Weekend Ag News Update March 2-3-4

Cost Share Opportunity Continues for Lower Platte North NRD Irrigators

Irrigators in the Lower Platte North NRD are eligible for a new cost share program that originated in 2010 and continues in 2012.  In 2010, the Nebraska Ag Water Management Network (NAWMN) was expanded to include irrigators in the Lower Platte North NRD.  The Lower Platte North NRD in cooperation with UNL Extension is looking for growers interested in learning more about this water and energy saving program. 

Many producers are familiar with the NAWMN and the tools this network utilizes: Watermark sensors to measure soil moisture down to 3 feet and the ET Gage to measure crop water use.  Participation in the network and use of these tools has helped Nebraska growers save 1 to 2 inches of water per acre on both corn and soybeans without loss of yield.  

Expansion of the NAWMN in the Lower Platte North NRD offers several opportunities to irrigators that participate.  First, cost share dollars are available to purchase Watermark sensors, data readers, and data loggers, ET Gages, and soil probes.  Secondly, growers who participate will receive support from Extension educators throughout the growing season, including help with installation and use of these water saving tools.  Third and most important, participants in the NAWMN join a network of irrigators who are facing the same challenges, and whose support and interaction can help everyone improve their efficiency while saving water and money.

Given the level of hands-on support and availability of cost share dollars, participation in the NAWMN in the Lower Platte North NRD will be limited to 40 irrigators in 2012.  Past participants and new producers interested in learning more about the NAWMN are invited to attend an informational meeting on March 12, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Runza meeting room in David City, March 14, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lindsay City Village Office, March 21, 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the VFW in North Bend or March 22, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the ARDC Education Building near Mead.  A meal will be served for participants.  Please pre-register for the meetings by calling the Colfax County Extension Office at 402-352-3821.  For more information contact Aaron Nygren, UNL Extension educator at 402-352-3821 or anygren2@unl.edu



Nat'l Farmers Union Convention Starts March 4 Near Omaha

The 110th annual National Farmers Union convention will be held at the La Vista Conference Center on March 4-7 in suburban Omaha.

Speakers and presentations are on the four-day agenda, led off on the convention opening banquet by farmer Howard Buffett, son of Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett, and House of Representatives Agriculture Committee member Collin Peterson. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is scheduled Monday morning, along with Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and House Ag Committee member Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.).

Officer elections and award announcements are Tuesday, with a video presentation from Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) on Wednesday before adjournment.

This is the first time Nebraska has served as host for the national convention since 1973. The conference center is at the Interstate 80 exit in southwest Omaha, near Cabela's.



Beginning Farmers, Ranchers and Veterans go to Washington

On Monday, March 5th, several farmers, ranchers and military veterans from Nebraska, Montana, South Dakota and California will travel to Washington D.C to participate in a nationwide fly-in called, “Investing in the next generation of American Farmers and Ranchers” spearheaded by the Center for Rural Affairs and several other organizations. The fly-in will bring several new farmers and ranchers from the Great Plains to Washington for meetings at the USDA and on Capitol Hill regarding the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act, including beginning farmer and rancher provisions in farm bill credit and conservation programs.

"The future of family farming and ranching depends, in large part on beginning farmers and ranchers being able to get started in agriculture. Public policy can and should help beginning producers overcome barriers to entry," said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Policy Director at the Center for Rural Affairs.

According to Bruckner, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act (H.R.3236) encompasses a national strategy for addressing the barriers facing beginning farmers and ranchers, addressing the issues that beginners identify as the greatest challenges.

“This bill makes an important investment in the next generation of farmers, one that far outweighs the minimal cost,” added Bruckner.

Farmers and ranchers from across the country will participate in a briefing, convened by the Center for Rural Affairs, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, California FarmLink and Land Stewardship Project, to share information and personal stories about the challenges they face as well as potential policy solutions with Senators, Representatives, Congressional staff and other interested parties - including members of the media. Participating farmers and ranchers will focus on proposed legislation that addresses barriers to getting into agriculture and invests in fostering a new generation of American family farmers and ranchers through the following:
-    enabling access to land, credit and crop insurance for new producers,
-    assisting new producers in launching new value-added farm and ranch ventures,
-    helping new producers become good stewards of their land,
-    providing training, mentoring and research that beginners need to be successful,
-    conducting outreach opportunities for military veterans to get involved in farming and ranching.



Expanding Nebraska Exports
Governor Dave Heineman

I’m pleased to announce my plans to lead a delegation to China July 28 through Aug. 3. This trade mission will include stops in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, China. It will mark the eleventh trade mission of my administration.

China is a growing export market for Nebraska and it is important that we continue to explore new business opportunities. On this trade mission, we hope to generate new markets for many Nebraska products and our hope is to attract Chinese companies who want to expand into the American market, especially those interested in doing business in Nebraska

It is evident that China is an important trading partner for our state. As Nebraska’s fourth largest trading partner, China is one of the state’s fastest growing markets. Nebraska exports to China have more than doubled during the past five years, with a 36% increase in 2011. Combined exports to China totaled more than $380 million last year, up from nearly $279 million in 2010.

I also want to note that Hong Kong is our sixth largest agricultural trade partner, and Taiwan is our seventh largest. As our exports to Asian countries increase, we want to continue fostering relationships with key importers and government officials.

Trade is becoming an increasingly important topic for our Nebraska businesses and agriculture economy. Nebraska has seen tremendous growth in its exports in recent years. Total exports totaled $7.5 billion in 2011, representing a 31% increase from 2010, and a 19.4% increase from 2009.

Our leading trade partners in 2011 were Canada and Mexico, followed by Japan, China, and South Korea. Of the top five, the percent of export growth between 2009 and 2011 was largest for China and South Korea. China’s annual growth was 34.8% during that time period, while South Korea’s was 52.2%.

There is potential for even more growth in both these markets. That is why the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has been working to cultivate relationships there. For example, in China last year, Nebraska Department of Agriculture and representatives from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln conducted a workshop with Chinese food industry leaders to help them understand the nutritional value of incorporating dry edible beans in common Chinese food products.

In 2010, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Nebraska Beef Council, visited the Chinese Cuisine Training Institute in Hong Kong, a teaching facility for Hong Kong and mainland China chefs. The Institute is using Nebraska beef in its training classes as a way to familiarize future chefs with Nebraska beef and encourage its usage in their future employment.

We are in the early stages of developing relationships in South Korea, but there is great opportunity for growth with the passage last year of the Korean Free Trade Agreement.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Office of International Trade and Investment, works with existing businesses to expand their international marketing efforts as well as foster a business climate conducive to recruiting and supporting international business investment in the state. In 2010, Nebraska products were sold to approximately 180 foreign countries, accounting for over $5.8 billion in export sales, and increase of 60% over the past five years. There were 30,700 export-supported jobs linked to manufacturing and those jobs represented 3.8% of the state’s private sector employment.

Approximately 50% of Nebraska’s exports are agriculture-related products including corn, combines, soybeans, beef, pork, sprayers, hides and skins, veterinary medicine, and soybean meal. In 2011, this represented about $3.8 billion.

I am a strong supporter of expanded trade. Continued interest in exploring trade opportunities with other countries is critical in helping Nebraska expand into new international markets.



NEBRASKA AGRICULTURAL YOUTH INSTITUTE APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) today announced the availability of applications for the 2012 Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI).

“For the past 41 years, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute has provided our state’s youth with an opportunity to explore the agricultural industry, discover future agricultural related career paths, and learn to become an advocate for the agricultural industry,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach.  “NAYI provides the selected delegates the chance to network with current and future agricultural leaders and to strengthen their appreciation for the agriculture industry.”

NAYI is a five-day summer program for current high school juniors and seniors.  The Institute features motivational speakers, discussion on agricultural issues and opportunities, a computer‑simulated farm management game, a formal banquet and a dance.

Interested students have until April 15th to submit their applications.

Annually, the Institute hosts approximately 140 students who are selected based on their leadership skills, interest, and involvement in agriculture.  This year’s theme is “We’re Growing Places.”  The Institute will be held July 9-13 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus.

The Institute is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC), which is comprised of 18 college-age men and women selected by NDA.  NAYC’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth.   

Applications can be obtained from county extension educators, high school guidance counselors, and agricultural education teachers.  Those interested can also contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 800-422-6692 to receive an application, or visit www.agr.ne.gov to download the application. 



Commodity Classic General Session Offers Insight, Inspiration to a Packed House

At the Commodity Classic General Session Friday morning, a packed house of Commodity Classic grower families and others took in informative presentations from sponsor Dow AgroSciences, commodity organization leaders and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.  The event provided insight into the broader political climate affecting farmers as well as inspirational messages to take into the upcoming planting season.

Repeat MC Mark Mayfield opened the presidents' roundtable conducting brief interviews with each participant.  Speaking with National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer, Mayfield asked why so many farmers play an active role in the greater industry and involve their families in doing so.

"Looking out at this audience, you can see that it is all about families for farmers," said Niemeyer, a farmer from Auburn, Ill. "At NCGA, we are working constantly to ensure that our children have the freedom to continue our farming tradition. Right now, we are actively pushing forward through four major educational campaigns including the Corn Farmers Coalition, CommonGround, the American Ethanol-NASCAR partnership and the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance.  While each program seeks to reach a specific office, from bringing the facts about farmers to Capitol Hill to starting conversations about food between urban and farm moms, NCGA actively cultivates an understanding that ensures the broader cultural understanding of and appreciation for agriculture."

Mayfield conducted similar interviews with American Soybean Association President Steve Wellman, National Sorghum Producers President Terry Swanson and National Association of Wheat Growers President Wayne Hurst.  Then, the conversation shifted to a more open format as the presidents discussed questions about the disconnect between public sentiment towards farmers specifically and the overall agricultural industry, ways which farmers can address this gap and the lack of understanding of modern agriculture common in the general public.  In addition to presenting their organization's thoughts on the issues, the discussion offered a glimpse into the many shared concerns and unique issues facing each group.

"We have to make sure that the general public both understands what we are doing and accepts why we do it," said Niemeyer. "Through our campaigns, we have already shifted to an environment that promotes an open dialogue with those outside of agriculture who depend upon us."

For the third consecutive year, Secretary Vilsack addressed attendees of Commodity Classic's General Session on strengthening agriculture and rural economies.  Beginning his address by thanking the farmers in attendance, Vilsack acknowledged the huge contribution agriculture makes to the nation by providing an abundant, affordable food supply.  Transitioning into his broader remarks, Vilsack shared the story of his recent interaction with a farmer and disabled veteran of the Iraq war noting the inspirational passion for agriculture that this Delaware pepper grower shared.

"The first and most important thing that we can do this year is to pass a farm bill and pass it now," said Vilsack. "This job of writing and passing an equitable farm bill is not an easy task, but waiting for 2013 is not going to be any easier.  It is incumbent both upon myself and upon you that we send a clear message to our representatives that we must do this now. "

Vilsack then addressed the principles which must be included in this legislation.  First, he stressed the importance of ensuring farmers have a strong safety net through the crop insurance system.  Noting that crop insurance now only protects to a point, he said that it would be necessary for Congress to bridge the current gaps to provide assistance to those who need it in real time so that they are able to maintain the farm through a crisis.

He then noted that the farm bill must incorporate a commitment to markets by maintaining our export programs.  Last year, he explained that the United States exported nearly $137 billion worth of agricultural goods.  He advocated for the confrontation of trade barriers and maintenance of key relationships with overseas partners.

Vilsack spoke to other important markets for agricultural production emphasizing the incredible potential of the bio-based economy for rural areas, to the importance of stable, well-designed conservation programs and to the need for investment in continued research.

Transitioning from farm bill issues, he acknowledged the importance of credit and tax policy to farmers. Vilsack called for Congress to remove the barriers to farming including land transfer and start-up capital that will help usher in the next generation in agriculture.

Finally, the Secretary spoke to the incredible role that biofuels play in improving our energy and national security.  Pointing to improvements made over the past three years that have reduced U.S. oil imports to their lowest level in many years, Vilsack directly, emphatically spoke to his support of the Renewable Fuel Standard 2.  He noted that White House calls for the increased usage of biofuels would decrease imports of foreign oil by a full 18 percent, the exact amount which is currently imported from Middle Eastern countries.  Vilsack called for support of the industry that could reduce energy dependence on volatile regions.  Calling upon attendees not only to show their support but to help spread the understanding that biofuels currently reduce prices at the pump by one dollar per gallon, he again thanked rural America for its contribution.

The General Session wrapped up on an entertaining and positive note with the musical comedy of country act Brinnon and Marks, whose family-friendly routine pleased the crowd greatly.



Younggren Elected NAWG President

Minnesota wheat farmer Erik Younggren was elected and installed as the National Association of Wheat Growers’ (NAWG’s) 50th president at the Association’s Board of Directors meeting held Saturday.  Younggren farms near Hallock in northwestern Minnesota, where he produces wheat, sugar beets and soybeans in partnership with two cousins.  Prior to becoming a NAWG officer in 2009, Younggren represented the Minnesota Association Wheat Growers on the national association’s board, serving as a member of NAWG’s domestic and trade policy, operations and budget committees. He has also participated in special committees examining crop insurance policy and an upcoming renovation of the Wheat Growers Building, which is owned by the NAWG Foundation.

A fourth-generation farmer, Younggren has involved himself in leadership positions in his local community. Fifteen years ago, he started a business that pioneered broadband Internet service in rural areas. He has also served as a member of his church’s Board of Deacons; on the board of his county economic development committee; and in his local curling club, supporting the popular Northern sport.  Younggren is an alumnus of the wheat industry's training programs, the Wheat Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (WILOT), the Wheat Organization Leaders of the Future (WOLF) program and the Syngenta Leadership at Its Best program. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics from Minnesota State University at Moorhead.  He and his wife, Angela, who runs pet grooming and kennel businesses, have a young daughter.

“Serving the nation’s wheat growers is an honor and a privilege,” Younggren said. “I know we are going to hit the ground running this year, and I look forward to the challenge. Active participation on the national level is more important now than ever before.”

Other members of NAWG’s officer corps elected Saturday include:
•    Bing Von Bergen, Moccasin, Mont., first vice president;
•    Paul Penner, Hillsboro, Kan., second vice president;
•    Brett Blankenship, Washtucna, Wash., secretary-treasurer; and
•    Wayne Hurst, Burley, Idaho, immediate past president.

NAWG’s officers typically commit to serve for five years when they are selected for the role of secretary-treasurer, though they must be reviewed and nominated by the NAWG Nominating Committee and approved by the NAWG Board of Directors before each year of service.



Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New Conservation Reserve Program Initiative to Restore Grasslands, Wetlands and Wildlife

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Friday announced the opportunity for producers to enroll a total of 1 million acres of land in a new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) initiative to preserve grasslands and wetlands. Vilsack will highlight the announcement later today at the Interior Department during the White House Growing America's Outdoor Heritage and Economy conference, which emphasizes the link between conservation and strong local economies through tourism, outdoor recreation, and healthy lands, waters and wildlife. The conference has attracted boaters, hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers, land conservationists, historic preservationists, outdoor recreationists, small business owners, local governments, tribal leaders and others from across the 50 United States to discuss ways to spur and support successful conservation projects around the nation.

USDA's CRP has a 25-year legacy of successfully protecting the nation's natural resources through voluntary participation, while providing significant economic and environmental benefits to rural communities across the United States. Under the Obama Administration, USDA has enrolled more than 8 million acres in CRP. The goal of the new CRP grasslands and wetlands initiative is to increase enrollment of environmentally sensitive land through targeted signups. USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers CRP, will set aside acres within the 32-million acre program for specific enrollments that benefit duck nesting habitat, upland birds, wetlands, pollinators and wildlife.

"By focusing 1 million acres of CRP on grasslands and wetlands, this initiative will have enormous benefits for farmers, sportsmen, and all Americans," said Vilsack. "CRP is one of our nation's most valuable and vital conservation efforts, ensuring cleaner air and water, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing economic opportunity in rural America by supporting recreation and tourism. With high crop prices, this approach to target our most sensitive lands is essential if we want to maintain the substantial benefits of CRP while ensuring that productive farm lands continue to produce the food and fiber Americans and the world needs."

Rather than wait for a general sign-up (the process under which most CRP acres are enrolled), producers whose land meet eligibility criteria can enroll directly in this "continuous" category at any time. Some of the changes brought on by the expansion will take place immediately and some will be initiated in the coming months. Changes include:

New Continuous Pollinator Practice – 100,000 additional acres
A new continuous practice to permit producers to develop pollinator habitat for many pollinator species.

Increase Acreage for Wetland Restoration – 200,000 additional acres
Two practices will expand that are designed to restore wetlands that are both within a 100-year floodplain and outside of a100-year floodplain. Last year's floods were a strong reminder of the value of wetlands in absorbing storm water and slowing run-off.

Restoration of Critical Grassland Ecosystems
This initiative targets areas that can restore important habitats to protect threatened and/or endangered species, candidate species, or species of significant social/economic importance. The restoration work would be done through the following existing practices and sub-initiatives:

Increase Acreage for SAFE – 400,000 additional acres
SAFE practices provide the flexibility to meet the specific needs of high-value wildlife species in a participating state or region through higher-quality habitat. SAFE projects would be developed at the state and local level.

Increase Acreage for Duck Nesting Habitat – 150,000 additional acres
Restores wetlands and develops nesting habitat in areas deemed as the most critical waterfowl areas. Currently, there are 175,000 acres enrolled in this practice.

Increase Acreage for Upland Bird Habitat Buffers – 150,000 additional acres
Provides extremely valuable habitat for upland birds such as quail and pheasants. Currently, there are 244,000 acres enrolled in this initiative.

Provide Greater Incentives for Continuous CRP
To encourage producers to sign up their most environmentally valuable acres FSA will increase the Signing Incentive Payments (SIPs) to $150 per acre from the current level of $100 per acre. The incentive is offered on most continuous practices and will include wetland restorations, pollinators and upland bird habitat.

Recently, USDA announced two additional CRP sign-ups: a four-week general sign-up beginning on March 12 and ending on April 6; and a continuous sign-up for Highly Erodible Cropland beginning this summer, which seeks to protect the nation's most environmentally sensitive lands. The Highly Erodible Cropland initiative permits landowners to enroll up to 750,000 acres of land with an Erodibility Index (EI) of 20 or greater.

Currently, about 30 million acres are enrolled in CRP. Contracts on an estimated 6.5 million acres will expire on Sept. 30, 2012.

Over the past 25 years, farmers, ranchers, conservationists, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts have made CRP the largest and one of the most important in USDA's conservation portfolio. CRP is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers to help them use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion and develop wildlife habitat. In return, USDA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years. Producers with expiring contracts and producers with environmentally sensitive land are encouraged to evaluate their options under CRP. Producers also are encouraged to look into CRP's other enrollment opportunities offered on a continuous, non-competitive, signup basis.

Highlights of CRP include:
CRP prevents the erosion of 325 million tons of soil each year, or enough soil to fill 19.5 million dump trucks; CRP has restored more than two million acres of wetlands and two million acres of riparian buffers; Each year, CRP keeps more than 600 million pounds of nitrogen and more than 100 million pounds of phosphorous from flowing into our nation's streams, rivers, and lakes; CRP provides $1.8 billion annually to landowners-dollars that make their way into local economies, supporting small businesses and creating jobs; and CRP is the largest private lands carbon sequestration program in the country. By placing vulnerable cropland into conservation, CRP sequesters carbon in plants and soil, and reduces both fuel and fertilizer usage. In 2010, CRP resulted in carbon sequestration equal to taking almost 10 million cars off the road.



Informa Cuts Brazil Soy Estimates

Private analytical firm Informa Economics on Friday lowered its outlook for the Brazilian soybean harvests.  Informa cut its forecast for soybean output in Brazil, the world's second-largest producer of the oilseed, because of dry conditions stressing soybeans as they were blooming and filling pods in the southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul in February.

The closely watched agricultural forecaster lowered its estimate for Brazil's soybean crop to 68 million tons from its previous estimate of 70 million tons, traders said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture last month projected the crop at 72 million tons.

Informa also cut its forecast for Paraguay soybean output by 2.4 million tons from last month to 4 million, traders said.

Tempering the reductions in Brazil and Paraguay soybean crop estimates was Informa's 1-million-ton increase in Argentina's soybean crop estimate to 47.5 million tons, traders said. USDA's February estimate was 48 million tons.

Informa forecast Brazil corn production at 61.5 million tons, unchanged from its previous estimate.  Informa pegged corn production in Argentina, the world's second-largest corn exporter, at 22.5 million tons, unchanged from its previous estimate and above USDA's February estimate of 22 million tons.

USDA is scheduled to release updated figures on Friday, March 9, at 8:30 a.m. EST.



Weights and Measures Week is March 1-7 in Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today highlighted the work of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Weights and Measures Bureau ahead of National Weights and Measures Week, which runs from March 1 to 7. The Department's Weights and Measures Bureau is responsible to inspect each of Iowa's 38,925 fuel pumps and 19,272 commercial scales.

"At times we can take for granted that the gas pumps or scales we use so frequently are fair and accurate, and it is the responsibility of our Weights and Measures Bureau to make sure that is the case," Northey said. "Even a small inaccuracy over time can have a profound impact and it is important that our inspectors are out there looking out for consumers, supplier, manufacturer, and store owners to make sure they are all being treated fairly."

The Department's Weights and Measures Bureau, which was created in 1923, touches virtually every man, woman, and child in Iowa. Inspectors conduct mandated inspections of gas pumps, counter scales, large scales (truck, railroad, livestock, hopper, and platform scales) and mass flow meters. The Department has also responsible for the inspection and certification of grain moisture meters.

Weights and Measures staff also investigates complaints to ensure consumer protection and protect fair competition. This entails ensuring fuel quantity, (i.e. pump accuracy), and fuel quality (i.e. octane and ethanol blends). The complaints are fielded and investigated by the bureau and resulting samples are submitted for analysis.

The effect of even small inaccuracies by fuel pumps or scales is has the potential to be tremendous. In 2011 over 1.5 billion gallons of gasoline were sold in Iowa through fuel pumps licensed by the Department with a value of approximately $6.9 billion. As a result the cost of even a 1 percent error is $69 million.

"The work of our Weights and Measures Bureau remains vitally important as they seek to protect customers and make sure Iowans get all that they pay for," Northey said. "National Weights and Measures week is a great opportunity to highlight this important work."



USDA Dairy Products January 2012 Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 912 million pounds, 2.9 percent above January 2011 but 1.9 percent below December 2011.  Italian type cheese production totaled 397 million pounds, 2.3 percent above January 2011 but 2.8 percent below December 2011.  American type cheese production totaled 371 million pounds, 3.1 percent above January 2011 and slightly above December 2011.  Butter production was 181 million pounds, 8.5 percent above January 2011 and 9.0 percent above December 2011.

Dry milk powders  (comparisons with January 2011)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 153 million pounds, up 30.6 percent.
Skim milk powders - 39.7 million pounds, down 1 percent.

Whey products  (comparisons with January 2011)
Dry whey, total - 95.1 million pounds, up 4.4 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 87.7 million pounds, up 7.7 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 38.4 million pounds, up 10.0 percent.

Frozen products  (comparisons with January 2011)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 55.0 million gallons, down 1.6 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 28.6 million gallons, up 20.0 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.03 million gallons, down 4.9 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.43 million gallons, down 4.9 percent.



Ethanol, farm groups file brief supporting court-ordered injunction on California LCFS

A coalition of national ethanol groups, along with California and Midwest farming groups, filed a brief urging the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a court-ordered injunction on the California Air Resource Board’s low-carbon fuel standard.  The coalition includes Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association.

At issue is California’s request for a stay of the injunction issued by District Court Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill when he ruled in December that the new fuel regulation issued by CARB violated the Commerce Clause and was therefore unconstitutional.

RFA and Growth Energy brought this challenge in 2009 because California was penalizing Midwest ethanol producers based on where they are located, the production processes they use, and how farmers grow corn.  California is using its leverage as the largest single state in the U.S. ethanol market to try to force producers in other states to reduce emissions in those states—not California.  The Commerce Clause forbids regulations like the LCFS, where one state tries to regulate activity in another state, and which put a thumb on the scale in favor of in-state business.  The LCFS also interferes with Congress’s objectives in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and is preempted.

In the brief filed Thursday night with the Ninth Circuit, RFA and Growth Energy argue that staying Judge O’Neill’s injunction would harm and disrupt the Midwest ethanol industry, but would not appreciably advance the goals of the LCFS.  Growth Energy and RFA provided extensive evidence that Midwest ethanol producers have already been shut out of the California market, and that the LCFS has caused inefficient “shuffling” of fuel previously sold in California to other markets, and vice-versa.  While the LCFS has come at great cost to the ethanol industry, it has produced no environmental benefits.

Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis and RFA CEO Bob Dinneen issued a joint statement to the press in response to questions about the case:

“We are hopeful that the Ninth Circuit Court will see the merits of our argument to uphold Judge O’Neill’s injunction. Ultimately, we believe California’s low carbon fuel standard should be designed and implemented in a fair and legal manner. If we are going to have a low-carbon society, we need to have a low-carbon fuel. Ethanol is the only commercially-viable, low-carbon fuel we have today.”

The two ethanol associations joined in December 2009 to file a lawsuit seeking to stop the LCFS because it would discriminate against Midwest ethanol producers, blocking them from selling clean, renewable ethanol into the California market.



Deere to Expand Waterloo Manufacturing Capacity

Deere & Company said it will invest $70 million to expand the manufacturing capacity in its Waterloo, Iowa operations, where the company builds large farm tractors that are used around the world. Deere has previously reported strong demand for large tractors and said the investments announced today will increase the number of tractors Deere can build in Waterloo by the middle of 2013.

"Through this initiative, we will increase our manufacturing flexibility and speed," said David Everitt, president of the Worldwide Agricultural & Turf Equipment division. "The market demand John Deere has experienced for large agricultural equipment has remained strong for several years. We believe the time is right to invest in our facilities to meet future demand for the large John Deere tractors that help our customers meet the world's growing demand for food."

The $70 million investment will increase capacity by more than 10 percent. Once the improvements announced today are completed, enhancements to John Deere facilities in Waterloo since 2002 will have increased manufacturing capacity for large tractors by more than 50 percent.

"The John Deere Waterloo Works are an important part of the company's global manufacturing strategy," Everitt said. "Not only does Waterloo produce whole goods in the form of the large tractors, the operations also manufacture components that are used in John Deere machines built at other facilities."

Tractors built in Waterloo are shipped to more than 130 countries each year and are used by the most productive agricultural producers in North America and around the world. Approximately 6,000 individuals are employed in John Deere's various Waterloo operations. Today's investment is not expected to add manufacturing jobs.



Over 12,000 MFG Claims Deemed Valid

The trustee for MF Global's fallen brokerage said he is nearly halfway through the process of determining the validity of more than 25,000 claims from commodities customers burned by MF Global's collapse.  Trustee James Giddens said in a court filing on Friday he has deemed 12,143 claims valid, denying only three. He has another 13,000 claims to get through, according to the filing.

Deeming a claim valid legitimizes the claim itself, but does not guarantee full payback. Giddens will decide to what extent he can make payouts on claims after he finishes determining their validity, according to the filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan.

Most commodities customers have already received payouts of roughly 72 percent of the value of their accounts, which were frozen when the brokerage's parent, MF Global Holdings Ltd, declared bankruptcy on Oct. 31.  Some claims, Giddens said, were deemed only partially valid, though on average they have been allowed so far at 98 percent of their claimed value.

The trustee said he has also received 841 claims from MF Global's securities customers, but did not say whether he has made decisions on their validity.



AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY ENGINEERS URGES FARMS TO INVEST IN SAFETY PROGRAMS/PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT INJURIES AND ILLNESSES TO WORKERS, CHILDREN

Safety needs to be the main ingredient in helping  keep farms and ranches safe for farmers, family members including children, and employees,  American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) Agriculture Branch Chair said today as the March 4-10 Agriculture Safety Awareness Week begins.  As part of the safety week, ASSE members are offering agriculture safety and health tips on-line at http://www.asse.org/newsroom/safetytips/farmsafetytips.php . 

ASSE Agriculture Branch Chair and President of the Chesapeake Chapter Mike Wolf, CSP, said, “Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S.  Farming is the only industry that regularly has young workers and children present and it is critical that everyone working in or around farms is aware of the risks, hazards and ways to avoid injury and illness in these types of settings.  Installing rollover protection on tractors and ensuring all farm workers and children are educated on farm safety practices is critical to reducing farm-related fatalities.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2009, approximately 1,783,000 full-time workers were employed in the agriculture industry in the U.S.  During the same year, 440 farmers and farm workers died from work-related injuries, resulting in a fatality rate of 24.7 deaths per 100,000 workers.  Each day, approximately 243 agricultural workers suffer lost-time injuries, with five percent of these resulting in permanent impairments, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  The leading cause of fatal farm injuries was tractor overturns, which accounts for more than 90 deaths annually.

Rollover protection structures (ROPS) are important to reducing risk when it comes to tractor fatalities, noted Wolf.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) supports the theory that ROPS and proper seatbelt use on tractors can help eliminate fatalities by reducing risk of being thrown from the tractor, or crushed in a rollover incident.  ROPS can be retrofitted onto older tractors to increase safety of such machines. Many companies provide engineer-certified ROPS for purchase and installation.

Most farms do not fall under the auspices of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations. Hence, ASSE urges farmers to train workers, including young farmers, in all aspects of farming risks and safety.   Machinery, motor vehicles and drowning were the causes of most of the fatal incidents involving children on U.S. farms and ranches.  In 2009, an estimated 16,100 children and adolescents were injured on farms, with 3,400 of these injuries due to farm work.  On average, 113 youth less than 20 years of age die annually from farm-related injuries, with most of these deaths occurring among youth 16-19 years of age.

A major agriculture safety risk, aaccording to OSHA, is grain handling. Workers can be exposed to risks such as fires and explosions, suffocate from engulfment and entrapment in grain bins, falls from heights, and crushing or amputation injuries from grain handling equipment. In 2010, 51 workers were engulfed by grain storage in bins and 26 of those trapped lost their lives. This type of tragedy can occur when workers walk on moving grain, which acts like quicksand according to OSHA, or when they attempt to clear grain bins. Moving grain can bury a worker in seconds. Grain dust explosions are also a high-risk element of working with grain as it is combustible and will burn or explode if exposed to an ignition source.

Electrical safety is another major hazard on farms, noted Wolf.  Regular electrical inspections are necessary to prevent accidents due to malfunctioning or old electrical equipment. Harvest season is the best time to inspect all machinery and electrical equipment, including clearing outlets, lighting, electrical panels and equipment from obstructions or debris.  One should check to make sure wires have not been affected by mice or other animals and carefully examine all connections.

To learn more about agricultural safety and health and to view ASSE’s farm safety facts for rural areas, farm safety and health tips and farm safety tips for young workers, visit www.asse.org/newsroom.  For more information about ASSE’s Practice Specialty Agricultural Branch, visit www.asse.org/practicespecialties/ag-safety.