Monday April 16 Ag News

USDA to Delay Crop Progress Report

U.S. Department of Agriculture will delay issuing its crop progress report on plantings of corn and other crops, likely until Tuesday, due to a server outage after a small electrical fire, a USDA press officer said Monday.  The crop progress report, originally scheduled for release at 3pm CDT, won't come out Monday as data for the report still must be processed once the servers come back online, said Alex Minchenkov, a press officer at USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

NASS will still issue reports on potato stocks, turkey hatchery data and commercial hatchery production on time on Monday pending resolution of the server issues, Minchenkov said.  The crop progress report from NASS, issued weekly during the growing season, lists planting progress and overall condition of crops like corn and wheat in major producing states.



Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter Captures State Ag Demo Champion Honors

Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter was a competitive force to be dealt with during the 84th Annual State FFA Convention held March 28-30, 2012.  Contests at State FFA Convention are divided into two different categories.  Leadership Skills Events focus on leadership development, having 12 different areas of competition and are held at the Cornhusker Hotel.  Career Development Contests are held on the University of Nebraska’s East Campus and focus on knowledge and skills related to Agriculture.  The theme for this year’s convention was “I Believe”.  State FFA Convention is a time for members to test their skills and knowledge and further develop their leadership skills.  The Agricultural Education program prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.

Wisner Pilger was honored to have four individual speakers and the Ag demonstration team competing in the Leadership Skills Events.  The Senior Ag Demonstration Team of Latham Fullner, Dixon Godbersen, Nick Marx, and Nathan Vesley won Grand Champion honors and gold medal plaque in the contest with their demonstration “Planting the Seeds of Success” where they demonstrated how to test for operating accuracy a finger meter plate. They demonstrated how testing and repairing the finger plates can improve the accuracy of the planting process and increasing yield and income with the equipment that you currently own.  Preparation for their demonstration was support by Chris Ruskamp of Ruskamp Seed in Beemer.  Twenty-one teams were in the contest and all had to win their district competitions to be eligible to compete.  The teams practiced before the start of school each morning for three weeks prior to the state convention preparing for the competition. The Ag Demonstration Contest is keenly competitive and is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.  This is the first time since 1999 when the Wisner Pilger FFA of David Heftie, Easton Eggers and David Schroeder won the state FFA Ag Demo contest.  

Makenzie Kalkowski represented the chapter in the State Cooperative Speaking Contest.  The title for Makenzie’s speech was “Cooperatives:  The Answer for our Forefathers, An answer for the Future of Nebraska”.  Makenzie qualified to compete with 24 other members mostly Juniors and Seniors from across the state by winning the District III Contest last November.   Thursday Makenzie finished as one of four top speakers in the contest and competed again on Friday for first in the very prestigious contest.   Makenzie was honored to earn the fourth place gold medal in the State Cooperative Speaking Contest.  The Cooperative Speaking Contest is sponsored by Nebraska Cooperative Council.

Erica Lewis also competed in the Cooperative Speaking Contest representing District III in the state contest.  The title of her speech was “Cooperatives: their Role and Effect on Our Economy”.  Following her presentation she answered questions about cooperatives and their operation testing her depth of knowledge related to cooperatives.  Erica was presented with a silver medal for her presentation during the ceremonies at Pershing Auditorium.

Callie Albers represented the Chapter and District III in the Senior Public Speaking Contest sponsored by Channel Bio.  Her speech title was “Food verse Fuel has the Debate Grown Cold”.  Following her presentations she answered questions from the panel of three judges who tested her depth of knowledge on her topic.  Callie competed with 24 other members from across the state who all had won their District’s Contests.  Callie earned a bronze medal in the State Senior Public Speaking Contest. 

Emilee Peterson a Junior member of the Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter competed in the State FFA Extemporaneous Speaking Contest.  Emilee drew the topic of “Impact that Agriculture as on the health of the U. S. Economy”.  She then had 30 minutes to prepare and present a four to six minute presentation.  Emilee earned a bronze medal in the state contest competing against 24 other FFA members who had won their District Contests to become eligible for the State Contest.  The State Contest is sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Brahmer Wins State Grain Production FFA Proficiency Award
Alex Brahmer a member of the Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter was named top State FFA Proficiency Award winner at the State FFA Convention held in Lincoln.  Alex won first place in the Fiber and /or Oil Crop Production Placement Proficiency Award.  Alex is the first Wisner Pilger FFA member to win a State FFA Fiber or Oil Production Proficiency Award.  The Nebraska Soybean Association sponsors the award and they awarded Alex a plaque and $100.00, which were awarded on the stage at Pershing Auditorium.  Over 3,000 FFA members were present for the award ceremony.

    Brahmer interviewed with the other finalist to win the top proficiency award in the State.  Now Alex’s Fiber and/or Oil Production award application will compete against other winners in the North Central Region for national recognition.  One person from each of the four national FFA regions will be selected as a national finalist.  The four national finalists will receive a plague, a $250.00 check and travel expenses to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in October.  The national winner will receive an additional $750 check, and the opportunity to participate in the International Travel Seminar. 
   
    Alex is the son of Dwight and Chris Brahmer. Through his Fiber and/or Oil Production Placement Supervised Agricultural Experiences projects Alex has developed many skills in the grain production industry in Cuming County.  He has developed skills in the diversified grain production working for Brahmer Farms. He has also incorporated into his SAE experience skills and knowledge developed in his Ag Education classes at Wisner Pilger High School.  He has taken many responsibilities in the planting, management, harvesting and marketing of the FFA Chapter’s grain test plots.  His favorite activity has been land judging where he received second place individual at the State Contest held near Walbach in 2009 and competed in the National FFA Land Judging Contest in Oklahoma City in May 2010. This is the second State FFA Proficiency Award that Alex has on won, winning Grain Production Placement in 2011.

Alex served as the 2010-2011 president of the FFA Chapter and leads our chapter in many projects. During his Junior year, Alex served the Chapter as its Historian.  Alex has earned the right to compete in the State FFA Extemporaneous contest two years and at State FFA as a member of the 2011 Ag Demo Team.   The title of the Ag Demo was “War on Wasted Water”.  During the development of the Ag Demo he developed many skills and knowledge on water management related to crop production and soil and water management.   He has competed in district and state contests including:   Agri-Science, Farm Management, Agronomy, and Meats Judging. He also attended leadership skill development conferences including:  Chapter Officer Leadership Training, Washington Leadership Conference, and State and National Conventions. Alex is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Agronomy with emphasis in Soil Management.

           Micah Fullner, Sarah Herzinger, and Ryan Schroeder, members of the Wisner-Pilger FFA Chapter, were also named one of three top individuals in the FFA Proficiency Awards and interviewed during the State FFA Convention held in Lincoln. They interviewed with the other three finalists to win the top proficiency in the State. Members had the opportunity to continue to strengthen their experiences and records in their area competing each year until they turn 20.
        
          Micah Fullner, son of Terry and Judy Fullner, won third place honors in Grain Production – Placement which is sponsored by the Aurora Co-op.  Micah’s SAE project has been in the area of Grain Production Placement and has consisted of working on the family farm. He has been very active throughout his FFA career by excelling in Land Judging, Farm Management, Ag Mechanics, Food Science, and Agronomy. He has also attended National Land Judging and State Convention. Micah has also been a part of other programs at Wisner-Pilger high school such as football, basketball, track, quiz bowl, and National Honor Society. Micah plans to attend the University of Nebraska- Lincoln next fall and major in Agribusiness.

          Sarah Herzinger, daugher of Mark and Louise Herzinger, won third place honors in the Wildlife Management and Production area which is sponsored by Nebraska Pheasants Forever and Nebraska Quail Forever. Sarah's skills include planting and providing wildlife habitat on her family's farm. Throughout her project she has learned how to manage and operate a trap line to remove unwanted predators in her area while increasing wildlife populations.

          Sarah's leadership project activities include: State Convention, local and district competitions, Junior Parliamentary Procedure, labor auction, chapter fruit sales, Natural Resource Speech, and land judging. Sarah's Career Development Events have included: Agriscience, were she received 12th place individual honors, a purple ribbon, and helped her team receive 2nd place honors and a purple ribbon. In 2012 she competed in Meats Judging earning a purple ribbon individually and she helped her team earn third place honors.

          Ryan Schroeder also placed in the top three individuals in the state in the Agriscience Research - Animals Systems. Ryan is the son of Todd and Holly Schroeder. Ryan’s project is an environmental study measuring the soil surface temperature feedlot pens during the month of July which is typically the hottest month with the highest humidity levels.  He measured the temperatures five times a day in areas where the Shade All@ manufactured by West Point Design were installed and in full sun areas of the same pens.  He also documented cattle movement within the pens.   Ryan is a Freshman in the FFA Chapter earning his Greenhand degree in November and represented the Chapter in the District Creed Speaking Contest winning a purple ribbon as was named as first alternate to the state contest.  He played basketball and is on the golf team and academically is on the honor roll.

          Brahmer, Fullner, Herzinger, and Schroeder along with many other Wisner-Pilger FFA members completed their award application in February. Winning top honors in their respective areas in the Chapter many members went to win the District FFA Competition. Completing in the State FFA Proficiency Award Contest were Erica Lewis- Food Science and Technology, Michael Liermann- Agriscience Research, and Devon Dixon- Wildlife Production and Management.



Field Crop Scout Training Offered in May

A May 8 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension crop scout training course will provide crop scouts an opportunity to enhance their skills.

The training is designed for entry level scouts who will be working for crop consultants, industry agronomists or farm service centers across Nebraska and neighboring states, said Keith Glewen, UNL Extension educator.

The course is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with registration at 8:30 a.m. at the university's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

"Past participants have consistently given the training high marks and state that the knowledge gained from attending improved their scouting skills," Glewen said.

Topics include: how corn and soybean plants grow and develop, soybean and corn insect management, insect quiz, identifying weeds -- plant morphology, using a key to identify weed seedlings, crop diseases and quiz, and nutrient deficiencies.

"Some of the benefits registrants stated the training provided included practical/working knowledge and better accuracy in field scouting," Glewen said. "Other participants appreciated the hands-on, practical format."

Cost is $125. Fees include lunch, refreshment breaks, workshop materials and instruction manual. Registrants should preregister to reserve their seat and to ensure workshop materials are available the day of the training session. Updated reference materials are included in this year's take home instruction manual.

A total of 5.5 Certified Crop Advisor Continuing Education Units is anticipated in the integrated pest management (4.0), crop management (1.0) and fertility/nutrient management (.5) categories.

For more information or to register, contact the ARDC, CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, Neb., 68033, call 402-624-8000, fax 402-624-8010, email cdunbar2@unl.edu or visit http://ardc.unl.edu/cmdc.shtml.

The training is part of the UNL Extension Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics and is sponsored by extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Additional diagnostic clinics include: Mid-Summer Diagnostic Clinic -- July 17; Mid-Summer Diagnostic Clinic -- July 18; and Late Season Diagnostic Clinic -- Aug. 30.



UNL Extension Announces Pesticide Container Recycling Dates

Two million pounds of plastic pesticide containers no longer threaten Nebraska's environment and landscape.

That's the amount of empty, plastic pesticide containers a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program has helped collect and recycle from across Nebraska over the past 20 years.

"We're going to keep adding to that total as this very successful and collaborative program begins its 21st year," said UNL pesticide safety educator Clyde Ogg, who coordinates the program for the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The UNL program helps recycle 1- and 2.5-gallon plastic pesticide containers and 15-, 30- and 55-gallon plastic crop protection chemical drums.

"These are farm and ranch pesticide containers that might otherwise end up stored in barns or sheds or be improperly disposed of by casting them aside on creek banks or burning them," Ogg said. "The program's primary message has always been that it benefits everyone to find simple, cost-effective and cooperative ways to help properly dispose of these containers and keep them out of the environment and that message has been widely embraced."

Plastic from collected containers is turned into industrial and consumer products like shipping pallets, drain tile, dimension lumber and parking lot tire bumpers. Last year, the UNL program helped recycle about 35 tons of containers. A full list of recycling sites, guidelines and program information and details is on UNL's Pesticide Safety Education Program Web site at http://pested.unl.edu/recycling.

"Most of the (collection) sites are at agricultural chemical dealerships or community recycling centers, which volunteer to take on this additional responsibility," he said.

The program accepts pressure-rinsed or triple-rinsed 1- and 2.5-gallon plastic pesticide containers. They must be clean and drained, inside and out. Caps, labels and slipcover plastic labels must be removed since they cannot be recycled as part of the program. They should be disposed of as solid waste.

Of the 42 sites involved in the program, 26 accept 15-, 30- and 55-gallon plastic crop protection chemical, crop oil and adjuvant drums. These drums must be thoroughly rinsed before delivery to collection sites and should not be cut or opened in any way. Mini-bulk, saddle tanks and nurse tanks, which can be made of fiberglass or plastics not compatible with the recycling program, are not accepted.

Ten sites collect year-round, 12 collect May through August, 14 collect on specific dates and six are by appointment only.

Before delivery to collection sites, containers and drums should be cleaned, rinsed and drained. Rinsate should be returned to the spray tank. Remove and properly dispose of booklets and caps from containers and remove and properly dispose of plastic shrink-wraps. Glued-on paper labels can be left on the container.

Program funding is by a national coalition of agri-chemical manufacturers through the Agricultural Container Recycling Council, Washington, D.C.

County collection sites, by category, are listed below. Sites accepting 15-, 30- and 55-gallon plastic drums are noted.

Year-around collection sites:
Buffalo: Kearney Recycling Center, Kearney, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Burt: Helena Chemical Company, Oakland, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Cuming: West Point Transfer Station, West Point, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Dawes: Solid Waste Association of Northwest Nebraska, Chadron, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dawson: All Points Cooperative, Lexington, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; accepts drums.
Knox: Central Valley Ag, Bloomfield, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lincoln: City of North Platte Transfer Station, North Platte, Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Scotts Bluff: Gering Landfill, Gering, Normal Business Hours; accepts drums.
Washington: Washington Recycling Center, Blair, Saturday 8 a.m. to noon; accepts drums.
Wayne: Central Valley Ag, Wayne, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May-August collection sites:
Antelope: Central Valley Ag, Brunswick, Clearwater, Elgin, Neligh and Tilden; accepts drums.
Gage: Crop Production Services; accepts drums, Southeast Nebraska Cooperative, Beatrice.
Holt: Central Valley Ag, O'Neill; accepts drums.
Saunders: Frontier Cooperative, Mead; accepts drums, Crop Production Services, Ashland, and Reid's Farmacy, Ashland.
Stanton: Farmers Cooperative, Pilger; accepts drums.

Sites collecting pesticide containers on specific days:
Cass: Midwest Farmers Co-op, Greenwood, July 2-6, 8-5 p.m., Midwest Farmers Coop, Nehawka, July 13-17, 8-5 p.m.; accepts drums.
Clay: Cooperative Producers Inc., Sutton, Aug. 16 and 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; accepts drums.
Dakota: Central Valley Ag, Emerson, June and July, Wednesdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m (except holidays); Central Valley Ag, South Sioux City, June and July, Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon (except holidays); both sites accept drums.
Dixon: Central Valley Ag., Newcastle, May 10 and 24, June 7 and 21, July 5 & 19, Aug. 9 and 23, 8 a.m. to noon. Central Valley Ag., Wakefield, June 6 and 20, July 11 and 25, Aug. 10, 1-4 p.m.
Hamilton: Cooperative Producers Inc., Giltner, Aug. 1 and 2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m, Aurora Cooperative, Aurora, July 23-27, 8-5 p.m.
Kearney: Cooperative Producers Inc., Minden, Aug. 7-9, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; accepts drums.
Lancaster: Farmers Cooperative Co., Bennet, July 27, 9 a.m. to noon; Farmers Cooperative Co., Waverly, June 22, 9 a.m. to noon; both sites accept drums.
Otoe: Midwest Farmers Cooperative, Syracuse, July 20-24, 8-5 p.m., Nebraska City, July 27- 31, 8-5 p.m.; both sites collect drums.

Sites collecting pesticide containers by appointment only:
Cass: Wiles Bros. Fertilizer Inc, Plattsmouth, (402) 298-8550; accepts drums.
Custer: Custer County Recycling Center, Broken Bow, (308) 870-0313; accepts drums.
Gage: Farmers Cooperative, Odell, (402) 766-4145; accepts drums.
Lancaster: Lancaster County Extension Office, Lincoln, (402) 441-7180; accepts drums.
Phelps: CHS Agri Services, Holdrege, (308) 995-5511.
Sarpy: Farmers Co-op, Gretna, (402) 332-3315.



Dying Should Not Be A Taxable Event
Senator Mike Johanns

We have all experienced the pain of losing a loved one. The grieving process can be difficult, if not overwhelming. It is often worsened by a federal tax that is an unreasonable extra burden and bad policy. I believe the "death tax," as it is often called, should be repealed. This tax hits rural and farm families disproportionately and in some cases forces families to sell farms and ranches just to pay Uncle Sam.

The federal government levies this tax – between 18 and 35 percent depending on the value of the property – on an estate when the owner dies and family members inherit the estate. Under current law, all estates valued under $5 million are exempt from the tax this year. While that may sound like a lot, it is not uncommon for local family businesses or farms and ranches to be valued at this level and higher. Those who inherit such property must often borrow to pay the tax, sell assets, or sell the inherited property altogether.

Making matters worse, the estate tax is set to increase to 55 percent in 2013, with the exemption falling to $1 million dollars. This will hit substantially more family farms, ranches, and small businesses throughout Nebraska and the country. With our economy still struggling to right itself, with many still looking for work, and with many trying to keep their businesses afloat, allowing this tax increase is irresponsible and would be devastating for many asking the government to stop erecting roadblocks along the path to recovery.

Having been a mayor, governor and the Secretary of Agriculture, I am acutely aware of the damage the estate tax can have on families, small businesses and farms. Over the years, I've met with many citizens worried they will be forced to sell the family farm or business because of this onerous tax. Imagine being forced to sell your family's livelihood solely to afford a tax; or imagine your job disappearing because the federal government drove your boss into liquidation.

Dying should not be a taxable event and Americans should not be forced to sell the family home, business, farm or ranch just to pay for more government spending. Whether farmers or business owners, employees or entrepreneurs, those who have worked to create a better life for their children should be able to pass down the fruits of their labor without penalty.

I've signed on to legislation to repeal this tax and fix this problem. This bill already has more than 30 cosponsors. According to one study, this repeal could create 1.5 million additional small business jobs and decrease the national unemployment rate by nearly one percent.

It's not right for grieving Americans to pay a tax on top of the pain of losing a loved one. I will advocate for this bill until it is passed by Congress and becomes law. Being rewarded, not penalized, for hard work and success has always been central to American life. It should stay that way.



ASA Joins Ag Community in Urging Estate Tax Action Before End of Year

The American Soybean Association (ASA) joined counterparts from the commodity, dairy, livestock and specialty crop industries in urging the House and Senate to enact legislation before the end of the year to provide permanent and meaningful estate tax relief. ASA supports permanently keeping the current exemption at $5 million per person and retaining the top rate of 35 percent. ASA believes it is also imperative that the permanent estate tax law index the exemption to inflation, provide for spousal transfers, and include the stepped-up basis.

If Congress does not take action on ASA’s recommendations before the end of the year, the exemption will drop to $1 million and the top tax rate above the exclusion amount will increase to 55 percent.

“If estate taxes are allowed to be reinstated at the beginning of 2013 with only a $1 million
exemption and top rate of 55 percent, the negative impact on our industry will be significant,” stated the groups. “The 2013 change to the estate tax law does a disservice to agriculture because we are a land-based, capital-intensive industry with few options for paying estate taxes when they come due. The current state of our economy, coupled with the uncertain nature of estate tax liabilities, makes it difficult for family-owned farms and ranches to make sound business decisions.”

In letters to both chambers Friday, ASA encouraged Congress to show its support for “permanent and meaningful estate tax relief” with the cosponsorship of bills reforming the estate tax. In the House, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) has introduced the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act (H.R. 1259), while Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) has advanced the counterpart Senate bill of the same name (S. 2242).

“This action will strengthen the business climate for farm and ranch families while ensuring agricultural businesses can be passed to future generations,” continued the groups. “Allowing estate taxes to be reinstated without an exemption and rate that protects family farms puts many operations at risk and threatens succession to the next generation of farmers.”

Implementation of Free Trade Agreement with Colombia Draws Praise from ASA
The American Soybean Association (ASA) cheers the upcoming implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which will take effect May 15. ASA congratulates President Barack Obama, President Juan Manuel Santos, and the governments of the U.S. and Colombia for working collaboratively to complete the review of the agreement, which will provide a boost for U.S. soybean exports and other American agricultural products to Central and South America’s third largest economy.

“The enactment of the free trade agreement with Colombia next month is a tremendous opportunity for soybean farmers, as it will expand a valuable export market for our products,” said ASA First Vice President Danny Murphy, a soybean farmer from Canton, Miss. “We are making steady progress toward regaining lost market share in Colombia, and this agreement will markedly advance that progress. We applaud the efforts of the Obama and Santos Administrations in seeing the free trade agreement with Colombia enacted next month.”

As part of the agreement, more than half of all U.S. farm exports to Colombia—including soybeans and soybean meal and flour—will become duty-free, with virtually all of the remaining tariffs to be eliminated over the next 15 years. The agreement also provides duty free tariff rate quotas (TRQ) on soybean oil, as well as livestock and dairy exports that utilize soybean inputs.

Soybeans and soybean products are the largest U.S. agricultural export commodity, totaling nearly 1.5 billion bushels in 2011, with a value of more than $22 billion. Last year, the U.S. exported more than $182 million in soybeans and soybean products to Colombia, as part of $832 million in agricultural products. The International Trade Commission (ITC) estimates that the agreement will expand overall exports to Colombia by more than $1.1 billion and support thousands of additional American jobs.



2012 Iowa Pork tenderloin contest begins

The Iowa Pork Producers Association is now accepting nominations for its 2012 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest.

This is the 10th year of the contest, which recognizes restaurants around the state that support their local pork producers by putting pork on their menu. Any café, restaurant or tavern that serves breaded pork tenderloins is eligible to be nominated.

Nominations are limited to one per household. Forms are available at iowapork.org and in the May issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine. The deadline for nominations is June 15, 2012.

The person who nominates the winning restaurant will win $100. The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque to display in the establishment and statewide publicity.

Restaurants must receive three nominations to be considered for the top prize. Restaurant owners and operators are prohibited from nominating their own establishment.

Representatives of the Iowa pork industry will judge the tenderloins on taste, appearance and physical characteristics and IPPA will announce the winner in October.

Gramma’s Kitchen in Walcott was selected as the winner of the 2011 contest.



NOPA Survey: March Soy Crush 140.5M

Soybean crush was 140.534 million bushels for March, up 4.184 million bushels from the previous month, according the National Oilseed Processors Association.  However, that total was slightly below pre-report estimates of 141.5 million bushels.  A total of 3.368 million short tons of soymeal was produced, slightly higher than the previous month and the same month in the previous year.  Also, 1.622 billion pounds of soy oil was produced in March, compared to the 1.568 billion pounds in February and 1.565 billion pounds in March 2011.  Soy oil stocks sit at 2.363 billion pounds, about the same as the previous month but significantly lower than the 3 billion pounds in March last year.  Soymeal yield stood at 47.94 and soy oil yield came in at 11.55.  Iowa crushed 31.415 million bushels of soybeans in March 2012, compared to 29.676 million bushels in February 2012 and 30.0 million bushels in March 2011. 



Commemorating Earth Day 2012

Farmers put nature to work to the benefit of human vitality, and their commitment to safeguarding the quality of the land, water and air is evident on Earth Day (April 22) and every day.

A timely example, according to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), is the growth in the production and use of biodiesel, a renewable fuel made from soybean co-products. 

The Iowa Department of Revenue reports that the amount of pure biodiesel (B100) sold by fuel retailers in Iowa last year nearly doubled from 7.4 million gallons in 2010 to 13.9 million in 2011.

Biodiesel blends comprised about 42 percent of all on-road diesel sold at the retail level in the state.

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

Advancements in farming methods have resulted in soy biodiesel having the best energy balance of commonly available fuels. It takes just one unit of energy to make 5.5 units of energy in the form of soy biodiesel. Conversely, one unit of energy is required to refine and transport just 0.8 units of petroleum fuel.

Biodiesel is just one example of the continuous improvement soybean farmers are making to safeguard environmental quality while advancing an economically viable agricultural production system.

“Sustainability is defined by continually improving production systems that will over the long-term satisfy human food, fiber and fuel needs,” says Roger Wolf, ISA’s Director of Environmental Programs and Services. “It is also about enhancing environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends and improving the economic viability of farm operations and overall quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

The world population is currently 7 billion and is expected to surpass 9 billion by 2050. If this growth coincides with an increase in personal income, the United Nations predicts that agricultural output must double to satisfy stronger demand for more dairy, fruit and meat and plant protein.

Soybean farmers play a leading role in balancing the needs of nature with those of consumers. From 1987 to 2008, improved soybean productivity resulted in 26 percent less land used per bushel. At the same time, more sustainable farming practices have enabled energy use per bushel of soybean produced to decrease by 61 percent.

In addition, soybean farmers have:
·         Decreased soil loss by 1.17 tons per acre, or 37 percent, from 1978-2008;
·         Decreased soil loss per bushel during that same time by 46 percent due largely to a dramatic increase in conservation tillage;
·         Reduced carbon emissions 22.13 pounds per acre, or 24 percent, and emissions per bushel by 35 percent over the study period; and
·         Reduced overall carbon emissions by an average of 104.23 million pounds each year since 2000. That would be the equivalent of removing more than 31,000 cars from the road each year.

These accomplishments, says ISA President Dean Coleman, motivate farmers to do even more.

“When we see progress, we’re driven to do even more,” says the farmer from Humboldt. “Conserving soil and protecting and improving water quality are foundational to maintaining healthy families, communities and economies. Environmental stewardship is a role I take seriously, on Earth Day and every day.”



CWT Assists with 2.9 Million Pounds of Butter and Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 16 requests for export assistance from Bongards Creameries, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Foremost Farms, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Upstate Niagara Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 824 metric tons (1.817 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 487 metric tons (1.074 million pounds) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered April through September 2012.

In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 43.4 million pounds and butter totaling 38.5 million pounds to 25 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 1.239 billion pounds, or the same as the annual milk production of 59,000 cows.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.

CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.



Cattle Price Pullback Likely Even Before LFTB Discussion

Given recent historic highs in cattle prices, it shouldn't have been surprising to see values dip somewhat during March, but consumer response to news of lean, finely textured beef in the nation's meat supply hit cattle and beef values harder than many could have anticipated, according to a Kansas State University agricultural economist.

"I think we were due in early March for a pause. The fact that we've had a pullback from historic highs is not really a surprise," said Glynn Tonsor, livestock marketing specialist with K-State Research and Extension.

He noted that CME April fed cattle futures closed at $118 per hundredweight (cwt) on April 6, down about $12 from a month earlier. Similarly, April feeder cattle futures closed at $148, down from $161 in early March. Cash cattle prices softened similarly, with Kansas fed cattle prices off about $3 at $123 to $124 on April 6.

"But the fed cattle basis is quite strong -- stronger than normal," Tonsor noted, with cash cattle trading $5 to $6 over futures.

Part of the concern right now, he said, is overall demand for beef. Beef exports have been generally flat compared to last year, as has the dollar index.

"I'm still fundamentally bullish on (beef) exports, but when we look at individual weeks, that's part of the pullback. I'm not going to say we've burst the bubble, but we've pulled back a bit on that bullishness," he said.

The economist noted that oil and gas prices and their forecasts have also played a role in consumer demand, but added: "I tend to think that's a little bit overhyped. Gas still makes up a portion of our individual decision making, but it's mainly an indirect effect in how it's embedded in the prices of many things we buy. Add all that up with the LFTB stuff then we have more concern about demand than we did a month ago."

Consumer reaction to news in recent weeks that lean, finely textured beef is sometimes added to ground beef shocked the trade, Tonsor said.

"Perception is reality. The consumer dollar drives the vast majority of what goes on and people make decisions based on perception. These decisions may or may not be consistent with scientific reality," he said. "To say 'it's beef, stupid' or 'it's always been beef' may be accurate -- and I personally believe that -- but I'm not sure it's sufficient to change perception. You can't trump perception immediately with science."

"One of the things I've found in other studies such as the impact of media attention to animal welfare issues and meat recalls is that total (aggregate) beef demand is typically affected for one to two quarters. That's still multiple weeks or months, but it doesn't persist for five years," he said. "I tend to think consumer demand reaction to this story in this context will also be relatively short lived."

He noted that labeling changes and other ramifications could come from the LFTB discussion.

"The part that is less known and what may be a little more costly is what's going to change on the supply side -- the cost of doing business," he said. "At the extreme, if we quit using LFTB, and I don't expect that will happen, but if we take that away from the toolbox, the cost of business goes up. If we add labeling, that's an added cost, but not as expensive as removing it, and there are a lot of things in between.

"I think the net impact is, the cost of producing ground beef and the cost of beef overall is going up from this, and that probably will have some staying power that goes beyond the negative demand aspects that lasts one or two quarters."

He noted that in March, prices for fresh 90 percent lean boneless beef trimmings dipped about 0.7 percent, but prices for fresh 50 percent lean trimmings (less lean) had fallen 17.6 percent ($83 per cwt) by March 31 compared to $101 on March 3. Fresh 50 percent lean prices fell even further the week before Easter, hitting $63 per cwt.

"The reason I mention this is that fresh 90 percent lean trimmings held up and stayed relatively flat during March. The less lean product which is typically blended with or subject to LFTB, has been hammered," Tonsor said.

"Estimates are that roughly 10 percent of beef on a carcass would fall into the fresh 50 percent lean category and if you use that 10 percent assumption and basically a $40 per cwt falloff in the value of that product during March, that amounts to essentially a $4 per cwt value pullback on fed cattle. That explains a decent portion of the pullback on fed cattle prices during March," he said.

"If you go further and recognize there was discussion even before the LFTB about heavy cattle weights -- we've had better growth than we expected -- when we have heavier animals, we tend to have even more than usual fall into that fresh 50 percent lean category," he said. "So at the extreme, if we had 15 percent of pounds falling into that 50 percent category -- and I'm probably pressing the point here -- if you had that you could probably explain probably a $6 pullback in fed cattle prices. The truth is, maybe somewhere between the $3 and $5 value pullback in fed cattle could be assigned narrowly to the drop in fresh 50 percent lean prices.

Tonsor said he is still analyzing beef demand data for the first quarter of 2012 (January-March), but expects it will show a negative year-over-year picture. He reminded that several analysts over the past few months, before the current discussion, were reminding that the tight supply situation was already known -- kind of fixed -- so the value of cattle is hinging on demand.

He expects the LFTB issue to continue to be sorted out and that it likely will still have an effect on beef and cattle prices for the short term.



Paluch Hired as New Pesticide Bureau Chief

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced that Dr. Gretchen Paluch has been hired as the new Pesticide Bureau Chief for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Paluch will start on Thursday, April 19th.

The Department's Pesticide Bureau is responsible for the distribution and use of pesticides, responds to complaints of alleged misuse of pesticides, and providing education and certification for the safe use of pesticides by applicators. There are currently 22,000 certified private applicators and 13,000 certified commercial applicators in Iowa.

"Dr. Paluch will be a tremendous asset to the Department and we are excited to have her in this position," Northey said. "Her work experience along with her strong level of academic achievement makes her a natural fit and I'm confident she will provide strong leadership to our Pesticide Bureau."

"Iowa is positioned as a national and international leader in agricultural products and biotechnology across multiple markets," Paluch said. "This is built on a foundation of land conservation and ingenuity from within the community. I look forward to working with the expertise at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and will strive to fulfill the mission of providing leadership for agriculture, ensuring consumer protection, and promoting responsible use of the states' natural resources."

Paluch previously served as the Director of Basic Research for EcoSMART Technologies, Inc. EcoSMART is the world leader in safe pesticide solutions and is based in Roswell, GA. As Director of Basic Research Paluch worked in the area of biorational pesticide development, including technical and regulatory aspects related to pesticide use and registration.

Paluch received a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in entomology and toxicology (co-majors) and a minor in statistics. She also served as a Graduate Research Assistant at Iowa State, conducting research on natural products for pest management, with an emphasis on arthropod repellents.



Petersen-Bubke, LLP, Beef Feedlot in Monona County, Iowa, to Pay $10,000 Penalty for Illegal Discharges into Rush Creek

Petersen-Bubke, LLP, a beef cattle feedlot in Monona County, Iowa, has agreed to pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States for violations of the federal Clean Water Act related to discharges of pollutants into Rush Creek and its tributaries.

According to an administrative civil consent agreement and final order filed by EPA in Kansas City, Kan., EPA personnel conducted a compliance evaluation and inspection of the facility in March 2011 and observed evidence of discharges of process wastewater and pollutants from the facility into the creek.

Petersen-Bubke was confining approximately 1,050 cattle at the time of the inspection, which made it subject to regulation as a large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). However, the feedlot did not have a necessary National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, nor had it applied for one, as required by the Clean Water Act.

EPA Region 7 issued an order to the feedlot in May 2011, directing it to install discharge controls or apply for an NPDES permit. In accordance with the order, Petersen-Bubke has complied with the Clean Water Act by reducing the number of cattle it confines below the regulatory threshold, and by constructing livestock waste controls.

Unauthorized and uncontrolled discharges of wastewater and stormwater from concentrated animal feeding operations and their production areas can cause exceedances of water quality standards, pose risks to human health, threaten aquatic life and its habitat, and impair the use and enjoyment of waterways.

By agreeing to the settlement, Petersen-Bubke has certified that it is in compliance with the Clean Water Act. 



CHS Posts Six-month 2012 Earnings of $494.7 Million

CHS Inc., the nation's leading producer-owned cooperative, today reported earnings of $494.7 million through the second quarter of its 2012 fiscal year.

Earnings attributed to CHS operations for the first six months of fiscal 2012 (Sept. 1, 2011 – Feb. 29, 2012) increased 25 percent over the $396.3 million for the first half of fiscal 2011. Revenues for the six-month period of fiscal 2012 were $18.6 billion, compared with $15.8 billion for fiscal 2011, reflecting higher values for the commodity energy, grain and crop nutrients products that comprise the majority of CHS business.

For the second quarter (Dec. 1, 2011 – Feb. 29, 2012), CHS posted income of $78.5 million, compared with $194.6 million for the same period in fiscal 2011, a decline of 60 percent. Revenues for the quarter were $8.8 billion, compared with $7.7 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

Earnings for the second quarter reflected reduced margins within a number of CHS business segments. In Energy, refining margins declined for both the CHS refinery at Laurel, Mont., and the National Cooperative Refinery Association, of which it owns nearly 75 percent. CHS propane and renewable fuels operations reported increased earnings. Energy segment earnings for the first six months of fiscal 2012 are ahead of the same period in fiscal 2011, largely due to higher refining margins during the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

Second quarter earnings also declined within Ag Business – which consists of crop nutrients, grain marketing, oilseed processing and the company's Country Operations locally controlled retail service centers. Product margins declined within CHS wholesale crop nutrients and grain marketing. Overall merchandise margins increased for retail operations, while grain margins decreased. This, combined with increased operating expenses from acquisitions and expansion, resulted in lower earnings. While the company's oilseed processing business reported improved margins, earnings decreased primarily from recent acquisition costs. Year-to-date, earnings for the Ag Business segment also declined over the same period in fiscal 2011.

CHS reports results for its business services operations and its two food processing-related joint ventures under the Corporate and Other category. Lower margins for CHS financing businesses, as well as decreased margins within the company's two food-related joint ventures, contributed to lower overall results in this category for the second quarter and year-to-date.

CHS Harvest for Hunger Raises 2.45 Million Meals
More than 2.45 million meals are headed for hungry families thanks to the second annual CHS Harvest for Hunger food and funds drive by the Country Operations division of CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative.

"CHS Harvest for Hunger rallied thousands of CHS employees, customers and partners to collectively raise the equivalent of 2.45 million meals for hungry families, including 652,000 pounds of canned and fresh foods, and $360,000 in cash and grain," says John McEnroe, executive vice president, CHS Country Operations.

This year's CHS Harvest for Hunger campaign surpassed last year's drive by more than 450,000 meals. In addition, CHS Country Operations bolstered donations to CHS Harvest for Hunger by nearly $220,000 with contributions to local communities to help friends and neighbors.

"It's powerful to see how each dollar, canned food item and donation of grain or produce, along with the CHS match, combined to make such a tremendous impact for those who need it most," says McEnroe. "The participation and generosity from our employees, customers and overall communities was truly overwhelming. It's yet another example of being responsible stewards in the community, a tradition CHS has built for 80 years."

CHS Harvest for Hunger was held March 1-16 at most of the CHS Country Operations retail locations. Donations collected went to regional food banks. Fundraising activities varied at each location and included such events as pig-kissing and pie-throwing contests, pancake breakfasts, luncheons and food collections.



New website connects buyers and sellers of bulk feed ingredients

Feed manufacturers and livestock producers have a new tool to save time and reduce costs when buying bulk feed ingredients. A newly launched website, www.feedpail.com, is designed to connect buyers and sellers of bulk feed ingredients quickly and easily.

Dairy, beef, swine and poultry producers, as well as other bulk feed buyers, now have direct access to the feed ingredients they need through Feedpail.com. The free service allows users to see prices and availability of more than 50 bulk feed ingredients such as fats and oils, animal proteins, grain byproducts, minerals and more.

Each week more than $200 million of bulk feed ingredients are bought and sold outside of the futures and option exchanges. The buying and selling process often requires multiple phone calls, emails and negotiations to complete a transaction. This time-intensive trading is solved through technology with the free Feedpail online service.

Feedpail was developed by Ryan Cooney, who wanted to create a quicker, easier and more enjoyable way to buy and sell feed ingredients. He says people involved in feeding livestock are considering a larger number of ingredient options today than ever before. But more and more these same people are limited by their available time and network of sellers they know.

“FeedPail solves that with instant access to a large network of available ingredients and easy-to-use functionality,” Cooney said.

Feed costs are the largest single component in raising livestock. Therefore, any efficiency gained on sourcing ingredients can have a large impact across the industry. Feedpail streamlines the price discovery and purchasing process of buying and selling feed ingredients. Anyone who buys or sells bulk feed ingredients, or is involved in the feed industry, can use the site to stay current on bulk feed ingredient costs and make purchasing decisions.

Feedpail is easy to use. Once an account is set up, sellers post available tons and buyers have the option to buy outright or bid on the tons. Users can search by feed ingredient and geography to find prices and availability. Once a quantity and price are agreed to, the contact information of the buyer and seller is shared so they can complete the transaction. All sales are kept confidential and are subject to each party’s terms, conditions and policies.

Feedpail not only simplifies a complex feed ingredient buying and selling system, it also offers new opportunities to both parties.

“Feedpail helps meet customers’ demands, but it can also open up new customers and markets for buyers and sellers, expanding the network for both groups,” Cooney said.

Price discovery is an added benefit of the new feed ingredient exchange. Feedpail makes it easy to spot check prices and users can use the service to monitor price changes, which will allow them to make more accurate buying and selling decisions.

Feedpail has also developed an email newsletter to distribute regular updates on bulk feed ingredient prices. Everyone who signs up for a free account on FeedPail can receive the newsletter to help them stay up-to-date on price changes and trends.

“The Feedpail service has the potential to be used by anyone in the livestock industry who is following bulk feed ingredient markets. All participants in the industry will benefit from being able to easily track and monitor prices and availability,” Cooney said.

To learn more, visit the website at www.feedpail.com.