Tuesday May 8 Ag News

Young Veteran Farmer goes to Washington

Justin Doerr, a beginning farmer and military veteran from Plainview, NE, will travel to Washington D.C. on Thursday, May 10, to participate and testify at the House Ag Committee Hearing on the Farm Bill Credit Title.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to testify about the value of federal credit, training and land access programs that are absolutely crucial in helping beginning farmers get started in agriculture,” said Doerr.

Doerr, who recently finished planting, commented further on the importance of his testimony,“I believe these credit programs and other efforts targeted specifically at new farmers, are very important investments the farm bill can make in ensuring that young farmers like myself have the tools and resources we need to successfully contribute to our local farm economies, spur rural economic development, preserve our natural resource base, and do our part in ensuring our nation’s food security.”

Doerr grew up on a small farm in Northeast Nebraska where his family raised hogs, cattle, and some hay. After high school he joined the Army. During this time, things got tough on the farm so Justin’s father sold the livestock and rented out the farm ground.  When Justin got back from overseas he wanted to move home and farm. “What I found later was I had the desire to farm but did not have the means, as I lacked the capital and resources to begin farming after the folks sold their operation,” commented Doerr.

“We face a lot of barriers as beginning farmers as far as access to land and credit and barriers in crop insurance,” said Doerr. “As a beginning farmer one way of getting a start is through niche markets and raising non-conventional crops, but it’s hard to gain access to crop insurance for that... that problem should be addressed.”



BPI to Close 3 Plants, Blames Unfounded LFTB

Beef Products Inc., Dakota Dunes, S.D. says it plans to close processing plants in three states because of the controversy surrounding a product that critics have dubbed "pink slime."

BPI spokesman Rich Jochum said Monday that 650 jobs will be lost when it closes its plants in Amarillo, Texas; Garden City, Kansas; and Waterloo Iowa. The closures will be effective May 25.

A plant in South Sioux City, Neb., will remain open.

The company blames what it calls unfounded attacks over a product that it calls "lean, finely textured beef." In the process, bits of beef are heated and treated with a small amount of ammonia.

Beef Products is based in Dakota Dunes, S.D.

According to a media release by BPI, managers decided to suspend operations at the three plants "while we attempted to rebuild markets following the unfounded and misguided attacks on our Boneless Lean Beef Trimmings. At the time, we made the decision to continue paying full salaries to the more than 650 employees at those locations. We are making significant progress in setting the record straight and are encouraged by recent market research which shows that consumers are very interested in consuming high quality, safe lean ground beef - which is exactly what we have done for the last 30 years. We will continue communicating the benefits of BPI's lean beef, but that process is much more difficult than the campaign to spread misinformation that brought us to this point."

BPI said it had hoped to resume operations at the plants after the LFTB flap, but now feel it's not possible in the immediate future -- despite May being "Beef Month" across Iowa, Kansas and other beef-producing states when marketing campaigns pick up with the dawning of a new grilling season.

BPI's Jochum continues in the release, "During this same period, we have continued to operate our South Sioux City, Neb., facility at reduced capacity. We intend to continue operations at this location and expand production here as the market activity allows. In the interim, we continue to stand by our lean beef as 100% wholesome, safe and nutritious, and we will continue to defend Beef Products, Inc. against the mischaracterizations and irresponsible misrepresentations that led us to take these actions. I continue to encourage you to visit www.BeefIsBeef.com for the facts about Boneless Lean Beef Trimmings and for up-to-date news and information."

Iowa's Gov. Terry E. Branstad released the following statement upon learning of BPI's plans to permanently close the three plants:

"This is a sad day for the state of Iowa. The fact that a false, misleading smear campaign can destroy a company's reputation overnight should disturb us all. My office will never stop fighting for every single job in this state, and I continue to hope that as consumers learn about this safe, healthy and lean food, they will understand what a great product lean, finely textured beef truly is.

"Unfortunately, we have learned that what a ruinous smear campaign accomplishes overnight can take years to correct. I want those workers who now face the daunting task of finding a new job to know that my administration will always fight for them. Today they go home to their families and will soon be without a job, all because some media on the coasts decided to unfairly and viciously smear the product they so proudly produced.

"Our thoughts and hearts go out to the people at BPI, Inc. We continue to stand with you, and will always do so proudly."



Smith Statement On BPI Plant Closures

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), co-chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus, today issued the following statement after it was reported Beef Products Inc. (BPI) would be permanently closing three of its plants which produce lean, finely textured beef (LFTB):
                                   
“The recent news BPI will be permanently laying off 650 workers due to a baseless media scare is extremely unsettling. There are real life consequences when we stray from using sound science to determine product safety,” said Smith.

“I’ve joined many others saying lean, finely textured beef is a nutritious, safe, and affordable product which is already regulated by the USDA and FDA,” Smith added. “I strongly believe the continued success of agriculture, and in turn, the long term safety and security of our nation’s food supply depends on our unwavering commitment to science-based standards. Anything less is a disservice to producers, the workers earning a living, and consumers.”

On April 18, 2012, Smith and 29 bipartisan Members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to inquire what steps USDA has taken to correct the public record and educate consumers about LFTB. The USDA has yet to respond.



National Pork Producers Council Statement On Animal Abuses At A Wyoming Farm

Undercover video from a Wyoming hog farm released today by an animal rights group shows practices that are abhorrent to U.S. pork producers. The National Pork Producers Council condemns such actions, which are not in accord with the U.S. pork industry’s best practices that are exemplified in its Pork Quality Assurance Plus program.

Providing humane and compassionate care for their pigs at every stage of life is one of the ethical principles to which U.S. pork producers adhere. U.S. pork producers are committed to caring for animals in a way that protects their well-being. Just as it is to others, mistreatment of animals is appalling to pork producers. We do not defend and will not accept mistreatment of animals.

NPPC understands that the farm in question is taking immediate steps to address the situation, including an unannounced inspection of the facility by the farm’s consulting veterinarian. Individuals responsible for willful abuse of animals must be held accountable.



Quality assurance sessions scheduled for Iowa pork producers

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is partnering with the Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to offer free quality assurance training programs for Iowa pork producers.

Special quality assurance training sessions will be hosted at the 2012 World Pork Expo on Wednesday, June 6, in Des Moines. Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) hosted from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited. Sessions will be hosted in room A-2 of the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Interested individuals should pre-register by contacting Tyler Bettin, IPPA producer education director, at (515) 225-7675 or tbettin@iowapork.org.

Additionally, PQA Plus and TQA training sessions will be offered in each of the eight IPPA districts throughout the summer...
District 5, Thursday, June 21, Cass County Community Center, 805 West 10th St., Atlantic
District 6, Tuesday, June 26, Dallas County Extension & Outreach, 28059 Fairground Rd., Adel
District 1, Tuesday, July 10, Northwest Iowa Community College, Building C, Room 341, Sheldon
District 8, Wednesday, August 1, Johnson County Extension office, 3109 Old Hwy. 218 S., Iowa City
District 4, Thursday, August 9, Delaware County Extension Office, 1417 North Franklin St., Manchester
District 3, Tuesday, August 28, Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St., Nashua
District 7, Tuesday, August 28, Marshall County Extension Office, 2608 South 2nd St., lower level, Marshalltown
District 2, Wednesday, August 29, Humboldt County Extension office, 727 Sumner Ave., Humboldt

All district locations offer PQA Plus from 10 a.m. to noon and TQA from 1:30 to 4 p.m. All sessions are sponsored by IPPA and the Pork Checkoff. Producers are encouraged to pre-register to allow adequate space and materials. To pre-register or for more information, contact IPPA at (515) 225-7675 or e-mail tbettin@iowapork.org.

PQA Plus and TQA are part of the industry-aligned We Care responsible pork initiative, which establishes ethical principles for pork producers to produce safe food, protect and promote animal well-being, protect public health, safeguard natural resources, provide a safe work environment and contribute to a better quality of life in their communities.

“Pork producers continue to show their dedication to safe and responsible pork production through their participation in PQA Plus, TQA and We Care,” said IPPA President Bill Tentinger. “These programs allow us to continue improving our industry and educate the hard working American farmers providing food for the U.S. and the world.”



2012 Cuming County Showmanship Clinic
Patricia Bohaboj, UNL Extension Assistant, Cuming County

Come join us May 19th and 20th for the Cuming County Showmanship Clinic.  The Cuming County Extension Office is hosting a showmanship clinic in May to help 4-Hers increase their showmanship skills.  The event will be hosted at the Cuming county Fairgrounds.  This will be a great day to learn new things or to build existing skills.  We will be hosting a Large and Small animal day.  The large animal day will include: Beef, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, and Horse.  The small animal day will include: Dog, Cat, Rabbit, Poultry, and Goat.  There is no registration fee for this event but we do ask that 4-H members register for the event by May 18th if you plan to attend.  A member does not need to register for the entire day just what species they plan to attend for.

For each species there will be an adult and youth volunteer that will go over questions, dress, techniques and other important information needed to be a successful showman with that species.  The volunteer team will not only talk about these skills but work with live animals to demonstrate points and techniques important to all showmen.  I hope you will join us for this event and help make it a success! 

Saturday, May 19th
8:30 a.m. - 9:10 a.m. - Beef
9:15 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. - Sheep
10:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. - General Large Species
10:45 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. - Swine
11:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. - Horse
12:15 p.m. - 12:55 p.m. - Dairy

Sunday, May 20th
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. - Dog
2:50 p.m. - 3:35 p.m. - Cat
3:40 p.m. - 4:25 p.m. - Rabbit
4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. - Poultry
5:20 p.m. - 6:05 p.m. - Goat



Urea, UAN Prices Still Sprinting

Prices for urea and UAN solutions continue to rise, as they have for several weeks in a row, according to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of May 2012.  Prices for five of the eight major fertilizers gained compared to a month earlier. Urea led the way higher once again. The nitrogen fertilizer was 10% higher compared to the first week of April and was up an average of $200 per ton since January. It had an average price of $753/ton last week.

Also considerably higher once again were the UAN solutions. UAN28 was 7% more expensive and UAN32 was 6% higher compared to a month ago. UAN28 had an average price of $425/ton while UAN32 was at $482/ton.  In addition, DAP and potash appreciated as well. These two fertilizers were up just slightly with DAP having an average price of $638/ton while potash was at $665/ton.

The remaining three fertilizers were lower compared to a month ago but really not by any significance. MAP had an average price of $692/ton, 10-34-0 was at $784/ton and anhydrous was at $758/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.82/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/lb.N, UAN28 $0.76/lb.N and UAN32 $0.75/lb.N.

Four of the eight major fertilizers are still showing double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher is urea. The nitrogen fertilizer is 55% higher compared to last year while UAN32 has jumped 14%, UAN28 is 13% more expensive and potash is 10% higher compared to the first week of May 2011.  Two fertilizers have seen just slight price increases compared to a year earlier. 10-34-0 is now 2% higher in prices while anhydrous is now 1% more expensive compared to last year.  The two remaining fertilizers, DAP and MAP, are now actually lower compared to one year ago. DAP is now 6% lower while MAP has now decreased 2% in price.



Corn Utilization and Technology Conference Announces Top Bioengineer as Keynote Speaker

Dr. Michael Ladisch, director of the Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering and Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue University, will deliver the keynote address to participants at the grand opening of the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Utilization and Technology Conference, June 4 in Indianapolis, Ind.

“Dr. Ladisch ’s work focuses on bringing biotech products to large numbers of people,” said  NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team Chair DeVonna Zeug. “We are excited to have him set the stage for three days of discussion among the corn industry’s leading researchers, processors and business representatives.”

At Purdue University’s Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering, Ladisch and his colleagues address topics in bioprocess engineering as they apply to bioenergy, bioproducts, biorecovery and bionanotechnology. He has authored 150 journal and proceedings papers, issued and applied for 14 patents and is the recipient of several scientific recognitions including the Paul Dana Biofuels Award of the Indy Racing League. Dr. Ladisch is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, is Chief Technology Officer of Mascoma Corporation and serves on the scientific Advisory Board of Agrivida.

This year, CUTC’s agenda features cutting-edge technologies and new uses positioned to dynamically change the corn industry. The conference will debut presentations complementing the work of the Aflatoxin Mitigation Center of Excellence, which emphasizes the importance of mycotoxin control in all phases of production and processing. The CUTC poster session and other scheduled activities will provide opportunities for attendees to interact with peers and business contacts.

 CUTC will be held at the Westin Indianapolis in downtown Indianapolis, Ind., June 4-6. Visit www.corntechconf.org for more information and to register online.



USGC 2012 Annual Meeting: Registration Opens for Vancouver
Online registration is now open for the U.S. Grains Council 2012 Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, which will be held July 30-Aug. 1 in Vancouver, Wash.  "The Council’s theme this year is, Your Highway to the World: New Capacities, New Markets,” said the Council’s Chairman, Wendell Shauman, “and there is nowhere better than Vancouver to see how new trade dynamics are reshaping our future.”

The Columbia River is second only to the Mississippi as an export channel for U.S. feed grains, making Vancouver one of the key hubs for expanding trade with booming East Asian markets. The EGT Terminal in Longview, Wash., is the first new export grain terminal built in the United States in over 25 years, and the prospect of increasing exports, especially to Asia, is prompting infrastructure improvements across the upper Midwest and beyond.

While in Vancouver, the Council’s A-Teams will meet to review key strategic and policy issues confronting U.S. producers and agribusinesses, and the delegates will elect a new team of officers for the coming year. A special highlight will be a salmon fishing tournament on the Columbia River with proceeds to benefit The Grains Foundation, which funds educational and philanthropic causes related to the Council’s mission of “Developing Markets, Enabling Trade, Improving Lives.”

To register, click here: http://grains.org/index.php/registration-vancouver.



USDA Advances Water Quality Conservation Across the U.S.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of a new National Water Quality Initiative committed to improving one to seven impaired watersheds in every U.S. state and territory. The 157 selected watersheds were identified with assistance from state agencies, key partners, and NRCS State Technical Committees. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will make available at least $33 million in financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners this year to implement conservation practices to help provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities.

"The National Water Quality Initiative signifies a bold step by USDA to improve water quality in some very challenging watersheds," Vilsack said. "American farmers are good stewards of the environment, and this initiative provides them with additional tools to protect and improve fish and wildlife habitat and water quality."

Using funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to producers for implementing conservation practices such as cover crops, nutrient management, filter strips and terraces.

To deliver the initiative, NRCS worked in collaboration with local partners and state conservation and water quality agencies to identify watersheds where on-farm investments have the best chance to improve water quality. NRCS also will work with state and federal partners, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey, to assess results over the long term. The initiative will build on ongoing efforts in the Mississippi River Basin, Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay and other landscape conservation initiatives across the Nation.

All eligible applications must be submitted by June 15, 2012 in order to be considered for this fiscal year's funding opportunity. However, NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance on a continuous basis throughout the year. Producers can view an online map or check with their local NRCS office to see if they are located in a selected watershed. This summer, NRCS will notify all applicants of the results of the competitive selection process and begin developing contracts with applicants approved for funding.



Sales, Net Income Up for The Andersons

The Andersons, Inc. announced record first quarter net income attributable to the company of $18.4 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, on revenues of $1.1 billion. In the same three month period of 2011, the company reported results of $17.3 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, on $1.0 billion of revenues.

The Grain Group reported record first quarter operating income of $19.4 million in 2012, and $15.1 million for the same period of the prior year. The group benefited from strong space income and very good first quarter earnings from the investment in Lansing Trade Group. First quarter revenues for the group were $700 million and $638 million for 2012 and 2011, respectively. Revenues increased due to a slight increase in both the average grain price and bushels sold.

The Ethanol Group had operating income of $0.1 million in the first quarter. This compares to $3.6 million earned during the same period of 2011. The decreased income is the result of a decline in the company's earnings from its ethanol investment affiliates, whose income was negatively impacted by lower ethanol margins resulting from increased industry production and lower demand led by declining exports. There was, however, increased income from corn oil, E-85, and CO2. Total revenues for the quarter were $151 million. In comparison, the group's revenues for the same period last year were $133 million. The revenue increase is primarily due to an increase in the average price per gallon.

The Plant Nutrient Group achieved operating income of $5.8 million during the first quarter. In the same three month period of 2011, the group reported $5.1 million of operating income. This improved performance was due entirely to an increase in volume. Margin was down slightly from the prior year due to lower price appreciation. The volume increase is primarily the result of good application weather in March and pent up demand from the fourth quarter of 2011. Revenues for the first quarter of 2012 and 2011 were $175 million and $124 million, respectively. Revenues grew due to an increase in both the average selling price and volume.

The Rail Group had record first quarter operating income of $8.0 million on revenues of $36 million. In the same three month period of 2011, the group earned $3.5 million and revenues were $29 million. The group's revenue and income benefitted from higher utilization and lease rates. The group recognized $6.3 million in gains on sales of railcars and related leases, whereas last year during the same quarter $4.8 million was recorded. The average utilization rate for the quarter was 85.7 percent in comparison to 82.4 percent for the same period last year. Income from the railcar repair business has also increased considerably.

The Turf & Specialty Group reported operating income of $2.2 million on $45 million of revenues during the first quarter. Last year, the group reported $3.3 million of income on $47 million of revenues for the period.

The Retail Group had an operating loss of $2.7 million during the first quarter of both 2012 and 2011. Revenues for both years were also comparable at $30 million and $31 million for 2012 and 2011, respectively.



NCBA Accepting Applications for Public Policy Internship

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for a fall 2012 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application for this opportunity is June 4, 2012.

“NCBA’s public policy internship gives college students a one-of-a-kind view into the policy making process in Washington, D.C., while helping them prepare to transition from college to career,” said NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Kristina Butts. “We are looking for college students with an interest in the beef industry, public policy and communications to help NCBA represent cattlemen and women in Washington, D.C. The internship is designed to work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill and assist with NCBA’s regulatory efforts.

The full-time internship will begin Sept. 10, 2012 and end Dec. 14, 2012. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a resume to internship@beef.org. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.

“This isn’t a ‘check-the-box’ style of internship. NCBA’s public policy interns work alongside NCBA staff on critical issues ranging from the estate tax to food safety, the environment and more.” Butts said. “If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.”