Friday June 15 Ag News

Low Stress Cattle Presentation coming to Nebraska Towns

Nebraska Cattlemen is hosting Cute Pate to come and do a series of Low Stress Cattle Handling Presentations in Nebraska the week of July 9th.

Curt has improved handling practices and strives to create sustainability for the cattle industry by doing cattle handling presentations, which he has done for more than a decade. Low stress handling provides a direct benefit to the producer. Improved handling alleviates unnecessary stress to the animal and allows the producer to move cattle more efficiently and effectively. That means time and time means money. His lifelong experience in ranching adds credibility and enables him to communicate his methods effectively to cattle ranchers throughout the country.

“It is great that Nebraska Cattlemen are working to educate and train those involved in the cattle industry,” said Pate. “I look forward to these four days in Nebraska.”

The four days and locations of the presentation are listed below:
July 9: Northeast Community College, Norfolk
July 10: Garfield County Fairgrounds, Burwell
July 11: Thayer County Fairgrounds, Deshler
July 12: Lincoln County Fairgrounds, North Platte

All producers are invited to attend this free educational event. There will also be a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training at each location. The BQA training begins at 4:00 p.m. with the meal and live cattle presentation to follow. It is only $20 if you wish to become BQA certified, which is good for a two year time period.

For more information contact Bonita Lederer, Nebraska Cattlemen Director of Producer Education at 402.450.0223 or blederer@necattlemen.org.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to have Curt talk to cattle producers to show them the benefits of low stress handling,” said Bonita Lederer, Director of Producer Education for Nebraska Cattlemen.



Nebraska Retains 104,298 Acres of Wildlife Habitat

Outdoorsmen and women rely heavily on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands to provide habitat for game species, as well as places to hunt. A better than expected general CRP sign-up will help keep most of those places intact. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will accept 104,298 acres in Nebraska offered under the 43rd CRP general sign-up.

The USDA received 1,385 offers in Nebraska, of which 1,249 were accepted. There were 113,911 acres offered. In Nebraska, 201,190 CRP acres will expire Sept. 30, representing a net loss of 96,892 acres.

Nationally, 3.9 million acres will be accepted.

Without CRP, many game and nongame species would have been displaced or lost. CRP has benefited the nation for more than 25 years in the form of wildlife habitat, hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities and reduced soil erosion off these sensitive acres.

There are many programs within CRP, both old and new, targeting wildlife habitat, wetland conservation and soil/water quality for landowners who are interested in enrolling. Producers should contact their local Farm Service Agency office for more information.



Study Calls for Removing Prime Farmland From CRP

Congress should include legislative language as part of the 2012 farm bill that mandates removal of millions of acres of 'prime farmland' from the acreage-idling Conservation Reserve Program, according to a new study conducted for the National Grain and Feed Foundation.

The study noted that as recently as 2007, up to 8.7 million acres that the U.S. Department of Agriculture itself considers to be 'prime farmland' were idled under 10- to 15-year CRP contracts.

The study recognized that some prime farmland currently enrolled in the CRP as part of filter strips, grassed waterways and other highly-sensitive acres eligible for continuous signup in the program likely would remain idled.

"But with CRP contracts that include more than 70 percent of the acreage enrolled - 21.2 million acres - set to expire over the next five years, there is an urgent need to manage the program so that the most productive land from the reserve is returned to production," the study said.

While the Senate Agriculture Committee-passed version of the 2012 farm bill gradually would reduce the current 32-million-acre CRP cap to 25 million acres by the end of fiscal year 2017, the new study called for a more rapid reduction that better coincides with the expiration dates of existing CRP contracts.

Further, the study said that removing most “prime farmland” from the CRP would equate to a CRP cap of approximately 21 million acres.

The study was conducted by Strategic Conservation Solutions LLC, whose founder and principal – Bruce Knight – previously served as chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and as USDA undersecretary of agriculture for marketing and regulatory programs.



Western Iowa Farm Bill Forum and Luncheon

Area farmers, community members, conservation leaders and public policy officials will discuss the 2012 U.S. Farm Bill and how it can better conserve the state’s natural resources, sustain fish and wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities, and safeguard rural economies.

Every five years, a massive piece of legislation called the Farm Bill determines how billions of federal tax dollars will be spent to shape American agriculture. The last bill, passed in 2008, carried a price tag of $288 billion.

The discussion will seek to identify means of achieving conservation results in the Farm Bill currently under consideration by Congress.

Among those participating in the Forum will be representatives from:
-    Sen. Chuck Grassley’s office
-    Cong. Steve King's office
-    Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
-    Izaak Walton League of America
-    Center for Rural Affairs

The Forum will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at the Logan Community Center, 108 W. 4th St., Logan, Iowa. 

The Western Iowa Farm Policy Forum and Luncheon is free and open to the public.



Informa Sees 96.759 M Acres U.S. Corn
Firm Projects US Soybean Plantings at 75.959 M Acres

U.S. farmers will plant 96.759 million acres of corn and 75.959 million acres of soybeans in 2012, according to projections by private analytical firm Informa Economics.

Informa's corn-acreage estimate is up 4.83 million from last year, and 895,000 above the U.S. Department of Agriculture's estimate in March of 95.864 million.

Rapid corn planting in the spring is believed to be a feature in the corn acreage being up more than 600,000 acres from Informa's May estimate as planting momentum added corn acreage versus earlier expectations, Informa said, according to trade sources.

Informa had been expecting additional corn acreage due to last season's profitable experience despite yield losses combined with the recognition that corn has more upside yield potential than other crops, namely soybeans, Informa said, according to trade sources.

The firm's soy-acreage forecast is up 983,000 acres from last year, 2.1 million above the USDA's March estimate and 137,000 above Informa's May estimate. Compared with Informa's May area estimate, the eastern corn belt is expected to plant 30,000 fewer acres while the western corn belt is up 50,000, traders said Informa noted in the forecast.

Informa's survey indicated 13.5 million acres of spring wheat and 2.4 million acres will be seeded to durum. Compared with last year, other spring wheat and durum area are each expected to be up 1.1 million acres, traders said. The other spring wheat and durum estimates are unchanged from Informa's May acreage report, traders said.

All wheat acreage is estimated at 57.6 million acres, which is up 3.2 million acres from 2011, but unchanged from Informa's May estimate.

All cotton acreage intentions are estimated at 13.0 million acres, which is down 1.8 million from last year and 145,000 above Informa's May estimate, traders said.

The USDA, in its prospective planting report released March 31, projected corn plantings at 95.864 million acres, soybean plantings at 73.902 million acres, spring wheat plantings at 11.976 million acres, durum at 2.223 million and cotton plantings at 13.155 million. The agency is scheduled to release its planted acreage forecast on June 29.

Last year, U.S. farmers planted 91.921 million acres of corn, 74.976 million acres of soybeans, 12.394 million acres of spring wheat, 1.369 million acres of durum wheat and 14.735 million acres of cotton.



EPA Proposes Dust Standard

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today, June 15, 2012, proposed its long awaited dust standard that sparked controversy within the agricultural community. The controversy arose when EPA staff announced the administrator would be “justified” in doubling the stringency of the current, so-called dust standard, officially known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for coarse particulate matter. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed news from EPA that it plans to retain the current standard, however; the issue involving farm dust is far from over, according to NCBA Deputy Environmental Counsel Ashley McDonald.

 “We learned from the last two reviews of this standard that a final standard can look very different that the proposal. It is important to note that EPA’s action today is simply a proposal from the agency and not the final standard,” said McDonald.

The final standard is scheduled to be released by EPA in December of this year. McDonald said NCBA encourages EPA to stick with the proposed standard and not lower the final standard. She said lowering the standard would throw a large section of the country into nonattainment.

McDonald said cattlemen are really in search of certainty when it comes to rules and regulations being promulgated by EPA and other agencies. This is why NCBA fully supports the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act introduced by Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) and Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R-S.D.). The legislation would provide permanent relief and regulatory certainty by exempting the agricultural community from EPA dust regulations. The legislation has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, but the Senate version (S. 1528) has not been brought up for a vote.

“The fact is, farmers and ranchers want and need certainty about this issue. Regulatory uncertainty is unnecessary and unproductive,” said McDonald. “If EPA follows through and does not revise the dust standard, such an action would only provide us with certainty for five years and provides no relief to those producers who are spending more than $1,000 per day on dust control measures right now.”

NCBA is pleased with EPA’s plan to retain the current standard, but will continue working with Congress to move towards a more permanent solution.



Proposed Bill Could Increase Egg Prices

The National Pork Producers Council warns, if passed, a bill being considered by congress that will set minimum space requirements for laying hens will result in reduced supplies of eggs and higher prices.  Legislation being considered by Congress would require egg producers to replace conventional battery cages with new enriched cages that double the amount of space provided for laying hens or lose access to markets.  The National Pork Producers Council is fearful the bill could become a template for legislation that would impact other agricultural industries.  Vice President of domestic policy issues Audrey Adamson warns, if passed, consumers will be impacted directly.



Building Blocks in Place for New USB Structure

After a year of transition, the United Soybean Board (USB) leaders believe the organization will be better positioned to maximize the profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. USB farmer-directors approved a new organizational structure at the February board meeting. It consists of a matrix with four Action Teams, each dedicated to a different strategic objective contained in the USB Long-Range Strategic Plan.

"The year 2012 is one of transition and education as we get ready for fundamental change in the way USB operates," says USB Chair Vanessa Kummer, a soybean farmer from Colfax, N.D. "Farmer-directors have worked hard to ensure that by the time of the December 2012 Annual Meeting, we’re ready to take USB into a new era."

The move from the traditional USB committee structure to the new system involves transitioning the hundreds of activities of the board from committees where they have existed and functioned to the Action Team that applies to them now.

For example, the board’s work supporting biotechnology will be administered through the Freedom to Operate Action Team, because supporting the understanding of this important technology helps break down barriers that could stand in the way of U.S. soybean farmers’ freedom to operate inside and outside of the United States.

Here are some other examples of where USB’s many projects will be administered:

Soy Meal Action Team
    Promoting U.S. meat and poultry to other countries
    Focusing on soymeal production research

Soy Oil Action Team
    Promoting soy oil to domestic markets
    Focusing on soy oil production research

Customer Focus Action Team
    Utilizing media to publicize strategically significant USB activities and issues
    Reaching out to end users and U.S. soybean farmers at events

Freedom to Operate
    Promoting biotech understanding to domestic and international customers
    Increasing consumer awareness and acceptance of production agriculture (for example, the CommonGround and U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance programs)

The first Action Teams will be appointed and start their work together at the USB Annual Meeting December 6-7 in St. Louis.



Rough Road Ahead for Highway Bill
Kent Bacus, NCBA Associate Director of Legislative Affairs

In November 2011, I wrote a somewhat optimistic article about the Highway Bill and the positive momentum it was gaining in both the US House and Senate. For the first time in several years it seemed as if meaningful transportation reform was within reach—an opportunity to lift unnecessary and burdensome transportation rules from farm and ranch operations. Unfortunately, six months have passed and all we have witnessed are extensions of current transportation law and continued discussions between House and Senate negotiators. The question remains if Congress will be able to overcome what seem to be insurmountable differences and manage to secure enough votes to pass the bill in both houses and still manage to secure President Obama’s signature at the end of the day. The Capitol Hill spin, both positive and negative, causes even the most seasoned D.C.-insiders to hedge their bets on how House and Senate leaders will manage their ever-growing to-do list.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who is leading Senate negotiators, suggests that negotiations will conclude with a successful Highway Bill before the end of June, and that the main reason for the holdup is stubborn House Republicans. On the other side of the Hill, House Republicans suggest that Senate negotiators are to blame for not working with them on important provisions like the Keystone Pipeline. Regardless of who you believe, only one truth remains, the current Highway Bill will expire at the end of June. If Congress fails to pass a Highway Bill, what should we expect?

Without question, neither party can afford the political ramifications of being labeled a job killer by letting transportation law expire. That being said, it is highly probable that we will see another extension of the current Highway Bill. Before I speculate on the length of the Highway Bill extension, let us consider all of the other priorities on Congress’s to-do list that must be accomplished in the next few months.

-    Congress must find a way to fund the federal government. The fiscal year begins on October 1. Prior to October 1, Congress is supposed to set a budget for the federal government and appropriate funding to each section of the federal government within the budgetary guidelines. The Senate has not yet passed a budget, and both Houses still have numerous appropriations bills to pass prior to the October 1 deadline. If Congress fails to pass the appropriations bills, they may very well pass a short term extension through December to prevent the government from shutting down right before Election Day.
-    Following the heated budget debate of last year, Congress will probably continue to focus efforts on budget sequestration which means major cuts to defense spending and domestic spending. Not a comfortable topic during election year, but a top priority nonetheless.
-    Congress must also pass a new Farm Bill prior to October 1 or pass an extension of current Farm Bill law to avoid 1940’s farm laws from kicking in—a fate the agriculture industry desperately wants to avoid.
-    In order to avoid a credit downgrade, Congress may also have to consider increasing the debt ceiling beyond the current ceiling at $16.394 trillion. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has said he estimates that U.S. borrowing could hit the debt ceiling by the end of 2012.
-    As most of you recall, some of the major provisions of the tax code will expire at the end of 2012. Most notably, the 2001 & 2003 income tax cuts, the current estate tax relief, capital gains rates, and many other key provisions will expire unless Congress acts.

This is a lot to accomplish in a non-election year, much less in an election year when the entire U.S. House of Representatives, a third of the U.S. Senate, and the White House are up for a vote. Now take into perspective how long Congress will actually be in session. The House and Senate will be in session for a handful of weeks in June and July and will be adjourned for the entire month of August. Both houses will come back for a couple of weeks in September and then will probably be gone until after Election Day to take care of their political responsibilities. That leaves only a few weeks in November and December to take care of a long list of important items.

Speaker of the House John Boehner stated last week that if House and Senate negotiators fail to meet the June 30 deadline he will call for a six month extension of the Highway Bill. That means that Congress would have to either squeeze in the Highway Bill after Election Day or vote on another extension in December, pushing the Highway Bill into the next Congress.

For months I have been looking forward to writing a positive follow up on the Highway Bill, highlighting the benefits for the beef industry and sharing in that breathe of relief that our ranching families have sought for so long. As frustrating as it may be, that day is still to come. I encourage you to put this all into perspective as you hear the prognosticators predictions on what will and won’t happen in Congress.



With final OK, RFA offers tools to help retailers sell E15

After three years of unprecedented fuel testing and regulatory scrutiny, the Obama Administration has given its final approval for the sale of E15 ethanol blends under the waiver conditions set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

At an announcement today by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a strong advocate for American biofuels, the administration stated that all regulatory hurdles to E15 had been addressed by the ethanol industry.  Specifically, EPA has notified the RFA that its E15 Retail Advisory addresses the agency’s concerns with residual fuel left in gas pumps with just a single hose.  The advisory is now incorporated into the RFA’s E15 Retailer Handbook. The E15 Retailer Handbook is referenced by RFA’s EPA-approved misfueling mitigation plan – a strategy required by EPA to ensure E15 is being appropriately and legally offered to consumers. To help with compliance, the RFA is also offering the approved and required E15 pump labels free of charge to retailers.

"In the eyes of the federal government, E15 is a legal fuel for sale to cars, pickups, and SUVs made since 2001,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “E15 has undergone the most vigorous testing and regulatory process of any fuel approved by the federal government.  With all i’s dotted and t’s crossed as far as EPA is concerned, our undivided focus will turn to addressing state regulatory issues, identifying retailers wishing to offer E15, and paving the way to greater use of domestically produced ethanol.”

Fuel providers and retailers wishing to offer E15 must first register with EPA.  In so doing, these companies must state their plans to adhere to the RFA’s EPA-approved misfueling mitigation plan.  A copy of that plan and the E15 Retailer Handbook can be found at www.EthanolRFA.org.

In cooperation with Growth Energy, the RFA has also initiated a nationwide fuel survey program as required by EPA to ensure stations offering E15 are adhering to misfueling mitigation requirements, such as proper labeling, ethanol content, and vapor pressure.

“We are committed to ensuring a safe and smooth introduction of E15 for consumers and retailers alike,” said Dinneen. “Change often breeds confusion and as stations begin to offer E15, the RFA will proactively work with those retailers to educate consumers on the appropriate use of E15 and the benefits of greater domestic ethanol use.  We believe it is possible that gallons of E15 could be sold under the waiver conditions before the end of the summer."

Hurdles to the widespread adoption of E15 remain, including pending litigation, threats of congressional intervention to prevent the sale of E15, and state regulatory issues.  Also limiting the fast adoption of E15, particularly in summer months, is the requirement that E15 meet stricter federal evaporative emissions standards, known as Reid Vapor Pressure or RVP.  Currently, most summer gasoline formulations would likely exceed federal limits when blended with 15% ethanol.  An RVP waiver for 10% ethanol blends is in place allowing for year round sale.  Such a waiver should be extended to E15 as well given that RVP differences are indistinguishable between and 10% and 15% ethanol blends.

“It is no secret that some in the petroleum industry and other anti-biofuel voices will mount an all assault to prevent E15 from entering the market,” said Dinneen. “But, America’s ethanol industry is fully committed to working with stakeholders across the supply chain, and with consumers directly to offer American drivers with the choices at the pump – lower cost choices at that – for which they overwhelmingly desire.”



USDA Commends Today’s Environmental Protection Agency Action allowing E15 to be Used by Model Year 2001 and Newer Passenger Vehicles
Sarah Bittleman, Senior Energy Advisor to Secretary Vilsack
At USDA we applaud today’s action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that essentially completes the federal actions necessary to allow consumers to buy fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol (E15).  This announcement gets us one step closer to giving American consumers a real choice at the pump.  It also supports the “all –of-the-above” energy strategy, including production of renewable biofuels, implemented by the Obama Administration to help wean us off of imported oil.

The public has a right to choose between spending their money on imported oil or home-grown energy.   Today’s action by EPA helps break down the ethanol “blend wall” thereby potentially allowing more ethanol into the market.   Iowa State University has estimated that blending ethanol with petroleum keeps the price per gallon at the pump down by around a dollar a gallon.  This is a demonstration of the Obama Administration making good on its commitments to work to reduce foreign oil imports and increase domestic energy production.

In addition, today the EPA has fulfilled its responsibility to the American public to ensure that E15 is a safe and reliable fuel.  Home grown biofuels are providing sustainable rural jobs that cannot be exported.  Today’s action proves yet again that renewable biofuels are not a dream of the future, but are a reality, and are making a difference today.

At the President’s and Secretary Vilsack’s direction, USDA is working to develop the national biofuels industry producing energy from non-food sources in every region of the country. Working with private and government partners, USDA is supporting research into innovative energy technologies and processes, helping companies build biorefineries – including the first ever commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol facilities – and supporting farmers, ranchers, and businesses taking risks to pursue new opportunities in biofuels.



Statement from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Today's Environmental Protection Agency Action allowing E15 to be Used by Model Year 2001 and Newer Passenger Vehicles

"Today, the last significant federal hurdle has been cleared to allow consumers to buy fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol (E15). This gets us one step closer to giving the American consumer a real choice at the pump. The public has a right to choose between imported oil and home-grown energy and today's action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advances that goal. Today's action demonstrates that the Obama Administration is making good on its commitment to work to reduce foreign oil imports and increase domestic energy production, including production of renewable biofuels. In addition, the EPA has fulfilled its responsibility to the American public to ensure that E15 is a safe and reliable fuel. Home grown biofuels are providing sustainable rural jobs that cannot be exported. Today's action proves yet again that renewable biofuels are not a dream of the future, but are a reality, and are making a difference today."

To read more about the EPA's announcement see:  http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/e15-mmp.htm#plan. 



Canada Grains, Oilseeds Up

Production of major grains and oilseeds in Canada in the 2012-13 (August-July) crop year are expected to be fractionally higher than what was projected a month ago and well above the level achieved during the 2011-12 season, according to updated supply-and-demand tables from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's market-analysis division.

Production of the eight major grains and oilseeds in 2012-13 is now forecast at 71.950 million metric tons, up from the 71.850 mmt projected in May and compared with the 2011-12 level of 65.856 mmt.

The eight major grains and oilseeds include canola, flaxseed, soybeans, wheat, oats, barley, corn and rye.

Ending stocks of the eight major grains and oilseeds in 2012-13 are pegged at 11.615 mmt, down from the month-ago estimate of 12.015 mmt, but up from the 2011-12 revised forecast of 9.645 mmt. In May, 2011-12 ending stocks had been forecast at 10.145 mmt.

Total exports of the eight major grains and oilseeds in the 2012-13 crop year are projected to be 34.714 mmt, higher than the May forecast of 34.514 mmt and compared with the 2011-12 estimate of 33.979 mmt.

Total domestic usage of the various grains and oilseeds for the 2012-13 crop year is estimated at 36.759 mmt, down from the 36.959 mmt projected in May. In 2011-12, domestic usage was forecast at 36.700 mmt. Domestic usage numbers include food and industrial use as well as feed, waste, and dockage.



Northeast China Crop Tour Finds China’s 2012 Corn Crop Off to a Strong Start

The U.S. Grains Council's 2012 crop tour of Northeast China observed that China's corn acreage in this vital region has increased and that growing conditions through early June have been favorable. Northeast China accounts for roughly 40 percent of China's corn production and is the region best able to increase acreage to meet rising urban demand. Based on this preliminary assessment, the Council's crop tour team projects that China's total corn crop is on track to increase by 5-6 million metric tons (197-236 million bushels) above last year's bumper crop levels.

However, despite a record harvest last year and a strong 2012 crop in the ground, corn prices are up more than 10 percent in most parts of Northeast China compared to planting time last year. This reflects the continued robust growth of the Chinese middle class and surging food demand in urban areas. In addition, a severe wheat blight may reduce China's winter wheat harvest by up to 5 million metric tons, reducing feed wheat supplies available as a substitute for corn in feed rations. Any adverse weather events through the summer could swiftly exacerbate the supply situation.

China is the world's second leading corn producer, and its recent emergence as a major corn importer makes China a key factor on both the supply and demand side of the pricing equation. To provide U.S. producers and agribusinesses with independent data on current production, the U.S. Grains Council conducts annual crop assessments in China's major corn growing regions.



USDA Announces Benchmarks on Meeting Energy and Sustainability Goals

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its fiscal year 2011 scorecard on sustainability and energy performance. In FY 2011, USDA met or exceeded requirements in five of the seven sustainability areas that the scorecard addresses. Using the scorecard as a benchmark, USDA will continue to identify and track opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve efficiency and cut costs. Under Executive Order 13514, President Obama directed Federal agencies to lead by example in clean energy as well as meet a range of energy, water, pollution and waste reduction targets.

"This scorecard serves as an important tool to help measure progress in reducing waste and increasing efficiency in our operations," said Robin Heard, USDA's Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration. "Although the Department is doing relatively well, the scorecard identifies areas for continued focus and improvement."

USDA is meeting goals that reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions, decrease energy use per square foot, decrease potable water use per square foot, incorporate sustainable building practices in new and existing buildings and increase renewable energy use. For example, in FY 2011 USDA made significant progress in reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions, largely associated with employee travel and commuting and promoted sustainable acquisition by leading the Federal government's efforts to increase the purchase of biobased products under the Department's BioPreferred® program.

Areas in which USDA needs to improve include decreasing fleet petroleum use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with fleet use. To address those areas, USDA plans to (1) increase the use of alternative fuels in appropriate vehicles where it is available, (2) acquire low emission and high fuel economy vehicles, (3) acquire the optimal alternative fuel vehicle for each vehicle's mission and (4) place alternative fuel vehicles where there is access to alternative fuel.

To view USDA's Sustainability/Energy Scorecard, go to http://www.dm.usda.gov/emd.



Advances in BioTechnology
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman

Bringing Nebraska’s academic and research institutions together with the business community is a perfect example of the kind of partnership that exists in our state. We need an effective way to take the innovation and discoveries being developed today and move them from a lab into the marketplace.

Strong relationships are essential and it is wonderful that we have a group encouraging that kind of collaboration. BioNebraska includes some of our state’s most dynamic companies - businesses that are driving innovation, research and new investments in our state.

Nebraska is in the enviable position of having a healthier and more stable economy than most states. We continue to announce new projects and new expansions, particularly among the science-based industries.We are making progress in areas such as the renewable fuels sector, crop research and production, animal health, food processing, medical research, and pharmaceutical development and production. Bioscience businesses are at the forefront of technological innovation.

I recently had the honor of presenting the 2012 Governor’s Bioscience Award to GeneSeek, a Neogen Company. This award is presented in honor of a partnership that brought leaders in research and academia together with the business community for a project that has been remarkably successful in advancing scientific discoveries and creating jobs here in Nebraska.

GeneSeek was founded in 1998 by Lincoln entrepreneur Abraham Oommen and a University of Nebraska Lincoln faculty member, Daniel Pomp, to provide genetic testing, screening and gene discovery and characterization services for the swine and dairy industries. They began in a business incubator at Nebraska Technology Park with one part time intern. Their breakthrough came when the USDA used GeneSeek to verify the origin of the first animal in the United States diagnosed with BSE, also known as mad cow disease.

In April, 2010 they were acquired by Neogen Corporation headquartered in Lansing, Michigan. Neogen is a leading international firm involved in support of production agriculture, food safety and the life sciences with sales of $172 million last year. Neogen is the largest licensee of UNL food safety technologies. Neogen has added space, employees and significant investment since the acquisition.

GeneSeek offers skilled, desirable jobs to their 45 employees, 24% have PhD or Master’s degrees and 91% have at least a bachelor’s degree. They have made profound contributions to the biosciences and to our state.

Recently, I attended the grand opening of Novozymes in Blair. Novozymes is based in Denmark and operates in 130 countries worldwide. The Blair plant represents a $200 million investment in the bio-refinery campus where they make enzymes, chemical compounds that are used to make ethanol. They are the world leader in bio innovation and the largest supplier of enzymes to the ethanol industry in the United States. Novozymes is an important part of Nebraska’s growing biotechnology industry, and I am thrilled to welcome them to our state.

In addition to having the raw materials essential for a strong ethanol and renewable fuels industry, Nebraska has strong partnerships between our academic research institutions, producers and commodity groups. This collaboration has helped this industry grow and I am excited about the possibilities that exist in the future.



Dads Having More Influence on Grocery Shopping?

More than one-in-three moms admit that dads have had more influence on grocery store purchases over the last few years. And, with 52 percent of dads now saying they are the primary grocery shopper in the household, the power of dad is hitting its stride, according to the 2012 Cone Communications Year of the Dad Trend Tracker.

Top shopper is a role typically thought to belong to mom, but as more dads are poised to take on the grocery store, they're demonstrating a lot of forethought and preparation. Dads primarily responsible for grocery shopping are more than twice as likely as moms to get a lot of input from other members in their household (34% vs. 12%).

They also do their homework before setting foot in the store.

"This research goes against all stereotypes of the 'Father Knows Best' dad who doesn't concern himself with domestic responsibilities"” says Bill Fleishman, president of Cone Communications. "Marketers need to recognize the growing number of dads in the supermarket aisles who are taking their roles seriously and can benefit from brands who provide tools and shortcuts to make shopping easier."

But there are still a considerable number of dads who are just as thoughtful in-store as they are beforehand. Thirty-eight percent of dads say they walk up and down each aisle to look at all their options or comparison shop. And while nearly one-in-five (19%) dads say they can finish their shopping in fewer than 30 minutes, the majority (58%) spend up to an hour in the store.