comparisons will be done in growers’ fields, using their equipment.

UNL Extension educators, Keith Glewen and Gary Zoubek are leading the NOFRN with project partners Scott Merritt and Mat Habrock of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

Growers wanting to learn more about the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and how to participate should contact Glewen at 402-624-8030 or kglewen1@unl.edu, Zoubek at 402-362-5508 or gzoubek1@unl.edu, or the Nebraska Corn Growers Association at 888-267-6479, 402-438-6459 or info@necga.org. Information available on the web at: ardc.unl.edu/onfarmresearch.shtml.



Heineman Proclaims Nebraska Ag Week

Gov. Dave Heineman has declared March 4-10 Nebraska Agriculture Week.  Nebraska Agriculture Week coincides with National Agriculture Week.

“Nebraska Agriculture Week offers a time to acknowledge our appreciation for the hard working farmers and ranchers in our state,” said Gov. Heineman.  “Agriculture plays an essential role in our daily lives. Nebraskans greatly appreciate our farmers and ranchers, and I encourage all to recognize the significance the agricultural industry plays in our state.”

To celebrate, Gov. Heineman will be joined by representatives of Nebraska Farm Bureau and Greg Ibach, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for an agriculture tour on Friday, March 16. The tour stops are open to the public and will start at 9 a.m. CT in Ainsworth at Ainsworth High School. At 10 a.m. MT there will an event in Alliance at the Performing Arts Center. The final event will be 1:30 p.m. CT in Grand Island at Northwest High School.

“In Nebraska, our farmers and ranchers provide us with a safe and wholesome food supply each and every day.  Their commitment to their animals and the land is greatly appreciated,” said Dir. Ibach.  “I encourage everyone to learn more about how Nebraska producers are feeding the world, and take the time to say thank you.”

Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson said, “We very much appreciate the Governor taking the time to celebrate and recognize agriculture week.  Although we work in agriculture every day of the year, we enjoy this week long celebration as it gives us an opportunity to recognize agriculture and the important role it plays in our lives and in the Nebraska economy.”

Nebraska’s largest industry is agriculture. Each year, cash receipts from farm marketing contribute over $17 billion dollars to Nebraska’s economy. Nebraska is first in the nation for red meat, Great Northern bean and popcorn production. Nebraska consistently ranks in the nation’s top five producers of corn, soybeans, hay, and dry edible beans, and top 10 for production of hogs, grain sorghum, winter wheat and table egg layers. Additionally, Nebraska consistently ranks in the top four states in the nation in agricultural exports.

According to Nebraska Farm Bureau, one of every three jobs in Nebraska exists because of Nebraska agriculture – in farming and ranching, food and fuel processing, marketing, distribution, research, and regulation.

As part of Nebraska’s celebration of National Ag Week, Governor Dave Heineman and Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach announced the winners of the 2012 NDA poster contest.

In its ninth year, the contest generated 1,400 entries from first through sixth grade students from across Nebraska.  This year’s theme was:  “Nebraska Agriculture: Feeding My Family.”

The winners are:
1st - 2nd grade
1st Place – Johnny Kaczmarek a second grader from Holy Ghost Catholic School in Omaha
2nd Place – Matt Cover a first grader from Weeping Water Public Schools in Weeping Water
3rd Place – Alexis Mogensen a first grader from Weeping Water Public Schools in Weeping Water
Governor’s Choice Award – Tally Madej a first grader from Holy Ghost Catholic School in Omaha

3rd - 4th grade
1st Place – Ethan Dunn a fourth grader from Rohwer Elementary in Omaha
2nd Place – Jocelyn Lambert a third grader from Calvert Elementary in Auburn
3rd Place – Sofia Atkins a third grader from McDaid Elementary in North Platte
Governor’s Choice Award – Shalyn Harris a third grader from Calvert Elementary in Auburn

5th - 6th grade
1st Place – Dustin Hovanec a fifth grader from Arbor Park in Blair
2nd Place – Malec Quandt a fifth grader from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island
3rd Place – Juan Torres a fifth grader from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island
Governor’s Choice Award – Jake Meister a fifth grader from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island

The winning posters can be viewed at the NDA web site at www.agr.ne.gov.



HUNGER FREE HEARTLAND & MIDWEST DAIRY COUNCIL CELEBRATE NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK

Hunger Free Heartland and Midwest Dairy Council, in partnership with Share Our Strength, Nebraska Department of Education Nutrition Services, ConAgra Foods Foundation, Nebraska Action for Healthy Kids and the Food Research and Action Center are raising awareness about Nebraska’s school breakfast program as part of National School Breakfast Week, calling attention to the importance of the program and asking school leaders to consider new ways of serving school breakfast that can increase participation in the program.

The School Breakfast Program offers all students a chance to start the day with a healthy meal. But of the 112,689 students in Nebraska who ate free or reduced-price lunch in 2011, only 41,786 or 37% participated in the School Breakfast Program.

When Share Our Strength polled America’s middle-school teachers in 2011, two-thirds said they taught children who regularly came to school too hungry to learn. Studies show that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better on standardized tests, make fewer mistakes in math, and show a general increase in math and reading scores. They also generally have fewer discipline problems and visit school nurses' offices less often.

"Children should never start the school day hungry. The School Breakfast Program offers those who would otherwise miss out on breakfast a nutritious meal to start the day. The key is to make sure that all eligible kids are participating in the program,” said Sue Arment, Director, Hunger Free Heartland.

In October, these partners launched the Nebraska School Breakfast Challenge, supported by Dr. Roger Breed, the Commissioner of Education and Sally Ganem, Nebraska’s First Lady.  The goals of this two-year Challenge are to encourage schools to implement a School Breakfast Program or increase participation in existing school breakfast programs.

“The Nebraska School Breakfast Challenge has been working with schools across the state to supply grants, resources and technical assistance that can help schools start a breakfast program or switch from traditional school breakfast programs to new school breakfast models that make it easier for students to start the day with a healthy meal,” commented Beth Bruck-Upton MA, RD, Health & Wellness Program Manager, Midwest Dairy Council-Nebraska.

National School Breakfast Week, March 5-9, is organized by the School Nutrition Association with events taking place across the country.

Go to hungerfreeheartland.org to learn more about the Nebraska School Breakfast Challenge.



Iowa Ag Protection Bill Signed into Law

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has signed into law a bill that bans agricultural production facility fraud. With the approval of the bill, Iowa became the nation's first state to approve legislation intending to criminalize individuals who gain access to facilities under false pretenses.

Iowa Senator Joe Seng, a bill sponsor, believes the bill does not infringe on personal rights, a key complaint by those who opposed the bill's passage. Seng made the comments in an interview with Mike Adams, host of AgriTalk Radio.

"The bill has been run through the Iowa Attorney General's office and checked completely by a constitutional lawyer who said it does not violate any of our First Amendment rights," said Seng, chair of the Iowa Agriculture Committee and vice-chair of the Ways and Means Committee.

The bipartisan bill does not prohibit taking videos or photographs on farms.

The new law specifies that 'a person is guilty of agricultural production facility fraud if the person willfully does any of the following: a. Obtains access to an agricultural production facility by false pretenses. b. Makes a false statement or representation as part of an application or agreement to be employed at an agricultural production facility, if the person knows the statement to be false, and makes the statement with an intent to commit an act not authorized by the owner of the agricultural production facility, knowing that the act is not authorized.'

Similar legislation is being considered for adoption in other states including Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York and Utah, Pork Network reports.



Eco-Energy, Siouxland Energy Extend Marketing Pact 2 Years

Eco-Energy, Inc. and Siouxland Energy and Livestock Cooperative said late Monday they are extending their Alliance Marketing partnership for two years.  Eco-Energy has been the marketing partner for Siouxland, a 60-million-gallon-per-year ethanol plant in Sioux Center, Iowa, since October 2011.

"We have seen some very good things come out of our relationship with Eco, and we look forward to building on that for the next two years," said Tom Miller, commodity manager of Siouxland. 

"This renewal is a great vote of confidence from our marketing partners, and we look forward to continuing to create value to the SELC shareholders for years to come," said Chad Martin, CEO of Eco-Energy.

Eco-Energy is a midstream alternative energy company focused on the marketing, trading, transportation and distribution of biofuels across the globe.



Lawmakers Urge Obama Administration to Support Biodiesel

A bipartisan group of 60 members of Congress from across the country has signed letters to the White House urging the Obama Administration to follow through with the EPA's proposal to increase the biodiesel volume requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) next year.

"The skyrocketing gas prices we're seeing should remind us all why Congress - with overwhelming bipartisan support - started the RFS in the first place, which was to diversify our energy supplies and limit our vulnerability to just these kinds of price spikes," said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board. "This is strong energy policy and we shouldn't shy away from it now."

At issue is an EPA proposal to increase the biodiesel volume requirement under the RFS to 1.28 billion gallons in 2013. Late last year, the Obama Administration delayed the decision, saying it needs further review, and the EPA could issue a final rule within weeks. Biodiesel has been a highlight of the RFS so far, exceeding its volume requirement last year with record production of 1.1 billion gallons. An Administration decision to rescind the modest increase to 1.28 billion gallons would stunt the industry's growth and likely lead to plant closures and thousands of lost jobs.

"This really should be an easy decision for the Obama Administration," Steckel said. "We're talking about modest growth for the only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel that's in commercial-scale production across the country today. It is directly in line with President Obama's call for an 'all of the above' energy approach and his focus on clean, domestic production. And it will create thousands of jobs across the country while improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

"This letter represents the strong bipartisan support that the biodiesel industry has across the country, from Washington state to Missouri to Pennsylvania and North Carolina," Steckel said. "Our industry and the thousands of workers it represents are grateful to those who signed it, and we hope the White House hears their message."

Steckel particularly thanked Sens. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Reps. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) and Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) for leading the effort.

"As prices at the pump continue to rise, the need for biodiesel and other renewable fuels to play a significant role in our national energy policy has never been greater. At the same time, biodiesel production also provides tremendous economic benefits for North Dakota and other states," Conrad said.  "By reducing our dependence on oil from some of the world's most unstable regions, the renewable fuels standard is critical to both our energy and national security. With strong bipartisan support in both Houses of Congress, the Administration should follow through on the EPA's proposal to boost the amount of biodiesel produced and used here at home."

The biodiesel industry is seeking the volume increase as it also pushes Congress to reinstate the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax incentive, which expired on Dec. 31.

"Regulation writers in the Administration and tax policy makers in Congress should both act promptly to foster the opportunities in biodiesel for clean-burning, domestically produced energy and job creation," Grassley said.



Christian Inducted Into NPPC Hall of Fame

Allen Christian, former manager of Iowa State University’s Swine Teaching Farm and a pork producer from Ames, Iowa, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Pork Producers Council at the organization’s annual business meeting – the National Pork Industry Forum – held in Denver March 1-3 for his outstanding contributions to the U.S. pork industry.

Al, who acquired a drive to improve pigs from his parents, Francis and Brunetta, for more than 50 years was responsible for the success of the hog herd at Iowa State, where the farm now bears his name – the Allen E. Christian Swine Teaching Farm. As a teacher and mentor there, he imparted skills and knowledge to his students well beyond any curriculum. Many of his former charges have become pork industry leaders.

In addition to his vocation as an educator, Al was a pig breeder and judge. His influence on the purebred swine industry has been felt across the country and internationally, and he often would counsel producers, sharing his wisdom with friends and competitors alike to improve the pork industry. Although his roots were in the purebred industry, he maintained and nurtured an interest in all facets of pig breeding.

Al’s contributions have affected not only pork production around the world but the people who raise pigs, the groups advocating for the pork industry and the university where he dedicated his life’s work. From the now-named, came one of the most positive influences on the pork industry in history.

“Al was and still is a valuable champion for the U.S. pork industry,” said NPPC President R.C. Hunt, a pork producer from Wilson, N.C. “His leadership and mentoring of young people for an improved swine industry has been invaluable. NPPC is pleased to induct him into its Hall of Fame.”



Strength Returns to Some Fertilizers

After six weeks of near steady retail fertilizer prices, there are some signs that inflation could be returning to the market, DTN's latest weekly retail survey shows.  Three of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to the fourth week of January. UAN32 was 5% higher while urea and UAN28 were just slightly higher.  UAN32 had an average price of $462/ton, urea $574/ton and UAN28 $389/ton.

The remaining five fertilizers were lower compared to the fourth week of January, however, these declines were again fairly small. DAP had an average price of $650/ton, MAP $702/ton, potash $643/ton, 10-34-0 $812/ton and anhydrous $776/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average anhydrous price was at $0.47/lb.N, urea at $0.62/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.72/lb.N.

Half of the major fertilizers are still showing double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher, urea has replaced 10-34-0. The nitrogen fertilizer is 17% higher compared to last year while the starter fertilizer is now 15% higher compared to the fourth week of February 2011.  UAN32 has jumped 13% higher while potash has increased 10% from a year ago.  Three fertilizers have seen just slight price increases compared to a year earlier. UAN28 has now climbed 7% higher, anhydrous is up 5% and MAP is just fractionally higher than last year.

One fertilizer is now actually lower compared to one year ago. DAP is now 5% lower compared to a year earlier.



Vilsack on New WTO Dispute Against India's Prohibition on U.S. Poultry

Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement after U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that the U.S. Government is requesting consultations with the Government of India under the dispute settlement provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning India's prohibition on certain American agricultural exports, including poultry meat and chicken eggs.

"Over the last few years, the United States has repeatedly asked India to justify its claim that a ban on poultry products from the United States is necessary. However, to date, India has not provided valid, scientifically-based justification for the import restrictions.

"Today's announcement by Ambassador Kirk that the U.S. Government is seeking consultations with India under the dispute settlement provisions of the WTO demonstrates that the United States will help ensure that all of our trading partners play by the rules and uphold their WTO obligations.

"I am hopeful for a swift resolution that allows Indian consumers access to safe, high-quality U.S. poultry and poultry products, and restores the economic opportunities our American farmers have earned."



China Corn Imports to Slow Down

China's imports of corn are unlikely to rise sharply over the next year or two, as the country has maintained ample domestic supplies, Nie Zhenbang, the head of China's State Grain Administration, said Tuesday.

The country will be able to maintain its self-sufficiency ratio for feed grains--mostly corn--above 95%, even though corn consumption for non-feed and non-food products is rising quickly, Nie told reporters on the sidelines of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advising body.

His comments came amid market speculation that China's corn imports will continue rising sharply after the country became a net corn importer in 2010 and saw corn imports increase 11.5% to 1.7 million tons in 2011.

Meanwhile, China's National Development and Reform Commission said Monday in a report to the National People's Congress that the country will expand imports of agricultural products that are in tight supply, signalling a potentially significant expansion of corn imports in the medium term.

FCStone Inc. said last month that China's corn imports could reach 13 million tons by 2012-13 from 4 million tons in 2011-12 after the U.S. Grains Council said last year that China's import requirement in 2011-12 will total between 5 million and 10 million tons.



New Paradigm Insecticide Approved by EPA

New Paradigm insecticide, manufactured by MANA Crop Protection, has received approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its new state-of-the-art formulation of lambda-cyhalothrin for broad-spectrum insect control in corn, soybeans and other crops.

      Using MANA Crop Protection proprietary technology, new Paradigm touts an advanced formulation which allows fast-acting insect knockdown with the same high levels of control found in emusifiable concentrate (EC) lambda-cyhalothrin based products. It also has exceptionally low odor and favorable PPE requirements with a “Caution” signal word.

Delivering uncompromised performance in insect control and unequaled ease of use, the new formulation of Paradigm has very low odor, which improves worker handling, convenience and safety when compared to other lambda-cyhalothrin delivery platforms.

      “MANA Crop Protection brings Paradigm to the market as the premier alternative to current insect control offerings,” says Keith Miller, fungicide and insecticide product manager. “Using advanced technology, this product demonstrates extremely low odor in the jug, spray tank and the field during and after application. Plus, its ‘Caution’ signal word sets the bar higher than that of other insecticides in the same class, which continue to have more restrictive signal words on their labels.”

      Older formulations of lambda-cyhalothrin products can cause negative impact to handlers who may have skin sensitization and/or a physical response to offensive odor. “Paradigm performs at a level which is expected of EC type formulations due to its novel non-water or microcap based formulation, yet it meets the vigorous requirements of being a low VOC (volatile organic carbon) product,” he adds.

Improved performance        
      Paradigm’s advanced-generation pyrethroid chemistry combines contact and ingestion activity for greater control of armyworms, cutworms, loopers, beetles and aphids. Beyond corn and soybeans, it is registered for use on 50 other crops including cotton, peanuts, rice, tomatoes and wheat.

      In 2011 studies completed by an independent third-party researcher, Paradigm demonstrated faster-acting performance along with improved efficacy when compared to Warrior with Zeon Technology®.

Environmental focus
“The bottom line for any insecticide is performance, and Paradigm came through field and laboratory testing with flying colors,” Miller says. “Beyond performance, however, growers are demanding safer handling and environmental characteristics from inputs to better support stewardship while lessening risk to workers and handlers.”

Going the extra mile in research and development for Paradigm’s launch in U.S. crop markets, MANA Crop Protection outlines the product’s cutting-edge environmental and worker safety qualities:
·         Signal word. Paradigm is the first insecticide in its class to carry the CAUTION signal word. This enables handlers to wear less-restrictive and cumbersome personal protective equipment.
·         Dermal irritation class. Because Paradigm is classified as non-irritant, the risk of skin sensitization for handlers is reduced.
·         Odor. The very low odor formulation minimizes annoyance to applicators and field neighbors.
·         Low Volatile Organic Compound. Because Paradigm exceeds tough anticipated VOC standards, growers have the flexibility to use it where they want, without compromising performance.

For optimized control when needed most, Paradigm offers extensive application flexibility. Foliar applications on soybeans will control soybean aphids, cutworms, grasshoppers, lygus bugs, stink bugs and most other harmful insects. Corn growers can apply Paradigm at planting to target cutworms and wireworms. Foliar applications on corn will control rootworms, armyworms, corn borers, stinkbugs, aphids, flea beetles and most other destructive pests.

Aggressive development plan
The introduction of Paradigm underscores the commitment by MANA Crop Protection in developing crop inputs that are not only highly efficacious but aligned in improved safety for farm workers, air quality and environmental sustainability and stewardship. In the immediate, the company has an aggressive plan to add eight new formulations to its U.S. crop protection portfolio by the end of 2013.

      “Not so long ago, growers were concerned primarily with finding products that effectively controlled insects, weeds or diseases,” Miller says. “Today, they have to balance a number of requirements into their selection process like environmental regulations, good stewardship and resistance management.

      “MANA Crop Protection is helping redefine what growers can expect from crop protection manufacturers. By taking care of many of these challenges through improved formulations, growers can focus on what they do best, which is producing high-yielding, high-quality crops.”